Abstract: Apparatus for performing searching of a plurality of reference images, the apparatus including one or more electronic processing devices that search the plurality of reference images to identify first reference images similar to a sample image, identify image tags associated with at least one of the first reference image, search the plurality of reference images to identify second reference images using at least one of the image tags and provide search results including at least some first and second reference images.

Abstract: Optical ground tracking apparatus for use with buried object locators or other instruments or devices are disclosed. In one embodiment, a magnetic field sensing buried object locator includes a ground tracking apparatus having input and output light snoot assemblies, light generation and sensing assemblies, and a processing element to receive signals from the light sensor assembly and generate location or tracking information associated with movement of the locator.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process for treating liquid and/or pasty hydrocarbon materials, more particularly fuel oil, more particularly still heavy fuel oil, in which the hydrocarbon materials are firstly brought to the autoignition temperature, then mixed with a controlled amount of oxygen in order to obtain a first gaseous stream and a non-gaseous mass, more particularly a solid mass, comprising solid hydrocarbon molecules which are then oxidized by a gaseous stream of CO2 in order to obtain a second gaseous stream. The first and second gaseous streams are then mixed in order to obtain a third gaseous stream comprising carbon monoxide having a high energy value. The invention also relates to a system implementing the process according to the invention and an installation implementing such a system.

Abstract: An image-based object tracking system and an image-based object tracking method are provided. The image-based object tracking system includes an object, a camera, a computing device, and a display device. A color stripe is disposed on the surface of the object. The color stripe divides the surface of the object into a first section and a second section. The camera is configured to capture real-time images of the object. Further, the object tracking algorithm is stored in the computing device. The display device includes a display screen and is electrically connected to the computing device, and the display screen is configured to display the real-time images of the object. By using the image-based object tracking system provided in the invention, the object can be tracked accurately and efficiently without interference with the image of the background.

Abstract: An air foil system that can include a complimentary pair of inner and outer air foil elements forming an openings and exits in one cross section, the opening being from 2 and 6 inches in height in the one cross section and the exit being from between about ¾ and 4 inches in height in the one cross section. The complimentary inner and outer air foil elements may form a compression chamber between the complimentary entrance and exit edges, the compression chamber having a height in one cross section that is from ½ inch to about 3 inches. A mounting assembly may be operatively connected to the inner and outer air foil elements for aligning the opening within 5 inches of the rearmost portion of rear-facing portion and mounting the air foil elements to the rear-facing portion of the vehicle.

Abstract: A method of 3D morphing driven by facial tracking is provided. First, a 3D model is loaded. After that, facial feature control points and boundary control points are picked up respectively. A configure file “A.config” including the facial feature control points and boundary control points data that are picked up corresponding to the 3D avatar is saved. Facial tracking algorithm is started, and then “A.config” is loaded. After that, controlled morphing of a 3D avatar by facial tracking based on “A.config” is performed in real time by a deformation method having control points. Meanwhile, teeth and tongue tracking of the real-time face image, and scaling, translation and rotation of the real-time 3D avatar image is also provided. In addition, a control point reassignment and reconfiguration method, and a pupil movement detection method is also provided in the method of 3D morphing driven by facial tracking.

Abstract: A dual display assembly, which comprises a base in contact with an underlying surface; a rod unit vertically extending from the base; and two separate touch screens laterally extending from, and attached to, the rod unit. Each of the two touch screens is pivotally displaceable independently with respect to the other screen and is able to be sufficiently locked in position after being displaced to a desired angular position to facilitate touch operations therewith. The the rod unit comprises first and second concentric rods that are rotatable about a vertical axis, and a one-way mechanism that is provided within an annular space between the first and second rods for retaining a touch screen in a locked position.

Abstract: Buried object locators including various antenna configurations and safety features are disclosed. In one embodiment a locator includes a body, one or more antenna nodes coupled to the body, and a safety light assembly disposed on or within the body. The locator may further include a surface light assembly and camera and/or one or more GPS and/or ISM antennas and receiver/sensor modules. The antenna nodes may be gradient and/or dodecahedral antenna nodes.

Abstract: A ground tracking apparatus for connection to a locator or other measurement device and configured to determine position, motion, and/or orientation information is disclosed. The ground tracking apparatus may include a ground follower assembly including one or more wheels, which may be detachably coupled to a buried object locator system to capture three-dimensional positional and orientation information during a locate process, as well as provide output data or information to be integrated with maps, photographs, drawings, or other data or information.

Abstract: Locating devices and systems providing haptic tactile feedback are disclosed. In one embodiment, a locator includes a haptic handle configured to provide directional signals through an operator's sense of touch to aid in locating and tracing a buried conductor or other object such as a pipe or cable.

Abstract: An apparatus is disclosed for magnetically sensing and computing and displaying cable distance, and computing and displaying other user-selectable information in a pipe inspection system. At least two permanent magnets are mounted in spaced apart fashion, on either a frame, or a rotatable member supported on the frame for rotation about an axis. A magnetic sensor is mounted on the other one of the rotatable member or frame on which the magnets are not mounted, so that either the magnets rotate around the magnetic sensor or the magnetic sensor rotates between the permanent magnets. The magnetic sensor generates signals representing changes in at least two axes in a composite magnetic field generated by the permanent magnets.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process for treating liquid and/or pasty hydrocarbon materials, more particularly fuel oil, more particularly still heavy fuel oil, in which the hydrocarbon materials are firstly brought to the autoignition temperature, then mixed with a controlled amount of oxygen in order to obtain a first gaseous stream and a non-gaseous mass, more particularly a solid mass, comprising solid hydrocarbon molecules which are then oxidized by a gaseous stream of CO2 in order to obtain a second gaseous stream. The first and second gaseous streams are then mixed in order to obtain a third gaseous stream comprising carbon monoxide having a high energy value. The invention also relates to a system implementing the process according to the invention and an installation implementing such a system.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an edible container made of agar, cane sugar, water, light corn syrup, fruit or vegetable juice, a flavoring agent, and a coloring agent. The edible container may hold hot or cold liquids for extended periods of time.

Abstract: A method for tracking a moving object by a tracking device comprises the following steps: (a) reception by the tracking device of a signal transmitted by the moving object or objects and comprising a first item of information of the position of the moving object determined from information received from a satellite positioning system, (b) determination of a second item of information of the relative altitude of the moving object with respect to the tracking device, and the said second item of information is calculated on the basis of the atmospheric pressures measured at the altitude of the tracking device and on the moving object, (c) calculation of the relative position of the moving object with respect to the tracking means, from the first and second items of information using a data fusion technique, (d) orientation of the tracking means towards the relative position calculated in step (c).

Abstract: A method of inspecting a workpiece for a processing machine includes the steps of placing a workpiece on a worktable, moving a spindle located above the worktable to allow a laser sensor mounted with the spindle to be close to the workpiece, measuring a distance between the laser sensor and the workpiece by a laser beam emitted from the laser sensor on the work piece, and gathering data of the workpiece, such as size, shape or location, by moving the spindle to enable the laser beam to pass through the periphery of the workpiece.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an edible container made of liquid, sugar, and one or more hydrocolloids. The edible container may hold hot or cold liquids for extended periods of time.

Abstract: An establishment based advertising method and system is described. A server having a database in which is stored a plurality of advertisement software packages is in data communication with a network of interconnected computers, each of which is associated with a monitor unit. After a request for an advertisement is initiated without intervention of a client, an advertisement software package is retrieved from the database according to predetermined selection rules and transmitted to a target computer, for display on a client side screen. In one embodiment, an advertisement software package is retrieved in response to detected client movement, according to predetermined establishment related selection rules and an extracted advertisement-relevant client characteristic. In one embodiment, the monitor unit is multi-screened.