Abstract: Functional, brain region-specific neural spheroids comprising neuronal cells and optionally glial cells at varying ratios are disclosed, as are methods of making such spheroids and methods for their use, such as for modeling particular brain regions that may be implicated in diseases, or for observing drug effects.

Abstract: A gameplay system for providing interactivity based on a piece of merchandise or another object held or worn by a player. The system includes an object identification assembly, which may be a modified computer vision system, that operates to sense, for a gameplay participant, the presence and identity of a particular augmenting object such as themed merchandise worn or held by a rider of a theme park ride. The sensing may be performed by detecting an on-and-off pattern of light emitted from the object. In response, the gameplay system selects or modifies the interactive features of gameplay associated with the participant based on the identified augmenting object. For example, the interactive features are selected from memory by the gameplay system controller to match a character associated with the augmenting object during any interactive gameplay. This allows the gameplay participant to choose their abilities or powers for gameplay.

Abstract: Systems and methods for fault toleration actuation include an actuator with a position. A first sensor measures a first parameter associated with the actuator. A second sensor measures a second parameter associated with the actuator. A sensor fusion module receives data from each of the first and second sensor and executes a sensor fusion process on the data received to estimate the position of the actuator. A fault detection module is configured to receive data from the first and second sensor, to receive sensor fusion data from the sensor fusion module, to compare the data received from the first and second sensor with the sensor fusion estimate, to identify an error in the data received from either of the first or second sensor based on the comparison, and to determine a fault exists in the first or second sensor based on the error.

Abstract: A motor system includes a stator and a rotor situated to rotate relative to the stator. A plurality of phase windings are situated in the stator with a power circuit connected to the phase windings. A controller is configured to output control signals to the power circuit to selectively energize the phase windings to cause the rotor to rotate relative to the stator. A neutral switch circuit is connected between the phase windings and a neutral node and is configured to selectively disconnect the phase windings from the neutral node.

Abstract: A processing device is configured to process an initial set of command types. A command extension module and a digital signature are received. The digital signature is generated based on the command extension module using a private key of a key pair. The command extension module, once installed by the processing device, enables the processing device to process a new command type that is not included in the initial set of command types. The digital signature is verified using a public key of the key pair. Based on a successful verification of the digital signature, the command extension module is temporarily installed by loading the command extension module in a volatile memory device.

Abstract: Processor trace systems and methods are described. For example, one embodiment comprises executing instrumented code by a compiler, the instrumented code including at least one call to un-instrumented code. The compiler can determine the at least one call to un-instrumented code is a next call to be executed. A resume tracing instruction can be inserted into the instrumented code prior to the at least one call to the un-instrumented code. The resume tracing instruction can be executed to selectively add processor tracing to the at least one call to the un-instrumented code, and the at least one call to the un-instrumented code can be executed.

Abstract: This disclosure provides spacers for smart windows. In one aspect, a window assembly includes a first substantially transparent substrate having an optically switchable device on a surface of the first substrate. The optically switchable device includes electrodes. A first electrode of the electrodes has a length about the length of a side of the optically switchable device. The window assembly further includes a second substantially transparent substrate a metal spacer between the first and the second substrates. The metal spacer has a substantially rectangular cross section, with one side of the metal spacer including a recess configured to accommodate the length of the first electrode such that there is no contact between the first electrode and the metal spacer. A primary seal material bonds the first substrate to the metal spacer and bonds the second substrate to the metal spacer.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for automating the process of mapping repair documents, published by Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs), to repair information provided in a repair estimate record. A baseline set of repair estimate records specifying one or more parts of a baseline vehicle and an associated set of repair documents specifying instructions for repairing the one or more parts of the baseline vehicle may be saved using a data categorization model in a mapping dataset. The repair documents associated with baseline set of repair estimate records which have been saved in the mapping dataset may then be used to automatically determine associations between another set of repair estimate records and corresponding repair documents.

Abstract: A processing device initializes a memory device in an unauthenticated state in which the memory device is unable to execute one or more restricted commands. The processing device accesses a security capsule that is digitally signed using a private key. The processing device transitions the memory device to an authenticated state based on verifying that the security capsule is validly signed. The processing device uses a public key corresponding to the private key to verify the security capsule is validly signed. While in the authenticated state, the memory device is able to execute the one or more restricted commands.

Abstract: Microelectronic assemblies, and related devices and methods, are disclosed herein. For example, in some embodiments, a microelectronic assembly may include a substrate layer having a surface; a first conductive trace having a first thickness on the surface of the substrate layer; and a second conductive trace having a second thickness on the surface of the substrate layer, wherein the second thickness is different from the first thickness. In some embodiments, the first conductive trace and the second conductive trace have rectangular cross-sections.

Abstract: A processing device receives a command to arm a memory device for self-destruction. In response to the command, a self-destruction countdown timer is commenced. An expiry of the self-destruction countdown timer and based on detecting the expiry of the self-destruction countdown timer, data stored by the memory device is destructed.

Abstract: Porous silicon and methods for preparation and use of the same are disclosed. The porous silicon materials have utility either alone or in combination with other materials, for example, combined with carbon particles for energy storage applications.

Abstract: Thin-film devices, for example electrochromic devices for windows, and methods of manufacturing are described. Particular focus is given to methods of patterning optical devices. Various edge deletion and isolation scribes are performed, for example, to ensure the optical device has appropriate isolation from any edge defects. Methods described herein apply to any thin-film device having one or more material layers sandwiched between two thin film electrical conductor layers. The described methods create novel optical device configurations.

Abstract: A system for providing user-driven customization and enhanced personalization of interactive experiences. The system includes data storage for storing player profiles, with each including customization preferences useful in enhancing or generating one of the interactive experiences. The system includes a gameplay space adapted to provide an interactive experience, which includes one or more interactive elements. The system includes a gameplay device configured to be worn or carried by a player. A detection device detects a presence of the player in the gameplay space and obtains a unique identifier for the gameplay device. The system includes a controller retrieving a set of the customization preferences in one of the player profiles associated with the identifier.

Abstract: A tampon including a pledget, a wicking member disposed in direct contact with the pledget, and a withdrawal cord is disclosed. The wicking member is non-coaxially arranged with respect to the withdrawal cord.

Abstract: Each of multiple personal area network (PAN) systems may comprise a hub computing device, an output device, and a plurality of sensors. The hub computing devices may form a mesh network and may communicate messages, via the mesh network, based on data from sensors of the PAN systems. The hub computing devices may cause the output devices to present visual displays based on messages received via the mesh network and/or based on messages associated with sensors in the same PAN system.

Abstract: In a general aspect, a processor can include an instruction processing unit configured to execute a plurality of machine-readable instructions of a program in accordance with a control flow of the program and, in response to completing execution of respective instructions of the machine-readable instructions, produce respective instruction retirement information. The processor can also include a selectively enablable trace encoder that is configured, when enabled, to receive the respective instruction retirement information, and encode the instruction retirement information in an instruction trace corresponding with the control flow. The processor can also include a circular buffer that is configured to, when the trace encoder is enabled, receive and store the instruction trace, and, in response to a flush, communicate the stored instruction trace via a memory interface, where the memory interface is selectively enabled in response to the flush request.

Abstract: The present invention provides a System and method for multi-tiered data synchronization. Data is synchronized between a master synchronization server, one or more proxy synchronization servers, and client devices. Client devices establish synchronization sessions with either a proxy synchronization server or a master synchronization server, depending on which server provides the “best” available connection to that client device. Each proxy synchronization server synchronizes data with client devices that have established a synchronization session with such proxy synchronization server. The master synchronization server synchronizes data with client devices that have established a synchronization session with the master synchronization server. Each proxy synchronization server synchronizes data with the master synchronization server. Metadata associated with synchronized files is synchronized throughout the system in real-time. Files may be synchronized in real-time or of a delayed time.