Abstract: An input device assesses an object in a field of view using multi-wavelength reflectance spectroscopy to determine if the object is an actual user or an artifact. Light sources are operated to illuminate an object. For example, the object may be illuminated with white, violet, and infrared light simultaneously. A spectrometer comprising a plurality of detectors, each with associated wavelength filters determines intensity data indicative of intensity of light of these different colors as reflected from the object. The intensity data is processed to determine whether the object is part of a user or is an artifact. For example, if the object is deemed to be a user, biometric input may be acquired. The biometric input may then be processed to identify the user. The input device may be used at various locations, such as at an entry portal, point of sale, under direct solar illumination, and so forth.

Abstract: An input device includes multiwavelength reflectance spectroscopic (MWRS) hardware having a first field of view (FOV) and one or more cameras with respective FOVs that differ from the first FOV. The one or more cameras are used to obtain image data. When a hand is determined to be at a specified position within the first FOV and in a specified pose, the MWRS hardware is operated to obtain intensity data. The intensity data is processed to determine liveness data indicative of whether an object in the first FOV is an actual user or an artifact. The image data obtained within a specified time interval relative to the acquisition of the liveness data indicative of an actual user may then be processed to identify the user. Additional assessments may be performed to validate the image data, such as confirming continuity between acquisition of the liveness data and the image data obtained.

Abstract: This disclosure describes a user-recognition system configured to target a location of a palm of a user at a wide variety of distances without the need to illuminate and/or capture an entire field of view (FOV) at all times. The user-recognition system comprising a first sensor for capturing an image of the palm, a first mirror disposed with the first sensor, a projector disposed with the first mirror, and a second mirror disposed with the first mirror. The second mirror being displaceable and configured to reflect light, projected from the projector and reflected from the first mirror, in a direction toward the palm, and reflect received light, reflected from the palm to the first mirror and to the first sensor.

Abstract: An input device uses banks of spatially separated light sources to selectively illuminate a field of view to acquire input image data used for biometric identification. In one implementation a plurality of banks of light sources are arranged from a first end to a second end of a device. Each bank may comprise light sources that are arranged on both sides of a device centerline. A camera with a rolling shutter acquires rows of image data beginning at the first end and scanning to the second end. While the camera is operating, banks of lights are progressively activated in coordination with the rolling shutter to illuminate a portion of a field of view and an object within, such as a hand, being imaged. This results in high-contrast input image data that is well illuminated, while reducing overall power requirements. The input image data may then be processed for identification.

Abstract: A camera system is automatically focused based on pixel disparity values calculated by the camera at various times. A lens of a camera is positioned at an initial distance from an imaging sensor of the camera based on an initial digital-to-analog conversion value. Subsequently, pixel disparity values are calculated for each of a plurality of regions of a field of view of the camera. An optimal distance between the lens and the image sensor is calculated based on the pixel disparity values and a fitting constant for the camera, as well as the initial digital-to-analog conversion value, and the lens is repositioned to a distance corresponding to the median. The process may be performed following triggering events, or on a regular basis, and repeated over time.

Abstract: This disclosure describes techniques for identifying users that are enrolled for use of a user-recognition system and updating identification data of these users over time. The user-recognition system may include a user-recognition device having projector(s) and/or camera(s) aimed substantially downwards. The device may include a projector that projects a visible light ring downwards, which the user may use to place their upward-facing palm in the appropriate location. For instance, the user may place their palm face-up with the light ring substantially centered thereon, after which a camera of the user-recognition device may generate image data of the palm, which in turn may be used to identify the user.

Abstract: An input device determines presence of an actual user, instead of an artifact, by using multi-wavelength reflectance spectroscopy. Light sources are operated to illuminate an object with different colors of light at different times. A detector determines, at those different times, intensity data indicative of intensity light of these different colors as reflected from the object. The intensity data is processed to determine whether the object is part of a user or is an artifact. For example, if the object is deemed to be a user, biometric input may be acquired. The biometric input may then be processed to identify the user. The input device may be used at various locations, such as at an entry portal, point of sale, and so forth.

Abstract: A biometric identification system acquires a multimodal image. The system is trained to determine three embeddings: a first embedding associated with features present in a first modality, an intersection embedding associated with features present in both the first and a second modality, and an XOR embedding associated with features that are not shared between the first modality and the second modality. Once trained, the system may process a multimodal query image to determine query embedding data. Additional information, such as minutiae depicted in the multimodal query image may also be determined. The query embedding data, and in some implementations the additional information, may be compared with enrolled embedding data associated with a previously enrolled user. If the comparison exceeds a threshold value, an identity may be asserted.

Abstract: A multi-sensor input device includes multi-color lights to illuminate a user's hand with various colors of light including visible and infrared, as well as sensors including a photodetector, a red-green-blue (RGB) camera, and an infrared camera. During operation, sensor data generated by the sensors may represent non-biometric input such as a barcode that is printed or shown on another device's display, biometric input such as images of surface and subcutaneous features of the user's hand, and so forth. The biometric input may then be processed to identify the user. The input device also includes antitamper features to improve security. The input device may be used at various locations, such as at an entry portal, point of sale, and so forth.

Abstract: A curing agent for disposal of municipal solid waste incineration (MSWI) fly ash and a preparation method and use method thereof are provided. In the present disclosure, a loofah nanofiber crystal, a rice husk ash (RHA), sodium hydroxide, and water are adopted as raw materials to prepare the curing agent, and the curing agent can effectively realize the safe disposal and curing of heavy metals in an MSWI fly ash. The highest curing rates of the curing agent for heavy metals Pb2+, Zn2+, Cd2+, Cr3+, and Cu2+ can reach 99.7%, 99.4%, 99.5%, 98.7%, and 99.5%, respectively. The special three-dimensional (3D) cross-linked network structure of the loofah nanofiber crystal and the excellent physical and chemical adsorption properties and ion exchange capacity of the RHA are fully used in the curing agent of the present disclosure.

Abstract: A curing agent for disposal of municipal solid waste incineration (MSWI) fly ash and a preparation method and use method thereof are provided. In the present disclosure, a loofah nanofiber crystal, a rice husk ash (RHA), sodium hydroxide, and water are adopted as raw materials to prepare the curing agent, and the curing agent can effectively realize the safe disposal and curing of heavy metals in an MSWI fly ash. The highest curing rates of the curing agent for heavy metals Pb2+, Zn2+, Cd2+, Cr3+, and Cu2+ can reach 99.7%, 99.4%, 99.5%, 98.7%, and 99.5%, respectively. The special three-dimensional (3D) cross-linked network structure of the loofah nanofiber crystal and the excellent physical and chemical adsorption properties and ion exchange capacity of the RHA are fully used in the curing agent of the present disclosure.

Abstract: A device for providing even illumination to a user’s hand or other object to acquire images of the object for biometric identification of a user, includes a camera, a first light module positioned on a first side of the camera, and a second light module positioned on a second side of the camera. The camera is positioned closer to the second light module. The second light module emits light with a lesser intensity than the first light module. Light bending films positioned adjacent to the light modules redirect emitted light toward opposite edges of the field of view of the camera. Diffusers in the path of the emitted light diffuse portions of the emitted light along the edges of the field of view. Polarizers positioned in the path of the emitted light polarize the emitted light to facilitate visualization of particular features of the hand or other object.

Abstract: A method for replenishing an electrolyte of a molten carbonate fuel cell stack includes: preparing an electrolyte colloidal solution containing 10% to 20% of the electrolyte and having a viscosity of 200 to 800 Pa·s; replenishing the electrolyte of the cell stack using the electrolyte colloidal solution prepared in step 1 to allow the electrolyte to adhere to an electrode and an internal channel of the cell stack; discharging excess electrolyte colloidal solution in the cell stack; and drying and discharging water or an organic solvent in the cell stack under an inert gas condition to complete replenishment of the electrolyte of the cell stack, and performing a discharge performance test.

Abstract: Disclosed is a system and method for monitoring flow rate of a regulating valve based on an acoustic sensor. The system includes: the regulating valve installed in a fluid pipeline, the regulating valve including an actuator and a valve body and being a regulating valve calibrated by an experimental platform; the acoustic sensor installed at the regulating valve and configured to collect an acoustic signal of the regulating valve and transmit the acoustic signal to a signal transmission apparatus; the signal transmission apparatus configured to receive the acoustic signal collected by the acoustic sensor and transmit the acoustic signal to an acoustic data analysis platform; and the acoustic data analysis platform configured to monitor flow rate of the regulating valve by receiving the acoustic signal transmitted by the signal transmission apparatus.

Abstract: A method for generating antireflective coatings for polymeric substrates using a deposition process and/or a dissolving process can provide a coating onto the outer surface of the substrate. Some embodiments can include a GLAD generated fluoropolymer coating or a co-evaporated fluoropolymer coating on a substrate that may achieve ultralow refractive index as well as improved adhesion and durability properties on polymeric substrates. In some embodiments, the deposition process is performed such that a fluoropolymer can be evaporated to form chain fragments of the fluoropolymer. The chain fragments diffused into the substrate can subsequently re-polymerize, interlocking with the polymer chains of the substrate. In some embodiments, the co-evaporation process can form a nanoporous polymer chain scaffold of the fluoropolymer, from which a sacrificial material can be dissolved out. The formed coating can be a multilayer or continuously-graded antireflective coating that has strong adhesion with the substrate.

Abstract: A method for replenishing an electrolyte of a molten carbonate fuel cell stack includes: preparing an electrolyte colloidal solution containing 10% to 20% of the electrolyte and having a viscosity of 200 to 800 Pa·s; replenishing the electrolyte of the cell stack using the electrolyte colloidal solution prepared in step 1 to allow the electrolyte to adhere to an electrode and an internal channel of the cell stack; discharging excess electrolyte colloidal solution in the cell stack; and drying and discharging water or an organic solvent in the cell stack under an inert gas condition to complete replenishment of the electrolyte of the cell stack, and performing a discharge performance test.

Abstract: A method for generating antireflective coatings for polymeric substrates using a deposition process and/or a dissolving process can provide a coating onto the outer surface of the substrate. Some embodiments can include a GLAD generated fluoropolymer coating or a co-evaporated fluoropolymer coating on a substrate that may achieve ultralow refractive index as well as improved adhesion and durability properties on polymeric substrates. In some embodiments, the deposition process is performed such that a fluoropolymer can be evaporated to form chain fragments of the fluoropolymer. The chain fragments diffused into the substrate can subsequently re-polymerize, interlocking with the polymer chains of the substrate. In some embodiments, the co-evaporation process can form a nanoporous polymer chain scaffold of the fluoropolymer, from which a sacrificial material can be dissolved out. The formed coating can be a multilayer or continuously-graded antireflective coating that has strong adhesion with the substrate.

Abstract: A method for generating antireflective coatings for polymeric substrates using a deposition process and/or a dissolving process can provide a coating onto the outer surface of the substrate. Some embodiments can include a GLAD generated fluoropolymer coating or a co-evaporated fluoropolymer coating on a substrate that may achieve ultralow refractive index as well as improved adhesion and durability properties on polymeric substrates. In some embodiments, the deposition process is performed such that a fluoropolymer can be evaporated to form chain fragments of the fluoropolymer. The chain fragments diffused into the substrate can subsequently re-polymerize, interlocking with the polymer chains of the substrate. In some embodiments, the co-evaporation process can form a nanoporous polymer chain scaffold of the fluoropolymer, from which a sacrificial material can be dissolved out. The formed coating can be a multilayer or continuously-graded antireflective coating that has strong adhesion with the substrate.

Abstract: A method for generating antireflective coatings for polymeric substrates using a deposition process and/or a dissolving process can provide a coating onto the outer surface of the substrate. Some embodiments can include a GLAD generated fluoropolymer coating or a co-evaporated fluoropolymer coating on a substrate that may achieve ultralow refractive index as well as improved adhesion and durability properties on polymeric substrates. In some embodiments, the deposition process is performed such that a fluoropolymer can be evaporated to form chain fragments of the fluoropolymer. The chain fragments diffused into the substrate can subsequently re-polymerize, interlocking with the polymer chains of the substrate. In some embodiments, the co-evaporation process can form a nanoporous polymer chain scaffold of the fluoropolymer, from which a sacrificial material can be dissolved out. The formed coating can be a multilayer or continuously-graded antireflective coating that has strong adhesion with the substrate.

Abstract: Novel DNA constructs and host cells comprising the same are disclosed. DNA constructs comprise a transcription unit (e.g. operon) comprising DNA sequences encoding for ribonucleotide reductase and thioredoxin or a uridine kinase gene and/or a dCTP deaminase gene. In preferred embodiments the constructs comprising DNA sequences encoding for ribonucleotide reductase and thioredoxin further comprise DNA sequences encoding for thymidylate synthase and/or transcription units comprising sequences encoding for uridine kinase preferably together with dCTP deaminase. In particularly preferred embodiments, the host cells comprise constructs having all of the above characteristics wherein the host cell displays repressed or no uracil DNA glycosylase activity. This may be achieved by removal of the host cell ung gene. Use of host cells in the manufacture of pyrimidine deoxyribonucleotides e.g. thymidine is also disclosed.