Abstract: An immersive dome includes a number of novel features designed to enhance the performance of the immersive dome over presently-known immersive dome environments. Projectors are mounted in a multi-tier tower, out of sight beneath a viewing platform positioned to provide optimal wrap-around viewing. The projection surface consists of open-cell foam that allows passage of behind-surface sound into the dome while allowing unwanted ambient noise within the dome to escape. A visually-reflective coating, in conjunction with the open cell structure, provides a textured surface that acts as a micro-baffle and suppresses cross-reflection of projected imagery.

Abstract: A helmet testing apparatus including a movable member, a sensor coupled to the movable member and configured to acquire compliance data regarding a liner disposed within a shell of a helmet through engagement of the sensor with the liner, and a processing circuit configured to determine a rating for the helmet based on the compliance data and predetermined compliance parameters for the helmet.

Abstract: A vehicle drivetrain includes a magnetic bearing. The vehicle drivetrain includes a motor configured to provide a rotational driving force. The rotational driving force is received by a shaft, and the magnetic bearing is configured to support the shaft. The shaft is configured to drive a wheel of the vehicle.

Abstract: An apparatus may include a housing that has a substantially equiaxed shape. The apparatus may include a motion sensor that detects a rotational state of the apparatus and a processor that produces control signals based upon the rotational state. The control signals may control operation of an external device. Other embodiments are described and claimed.

Abstract: Methods of controlling the operation of a device traveling in a body tube tree, including sensing parameters from possible directions of travel and selecting the direction of travel based on the sensed parameters, implemented with a control system located partially or fully on the lumen traveling device. Various actions can be performed by the device for, e.g., medical or therapeutic purposes. Machine-readable media including instructions for performing the methods are also described.

Abstract: An imaging apparatus and method enables an automated extended depth of field capability that automates and simplifies the process of creating extended depth of field images. An embodiment automates the acquisition of an image “stack” or sequence and stores metadata at the time of image acquisition that facilitates production of a composite image having an extended depth of field from at least a portion of the images in the acquired sequence. An embodiment allows a user to specify, either at the time of image capture or at the time the composite image is created, a range of distances that the user wishes to have in focus within the composite image. An embodiment provides an on-board capability to produce a composite, extended depth of field image from the image stack. One embodiment allows the user to import the image stack into an image-processing software application that produces the composite image.

Abstract: A helmet testing apparatus including a movable member, a sensor coupled to the movable member and configured to acquire compliance data regarding a liner disposed within a shell of a helmet through engagement of the sensor with the liner, and a processing circuit configured to determine a rating for the helmet based on the compliance data and predetermined compliance parameters for the helmet.

Abstract: A helmet testing apparatus including a movable member, a sensor coupled to the movable member and configured to acquire compliance data regarding a liner disposed within a shell of a helmet through engagement of the sensor with the liner, and a processing circuit configured to determine a rating for the helmet based on the compliance data and predetermined compliance parameters for the helmet.

Abstract: Embodiments of methods and systems for controlling access to information stored on memory or data storage devices are disclosed. In various embodiments, methods of retrieving information from a data storage device previously deactivated by modification or degradation of at least a portion of the data storage device are disclosed.

Abstract: Various embodiments of the invention may be used to verify that a person being authorized by biometric techniques to use a device is a living person and not some form of recording intended to spoof the system. Some embodiments may try to cause a change in a measured biometric feature, and compare images taken before and after the change to verify the change occurred. In some embodiments, multiple stages of verification may be used, either to increase the difficulty of spoofing the security system, or to provide different levels of security for different levels of access to the device's functionality.

Abstract: Enhanced structural insulated panels, related processes, and related structures and systems provide several improvements over conventional structural panels. Some embodiments of the enhanced structural insulated panels comprise at least one exterior surface that is configured to provide a high degree of spectral reflectivity, such as comprising but not limited to a stainless steel or other material having a mirrored exterior surface. The outer surface may preferably be imparted with a series of waves, such as within a lay pattern, wherein the series of waves may preferably comprise varying wavelengths and wave heights.

Abstract: An apparatus may include a processor and a touch sensing device coupled to the processor. The apparatus may further include a force determining module operative on the processor to receive a detection signal from a first portion of the touch sensing device, determine a contact area at the first portion based upon the detection signal, map the first portion to a target operation, and send control instructions to perform the target operation based on the contact area.

Abstract: The invention is a modular vehicle that is intended for a variety of operations including both military and civilian operations. The vehicle addresses the issue of performing special purpose tasks that the vehicle is asked to do. Such tasks can be accomplished by configuring the vehicle as an ambulance, as a fire-fighting vehicle, as a communications van, as a command and control vehicle, etc. Thus, the vehicle is readily adapted using standardized and customized modules that are readily attached to a standardized platform that includes an appropriate interconnection means.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a turbine blade includes providing a core element having a base portion, a tip portion, and an intermediate portion extending between the base portion and the tip portion. The intermediate portion has a non-uniform cross-section and is a high-strength fiber material. The method also includes surrounding the core element with a shell, the volume between the core element and the shell forming a void.

Abstract: A vehicle tire pressure control system includes a road sensor configured to acquire road data regarding a road at an advanced location ahead of a current location of a vehicle; a pressure regulator configured to control the air pressure within a tire of the vehicle during operation of the vehicle; and a controller configured to control operation of the pressure regulator and vary the air pressure within the tire based on the road data.

Abstract: Various embodiments of the invention may be used to verify that a person being authorized by biometric techniques to use a device is a living person and not some form of recording intended to spoof the system. Some embodiments may try to cause a change in a measured biometric feature, and compare images taken before and after the change to verify the change occurred. In some embodiments, multiple stages of verification may be used, either to increase the difficulty of spoofing the security system, or to provide different levels of security for different levels of access to the device's functionality.

Abstract: An imaging apparatus and method enables an automated extended depth of field capability that automates and simplifies the process of creating extended depth of field images. An embodiment automates the acquisition of an image “stack” or sequence and stores metadata at the time of image acquisition that facilitates production of a composite image having an extended depth of field from at least a portion of the images in the acquired sequence. An embodiment allows a user to specify, either at the time of image capture or at the time the composite image is created, a range of distances that the user wishes to have in focus within the composite image. An embodiment provides an on-board capability to produce a composite, extended depth of field image from the image stack. One embodiment allows the user to import the image stack into an image-processing software application that produces the composite image.

Abstract: Various embodiments are directed to one or more transcoder devices in communication with an input device such as a remote control device and multiple destination devices in which the transcoder device(s) facilitate communication between the remote control and the various destination devices in the vicinity. The transcoder device(s) can also provide the user with an environmental awareness of conditions and events surrounding the user. Other embodiments are described and claimed.

Abstract: An expeditionary module comprises one or more mission capabilities package (MCP) carts, to provide a self-contained mission support system, such as in remote and austere environments. The exterior structure of the expeditionary module may to preferably comprise a standard shipping container. One or more MCP carts are stowable within the exterior structure, such as on a U-channel track and I-Beam rail system that runs longitudinally along the floor and ceiling of the exterior structure. The expeditionary module typically comprises a suite of standard equipment, to provide general-purpose functionality. Prior to deployment, one or more MCP carts may preferably be selected for an operation, and are loaded into the expeditionary module, via the U-channel track and I-Beam rail system. Upon arrival at the operation location, personnel readily unload the MCP carts. Additional structures allow personnel to configure one or more MCP carts and containers in a variety of configurations.

Abstract: In various embodiments, a touch surface may comprise multiple individual sensors, each of which is capable of mechanical deflection in a direction parallel to the surface, with the device using the touch surface being able to detect such deflection in each sensor. With this capability, the device may be able to detect intended movement of a touch over the touch surface even if no additional sensors are activated by that movement. Such sensors may be useful for detecting very small motions, and may be especially useful for motions in which the shape of the user's thumb results in the same touch area being in contact with the thumb even though the thumb is executing an extension or retraction movement.