Abstract: The present disclosure relates to advanced image signal processing technology including: i) rapid localization for machine-readable indicia including, e.g., 1-D and 2-D barcodes; and ii) barcode reading and decoders. One claim recites: an image processing method comprising: obtaining 2-dimensional (2D) image data representing a 1-dimensional (1D) barcode within a first image area; generating a plurality of scanlines across the first image area; for each of the plurality of scanlines, synchronizing the scanline, including decoding an initial set of numerical digits represented by the scanline, in which said synchronizing provides a scale estimate for the scanline; using a path decoder to decode remaining numerical digits within the scanline, the path decoder decoding multiple numerical digits in groups, in which the scale estimate is adapted as the remaining numerical digits are decoded; and providing decoded numerical digits as an identifier represented by the scanline.

Abstract: A duplex visual tester for testing multiple fiber optic cable runs includes a housing having a first LED and a second LED in a duplex fiber connection. The first LED and the second LED are in electronic communication with a power source, a battery, an on/off switch, and a timer configured to pulse the first LED and the second LED. The first LED and the second LED are installed in the duplex fiber connection. The first LED has a first color, and the second LED has a second, different color, wherein the first color and the second color have the same luminosity. Preferably, the timer pulses the first LED and the second LED at between eight and ten Hz, such that the first color and second color can be seen in the fiber optic cable run.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides a class of compounds including a ligand moiety that specifically binds to a cell surface asialoglycoprotein receptor (ASGPR). The cell surface ASGPR binding compounds can trigger the receptor to internalize into the cell a bound compound. The ligand moieties of this disclosure can be linked to a variety of moieties of interest without impacting the specific binding to, and function of, the cell surface receptor ASGPR. Also provided are compounds that are conjugates of the ligand moieties linked to a biomolecule, such as an antibody, which conjugates can harness cellular pathways to remove specific proteins of interest from the cell surface or from the extracellular milieu. Also provided herein methods of using the conjugates to target a polypeptide of interest for sequestration and/or lysosomal degradation.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides a class of compounds including a ligand moiety that specifically binds to a cell surface receptor, such as a mannose-6-phosphate receptor (M6PR) or a cell surface asialoglycoprotein receptor (ASGPR). The cell surface M6PR or ASGPR binding compounds can trigger the receptor to internalize into the cell abound compound. The ligand moieties of this disclosure can be linked to a variety of moieties of interest without impacting the specific binding to, and function of, the cell surface receptor, e.g., M6PR or ASGPR. Also provided are compounds that are conjugates of the ligand moieties linked to a biomolecule, such as an antibody, which conjugates can harness cellular pathways to remove specific proteins of interest from the cell surface or from the extracellular milieu. Also provided are methods of using the conjugates to target a polypeptide of interest for sequestration and/or lysosomal degradation.

Abstract: Mobile device positioning employs various forms of audio signal structures and detection methodologies. In one method, detection of an audio signal from a first source enables construction of a signal to facilitate detection of an audio signal from another source. Signals detected from these sources enable positioning of the mobile device receiving those signals. Another method forms audio signals transmitted from audio sources so that they have parts that add constructively and parts that differentiate the sources to enable positioning. Another audio signal based positioning method adaptively switches among positioning methods so that positioning remains operative as a mobile device moves toward and away from the sources. Another method tracks positioning history, evaluates it for errors and performs error mitigation to improve accuracy. Various other positioning technologies are detailed as well.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to advanced image signal processing technology including: i) rapid localization for machine-readable indicia including, e.g., 1-D and 2-D barcodes; and ii) barcode reading and decoders. One claim recites: an image processing method comprising: obtaining 2-dimensional (2D) image data representing a 1-dimensional (1D) barcode within a first image area; generating a plurality of scanlines across the first image area; for each of the plurality of scanlines, synchronizing the scanline, including decoding an initial set of numerical digits represented by the scanline, in which said synchronizing provides a scale estimate for the scanline; using a path decoder to decode remaining numerical digits within the scanline, the path decoder decoding multiple numerical digits in groups; and providing decoded numerical digits as an identifier represented by the scanline. Of course, other combinations and claims are described within the present disclosure.

Abstract: A waste stream is analyzed and sorted to segregate different items for recycling. Certain features of the technology improve the accuracy with which waste stream items are diverted to collection repositories. Other features concern adaptation of neural networks in accordance with context information sensed from the waste. Still other features serve to automate and simplify maintenance of machine vision systems used in waste sorting. Yet other aspects of the technology concern marking 2D machine readable code data on items having complex surfaces (e.g., food containers with integral ribbing for structural strength or juice pooling), to mitigate issues that such surfaces can introduce in code reading. Still other aspects of the technology concern prioritizing certain blocks of conveyor belt imagery for analysis. Yet other aspects of the technology concern joint use of near infrared spectroscopy, artificial intelligence, digital watermarking, and/or other techniques, for waste sorting.

Abstract: Audio signal processing enhances audio watermark embedding and detecting processes. Audio signal processes include audio classification and adapting watermark embedding and detecting based on classification. Advances in audio watermark design include adaptive watermark signal structure data protocols, perceptual models, and insertion methods. Perceptual and robustness evaluation is integrated into audio watermark embedding to optimize audio quality relative the original signal, and to optimize robustness or data capacity. These methods are applied to audio segments in audio embedder and detector configurations to support real time operation. Feature extraction and matching are also used to adapt audio watermark embedding and detecting.

Abstract: Compounds of Formula I: pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof, deuterated derivatives of any of the foregoing, and metabolites of any of the foregoing are disclosed. Pharmaceutical compositions comprising the same, methods of treating cystic fibrosis using the same, and methods for making the same are also disclosed.

Abstract: Technology for constructing a symbol template for use by a 1D barcode decoder. One method includes obtaining a first symbol pattern representing a first symbol, the first symbol pattern comprising a plurality of elements, with each element corresponding to a 1D barcode space or bar, in which the first symbol represents one unique 1D bar (b) and space (s) pattern corresponding to a symbol or digit: 0, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8 or 9; obtaining prefix elements, the prefix elements comprising a subset of second symbol elements from a second symbol pattern which precedes the first symbol from within a scanline of image data, the subset being less than a total number of elements within the second symbol elements; extending the first symbol pattern with the prefix elements to yield an overlapping symbol template for use in correlation-based barcode decoding. Other technology provided as well.

Abstract: The parameters of an optical code are optimized to achieve improved signal robustness, reliability, capacity and/or visual quality. An optimization program can determine spatial density, dot distance, dot size and signal component priority to optimize robustness. An optical code generator employs these parameters to produce an optical code at the desired spatial density and robustness. The optical code is merged into a host image, such as imagery, text and graphics of a package or label, or it may be printed by itself, e.g., on an otherwise blank label or carton. A great number of other features and arrangements are also detailed.

Abstract: Compounds of Formula I: pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof, deuterated derivatives of any of the foregoing, and metabolites of any of the foregoing are disclosed. Pharmaceutical compositions comprising the same, methods of treating cystic fibrosis using the same, and methods for making the same are also disclosed.

Abstract: A method for generating a psychoacoustic model from an audio signal transforms a block of samples of an audio signal into a frequency spectrum comprising frequency components. From this frequency spectrum, it derives group masking energies. These group masking energies each correspond to a group of neighboring frequency components in the frequency spectrum. For a group of frequency components, the method allocates the group masking energy to the frequency components in the group in proportion to energy of the frequency components within the group to provide adapted mask energies for the frequency components within the group, the adapted mask energies providing masking thresholds for the psychoacoustic model of the audio signal.

Abstract: Methods and arrangements involving electronic devices, such as smartphones, tablet computers, wearable devices, etc., are disclosed. One arrangement involves a low-power processing technique for discerning cues from audio input. Another involves a technique for detecting audio activity based on the Kullback-Liebler divergence (KLD) (or a modified version thereof) of the audio input. Still other arrangements concern techniques for managing the manner in which policies are embodied on an electronic device. Others relate to distributed computing techniques. A great variety of other features are also detailed.

Abstract: The parameters of an optical code are optimized to achieve improved signal robustness, reliability, capacity and/or visual quality. An optimization program can determine spatial density, dot distance, dot size and signal component priority to optimize robustness. An optical code generator employs these parameters to produce an optical code at the desired spatial density and robustness. The optical code is merged into a host image, such as imagery, text and graphics of a package or label, or it may be printed by itself, e.g., on an otherwise blank label or carton. A great number of other features and arrangements are also detailed.

Abstract: The parameters of an optical code are optimized to achieve improved signal robustness, reliability, capacity and/or visual quality. An optimization program can determine spatial density, dot distance, dot size and signal component priority to optimize robustness. An optical code generator employs these parameters to produce an optical code at the desired spatial density and robustness. The optical code is merged into a host image, such as imagery, text and graphics of a package or label, or it may be printed by itself, e.g., on an otherwise blank label or carton. A great number of other features and arrangements are also detailed.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present disclosure relate to providing electronic survey content to a user in accordance with a particular layout. In particular, a survey system facilitates providing survey questions of an electronic survey to a user within a display area of a client device in accordance with a determined layout based on one or more features of the display area. For example, the survey system associates a plurality of layouts with one or more survey questions. Further, the survey system provides the survey questions and associated layout to a client device for presentation to a user. The client device identifies one or more features of a display area and determines a layout from the plurality of layouts to use in providing the survey question(s) to the user. Further, the client device provides one or more survey questions to a user within the display area in accordance with a determined layout.

Abstract: Compounds of Formula I: pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof, deuterated derivatives of any of the foregoing, and metabolites of any of the foregoing are disclosed. Pharmaceutical compositions comprising the same, methods of treating cystic fibrosis using the same, and methods for making the same are also disclosed.

Abstract: Imagery captured by an autonomous robot is analyzed to discern digital watermark patterns. In some embodiments, identical but geometrically-inconsistent digital watermark patterns are discerned in an image frame, to aid in distinguishing multiple depicted instances of a particular item. In other embodiments, actions of the robot are controlled or altered in accordance with image processing performed by the robot on a digital watermark pattern. The technology is particularly described in the context of retail stores in which the watermark patterns are encoded, e.g., on product packaging, shelving, and shelf labels. A great variety of other features and arrangements are also detailed.

Abstract: Arrangements involving portable devices (e.g., smartphones and tablet computers) are disclosed. One arrangement enables a content creator to select software with which that creator's content should be rendered—assuring continuity between artistic intention and delivery. Another utilizes a device camera to identify nearby subjects, and take actions based thereon. Others rely on near field chip (RFID) identification of objects, or on identification of audio streams (e.g., music, voice). Some technologies concern improvements to the user interfaces associated with such devices. Others involve use of these devices in connection with shopping, text entry, sign language interpretation, and vision-based discovery. Still other improvements are architectural in nature, e.g., relating to evidence-based state machines, and blackboard systems. Yet other technologies concern use of linked data in portable devices—some of which exploit GPU capabilities. Still other technologies concern computational photography.