Abstract: System and method for enabling predefined events to be used to trigger the collection of vehicle position data. A combination GSM device and GPS device is used to collect vehicle position data and to convey that position data to a remote computing device for review and/or analysis. There is a tradeoff between collecting too much data (cell phone bill is too high) and collecting too little data (value added analytics cannot be achieved without sufficient data). The concepts disclosed herein relate to method and apparatus to enable the data collection/transmission paradigm of such a GSM/GPS to be varied (or triggered) based on the detection of one or more predefined events. This enables data which can contribute to value added analytics to be acquired, without wasting airtime on unimportant data.

Abstract: A remote user can define one or more zone based driver/vehicle behavior definitions. Current vehicle location is analyzed at the vehicle or remotely to determine if the vehicle is approaching or has arrived at a location for which a zone based driver/vehicle behavior has been defined. For zone based driver behavior definitions, a display in the vehicle automatically displays the zone based driver behavior definition to the driver. In some embodiments driver compliance is tracked and non-compliance is reported to the remote user. For zone based vehicle behavior definitions, a vehicle controller at the vehicle responsible for controlling the defined behavior is reprogrammed to impose the defined behavior (no regeneration at location, max speed at location, no idle over 2 minutes at location, etc.). Once the vehicle has left the zone, the controller programming reverts to its prior state, and/or zone based driver behavior definition is no longer displayed.

Abstract: Three dimensional accelerometer data is used to determine a slope the vehicle is traveling over at a specific point in time. The slope data can then be combined with other metrics to provide an accurate, slope corrected vehicle mass. The vehicle mass can then be used along with other vehicle data to determine an amount of work performed by a vehicle, enabling s detailed efficiency analysis of the vehicle to be performed. To calculate slope, horizontal ground speed (VHGS) can be calculated using the Pythagorean Theorem. One can take the Z/Up magnitude and divide it by the horizontal ground speed. Replacing Z, x and y with directional vectors enables one to calculate slope. The slope data is then used to determine the mass of the vehicle at that time.

Abstract: The apparatus includes a funnel member, a coupling member and retractors. The funnel member is flexible and is frusto-conical in shape. The funnel member proximal end opening is larger than the distal end opening. The funnel member couples to a distal or coupling member that is located at the funnel member distal end portion. The distal or coupling member is rigid and has catches for removably coupling to the retractors. In use, the retractors anchor the apparatus to the patient while allowing the funnel member to be manipulated to force the prosthesis into a surgical cavity of a patient.

Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for detecting an overspeed shutdown condition of an internal combustion engine. The pressure within an air-intake manifold of the engine is measured, and that pressure is compared to a predetermined pressure, which represents the pressure within the air-intake manifold when an overspeed-shutdown mechanism has not been activated. Activation of the overspeed-shutdown mechanism is indicated when comparing the measured pressure value to the predetermined value results in the measured value being less than the predetermined value.

Abstract: The apparatus includes a funnel member, a coupling member and retractors. The funnel member is flexible and is frusto-conical in shape. The funnel member proximal end opening is larger than the distal end opening. The funnel member couples to a distal or coupling member that is located at the funnel member distal end portion. The distal or coupling member is rigid and has catches for removably coupling to the retractors. In use, the retractors anchor the apparatus to the patient while allowing the funnel member to be manipulated to force the prosthesis into a surgical cavity of a patient.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are techniques for implementing vehicle ECU reprograming, so the ECU programming, which plays a large role in vehicle performance characteristics, is tailored to current operational requirements, which may be different than the operational characteristics selected by the manufacturer when initially programming the vehicle ECU (or ECUs) with specific instruction sets, such as fuel maps. In one embodiment, a controller monitors the current operational characteristics of the vehicle, determines the current ECU programming, and determines if a different programming set would better suited to the current operating conditions. In the event that the current programming set should be replaced, the controller implements the ECU reprogramming. In a related embodiment, users are enabled to specify the ECU programming to change, such as changing speed limiter settings.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are techniques for implementing vehicle ECU reprogramming, so the ECU programming, which plays a large role in vehicle performance characteristics, is tailored to current operational requirements, which may be different than the operational characteristics selected by the manufacturer when initially programming the vehicle ECU (or ECUs) with specific instruction sets, such as fuel maps. In one embodiment, a controller monitors the current operational characteristics of the vehicle, determines the current ECU programming, and determines if a different programming set would better suited to the current operating conditions. In the event that the current programming set should be replaced, the controller implements the ECU reprogramming. In a related embodiment, users are enabled to specify the ECU programming to change, such as changing speed limiter settings.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are techniques for implementing vehicle ECU reprograming, so the ECU programming, which plays a large role in vehicle performance characteristics, is tailored to current operational requirements, which may be different than the operational characteristics selected by the manufacturer when initially programming the vehicle ECU (or ECUs) with specific instruction sets, such as fuel maps. In one embodiment, a controller monitors the current operational characteristics of the vehicle, determines the current ECU programming, and determines if a different programming set would better suited to the current operating conditions. In the event that the current programming set should be replaced, the controller implements the ECU reprogramming. In a related embodiment, users are enabled to specify the ECU programming to change, such as changing speed limiter settings.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are techniques for implementing vehicle ECU reprograming, so the ECU programming, which plays a large role in vehicle performance characteristics, is tailored to current operational requirements, which may be different than the operational characteristics selected by the manufacturer when initially programming the vehicle ECU (or ECUs) with specific instruction sets, such as fuel maps. In one embodiment, a controller monitors the current operational characteristics of the vehicle, determines the current ECU programming, and determines if a different programming set would better suited to the current operating conditions. In the event that the current programming set should be replaced, the controller implements the ECU reprogramming. In a related embodiment, users are enabled to specify the ECU programming to change, such as changing speed limiter settings.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are techniques for implementing vehicle ECU reprograming, so the ECU programming, which plays a large role in vehicle performance characteristics, is tailored to current operational requirements, which may be different than the operational characteristics selected by the manufacturer when initially programming the vehicle ECU (or ECUs) with specific instruction sets, such as fuel maps. In one embodiment, a controller monitors the current operational characteristics of the vehicle, determines the current ECU programming, and determines if a different programming set would better suited to the current operating conditions. In the event that the current programming set should be replaced, the controller implements the ECU reprogramming. In a related embodiment, users are enabled to specify the ECU programming to change, such as changing speed limiter settings.

Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for detecting an overspeed shutdown condition of an internal combustion engine. The pressure within an air-intake manifold of the engine is measured, and that pressure is compared to a predetermined pressure, which represents the pressure within the air-intake manifold when an overspeed-shutdown mechanism has not been activated. Activation of the overspeed-shutdown mechanism is indicated when comparing the measured pressure value to the predetermined value results in the measured value being less than the predetermined value.

Abstract: A video processing apparatus may be controlled in response to selecting an advertisement displayed in connection with a productivity or communication application software program being operated on a video processing apparatus. The advertisement includes control information, which is used by the video processing apparatus to control an operating mode thereof. The control information may include both time and channel data as well as a recording data for programming a timer. Alternately, the control information may only include program data, which is passed to the electronic program guide to determine the time and channel information associated with the program data.

Abstract: A method for control comprises a set top box receiving coordinates from a touch sensing screen. The coordinates are interpreted for controlling the set top box, and in accordance with the interpreted coordinates an action is performed. A further method for control comprises a set top box receiving a signal representative of displacement. A control function is determined from the displacement representative signal and the control function is activated. In accordance with the control function a signal is formed for communication.

Abstract: The present invention provides method for producing a substantially seamless video image on a display surface. The method comprises the steps of separately projecting at least a first and a second video image onto a display surface such that a seam is defined by overlapping portions of said first and second video images. Inside the seam, the brightness of the first video image and the brightness of the second video image are adjusted electronically so as to provide a uniform brightness profile.

Abstract: A 3D image projector having a translucent rotatable hollow cylinder, the hollow cylinder having differently polarized sections, and the projector being capable of passing a light beam generally orthogonally through a wall of the hollow cylinder is disclosed.

Abstract: A segmented display system in which the display devices are arranged in a N×1 array is described. The segmented display system includes a plurality of projection devices that each project a portion of an image on a corresponding one of the display devices in the N×1 array. Distortion from extra light is minimized using a moveable mask around each projection device lens in the N×1 array.

Abstract: In a method of data processing, a database defines a Dial entity and at least one instance of the Dial entity. Each instance of the Dial entity has an input having a plurality of different possible input values and one or more outputs, and each of the plurality of different possible input values has a different associated output value set for the one or more outputs. Each instance of the Dial entity determines a value of at least one of a plurality of configuration latches in a digital system separate from the database. The database also associates with the Dial entity at least one set of biasing weights that, when applied, determines a probability of each instance of the Dial entity having particular ones of the plurality of different possible input values.

Abstract: 1,3-Diaryl-substituted urea compounds have been found to function as post-processing stabilizers in photothermographic materials. These compounds can be presented by the following Structure (I): wherein R1 and R2 are the same or different substituted or unsubstituted aryl group.

Abstract: A photothermographic material having a Dmin and Dmax optical density. The material includes a support having hereon one or more thermally-developable imaging layers which are developable to produce an image when the photothermographic material is thermally processed; and an area disposed along a length of at least one edge of the photothermographic material, wherein the area has an optical density less than the Dmax and greater than the Dmin of the photothermographic material.