Abstract: Techniques are disclosed relating to texture sampling operations. In some embodiments, multi-fetch sampling instructions specify a region of a texture in which multiple samples are to be performed and texture processing circuitry is configured to sample the texture multiple times within the region. In some embodiments, the locations of the samples are determined according to a formula, which may be pseudo-random. In some embodiments, the locations of the samples are jittered to produce stochastic results. In some embodiments, the locations of the samples are determined based on one or more stored sets of samples that have particular properties (e.g., blue noise, in some embodiments). In various embodiments, disclosed techniques may facilitate Monte Carlo sampling.

Abstract: The invention relates to a circuit board (1a, 1b, 1c), particularly for a power-electronic module (2), comprising an electrically-conductive substrate (3) which consists, at least partially and preferably entirely, of aluminium and/or an aluminium alloy. On at least one surface (3a, 3b) of the electrically-conductive substrate (3), at least one conductor surface (4a, 4b) is arranged in the form of an electrically-conductive layer applied preferably using a printing method and more preferably using a screen-printing method, said conductor surface (4a, 4b) being in direct electrical contact with the electrically-conductive substrate (3).

Abstract: The invention relates to a circuit board, particularly for a power-electronic module, comprising an electrically-conductive substrate which consists, at least partially and preferably entirely, of aluminium and/or an aluminium alloy. On at least one surface of the electrically-conductive substrate, at least one conductor surface is arranged in the form of an electrically-conductive layer applied preferably using a printing method and more preferably using a screen-printing method, said conductor surface being in direct electrical contact with the electrically-conductive substrate.

Abstract: Techniques are disclosed relating to interpolation for texture mapping. In some embodiments, a graphics unit includes circuitry configured to map a texture to a screen space such that a set of multiple in the screen space falls between first and second adjacent texels of the texture in a first dimension. In some embodiments, the graphics unit also includes texture processing circuitry configured to perform different types of interpolation for pixels in the group of pixels. In these embodiments, this includes determining pixel attributes for first and second end groups of pixels in the set of pixels using a nearest-neighbor interpolation technique and attributes of the first and second texels respectively. In these embodiments, this also includes determining pixel attributes for an intermediate group of pixels in the set of pixels using a second, different interpolation technique and attributes of both the first and second texels.

Abstract: Techniques are disclosed relating to interpolation for texture mapping. In some embodiments, a graphics unit includes circuitry configured to map a texture to a screen space such that a set of multiple in the screen space falls between first and second adjacent texels of the texture in a first dimension. In some embodiments, the graphics unit also includes texture processing circuitry configured to perform different types of interpolation for pixels in the group of pixels. In these embodiments, this includes determining pixel attributes for first and second end groups of pixels in the set of pixels using a nearest-neighbor interpolation technique and attributes of the first and second texels respectively. In these embodiments, this also includes determining pixel attributes for an intermediate group of pixels in the set of pixels using a second, different interpolation technique and attributes of both the first and second texels.

Abstract: Methods, devices and systems are provided for diagnosing a wireless module of a device. An exemplary method involves operating a second wireless module of the device to transmit data on a second wireless channel that overlaps, at least in part, a first wireless channel. A measured response associated with the first wireless channel concurrent to the data transmitted on the second wireless channel is obtained from the first wireless module and a remedial action is initiated with respect to the first wireless module based at least in part on the measured response.

Abstract: In an input device it is determined that an input indicator mechanism is selected for a predetermined period of time. Speech is recorded based on the input indicator mechanism being selected.

Abstract: Methods, and system, and entertainment device are provided for identifying a user. A method includes detecting acceleration of a user manipulated component, comparing the detected acceleration with user acceleration that is associated with a user of the electronic device, identifying the user of the electronic device based on the comparison of the detected acceleration and the user acceleration, and operating the electronic device based on the identified user of the electronic device.

Abstract: The invention described here is a computer-related method for analyzing and reporting the current status of a wide array of processes and conditions across multiple networks and systems. It employs independent software entities called “Blades” to control the retrieval, analysis and characterization of each situation, combined with a common presentation system that displays those characterizations in a simple graphical vocabulary for expressing degrees of positive and negative significance. By employing Tiles or similar independent graphical reports, shown together on the screen of a desktop computer, notebook, tablet, mobile device or wearable interactive display, the invention described here allows the user to see his or her world at a glance.

Abstract: A system and method is provided for identifying shadow regions on a multi-element capacitive input device such as a smart phone, and in particular using analysis of shadow regions, where the user may not be in direct contact with the device, to identify more accurately the area on the device the user is selecting, the hand, left or right, used to do the selecting and to identify the user using the device.

Abstract: Methods, and system, and entertainment device are provided for identifying a user. A method includes detecting acceleration of a user manipulated component, comparing the detected acceleration with user acceleration that is associated with a user of the electronic device, identifying the user of the electronic device based on the comparison of the detected acceleration and the user acceleration, and operating the electronic device based on the identified user of the electronic device.

Abstract: Text and display may be generated automatically for an online service platform. Dynamic data is received from a provider offering items, the data comprising information about the items. Content is generated and keywords are assigned to the content. Content may include dynamic text and images. The generated content and keywords are configured into the online service via an application programming interface. The text and display may comprise text and display advertisements. The online service platform may comprise online advertise service platform such as search engine platform that also presents advertisements or information associated with entered search keywords.

Abstract: The invention described here is a computer-related method for analyzing and reporting the current status of a wide array of processes and conditions across multiple networks and systems. It employs independent software entities called “Blades” to control the retrieval, analysis and characterization of each situation, combined with a common presentation system that displays those characterizations in a simple graphical vocabulary for expressing degrees of positive and negative significance. By employing Tiles or similar independent graphical reports, shown together on the screen of a desktop computer, notebook, tablet, mobile device or wearable interactive display, the invention described here allows the user to see his or her world at a glance.

Abstract: The invention relates to a circuit board, particularly for a power-electronic module, comprising an electrically-conductive substrate which consists, at least partially and preferably entirely, of aluminium and/or an aluminium alloy. On at least one surface of the electrically-conductive substrate, at least one conductor surface is arranged in the form of an electrically-conductive layer applied preferably using a printing method and more preferably using a screen-printing method, said conductor surface being in direct electrical contact with the electrically-conductive substrate.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for producing a metalized substrate which consists at least partially, and preferably entirely, of aluminium and/or an aluminium alloy. A conductive paste is applied to at least some sections of a surface of said substrate; in a first firing phase, the conductive paste is exposed to a substantially continuously increasing firing temperature which is increased to a predefinable maximum firing temperature of less than approximately 660° C.; in a second firing phase, the conductive paste is substantially exposed to said predefinable maximum firing temperature for a predefinable time period; in a cooling phase, the conductive paste is cooled down; and in a post-treatment phase, a surface of the conductive paste is mechanically post-treated, preferably brushed.

Abstract: A moving or defocused geometry may be stochastically rendered by grouping a plurality of primitives of that geometry in a hierarchical data structure. Visible fragments may be located in that data structure by hierarchically traversing a ray frustum through the structure. A time-dependent ray tracing data structure may be used in some embodiments.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for dynamic volume punch through in a home entertainment system that includes a client device that receives programming signals coupled to an audio/video amplifier, and a television coupled to the audio/video amplifier. A remote control that communicates over a radio frequency interface with the client device “punches through” volume adjustment commands from a user to either the audio/video amplifier or to the television depending on the power state of the audio/video amplifier. The remote control receives the information indicating this power state from the client device that detects the power state of the audio/video amplifier through a bidirectional bus in a cable interface, for example, HDMI-CEC bus. The volume is “punched through” to the audio/video amplifier or to the television over a second communication link, for example an infrared optical interface.

Abstract: A system and method are provided for facilitating large-scale distribution of electronically published promotions. Users are registered in connection with a social media account and input data regarding their preferred content categorical affinities describing the topics of their published content. Registered users may upload identification data to a server, authorize an administrator element to access the identification data, view or select multiple marketing campaigns to participate in and upload a photo and caption as a submission. A calculation is performed to determine the user's offer price for a campaign and a rank valuing their ability to reach a particular target audience. The administrator element may approve, deny or request edits made to the user's submission. Once approved, a user may electronically publish the submission on a social media network. The server confirms the publication and measures its performance by tracking the engagement data of the particular content item.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for dynamic volume punch through in a home entertainment system that includes a client device that receives programming signals coupled to an audio/video amplifier, and a television coupled to the audio/video amplifier. A remote control that communicates over a radio frequency interface with the client device “punches through” volume adjustment commands from a user to either the audio/video amplifier or to the television depending on the power state of the audio/video amplifier. The remote control receives the information indicating this power state from the client device that detects the power state of the audio/video amplifier through a bidirectional bus in a cable interface, for example, HDMI-CEC bus. The volume is “punched through” to the audio/video amplifier or to the television over a second communication link, for example an infrared optical interface.

Abstract: A moving or defocused geometry may be stochastically rendered by grouping a plurality of primitives of that geometry in a hierarchical data structure. Visible fragments may be located in that data structure by hierarchically traversing a ray frustum through the structure. A time-dependent ray tracing data structure may be used in some embodiments.