Abstract: The present disclosure utilizes excess processing capacity of a point of sale (POS) system by dynamically managing assigned tasks based on an expected activity of an individual. A resource management system can use image data and a trained neural network to analyzes aspects of an appearance or a behavior of the individual as captured in the image data to quantify a likelihood of the individual participating in a checkout procedure. The resource management system can dynamically allocate resources across different POS systems in anticipation of expected activity. This allows for the efficient use of the POS systems' resources while maintaining good system performance and a positive experience.

Abstract: A retractable mast solar array includes a collapsible boom extensible by a boom deployer. At least one foldable upper arm assembly is coupled to the collapsible boom. At least one foldable lower arm assembly coupled to the collapsible boom. A foldable solar array includes two or more columns of blanket elements, each column of blanket elements is affixed at one end to the at least one foldable upper arm assembly and at an opposite end to the at least one foldable lower arm assembly. In a stowed state, the two or more columns of blanket elements are stowed folded in either or both of the at least one foldable upper arm assembly or the at least one foldable lower arm assembly, and in a deployed state, the two or more columns of blanket elements are unfolded to a deployed solar array.

Abstract: Systems and methods of performing automated shelf stock management are provided. In one exemplary embodiment, a method is performed by a first network node operationally coupled to an optical sensor device having a field of view towards a shelf structure having a set of stocked items and operable to capture an image of the shelf structure. Further, the first network node is operationally coupled to a set of display devices disposed on the shelf structure with each display device being specific to and proximate a certain stocked item on the shelf structure and operable to display stocked item information. The method includes obtaining information associated with a current arrangement of the stocked items and the corresponding display devices on the shelf structure so as to determine whether the stocked item information of a certain stocked item is associated with the stocked item information displayed by the corresponding display device.

Abstract: The present disclosure utilizes excess processing capacity of a point of sale (POS) system by dynamically managing assigned tasks based on an expected activity of an individual. A resource management system can use image data and a trained neural network to analyzes aspects of an appearance or a behavior of the individual as captured in the image data to quantify a likelihood of the individual participating in a checkout procedure. The resource management system can dynamically allocate resources across different POS systems in anticipation of expected activity. This allows for the efficient use of the POS systems' resources while maintaining good system performance and a positive experience.

Abstract: A foldable reflector with tensioned cable spoke system includes a foldable reflector. A central cone extends outward from a center of the foldable reflector. An outer reflector ring is hingedly coupled to the foldable reflector at an outer perimeter of the foldable reflector. A plurality of cable spokes are mechanically coupled between the central cone and the outer reflector ring.

Abstract: A two-component hydrogel matrix system is provided, which system is useful in a variety of cell growth uses, including without limitation three-dimensional culture systems. The components comprise modified hyaluronic acid (HA); and modified elastin-like proteins (ELP). Variables of HELP, including for example, matrix stiffness, matrix stress relaxation rate, and cell-adhesive-ligand concentration, can be independently and quantitatively specified.

Abstract: A retractable mast solar array includes a collapsible boom extensible by a boom deployer. At least one foldable upper arm assembly is coupled to the collapsible boom. At least one foldable lower arm assembly coupled to the collapsible boom. A foldable solar array includes two or more columns of blanket elements, each column of blanket elements is affixed at one end to the at least one foldable upper arm assembly and at an opposite end to the at least one foldable lower arm assembly. In a stowed state, the two or more columns of blanket elements are stowed folded in either or both of the at least one foldable upper arm assembly or the at least one foldable lower arm assembly, and in a deployed state, the two or more columns of blanket elements are unfolded to a deployed solar array.

Abstract: A control server associated with a retail store places or assigns people that are determined to be socially interrelated into corresponding groups. When a group member becomes separated from the group, an image of that person is analyzed and used to identify his/her group. Once identified, the control server generates a notification indicating the current locations in the retail store of both the group and the person who became separated, and indicates a route the person can take through the store to reunite with the group.

Abstract: A non-transitory computer-readable medium whose contents, when executed by a computing system, can cause the computing system to perform operations for an audited shopping system that include receiving scanned product information identifying a current product and an associated weight of the current product. An indication can be determined to place the current product in a selected bag among a plurality of bags. The associated weight of the current product can be added to a previous calculated weight of products in the selected bag to provide a current calculated weight of products in the selected bag and then all previous operations can be repeated until receiving an indication that shopping is done to provide a plurality of products that are distributed among the plurality of bags, wherein each bag has a respective calculated weight of all products in the bag and indicating a selected one of the plurality of bags as an audited bag for weighing.

Abstract: A non-transitory computer-readable medium whose contents, when executed by a computing system, can cause the computing system to perform operations for an audited shopping system that include receiving scanned product information identifying a current product and an associated weight of the current product. An indication can be determined to place the current product in a selected bag among a plurality of bags. The associated weight of the current product can be added to a previous calculated weight of products in the selected bag to provide a current calculated weight of products in the selected bag and then all previous operations can be repeated until receiving an indication that shopping is done to provide a plurality of products that are distributed among the plurality of bags, wherein each bag has a respective calculated weight of all products in the bag and indicating a selected one of the plurality of bags as an audited bag for weighing.

Abstract: A method of adding content to a portable entertainment device, comprising identifying DRM capabilities of the portable entertainment device, defining a first set of content, defining a second set of content which is comprised of content selected by a user from the first content set, identifying content which is not compatible with the DRM capabilities of the portable entertainment device, and obtaining rights which allow at least a subset of the identified content to be copied to the portable entertainment device. The method also allows new content to be periodically added to the portable entertainment device. Also disclosed is a user interface through which the user can build a list of content to be copied to the portable entertainment device and through which the user can obtain any necessary rights to such content.

Abstract: A sliding door assembly includes a door frame positioned in a structure opening. The door frame includes a roller track along a bottom portion. A fixed door panel may be positioned in the door frame. A sliding door panel is slidably positioned in the door frame and includes a sliding wood door sash, and a reinforced transparent panel carried by the sliding wood door sash. The sliding door panel further includes at least one roller extending outwardly from a bottom of the sliding wood door sash to engage the roller track. At least one shim or other vertical constraining member is mounted adjacent a top of the sliding door panel for vertically constraining the sliding door panel against upward movement when in a closed position so that the roller remains on the roller track despite hurricane force winds. At least one bracket may be connected to the door frame adjacent the bottom of the sliding door panel to laterally confine the sliding door panel despite hurricane force winds.

Abstract: A window or door includes a wood sash carrying at least one reinforced transparent panel. The wood sash includes a body portion and an integrally formed aesthetic sacrificial member extending outwardly therefrom to contact the transparent panel at an interface therewith. The body portion is spaced from an adjacent portion of the transparent panel to define a cavity beneath the aesthetic sacrificial member. Sealant material is positioned in the cavity. The aesthetic sacrificial member fractures during hurricane force winds to permit the transparent panel to move within the wood sash to absorb energy of pressure cycling that occurs during hurricane force winds. The aesthetic sacrificial member also covers the body of sealant material to provide a pleasing appearance consistent with the quality of the wood sash.

Abstract: A window or door includes a wood sash carrying at least one reinforced transparent panel. The wood sash includes a body portion and an integrally formed aesthetic sacrificial member extending outwardly therefrom to contact the transparent panel at an interface therewith. The body portion is spaced from an adjacent portion of the transparent panel to define a cavity beneath the aesthetic sacrificial member. Sealant material is positioned in the cavity. The aesthetic sacrificial member fractures during hurricane force winds to permit the transparent panel to move within the wood sash to absorb energy of pressure cycling that occurs during hurricane force winds. The aesthetic sacrificial member also covers the body of sealant material to provide a pleasing appearance consistent with the quality of the wood sash.