Abstract: Methods for managing non-player characters and power centers in a computer game are based on character hierarchies and individualized correspondences between each character's traits or rank and events that involve other non-player characters or objects. Players may share power centers, character hierarchies, non-player characters, and related quests involving the shared objects with other players playing separate and unrelated game instances over a computer network, with the outcome of the quests reflected in different the games. Various configurations of game machines are used to implement the methods.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for processing of messages subject to dead letter queues in representational state transfer (“REST”) architectures to prevent data loss in cloud-based environments. For example, as opposed to conventional RESTful application programming interface (“API”) approaches to handling message failures, the systems and methods provide a new system component to handle these failures. Specifically, instead of relying on a conventional dead letter queue (e.g., requiring a system to read the queue via lambda functions), the systems and methods create a representative system file based on any REST call in which a failure is detected.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for processing of messages subject to dead letter queues in representational state transfer (“REST”) architectures to prevent data loss in cloud-based environments. For example, as opposed to conventional RESTful application programming interface (“API”) approaches to handling message failures, the systems and methods provide a new system component to handle these failures. Specifically, instead of relying on a conventional dead letter queue (e.g., requiring a system to read the queue via lambda functions), the systems and methods create a representative system file based on any REST call in which a failure is detected.

Abstract: Embodiments herein describe methods, devices, and systems for reducing an electric field at a clamp-reticle interface using an enhanced electrostatic clamp. In particular, the electrostatic clamp includes a clamp body, an electrode layer disposed on a top surface of the clamp body, and a plurality of burls that project from a bottom surface of the clamp body, wherein the electrode layer comprises a plurality of cutouts at predetermined locations that vertically correspond to locations of the plurality of burls at the bottom surface of the clamp body.

Abstract: Methods and systems are described for reducing particulate contaminants on a clamping face of a clamping structure in a lithographic system. A substrate such as a cleaning reticle is pressed against the clamping face. A temperature differential is established between the substrate and the clamping face either before or after clamping occurs to facilitate transfer of particles from the clamping face to the substrate.

Abstract: Methods and systems are described for reducing particulate contaminants on a clamping face of a clamping structure in a lithographic system. A substrate such as a cleaning reticle is pressed against the clamping face. A temperature differential is established between the substrate and the clamping face either before or after clamping occurs to facilitate transfer of particles from the clamping face to the substrate.

Abstract: The present invention defines six unexpected benefits resulting from the automation of and improvements to inventory reconciliation and tank level monitoring at tank farms, terminals and refineries, commonly associated with refining and the transportation of, hydrocarbon fuels. In the implementation of an automated system for tank level monitoring and periodic inventory reconciliation, it has been discovered that both applications can be used to correctly identify maintenance needs and policy violations that were previously unable to be identified. The benefits include identification of thermal relief valve failure, transmix check valve failure, lock out/tag out failure, floating roof landing, and incorrect tank assignments.

Abstract: An example embodiment includes a method for booking multiple services with multiple providers simultaneously. The method includes receiving a request for available services and service providers and displaying a search results page to the client depicting the available services and service providers. The method also includes receiving a first selection for a first service from a first service provider and adding the first selection to a service cart pending checkout. The method includes receiving a second selection for a second service from a second service provider. The second selection may be added to the service cart pending checkout. The method may include displaying a time and date selection interface and receiving a time and date selection for each of the first and second services. A service checkout interface may be displayed and payment may be received for the first and second selections in the service cart.

Abstract: A tracking system utilizing an excited state atomic line filter. The filter includes a metal vapor cell having an optical entrance port and an optical exit port and containing a metal vapor having a first excited energy state with a resonant frequency, and a second excited energy state. The cell has an absorption line, at or near a desired filter wavelength. The platform to be tracked, which could be an un-manned aerial vehicle has a beacon laser system located on it for producing a beacon laser beam at a wavelength within the narrow spectral band. The present invention solves the problem of lack of ground state resonant lines in at wavelengths substantially longer than those of visible light. Atomic line filters of the Faraday or Voigt crossed polarizer type are provided in which alkali metal atomic vapor in a vapor cell is excited with a pump beam to an intermediate excited state where a resonant absorption line, at a desired wavelength, is available.

Abstract: The present invention provides a projectile tracking system for acquiring and precisely tracking a projectile in flight in order to reveal the source from which the projectile was fired. The source is revealed by the back projection of a 3-dimensional track file. The system is particularly suited for tracking a bullet fired by a sniper and identifying the location of the sniper. Projectiles of interest are typically traveling at a substantial fraction of the speed of sound or even faster than the speed of sound and therefore become hot due to aerodynamic heating. A telescope focuses infrared light from a relatively large field of view on to an infrared focal plane array. In a projectile detection mode, the system searches for the infrared signature of the fast moving projectile. The telescope's field of view is steered in the azimuth by a step and stare mirror which is driven by an azimuth drive motor mounted on the frame.