Abstract: A sensor for detecting the surroundings, comprising a signal exchange unit, a power supply, a sensor housing, a transmitter, and a receiver, wherein the transmitter and the receiver are arranged in the sensor housing, wherein the transmitter is designed to emit a measuring radiation into the surroundings, wherein the receiver is designed to receive a reflection radiation from the surroundings, wherein the power supply is arranged to supply the transmitter and the receiver with power, wherein the signal exchange unit is connected to the receiver and the transmitter for signal exchange, wherein the signal exchange unit is arranged to exchange signals with a counter-signal exchange unit, and the sensor housing can be mechanically connected to a receiving unit in a tool-free, non-destructive and detachable manner.

Abstract: A device for minimizing soiling of an environmental sensor of a vehicle having an evaluation unit, wherein the evaluation unit is configured to determine information about objects in the environment of the vehicle which are potentially set up to cause soiling of the environmental sensor in a region of a field of view of the environmental sensor, to determine minimum distances between the respective objects on the basis of the determined information, compliance with which is suitable for minimizing soiling of the environmental sensor, and to generate and provide a signal representing the determined minimum distances.

Abstract: A digital hydraulics valve includes a plurality of digitally switchable individual valves, which are connected in parallel with respect to a load, and at least one equalizing valve for generating intermediate values between the opening cross-section stages that can be implemented by the digitally switchable individual valves. The equalizing valve is a poppet valve, which provides a partial opening cross-section smaller than the nominal opening cross-section thereof by actuation using a time switching pattern. The time switching pattern is preferably based on the principle of a pulse width modulation. The equalizing valve is further preferably a valve selected from the plurality of individual valves of the digital hydraulics valve.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to a digital control method for a hydraulic ON/OFF valve. The ON/OFF valve is controlled by a digital control signal. The digital control signal has a number of successive cycles. Each cycle of the number of successive cycles has a pulse lasting a variable pulse period and a pause lasting a variable pause period. The pause period (tp) of each cycle is set taking into account the time when the ON/OFF valve reaches the OFF state after the pulse of the cycle.

Abstract: A digital hydraulics valve includes a plurality of digitally switchable individual valves, which are connected in parallel with respect to a load, and at least one equalizing valve for generating intermediate values between the opening cross-section stages that can be implemented by the digitally switchable individual valves. The equalizing valve is a poppet valve, which provides a partial opening cross-section smaller than the nominal opening cross-section thereof by actuation using a time switching pattern. The time switching pattern is preferably based on the principle of a pulse width modulation. The equalizing valve is further preferably a valve selected from the plurality of individual valves of the digital hydraulics valve.

Abstract: A method for segregating a figure region from a background region in image sequences from dynamic visual scenes, comprising the steps of: (a) acquiring an image; (b) determining local motion estimations and confidences for each position of the image; (c) modifying a level-set function by moving and distorting the level-set function with the local motion estimations and smearing it based on the local motion confidences, to generate a predicted level set function that is geometrically in correspondence with the image and diffused at positions where the confidence of the motion estimation is low; (d) obtaining input features of the image by using a series of cues; (e) calculating a mask segregating the figure region from the background region of the image using the modified level-set function and the obtained input features; (f) extracting the figure region from the image; and repeating steps (a)-(f) until a termination criterion is satisfied.

Abstract: A method for segregating a figure region from a background region in image sequences from dynamic visual scenes, comprising the steps of: (a) acquiring an image; (b) determining local motion estimations and confidences for each position of the image; (c) modifying a level-set function by moving and distorting the level-set function with the local motion estimations and smearing it based on the local motion confidences, to generate a predicted level set function that is geometrically in correspondence with the image and diffused at positions where the confidence of the motion estimation is low; (d) obtaining input features of the image by using a series of cues; (e) calculating a mask segregating the figure region from the background region of the image using the modified level-set function and the obtained input features; (f) extracting the figure region from the image; and repeating steps (a)-(f) until a termination criterion is satisfied.

Abstract: A method of intercepting call content in a packet-based Internet Protocol (IP) network. The method includes targeting bearer packets containing the call content via a Softswitch controlling the redirection of the targeted bearer packets through a specified Intercept Router using alias IP addresses for the targeted bearer packets.

Abstract: A method of intercepting call content in a packet-based Internet Protocol (IP) network. The method includes targeting bearer packets containing the call content via a Softswitch controlling the redirection of the targeted bearer packets through a specified Intercept Router using alias IP addresses for the targeted bearer packets.