Abstract: In a first illustrative embodiment, a system includes a mobile device processor configured to communicate wirelessly with both a remote server and a vehicle computing system (VCS). The processor is further configured to query the VCS for a module version, relay the module version to a remote system and receive information relating to an updated module version and module. The processor is also configured to query the VCS for vehicle battery information, inform a user of battery sufficiency for a recommended installation of the updated module, and, responsive to a user instruction to proceed with installation, instruct the VCS to download and install the updated module.

Abstract: In a structural analysis using NMR techniques, a method for gathering k-value data from frequency encoded spin echoes generated from internal volumes selectively excited by intersecting 90° and 180° slice selective and refocusing RF pulses and subjected to a read gradient for the purpose of quantifying the spatial frequency content of the selected internal volume without contamination by a FID signal, comprising: acquiring spin echo data such that the FID signal generated by imperfections in the 180° slice selective refocusing RF pulse is attenuated by the read gradient such that any remaining FID signal is spatially encoded with higher k-values than the frequency encoded k-values being recorded for subsequent structural analysis while simultaneously providing for t2 t2* and t1 contrast. Other aspects of the invention are disclosed.

Abstract: In some embodiments, a method includes receiving, at a host device, a signal indicative of an authentication request for a client device to access a resource from a set of resources. A resource confidence value associated with the authentication request is calculated based at least in part on (1) a threat confidence vector associated with at least one risk mitigation score for each threat from a set of threats and (2) a set of resource vulnerability scores associated with the resource and each threat from the set of threats. The resource confidence value is compared to a resource confidence criterion associated with the resource from the set of resources. A signal indicative of a positive authentication is sent from the host device to the client device when the resource confidence value satisfies the resource confidence criterion such that the client device is granted access to the resource.

Abstract: In some embodiments, a method includes receiving, from a client compute device and at a server, a request to access a resource. The request can include an identifier associated with the client compute device. The method can further include accessing risk information associated with the client compute device from an instance of a distributed database at the server using the identifier. The risk information is provided to the distributed database by a set of compute devices. Each compute device from the set of compute devices implements a different instance of the distributed database. The risk information can be analyzed to identify an access decision and a level of access to the resource can be granted to the client compute device based on the access decision.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a real estate construction loan management system and method for managing various aspects of construction loan portfolios. The construction loan management system includes a computer, accessible over a wired or wireless communication network by one or more electronic devices, and hosting executable construction loan management software that provides user-specific interfaces including a loan administrator interface, a bank administrator interface, a borrower interface, and an inspector interface, where each interface is navigated by authenticated users, to create and manage construction loans. The inspector interface is accessible by field inspectors to remotely manage scheduled inspections, and related inspection reports. The inspection reports are uploaded onto the construction loan management system, and verified according to geotag information.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a real estate construction loan management system and method for managing various aspects of construction loan portfolios. The construction loan management system includes a computer, accessible over a wired or wireless communication network by one or more electronic devices, and hosting executable construction loan management software that provides user-specific interfaces including a loan administrator interface, a bank administrator interface, a borrower interface, and an inspector interface, where each interface is navigated by authenticated users, to create and manage construction loans. The inspector interface is accessible by field inspectors to remotely manage scheduled inspections, and related inspection reports. The inspection reports are uploaded onto the construction loan management system, and verified according to geotag information.

Abstract: A vehicle may identify an application identifier of a mobile application executed by a mobile device paired with the vehicle; query a local policy table for application permissions associated with the application identifier, the application permissions defining which user interface features, vehicle information elements, and vehicle functions are accessible to the mobile application; and provide the mobile application with vehicle access in accordance with the application permissions. The vehicle may also identify the application permissions additionally according to a mobile device identifier of the mobile device paired with the vehicle.

Abstract: In some embodiments, a method includes receiving, at a host device, a signal indicative of an authentication request for a client device to access a resource from a set of resources. A resource confidence value associated with the authentication request is calculated based at least in part on (1) a threat confidence vector associated with at least one risk mitigation score for each threat from a set of threats and (2) a set of resource vulnerability scores associated with the resource and each threat from the set of threats. The resource confidence value is compared to a resource confidence criterion associated with the resource from the set of resources. A signal indicative of a positive authentication is sent from the host device to the client device when the resource confidence value satisfies the resource confidence criterion such that the client device is granted access to the resource.

Abstract: A system includes a processor configured to receive a request for temporary vehicle usage. The processor is also configured to associate a requesting user with an available vehicle and generate a temporary vehicle access code and start code, usable during a predetermined time period. The processor is further configured to send the access code and start code to both the user and the vehicle.

Abstract: In a structural analysis using NMR techniques, a method for gathering k-value data from frequency encoded spin echoes generated from internal volumes selectively excited by intersecting 90° and 180° slice selective and refocusing RF pulses and subjected to a read gradient for the purpose of quantifying the spatial frequency content of the selected internal volume without contamination by a FID signal, comprising: acquiring spin echo data such that the FID signal generated by imperfections in the 180° slice selective refocusing RF pulse is attenuated by the read gradient such that any remaining FID signal is spatially encoded with higher k-values than the frequency encoded k-values being recorded for subsequent structural analysis while simultaneously providing for t2 t2* and t1 contrast. Other aspects of the invention are disclosed.

Abstract: Systems and methods are disclosed for presenting live coupons to a consumer. In embodiments, a method includes receiving profile information associated with a consumer, receiving a live coupon associated with the item sold by the retail store, determining that the consumer is at the location of the item associated with the live coupon by comparing the location of the item with the location of the consumer, and transmitting the live coupon to the consumer responsive to the determination that the consumer is at the location of the item.

Abstract: A water play apparatus that includes a tank body where water is collected, a manual pump that allows the water to be circulated through the water play apparatus where the manual pump is located within the tank body, a deck unit which is located within the tank body which the manual pump is mounted upon, a filter unit which is connected to the manual pump by pipe and is located within the tank body underneath the deck unit, and a spout where the water from the manual pump directs water through the filter where water is exerted.

Abstract: A vehicle-based system includes a processor configured to receive policy table updates issued from a remote server. The processor is further configured to update a local policy table based on the updates. The processor is additionally configured to receive a request from a remote application for data access. The processor is further configured to determine, based on the local policy table, if the data access requires user consent. The processor is also configured to determine if required consent is stored in the local policy table and provide data access to the remote application based on stored required consent.

Abstract: A magnetic electrical generator includes a rotational device that rotates a flywheel. The flywheel includes a plurality of magnetic elements that are arranged to alternate in polarity. The plurality of magnets is rotated in between a top and a bottom of at least one pole piece, which creates an alternating B field that is coupled to a pickup coil.

Abstract: In a first illustrative embodiment, a system includes a mobile device processor configured to communicate wirelessly with both a remote server and a vehicle computing system (VCS). The processor is further configured to query the VCS for a module version, relay the module version to a remote system and receive information relating to an updated module version and module. The processor is also configured to query the VCS for vehicle battery information, inform a user of battery sufficiency for a recommended installation of the updated module, and, responsive to a user instruction to proceed with installation, instruct the VCS to download and install the updated module.

Abstract: A computer-implemented authentication method includes receiving a request to access one or more features of a vehicle computing system (VCS) from an application running on a wireless device in communication with the VCS. The method further includes preparing a secure access rights request to a remote server including one or more characteristics associated with the application and sending the secure request from the VCS, through the wireless device to the remote server. The method additionally includes receiving a response to the request having been sent from the remote server through the wireless device. The method includes verifying the authenticity of the received response and updating a policy table including information from the received response, the information including at least an expiration trigger and access rights for the application. Also, the method includes validating the application for usage based at least on the information included in the updated policy table.

Abstract: A method for evaluating a feature. The method includes receiving an image of the feature and determining respective coordinates of a plurality of points on an edge of the feature in the image. A figure having a non-circular and non-linear shape is fitted to the plurality of points, and respective distances between the plurality of points and the figure are determined. A roughness parameter for the feature is computed using the respective distances. The method may be applied in the analysis of critical dimensions (CD) of integrated circuits and, particularly, in the measurement of the edge roughness of their features and components as imaged using electron scanning microscopy (SEM).

Abstract: The disclosed innovation is a method for acquiring spatial frequency spectra from specific locations in a 3D sample using modifications of the current MRI techniques for localized NMR spectroscopy. The innovation in its simplest abstraction is to add the use of a read out gradient to the current NMR spectroscopy pulse sequences and record the resultant echo. These techniques generate spectra from a selected region or generate an image of the results over a region of the sample. These methods can be applied to analyzing the structure of trabecular bone as well as for analyzing or diagnosing disease in cases where there is a difference in the spatial frequency power spectrum due to physiologic or disease processes. Various embodiments are disclosed.

Abstract: A method for evaluating a feature, consisting of receiving an image of the feature and determining respective coordinates of a plurality of points on an edge of the feature in the image. A figure having a noncircular non-linear shape is fitted to the plurality of points, and respective distances between the plurality of points and the figure are determined. A roughness parameter for the feature is computed in response to the respective distances. The method finds application in the analysis of critical dimensions (CD) of integrated circuits and, particularly, in the measurement of the edge roughness of their features and components as imaged by means of eg. The electron scanning microscopy (SEM).

Abstract: A method for treating urinary incontinence includes the steps of inserting into the woman's vagina a first disposable device, removing the first disposable device, and inserting a second disposable device substantially identical to the first disposable device. The disposable devices have a working portion with opposed working surfaces to provide support to an associated urinary system and an anchoring portion to maintain the disposable device in place during use.