Abstract: The present invention provides a system (method and apparatus) for creating photorealistic 3D models of environments and/or objects from a plurality of stereo images obtained from a mobile stereo camera and optional monocular cameras. The cameras may be handheld, mounted on a mobile platform, manipulator or a positioning device. The system automatically detects and tracks features in image sequences and self-references the stereo camera in 6 degrees of freedom by matching the features to a database to track the camera motion, while building the database simultaneously. A motion estimate may be also provided from external sensors and fused with the motion computed from the images. Individual stereo pairs are processed to compute dense 3D data representing the scene and are transformed, using the estimated camera motion, into a common reference and fused together. The resulting 3D data is represented as point clouds, surfaces, or volumes.

Abstract: The invention provides various methods and systems for collecting and allocating road use fees. The invention may include receiving funds from a party, wherein the party is responsible for operation of a vehicle. Data indicating where the vehicle has travelled may be received by a computer system. A jurisdiction may be identified where road use fees are due based on where the vehicle has travelled. Fees due to the jurisdiction may be calculated based on the jurisdiction's road use fee schedule. The fee due for road use may be deducted from an account of the vehicle's operator.

Abstract: An active voice-band filter includes a regulator to regulate an input current to the regulator and to convert DC voltage from an input bus to a higher DC voltage at an output of the regulator; an output voltage feedback loop, connected to the output of a regulator, for generating an output voltage value; and a current control loop for generating a control signal to regulate an input current of the regulator, where the control signal is based on an input bus current measurement and a reference voltage value. The reference voltage value is calculated using both of the output voltage value and an input bus voltage signal. The regulator regulates the input current to the regulator, based on the control signal, to reject voice band range current harmonics from the higher DC voltage.

Abstract: An automated conversion method and apparatus are provided to automatically detect the type of an incoming signal (e.g., SONET or Ethernet signal) at a site and to encapsulate outgoing data, or not, based on that detection to facilitate conversion to new infrastructure (e.g., TDM to Ethernet). The automatic detection can be achieved by alternating a search for a SONET signal or Ethernet signal received after a loss of signal or other similar event. Diagnostics of any prior valid transmission are retained in case the disruption was due to transmission quality problem rather than a change in the transmission protocol (i.e. SONET to Ethernet or Ethernet to SONET). The apparatus has an FPGA loaded by a microprocessor with the hardware configuration necessary to support either an IP or SONET configuration when change is detected in the format of the signal arriving at the optical port of the premises device.

Abstract: One example embodiment includes a method for computing environment redundancy with check pointing. The method includes receiving a script application in a first computing environment and a second computing environment. The method further includes receiving the one or more scripts in the first computing environment and the second computing environment. The method further includes executing the script application and at least one of the one or more scripts in the first computing environment and preparing a snapshot of the state of the first computing environment at predetermined checkpoints in the script application and the one or more scripts. The method further includes saving the snapshot to a memory in the first computing environment, transmitting the snapshot to the second computing environment and saving the snapshot to a memory in the second computing environment.

Abstract: One example embodiment includes a method for providing multi-tenancy in a computing environment. The method includes receiving a script in a computing environment, where the script includes one or more actions to be completed by the computing environment. The method further includes providing one or more computing resources in the computing environment and building an action list for the one or more computing resources, where the action list is a data structure that contains a list of one or more actions to be executed by the one or more computing resources. The method further includes transmitting a first action to one of the one or more computing resources, where the first action is one of the one or more actions. The method further includes executing the first action in the one of the one or more computing resources and indicating to the action list the completion of the first action.

Abstract: One example embodiment includes a method for compiling one or more scripts on a per-action basis. The method includes receiving a script including one or more actions to be accomplished by a script application. The method further includes determining if the script has been previously compiled and determining if the script has been changed since it was last compiled. The method further includes retrieving the compiled script from a memory if the script was previously compiled and if the script has not been changed since it was last compiled. The method further includes compiling the script if it has not been previously compiled or if the script has been changed since it was last compiled. Compiling the script includes translating the script from source code to machine code, saving the machine code to the memory and identifying the script as compiled. The method further includes executing the compiled script.

Abstract: A method of detecting a risk of a pregnant female mammal developing pre-eclampsia or a complication linked thereto, or of a fetus of the pregnant female mammal developing a fetal or neonatal deficiency linked to maternal pre-eclampsia, comprises detecting the level of a VEGFxxxb in a sample from the pregnant female mammal at less than about 24 weeks of gestation and comparing the detected level with a reference level. A reduced level in the sample from the pregnant female mammal is indicative of a risk of the pregnant female mammal developing pre-eclampsia or a complication linked thereto or of the fetus developing the fetal or neonatal deficiency linked to maternal pre-eclampsia.

Abstract: A system and method provide enhanced link loss forwarding in an Ethernet system to determine link degradation and to selectively block and re-establish transport between a near end device and far end device based on link status detection using local packets. When an excessive number of errors are detected in an Ethernet port, a device enters a Links Off mode from a Transport mode where Ethernet ports are turned off at both ends of a circuit associated with the errors. A Block Transport mode is then entered where local packets (e.g., OAM packets) are monitored to evaluate link quality. Transport mode is re-established when acceptable link quality is achieved for a selected period of time.

Abstract: A system for creating photorealistic 3D models of environments and/or objects from a plurality of stereo images obtained from a mobile stereo camera and optional monocular cameras, for enhancing 3D models of environments or objects by registering information from additional sensors to improve model fidelity or to augment it with supplementary information using a light pattern projector, and for generating photo-realistic 3D models of underground environments such as tunnels, mines, voids and caves, including automatic registration of the 3D models with pre-existing underground maps. The cameras may be handheld, mounted on a mobile platform, manipulator or a positioning device. The system automatically detects and tracks features in image sequences and self-references the stereo camera in 6 degrees of freedom by matching the features to a database to track the camera motion, while building the database simultaneously.

Abstract: A method for tracking status of an inventory shipment sent to a recipient includes monitoring whether the recipient has transmitted an electronic acknowledgment of the status of the shipment; and automatically transmitting a message to the recipient requesting acknowledgment of receipt of inventory if the electronic acknowledgment is not transmitted by the recipient within a first predetermined amount of time.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to branched macromolecules and their use as imaging or contrast agents. In particular, the invention relates to dendrimers, derived from lysine or lysine analogues, bearing a plurality of functional moieties and their application to imaging techniques in which a disease state may be imaged with a targeted contrast agent.

Abstract: Combustion apparatus for use with a solid fuel has a firebox constructed at least in part of a fired refractory carbide material. The fired refractory carbide material has a catalytic effect on the combustion process providing a cleaner and more efficient combustion. The fired refractory material also absorbs heat from the combustion process directly or indirectly by heat exchange with combustion products and dissipates the absorbed heat over an extended period of time providing space heating after the combustion process is completed.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing microneedle structures is disclosed using soft lithography and photolithography, in which micromold structures made of a photoresist material or PDMS are created. The micromold manufacturing occurs quite quickly, using inexpensive materials and processes. Once the molds are available, using moldable materials such as polymers, microneedle arrays can be molded or embossed in relatively fast procedures. In some cases a sacrificial layer is provided between the forming micromold and its substrate layer, for ease of separation. The microneedles themselves can be solid projections, hollow “microtubes,” or shallow “microcups.” Electrodes can be formed on the microneedle arrays, including individual electrodes per hollow microtube.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for diagnosis of pre-eclampsia which comprises measuring urate in a biological sample. The sample is preferably maternal saliva.

Abstract: The present invention provides for a novel system and method of charging rechargeable batteries of all types, sizes, and voltages, including lithium-ion batteries, through the application of an oscillatory or other time-dependent voltage and/or current prior to, following, and/or simultaneously with the application of a constant voltage and/or current during the charging phase of the rechargeable battery. The novel battery charging method results in a reduction in charging time and an increase in discharge capacity and cell lifetime without adversely affecting the capacity of the battery.

Abstract: A system and method for transmitting DS3 signals over long distances over a plurality of twisted pair conductors is provided. A DS3 interface is provided. The DS3 signal is inversely multiplexed into a plurality of data streams. Overhead is added to the data streams to generate packets having stream identifiers and packet number identifiers. At the receive end, received packets are synchronized using the stream and packet number identifiers, and multiplexed back into a DS3 signal. Systems according to embodiments of the invention are compatible with existing loopback codes, passing through a first loopback code received, and optionally entering a loopback mode where more than one loopback code is received consecutively without an intervening loop down code being received. The incorporated technology permits very small packaging and thereby permits use in small outdoor enclosures.

Abstract: A system and method are outlined for controlling and optimizing chemical injection into a process unit to control fouling. The method uses an optical device to measure the fouling propensity of the process fluid at various points within the process unit. The measurements are compared with one another and prediction methods are used to evaluate the fouling potential within the unit, and determine the proper chemical dosage. Antifoulant chemical is then introduced into the unit to control the rate of fouling. The method and application continue on a frequent basis to maintain optimal fouling control within the unit.

Abstract: The present invention provides a system (method and apparatus) for creating photorealistic 3D models of environments and/or objects from a plurality of stereo images obtained from a mobile stereo camera and optional monocular cameras. The cameras may be handheld, mounted on a mobile platform, manipulator or a positioning device. The system automatically detects and tracks features in image sequences and self-references the stereo camera in 6 degrees of freedom by matching the features to a database to track the camera motion, while building the database simultaneously. A motion estimate may be also provided from external sensors and fused with the motion computed from the images. Individual stereo pairs are processed to compute dense 3D data representing the scene and are transformed, using the estimated camera motion, into a common reference and fused together. The resulting 3D data is represented as point clouds, surfaces, or volumes.

Abstract: The present invention provides a system (method and apparatus) for creating photorealistic 3D models of environments and/or objects from a plurality of stereo images obtained from a mobile stereo camera and optional monocular cameras. The cameras may be handheld, mounted on a mobile platform, manipulator or a positioning device. The system automatically detects and tracks features in image sequences and self-references the stereo camera in 6 degrees of freedom by matching the features to a database to track the camera motion, while building the database simultaneously. A motion estimate may be also provided from external sensors and fused with the motion computed from the images. Individual stereo pairs are processed to compute dense 3D data representing the scene and are transformed, using the estimated camera motion, into a common reference and fused together. The resulting 3D data is represented as point clouds, surfaces, or volumes.