Abstract: A method renders photorealistic images in a web browser. The method is performed at a computing device having a general purpose processor and a graphics processing unit (GPU). The method includes obtaining an environment map and images of an input scene. The method also includes computing textures for the input scene including by encoding an acceleration structure of the input scene. The method further includes transmitting the textures to shaders executing on a GPU. The method includes generating samples of the input scene, by performing at least one path tracing algorithm on the GPU, according to the textures. The method also includes lighting or illuminating a sample of the input scene using the environment map, to obtain a lighted scene, and tone mapping the lighted scene. The method includes drawing output on a canvas, in the web browser, based on the tone-mapped scene to render the input scene.

Abstract: Computer-implemented methods and systems are provided for characterizing compatibility between a source group and a target group. Individuals of the source and target groups interact with an electronic-form questionnaire related to a predefined set of professional traits to collect and store question-specific response data to the questionnaire. The question-specific response data is processed to generate a score related to compatibility of the source group and the target group. The question-specific response data is further processed to assign the professional traits to labels that relate to compatibility of the source group and the target group for highlight purposes. The score and additional information based on the traits-to-labels assignment can be presented for display for evaluation of compatibility of the source group and the target group.

Abstract: Disclosed are techniques for generating a photorealistic image by augmenting or compositing at least a portion of a physical structure (e.g., a house) depicted in a two-dimensional (2D) image with synthetic image data. Additionally, disclosed are techniques for augmenting the depicted physical structure and applying a scene effect to the synthetic image data to create a photorealistic effect.

Abstract: Disclosed are techniques for generating a photorealistic image by augmenting or compositing at least a portion of a physical structure (e.g., a house) depicted in a two-dimensional (2D) image with synthetic image data. Additionally, disclosed are techniques for augmenting the depicted physical structure using a minimum amount of three-dimensional (3D) geometric data and applying a scene effect to the synthetic image data to create a photorealistic effect.

Abstract: A modular power tile and method of operating a power distribution system includes generating a predetermined identifying pattern, by a reflectometry module of a power distribution node, injecting, by the reflectometry module, the predetermined identifying pattern, receiving, at the reflectometry module, a reflected incident signal of the predetermined identifying pattern, and scheduling a maintenance task.

Abstract: A method renders photorealistic images in a web browser. The method is performed at a computing device having a general purpose processor and a graphics processing unit (GPU). The method includes obtaining an environment map and images of an input scene. The method also includes computing textures for the input scene including by encoding an acceleration structure of the input scene. The method further includes transmitting the textures to shaders executing on a GPU. The method includes generating samples of the input scene, by performing at least one path tracing algorithm on the GPU, according to the textures. The method also includes lighting or illuminating a sample of the input scene using the environment map, to obtain a lighted scene, and tone mapping the lighted scene. The method includes drawing output on a canvas, in the web browser, based on the tone-mapped scene to render the input scene.

Abstract: A method renders photorealistic images in a web browser. The method is performed at a computing device having a general purpose processor and a graphics processing unit (GPU). The method includes obtaining an environment map and images of an input scene. The method also includes computing textures for the input scene including by encoding an acceleration structure of the input scene. The method further includes transmitting the textures to shaders executing on a GPU. The method includes generating samples of the input scene, by performing at least one path tracing algorithm on the GPU, according to the textures. The method also includes lighting or illuminating a sample of the input scene using the environment map, to obtain a lighted scene, and tone mapping the lighted scene. The method includes drawing output on a canvas, in the web browser, based on the tone-mapped scene to render the input scene.

Abstract: Disclosed are techniques for generating a photorealistic image by augmenting or compositing at least a portion of a physical structure (e.g., a house) depicted in a two-dimensional (2D) image with synthetic image data. Additionally, disclosed are techniques for augmenting the depicted physical structure using a minimum amount of three-dimensional (3D) geometric data and applying a scene effect to the synthetic image data to create a photorealistic effect.

Abstract: A method renders photorealistic images in a web browser. The method is performed at a computing device having a general purpose processor and a graphics processing unit (GPU). The method includes obtaining an environment map and images of an input scene. The method also includes computing textures for the input scene including by encoding an acceleration structure of the input scene. The method further includes transmitting the textures to shaders executing on a GPU. The method includes generating samples of the input scene, by performing at least one path tracing algorithm on the GPU, according to the textures. The method also includes lighting or illuminating a sample of the input scene using the environment map, to obtain a lighted scene, and tone mapping the lighted scene. The method includes drawing output on a canvas, in the web browser, based on the tone-mapped scene to render the input scene.

Abstract: A modular power tile and method of operating a power distribution system includes generating a predetermined identifying pattern, by a reflectometry module of a power distribution node, injecting, by the reflectometry module, the predetermined identifying pattern, receiving, at the reflectometry module, a reflected incident signal of the predetermined identifying pattern, and scheduling a maintenance task.

Abstract: Systems and methods are disclosed for guiding image capture of a subject by determining a location of the subject and presenting on a display graphical guides representative of perspective views of the subject to be captured. Images of the subject may then be captured and additional graphical guides are presented to the user for display for additional images to be captured. Images may be captured in a predetermined sequence of graphical guides or responsive to a user input or camera information. Captured images may be uploaded to a system for additional processing.

Abstract: A process for graphically guiding a user of a capture device (e.g., smartphone) to more accurately and completely capture a series of ground-level images of a building. Ground-level images are captured as the picture taker moves around the building—taking a plurality (e.g., 4-16 for an entire building) of ground level images from multiple angles and/or distances. The series of captured ground level images may be uploaded to an image processing system to create a 3D building model and returned to the user or processed locally. The returned 3D building model may incorporate scaled measurements of building architectural elements and may include a dataset of measurements for one or more architectural elements such as siding (e.g., aluminum, vinyl, wood, brick and/or paint), windows or doors.

Abstract: A process for graphically guiding a user of a capture device (e.g., smartphone) to more accurately and completely capture a series of ground-level images of a building. Ground-level images are captured as the picture taker moves around the building—taking a plurality (e.g., 4-16 for an entire building) of ground level images from multiple angles and/or distances. The series of captured ground level images may be uploaded to an image processing system to create a 3D building model and returned to the user or processed locally. The returned 3D building model may incorporate scaled measurements of building architectural elements and may include a dataset of measurements for one or more architectural elements such as siding (e.g., aluminum, vinyl, wood, brick and/or paint), windows or doors.

Abstract: A yielding rod to counteract seismic activity having a generally cylindrical shape with a narrow portion having a reduced cross-sectional diameter relative to the remaining portions of the yielding rod. The narrow portion spans a length that is approximately 8 times its diameter to approximately 16 times its diameter. A transition area connects the narrow portion of the rod to the remainder of the rod. The transition area spans a length of approximately 0.25 inch to approximately 1.5 inch and has a preferred slope of 30 degrees or less relative to a longitudinal axis of the rod.