Abstract: A data extraction system for extracting a unique identifier from a plurality of different types of tokens, the data extraction system comprising a central processing system arranged to receive a data string representing an image of the token, the central processing system comprises: a data store of predetermined data records relating to the plurality of different types of token, each predetermined data record including a plurality of discrete features derived from an image of each type of token; a token type recognition module for identifying a type of token which the representation relates to, the recognition module comprising: a discrete feature identifier for iteratively identifying discrete features present in the representation; and a matching engine for iteratively comparing each of the identified features with each of the discrete features of the plurality of different types of token stored in the data store and registering each matched feature; wherein the recognition module is arranged to compare a c

Abstract: A data extraction system for extracting a unique identifier from a plurality of different types of tokens, the data extraction system comprising a central processing system arranged to receive a data string representing an image of the token, the central processing system comprises: a data store of predetermined data records relating to the plurality of different types of token, each predetermined data record including a plurality of discrete features derived from an image of each type of token; a token type recognition module for identifying a type of token which the representation relates to, the recognition module comprising: a discrete feature identifier for iteratively identifying discrete features present in the representation; and a matching engine for iteratively comparing each of the identified features with each of the discrete features of the plurality of different types of token stored in the data store and registering each matched feature; wherein the recognition module is arranged to compare a c

Abstract: Described is a method for manufacturing a radio frequency (RF) absorber. The method includes first determining a set of desired RF absorption properties for a RF absorber. A computer model for the RF absorber having the determined set of desired RF absorption properties is then produced. Using a three-dimensional (3D) printing process, melted plastic filament loaded with a RF absorber material is deposited in in computer controlled patterns according to the computer model, thereby producing the RF absorber having the set of desired RF absorption properties.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for facilitating networking in a social network. A computer system identifies a group of features in an image for a person in the social network. The computer system also identifies a characteristic for networking from the group of features. Further, the computer system identifies a set of people in the social network having the characteristic. The computer system also performs an action enabling networking in the social network with respect to the person and the set of people in the social network having the characteristic.

Abstract: A system to convey user alert messages is disclosed. The system may have a alert service coupled between alert providers and a number of households. After receiving in the alert service an alert message from an alert provider, the alert service may alter the alert message to identify the household designated to receive the alert message. The alert service sends a notification to a home media system within the household designated to receive the alert message.

Abstract: The invention relates to a rheometer comprising of a container for receiving a material sample to be investigated, a shaft with a rotating body which is immersed into the material sample, and a container lid that moves in the axial direction of the shaft into the sample container to deliver consolidating stress to the material sample. The forces acting on the material sample due to the rotation of the rotating body and the motion of the container lid and the location of the sample lid are measured as consolidating stress and rotational strain are applied and removed from the material sample.

Abstract: A computer-implemented method can include receiving, by one or more computing devices, one or more prior evaluations of performance of a machine learning model, the one or more prior evaluations being respectively associated with one or more prior variants of the machine-learning model, the one or more prior variants of the machine-learning model each having been configured using a different set of adjustable parameter values. The method can include utilizing, by the one or more computing devices, an optimization algorithm to generate a suggested variant of the machine-learning model based at least in part on the one or more prior evaluations of performance and the associated set of adjustable parameter values, the suggested variant of the machine-learning model being defined by a suggested set of adjustable parameter values.

Abstract: A networked speaker system automatically adjusts certain audio speaker system settings based on whether the system is inside a building or has been moved outside as may be sensed by one or capacitors on a speaker. Also, techniques are described for adjusting speaker driver direction based on walls or other barriers in a room or based on the location of a listener.

Abstract: A networked speaker system communicates using Ethernet. Both power and audio data are communicated over a single Ethernet cable to each speaker, so that the speakers need not be located near power outlets.

Abstract: A networked speaker system communicates using Ethernet. Both power and audio data are communicated over a single Ethernet cable to each speaker, so that the speakers need not be located near power outlets.

Abstract: A networked speaker system automatically adjusts certain audio speaker system settings based on whether the system is inside a building or has been moved outside. Also, techniques are described for adjusting speaker driver direction based on walls or other barriers in a room or based on the location of a listener.

Abstract: Left and right ear HRTF coefficients are determined for an end user, one each for each of a plurality of head orientations, and provided to the end user on a portable recording medium, or via the Internet, etc. The user can then implement the files on audio played on the user's headphones, with the file corresponding to the user's head orientation being selected as the user moves his head to ensure the sound as perceived by the user remains emanating from a fixed external location. The user's personal HRTF may be generated using panoramic images of the ears, such as multiple 2D images or 3D imaging.

Abstract: A computer-implemented method for black box optimization of parameters of a system, product, or process, can include performing, by one or more computing devices, one or more iterations of a sequence of operations which includes: determining whether to sample an argument value from a feasible set of argument values using a first approach or using a second approach, wherein each argument value of the feasible set defines values for each of plural parameters of a system, product, or process; and based on the determination, sampling the argument value using the first approach or the second approach wherein the first approach includes sampling the argument value at random from the feasible set and the second approach includes sampling, by the one or more computing devices, the argument value from a subset of the feasible set that is defined based on a ball around a current best argument value.

Abstract: A networked speaker system automatically moves a speaker in one or more of the horizontal planes, the vertical plane, and elevation (z-dimension) to maintain the axis of the sound cone directed toward a listener as a listener moves about a space. In addition, or alternatively, the speaker can be moved to optimize sound performance when multiple speakers are activated.

Abstract: A networked speaker system automatically moves a speaker in one or more of the horizontal planes, the vertical plane, and elevation (z-dimension) to maintain the axis of the sound cone directed toward a listener as a listener moves about a space. In addition, or alternatively, the speaker can be moved to optimize sound performance when multiple speakers are activated.

Abstract: A networked speaker system automatically adjusts certain audio speaker system settings based on whether the system is inside a building or has been moved outside. Also, techniques are described for adjusting speaker driver direction based on walls or other barriers in a room or based on the location of a listener.

Abstract: Media content is received in a windows management application. The media content is from a set of content including zero or more television signal content and zero or more application content. The media content is incorporated into a television signal containing a window configuration. The television signal is then sent from the windows management application to a television where it is displayed.

Abstract: Extracorporeal circuit devices can be used for on-pump open-heart surgery to support surgical procedures such as coronary artery bypass grafting. In some cases, a centrifugal pump is used as part of an extracorporeal circuit. Centrifugal pump heads are described herein that induce flow on two sides of an impeller plate, and that can be conveniently mechanically assembled.

Abstract: A system and method are provided for object tracking in a sequence of images of a scene acquired by an imaging device. The method includes generating a representation of an object and its surroundings; generating a tracking score based on the representation of the object and its surroundings, and a classification scheme; detecting a peak in the tracking score corresponding to a location of the object in the image; and adjusting the representation of the object and its surroundings and the classification scheme according to one or more new appearances of the object.

Abstract: Personalized HRTFs for each of plural computer game participants are convolved with functions representing the acoustics of a physical room in which each participant is located or representing the acoustics of a virtual space in the game environment. Head-tracking of each participant may be employed as the game is played and the HRTFs established accordingly. As the game progresses, the location of each player's character within the virtual game space with respect to the other players is tracked and audio adjusted accordingly. If desired, audio can be down-mixed from, e.g., 5.1 audio and then up-rendered for each player by the game console or by the players' local game interface, e.g., a computer game head-worn visor assembly.