Abstract: A method of operating an autonomous vehicle is disclosed. An instruction is received at a human machine interface to select between a first mode of operation of the vehicle and a second mode of operation of the vehicle. The human machine interface includes a display and a convertible interface. The convertible interface includes a touch-sensitive surface and is connected to a universal joint. In the first mode of operation, the convertible interface is moved to a first position with respect to the human machine interface and receives a command from an operator via a gesture at the touch-sensitive surface. In the second mode of operation, the convertible interface is moved to a second position and receives the command from the operator through a motion of the touch-sensitive surface that rotates the universal joint. The command can also be entered at a remote communication device and communicated to the autonomous vehicle.

Abstract: An apparatus for operation of an autonomous vehicle is disclosed. A deployment mechanism is coupled to a convertible interface. The convertible interface includes a rod having a first end and a second end, a touch-sensitive surface connected to the rod at the first end, and a universal joint connected to the rod at the second end, wherein the rod is configured to rotate about the universal joint. The deployment mechanism is configured to move the convertible interface between a first position and a second position. In the first position, the touch-sensitive surface receives a command when an operator moves a pointing device along the touch-sensitive surface in a gesture that indicates the command. In the second position, the convertible interface receives the command when the operator moves the touch-sensitive surface to cause a rotation at the universal joint that indicates the command.

Abstract: The disclosure is directed at a method and system for improved search functionality. By using natural language processing (NLP), individual words in a search term may be parsed and then individually stored. The relationships between the individual words of the search term may also be stored such that when the search is repeated, the previous results may be retrieved and, if not, a more accurate search may be performed.

Abstract: A system and method is provided for color matching two or more electronic displays of a display system. The method includes: obtaining first and second spectral response readings for first and second electronic displays from spectral response device(s); determining first and second spectral response curves based on the first and second spectral response readings; determining first and second spectral power distributions based on the first and second spectral response readings; determining a first device-to-independent color mapping based on the first spectral response curve and the first spectral power distribution; determining a second device-to-independent color mapping based on the second spectral response curve and the second spectral power distribution; and configuring a display system having the first electronic display and the second electronic display to match colors being displayed based on using the first device-to-independent color mapping and the second device-to-independent color mapping.

Abstract: The disclosure is directed at a method and system for improved search functionality. By using natural language processing (NLP), individual words in a search term may be parsed and then individually stored. The relationships between the individual words of the search term may also be stored such that when the search is repeated, the previous results may be retrieved and, if not, a more accurate search may be performed.

Abstract: The process for manufacturing unsaturated mononitriles, such as acrylonitrile and methacrylonitrile, has been modified to add a partially condensed quench effluent stripper column to remove high boiling organic compounds from the reactor effluent prior to introduction into the extractive distillation recovery column. The high boiling organic compounds are preferably removed after the ammonia in the reactor effluent has been neutralized and the neutralization products have been removed. The targeted high boiling organic compounds are associated with fouling in the recovery section of the plant.

Abstract: A dishwasher is provided, comprising a tub member defining an opening and a door member configured to operably engage the tub member so as to cover the opening. A hinge portion is operably engaged with each of the tub member and the door member, wherein the respective hinge portions are pivotably secured together by a hinge pin so as to pivot about a substantially horizontal hinge axis. The door member hinge portion is over-center biased by a biasing member. A friction-reducing bushing is operably engaged with the hinge pin so as to isolate the hinge pin from direct contact with the door member hinge portion when the hinge portions are secured together. An associated method is also provided.

Abstract: Aspects of the invention provide systems and methods for converting a digital image represented in a lower bit depth representation to a higher bit depth representation. A saturation region is identified, where a color model value of the pixels in the saturation region is above an upper saturation threshold or below a lower saturation threshold. The color model value for each pixel in the saturation region is then adjusted by a corresponding adjustment. The magnitude of the adjustment for each pixel is based on characteristics of the image data.

Abstract: Aspects of the invention provide systems and methods for converting a digital image represented in a lower bit depth representation to a higher bit depth representation. A saturation region is identified, where a color model value of the pixels in the saturation region is above an upper saturation threshold or below a lower saturation threshold. The color model value for each pixel in the saturation region is then adjusted by a corresponding adjustment. The magnitude of the adjustment for each pixel is based on characteristics of the image data.

Abstract: A display has a screen which incorporates a light modulator. The screen may be a front projection screen or a rear-projection screen. The screen is illuminated with light from a light source comprising an array of controllable light-emitters. The controllable-emitters and elements of the light modulator may be controlled to adjust the intensity of light emanating from corresponding areas on the screen. The display may provide a high dynamic range.

Abstract: Acrolein is removed from a process stream such as a process stream generated in the manufacture of acrylonitrile. The process includes reacting the acrolein with a compound containing a reactable thiol or hydroxyl moiety in the presence of an acid catalyst. The present process provides for a refined process stream that contains no more than 5 ppm by weight unreacted acrolein.

Abstract: A display has a screen which incorporates a light modulator. The screen may be a front projection screen or a rear-projection screen. The screen is illuminated with light from a light source comprising an array of controllable light-emitters. The controllable-emitters and elements of the light modulator may be controlled to adjust the intensity of light emanating from corresponding areas on the screen. The display may provide a high dynamic range.

Abstract: A method for capturing multiple sets of image data with an electronic camera having a shutter and an electronic shutter for selectively allowing light to reach an image sensor comprises opening the shutter and the electronic shutter, allowing light to reach the image sensor for a first exposure time, closing the electronic shutter, reading out pixel data captured during the first exposure time, allowing light to reach the image sensor for a second exposure time, and, reading out pixel data captured during the second exposure time. The method may be used to obtain multiple differently exposed images of a scene for combination into a high dynamic range image.

Abstract: A nitrile-containing mixture, which includes a nitrile dissolved in a higher alcohol solvent, and hydrogen are fed to a reactor containing a catalyst. An amine is produced by hydrogenating the nitrile that is dissolved in the higher alcohol solvent. In a preferred embodiment, the reactor also contains a caustic solution. The preferred nitrile-containing mixture includes octadecaneditrile (ODDN) and hexanol to produce a preferred octadecanediamine (ODDA) through hydrogenation.

Abstract: A well-bias system dynamically adjusts well-bias set points to optimal levels across an integrated circuit (IC) for enhanced power savings and component reliability during a standby or low-power mode of operation. A controller within the IC determines if the chip power supply voltage will be reduced during an imminent standby or low power mode and sets a register controlling a negative well-bias set point for asserting well-bias to charge wells of the IC accordingly. To minimize leakage current without compromising reliability, the well-bias set point is set to (1) an optimal well-bias set point if a reduced supply voltage is to be applied to the IC, or (2) a minimum well-bias set point when a nominal or high supply voltage is to be applied to the IC.

Abstract: A method for capturing multiple sets of image data with an electronic camera having a shutter and an electronic shutter for selectively allowing light to reach an image sensor comprises opening the shutter and the electronic shutter, allowing light to reach the image sensor for a first exposure time, closing the electronic shutter, reading out pixel data captured during the first exposure time, allowing light to reach the image sensor for a second exposure time, and, reading out pixel data captured during the second exposure time. The method may be used to obtain multiple differently exposed images of a scene for combination into a high dynamic range image.

Abstract: A high visibility fabric for use in safety apparel comprising a nonwoven web material and fluorescent pigment. The fluorescent pigment concentration in the fabric is greater on the outer surface of nonwoven web material due to preferential thermal treatment of the outer surface before or after web formation.

Abstract: The present invention describes a unique liquid impermeable elastic laminate comprised of elastic films and elastic-nonwovens that is rendered breathable during manufacture by creating rings of porosity surrounding the weld points used to bond the laminate during its manufacture.

Abstract: A tool for removal of a damaged spark/glow plug has an electrode end, an electrical connector end, and an insulator therebetween. The plug further has a damaged or missing wrench-engaging member having a pre-damaged width-across-corners diameter and disposed between the insulator and the electrode end. The plug has a body adjacent the wrench-engaging member or a position previously occupied by the wrench engaging member. The body has a reduced diameter from the wrench-engaging member width-across-corners diameter. The tool includes a plug engaging end having an interior surface having a geometry adapted to cut into the body of the spark/glow plug. The tool further includes an end opposed to the plug engaging end and adapted to be matingly engageable with a wrench.