Abstract: A linear motion device includes a rod extending along a longitudinal axis, and a plurality of actuator units. Each of the plurality of actuator units includes at least one Shape Memory Alloy (SMA) element that is attached to a coupling mechanism. The at least one SMA element of each if the plurality of actuator units moves the coupling mechanism along the longitudinal axis, and into grasping engagement with the rod. Each actuator unit moves the rod a unit movement distance along the longitudinal axis in response to a control signal. The plurality of actuator units are actuated repeatedly in a cyclic order to move the rod in a continuous linear motion a distance greater than the unit movement distance of each of the plurality of actuator units.

Abstract: An automatically adjusting mirror system including a mirror assembly, a head position sensor configured and arranged to detect a pose of a head of a driver of a vehicle, and a master controller in communication with the mirror assembly and head position sensor. The master controller is configured to receive input from the mirror assembly and head position sensor, and adjust the mirror assembly based on the input from the mirror assembly and the input from the head position sensor to maintain a line of sight for the driver.

Abstract: An automatically adjusting mirror system including a mirror assembly, a head position sensor configured and arranged to detect a pose of a head of a driver of a vehicle, and a master controller in communication with the mirror assembly and head position sensor. The master controller is configured to receive input from the mirror assembly and head position sensor, and adjust the mirror assembly based on the input from the mirror assembly and the input from the head position sensor to maintain a line of sight for the driver.

Abstract: A directional horn may include at least one group of a plurality of speakers or audio emitters. The audio emitters may each emit and audio signal at a same frequency. A processor may control a relative phase difference and relative gain difference between each audio signal, based on a determined direction. The directional horn may be positioned on a vehicle. The determined direction may be based on a direction indicated by a driver controlling the vehicle, external environmental factors, vehicle dynamics, or other factors.

Abstract: An augmented reality system includes a vision output device for displaying virtual images. A sensing device captures an image within a reference frame. The vision output device is captured within the image. A processing unit identifies the vision output device within the reference frame of the captured image and localizes the vision output device within the reference frame of the captured image for identifying an absolute position and orientation of the vision output device within the reference frame of the captured image. The vision output device generates virtual displays to a user at respective locations based on the absolute position and orientation of the vision output device within reference frame of the captured image. The sensing device captures a user's selection of a virtual control. The processing unit identifies the selection of the virtual control within the captured image and enables a control action of a controllable device.

Abstract: A system includes a radar antenna and a radar controller. The radar controller generates two narrowband radar signals, each narrowband radar signal having substantially constant frequency, the frequencies of the two narrowband radar signals differing from one another. The controller operates the radar antenna to transmit each of the generated narrowband radar signals as a transmitted signal, each transmitted signal being characterized by a transmitted power. The controller also measures a received power of received signals that are received by the radar antenna, each received signal including a portion of a corresponding one of the transmitted signals that was returned from an object or from a calibration surface at a known calibration range. A processor operating in accordance with programmed instructions calculates a range to the object on the basis of the transmitted and received powers.

Abstract: A system and method receives image or video feeds from at least two cameras positioned on a platform such as a vehicle, to view a scene from different viewing points. A relative displacement between the video feeds may be selected (e.g., pre-selected, or selected by a system), and display of the feeds may be alternated on a display a chosen flicker or alternation rate, where the video feeds are displaced at the relative displacement.

Abstract: In some embodiments, an adapter is configured to couple an electrical component to a slot in a host device. The electrical component can have at least three sides. The adapter including: (a) a first housing piece configured to be coupled to two or more sides of the at least three sides of the electrical component when the adapter is coupled to the electrical component; and (b) a second housing piece coupled to the first housing piece and configured to couple to a first side of the at least three sides of the electrical component. When the adapter is coupled to the electrical component, a portion of the second housing piece can be configured to be located inside the slot in the host device along with the electrical component. When the adapter is coupled to the electrical component and the portion of the second housing piece is located inside the slot in the host device, the first housing piece can be located outside of the slot. Other embodiments are disclosed in this application.

Abstract: In some embodiments, an adapter is configured to couple an electrical component to a slot in a host device. The electrical component can have at least three sides. The adapter including: (a) a first housing piece configured to be coupled to two or more sides of the at least three sides of the electrical component when the adapter is coupled to the electrical component; and (b) a second housing piece coupled to the first housing piece and configured to couple to a first side of the at least three sides of the electrical component. When the adapter is coupled to the electrical component, a portion of the second housing piece can be configured to be located inside the slot in the host device along with the electrical component. When the adapter is coupled to the electrical component and the portion of the second housing piece is located inside the slot in the host device, the first housing piece can be located outside of the slot. Other embodiments are disclosed in this application.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a computer input device (100) includes: (a) an outer casing (110) with an interior cavity (360); (b) a scrolling mechanism (220) located within the interior cavity and useable through the outer casing; (c) one or more buttons (250) located within the interior cavity and useable through the outer casing; and (c) a movement mechanism (230) located within the interior cavity and configured to detect movement of the outer casing. The outer casing encloses the scrolling mechanism, the at least one button, and the movement sensor such that the computer input device is washable.