Abstract: Method and apparatus for enhancing resolution in a light detection and ranging (LiDAR) system. A region of interest is identified within a baseline field of view (FoV), and an emitter is adjusted to apply an enhanced amount of electromagnetic radiation to the region of interest. A detector is used to identify at least one target in the region of interest. A common light source can be used to both illuminate the baseline FoV as well as supply the enhanced energy to the region of interest. Different energy densities can be supplied to the respective areas. A total energy output from the emitter can remain constant so that more power is directed to the region of interest, or energy output from the emitter can be increased to maintain the same energy density to the rest of the baseline FoV.

Abstract: Interference mitigation for a LiDAR system includes identifying a presence or absence of interference from a non-co-located light source in a sample of incident light received by a detector in the LiDAR system. In the absence of interference, a nominal set of reference values is used for one or more spacio-temporal scanning profile trajectory parameters. Scanner components of the LiDAR system are controlled using the nominal set of reference values. In the presence of interference, the nominal set of reference values is augmented to modify the spacio-temporal scanning profile trajectory parameters. Scanner components of the LiDAR system are controlled using the augmented set of reference values to avoid detection of and interference by the non-co-located light source.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for evaluating targets detected by an active light detection and ranging (LiDAR) system. A potential target and associated range information are obtained during an initial scan. An external sensor is initialized to sense additional information associated with the potential target. A criteria based learning circuit combines the external information from the external sensor with information from a subsequent scan to classify the potential target as a true detection condition in which a physical element is present down range from the LiDAR system, or a false positive condition where a physical element is not present down range from the LiDAR system as described by the detected range information. The external sensor may take the form of a camera. The external sensor may scan a larger surrounding area adjacent the detected potential target. Only some targets identified by the LiDAR system may be selected for evaluation using predetermined criteria.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for detecting and compensating for highly reflective targets such as retroreflectors in a light detection and ranging (LiDAR) system. In some embodiments, a bloom event (response) is detected in a detector output in response to the transmission and reflection of emitted light pulses against a target. A beam width of the emitted light pulses on the target is determined. The beam width is used to compensate at least a portion of the bloom response to obtain range information associated with the target. In this way, bloom compensation is provided without shutting down the capabilities of the LiDAR system in detecting the target causing the bloom, as well as in detecting other targets in the field of view.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for reconfiguring a light detection and ranging (LiDAR) system based on detected changes in environmental conditions. In some embodiments, an illumination profile is generated to identify a portion of a field of view (FoV) to which enhanced electromagnetic radiation is to be applied by an emitter of the LiDAR system. A scan profile is generated corresponding to the illumination profile, and the scan profile is applied to an output device of the emitter to produce the selected illumination profile upon targets in the FoV. The scan profile is generated in response to an external sensor that indicates a change in operational environment for the LiDAR system, such as a geopositioning sensor that detects a change in elevation or direction of a vehicle in which the LiDAR system is mounted. An observer and plant model can be incorporated into a servo control system to direct the scanning patterns.

Abstract: A light detection and ranging system can have an avalanche photodiode detector positioned between at least one pair of non-avalanche photodiode detectors with each detector connected to a photon controller. The photon controlled may selectively activate one or more detectors to determine an alignment of photons emitted by one or more emitters.

Abstract: A light detection and ranging system can have a light source coupled to a polygon reflector having a plurality of facets. A controller can be connected to the light source and directed to generate and execute a calibration strategy that alters an orientation of the light source in response to identification of a position of at least one facet of the plurality of facets.

Abstract: A light detection and ranging system can have an occlusion module connected to a light emitter and light detector with the light emitter and light detector each positioned behind a front glass. The occlusion module can be configured to generate an occlusion strategy in response to a real-time map of the front glass with the occlusion strategy populated with at least one operational alteration to correct for the presence of foreign matter indicated by the map of the front glass.

Abstract: Devices and methods are disclosed for trusted listening. In some examples, an apparatus can include an audio receiving device having a microphone configured to capture sound and produce an audio signal, a processing unit configured to add a trusted signature to the audio signal, and an output configured to provide the audio signal. Further, a method of trusted listening can receive a first audio signal representing a real-time sound, generate a trusted signature in an audible format, and produce a second audio signal including the trusted signature.

Abstract: Devices and methods are disclosed for trusted listening. In some examples, an apparatus can include an audio receiving device having a microphone configured to capture sound and produce an audio signal, a processing unit configured to add a trusted signature to the audio signal, and an output configured to provide the audio signal. Further, a method of trusted listening can receive a first audio signal representing a real-time sound, generate a trusted signature in an audible format, and produce a second audio signal including the trusted signature.

Abstract: Systems and methods are disclosed for trusted imaging. In some examples, a trusted imaging device can emit a patterned light onto a real-world scene while an image sensor (e.g. photo or video) generates data representative of the real-world scene. The data can be processed to attempt to recover a pattern of the patterned light from the data. Whether, or to what extent, the pattern can be recovered can be determinative of a trustworthiness of the data from the image sensor. In further examples, the image data can be encrypted, as well as the imaging device output. In still further examples, a depth map of the image data can also be used to determine the trustworthiness of the image data.

Abstract: Various systems and methods for controlling DC motors are disclosed herein. For example, one method provides for controlling a polyphase, brushless DC motor. The method includes providing a DC motor that has a plurality of phases. Such a DC motor operates by inducing a current in the plurality of phases in accordance with a plurality of commutation states. In the example, six commutation states are discussed, but fewer than or more than six commutation states may exist. The method further includes initializing a count, inducing a current in the plurality of phases in accordance with a first commutation state, and incrementing the count until the current achieves a threshold in the first commutation state. Then, a current is induced in the plurality of phases in accordance with a second commutation state, and the count is decremented until the current achieves the threshold in the second commutation state.

Abstract: Various systems and methods for controlling DC motors are disclosed herein. For example, one method provides for controlling a polyphase, brushless DC motor. The method includes providing a DC motor that has a plurality of phases. Such a DC motor operates by inducing a current in the plurality of phases in accordance with a plurality of commutation states. In the example, six commutation states are discussed, but fewer than or more than six commutation states may exist. The method further includes initializing a count, inducing a current in the plurality of phases in accordance with a first commutation state, and incrementing the count until the current achieves a threshold in the first commutation state. Then, a current is induced in the plurality of phases in accordance with a second commutation state, and the count is decremented until the current achieves the threshold in the second commutation state.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods and compositions for analyzing nucleic acids. In particular, the present invention provides methods and compositions for the detection and characterization of nucleic acid sequences and sequence changes. The methods of the present invention permit the detection and/or identification of genetic polymorphism such as those associated with human disease and permit the identification of pathogens (e.g., viral and bacterial strain identification).

Abstract: The present invention relates to means for the detection and characterization of nucleic acid sequences, as well as variations in nucleic acid sequences. The present invention also relates to methods for forming a nucleic acid cleavage structure on a target sequence and cleaving the nucleic acid cleavage structure in a site-specific manner. The structure-specific nuclease activity of a variety of enzymes is used to cleave the target-dependent cleavage structure, thereby indicating the presence of specific nucleic acid sequences or specific variations thereof.

Abstract: The present invention relates to means for the detection and characterization of nucleic acid sequences, as well as variations in nucleic acid sequences. The present invention also relates to methods for forming a nucleic acid cleavage structure on a target sequence and cleaving the nucleic acid cleavage structure in a site-specific manner. The structure-specific nuclease activity of a variety of enzymes is used to cleave the target-dependent cleavage structure, thereby indicating the presence of specific nucleic acid sequences or specific variations thereof.

Abstract: A control apparatus controls retraction of a device carried on a moveable member actuated by an electric motor after a sudden power loss. The control apparatus includes a measuring circuit for measuring a back electromotive force (back EMF) from the electric motor during a measuring phase. The control apparatus also includes a controller which receives the actual velocity and provides a command signal for controlling a magnitude of the drive current based on a commanded velocity and the actual velocity of the moveable member. The control apparatus further comprises a current control loop for providing a command current signal based on the current provided to the electric motor and the command signal, and for providing the electric motor with the drive current during a driving phase based on the command current signal.

Abstract: A control apparatus controls retraction of a device carried on a moveable member actuated by an electric motor. The control apparatus includes a measuring circuit with an output during a measuring phase including a back electromotive force (back EMF) from the electric motor plus a measuring circuit offset voltage. The control apparatus also includes an offset removing circuit connected to the output of the measuring circuit. The back EMF from the electric motor is provided at the output of the offset removing circuit. A driver circuit is connected to terminals of the electric motor for providing the electric motor with a drive current during a driving phase with a magnitude based on the back EMF from the electric motor.

Abstract: The invention provides methods for diagnosing B-cell lymphoma in an animal. In particular, the invention provides methods for distinguishing an animal having diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) with an activated B-cell (ABC) phenotype from an animal having DLBCL with a non-activated germinal-center (GC) phenotype. The invention also provides methods for identifying compounds for treating B-cell lymphoma. The invention further provides reagents and methods for determining the amount of miR-155 in sample isolated from an animal. In this regard, the invention provides a set of oligonucleotides for determining the amount of miR-155 in sample isolated from an animal.

Abstract: The present invention relates to means for cleaving a nucleic acid cleavage structure in a site-specific manner. Enzymes, including 5? nucleases and 3? exonucleases, are used to detect and identify nucleic acids derived from microorganisms. Methods are provided which allow for the detection and identification of bacterial and viral pathogens in a sample.