Abstract: The disclosure generally pertains to systems and methods for trash collection management. In an example embodiment, a dumpster monitoring apparatus may determine that an amount of garbage in a dumpster exceeds a threshold level (such as, for example, above a full-level marked on the dumpster). If the garbage exceeds the threshold level, the dumpster monitoring apparatus automatically transmits a request to a dumpster management apparatus to dispatch a garbage truck. In an example scenario, the dumpster monitoring apparatus may further determine that a current location of the dumpster is stationed is inaccessible to the garbage truck. Consequently, the dumpster monitoring apparatus may automatically transmit a request to a robot vehicle (such as robotic forklift) to move the dumpster from the current location to a new location that is accessible to the garbage truck. The dumpster monitoring apparatus may then inform the dumpster management apparatus of the new location.

Abstract: A method for controlling an autonomous vehicle is provided. While the vehicle is at a commanded destination the method may be responsive to an absence of an ingress/egress of a passenger for a predetermined period. The predetermined period may depend on whether the vehicle is in arrival mode or departure mode. The method may include commanding the vehicle to travel to a predetermined location selected to have measures of cellular-wireless signal strength that are greater than a predetermined threshold.

Abstract: The disclosure generally pertains to systems and methods for trash collection management. In an example embodiment, a dumpster monitoring apparatus may determine that an amount of garbage in a dumpster exceeds a threshold level (such as, for example, above a full-level marked on the dumpster). If the garbage exceeds the threshold level, the dumpster monitoring apparatus automatically transmits a request to a dumpster management apparatus to dispatch a garbage truck. In an example scenario, the dumpster monitoring apparatus may further determine that a current location of the dumpster is stationed is inaccessible to the garbage truck. Consequently, the dumpster monitoring apparatus may automatically transmit a request to a robot vehicle (such as robotic forklift) to move the dumpster from the current location to a new location that is accessible to the garbage truck. The dumpster monitoring apparatus may then inform the dumpster management apparatus of the new location.

Abstract: This disclosure is generally directed to systems and methods for operating a monitoring system incorporating a digital twin. In one exemplary method of operating the digital twin, one or more images captured by an imaging apparatus may be used to define a first portion of a surveilled area as a zone of primary interest and a second portion of the surveilled area as a zone of secondary interest. The digital twin may be utilized to primarily focus on the zone of primary interest such as for determining a pattern of movement of one or more objects in the zone of primary interest. One or both of the zone of primary interest and the zone of secondary interest may be dynamically redefined upon receiving additional images that indicate a modification in the pattern of movement of one or more objects in the surveilled area.

Abstract: This disclosure is generally directed to systems and methods for operating a monitoring system incorporating a digital twin. In one exemplary method of operating the digital twin, one or more images captured by an imaging apparatus may be used to define a first portion of a surveilled area as a zone of primary interest and a second portion of the surveilled area as a zone of secondary interest. The digital twin may be utilized to primarily focus on the zone of primary interest such as for determining a pattern of movement of one or more objects in the zone of primary interest. One or both of the zone of primary interest and the zone of secondary interest may be dynamically redefined upon receiving additional images that indicate a modification in the pattern of movement of one or more objects in the surveilled area.

Abstract: A method for controlling an autonomous vehicle is provided. While the vehicle is at a commanded destination the method may be responsive to an absence of an ingress/egress of a passenger for a predetermined period. The predetermined period may depend on whether the vehicle is in arrival mode or departure mode. The method may include commanding the vehicle to travel to a predetermined location selected to have measures of cellular-wireless signal strength that are greater than a predetermined threshold.

Abstract: A method is for etching a semiconductor substrate to reveal one or more features buried in the substrate. The method includes performing a first etch step using a plasma in which a bias power is applied to the substrate to produce an electrical bias, performing a second etch step without a bias power or with a bias power which is lower than the bias power applied during the first etch step, and alternately repeating the first and second etch steps.

Abstract: A method is for etching a semiconductor substrate to reveal one or more features buried in the substrate. The method includes performing a first etch step using a plasma in which a bias power is applied to the substrate to produce an electrical bias, performing a second etch step without a bias power or with a bias power which is lower than the bias power applied during the first etch step, and alternately repeating the first and second etch steps.

Abstract: A method is for depositing in a chamber an amorphous silicon layer on a surface of a semiconducting or insulating substrate. In the method, the surface is pretreated with a NH3 plasma prior to deposition of the amorphous silicon layer.

Abstract: A programmable logic array includes a decoder section and an encoder section connected by a plurality of minterm conductors. The decoder section receives a plurality of input signals and in response selects appropriate ones of the minterm conductors. The selection of the minterm conductors enable the encoder selection to transmit a plurality of output signal on respective output conductors. The decoder and encoder sections include a plurality of stages, each controlling a minterm conductor and output conductor in response to the input signals and the selection of the minterm conductor. The stages include control transistors that are connected between a node, to which the respective minterm and output conductors are connected, and switches which enable and disable the control transistors. The nodes are initially precharged while the switches disable the respective transistors. After precharge, the switches enable the transistors in the decoder and encoder section respectively.

Abstract: A programmable logic array includes a decoder section and an encoder section connected by a plurality of minterm conductors. The decoder section receives a plurality of input signals and in response selects appropriate ones of the minterm conductors. The selection of the minterm conductors enable the encoder selection to transmit a plurality of output signal on respective output conductors. The decoder and encoder sections include a plurality of stages, each controlling a minterm conductor and output conductor in response to the input signals and the selection of the minterm conductor. The stages include control transistors that are connected between a node, to which the respective minterm and output conductors are connected, and switches which enable and disable the control transistors. The nodes are initially precharged while the switches disable the respective transistors. After precharge, the switches enable the transistors in the decoder and encoder section respectively.