Abstract: A multi-dimensional track pad is described that acts as human-machine interface (HMI). Inputs to the HMI can be made not only using the tradition two-dimensional (X-Y) inputs of a track pad, but also a third dimension, force, and even a fourth dimension, time. Tactile or audible feedback to the inputs can be provided. Methods of using the HMI to control a system are described as well as a track pad system that utilizes the HMI in communication with a processor.

Abstract: A method of performing XBRL extension taxonomy concept replacement includes analyzing, by a processor, an XBRL document having XBRL tags to identify an XBRL extension taxonomy concept of an XBRL extension taxonomy that is superfluous in comparison with an XBRL base taxonomy concept for an XBRL base taxonomy upon which the XBRL extension taxonomy is based. The processor is configured to identify an extension extended linkrole in the XBRL extension taxonomy that includes the identified XBRL extension taxonomy concept, determine a base extended linkrole in the XBRL base taxonomy that matches the extension extended linkrole, determine an XBRL base taxonomy concept in the base extended linkrole that matches the identified XBRL extension taxonomy concept, and replace the identified XBRL extension taxonomy concept with the XBRL base taxonomy concept in the base extended linkrole.

Abstract: Various implementations relate to an operator monitoring system (OMS). Certain implementations include an OMS coupled to a rotatable portion of a steering wheel assembly of a vehicle. For example, the OMS may include an imaging unit, such as a camera, that is coupled to a central hub portion of the steering wheel assembly. The imaging unit has a field of view directed toward one or more occupants in the vehicle and is configured to capture an image signal corresponding to an imaging area in the field of view. The imaging area can be configured to encapsulate an expected position of one or more vehicle occupants. The OMS also includes one or more processing units in electrical communication with the imaging unit that receives and processes the image signal from the imaging unit to determine an occupant state and, in some implementations, provide feedback based on the determined occupant state.

Abstract: Various implementations include a vehicle occupant imaging system that is disposed within a vehicle. The system includes an automotive clock spring, at least one imaging unit, and a first processing unit. The automotive clock spring includes a rotor to which a rotatable portion of the steering wheel assembly is coupled, a stator coupled to a stationary portion of the vehicle, and a set of wires extending between the rotor and stator. The imaging unit is coupled to the rotatable portion of the steering wheel assembly. The first processing unit is disposed within the rotor and is configured for electrically receiving image signals captured by the imaging unit and selecting at least a portion of the image signals for communicating to a second processing unit disposed outside of the rotor. The selected image signals are electrically communicated to the second processing unit via the set of electrical wires.

Abstract: Various implementations include a light bar system for a steering wheel of a vehicle that includes a high intensity light source, a light diffusing layer, and an outer lens. For example, in certain implementations, the light diffusing layer is disposed between a plurality of high intensity light emitting diodes (LEDs) and an outer lens, and the light diffusing layer causes the light from the LEDs to appear as a continuous stream of light across a length of the lens and provides sufficiently bright lighting to warn or communicate with the driver in various ambient lighting conditions. In certain implementations, the outer lens is colored to blend in with the rest of the steering wheel when the LEDs are not activated.

Abstract: Various implementations of a horn system include one or more force sensors disposed on a first portion of a driver air bag module and one or more actuators disposed on a second portion of the driver air bag module. For example, the force sensors may be disposed adjacent a perimeter of a base plate of the driver air bag module, and the actuators may extend inwardly toward the force sensors from an inner surface of a cover of the driver air bag module, or vice versa. To actuate the horn, the cover is moved axially toward the base plate, causing the actuators to apply force to the force sensors. Force signals received from the force sensors are used by one or more processors to determine characteristics of the force received and/or select a control message for communicating to the horn system based on the force signal characteristics.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a method for recovering at least one product from a fermentation broth. The invention relates to the use of a vacuum distillation vessel to recover products, such as ethanol, from a fermentation broth, where the fermentation broth comprises viable microbial biomass, and where the recovery of the product is completed in such a manner to ensure the viability of the microbial biomass. The invention provides for product recovery at an effective rate so as to prevent the accumulation of product in the fermentation broth. To ensure the viability of the microbial biomass, the invention is designed to reduce the amount of stress on the microbial biomass. By ensuring the viability of the microbial biomass, the microbial biomass may be recycled and reused in the fermentation process, which may result in an increased efficiency of the fermentation process.

Abstract: A Powersports vehicle is disclosed which includes a frame, ground engaging members supporting the frame, comprising at least two front wheel, and a power source for driving the front wheels. A front drive is coupled to the power source and to the front wheels, the front drive being coupled to the frame through isolation mounts to reduce vibration of the front drive through the frame.

Abstract: Various implementations include a vehicle occupant imaging system that is disposed within a vehicle. The system includes an automotive clock spring, at least one imaging unit, and a first processing unit. The automotive clock spring includes a rotor to which a rotatable portion of the steering wheel assembly is coupled, a stator coupled to a stationary portion of the vehicle, and a set of wires extending between the rotor and stator. The imaging unit is coupled to the rotatable portion of the steering wheel assembly. The first processing unit is disposed within the rotor and is configured for electrically receiving image signals captured by the imaging unit and selecting at least a portion of the image signals for communicating to a second processing unit disposed outside of the rotor. The selected image signals are electrically communicated to the second processing unit via the set of electrical wires.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a device and associated method for recovering at least one product from a fermentation broth. The invention relates to the use of a vacuum distillation vessel to recover products, such as ethanol, from a fermentation broth, where the fermentation broth comprises viable microbial biomass, and where the recovery of the product is completed in such a manner to ensure the viability of the microbial biomass. The invention provides for product recovery at an effective rate so as to prevent the accumulation of product in the fermentation broth. To ensure the viability of the microbial biomass, the invention is designed to reduce the amount of stress on the microbial biomass. By ensuring the viability of the microbial biomass, the microbial biomass may be recycled and reused in the fermentation process, which may result in an increased efficiency of the fermentation process.

Abstract: Various implementations of a track pad system include an array of force sensors disposed between a base surface and a touch interface plate. The touch interface plate passes touch forces incident on an upper surface thereof to one or more of the force sensors in the array. At least one light source is disposed adjacent the touch interface plate such that the light from the light source is directed through the touch interface plate to illuminate at least a portion of the upper surface of the touch interface plate. One or more icons may be disposed adjacent the illuminated portion of the touch interface plate.

Abstract: A server including instructions to perform a method for managing replacement of a consumable in an imaging device, which includes, determining a remaining life of a consumable installed in the imaging device; determining an average number of pages printed in the imaging device during a predetermined period; identifying a number of days of use remaining based upon a rated life of the consumable, the remaining life of the consumable, and the average number of pages printed; and determining whether the number of days of use remaining is within a predefined floor range. Upon at least one of a determination that the number of days of use remaining is within a predetermined threshold and that the remaining life of the consumable is within a predefined floor range, an order for a replacement consumable for the imaging device is created and placed in an order fulfillment system.

Abstract: There is described a method for controlling, in a display, a virtual image of a displaying object for which displaying is controllable. The method comprises providing a curved mirrored surface opposing the displaying object to produce the virtual image. The location of an observer is determined, with respect to the curved mirrored surface. A position of the virtual image can then be determined for the observer at the location, wherein this virtual image provides at least one of parallax and a stereoscopic depth cue. The displaying object is controlled to produce the virtual image as determined.

Abstract: Various implementations include an occupant monitoring system (OMS) for monitoring at least one occupant in a vehicle. The OMS includes a mounting bracket coupled to a rotatable portion of a steering wheel assembly, a housing coupled to the mounting bracket, at least one imaging unit disposed within the housing, and at least one lens disposed adjacent the housing and imaging unit and facing an expected position of at least one vehicle occupant and configured for allowing light to pass through to the imaging unit. The mounting bracket extends upwardly from the steering wheel assembly adjacent a central portion thereof. The housing has a back surface that is disposed adjacent a back cover of the steering wheel assembly. The imaging unit has a field of view inside of the vehicle and is configured to capture an image signal corresponding to an imaging area within the field of view.

Abstract: A Powersports vehicle is disclosed which includes a frame, ground engaging members supporting the frame, comprising at least two front wheel, and a power source for driving the front wheels. A front drive is coupled to the power source and to the front wheels, the front drive being coupled to the frame through isolation mounts to reduce vibration of the front drive through the frame.

Abstract: Various implementations of a track pad system include an array of force sensors disposed between a base surface and a touch interface plate. The touch interface plate passes touch forces incident on an upper surface thereof to one or more of the force sensors in the array. At least one light source is disposed adjacent the touch interface plate such that the light from the light source is directed through the touch interface plate to illuminate at least a portion of the upper surface of the touch interface plate. One or more icons may be disposed adjacent the illuminated portion of the touch interface plate.

Abstract: Systems and methods described herein provide a position sensor system configured to sense a relative position between a reference object and a sensed object, where the sensed object has a varying surface. The position sensor system may include at least one force sensor supported by the reference object and positioned adjacent to and in sensory communication with the varying surface. The sensor may be configured to generate a signal related to a force sensed due to a position of the varying surface relative to the sensor. A processor may be configured to determine, using the force signal, the position of the sensed object relative to the sensor. The position sensor system may be used to identify a torque of an elongated vehicle member, for example.

Abstract: There is described a method for operating an immersive display. A plurality of objects are displayed to a viewer within an immersive environment. A computer system controls an image rendering of the immersive environment and a size, location and appearance of each one of the plurality of objects. The controls can be made by the operating system adapted to this task. Such controls provide a monocular psychological depth cue to the viewer for each one of the plurality of objects.

Abstract: Various implementations relate to an operator monitoring system (OMS). Certain implementations include an OMS coupled to a rotatable portion of a steering wheel assembly of a vehicle. For example, the OMS may include an imaging unit, such as a camera, that is coupled to a central hub portion of the steering wheel assembly. The imaging unit has a field of view directed toward one or more occupants in the vehicle and is configured to capture an image signal corresponding to an imaging area in the field of view. The imaging area can be configured to encapsulate an expected position of one or more vehicle occupants. The OMS also includes one or more processing units in electrical communication with the imaging unit that receives and processes the image signal from the imaging unit to determine an occupant state and, in some implementations, provide feedback based on the determined occupant state.