Abstract: A system and method for attenuating noise in seismic data representative of a subsurface region of interest including receiving the seismic data; transforming the seismic data into a domain wherein the seismic data have a sparse or compressible representation to create transformed seismic data; dividing the domain into windows wherein the windows represent known spatio-temporal locations in the seismic data; determining statistics of the transformed seismic data in each window; determining a filter for each window based on the statistics of the transformed data; applying the filter for each window to the transformed seismic data in each window to create filtered seismic data; and performing an inverse transform of the filtered seismic data to create noise-attenuated seismic data.

Abstract: A system and method are disclosed for controlling content displayed to a user in a virtual environment. The virtual environment may include virtual controls with which a user may interact using predefined gestures. Interacting with a virtual control may adjust an aspect of the displayed content, including for example one or more of fast forwarding of the content, rewinding of the content, pausing of the content, stopping the content, changing a volume of content, recording the content, changing a brightness of the content, changing a contrast of the content and changing the content from a first still image to a second still image.

Abstract: A low profile spinal stabilization system according to one embodiment includes an elongated fixation element having a socket. The system also includes an anchor element having a spherical end for insertion into the socket of the elongated fixation element, the spherical end having a plurality of petals separated by a plurality of radially arranged slots. The system further includes a locking element for insertion into the spherical end of the anchor element to lock the spherical end of the anchor element inside the socket of the elongated fixation element.

Abstract: Face recognition training database generation technique embodiments are presented that generally involve collecting characterizations of a person's face that are captured over time and as the person moves through an environment, to create a training database of facial characterizations for that person. As the facial characterizations are captured over time, they are will represent the person's face as viewed from various angles and distances, different resolutions, and under different environmental conditions (e.g., lighting and haze conditions). Further, over a long period of time where facial characterizations of a person are collected periodically, these characterizations can represent an evolution in the appearance of the person. This produces a rich training resource for use in face recognition systems. In addition, since a person's face recognition training database can be established before it is needed by a face recognition system, once employed, the training will be quicker.

Abstract: A system and method are disclosed for interpreting user focus on virtual objects in a mixed reality environment. Using inference, express gestures and heuristic rules, the present system determines which of the virtual objects the user is likely focused on and interacting with. At that point, the present system may emphasize the selected virtual object over other virtual objects, and interact with the selected virtual object in a variety of ways.

Abstract: A robot tracks objects using sensory data, and follows an object selected by a user. The object can be designated by a user from a set of objects recognized by the robot. The relative positions and orientations of the robot and object are determined. The position and orientation of the robot can be used so as to maintain a desired relationship between the object and the robot. Using the navigation system of the robot, during its movement, obstacles can be avoided. If the robot loses contact with the object being tracked, the robot can continue to navigate and search the environment until the object is reacquired.

Abstract: A tissue retractor system includes first and second arms extending from a support assembly, and third and fourth arms extending from a support mechanism. Each arm includes a proximal span, a distal span, and a blade support between the proximal span and distal span. The retractor system features retractor units that can be used independently or in a nested arrangement. The system also includes instruments for inserting a spinal rod. A method for implanting a spinal rod through an incision includes the steps of inserting the spinal rod through a dividable tube, turning the rod subcutaneously toward a rod receiving anchor and advancing the rod subcutaneously toward the rod receiving anchor.

Abstract: An indexing system uses a graph-like data structure that clusters features indexes together. The minimum atomic value in the data structure is represented as a leaf node which is either a single feature index or a sequence of two or more feature indexes when a minimum sequence length is imposed. Root nodes are formed as clustered collections of leaf nodes and/or other root nodes. Context nodes are formed from root nodes that are associated with content that is being indexed. Links between a root node and other nodes each include a sequence order value that is used to maintain the sequencing order for feature indexes relative to the root node. The collection of nodes forms a graph-like data structure, where each context node is indexed according to the sequenced pattern of feature indexes. Clusters can be split, merged, and promoted to increase the efficiency in searching the data structure.

Abstract: A steering enhancement and braking system for a skateboard or wheeled platform having an actuating element configured to change the position of the skateboard deck relative to the skateboard truck. The actuating element comprises a deck plate configured to be attachable to a skateboard deck, and a truck plate configured to be attachable to a skateboard truck and the deck plate. Upon an application of a force to the skateboard deck the position of the truck plate relative to the deck plate changes. In addition, the system can achieve braking action by transferring the differential motion to the skateboard deck and the truck by the use of the actuating element.

Abstract: A tissue retractor system includes first and second arms extending from a support assembly, and third and fourth arms extending from a support mechanism. Each arm includes a proximal span, a distal span, and a blade support between the proximal span and distal span. The retractor system features retractor units that can be used independently or in a nested arrangement. The system also includes instruments for inserting a spinal rod. A method for implanting a spinal rod through an incision includes the steps of inserting the spinal rod through a dividable tube, turning the rod subcutaneously toward a rod receiving anchor and advancing the rod subcutaneously toward the rod receiving anchor.

Abstract: An indexing system uses a graph-like data structure that clusters features indexes together. The minimum atomic value in the data structure is represented as a leaf node which is either a single feature index or a sequence of two or more feature indexes when a minimum sequence length is imposed. Root nodes are formed as clustered collections of leaf nodes and/or other root nodes. Context nodes are formed from root nodes that are associated with content that is being indexed. Links between a root node and other nodes each include a sequence order value that is used to maintain the sequencing order for feature indexes relative to the root node. The collection of nodes forms a graph-like data structure, where each context node is indexed according to the sequenced pattern of feature indexes. Clusters can be split, merged, and promoted to increase the efficiency in searching the data structure.

Abstract: A marking device is disclosed. The marking device includes a marker housing. The marker housing includes an attachment portion configured to pivotally attach the marker housing to a pole. The marker housing also includes a translucent portion formed around at least a portion of the housing. The marker housing also includes an environmental seal. The marking device includes an electrical light positioned within the marker housing and oriented toward the translucent portion, and a programmable circuit configured to activate the electrical light in one or more marking flashing patterns. The environmental seal protects the electrical light and programmable circuit from external environmental conditions. Optionally, the device can clip to a marker such as a flag to indicate the existence of a hazardous condition.

Abstract: A steering enhancement and braking system for a skateboard or wheeled platform having an actuating element configured to change the position of the skateboard deck relative to the skateboard truck. The actuating element comprises a deck plate configured to be attachable to a skateboard deck, and a truck plate configured to be attachable to a skateboard truck and the deck plate. Upon an application of a force to the skateboard deck the position of the truck plate relative to the deck plate changes. In addition, the system can achieve braking action by transferring the differential motion to the skateboard deck and the truck by the use of the actuating element.

Abstract: A drive system for a three phase brushless AC motor is arranged to optimize the transistor switching pattern to improve power output whilst allowing current measurement in all of the phases using a single sensor. This is achieved by defining voltage demand vectors x where more than two states are required to meet a minimum state time requirement determined by the single sensor method, and calculating three or more state vectors which produce the demanded vector x whilst still allowing single current sensing. Various methods of optimising the PWM pattern so as to give maximum output whilst using single current sensing are also disclosed.

Abstract: An assembly for a wheeled platform includes a platform element adapted to be attachable to a platform and a housing adapted to receive the platform element, wherein a change in a contact point of the platform element relative to the housing results in a turning response of the wheeled platform.

Abstract: A apparatus for sensing a surface of material in a storage container is provided. The apparatus comprises a housing, a motor assembly, a swing arm assembly, an optical assembly, a material surface detector, and an electronic control circuit. The motor assembly has a motor and a reel carrying a cable. The swing arm assembly has a swing arm with a magnet and a sensor circuit. The sensor circuit monitors a magnetic flux to determine a surface detector position. The optical assembly has a measuring wheel, a code wheel, and an optical encoder circuit. The optical encoder circuit monitors rotation of the code wheel. When the surface detector is moved between first and second positions based upon input from the sensor circuit, the control circuit receives input from the optical encoder circuit based on the rotation of the code wheel. As such, the surface of the material is sensed.

Abstract: A steering enhancement and braking system for a skateboard or wheeled platform having an actuating element configured to change the position of the skateboard deck relative to the skateboard truck. The actuating element comprises a deck plate configured to be attachable to a skateboard deck, and a truck plate configured to be attachable to a skateboard truck and the deck plate. Upon an application of a force to the skateboard deck the position of the truck plate relative to the deck plate changes. In addition, the system can achieve braking action by transferring the differential motion to the skateboard deck and the truck by the use of the actuating element.

Abstract: Provided is an apparatus to enable a torque transmitting mechanism within an automatically shiftable power transmission to disengage at vehicle stop such that the slip within a fluid drive device is reduced. When vehicle movement is required a main pressure regulator trims the torque transmitting mechanism into engagement. A method of reducing engine load at vehicle stop by employing the apparatus of the present invention is also provided.

Abstract: A pressure regulator valve is provided having a valve spool slidably disposed within a stepped bore defined by a valve body. A first pressure responsive surface area is defined on the valve spool and is subject to pressurized fluid from a main pressure source. A second pressure responsive surface area is defined on the valve spool and is subject to pressurized fluid from a control source. Additionally, a third pressure responsive surface area is defined on the valve spool and is selectively subject to pressurized fluid from one of the main pressure source and the control source. A sleeve is slidably disposed within the stepped bore, the sleeve being operable to selectively distribute pressurized fluid from one of the main pressure source and the control source to the third pressure responsive surface area to effect a change in pressure gain of the pressure regulator valve.

Abstract: A steering enhancement and braking system for a skateboard or wheeled platform having an actuating element configured to change the position of the skateboard deck relative to the skateboard truck. The actuating element comprises a deck plate configured to be attachable to a skateboard deck, and a truck plate configured to be attachable to a skateboard truck and the deck plate. Upon an application of a force to the skateboard deck the position of the truck plate relative to the deck plate changes. In addition, the system can achieve braking action by transferring the differential motion to the skateboard deck and the truck by the use of the actuating element.