Abstract: The present invention provides a vector based awareness matrix or system for mimicking a human driver situational awareness and to control a host autonomous vehicle accordingly.

Abstract: An SEU protection circuit comprises first and second storage means for receiving primary and redundant versions, respectively, of an n-bit wide data value that is to be corrected in case of an SEU occurrence; the correction circuit requires that the data value be a 1-hot encoded value. A parity engine performs a parity operation on the n bits of the primary data value. A multiplexer receives the primary and redundant data values and the parity engine output at respective inputs, and is arranged to pass the primary data value to an output when the parity engine output indicates ‘odd’ parity, and to pass the redundant data value to the output when the parity engine output indicates ‘even’ parity. The primary and redundant data values are suitably state variables, and the parity engine is preferably an n-bit wide XOR or XNOR gate.

Abstract: An SEU protection circuit comprises first and second storage means for receiving primary and redundant versions, respectively, of an n-bit wide data value that is to be corrected in case of an SEU occurrence; the correction circuit requires that the data value be a 1-hot encoded value. A parity engine performs a parity operation on the n bits of the primary data value. A multiplexer receives the primary and redundant data values and the parity engine output at respective inputs, and is arranged to pass the primary data value to an output when the parity engine output indicates ‘odd’ parity, and to pass the redundant data value to the output when the parity engine output indicates ‘even’ parity. The primary and redundant data values are suitably state variables, and the parity engine is preferably an n-bit wide XOR or XNOR gate.

Abstract: Providing for pausing data readout from an optical sensor array is described herein. By way of example, an interruption period can be introduced into a readout cycle of the optical sensor array to suspend readout of data. During the interruption period, other operations related to the optical sensor array can be performed, including operations that are typically detrimental to image quality. Moreover, these operations can be performed while mitigating or avoiding negative impact on the image quality. Thus, greater flexibility is provided for global shutter operations, for instance, potentially improving frame rates and fine control of image exposure, while preserving image quality.

Abstract: A method for correcting column Fixed Pattern Noise (FPN) in an image sensor offers a compromise between speed and precision for calculating column FPN offsets. The present correction technique is digital, and is applied after the pixel signal voltages have been digitized by an ADC. A first Optical Black (OB) pixel is sampled and compared to a target level. An offset is stored, and an appropriate push-size is determined. Additional OB pixels are sampled and the offset is applied. The push-size is increased or decreased depending upon whether the pixel signal with the applied offset is above or below a target value. This new offset value is written to memory, and the push-size is reduced, and the process is repeated until the last OB pixel has been processed. The resulting offset is applied to the signal pixels in a column.

Abstract: Providing for pausing data readout from an optical sensor array is described herein. By way of example, an interruption period can be introduced into a readout cycle of the optical sensor array to suspend readout of data. During the interruption period, other operations related to the optical sensor array can be performed, including operations that are typically detrimental to image quality. Moreover, these operations can be performed while mitigating or avoiding negative impact on the image quality. Thus, greater flexibility is provided for global shutter operations, for instance, potentially improving frame rates and fine control of image exposure, while preserving image quality.

Abstract: Variable length switch fabric for switching variable length data packets between input and output transmission paths in a communication network. In one embodiment of the invention, apparatus is provided for switching variable length data packets between input and output transmission paths in a communication network. The apparatus includes a plurality of input ports coupled to receive the plurality of variable length data packets from the input transmission paths and a plurality of output ports coupled to transmit the plurality of variable length data packets on the output transmission paths. The apparatus also includes a variable length switch fabric coupled to the plurality of input ports and the plurality of output ports, the variable length switch fabric operates to switch the plurality of variable length data packets from selected input ports to selected output ports in an unsegmented form.

Abstract: A black clamp stabilization circuit for an image sensor utilizes a mixed-signal SoC block comprising sub-blocks to dynamically and precisely adjust the black level based on comparison to a reference black level. The black level adjustments include a first level regulation using digital control of an analog signal in a feedback loop that includes a programmable gain amplifier and high-resolution A/D converter. By applying the black clamping in the analog domain, dynamic range is extended. Additional black level regulation is subsequently performed in the digital domain to differentially eliminate line noise and column noise generated within the imaging System-on-Chip. By providing information between the sub-blocks, the algorithms can converge more quickly. The technique enables multiple signal paths to separately handle individual colors and to increase imaging data throughput.

Abstract: A high data rate switch is disclosed. The switch may include fiber optic channels where a plurality of switching elements necessarily operate at a significantly lower data rate providing routing of variable or fixed size data packets from a plurality of source ports to a plurality of destination ports via a single serial link. This is may be provided by storing the high rate data temporarily in memory in each of the source ports and then downloading it at a lower rate in a complete data packet to a designated switching element, almost immediately distributing the next data packet that has been received by the source port to a next switching element. The switching element configuration provides automatic redundancy and a minimum amount of frame overhead while sustaining throughput at the high data rate.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for synchronizing a plurality of image sensors in a video camera system. In one embodiment, a method includes generating a video sync signal, and resetting at least one internal clock divider in each image sensor in synchronization with the video sync signal at the beginning of each video frame. Another embodiment of a method of synchronizing a plurality of image sensors in a video camera system includes detecting a phase state of a signal of at least one internal clock divider in each sensor, wherein the phase state is relative to a system sync signal, and selecting a video output signal for each sensor based on the detected phase state of the at least one internal divider. In a third embodiment, the method includes asserting an asynchronous reset signal, stopping the system clocks in the system, de-asserting the asynchronous reset signal, while the system clocks are stopped, and restarting the system clocks.

Abstract: A method for correcting column Fixed Pattern Noise (FPN) in an image sensor offers a compromise between speed and precision for calculating column FPN offsets. The present correction technique is digital, and is applied after the pixel signal voltages have been digitized by an ADC. A first Optical Black (OB) pixel is sampled and compared to a target level. An offset is stored, and an appropriate push-size is determined. Additional OB pixels are sampled and the offset is applied. The push-size is increased or decreased depending upon whether the pixel signal with the applied offset is above or below a target value. This new offset value is written to memory, and the push-size is reduced, and the process is repeated until the last OB pixel has been processed. The resulting offset is applied to the signal pixels in a column.

Abstract: A black clamp stabilization circuit for an image sensor utilizes a mixed-signal SoC block comprising sub-blocks to dynamically and precisely adjust the black level based on comparison to a reference black level. The black level adjustments include a first level regulation using digital control of an analog signal in a feedback loop that includes a programmable gain amplifier and high-resolution A/D converter. By applying the black clamping in the analog domain, dynamic range is extended. Additional black level regulation is subsequently performed in the digital domain to differentially eliminate line noise and column noise generated within the imaging System-on-Chip. By providing information between the sub-blocks, the algorithms can converge more quickly. The technique enables multiple signal paths to separately handle individual colors and to increase imaging data throughput.

Abstract: Variable length switch fabric for switching variable length data packets between input and output transmission paths in a communication network. In one embodiment of the invention, apparatus is provided for switching variable length data packets between input and output transmission paths in a communication network. The apparatus includes a plurality of input ports coupled to receive the plurality of variable length data packets from the input transmission paths and a plurality of output ports coupled to transmit the plurality of variable length data packets on the output transmission paths. The apparatus also includes a variable length switch fabric coupled to the plurality of input ports and the plurality of output ports, the variable length switch fabric operates to switch the plurality of variable length data packets from selected input ports to selected output ports in an unsegmented form.

Abstract: Variable length switch fabric for switching variable length data packets between input and output transmission paths in a communication network. In one embodiment of the invention, apparatus is provided for switching variable length data packets between input and output transmission paths in a communication network. The apparatus includes a plurality of input ports coupled to receive the plurality of variable length data packets from the input transmission paths and a plurality of output ports coupled to transmit the plurality of variable length data packets on the output transmission paths. The apparatus also includes a variable length switch fabric coupled to the plurality of input ports and the plurality of output ports, the variable length switch fabric operates to switch the plurality of variable length data packets from selected input ports to selected output ports in an unsegmented form.

Abstract: A vehicle occupant protection apparatus (10) includes an occupant protection device (14) and an inflation fluid source (12) that is actuatable for providing inflation fluid for inflating the occupant protection device (14). The apparatus (10) also includes a conduit (34) for directing a flow of inflation fluid from the inflation fluid source (12) to the occupant protection device (14). The conduit (34) includes two rigid portions (40 and 42) and a flexible portion (70) that is interposed between the rigid portions (40 and 42). The flexible portion (70) of the conduit (34) directs the flow of inflation fluid from one rigid portion (40) to the other rigid portion (42) and permits the rigid portions (40 and 42) to be moved relative to one another while remaining connected through the flexible portion (70).

Abstract: A high data rate switch is disclosed. The switch may include fiber optic channels where a plurality of switching elements necessarily operate at a significantly lower data rate providing routing of variable or fixed size data packets from a plurality of source ports to a plurality of destination ports via a single serial link. This is may be provided by storing the high rate data temporarily in memory in each of the source ports and then downloading it at a lower rate in a complete data packet to a designated switching element, almost immediately distributing the next data packet that has been received by the source port to a next switching element. The switching element configuration provides automatic redundancy and a minimum amount of frame overhead while sustaining throughput at the high data rate.

Abstract: A high data rate switch is disclosed. The switch may include fiber optic channels where a plurality of switching elements necessarily operate at a significantly lower data rate providing routing of variable or fixed size data packets from a plurality of source ports to a plurality of destination ports via a single serial link. This is may be provided by storing the high rate data temporarily in memory in each of the source ports and then downloading it at a lower rate in a complete data packet to a designated switching element, almost immediately distributing the next data packet that has been received by the source port to a next switching element. The switching element configuration provides automatic redundancy and a minimum amount of frame overhead while sustaining throughput at the high data rate.

Abstract: A vehicle occupant protection apparatus (10d) includes an inflatable vehicle occupant protection device (300), a support member (336) having a vent opening (364), and a vent member (440) that is associated with the vent opening (364). The vent member (440) has a first condition in which the vent member (440) closes the vent opening (364) and a second condition in which the vent member (440) is spaced apart from the vent opening (364) enabling fluid flow through the vent opening (364). A fastener (470) attaches the vent member (440) to the support member (336). The fastener (470) includes structure (482) for securing the vent member (440) in the first condition prior to initial inflation of the protection device (300) and for enabling the vent member (440) to move from the first condition to the second condition upon initial inflation of the protection device (300).

Abstract: A vehicle occupant protection apparatus (10d) includes an inflatable occupant protection device (300) and a support member (316). A vent opening (350) extends through the support member (316). A vent member (360) is associated with the vent opening (350). The vent member (360) initially closes the vent opening (350). Inflation fluid moves the vent member (360) relative to the support member (316) for enabling a flow of inflation fluid through the vent opening (350). A tether (386) extends between the inflatable occupant protection device (300) and the vent member (360). The tether (386) is responsive to inflation of the inflatable occupant protection device (300) away from the support member (316) by more than a predetermined distance for moving the vent member (360) relative to the support member (316) for reducing the flow of inflation fluid through the vent opening (350).

Abstract: Switching apparatus is provided for example for a high data rate internet switching system using fiber optic channels where the switching elements which are a portion of a switching fabric of the switching apparatus necessarily operate at a significantly lower data rate. Data packets are routed from ingress to egress ports over a single serial link. This is provided by the process of storing the high rate data temporarily in memory in an ingress port and then downloading it at a lower rate in a complete data packet to one designated switch element and almost immediately switching the next data packet that has been received in the ingress port to the next switch element. The switch element configuration provides an automatic redundancy even if one element fails.