Abstract: A multi-media video conferencing platform and method which includes a user database configured to store usernames and details; a processor configured route multiple media streams to a user location; and a compiler configured to present a multimedia template at a client workstation, the template having a plurality of tiles, where each tile corresponds to a different media type, and the compiler is configured to identify a media type of an incoming media stream or media presentation. The processor routes the incoming media to a tile having a matching media type so that the media stream or presentation displays in the tile corresponding to its media type. The template presented by the compiler has tiles corresponding to at least incoming streaming video, incoming still media, and two-way interactive video.

Abstract: Medical devices and methods of using medical devices are disclosed. An example tissue retraction device includes a first engagement member having a first end and a second end, a second engagement member having a first end and a second end, a first elastic member attached to the second end of the first engagement member, and a first alignment member having a first end, a second end and a lumen extending therethrough. Further, the tissue retraction device has a first length, the first alignment member has a second length, the first elastic member extends within the lumen of the first alignment member and the second length of the first alignment member is less than or equal to the first length of the tissue retraction device.

Abstract: This disclosure describes techniques for providing instructions when receiving biometric data associated with a user. For instance, a device may detect a portion of a user, such as a hand. The device may then display a first graphical element indicating a target location for placing the portion of the user above the user-recognition device. Additionally, the device may determine locations of the portion of the user above the device. The device may then display a second graphical element indicating the locations, such as when the locations are not proximate to the target location. Additionally, the device may display instructions for moving the portion of the user to the target location. Based on detecting that the location of the portion of the user is proximate to the target location, the device may send data representing the portion of the user to a remote system.

Abstract: A semiconductor process integrates three bridge circuits, each include magnetoresistive sensors coupled as a Wheatstone bridge on a single chip to sense a magnetic field in three orthogonal directions. The process includes various deposition and etch steps forming the magnetoresistive sensors and a plurality of flux guides on one of the three bridge circuits for transferring a “Z” axis magnetic field onto sensors orientated in the XY plane.

Abstract: An identification system includes one or more infrared light sources and a camera that acquires images of a user's palm. For example, at a first time, one or more first images may be acquired by the camera using infrared light with a first polarization that represent external characteristics of the user's palm. At a second time, one or more second images may be acquired using infrared light with a second polarization that represent internal characteristics of the user's palm. These images are processed to determine a first set of feature vectors and a second set of feature vectors. A current signature may be determined using the first set of feature vectors and the second set of feature vectors. In addition, a user may be identified based on a comparison of the current signature and previously stored reference signatures that are associated with candidate user identifiers.

Abstract: A system may use sensor data from a facility to generate tentative values associated with an event, such as the identification of an item removed from a shelf of the facility. A confidence value associated with each of the tentative values may be less than a confidence threshold. In response, inquiry data seeking confirmation of a tentative value from an associate is generated and sent to one or more associates in the facility. Responses from the associates are collected to determine a selection of one of the tentative values. The selected tentative value is designated as output data for the system. Thereafter, the output data and the original sensor data are designated as training data, which can then be used to train or update machine learning systems. Subsequent use of the updated machine learning systems can yield more accurate results.

Abstract: This disclosure describes a system for associating multiple totes with a single profile so that items placed into any of the multiple totes are identified on a profile item identifier list. For example, if two users located in a materials handling facility are picking items that are to be consolidated or otherwise treated together, each user may select a different tote and move separately through the materials handling facility. As either user picks items and places those items into a corresponding tote, a profile item identifier list is updated to include an item identifier for each picked item.

Abstract: Described are systems and techniques to present information to a user of a materials handling facility using a representative color. A representative color at an inventory location is determined based on one or more colors used at the inventory location. Once determined, the representative color may be used in the presentation of a user interface that includes item data and visual elements therein. The use of the representative color in the user interface facilitates the identification of items or an inventory location within the material handling facility.

Abstract: A method for pressurizing and depressurizing a shock absorber of an aircraft. More specifically, it relates to a method in which an aircraft weight and ambient temperature are used to calculate a required pressurization level of a shock absorber. As such, the shock absorber may be pressurized to the correct level without applying an iterative approach, greatly reducing initialization time.

Abstract: A method of monitoring the condition of an aircraft landing gear shock absorber, the shock absorber including at least one spring chamber containing a gas, the method comprising taking a plurality of measurements of the gas pressure and temperature, each gas pressure and temperature measurement pair being taken of at the same instant relative to an operating cycle of the shock absorber; calculating, based on each pair of gas pressure and temperature measurements, a first value; storing the first value in a log; determining a value trend based on the log; and in response to determining that the value trend is outside a first range of values, generating a first notification signal.

Abstract: A method for pressurizing and depressurizing a shock absorber of an aircraft. More specifically, it relates to a method in which an aircraft weight and ambient temperature are used to calculate a required pressurization level of a shock absorber. As such, the shock absorber may be pressurized to the correct level without applying an iterative approach, greatly reducing initialization time.

Abstract: A method of servicing a shock absorber of an aircraft landing gear shock absorbing strut, the shock absorber including a sealed, variable volume chamber containing a liquid and a gas in fluid communication with one another, the method comprising: using a mixer to mix the liquid and the gas within the chamber until the liquid is uniformly saturated with the gas; and subsequently performing one or more servicing actions.

Abstract: Described are systems and techniques configured to provide a user interface for an unauthenticated user of a materials handling facility. A transient profile indicative of one or more user preferences may be created and associated with the unauthenticated user. As the unauthenticated user interacts with the facility, preferences may be determined and included in the transient profile. Subsequent operation of the facility may take into account the transient profile. As the unauthenticated user moves throughout the facility, the transient profile may “follow” them, providing an ongoing user experience. Should the unauthenticated user later be authenticated, the transient preferences may be incorporated into a persistent profile.

Abstract: Systems, apparatus, and methods of manufacturing an article using electroadhesion technology for the pick-up and release of materials, respectively.

Abstract: Techniques and methodologies for servicing a shock strut are provided that account for the variability in gas solubility of the shock strut while in-service. These examples incorporates knowledge of the shock strut's stoke history in order to estimate/predict the amount of gas in solution, its percentage saturation, etc. This may permit a more refined knowledge of the true servicing state of the shock strut.

Abstract: This disclosure describes techniques for identifying users that are enrolled for use of a user-recognition system and updating enrollment data of these users over time. To enroll in the user-recognition system, the user may initially scan his or her palm. The resulting image data may later be used when the user requests to be identified by the system by again scanning his or her palm. However, because the characteristics of user palms may change over the time, the user-recognition system may continue to build more and more data for use in recognizing the user, in addition to removing older data that may no longer accurately represent current characteristics of respective user palms.

Abstract: Functionality of sensors on a shelf or other inventory location is tested by encouraging an interaction and determining if the output from the sensors on the shelf is consistent with the interaction. An interaction at the shelf can include, for example, a user adding or removing an item from the shelf. To encourage this type of interaction with the shelf or items therein, an announcement may be generated and presented to a user. The announcement may comprise an advertisement with some type of incentive for the user to add or remove an item from the shelf. Upon verifying such an interaction, sensor data before and after the interaction can be compared to generate diagnostic data for the sensor, which can indicate whether the sensor is operational or malfunctioning.

Abstract: This disclosure describes a system for assisting users in locating items from inventory locations and/or obtaining additional information about items. In some instances, a user may experience difficulty in locating an inventory item in a materials handling facility. By detecting one or more expressions presented by the user, an inventory management system may determine that assistance is to be provided to the user, determine and provide the appropriate assistance to the user.