Abstract: A “Power Wedge” can be inserted into a pocket of a batting glove, or used separately. The wedge can include an elongate generally teardrop shape, with an interior face that is convexly curved, defining a trough with a curvature that corresponds to the curvature of a bat handle. The wedge can include one or more tethering loops anchored inside the wedge. Such loops may extend from the wedge out the top end of the wedge. A tethering loop can also be provided extending out the bottom tapered end of the wedge, as well. Such loops may be wrapped around the thumb, index finger, and/or wrist of the user. Such tethers can also be wrapped around the bat handle. Such tethers are particularly helpful if the wedge is not received into pocket of a batting glove. The wedge can also be used with golf gloves and golf clubs.

Abstract: Creating a background model for image processing to identify new foreground objects in successive video frames. A method includes providing a background image in a user interface. The method further includes receiving a first user input in the user interface that comprises an identification of one or more different regions within the background image. The method further includes receiving a second user input in the user interface that comprises a selection of an image change tolerance for each of the identified different regions. The method further includes providing the background image, information identifying the different regions, and the image change tolerances to an image processor. The background image, the information identifying the different regions, and the image change tolerances are used by the image processor to create a background model to thereby compare a successive image with the background model in order to identify foreground objects within the successive image.

Abstract: Creating a background model for image processing to identify new foreground objects in successive video frames. A method includes providing a background image in a user interface. The method further includes receiving a first user input in the user interface that comprises an identification of one or more different regions within the background image. The method further includes receiving a second user input in the user interface that comprises a selection of an image change tolerance for each of the identified different regions. The method further includes providing the background image, information identifying the different regions, and the image change tolerances to an image processor. The background image, the information identifying the different regions, and the image change tolerances are used by the image processor to create a background model to thereby compare a successive image with the background model in order to identify foreground objects within the successive image.

Abstract: Thermal imaging camera images are obtained from a thermal imaging camera that rotates through a plurality of stop positions. The camera captures images at a constant frame rate and at least some of the images correspond to stop positions. Thermal imaging camera images that correspond to a stop position are retained, while images that do not correspond to a stop position are discarded. Retained images are sent in a video stream to a video processor. The video stream is separated into individual thermal imaging camera images and stored for corresponding virtual camera devices that correspond to specific stop positions. In addition, the position of the camera and individual pixels of images are both correlated to geographical location data, and depth values for the pixels are determined based on the geographical data.

Abstract: Thermal imaging camera images are obtained from a thermal imaging camera that rotates through a plurality of stop positions. The camera captures images at a constant frame rate and at least some of the images correspond to stop positions. Thermal imaging camera images that correspond to a stop position are retained, while images that do not correspond to a stop position are discarded. Retained images are sent in a video stream to a video processor. The video stream is separated into individual thermal imaging camera images and stored for corresponding virtual camera devices that correspond to specific stop positions. In addition, the position of the camera and individual pixels of images are both correlated to geographical location data, and depth values for the pixels are determined based on the geographical data.

Abstract: Controlling a stepper motor. A stepper motor is driven towards an index position. An attempt is made to stop the stepper motor on the index position in a fashion that would ordinarily cause the stepper motor to ring at the index position. Characteristics of one or more subsequent pulses that would counteract the ringing are determined. The one or more determined subsequent pulses are issued to the stepper motor.

Abstract: Thermal imaging camera images are obtained from a thermal imaging camera that rotates through a plurality of stop positions. The camera captures images at a constant frame rate and at least some of the images correspond to stop positions. Thermal imaging camera images that correspond to a stop position are retained, while images that do not correspond to a stop position are discarded. Retained images are sent in a video stream to a video processor. The video stream is separated into individual thermal imaging camera images and stored for corresponding virtual camera devices that correspond to specific stop positions. In addition, the position of the camera and individual pixels of images are both correlated to geographical location data, and depth values for the pixels are determined based on the geographical data.

Abstract: Detecting an extreme temperature event. A method includes collecting raw data from a high resolution sensor. The method further includes identifying in the raw collected data one or more changing data point values. The method further includes identifying, in the raw collected data that the one or more changing data point values have reached a determined threshold that indicates with a high level of probability that an extreme temperature event has occurred. Alternatively, the method may include identifying in the raw collected data a sudden extreme increase in one or more data point values that cross a threshold which indicates with a high level of probability that an extreme temperature event has occurred. As a result, the method includes issuing an alert indicating that an extreme temperature event has occurred.

Abstract: Controlling a stepper motor. A stepper motor is driven towards an index position. An attempt is made to stop the stepper motor on the index position in a fashion that would ordinarily cause the stepper motor to ring at the index position. Characteristics of one or more subsequent pulses that would counteract the ringing are determined. The one or more determined subsequent pulses are issued to the stepper motor.

Abstract: Detecting an extreme temperature event. A method includes collecting raw data from a high resolution sensor. The method further includes identifying in the raw collected data one or more changing data point values. The method further includes identifying, in the raw collected data that the one or more changing data point values have reached a determined threshold that indicates with a high level of probability that an extreme temperature event has occurred. Alternatively, the method may include identifying in the raw collected data a sudden extreme increase in one or more data point values that cross a threshold which indicates with a high level of probability that an extreme temperature event has occurred. As a result, the method includes issuing an alert indicating that an extreme temperature event has occurred.

Abstract: Thermal imaging camera images are obtained from a thermal imaging camera that rotates through a plurality of stop positions. The camera captures images at a constant frame rate and at least some of the images correspond to stop positions. Thermal imaging camera images that correspond to a stop position are retained, while images that do not correspond to a stop position are discarded. Retained images are sent in a video stream to a video processor. The video stream is separated into individual thermal imaging camera images and stored for corresponding virtual camera devices that correspond to specific stop positions. In addition, the position of the camera and individual pixels of images are both correlated to geographical location data, and depth values for the pixels are determined based on the geographical data.

Abstract: An indexing mechanism may include a drive table, an indexing table, a control ring between the tables, and a cam follower. The cam includes lobes on an inner surface. A drive arm of the cam follower is coupled to the drive table and an end of an indexing arm of the cam follower rides over the lobes during use. A spring may be coupled between the drive table and the indexing table. As the drive table rotates continuously, the components serve to move the indexing table in a non-continuous movement, by which it stops for a period and then moves to the next stop, etc. A camera may take a still image at each stop position, and the images may be stitched together (e.g., through use of an onboard computer) to produce a panoramic image. A power supply may also be provided, so that the entire system may be self-contained.

Abstract: Surveillance systems and units that are secure, self-contained and readily moveable to satisfy changing surveillance needs are disclosed. The surveillance systems are capable of essentially indefinite operation by way of a battery system and solar panels. The surveillance systems include a unique telescoping mast that elevates a camera or other surveillance device, thereby improving surveillance capabilities while simultaneously deterring theft, vandalism, or other activity to disable the surveillance device. The surveillance units/systems also include an enclosure that contains electronic equipment to serve the surveillance purposes of the surveillance systems. The enclosure may also completely enclose the telescoping mast and any attached surveillance devices during storage or transport, providing an additional measure of security and mobility.