Abstract: Improved, micronutrient-supplemented polymeric seed coatings are provided which include at least one polyanionic polymer in combination with respective amounts of Zn, Mn, and Cu micronutrients. Preferably, the coatings comprise polyanionic polymers having a backbone comprising dicarboxylic repeat units with Zn, Mn, and Cu bound to the backbone. The most preferred polymers contain maleic and itaconic repeat units, optionally with sulfonate repeat units. The invention also provides a method of treating seeds using the coatings, and coated seed products.

Abstract: A vehicle control system includes a camera configured to capture image data depicting a field of view proximate the vehicle is disclosed. The vehicle control system further includes a plurality of light sources in connection with the vehicle and a controller. The controller is configured to activate a plurality of lights in an alternating pattern and capture light reflected from at least one object with the camera at a time and corresponding to the alternating pattern of the plurality of lights. In response to variations in the light impinging upon the at least one object from the alternating pattern, the controller is configured to identify a distance of the object.

Abstract: A computer that includes a processor and a memory, the memory including instructions executable by the processor can activate a plurality of light sources in an alternating pattern at an illumination frequency and acquire image data depicting light reflected from an object at a timing corresponding to the alternating pattern at the illumination frequency. In response to variations in the light impinging upon the object from the alternating pattern, an object contour can be determined based on estimating one or more object surface normals based on photometric stereo. One or more of object identity and object depth can be determined based on combining the object contour with the image data.

Abstract: An image is received from a camera built into a cabin of a vehicle. The image is demosaiced and its noise is reduced. A segmentation algorithm is applied to the image. A global illumination for the image is solved. Based on the segmentation of the image and the global illumination, a bidirectional reflectance distribution function (BRDF) for color and/or reflectance information of material in the cabin area of the vehicle is solved for. A white balance matrix and a color correction matrix for the image are computed based on the BRDF. The white balance matrix and the color correction matrix are applied to the image, which is then displayed or stored for addition image processing.

Abstract: Devices, systems, and methods for generating illumination-invariant images are disclosed. A method may include activating, by a device, a camera to capture first image data; while the camera is capturing the first image data, activating of a first, light source; receiving the first image data, the first image data having pixels having first color values; identifying first light generated by the first light source while the camera is capturing the first image data; identifying, based on the first image data, second light generated by a second light source; generating, based on the first light and the second light, second image data that are illumination-invariant; and presenting the second image data.

Abstract: An image is received from a camera built into a cabin of a vehicle. The image is demosaiced and its noise is reduced. A segmentation algorithm is applied to the image. A global illumination for the image is solved. Based on the segmentation of the image and the global illumination, a bidirectional reflectance distribution function (BRDF) for color and/or reflectance information of material in the cabin area of the vehicle is solved for. A white balance matrix and a color correction matrix for the image are computed based on the BRDF. The white balance matrix and the color correction matrix are applied to the image, which is then displayed or stored for addition image processing.

Abstract: Improved, micronutrient-supplemented polymeric seed coatings are provided which include at least one polyanionic polymer in combination with respective amounts of Zn, Mn, and Cu micronutrients. Preferably, the coatings comprise polyanionic polymers having a backbone comprising dicarboxylic repeat units with Zn, Mn, and Cu bound to the backbone. The most preferred polymers contain maleic and itaconic repeat units, optionally with sulfonate repeat units. The invention also provides a method of treating seeds using the coatings, and coated seed products.

Abstract: Improved, micronutrient-supplemented polymeric seed coatings are provided which include at least one polyanionic polymer in combination with respective amounts of Zn, Mn, and Cu micronutrients. Preferably, the coatings comprise polyanionic polymers having a backbone comprising dicarboxylic repeat units with Zn, Mn, and Cu bound to the backbone. The most preferred polymers contain maleic and itaconic repeat units, optionally with sulfonate repeat units. The invention also provides a method of treating seeds using the coatings, and coated seed products.

Abstract: Water soluble polymeric compositions are provided including at least one polyanionic polymer component (e.g., a copolymer containing maleic and itaconic repeat units), and at least one high molecular weight component selected from copolymers different than the polyanionic polymer and preferably having dicarboxylic repeat units, and a cellulose or cellulose derivative. The compositions are preferably substantially free of hydrocarbons and can be used to coat solid fertilizers in order to reduce fines.

Abstract: Aqueous liquid formulations contain one or more anionic polymers, a high concentration of boron compounds, and a boron dispersant or solvent. The compositions are operable to maintain the boron content thereof in stable dispersion for at least 72 hours. The dispersant or solvent is selected from saturated aliphatic diols, glycols, hydroxyl-rich compounds, alpha-hydroxy acids, and mixtures thereof. Preferred polymers include dicarboxylic repeat units and optional sulfonate repeat units. The formulations have heretofore unattainable high boron contents, and are useful in agricultural contexts.

Abstract: Improved, low-cost agricultural products are provided comprising respective amounts of humic acid and a polyanionic polymer. The products may be mixed with or applied to fertilizers to enhance plant uptake of nutrients. The polyanionic polymer preferably includes maleic and itaconic repeat units, and optionally sulfonate repeat units.

Abstract: Novel polyanionic polymers including families of repeat units, such as maleic, itaconic, and sulfonate repeat units. The polymers are at least tetrapolymers and may be in the acid form or as partial or complete salts. The polymers may be synthesized using free radical initiators in the presence of vanadium compounds. The polymers have a variety of uses, particularly in agricultural contexts.

Abstract: Improved agriculturally useful products are provided, including solid materials such as nitrogenous fertilizers (e.g., urea), together with a polycarboxylated polymer selected from the group consisting of a salts of copolymers containing individual quantities of maleic and itaconic moieties. The polymer composition also includes from about 10-60% by weight of an organic drying agent such as a lower alcohol which enhances the quick drying properties thereof. The compositions may also include an amount of boron, and bimodal vinylic polymer made up of quantities of high and low molecular weight (MW) vinylic polymers such as PVA.

Abstract: Novel polyanionic polymers including families of repeat units, such as maleic, itaconic, and sulfonate repeat units. The polymers are at least tetrapolymers and may be in the acid form or as partial or complete salts. The polymers may be synthesized using free radical initiators in the presence of vanadium compounds. The polymers have a variety of uses, particularly in agricultural contexts.

Abstract: Novel polyanionic polymers including families of repeat units, such as maleic, itaconic, and sulfonate repeat units. The polymers are at least tetrapolymers and may be in the acid form or as partial or complete salts. The polymers may be synthesized using free radical initiators in the presence of vanadium compounds. The polymers have a variety of uses, particularly in agricultural contexts.

Abstract: Novel polyanionic polymers including families of repeat units, such as maleic, itaconic, and sulfonate repeat units. The polymers are at least tetrapolymers and may be in the acid form or as partial or complete salts. The polymers may be synthesized using free radical initiators in the presence of vanadium compounds. The polymers have a variety of uses, particularly in agricultural contexts.

Abstract: Improved animal feeds and/or waters are provided, which include amendments comprising one or more copolymer salts serving to reduce volatilized ammonia derived from the excrement of animals. The copolymers are preferably water soluble and have substantially equimolar amounts of maleic and itaconic moieties.

Abstract: Methods are provided for the treatment of livestock or poultry confinement facilities equipped with manure collection zones (e.g., a manure pit or litter), in order to reduce and mitigate the effects of gaseous ammonia within the facility. The treatment involves application of an aqueous mixture including a partial calcium salt of a maleic-itaconic copolymer and a partial ammonium salt of a maleic-itaconic copolymer. Preferably, the amount of the partial calcium salt copolymer is greater than the amount of the partial ammonium salt copolymer. The treatment methods provide prompt and lasting reductions in gaseous ammonia within the confinement facility.

Abstract: Water soluble polymeric compositions are provided including at least one polyanionic polymer component (e.g., a copolymer containing maleic and itaconic repeat units), and at least one high molecular weight component selected from copolymers different than the polyanionic polymer and preferably having dicarboxylic repeat units, and a cellulose or cellulose derivative. The compositions are preferably substantially free of hydrocarbons and can be used to coat solid fertilizers in order to reduce fines.

Abstract: Improved, low-cost agricultural products are provided comprising respective amounts of humic acid and a polyanionic polymer. The products may be mixed with or applied to fertilizers to enhance plant uptake of nutrients. The polyanionic polymer preferably includes maleic and itaconic repeat units, and optionally sulfonate repeat units.