Abstract: A system for plant parameter detection, including: a plant morphology sensor having a first field of view and configured to record a morphology measurement of a plant portion and an ambient environment adjacent the plant, a plant physiology sensor having a second field of view and configured to record a plant physiology parameter measurement of a plant portion and an ambient environment adjacent the plant, wherein the second field of view overlaps with the first field of view; a support statically coupling the plant morphology sensor to the physiology sensor, and a computing system configured to: identify a plant set of pixels within the physiology measurement based on the morphology measurement; determine physiology values for each pixel of the plant set of pixels; and extract a growth parameter based on the physiology values.

Abstract: A surface cleaning apparatus includes a battery powering one or more electric components. The surface cleaning apparatus can have a cleaning fluid delivery system and/or a cleaning fluid recovery system. The battery, or battery pack, is removable and has a sealing structure configured to resist ingress of cleaning fluid and other liquids.

Abstract: A system and method for calibrating and controlling an active dampening system for a chassis of a vehicle having an engine involve operating the engine in a cylinder deactivation mode and, during the cylinder deactivation mode, (i) receiving, from a set of sensors, measured vibrations on first and second frame rails of the chassis, (ii) generating control signals for a set of actuators based on the measured vibration of the first and second frame rails, each actuator being configured to generate a vibrational force in at least one direction, and (iii) outputting, to the set of actuators, the control signals, wherein receipt of the control signals cause the set of actuators to generate vibrational forces that dampen the vibration of the first and second frame rails, respectively, to decrease noise/vibration/harshness (NVH).

Abstract: A system and method for calibrating and controlling an active dampening system for a chassis of a vehicle having an engine involve operating the engine in a cylinder deactivation mode and, during the cylinder deactivation mode, (i) receiving, from a set of sensors, measured vibrations on first and second frame rails of the chassis, (ii) generating control signals for a set of actuators based on the measured vibration of the first and second frame rails, each actuator being configured to generate a vibrational force in at least one direction, and (iii) outputting, to the set of actuators, the control signals, wherein receipt of the control signals cause the set of actuators to generate vibrational forces that dampen the vibration of the first and second frame rails, respectively, to decrease noise/vibration/harshness (NVH).

Abstract: Methods, systems and apparatus for securing user input to a terminal such as a self-service terminal. The temperature of one or more keys pressed by a user when entering user information into a terminal (e.g., user PIN) is determined. The change in temperature on the keys' surface from the user touching the keys reflects a heat signature that can be identified by thermal imaging devices. A desired temperature for the keys that will mask the heat signature is determined. The temperature of the keys is adjusted (e.g., raised or lowered) to the desired temperature.

Abstract: Assistance techniques that give customers more knowledge and more freedom to seek out employees or other help providers. In an example method, a mobile device of a customer sends a request for assistance to a host computer, receives a location of help provider from the host computer, and displays the location on a map. The customer may then seek out the help provider.

Abstract: Methods, systems and apparatus for securing user input to a terminal such as a self-service terminal. The temperature of one or more keys pressed by a user when entering user information into a terminal (e.g., user PIN) is determined. The change in temperature on the keys' surface from the user touching the keys reflects a heat signature that can be identified by thermal imaging devices. A desired temperature for the keys that will mask the heat signature is determined. The temperature of the keys is adjusted (e.g., raised or lowered) to the desired temperature.

Abstract: Task management techniques which use a beacon to detect mobile communication devices carried by task performers. An example task management method includes receiving by a task management system a message containing a beacon identifier from a mobile communication device carried by a task performer within communication range of a beacon, determining by the task management system a location of the beacon from the beacon identifier, determining by the task management system a task scheduled to be performed at the location, and marking the task as completed by the task management system.

Abstract: Techniques for determining movement of a device away from a preferred location which provide notification. An example method includes receiving a signal from a beacon, determining a measure of a characteristic of the signal, performing a comparison of the measure of the characteristic to a predetermined threshold which is based upon a distance from the preferred location, determining that the device has moved at least the distance from the preferred location based upon the comparison, and issuing an alert.

Abstract: Techniques for determining movement of a device away from a preferred location which provide notification. An example method includes receiving a signal from a beacon, determining a measure of a characteristic of the signal, performing a comparison of the measure of the characteristic to a predetermined threshold which is based upon a distance from the preferred location, determining that the device has moved at least the distance from the preferred location based upon the comparison, and issuing an alert.

Abstract: Assistance techniques that give customers more knowledge and more freedom to seek out employees or other help providers. In an example method, a mobile device of a customer sends a request for assistance to a host computer, receives a location of help provider from the host computer, and displays the location on a map. The customer may then seek out the help provider.