Abstract: Pre-encoding noise parameterization techniques mitigate or eliminate banding and other graphical artifacts in video frames for decoding and presentation by a client device. For one or more input video frames, a quantization parameter associated with the input video frames is identified. Noise synthesis parameters are determined based on the identified quantization parameter, and the input video frames are encoded for transmission. The encoded video frames are transmitted to the client device along with the determined noise synthesis parameters, for use by the client device in generating synthetic noise to add to resulting video frames decoded by the client device.

Abstract: A second user is identified as a relationship target for a first user. A communications monitoring software identifies communications between the first user and the second user. The communications monitoring software identifies respective communications features of the communications. The communications monitoring software assigns respective scores to the respective communications features of the communications between the first user and the second user. A relationship strengthener with respect to the second user is presented to the first user based on the respective scores.

Abstract: A communications monitoring software identifies first communications between a user and other users. The communications monitoring software associates respective communication scores with the first communications based on respective communication feature scores of identified communications features of the first communications. Second communications associated with the user are identified. The communications monitoring software identifies a subset of the second communications based on respective communication scores of the first communications. The subset of the second communications is presented in a user interface.

Abstract: Electrochemical devices, and associated materials and methods, are generally described. In some embodiments, an electrochemical device comprises an electroactive material. The electroactive material may comprise an alloy having a solid phase and a liquid phase that co-exist with each other. As a result, such a composite electrode may have, in some cases, the mechanical softness to permit both high energy densities and an improved current density as compared to, for example, a substantially pure metal electrode.

Abstract: A computer-implemented method and system is disclosed for capturing and distributing aerial images and/or videos. Images and/or videos are captured from aircraft and transmitted to a ground station. Users are able to view captured images on a real-time or near real-time basis through a user platform on mobile devices and web browsers. The location of the user may also be determined and used to interpolate the user's location with the captured images.

Abstract: In an example embodiment, a dynamic button as a dynamic button user interface element is rendered in a graphical user interface, the dynamic button corresponding to an application action when selected by a user via the graphical user interface. Then, in response to detection of selection of the dynamic button by the user via the graphical user interface, the application action is caused to be executed, producing an application action result, and a visual indication of the application action result is displayed inside the dynamic button user interface element.

Abstract: A computer-implemented method and system is disclosed for capturing and distributing aerial images and/or videos. Images and/or videos are captured from aircraft and transmitted to a ground station. Users are able to view captured images on a real-time or near real-time basis through a user platform on mobile devices and web browsers. The location of the user may also be determined and used to interpolate the user's location with the captured images.

Abstract: A computer-implemented method and system is disclosed for capturing and distributing aerial images and/or videos. Images and/or videos are captured from aircraft and transmitted to a ground station. Users are able to view captured images on a real-time or near real-time basis through a user platform on mobile devices and web browsers. The location of the user may also be determined and used to interpolate the user's location with the captured images.

Abstract: In an example embodiment, a dynamic button as a dynamic button user interface element is rendered in a graphical user interface, the dynamic button corresponding to an application action when selected by a user via the graphical user interface. Then, in response to detection of selection of the dynamic button by the user via the graphical user interface, the application action is caused to be executed, producing an application action result, and a visual indication of the application action result is displayed inside the dynamic button user interface element.

Abstract: In an example embodiment, a dynamic button user interface element is rendered in a graphical user interface, the dynamic button corresponding to an application action when selected by a user via the graphical user interface. In response to detection of selection of the dynamic button by the user via the graphical user interface, the dynamic button user interface element is caused to change from a first shape to a second shape and display two or more sub-buttons within the dynamic button user interface element. In response to detection of selection of a first of the sub-buttons by the user via the graphical user interface, the application action is caused to be executed, the two or more sub-buttons are caused to disappear from within the dynamic button user interface element, and the dynamic button user interface element is caused to change from the second shape to the first shape.

Abstract: Example systems and methods of context-driven information access are presented. In one example, a request for information concerning an application is received from a user device employing the application. Also received from the user device is context information related to execution of the application. Based on the request and the context information, information concerning the application is retrieved. The information concerning the application is then transmitted to the user device while the user device is employing the application. In some examples, this information may also be shared among other user devices.

Abstract: Example systems and methods of context-driven information access are presented. In one example, a request for information concerning an application is received from a user device employing the application. Also received from the user device is context information related to execution of the application. Based on the request and the context information, information concerning the application is retrieved. The information concerning the application is then transmitted to the user device while the user device is employing the application. In some examples, this information may also be shared among other user devices.

Abstract: A computer-implemented method and system is disclosed for capturing and distributing aerial images and/or videos. Images and/or videos are captured from aircraft and transmitted to a ground station. Users are able to view captured images on a real-time or near real-time basis through a user platform on mobile devices and web browsers. The location of the user may also be determined and used to interpolate the user's location with the captured images.

Abstract: A process kit for a sputtering chamber comprises a deposition ring, cover ring, and a shield assembly, for placement about a substrate support in a sputtering chamber. The deposition ring comprising an annular band with an inner lip extending transversely, a raised ridge substantially parallel to the substrate support, an inner open channel, and a ledge radially outward of the raised ridge. A cover ring at least partially covers the deposition ring, the cover ring comprising an annular plate comprising a footing which rests on a surface about the substrate support, and downwardly extending first and second cylindrical walls.

Abstract: A sputtering chamber has a sputtering target comprising a backing plate and a sputtering plate. The backing plate has a groove. The sputtering plate comprises a cylindrical mesa having a plane, and an annular inclined rim surrounding the cylindrical mesa. In one version, the backing plate comprises a material having a high thermal conductivity and a low electrical resistivity. In another version, the backing plate comprises a backside surface with a single groove or a plurality of grooves.

Abstract: A system for handling masked substrates comprising a chamber having a pedestal for supporting a substrate, and a chuck for supporting a mask in relation to a substrate. The system may include an alignment system operable to confirm alignment of the mask and the substrate. A method of positioning a mask on a substrate in a chamber comprises supporting the mask with a chuck disposed in the chamber and supporting the substrate with a pedestal disposed in the chamber. The method may further comprise aligning one or more reference points on the mask with one or more reference points on the substrate and positioning the mask on the substrate using at least one of the chuck and the pedestal.