Abstract: A light projection system and method for use in communicating intent of an automated system to a user. The light projection system includes a light projector for projecting light onto a surface adjacent to the light projection system; and a controller for controlling the light projected by the light projector. The controller is configured to, in response to a vehicle state or a traffic state, cause the light to be projected by the light projector so that the light impinges the surface and is reflected as a displayed graphic conveying an intent based on the vehicle state or the traffic state.

Abstract: A heating and/or cooling device for contact with a human body is provided having a power source outputting electrical energy, a temperature controller operably coupled to the power source configured to maintain a predetermined temperature parameter, and at least one heating and/or cooling module operably coupled to the temperature controller for selectively receiving the electrical energy and being responsive thereto to heat and/or cool the human body. The at least one heating and/or cooling module having a pair of electrodes spaced apart by a thermoelectric powder and an insulator at least partially surrounding the thermoelectric powder.

Abstract: A light communication system, receiver, and method for synchronizing a receiver with a transmitter so as to decode a data input stream transmitted by the transmitter and received at the receiver. The method includes: receiving a data input stream at a receiver, the data input stream having a first data rate that is set based on a transmitter clock rate; generating a wave; obtaining a phase error between the data input stream and the generated wave; determining a synchronized clock rate by using the phase error to adjust the frequency of the generated wave so as to match the frequency of the generated wave to the transmitter clock rate of the data input stream; and using the synchronized clock rate to decode the data input stream so as to obtain data encoded in the data input stream.

Abstract: A communication system comprising a light source associated with a first item of interest; a visible light communications system operably coupled to the light source of the first item of interest, the visible light communications system configured to process information as an encoded signal and output the encoded signal via the light source; and a receiver associated with a second item of interest, the receiver configured to receive the encoded signal from the light source and process the encoded signal to obtain the information.

Abstract: A method for simulating interactions between a propagating field and occluding bodies in a volume is provided. The method includes using a processor to construct a three-dimensional grid structure having a plurality of cells, the volume containing a plurality of two-dimensional triangles that intersect or reside in one or more of the cells; to iterate through a plurality of rays and trace each ray of the plurality to approximate the propagating field; to determine and account for all interactions between each ray of the plurality and the occluding bodies, where the determining includes performing ray-triangle intersection for all triangles of the plurality of triangles intersecting or residing in cells occupied by the occluding bodies, and the accounting includes adding additional rays of the plurality of rays as reflections, transmissions, and diffractions of the approximated propagating field.

Abstract: A ?SMET platform system for ferrying supplies to soldiers in combat, evacuating the wounded, and helping transport loads. The ?SMET platform system can adjust its geometry to suit specific payloads and adapt to the terrain, is light enough to be carried by a soldier and sturdy enough to evacuate a soldier, and has adequate off-road mobility to follow an infantry unit. The ?SMET platform system's variable geometry enhances mobility over challenging terrain: its rear wheel assembly can expand to increase its stability or contract to reduce its profile.

Abstract: A vehicle line-of-sight optical communication system and method for use in ad hoc networks formed with a vehicle during traveling of the vehicle along a roadway. The communication system includes: an electronic control unit (ECU) having an electronic processor that operates under control of a program to process messages sent or received by the communication system; at least one light source that comprises a part of a vehicle external lamp module; a driver circuit electrically connected to the ECU to energize the light source(s) in response to a transmission signal from the ECU so as to send messages via the light source(s); at least one light sensor that comprises a part of the vehicle external lighting system; and a receiver circuit electrically connected to the ECU to provide the ECU with a reception signal indicative of messages received via the light sensor(s).

Abstract: A method is presented for detecting occlusions on a color camera. The method includes: capturing an image of a scene using the camera; analyzing intensity of electromagnetic radiation forming the at least one image, where the intensity of the electromagnetic radiation is analyzed across the electromagnetic spectrum; detecting an occlusion on a lens of the camera based on variation of intensity of the electromagnetic radiation across the electromagnetic spectrum; and tagging the image with an indicator of the occlusion, where the tagging occurs in response to detecting an occlusion on the camera.

Abstract: A heating and/or cooling device having one or more thermoelectric threads. The thermoelectric thread includes a plurality of individual thermoelectric elements, each thermoelectric element having a first side and a second side. A set of first side electrodes connects at least some of the thermoelectric elements at the first side, and a set of second side electrodes connects at least some of the thermoelectric elements at the second side. An electrically insulative covering at least partially surrounds the plurality of individual thermoelectric elements. The electrically insulative covering is configured to be woven into or otherwise integrated with a fabric.

Abstract: A heating and/or cooling device for contact with a human body is provided having a power source outputting electrical energy, a temperature controller operably coupled to the power source configured to maintain a predetermined temperature parameter, and at least one heating and/or cooling module operably coupled to the temperature controller for selectively receiving the electrical energy and being responsive thereto to heat and/or cool the human body. The at least one heating and/or cooling module having a pair of electrodes spaced apart by a thermoelectric powder and an insulator at least partially surrounding the thermoelectric powder.

Abstract: A vehicle line-of-sight optical communication system and method for use in ad hoc networks formed with a vehicle during traveling of the vehicle along a roadway. The communication system includes: an electronic control unit (ECU) having an electronic processor that operates under control of a program to process messages sent or received by the communication system; at least one light source that comprises a part of a vehicle external lamp module; a driver circuit electrically connected to the ECU to energize the light source(s) in response to a transmission signal from the ECU so as to send messages via the light source(s); at least one light sensor that comprises a part of the vehicle external lighting system; and a receiver circuit electrically connected to the ECU to provide the ECU with a reception signal indicative of messages received via the light sensor(s).

Abstract: A method is presented for detecting occlusions on a color camera. The method includes: capturing an image of a scene using the camera; analyzing intensity of electromagnetic radiation forming the at least one image, where the intensity of the electromagnetic radiation is analyzed across the electromagnetic spectrum; detecting an occlusion on a lens of the camera based on variation of intensity of the electromagnetic radiation across the electromagnetic spectrum; and tagging the image with an indicator of the occlusion, where the tagging occurs in response to detecting an occlusion on the camera.

Abstract: A heating and/or cooling device having one or more thermoelectric threads. The thermoelectric thread includes a plurality of individual thermoelectric elements, each thermoelectric element having a first side and a second side. A set of first side electrodes connects at least some of the thermoelectric elements at the first side, and a set of second side electrodes connects at least some of the thermoelectric elements at the second side. An electrically insulative covering at least partially surrounds the plurality of individual thermoelectric elements. The electrically insulative covering is configured to be woven into or otherwise integrated with a fabric.

Abstract: A sensing arrangement detects a compound of interest within a gas sample. An amplifying fluorescent polymer produces an output signal that varies in response to an interaction of the amplifying fluorescent polymer with the compound of interest. Additionally, an infrared illumination source produces infrared electromagnetic energy that causes the amplifying fluorescent polymer to generate the output signal. A MEMS detector is positioned to receive the output signal generated by the amplifying fluorescent polymer, and produces an output electrical signal that is responsive to an interaction between the compound of interest and the amplifying fluorescent polymer. The output electrical signal is responsive to a quenching of the output signal of the amplifying fluorescent polymer. A pattern database stoics pattern data corresponding to characteristics of compounds of interest.

Abstract: A robotic system has a drive chassis having a drive motor and a drive element attached to the first drive motor. Additionally, a motor controller system provides drive signals to the first drive motor. A logic controller provides control signals to the motor controller. A network system is provided for communicating with the logic controller. At least one peripheral element communicates with the network system. There is additionally provided a wireless arrangement for communicating wirelessly with the network system.

Abstract: A system for distinguishing between a first condition corresponding to a living subject being directly in contact with an object of interest, and a second condition corresponding to the absence of contact between the living subject and the object of interest. A transducer, which may be a MEMs sensor, is disposed in predetermined relationship to the object of interest and produces a transducer signal responsive to a pressure wave resulting from the living subject being directly in contact the object of interest. A database stores data corresponding to the first condition and may contain additional data corresponding to the second condition. A processor calculates an algorithm of a non-linear short-term frequency-selective energy distribution of the transducer signal over time to produce transducer signal data.

Abstract: A system for distinguishing between a first condition corresponding to a living subject being directly in contact with an object of interest, and a second condition corresponding to the absence of contact between the living subject and the object of interest. A transducer, which may be a MEMs sensor, is disposed in predetermined relationship to the object of interest and produces a transducer signal responsive to a pressure wave resulting from the living subject being directly in contact the object of interest. A database stores data corresponding to the first condition and may contain additional data corresponding to the second condition. A processor calculates an algorithm of a non-linear short-term frequency-selective energy distribution of the transducer signal over time to produce transducer signal data.

Abstract: A robotic system has a drive chassis having a drive motor and a drive element attached to the first drive motor, Additionally, a motor controller system provides drive signals to the first drive motor. A logic controller provides control signals to the motor controller. A network system is provided for communicating with the logic controller. At least one peripheral element communicates with the network system. There is additionally provided a wireless arrangement for communicating wirelessly with the network system.

Abstract: A system for distinguishing between a first condition corresponding to a living subject being directly in contact with an object of interest, and a second condition corresponding to the absence of contact between the living subject and the object of interest. A transducer is disposed in predetermined relationship to the object of interest and produces a transducer signal responsive to a pressure wave resulting from the living subject being directly in contact the object of interest. A database stores data corresponding to the first condition and may contain additional data corresponding to the second condition. A processor calculates an algorithm of a non-linear short-term frequency-selective energy distribution of the transducer signal over time to produce transducer signal data. An arrangement, which may be a human listener or a processor system, determines a threshold between the first and second conditions in response to the transducer signal data and the first and second data.

Abstract: A human being presence detection system automatically determines the presence of human beings without directly attaching sensors to the human body and detects human drowsiness. The detection system characterizes the occupancy of a vehicle seat to determine the characteristics of deployment of vehicle airbags and restraints in the event of a crash/accident. In other applications, the presence of persons hiding in a predetermined space is detected, including caves, underground bunkers, tunnels, etc. The rescue of military personnel or of persons trapped under rubble, behind barriers, within building, etc., is facilitated. In one embodiment, human beings are detected using data obtained from pressure transducers in the space of interest. The pressure signals are processed by a novel signal processing algorithm to determine the presence or absence of a human being, using information from different types of pressure transducers.