Abstract: Systems and methods for configuring and training neural networks for visual processing tasks, specifically focusing on higher-order feature selectivity with techniques to preconfigure higher-order features into convolutional neural networks (CNNs). The method involves configuring an artificial neural network to be selective to contours comprising curved sections and straight or nearly straight sections. This includes creating a topographically organized layer of orientation-selective neurons that collectively detect multiple orientations in an image patch. Additionally, layers of neurons selective for curve segments and approximately straight contours are created, where the selection is based on inputs from previous layers. The method further extends to creating neurons selective for curves with specified curvature, orientation, and center.

Abstract: A standing desk mat includes a base having a thickness dimension within which a cushioning material resides for supporting a bottom of a shoe of a standing user off a floor when the user is standing on the standing desk mat, and a strap operably connected to the base to form a bridge spanning a portion of the base for an upper portion of the shoe to engage a bottom portion of the strap upon the user raising the shoe above the base to raise at least a portion of the standing desk mat therewith and disengage the bottom portion of the strap upon the user lowering the shoe to lower the base to the floor therewith.

Abstract: A standing desk mat includes a base having a thickness dimension within which a cushioning material resides for supporting a bottom of a shoe of a standing user off a floor when the user is standing on the standing desk mat, and a strap operably connected to the base to form a bridge spanning a portion of the base for an upper portion of the shoe to engage a bottom portion of the strap upon the user raising the shoe above the base to raise at least a portion of the standing desk mat therewith and disengage the bottom portion of the strap upon the user lowering the shoe to lower the base to the floor therewith.

Abstract: A steaming device for shaving includes a base configured to rest on a counter surface and including a steam producing mechanism for producing a stream of steam, a steam outlet disposed distal the base along a longitudinal axis of the steaming device and configured to output the stream of steam, the steam outlet including at least one orifice from which the stream of steam flows, and a steam delivery conduit comprising a receiving end and a discharge end, the receiving end operably connected to the base, the discharge end operably connected to the steam outlet for delivering the stream of steam from the base to the steam outlet.

Abstract: Certain aspects of the present disclosure provide systems and methods for configuring and training neural networks. The method includes models of individual neurons in a network that avoid certain biologically impossible or implausible features of conventional artificial neural networks. Exemplary networks may use patterns of local connections between excitatory and inhibitory neurons to provide desirable computational properties. A network configured in this manner is shown to solve a digit classification problem.

Abstract: A drumming system includes a percussion instrument and an inserting/retracting mechanism operably connected to the first percussion instrument and configured to move the first percussion instrument along an arch relative to a second percussion instrument from a retracted position to an inserted position and from the inserted position to the retracted position.

Abstract: A drumming system includes a percussion instrument and an inserting/retracting mechanism operably connected to the first percussion instrument and configured to move the first percussion instrument along an arch relative to a second percussion instrument from a retracted position to an inserted position and from the inserted position to the retracted position.

Abstract: Certain aspects of the present disclosure provide systems and methods for configuring and training neural networks. The method includes models of individual neurons in a network that avoid certain biologically impossible or implausible features of conventional artificial neural networks. Exemplary networks may use patterns of local connections between excitatory and inhibitory neurons to provide desirable computational properties. A network configured in this manner is shown to solve a digit classification problem.

Abstract: Certain aspects of the present disclosure provide systems and methods for configuring and training neural networks. The method includes models of individual neurons in a network that avoid certain biologically impossible or implausible features of conventional artificial neural networks. Exemplary networks may use patterns of local connections between excitatory and inhibitory neurons to provide desirable computational properties. A network configured in this manner is shown to solve a digit classification problem.

Abstract: A drumming system includes a percussion instrument; an inserting/retracting coupled to the percussion instrument for moving the first percussion instrument to a desired position with respect to a second percussion instrument; the inserting/retracting mechanism including a motor, an input device for receiving an operation instruction and generating an operation signal based on the operation instruction, a feedback mechanism for obtaining position information of the first percussion instrument and generating a feedback signal representative of the position information, and a controller electrically coupled to the input device, the motor, and the feedback mechanism for actuating the motor based on the operation signal and the feedback signal.

Abstract: A percussion system comprising a pedal and an inserting/retracting mechanism operably connected to a percussion instrument and the pedal from moving the percussion instrument horizontally from a first position to a second position and from the second position to the first position by operation of the pedal.

Abstract: A percussion system comprising a pedal and an inserting/retracting mechanism operably connected to a percussion instrument and the pedal from moving the percussion instrument horizontally from a first position to a second position and from the second position to the first position by operation of the pedal.

Abstract: A theft deterrent display package for at least one article comprises a product cradle having an interior space with a perimeter. A peripheral flange extends outwardly from the perimeter of the interior space. A locking slot is configured along the perimeter of the interior space. At least one self-standing leg extends downwardly from the interior space upon which the display package stands alone. A backboard is defined by a front face and a back face. A locking tab comprises a free end extends outwardly from one edge of the back face. The locking tab includes two angled fold lines used in assisting the free end of the locking tab to be inserted into the locking slot to securely enclose the display package.

Abstract: A theft deterrent display package for at least one article comprises a product cradle having an interior space with a perimeter. A peripheral flange extends outwardly from the perimeter of the interior space. A locking slot is configured along the perimeter of the interior space. At least one self-standing leg extends downwardly from the interior space upon which the display package stands alone. A backboard is defined by a front face and a back face. A locking tab comprises a free end extends outwardly from one edge of the back face. The locking tab includes two angled fold lines used in assisting the free end of the locking tab to be inserted into the locking slot to securely enclose the display package.

Abstract: An eating utensil includes a food carrier configured to convey food to a mouth, a sensor configured to sense the weight of food carried on the food carrier, a handle attached to the food carrier and configured to be engaged by a hand of an eater, an electric circuit in communication with the sensor and configured to count a bite of food in response to the weight of food carried on the food carrier, and a display device configured to display a number of bites consumed by the eater.

Abstract: A user uses a portable electronic device to select an image representative of a brand. In response to the user's selection of the image representative of the brand, the device automatically presents the user with an image of a map that indicates a current location of the device and shows one or more images representative of brand purchase sites where the selected brand may be accessed by the user.

Abstract: A fluid filtration assembly 1 comprises a capsule 10 having filtration means 20 and one-way flow means 30. A fluid 60 is flowed through the assembly 1 two or more times to cause multiple-pass filtration of a fluid 60.

Abstract: Techniques are disclosed for generating and transmitting a message from a first user (the “sender”) to a second user (the “recipient”) over a network. The message may, for example, include a sequence of graphical language elements selected by the sender using a first mobile communication device. The sender may select each of the graphical language elements from a graphical language by first selecting a category and then selecting a graphical symbol within the selected category. The resulting sequence of graphical language elements, also referred to as a “graphical language message,” may be displayed to the recipient by a second mobile communication device. The use of graphical language messages, rather than conventional messages consisting of text, may facilitate the processes of inputting, transmitting, and reading such messages. Furthermore, graphical language messages may be implemented in mobile communication devices using conventional, low-cost components.

Abstract: An object process graph (OPG) application development system. The system includes an OPG application program interface (API), an OPG application editor, an OPG application window editor, and an OPG application notation. The OPG API provides access to functions of an OPG system. The OPG application editor facilitates the creating and editing of the OPG applications via the OPG API. The OPG application window editor facilitates the editing of OPG application user interface windows while an OPG application is running. The OPG application notation includes a plurality of key words and associated definitions for describing and defining OPG applications.

Abstract: A computer software system is provided, namely, An Object Process Graph Application Controller-Viewer (OPGACV) system. The OPGACV controls a running Object Process Graph (OPG) application by inducing a Dynamic Graph Interpreter (DGI) to transition applications from one state to another, and using application designer/user defined properties, it renders application state, structure, and data on display mediums and validates data inputs to applications. The OPGACV also controls the import and export of OPG applications.