Abstract: Map tile data for displaying graphic elements of a web-based mapping system in a mobile computing device may be pre-fetched to the device based on an analysis of the historical uses of a mapping module at that device. A user mapping activity module executing on the mobile device may retrieve user mapping activity data. The module may then extract geographic location data from the user mapping activity data and send the extracted data to a mapping system via a network connection. The mapping system may then match map tile data to the geographic location data extracted from the user mapping activity data and send the matched data to the mobile computing device for cache storage at the mobile computing device. The user mapping activity module may also analyze the user mapping activity data to determine whether the extracted geographic location data is relevant enough to warrant pre-fetching the tile data.

Abstract: A vehicle display illumination system includes a controller controlling a constant current source. The constant current source receives a variable voltage input and outputs multiple constant current channels to one or more light sources for the vehicle display. The controller is further operable to alter a color or brightness of the light sources in response to a change in status of another vehicle system, thereby providing an indication to the user of the change in status.

Abstract: A computer-implemented method and system for pre-fetching remote resource data from a remote mapping system for display on a client computing device is disclosed. Data received at a client device from an online mapping system in response to a query from the client device includes vector and remote resource data. Vector data is rasterized by the client device to depict graphical elements that are easily described by mathematical formulas. Remote resource data includes digital map elements that are not easily described by vectors, but instead, must be relayed to the client device as either bitmaps or references (e.g., URLs) to remote resources that are resolved at the backend or the client device. This remote resource data is prefetched to a client device so that it will be available for subsequent mapping application searches without resolving a corresponding reference to the remote resource data for each search.

Abstract: A vehicle display illumination system includes a controller controlling a constant current source. The constant current source receives a variable voltage input and outputs multiple constant current channels to one or more light sources for the vehicle display. The controller is further operable to alter a color or brightness of the light sources in response to a change in status of another vehicle system, thereby providing an indication to the user of the change in status.

Abstract: The present invention provides a mechanically-actuated switch comprising a deformable conductive element providing a conductive path between a first terminal and a second terminal, wherein the effective geometry of the conductive element changes suddenly upon deformation to cause a disproportionately large change in a resistance between the first and second terminals. The switch can be made from lightweight and soft materials, and is particularly suited for integration with dielectric elastomer devices. Also disclosed are various circuits and a method for controlling circuits including the switch.

Abstract: To select map data for storage in a memory of a computing device, geographic locations for which a user of a client device is expected to subsequently request digital maps are determined. Prior to receiving a user request for map data related to the geographic locations, pre-fetch map data for generating digital maps including the plurality of geographic locations is determined. Further, a memory budget for storing map data in a memory of the client device is determined along with a priority for retrieving map data from a remote database to the memory of the client device. At least a portion of the determined pre-fetch map data is retrieved from the remote database to the memory of the client device in accordance with the determined memory budget and the determined priority.

Abstract: The invention provides circuits, systems and methods for dielectric elastomer device (DED) self-sensing. The circuit comprises a first DED coupled or adapted for coupling to a first voltage source (for providing an actuating or priming signal, for example); a current sensor provided in series with the first DED; and an oscillating signal source coupled to the first DED and adapted to cause an oscillation in a voltage across the DED, wherein the oscillating signal source is decoupled from the first voltage source.

Abstract: A pre-fetching map data system and method identifies a subset of map data to corresponding to one or more points of interest to be displayed on the map. The map data is stored on a remote map database in map data tiles. The pre-fetching map data system identifies those map data tiles that correspond to the one or more points of interest, where the identified pre-fetch map data tiles are sent from the remote database to a client device for cache storage. The number of pre-fetch map data tiles are determined using a tile budget that is dynamically adjusted in response to changing conditions on a client device.

Abstract: A fuel composition is disclosed comprising a major amount of hydrocarbons boiling in the diesel range and an effective deposit-controlling amount of at least one stability additive or at least one antioxidant additive or mixtures thereof, and wherein the fuel composition contains no more than 30 ppm of active detergent additive or active dispersant additive or mixtures thereof.

Abstract: A pre-fetching map data system and method identifies a subset of map data to corresponding to one or more points of interest to be displayed on the map. The map data is stored on a remote map database in map data tiles. The pre-fetching map data system identifies those map data tiles that correspond to the one or more points of interest, where the identified pre-fetch map data tiles are sent from the remote database to a client device for cache storage. The number of pre-fetch map data tiles are determined using a tile budget that is dynamically adjusted in response to changing conditions on a client device.

Abstract: Techniques for facilitating social networking via a media device are described. Some embodiments provide a social networking facilitator (“SNF”) as part of a media device, such as a set-top box that is configured to receive media content events from a broadcast system, such as a satellite broadcast system. As the media device presents a media content event, a user can share, via the SNF, information about the presented media content event with members of his social network. In particular, the SNF prepares a message that includes information about or from the presented media content event, such as a title, a channel, a summary, rating, video clip, or the like. This message can then be edited by the user, such as by adding a comment or rating, before being transmitted by the SNF a social networking system, to be forwarded as a notification to members of the user's social network.

Abstract: Map tile data for displaying graphic elements of a web-based mapping system in a mobile computing device may be pre-fetched to the device based on an analysis of the historical uses of a mapping module at that device. A user mapping activity module executing on the mobile device may retrieve user mapping activity data. The module may then extract geographic location data from the user mapping activity data and send the extracted data to a mapping system via a network connection. The mapping system may then match map tile data to the geographic location data extracted from the user mapping activity data and send the matched data to the mobile computing device for cache storage at the mobile computing device. The user mapping activity module may also analyze the user mapping activity data to determine whether the extracted geographic location data is relevant enough to warrant pre-fetching the tile data.

Abstract: An outside air temperature measurement device and method for vehicles derives a useable final value of the outside air temperature within seconds of the beginning of vehicle movement by developing a mathematical expression (i.e., model) for the exponential data series while discriminating against thermal noise components existing in the measurement data.

Abstract: The invention provides a passive converter comprising an input for electrical coupling to an intermittent or variable power source, an output for electrical coupling to load, and a conversion circuit for converting from a first voltage level of the input to a second voltage level suitable for the output, wherein the conversion circuit includes a passive switching circuit adapted to passively couple the input to the output when the input exceeds a first threshold and decouple the input from the output when the input falls below a second threshold. In particular, the passive switching circuit preferably comprises a spark gap, thyristor and avalanche diode, breakover diode, discharge tube, or a thyristor operated as breakover diodes. Circuits and dielectric elastomer generator (DEG) systems including the passive converter are also disclosed.

Abstract: Map tile data for displaying graphic elements of a web-based mapping system in a mobile computing device may be pre-fetched to the device based on an analysis of the historical uses of a mapping module at that mobile device. The mobile device may retrieve user mapping activity data and extract geographic location data from the mapping activity data. This geographic location data may then be used to retrieve map tile data that is related to another request for map tile data. This related map tile data may then be stored in cache storage to be retrieved during periods of reduced communication with a map tile server or other periods.

Abstract: Map tile data for displaying graphic elements of a web-based mapping system in a smart phone or other mobile computing device may be pre-fetched to the device based on device activities. For example, a user activity system may receive user activity data from the mobile device. The user activity system may then extract geographic location data from the user activity data and send the geographic location data to a mapping system via a network connection. The mapping system may then match map tile data to the geographic location data extracted from the user activity data and send the matched map tile data to the mobile computing device for cache storage at the mobile computing device. The user activity system may also analyze the user activity data to determine whether the extracted geographic location data is relevant enough to warrant pre-fetching the tile data.

Abstract: Techniques for facilitating social networking via a media device are described. Some embodiments provide a social networking facilitator (“SNF”) as part of a media device, such as a set-top box that is configured to receive media content events from a broadcast system, such as a satellite broadcast system. As the media device presents a media content event, a user can share, via the SNF, information about the presented media content event with members of his social network. In particular, the SNF prepares a message that includes information about or from the presented media content event, such as a title, a channel, a summary, rating, video clip, or the like. This message can then be edited by the user, such as by adding a comment or rating, before being transmitted by the SNF a social networking system, to be forwarded as a notification to members of the user's social network.

Abstract: An RF module includes a contact insert having a separable shielding body retaining an RF contact. The RF contact includes an RF mating tip connected to a signal tail. The mating tip and the signal tail extend out of shielding body. The shielding body includes first and second body members. The RF contact is positioned within the first body member and the second body member is removably secured to the second body member so that at least a portion of the RF contact is contained between the first and second body members. The RF module may also include a grounding block. The contact insert may be removably secured within the grounding block.

Abstract: Embodiments of a radio frequency (RF) circuit provide translational filtering in accordance with an input impedance response that is an impedance image of a reactive circuit impedance response from a poly phase reactive circuit. The RF circuit may include a first mixer circuit that provides a first frequency offset for the impedance image and a second mixer circuit that provides an additional frequency offset. Accordingly, the second mixer circuit may allow for adjustments to a total frequency offset of the impedance image. The second mixer circuit may also be configured so that the impedance image rejects a negative frequency impedance response of the reactive circuit impedance response.

Abstract: A pre-fetching map data system and method identifies a subset of map data to corresponding to one or more points of interest to be displayed on the map. The map data is stored on a remote map database and in the form of map data tiles. The system identifies those map data tiles that correspond to the subset of map data corresponding to the one or more points of interest, where the identified pre-fetch map data tiles are sent from the remote database to a client device for cache storage. The pre-fetch map data tiles are identified using a variable map tile radius, which when extended from the points of interest defines the map tiles that qualify as pre-fetch map data tiles. The tile radius can be fixed or dynamically adjusted and changes across different map zoom levels.