Abstract: A method of feature matching in images captured from camera viewpoints uses the epipolar geometry of the viewpoints to define a geometrically-constrained region in a second image corresponding to a first feature in a first image; comparing the local descriptor of the first feature with local descriptors of features in the second image to determine respective measures of similarity; identifying, from the features located in the geometrically-constrained region, (i) a geometric best match and (ii) a geometric next-best match to the first feature; identifying a global best match to the first feature; performing a first comparison of the measures of similarity for the geometric best match and the global best match; performing a second comparison of the measures of similarity for the geometric best match and the geometric next-best match; and, if thresholds are met, selecting the geometric best match feature in the second image.

Abstract: This disclosure describes systems, devices, apparatuses, kits, and methods of accessing a container. In a particular implementation, a container includes a housing that defines a cavity and a ladder coupled to the housing. The ladder is movable relative to the housing while the ladder is coupled to the housing. The ladder is movable relative to the housing between: a first position in which the ladder is disposed within the cavity; and a second position in which the ladder is disposed outside the cavity.

Abstract: This disclosure describes systems, devices, apparatuses, kits, and methods of accessing a container. In a particular implementation, a container includes a housing that defines a cavity and a ladder coupled to the housing. The ladder is movable relative to the housing while the ladder is coupled to the housing. The ladder is movable relative to the housing between: a first position in which the ladder is disposed within the cavity; and a second position in which the ladder is disposed outside the cavity.

Abstract: An electronic skill game system and method are provided. The electronic skill game system may include an electronic skill game; a display; one or more user inputs; and one or more computer processors associated with the electronic skill game, display, and the one or more user inputs. The one or more computer processors are preferably programmed to perform operations including generating an electronic skill game board screen on the display including at least one pattern of icons and a set of alternate icons displayed on the electronic skill game board screen; receiving and processing one or more user inputs, wherein the one or more user inputs comprise a user selecting one of the alternate icons to replace a designated icon of the pattern of icons; and outputting an outcome based on the user's selection.

Abstract: Apparatus for binning an input value into an array of bins, each bin representing a range of input values and the bins collectively representing a histogram of input values, the apparatus comprising: an input for receiving the input value; a memory for storing the array; and a binning controller configured to: derive a plurality of bin values from the input value according to a binning distribution located about the input value, the binning distribution spanning a range of input values and each bin value having a respective input value dependent on the position of the bin value in the binning distribution; and allocate the plurality of bin values to a plurality of bins in the array, each bin value being allocated to a bin selected according to the respective input value of the bin value.

Abstract: A method of feature matching in images captured from camera viewpoints uses the epipolar geometry of the viewpoints to define a geometrically-constrained region in a second image corresponding to a first feature in a first image; comparing the local descriptor of the first feature with local descriptors of features in the second image to determine respective measures of similarity; identifying, from the features located in the geometrically-constrained region, (i) a geometric best match and (ii) a geometric next-best match to the first feature; identifying a global best match to the first feature; performing a first comparison of the measures of similarity for the geometric best match and the global best match; performing a second comparison of the measures of similarity for the geometric best match and the geometric next-best match; and, if thresholds are met, selecting the geometric best match feature in the second image.

Abstract: A transmission Raman spectroscopy apparatus has a light source for generating a light profile on a sample, a photodetector having at least one photodetector element, collection optics arranged to collect Raman scattered light transmitted through the sample and direct the Raman light onto the at least one photodetector element and a support for supporting the sample. The support and light source are arranged such that the light profile can be moved relative to the sample in order that the at least one photodetector element receives Raman scattered light generated for different locations of the light profile on the sample.

Abstract: A microelectronic structure having CTE compensation for use in wafer-level and chip-scale packages, comprising a plurality of substrate tiles each having a generally planar upper surface, the upper surfaces of the tiles disposed within a common plane to provide a generally planar grid of the tiles, each respective pair of adjacent tiles having a gap disposed therebetween.

Abstract: Systems, methods, devices, and other techniques for managing a computing resource shared by a set of online entities. A system can receive a request from a first online entity to reserve capacity of the computing resource. The system determines a relative priority of the first online entity and identifies a reservation zone that corresponds to the relative priority of the first online entity. The system determines whether to satisfy the request based on comparing (i) an amount of the requested capacity of the computing resource and (ii) an amount of the portion of unused capacity of the computing resource designated by the reservation zone that online entities having relative priorities at or below the relative priority of the first online entity are permitted to reserve.

Abstract: An automated cell culture and tissue engineering system comprising defined and separate environmental zones provide for increased control and maintenance of the internal environment of the system such that the temperature, air flow and gases surrounding the bioreactor module form one zone that is maintained separately to a second zone formed surrounding the reagent fluid reservoir. The system further comprises means for elimination and/or management of condensation within the second zone of the system.

Abstract: An automated carousel and system configured for translationally moving a plurality of biological production units in unison along a vertical frame while maintaining a precise alignment of each of the biological production units relative to gravity, and simultaneously providing independent dynamic adjustment of the axial orientation of each of the plurality of biological production units relative to gravity. The automated carousel may be adapted for use with a variety of biological production units supporting cell culture and/or tissue engineering systems in various clinical and laboratory settings and provides for ergonomic use thereof.

Abstract: A game system and method for allowing a player to view a complete list of all upcoming outcomes of a game in the order to be awarded, before spending consideration to play the game, wherein the upcoming outcomes of the game are not generated using an element or instrument of chance.

Abstract: A wellbore isolation device includes a tubular body having an inner bore formed longitudinally therethrough. A plurality of centralizing arms is radially extendible from the tubular body. At least one slip is radially extendible from the tubular body. A sealing assembly that is radially extendible from the tubular body is also included and disposed between the centralizing arms and the slip. The sealing assembly includes a radially extendible elastomeric sealing surface and an anti-extrusion device having at least two support members coupled to opposite longitudinal ends of the elastomeric sealing surface. An equalizing port is also included which is disposed in the tubular body and permits, when opened, fluidic communication between external the tubular body and the inner bore thereby equalizing the pressure between external the tubular body and the inner bore.

Abstract: Aspects of the subject disclosure may include, for example, a server, comprising a processing system including a processor and a memory that stores executable instructions that, when executed by the processing system, facilitate performance of operations including receiving a request from a mobile device of a user having an account to access a first mobile application of a plurality of mobile applications, wherein each of the plurality of mobile applications is embedded into a single bundled application, and wherein the single bundled application is downloaded onto the mobile device, determining whether the mobile device has permissions for access to the first mobile application and whether the mobile device is executing the single bundled application, and sending permissions data to the mobile device that enables the mobile device via the account to access the first mobile application. Other embodiments are disclosed.

Abstract: A computer system executes a user-supplied query across multiple relational database tables linked by a common key. A new query form, called a composite join, takes a user-supplied query including one or more terms optionally joined by logical operations, an identification of two or more tables and an identification of a common join key shared across the tables. The composite join applies the query across the tables such that any of the query terms can be matched by any of the tables. A query is performed across all tables for each query term and any join keys associated with matching records from the tables are identified in a set of join keys associated with the respective term. The logical operations are then performed on the resulting sets of join keys to combine the results of the term queries according to the user query.

Abstract: Downhole tools comprising a body and at least one sealing element, wherein at least a portion of the body is degradable when exposed to a wellbore environment; and a retention mechanism configured to retain the sealing element in place during degradation of the portion of the body that is degradable, wherein the downhole tool is capable of actuating to fluidly seal two sections of the wellbore with the sealing element.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to gastrointestinal (GI) tract detection methods, devices and systems.

Abstract: A shroud for a truck bed tailgate may have a set of platens adapted for engagement with a pick-up truck having truck bed, and a tailgate pivotable about a tailgate pivot axis. The set of platens may have a first platen adapted to be fixedly engaged with the truck bed, the first platen defining a hinge cover pivot axis parallel to the tailgate pivot axis. The shroud may further have a hinge cover, the hinge cover being rotatably engaged with the first platen to rotate about the hinge cover pivot axis between a first orientation wherein it extends over the elongated tailgate clearance gap, and a second orientation wherein it is clear of the tailgate when the tailgate is in the closed position.

Abstract: Methods, devices, systems, and apparatuses are provided for the image analysis of measurement of biological samples.

Abstract: A method of calibrating a camera performs a first calibration for frames of a sequence captured by the camera to calculate for those frames first calibration data for a set of one or more camera parameters; performs, for selected frames of the sequence, a second calibration to calculate second calibration data for the selected frames in dependence on the first calibration data for those frames; and uses the second calibration data in the first calibration performed for subsequent frames of the sequence.