Abstract: An apparatus, method and computer program product are provided to facilitate the navigation of a vehicle, such as an autonomous vehicle, utilizing map data in which the quality associated with the map data is provided in a more computationally efficient manner. In the context of a method a plurality of different types of sensor data are received including map data, camera data and detector data. The method determines a quality index associated with the map data and weights the reliance upon the map data relative to other types of sensor data based upon the quality index associated with the map data. The method further includes determining navigation information for the vehicle based at least partly upon the weighting of the map data relative to other types of sensor data.

Abstract: A method of image enhancement includes constructing an input histogram corresponding to an input image received at a focal plane array. The method includes performing histogram equalization on a first band of the input histogram starting from a zero value and ending at a division value representing a pixel bin value where a predetermined fraction of the input histogram by pixel hound is reached to produce a first portion of an equalization curve. The method includes performing histogram equalization on a second band of the input histogram starting from the division value and ending at a pixel bin value where all of the input histogram by pixel count is reached to produce a second portion of the equalization curve. The method includes applying the equalization curve to the input image to produce a corresponding enhanced image.

Abstract: An optics arrangement includes a polarized beam splitter arranged along an collection axis, a first quarter waveplate arranged along the collection axis, and a second quarter waveplate. The second quarter waveplate is arranged along the collection axis and is optically coupled to the first quarter waveplate by the polarized beam splitter to limit return of polarized illumination originating in a scene being illuminated for retroreflector detection. Retroreflector detectors and methods of imaging a scene are also described.

Abstract: A method for diagnosing a condition of a subject includes imaging an abdominal area of the subject to obtain one or more images of the abdominal area. Separation between rectus abdominis muscles in the abdominal area is located from the one or more images. Distance of the separation between the rectus abdominis muscles is quantified. The results of the quantified distance and one or more images are outputted on one or more display units.

Abstract: An imaging device includes a camera and an illuminator. The illuminator is positioned and configured to illuminate an article through an illuminator tunable filter disposed along an optical axis and capture an image of the article through a camera tunable filter arranged along the optical axis. Imaging arrangements and imaging methods are also described.

Abstract: An apparatus, method and computer program product are provided to facilitate the navigation of a vehicle, such as an autonomous vehicle, utilizing map data in which the quality associated with the map data is provided in a more computationally efficient manner. In the context of a method a plurality of different types of sensor data are received including map data, camera data and detector data. The method determines a quality index associated with the map data and weights the reliance upon the map data relative to other types of sensor data based upon the quality index associated with the map data. The method further includes determining navigation information for the vehicle based at least partly upon the weighting of the map data relative to other types of sensor data.

Abstract: An optics arrangement includes a polarized beam splitter arranged along an collection axis, a first quarter waveplate arranged along the collection axis, and a second quarter waveplate. The second quarter waveplate is arranged along the collection axis and is optically coupled to the first quarter waveplate by the polarized beam splitter to limit return of polarized illumination originating in a scene being illuminated for retroreflector detection. Retroreflector detectors and methods of imaging a scene are also described.

Abstract: An imaging system includes a housing having a lens that defines a first optical axis. A sensor is within the housing offset from the first optical axis. A digital display is within the housing offset from the first optical axis opposite from the sensor across the first optical axis. A second optical axis is defined between the sensor and the digital display. A polarized beam splitter is within the housing at an intersection of the first and second optical axes to allow a portion of incoming photons to pass and continue along the first optical axis for direct-eye viewing and to redirect another portion of incoming photons to the sensor along the second optical axis.

Abstract: A method for diagnosing a condition of a subject includes imaging an abdominal area of the subject to obtain one or more images of the abdominal area. Separation between rectus abdominis muscles in the abdominal area is located from the one or more images. Distance of the separation between the rectus abdominis muscles is quantified. The results of the quantified distance and one or more images are outputted on one or more display units.

Abstract: An imaging system includes a housing having a lens defining a first optical axis. A first sensor is within the housing aligned with the first optical axis. A second sensor is within the housing offset from the first optical axis. A third sensor is within the housing opposite from the second sensor across the first optical axis. A second optical axis is defined between the second and third sensors. A polarized beam splitter is within the housing at an intersection of the first and second optical axes to redirect a portion of incoming photons to the second sensor. A bandpass filter is between the polarized beam splitter and the second sensor to pass a portion of photons traveling from the polarized beam splitter to the second sensor and to reflect a remaining portion of the photons back to the polarized beam splitter.

Abstract: An imaging system includes a housing having a lens that defines a first optical axis. A sensor is within the housing offset from the first optical axis. A digital display is within the housing offset from the first optical axis opposite from the sensor across the first optical axis. A second optical axis is defined between the sensor and the digital display. A polarized beam splitter is within the housing at an intersection of the first and second optical axes to allow a portion of incoming photons to pass and continue along the first optical axis for direct-eye viewing and to redirect another portion of incoming photons to the sensor along the second optical axis.

Abstract: A microfluidic device having integrated components for conducting chemical operations. Depending upon the desired application, the components include electrodes for manipulating charged entities, heaters, electrochemical detectors, sensors for temperature, pH, fluid flow, and other useful components. The device may be fabricated from a plastic substrate such as, for example, a substantially saturated norbornene based polymer. The components are integrated into the device by adhering an electrically conductive film to the substrate. The film may be made of metal or an electrically conducting ink and is applied to the device through metal deposition, printing, or other methods for applying films. Methods for reducing bubble formation during electrokinetic separation and methods for heating material in a microfluidic device are also disclosed.

Abstract: Generally, a substrate processing apparatus is provided. In one aspect of the invention, a substrate processing apparatus is provided. In one embodiment, the substrate processing apparatus includes one or more chamber bodies coupled to a gas distribution system. The chamber bodies define at least a first processing region and a second processing region within the chamber bodies. The gas distribution system includes a first, a second and a third gas supply circuit. The first gas supply circuit is teed between the first and second processing regions and is adapted to supply a first processing gas thereto. The second gas supply circuit is coupled to the first processing region and adapted to supply a second process gas thereto. The third gas supply circuit is coupled to the second processing region and is adapted to supply a third process gas thereto. Alternatively, the processing regions may be disposed in a single chamber body.

Abstract: A structure and method which substantially reduce the number of run-in substrates that have to be used in a high temperature (550° C. or greater) processing environment is presented. A barrier to conductive heat transfer is provided between a process gas distribution faceplate and its process chamber support. This allows the gas distribution faceplate to thermally float and substantially reduces the temperature transients in the faceplate, which can cause thermal (temperature) transients when wafer processing is begun. The present configuration uses a thermal separation assembly to substantially block conductive heat transfer to the cold processing chamber, by using a Vespel gasket or stainless steel washers and thereby reduces the thermal gradient experienced by the gas distribution faceplate. As a result of the improved thermal uniformity, the number of run-in wafer that need to be used is reduced by 80 to 95%.

Abstract: A microfluidic device having integrated components for conducting chemical operations. Depending upon the desired application, the components include electrodes for manipulating charged entities, heaters, electrochemical detectors, sensors for temperature, pH, fluid flow, and other useful components. The device may be fabricated from a plastic substrate such as, for example, a substantially saturated norbornene based polymer. The components are integrated into the device by adhering an electrically conductive film to the substrate. The film may be made of metal or an electrically conducting ink and is applied to the device through metal deposition, printing, or other methods for applying films. Methods for reducing bubble formation during electrokinetic separation and methods for heating material in a microfluidic device are also disclosed.