Abstract: Various examples are provided related to flight duration enhancement for rotorcraft and multicopters. In one example, a rotorcraft or multicopter includes one or more rotors, and one or more nozzles positioned in relationship to at least one corresponding rotor. The one or more nozzles can modulate, reshape, redirect, or adjust downwash produced by the corresponding rotor. The one or more nozzles can dynamically modulate, reshape, redirect, or adjust the downwash below the rotorcraft or multicopter. The one or more nozzles can be morphed or reshaped to dynamically modulate, reshape, redirect, or adjust the downwash using, e.g., a stochastic optimization framework and/or a motif-based auto-controller.

Abstract: Various examples are provided related to automated chip design, such as a pareto-optimization framework for automated network-on-chip design. In one example, a method for network-on-chip (NoC) design includes determining network performance for a defined NoC configuration comprising a plurality of n routers interconnected through a plurality of intermediate links; comparing the network performance of the defined NoC configuration to at least one performance objective; and determining, in response to the comparison, a revised NoC configuration based upon iterative optimization of the at least one performance objective through adjustment of link allocation between the plurality of n routers. In another example, a method comprises determining a revised NoC configuration based upon iterative optimization of at least one performance objective through adjustment of a first number of routers to obtain a second number of routers and through adjustment of link allocation between the second number of routers.

Abstract: Various examples are related to exterior insulation and finish systems (EIFS) for building retrofits. In one example, a method includes sensing, by a robotic system, at least one characteristic of an exterior of a building and, in response to the at least one sensed characteristic, adjusting application of insulation or finish to the exterior by the robotic system. The robotic system can include a 3D-articulated robot or other suitable robot that applies the insulation or finish. The robotic system can include a turret or application head configured to sense the at least one characteristic of the building and apply the insulation or finish to the exterior.

Abstract: Various examples are provided related to anomaly detection in sensor data (e.g., biotic or abiotic sensor data). In one example, a method includes applying data from portions of a real-time sensor signal to an artificial neural network trained to identify motifs associated with the real-time sensor signal; detecting a transition from a first motif to a second motif based upon changes in output signals providing an indication of correlation of the sensor signal to the motifs; and identifying a change in an environmental condition based upon the transition between the motifs. In another example, a method includes selecting a plurality of motifs associated with a desired training signal; generating the desired training signal by transitioning between different motifs in a pseudo-random basis; and generating training data sets from the desired training signal, which can then be utilized to train a network or other machine learning system.

Abstract: Various examples of methods and systems are provided for real-time signal processing. In one example, a method for processing data to select a pattern includes receiving data via a sensor, evaluating the data including waveforms over a time domain, averaging the waveforms to obtain a mean waveform, selecting a pattern based on the mean waveform, and generating a notification regarding the selected pattern. The pattern can include a start time, a hold time, and an end time. In another example, a system includes one or more sensors that detect the data and a mobile platform that evaluates the data, averages the waveforms to obtain the mean waveform and selects a pattern based on the mean waveform. A user interface can be used to communicate the notification regarding the selected pattern. The patterns can include breathing patterns, which can be used to reduce stress in a subject being monitored by the sensor.

Abstract: Various examples related to power sources for implantable sensors and/or devices are provided. In one example, a device for implantation in a subject includes circuitry for sensing an observable parameter of the subject and a power source comprising a nanowired ultra-capacitor (NUC), the power source having a volume of 10 mm3 or less. The NUC can have a surface capacitance density in a range from about 25 mF/cm2 to about 29 mF/cm2 or greater. Such devices can be used for, e.g., ocular diagnostic sensors or other implantable sensors that may be constrained by size limitations.

Abstract: The present invention generally relates to apparatus, software and methods for assessing ocular, ophthalmic, neurological, physiological, psychological and/or behavioral conditions. As disclosed herein, the conditions are assessed using eye-tracking technology that beneficially eliminates the need for a subject to fixate and maintain focus during testing or to produce a secondary (non-optical) physical movement or audible response, i.e., feedback. The subject is only required to look at a series of individual visual stimuli, which is generally an involuntary reaction. The reduced need for cognitive and/or physical involvement of a subject allows the present modalities to achieve greater accuracy, due to reduced human error, and to be used with a wide variety of subjects, including small children, patients with physical disabilities or injuries, patients with diminished mental capacity, elderly patients, animals, etc.

Abstract: Various examples are provided related to automated chip design, such as a pareto-optimization framework for automated network-on-chip design. In one example, a method for network-on-chip (NoC) design includes determining network performance for a defined NoC configuration comprising a plurality of n routers interconnected through a plurality of intermediate links; comparing the network performance of the defined NoC configuration to at least one performance objective; and determining, in response to the comparison, a revised NoC configuration based upon iterative optimization of the at least one performance objective through adjustment of link allocation between the plurality of n routers. In another example, a method comprises determining a revised NoC configuration based upon iterative optimization of at least one performance objective through adjustment of a first number of routers to obtain a second number of routers and through adjustment of link allocation between the second number of routers.

Abstract: Various examples are provided related to flight duration enhancement for rotorcraft and multicopters. In one example, a rotorcraft or multicopter includes one or more rotors, and one or more nozzles positioned in relationship to at least one corresponding rotor. The one or more nozzles can modulate, reshape, redirect, or adjust downwash produced by the corresponding rotor. The one or more nozzles can dynamically modulate, reshape, redirect, or adjust the downwash below the rotorcraft or multicopter. The one or more nozzles can be morphed or reshaped to dynamically modulate, reshape, redirect, or adjust the downwash using, e.g., a stochastic optimization framework and/or a motif-based auto-controller.

Abstract: Various examples are provided related to automated chip design, such as a pareto-optimization framework for automated network-on-chip design. In one example, a method for network-on-chip (NoC) design includes determining network performance for a defined NoC configuration comprising a plurality of n routers interconnected through a plurality of intermediate links; comparing the network performance of the defined NoC configuration to at least one performance objective; and determining, in response to the comparison, a revised NoC configuration based upon iterative optimization of the at least one performance objective through adjustment of link allocation between the plurality of n routers. In another example, a method comprises determining a revised NoC configuration based upon iterative optimization of at least one performance objective through adjustment of a first number of routers to obtain a second number of routers and through adjustment of link allocation between the second number of routers.

Abstract: Various examples are provided for object identification and tracking, traverse-optimization and/or trajectory optimization. In one example, a method includes determining a terrain map including at least one associated terrain type; and determining a recommended traverse along the terrain map based upon at least one defined constraint associated with the at least one associated terrain type. In another example, a method includes determining a transformation operator corresponding to a reference frame based upon at least one fiducial marker in a captured image comprising a tracked object; converting the captured image to a standardized image based upon the transformation operator, the standardized image corresponding to the reference frame; and determining a current position of the tracked object from the standardized image.

Abstract: Various examples are provided related to tip or rollover protection mechanisms for ground vehicles. In one example, a vehicle includes a vehicle frame and one or more protection mechanism(s) secured to the vehicle frame. The protection mechanism can allow the vehicle to “land” right-side up after tipping or rolling over for continuing operation. This can be beneficial for, but not limited to, autonomous or remotely controlled vehicles. The protection mechanism can include protection mechanisms secured to opposite sides of the vehicle frame. The protection mechanism can be passive, active, actuated or a combination thereof.

Abstract: Various examples of methods, systems and devices are provided for ophthalmic examination. In one example, a handheld system includes an optical imaging assembly coupled to a user device that includes a camera aligned with optics of the optical imaging assembly. The user device can obtain ocular imaging data of at least a portion of an eye via the optics of the optical imaging assembly and provide ophthalmic evaluation results based at least in part upon the ocular imaging data. In another example, a method includes receiving ocular imaging data of at least a portion of an eye; analyzing the ocular imaging data to determine at least one ophthalmic characteristic of the eye; and determining a condition based at least in part upon the at least one ophthalmic characteristic.

Abstract: Various examples of methods, systems and devices are provided for ophthalmic examination. In one example, a handheld system includes an optical imaging assembly coupled to a user device that includes a camera aligned with optics of the optical imaging assembly. The user device can obtain ocular imaging data of at least a portion of an eye via the optics of the optical imaging assembly and provide ophthalmic evaluation results based at least in part upon the ocular imaging data. In another example, a method includes receiving ocular imaging data of at least a portion of an eye; analyzing the ocular imaging data to determine at least one ophthalmic characteristic of the eye; and determining a condition based at least in part upon the at least one ophthalmic characteristic.

Abstract: The present invention generally relates to apparatus, software and methods for assessing ocular, ophthalmic, neurological, physiological, psychological and/or behavioral conditions. As disclosed herein, the conditions are assessed using eye-tracking technology that beneficially eliminates the need for a subject to fixate and maintain focus during testing or to produce a secondary (non-optical) physical movement or audible response, i.e., feedback. The subject is only required to look at a series of individual visual stimuli, which is generally an involuntary reaction. The reduced need for cognitive and/or physical involvement of a subject allows the present modalities to achieve greater accuracy, due to reduced human error, and to be used with a wide variety of subjects, including small children, patients with physical disabilities or injuries, patients with diminished mental capacity, elderly patients, animals, etc.

Abstract: Various examples related to power sources for implantable sensors and/or devices are provided. In one example, a device for implantation in a subject includes circuitry for sensing an observable parameter of the subject and a power source comprising a nanowired ultra-capacitor (NUC), the power source having a volume of 10 mm3 or less. The NUC can have a surface capacitance density in a range from about 25 mF/cm2 to about 29 mF/cm2 or greater. Such devices can be used for, e.g., ocular diagnostic sensors or other implantable sensors that may be constrained by size limitations.

Abstract: Various examples are provided related to tip or rollover protection mechanisms for ground vehicles. In one example, a vehicle includes a vehicle frame and one or more protection mechanism(s) secured to the vehicle frame. The protection mechanism can allow the vehicle to “land” right-side up after tipping or rolling over for continuing operation. This can be beneficial for, but not limited to, autonomous or remotely controlled vehicles. The protection mechanism can include protection mechanisms secured to opposite sides of the vehicle frame. The protection mechanism can be passive, active, actuated or a combination thereof.

Abstract: Various examples are provided related to automated chip design, such as a pareto-optimization framework for automated network-on-chip design. In one example, a method for network-on-chip (NoC) design includes determining network performance for a defined NoC configuration comprising a plurality of n routers interconnected through a plurality of intermediate links; comparing the network performance of the defined NoC configuration to at least one performance objective; and determining, in response to the comparison, a revised NoC configuration based upon iterative optimization of the at least one performance objective through adjustment of link allocation between the plurality of n routers. In another example, a method comprises determining a revised NoC configuration based upon iterative optimization of at least one performance objective through adjustment of a first number of routers to obtain a second number of routers and through adjustment of link allocation between the second number of routers.

Abstract: This invention provides an apparatus for electrically stimulating a cell and a method for using the same. In particular, the apparatus of the invention comprises an array of electrodes and a controller for actuating individual electrodes.

Abstract: Various examples related to upgrading low quality sensor output data in real time to provide high quality data suitable for, e.g., medical monitoring and diagnosis, or other non-medical analysis applications are presented. In one example, among others, a method includes training an artificial neural network (ANN) or learning logic based upon concurrent sensor output data from sensors to provide higher-quality sensor data from one of the sensors; obtaining subsequent sensor output data from the one sensor; and generating subsequent higher-quality sensor output data by applying the trained ANN or learning logic to the subsequent sensor output data. In another example, a device includes a sensor that generates higher-quality sensor output data using a trained ANN or learning logic. In another example, a system includes a mobile user device that receives low-quality sensor output data from a sensor and generates higher-quality sensor output data using a trained ANN or learning logic.