Abstract: Disclosed herein are techniques and systems for computing geodesic saliency of images using background priors. An input image may be segmented into a plurality of patches, and a graph associated with the image may be generated, the graph comprising nodes and edges. The nodes of the graph include nodes that correspond to the plurality of patches of the image plus an additional virtual background node that is added to the graph. The graph further includes edges that connect the nodes to each other, including internal edges between adjacent patches and boundary edges between those patches at the boundary of the image and the virtual background node. Using this graph, a saliency value, called the “geodesic” saliency, for each patch of the image is determined as a length of a shortest path from a respective patch to the virtual background node.

Abstract: A launch monitor having a camera can be used to measure a trajectory parameter of a ball. In one example, a method can include changing a mode of the camera from a low-speed mode to a high-speed mode. The camera can include an image sensor array having a plurality of pixels. The camera can generate a video frame using more pixels in the low-speed mode than in the high-speed mode. A first video frame can be received, the video frame comprising values captured during the high-speed mode from a first subset of the plurality of pixels. A second video frame can be received, the video frame comprising values captured during the high-speed mode from a second subset of the plurality of pixels. The trajectory parameter of the ball can be calculated using the first video frame and the second video frame.

Abstract: A method segments and tracks content in a video stream including sets of one or more images by first determining measured data from each set of one or more images. An adaptive step-size parameter and a low-dimensional subspace characterizing motion of the content the measured data are initialized. A sparse vector representing a sparse component that characterizes the motion of the content different from the motion of the content characterized by the low-dimensional subspace is determined. A change in the low-dimensional subspace for the measured data is determined using a proximal point iteration and the parameter, which is updated according to the change. A low-rank subspace matrix representing the low-dimensional subspace is updated according to the change and the parameter. Then, the low-rank matrix representing the low-dimensional subspace and the sparse vector are outputted.

Abstract: A method, system and apparatus for image capture, analysis and transmission are provided. A link aggregation method involves identifying controller network ports to a source connected to the same subnetwork; producing packets associating corresponding controller network ports selected by the source CPU for substantially uniform selection; and transmitting the packets to their corresponding network ports. An image analysis method involves producing by a camera an indication whether a region of an image differs by a threshold extent from a corresponding region of a reference image; transmitting the indication and image data to a controller via a communications network; and storing at the controller the image data and the indication in association therewith. The controller may perform operations according to positive indications.

Abstract: A method, system and apparatus for image capture, analysis and transmission are provided. A link aggregation method involves identifying controller network ports to a source connected to the same subnetwork; producing packets associating corresponding controller network ports selected by the source CPU for substantially uniform selection; and transmitting the packets to their corresponding network ports. An image analysis method involves producing by a camera an indication whether a region of an image differs by a threshold extent from a corresponding region of a reference image; transmitting the indication and image data to a controller via a communications network; and storing at the controller the image data and the indication in association therewith. The controller may perform operations according to positive indications.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for determining a trajectory of a axisymmetric object in 3-D physical space using a digital camera which records 2-D image data are described. In particular, based upon i) a characteristic length of the axisymmetric object, ii) a physical position of the camera determined from sensors associated with the camera (e.g., accelerometers) and iii) captured 2-D digital images from the camera including a time at which each image is generated relative to one another, a position, a velocity vector and an acceleration vector can be determined in three dimensional physical space for axisymmetric object objects as a function of time. In one embodiment, the method and apparatus can be applied to determine the trajectories of objects in games which utilize axisymmetric object objects, such as basketball, baseball, bowling, golf, soccer, rugby or football.

Abstract: There is provided an image processing apparatus including a feature value calculation unit configured to calculate, as feature values, a polarity related to gradation of a skin image and a scale indicating image areas each having a pixel value that is similar to each other and that are different from surroundings of the image areas, and a feature section extraction unit configured to extract a feature section of the skin image on a basis of the feature values calculated by the feature value calculation unit.

Abstract: Techniques are disclosed for spatially resolving received light-based communication (LCom) signals. In an example case where one or more LCom signals are in the field of view (FOV) of an LCom receiver, the image representing the FOV may be captured and segmented into non-overlapping cells, such as hexagonal, triangular, rectangular, or circular shaped cells. Each LCom signal may be interpreted as a unique pixel cluster comprising one or more of the cells. In some cases, the LCom signals in the FOV may be received from multiple LCom-enabled luminaires and/or a single LCom-enabled luminaire having multiple light panels. The benefits of being able to spatially resolve received LCom signals may include establishing a link with multiple LCom signals within the FOV of a receiver without conflict and/or determining the location of those LCom signals, improving signal to noise ratio, augmenting position information, enhancing sampling frequency, and improving communication speed.

Abstract: A method of processing borehole log data to create one or more image logs involve modeling the log data as components of an image in the form i(x, y)=l(x, y)×r(x, y) (1), in which i(x, y) is an image representative of the log data, l(x, y) denotes an illumination value of the image at two-dimensional spatial co-ordinates x, y, and r(x, y) denotes a surface reflectance value at the co-ordinates x, y. Equation (1) is transformed to a logarithmic domain, and a Fourier transform is obtained of the resulting logarithmic domain expression to obtain a Fourier domain expression. The Fourier domain expression is high-pass filtered, and an inverse Fourier transform is obtained of the resulting filtered Fourier domain expression. An exponential operation is performed on the result of inverse Fourier transform to obtain a filtered image model expression. Values of the filtered image model expression are mapped to respective color values across the range of the filtered image model expression values.

Abstract: Techniques are disclosed for generating and using a conformal or UV mapping between an object's 3D representation (e.g., a polygonal mesh model) and a corresponding 2D representation (e.g., texture memory). More particularly, techniques disclosed herein generate a conformal mapping that allows the rapid identification of disparate locations in texture memory (e.g., those that span a seam) that are spatially similar at the corresponding 3D locations. The ability to perform 2D-to-3D-to-2D mappings quickly, grants the ability to filter across a conformal map's seams—an action that has previously been avoided due to its high computational cost.

Abstract: The present disclosure belongs to the field of computer technologies and discloses an interface adjustment method, apparatus, and terminal. The method includes: capturing a current image by an image capture device of the terminal; analyzing current ambient brightness according to the current image; and adjusting display of an interface on the terminal according to the current ambient brightness. According to the present disclosure, current ambient brightness is obtained by capturing a current image and analyzing the current image, thereby implementing interface adjustment. Such approach solves the problem that an existing interface adjustment method can only be used in a smart TV having a light sensor, and any terminal having an image capture function can adjust an interface by sensing light.

Abstract: A method and system for image reconstruction are provided. A projection image of a projection object may be obtained. A processed projection image may be generated based on the projection image through one or more pre-process operations. A reconstructed image including an artifact may be reconstructed based on the processed projection image. The artifact may be a detector edge artifact, a projection object edge artifact, and a serrated artifact. The detector edge artifact, the projection object edge artifact, and the serrated artifact may be removed from the reconstructed image.

Abstract: An image processing apparatus and a radiation tomography apparatus capable of acquiring a tomographic image of high visibility are provided. The image processing apparatus initially generates a map m showing an extending direction of a linear structural object seen in an original image P0. Then, the apparatus generates an extrapolated image P1 by adding the area positioned at the side section of the original image P0 to the side section so as to extend the linear structural object seen in the side section by referring to the map m. By adding the side section to the original image P0 while shifting the pattern of the side section so as to extend the linear structural object seen in the side section of the image, the subject image can be naturally compensated. After this operation, by generating the tomographic image D, a tomographic image D having improved visibility can be generated.

Abstract: Systems, methods, and computer-readable storage media are provided for efficient real-time ink stroke smoothing, trajectory prediction, and GPU-leveraged rendering of ink stroke input. First and second ink points are received and an active Bézier approximation is computed based thereupon. Sequentially later in time that the first and second ink points, a third ink point is received. It is determined whether the third ink point adequately fits the active Bézier approximation. Where it is determined that the third ink point adequately fits, an updated active Bézier approximation is computed that includes the first, second and third ink points. Where it is determined that the third ink point fails to adequately fit, a different new Bézier approximation is computed that includes the third ink point but not the first and second ink points. Leveraging a GPU, a smoothed ink stroke based upon the Bézier approximation(s) is rendered.

Abstract: Data point calculations on a chart are provided. A user control may be displayed adjacent to a chart by a computing device. A selection of data points on the chart may then be received the user control. A calculation may then be performed by the computing device on the data points selected by the user control. The results of the calculation may then be displayed by the computing device on the chart.

Abstract: A system receives a page request for a requested document, where the requested document specifies a set of first images as being presentable within the requested document. In response to the received page request, the system modifies the requested document and generates a modified document. The modified document specifies a second image that is to be generated based on the set of first images. The system generates the second image, based on the set of first images, and provides the modified document and access to the second image. The second image is an aggregation of the first images, which are represented within the second image as sprites to be rendered with the modified document. The modified document may use these sprites by specifying regions within the second image as being presentable within the modified document, where these regions correspond to the first images.

Abstract: Embodiments disclosed herein can match a virtual display configuration to a physical display configuration. A method may include receiving from a physical device a physical device display configuration; generating a list of display configurations compatible with the physical display configuration, the generating a list including determining best matches of display geometries, aspect ratio, and density; providing the list to the physical device; and implementing a selected member of the list as a virtual device display on the physical device.

Abstract: Content substitution and/or picture-in-picture technology is used to provide a sign language window that provides a sign language interpretation of audio content in main program audio/video content. The sign language window can be selectively disabled by a user that does not wish to view the sign language video. Also, in some implementations, the user can move the sign language window to a desired location on the display. The desired location may be one of a plurality of pre-defined display locations. This abstract is not to be considered limiting, since other embodiments may deviate from the features described in this abstract.

Abstract: A vector data processor (12) includes a thinning part (301), a central line acquiring part (302), and a superimposing part (303). A target figure includes a linear figure. The thinning part (301) processes target vector data (231) to acquire thinned data (232) by thinning the target figure indicated by the target vector data (231). The central line acquiring part (302) processes the target vector data (231) to acquire central line data (233) that indicates a central line of the target figure. The superimposing part (303) generates data that includes an instruction to record a combined figure obtained by superimposing the thinned figure and the central line one above the other. Superimposing the thinned figure and the central line enables the target figure to be thinned without line becoming broken. The shape of a rasterized figure can be approximated to the shape of a figure indicated by original data.

Abstract: There is provided an information processing apparatus including an output control unit configured to display a sign indicating an indication relationship between a first point associated with tag information and a second point specified by a user in content in a manner that the sign is superimposed over the content, and output input information input by the user and contained in the tag information.

Abstract: There is provided an information processing apparatus, including a display control section which determines which display layers out of a plurality of mutually overlapping display layers information is to be displayed on based on parameters associated with the information.

Abstract: Methods for processing two-dimensional ultrasound images from an intracardiac ultrasound imaging catheter provide improved image quality and enable generating three-dimensional composite images of the heart. Two-dimensional ultrasound images are obtained and stored in conjunction with correlating information, such as time or an electrocardiogram. Images related to particular conditions or configurations of the heart can be processed in combination to reduce image noise and increase resolution. Images may be processed to recognize structure edges, and the location of structure edges used to generate cartoon rendered images of the structure. Structure locations may be averaged over several images to remove noise, distortions and blurring from movement.

Abstract: Technology is disclosed for automatically generating a facial avatar resembling a user in a defined art style. One or more processors generate a user 3D head model for the user based on captured 3D image data from a communicatively coupled 3D image capture device. A set of user transferable head features from the user 3D head model are automatically represented by the one or more processors in the facial avatar in accordance with rules governing transferable user 3D head features. In some embodiments, a base or reference head model of the avatar is remapped to include the set of user head features. In other embodiments, an avatar head shape model is selected based on the user 3D head model, and the transferable user 3D head features are represented in the avatar head shape model.

Abstract: Disclosed embodiments provide techniques for enhancing presentation system animations by applying motion blur to animated objects within a presentation system. Clipping the blur effect to particular regions may increase efficiencies over calculations of motion blur across an entire screen. Further, in certain embodiments, the motion blur may be calculated and presented on a per-object basis. Accordingly, relational objects (e.g., objects seemingly inside other objects and/or overlapping or crossing objects) may each have their own blur effect without impacting the other objects' blur effects.

Abstract: Two sets of image data, a first image and a second image, are prepared as image data. If image controlling information is received, an image setting controlling section determines, on the basis of this information, area dividing information which allocates one of the first image and the second image to each of the areas into which an image plane is divided in the same coordinate system. A decoding section decodes the two sets of image data for the respective first and second image that were loaded into a main memory, determines which image data to adopt for each pixel based on the area dividing information, and writes the adopted image data to a buffer memory. The decoding process and writing process are carried out in tile image units of a predetermined size using a working memory.

Abstract: A liver region extraction unit and a structural element extraction unit extracts the liver region and structural elements, such as the hepatic artery and the hepatic vein, from a three-dimensional image, and a surface data generation unit generates surface data of the liver region and surface data of the structural elements. A pattern adding unit adds a textured pattern to at least one of the surfaces of the liver region and the structural elements, and a data generation unit generate three-dimensional model data by combining the surface data of the liver region and the surface data of the structural elements after the addition of the textured pattern. A three-dimensional model making device makes a three-dimensional model of the liver based on the three-dimensional model data.

Abstract: At least one processor may organize a plurality of primitives in a hierarchical data structure. The at least one processor may rasterize a plurality of bounding volumes associated with non-root nodes of the hierarchical data structure to an off-screen render target. The at least one processor may determine a bounding volume that is intersected by a ray out of the plurality of bounding volumes. The at least one processor may determine a non-root node of the hierarchical data structure that is associated with the bounding volume as a start node in the hierarchical data structure to start traversal of the hierarchical data structure. The at least one processor may traverse the hierarchical data structure starting from the start node to determine the primitive that is intersected by the ray.

Abstract: One embodiment of the present invention sets forth a technique for converting alpha values into pixel coverage masks. Geometric coverage is sampled at a number of “real” sample positions within each pixel. Color and depth values are computed for each of these real samples. Fragment alpha values are used to determine an alpha coverage mask for the real samples and additional “virtual” samples, in which the number of bits set in the mask bits is proportional to the alpha value. An alpha-to-coverage mode uses the virtual samples to increase the number of transparency levels for each pixel compared with using only real samples. The alpha-to-coverage mode may be used in conjunction with virtual coverage anti-aliasing to provide higher-quality transparency for rendering anti-aliased images.

Abstract: In an image processing device, an information processing section performs information processing according to an instruction input by a user. An alpha buffer generating block of an image processing section generates an alpha buffer representing, in an image plane, the alpha value of each pixel when designated objects formed by a plurality of objects are collectively regarded as one object. A rendering block reads each piece of model data from an image data storage section, and renders an image also including other objects than the designated objects. A shading processing block approximately calculates degrees of occlusion of ambient light on the image plane, and subjects the rendered image to shading processing on a basis of a result of the calculation.

Abstract: Methods and systems for capturing motion and/or determining the shapes and positions of one or more objects in 3D space utilize cross-sections thereof. In various embodiments, images of the cross-sections are captured using a camera based on edge points thereof.

Abstract: A method for determining solar access at a position includes: obtaining an image of a horizon that includes a skyline; determining the azimuth orientation and the inclination of the obtained image; and determining solar access based on the skyline within the obtained image, the measured azimuth orientation and inclination of the obtained image, and a position associated with the image of the horizon. Other features and embodiments relating to solar access measurement are disclosed.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for analyzing a joint. The apparatus comprises a graph generator and a model generator. The graph generator forms a first graph based on a plurality of points within a region. The plurality of points represent a plurality of locations relative to a structure for a plurality of fastener devices configured to be installed in the structure to form a joint. The graph generator is configured to identify primary points and secondary points based on the first graph. The graph generator is further configured to form a second graph using the primary points, the secondary points, and the first graph. The model generator is configured to generate a two-dimensional model comprised of triangular sectors using vertices of the second graph. The two-dimensional model is configured for use in forming a mesh for use in performing finite element analysis for the joint.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for converting a 3D model into multiple matrices to extract information related to the 3D model in an automated manner. The extracted information may represent numerical information such as lengths, areas, or volumes, or may represent positional information describing the location of the objects of the 3D model relative to each other. The extracted information may represent the identity of the objects of the 3D model, or the compliance of the 3D model against a set of rules, codes, or requirements. The method serves a variety of medical, engineering, architectural, industrial, and gaming applications.

Abstract: A method of blending at least one virtual construction jobsite object and at least one real construction jobsite object in a dynamic augmented reality scene of a construction jobsite includes several steps. One step involves capturing a depth map image via a depth sensing device, and capturing a red, green, and blue (RGB) image via an RGB image-capturing device. Another step involves registering the depth map image and the RGB image to a common coordinate system. Yet another step involves projecting the at least one virtual construction jobsite object in a scene of the construction jobsite with the use of geographical information system (GIS) data, computer-aided design (CAD) data, or both types of data, to generate the augmented reality scene of the construction jobsite. And yet another step involves removing hidden surfaces of the at least one virtual construction jobsite object in the augmented reality scene.

Abstract: Various systems and methods for implementing text functions in augmented reality are described herein. A system for implementing text functions in augmented reality includes a display to display a field of view to a user of the system; a gesture detection module to detect a selection gesture performed by a user of the system, the selection gesture defining a selection area in the field of view; a camera array to capture an image of the selection area; a text module to perform a text operation on text identified in the image; and a presentation module to present an indication of the text operation to the user.

Abstract: This application describes, in part, system and methods for controlling access to a device, application or service available through a device. In some implementations, an access request may be received and a three-dimensional representation of an object presented on a display of the device that allows a user to provide a three-dimensional input pattern. The input pattern may traverse multiple surface areas of the graphical representation of the three-dimensional object and in some instances the graphical representation of the object may rotate as the input pattern is received. The input pattern may then be verified and access to the device either granted or denied.

Abstract: Certain embodiments include a system and method for generating verification of access to a venue. A system includes an access device allowing access to a venue based on authentication data from a patron without presentation of a paper ticket or physical material created for the venue and a verification generation module generating a verification of access for the patron. The verification allows identification of an area and/or a feature to which the patron is allowed access. The access device and verification generation module may be integrated into a single unit. The system may also include a secondary access point for checking the verification to allow the patron access to at least one of an area and a feature of the venue. The secondary access point may check the verification without presentation of a printed material or personalized physical material created for an event at the venue.

Abstract: Methods, systems, apparatuses, and computer readable media for facilitating reservation for a parking space with a near field communications (NFC)-enabled device are provided. A system can include an NFC-enabled parking meter associated with a parking space and a controller in communication with the NFC-enabled parking meter for measuring time and processing payment. A system can include an NFC-enabled device that upon interfacing with the NFC-enabled parking meter communicates with the controller to create a reservation of a parking space.

Abstract: A method is provided for monitoring a state of health of a vehicle system and includes measuring a plurality of parameter values for the system at different running conditions as an end of line test, storing the parameter values in a fingerprint file, measuring the same plurality of parameter values that is comprised in the fingerprint file after a predefined time interval, adding a predefined ageing offset to the fingerprint file, where the ageing offset corresponds to a predicted wear of the system during the predefined time interval, thereby obtaining a time modified fingerprint file for the system, comparing the measured values with the time modified fingerprint file, and issuing a message if the measured values deviates from the time modified fingerprint file. The state of health can be compared with initial measurements such that the state of health of a vehicle system or component can be monitored over a longer time period.

Abstract: A method, computer-readable storage device and apparatus for exchanging vehicle information are disclosed. For example, the method receives the vehicle information from a second vehicle, wherein the vehicle information is received via a direct vehicle to vehicle communication, calculates an operating parameter of the second vehicle, determines an alert condition based on the operating parameter of the second vehicle, and provides a notification of the alert condition to a driver of the first vehicle.

Abstract: A system for managing a mining machine is included in a mining machine that travels in a mine. The system includes: a positional information detecting unit configured to acquire positional information indicating a position of the mining machine; and a traveling path calculating unit configured to obtain, from each of a plurality of the mining machines, positional information about an actual traveling path on which each of the mining machines actually has traveled, and generate a reference traveling path in the mine with the obtained positional information.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and apparatus, including computer programs encoded on a computer storage medium, for receiving signals that represent inertial forces experienced by the aircraft from an inertial sensor mounted in an aircraft. Identifying a pattern within the signals that represents a reduction of thrust on one side of the aircraft caused by an engine failure. Causing an indication within the aircraft to be activated in response to identifying the pattern, and thereby, alerting a pilot to a possible engine failure.

Abstract: A system for a frictionless access control automatically identifies users and enables access to restricted areas of a building for example via access points such as locked doors. The system allows access when authorized users are in the vicinity of doors without requiring the users to swipe access keycards (or badges) at keycard terminals located at the doors, as in current systems. The system includes user devices such as key fobs and mobile phones that wirelessly broadcast user information and unique IDs for each of the devices in data packets, which are received by positioning units. The positioning units determine locations of the user devices, and send the packet data and the location data to a verification and tracking system. Preferably, the positioning units include two or more antennas that determine close proximity of users to access points while also allowing the system to continuously monitor the locations of the users.

Abstract: Various embodiments are generally directed to techniques for using little or no electric power to monitor whether a wearable device continues to be worn by a person such that it may continue to be used to access a secured item. An apparatus may include a processor component; a storage to store an access credential; a presentation component to wirelessly transmit the access credential to an access device to enable a grant of access to a secured item; a power source; and a clasp coupled to a wearable portion to prevent removal of the wearable portion unless the clasp is operated to change state from a clasped state to an unclasped state, the clasp to cause loss of electric power from the power source to the processor component and the storage when in the unclasped state to nullify the access credential. Other embodiments are described and claimed.

Abstract: A wireless access control system may include a remote access wireless communications device and a lock assembly to be mounted on a door. The lock assembly may include a lock, a door position sensor, interior and exterior directional antennas, lock wireless communications circuitry, a touch sensor, and a lock controller. The lock controller may be configured to unlock the lock based upon the touch sensor, determine when the door is closed after being opened based upon the door position sensor, determine whether the remote access wireless device is in an interior or an exterior based upon the directional antennas, switch the lock to the locked position when the door is closed and when the remote access wireless device is in the interior, and not switch the lock to the locked position when the door is closed and when the remote access wireless device is in the exterior.

Abstract: Systems, methods, circuits and computer-readable mediums are disclosed for sign detection in multi-dimensional signal measurements. In some implementations, orthogonally oriented antennas are configured to generate signals in response to a magnetic field, where the signals correspond to components of magnetic field vectors in space. A circuit is coupled to the antennas and configured to: determine polarities of the signals based on phase measurements between the signals; reduce a possible number of magnetic field vector interpretations based on the determined polarities of the signals; reduce a possible number of angles or angle differences between the magnetic field vectors based on the reduced possible number of magnetic field vector interpretations; compare the reduced possible number of angles or angle differences to predetermined angle or angle differences; and detect a relay attack based on results of the comparing.

Abstract: The disclosed computer-implemented method for verifying user attributes may include (1) receiving a request to verify an attribute of a user who claims to be a particular person, (2) determining that the attribute can be verified using a trusted record that is associated with the particular person, (3) determining that the trusted record is associated with a vehicle to which the particular person has access rights, (4) confirming that the user has physical access to the vehicle by performing an access-validation check, and (5) in response to confirming that the user has physical access to the vehicle, using the trusted record to verify the attribute of the user. Various other methods, systems, and computer-readable media are also disclosed.

Abstract: A wireless access control system may include a remote access wireless communications device and a lock assembly to be mounted on a door. The lock assembly may include a lock, a door position sensor, interior and exterior directional antennas, lock wireless communications circuitry, and a lock controller. The lock controller determine whether the lock is manually unlocked, determine when the door is closed after being opened based upon the door position sensor, and determine whether the remote access wireless device is in an interior or an exterior based upon the directional antennas. The lock controller may also switch the lock to the locked position when the door is closed and when the remote access wireless device is in the exterior, and not switch the lock to the locked position when the door is closed and when the remote access wireless device is in the interior.

Abstract: An activate signal is sent out from a remote controller via a first channel. An authorization process is activated after the activate signal is received by an access control terminal. A control signal is sent out from the remote controller via a second channel to the access control terminal. The access control terminal is unlocked if the control signal received by the access control terminal is verified by the authorization process to be consistent with a predetermined rule. The first channel is different from the second channel.

Abstract: A system and apparatus which includes one or more locking container devices comprising a closeable container for holding at least one object; lock coupled to the container and moveable between a lock position and an unlock position; and programmable timer circuit for actuating the lock at a programmed time which is either specified or randomly set. The container device alternatively includes a receiving component for sensing a change an external condition including but not limited to, geographic location, temperature, sound and one or more predetermined operations. The timer circuit is alternatively unlocked by receiving an unlock signal via an appropriate communication medium from a remote source. The container device also includes a transmitter for transmitting an appropriate signal to the remote source. An interface terminal is coupled to the remote source and configured to accept at least one external condition instruction to be transmitted to the receiving component.