Abstract: A system and method for creating weight maps capable of indicating how much each pixel in an image should contribute to a blended image. One such map is a view-dependent weight map created by inputting an image that has been characterized as a collection of regions. A 2D perspective transform is computed for each region that is to be part of the weight map. The transforms are used to warp the associated regions to prescribed coordinates to create a warped image. Once the warped image is created, a Jacobian matrix is computed for each pixel. The determinant of each Jacobian matrix is then computed to establish a weight factor for that pixel. The weight map for the inputted image is created using these computed determinants. Another advantageous weight map is a combination weight map. The process for creating type of weight map is identical to the view-dependant map up to the point the warped image has been created.

Abstract: The coder/decoder (codec) system of the present invention includes a coder and a decoder. The coder includes a multi-resolution transform processor, such as a modulated lapped transform (MLT) transform processor, a weighting processor, a uniform quantizer, a masking threshold spectrum processor, an entropy encoder, and a communication device, such as a multiplexor (MUX) for multiplexing (combining) signals received from the above components for transmission over a single medium. The decoder comprises inverse components of the encoder, such as an inverse multi-resolution transform processor, an inverse weighting processor, an inverse uniform quantizer, an inverse masking threshold spectrum processor, an inverse entropy encoder, and an inverse MUX. With these components, the present invention is capable of performing resolution switching, spectral weighting, digital encoding, and parametric modeling.

Abstract: A fin assembly for securing a fin to a water craft in a desired angular position relative to a longitudinally oriented axis of the water craft, i.e. the roll angle, is provided in the form of a fin mounting mechanism incorporated in the bottom surface of the water craft and a detachable fin. The attachment mechanism includes a fin mounting box with an elongated channel defined in part by a pair of spaced longitudinal extending side walls. A rotating bar is inserted within the elongated channel of the mounting box and two end caps are affixed to the fin mounting box to hold the rotating bar into the fin mounting box. The end caps when loosened allow the rotating bar to rotate freely and when tightened hold the rotating bar fixedly in place. In this way the detachable fin's roll angle can be easily and accurately selected, fixed and adjusted.

Abstract: The present invention is embodied in a system and method for automatically detecting desired clusters within a data space with a radial spanning device. The radial spanning system and method finds, within a data space, connected clusters or “blobs” defined by a cluster of data points. Given a probability density on data points for class inclusion and a seed point in the data space, the radial spanning system and method of the present invention finds an approximately, strongly connected cluster of data points of that class. Exploratory spokes are traversed radially outward from the seed point. Each spoke has a start point (seed point) and a final endpoint and is governed by forces based on underlying data space data points, class probability densities, internal expansion, and interspoke springs. The final endpoints of the spokes are connected to form a polygon that circumscribes the cluster of data points found.

Abstract: A toilet bowl plunger for use with a new narrow throat 1.6 gallon toilet that can be used equally well with older toilets. The head portion of the plunger is a pleated bellows consisting of two sections, a conically tapering section and a constant average diameter section. The conically tapering section has larger diameter at the rear end of the head and tapers down to a narrower diameter in a direction away from the rear end of the head. The bellows then continues into the constant diameter section in a direction away from the rear end and towards the front end of the head. The constant diameter section resembles an elephant-like trunk or nose. When inserted into the toilet bowl, the constant diameter section of the bellows head penetrates into the throat, while a forward end of the tapered section seats over the outer perimeter of the mouth of the throat. The constant diameter section or nose of the head curves to follow the path of the throat.

Abstract: The improved water drain pipe test plug device includes an elastomeric solid drain plug which is resilient and flexible and is in the form of a disc. The disc has a front surface and an opposite parallel rear surface connected thereto by a peripheral annular rim. The disc has a leading end and a trailing end, the rim at the leading end sloping rearward and inwardly and the rim at the trailing end being parallel thereto. An arcuate spacing plate is connected to the disc front surface and a pressure plate is connected to the disc's rear surface. The pressure plate, in turn, is connected to a generally laterally extending elongated lever arm having a slot extending up therethrough. A pivot arm is rotatably connected to and depends below the lever arm, terminating in a bottom foot which is adapted to support the device on the lower edge of a drain pipe access hole.

Abstract: A glove-like protective cover capable of encasing a notebook computer, thereby allowing it to be used in a hostile operating environment, such as outdoors or at a manufacturing site, without risk of debris and moisture reaching the computer and detrimentally affecting its performance. The protective cover includes a top pocket capable of having the screen section of the notebook computer inserted therein, and a bottom pocket capable of having the keyboard section of the computer inserted therein. In this way, the notebook computer can be placed in its open, operating position while encased in the protective cover. The portions of the cover overlying the screen and keyboard sections of the computer are transparent. Thus, an operator is able to see the screen and keyboard of the notebook computer through the protective cover. Further, the portion of the cover overlying the keyboard of the computer is flexible so as to allow the keyboard to be operated through the cover.