Abstract: New expanding net interceptors and rescue devices are provided. In some aspects of the invention, a rescue device comprises a dense, positionable head, an extendable boom and a handle with an expansion and/or inflation trigger, wherein the positionable head comprises folded or compacted net, expandable and/or inflatable by the expansion and/or inflation trigger.

Abstract: New visual systems are provided, implementing a new form of mediated reality, known as shifted-reality. In some embodiments, a matrix of specialized pixels creates redirected light with a plurality of angle-alterable, shiftable sources, which create virtual objects of greater realism than conventional 3-D imaging methods, and reduce the appearance of other objects or conditions. In some embodiments, existing images and objects viewed through a screen are shifted in perspective, and enhanced with effects and information related to objects and an environment. An object structure and materials library may be maintained, as well as an object inventory, based on observation with sensors. One sensor may be non-visual, but with a perspective related to a visual sensor. An array of subdividing material and structural categories may also be maintained.

Abstract: New forms of self-cleansing surfaces are provided. In some embodiments, a self-cleansing surface is provided, which is configured to be handled by a human user, as a user interface. The self-cleansing surface may comprise one or more surface device(s), with surface-covering pores configured to release a cleanser upon physical contact or actuation of the user interface, and configured to clean the self-cleansing surface. In some embodiments, the release is mediated by a physical trigger. In some embodiments, the surface device includes a control system that monitors surface handling with a sensor, and mediates the release with an actuator. The invention may be provided on or in any form of user interface that may be physically touched by a user. For example, in some embodiments, the invention may be provided on door handles or controls, appliance handles or controls, and any other user interfaces bearing a risk of carrying microbes.

Abstract: New targeting systems, hardware and techniques are provided, in which an auxiliary probe is first launched and deployed at a target. Extremely precise, deliberate targeting for future projectiles, weapons or non-lethal measures is then made relative to the position and orientation of the probe. In one embodiment, a system enables a sniper to plan measures with extreme precision within an environment, evaluate their effectiveness, and execute them extremely rapidly once satisfied. A user may create, set, adjust and execute Impact Point indicators, corresponding with projected points of impact of a projectile on a target subject within a target environment. The system may counteract and otherwise adjust for certain ballistic and environmental factors in a firing mechanism to maintain such an Impact Point fire ready, in real time. Yet the system is unobtrusive, allowing the user to engage ordinary targeting activity.

Abstract: New forms of self-sterilizing and antiseptic surfaces are provided. In some embodiments, a handled surface or GUI comprises internal hardware performing a heavy rinse of the handled surface triggered by an end-of-use function. In other embodiments, pressure on a handled surface instead causes the surface to uniformly exude water and other antiseptic compositions from a refillable source.

Abstract: New wireless power transmission techniques are disclosed. In some aspects of the invention, a system distributes wireless power from a power and information transmitting base station, through a network of intermediate wireless power enhancement and consumption devices, each of which may be independently owned and controlled. The system may assign invoices comprising monetary credits and debits, based on each device's use or enhancement of the wireless power provided through the network. Other power storage and transmission techniques are also disclosed, including a new form of universal battery, with variable space-filling aspects and a central battery core with improved, flexibly-applied contacts.

Abstract: New techniques for stowing and rapidly shipping valuables in a retail setting are provided. In some aspects of the invention, a new form of coded shopping bag, configured to covert to a box (a.k.a. a “BagBox”) for on-location holding and/or shipping is provided. Systems and methods for BagBox conversion, stowing and/or shipping via specialized kiosks are provided. Billing methods based on the coding and recorded user preferences are also provided.

Abstract: New expanding net interceptors and rescue devices are provided. In some aspects of the invention, a rescue device comprises a dense, positionable head, an extendable boom and a handle with an expansion and/or inflation trigger, wherein the positionable head comprises folded or compacted net, expandable and/or inflatable by the expansion and/or inflation trigger.

Abstract: A new form of 3-dimensional display is provided, employing ultrasonic emitters and receivers that share hardware. The illusion of user interface elements are simulated within an Actuation Area by overlapping ultrasound emitted from different emitters at areas coinciding with modeled elements' surfaces. In some embodiments, the period and phase of the ultrasonic waves are varied relative to one another to create a more compelling simulation of object surfaces. Resistance to movement and haptic feedback are also provided in some techniques, more accurately simulating the actuation of objects. In other embodiments, also applicable to touch screens, the ultrasound hardware provides such haptic feedback in addition to finger or stylus location when actuating a touch screen display. A new method for determining the location and direction of finger or stylus actuation pressure is also provided.

Abstract: Techniques for efficiently capturing, generating and distributing more realistic images and video are provided. Among other aspects of the invention, a system is provided that includes tags that display dynamic image elements on a display with the aid of a physics model. In other aspects, the system selects among available physics models and virtual objects that serve as potential subjects for rendering dynamic image elements, based on system resource costs and resolution standards. In still other aspects, a new image file format contains embedded physical model and virtual object data for rendering images and video.

Abstract: New visual control systems are provided that implement a new form of mediated reality, known as shifted-reality. In some embodiments, a matrix of specialized pixels creates redirected light with a plurality of angle-alterable, shiftable sources, which aids in creating virtual, 3-D objects of greater realism than conventional 3-D imaging methods, and aids in reducing the appearance of other objects or conditions. In these aspects, existing images and objects viewed through a screen may be shifted in perspective for an observer, and enhanced and overlaid with effects and demonstrative information related to viewable objects and a surrounding environment. In other aspects of the invention, the system builds and accesses an object structure and materials library, based on observation with a specialized group of sensors. Preferably, one observation sensor is non-visual (e.g., ultrasound), but observes an environment in a mappably-related perspective as a visual sensor.

Abstract: The present invention includes new techniques for radiotherapy and other external electromagnetic influence of treatment subjects. In one aspect of the invention, a plurality of nano-scale or other small-scale machines is introduced to the blood stream (for example, by hypodermic injection). The design of each small-scale machine may include different sub-devices and electrostatic or magnetic charges, at different surface or internal locations. An electromagnetic and/or electrostatic control system the remotely alters the orientation and location of the small-scale machines, and applies the machines, and variably applies different sub-devices to different treatment targets. In some aspects, the sub-devices include actuable protection and sub-devices, to deliver drugs or other factors at specific locations commanded by the control system or a user.

Abstract: New forms of suppressive gunfire decoys are provided. In some aspects, a pin-pull device may be used to program and adjust several settings of the decoy devices, activating such devices immediately before deployment. In some aspects, the pin-pull device may serve as a remote control unit. In a preferred method of deployment, the devices are thrown to a location different from that occupied by the user(s), simulating another source of gunfire, distracting and misleading an enemy, and providing the effects of suppressive fire. In some embodiments, a networked computer system(s) may be used as a remote control unit, and the decoy device may include cameras and other sensors for tactical surveillance. In still other aspects, the gunfire decoy device may be capable of locomotion, and may be self-relocating in response to certain commands, or in reaction to stimuli, to confuse the enemy regarding sources of gunfire and troop locations.

Abstract: New techniques for controlling electromagnetic and other forms of radiation are provided. In some aspects of the invention, multiple sources of radiation with characteristics that are projected to constructively interfere at a target are provided. In other aspects, spatially-encoded source signals create a decrypted resulting beam at a planned, target location. In still other aspects, a variable shield which is also a lens is inserted between a radiation target and collateral material.

Abstract: New targeting systems, hardware and techniques are provided, in which an auxiliary probe is first launched and deployed at a target. Extremely precise, deliberate targeting for future projectiles, weapons or non-lethal measures is then made relative to the position and orientation of the probe. In one embodiment, a system enables a sniper to plan measures with extreme precision within an environment, evaluate their effectiveness, and execute them extremely rapidly once satisfied. A user may create, set, adjust and execute Impact Point indicators, corresponding with projected points of impact of a projectile on a target subject within a target environment. The system may counteract and otherwise adjust for certain ballistic and environmental factors in a firing mechanism to maintain such an Impact Point fire ready, in real time. Yet the system is unobtrusive, allowing the user to engage ordinary targeting activity.

Abstract: New projectiles specialized for creating and recovering trace evidence at a crime scene are provided. A wide variety of embodiments are provided, covering several use scenarios—including, but not limited to, home security devices, which may be built into an entryway or other building structure, and law enforcement guns. In some embodiments, a projectile within a projectile is provided, which fires in the direction of a primary impact. A sampler device is provided within some projectiles, which may comprise tracing barbs, containers for analytes and even a hypodermic extraction apparatus. In some embodiments, projectiles have rebounding devices, which may overlap with aspects of the sampler device, for developing distance from a criminal suspect. Other aspects, such as GPS, fasteners and defense mechanisms, are also disclosed, which encourage recovery by the authorized user and deter interception.

Abstract: New optic control systems are provided that manage user or environmental factors impacting viewing experiences. In some aspects of the invention, a variably, directionally shadable screen and actuating system is provided, which prevents and limits problematic glare for an observation point. In other aspects of the invention, a matrix of specialized pixels creates variably-directed light from a plurality of angle-directable, shiftable sources, which aids in creating virtual, 3-D objects of greater realism than conventional 3-D imaging methods and aid in reducing the appearance of distracting interceding objects (e.g., finger blocking a touch screen). In these aspects, existing images and objects viewed through a screen may be enhanced and overlaid with effects, and shifted in perspective, and demonstrative information related to images and objects and an environment. In other aspects of the invention, driving enhancement, and semi-autonomous driving systems and displays are provided.

Abstract: A device adapted for brushing and flossing each of a user's teeth simultaneously is disclosed. Many methods and modes for the device's use are also set forth. In some embodiments, the device is custom-fitted to each user, based on molds, impressions or other 3-dimensional imaging techniques, allowing for a more effective, rapid brushing experience. Customized flossing lines, comprising a wide variety of materials and cleansing products, are set forth in exemplary detail. A specialized handle is set forth, configured for maintaining easy access to controls while leaving the device in place in a user's mouth while cleaning, hands-free.

Abstract: New nanotechnology and other small-scale devices for performing intravenous medical procedures are provided. In some aspect of the invention, a group of encapsulated injectable machines is delivered intravenously into a bloodstream via a syringe. A treatment area within a patient's body is specified and targeted for action by an external control system, which also monitors blood flow and other environmental. Externally applied magnetic and/or electrostatic signaling and direction devices controlled by the control system then trigger the release of encapsulation layers surrounding the injectable machines upon reaching the treatment area. The externally applied magnetic signaling and direction devices then drive the machines into treatment targets within the treatment area, exploiting an overall charge and polarity of the machines distinct from their condition during encapsulation.

Abstract: New activity recognition, recording, analysis and control techniques, systems and sensors are provided. In some aspects of the invention, multiple sensory tags with unique identification and data transfer attributes, create positional, movement, orientation and acceleration data and supply it to a control system. The tags may be placed at location(s) on the user's body, clothing, personal effects, exercise equipment and other activity-relevant locations, to enhance activity recognition and mapping. For example, a specialized PDA may comprise part of the control system, and may provide, reflect and/or receive modified data signals to and from such tags. In other aspects, a system defines a personal activity space, samples data preferentially from that space, and performs a simplified form of object-recognition to determine, record and analyze personal activities. A GUI interface within the control system may also aid in recognizing and recording activity patterns, in addition to tags.