Abstract: A method is provided for reconstructing data generated on a digitizer tablet based on the dynamics of the data generation. The digitizer tablet samples the position of the writing pen, continuously transmitting data to a computer in the form of x and y coordinates plus an indicator of whether or not the pen is touching the surface of the tablet. After preprocessing, the data is reconstructed based on the dynamics of the data's creation. The values of the dynamic reconstruction are created by accumulating increments that are some function of the original data. To enhance the dynamics a nonlinear function is required.

Abstract: A method is provided for reconstructing data generated on a digitizer tablet based on the dynamics of the data generation. The digitizer tablet samples the position of the writing pen, continuously transmitting data to a computer in the form of x and y coordinates plus an indicator of whether or not the pen is touching the surface of the tablet. After preprocessing, the data is reconstructed based on the dynamics of the data's creation. The values of the dynamic reconstruction are created by accumulating increments that are some function of the original data. To enhance the dynamics a nonlinear function is required.

Abstract: Color image decoding is achieved by a simplified method of decoding a spatially and chromatically multiplexing image plane (32), such as a plane consisting of RGB (Red-Green-Blue) pixels (22) by performing a summation of pixels of all three colors in a neighborhood of a missing pixel. The decoding process has applications in decoding images made by a data processor, made by an imaging device with a mosaic color filter, or made by a multi-sensor CCD imaging device with a sensor offset (800). Various techniques of entropy reduction, smoothing and speckle reduction may be incorporated into the coefficient pattern. The coefficient pattern may be generated automatically using a process of correlated decoding and may be adjusted by hand using a process of trial and error.

Abstract: Color image compression and decompression is achieved by either spatially and chromatically multiplexing three digitized color planes, such as RGB (Red-Green-Blue) (22), into a digital array representative of a single digitized spatially- and chromatically-multiplexed plane (32, 813f) through use of a data processor or through use of a multi-sensor CCD imaging device with a sensor offset (800), or, by use of a color imaging device, capturing an image directly into a single spatially-multiplexed image plane, for further compression, transmission and/or storage. A decoder (50, 807, 923) extracts, from the stored or transmitted image, data to restore each of the color planes. Specific demultiplexing techniques involve correlating information of other planes with the color plane to be demultiplexed. Various techniques of entropy reduction, smoothing and speckle reduction may be used together with standard digital color compression techniques.

Abstract: Color image compression and decompression is achieved by either spatially and chromatically multiplexing three digitized color planes, such as RGB (Red-Green-Blue), into a digital array representative of a single digitized spatially- and chromatically-multiplexed plane, or, by use of a color imaging device, capturing an image directly into a single spatially-multiplexed image plane, for further compression, transmission and/or storage. At the point of decompression, a demultiplexer separately extracts, from the stored or transmitted image, data to restore each of the color planes. Specific demultiplexing techniques involve correlating information of other planes with the color plane to be demultiplexed. Various techniques of entropy reduction, smoothing and speckle reduction may be used together with standard digital color compression techniques, such as JPEG. Using lossless JPEG about 6:1 data compression is achieved with no losses in subsequent processing after initial compression.

Abstract: An apparatus for collecting information directly at a point on a surface comprises the combination of a stylus with means for sensing force along at least one axis in a surface at a point on the surface and a position sensing platen or pad with means for sensing a true position along at least one axis on the surface at the point in question. Collected information is processed to obtain figures of merit. Features extraction or rubbery correlation in five dimensions may be employed to obtain suitable figures of merit for objective evaluation.

Abstract: Processing of handwritten patterns, for example, inputting of complex characters, such as Kanji, into a word processor involves a balance between an algorithmic part and a disambiguation part. Application of routines uniformly during the algorithmic part deliberately results in confusion sets of characters which are subsequently differentiated during the disambiguation part. Balance between the two parts permits a flexibility to accommodate differences in writing styles, while application of routines customized to the established character patterns permits the unique solution necessary for accurate recognition of a character.

Abstract: A method and system for recognizing complex patterns, such as Chinese characters (Kanji), which may employ detailed information about an element and specifically curvature characteristics. Selected elements or strokes are grouped into confusion groups. Strokes under examination are categorized and assigned either stroke identity labels or confusion group identity labels by a flexible comparison of distance metrics generated with reference to templates which represent general recognition criteria or groupings of specific strokes. Specific threshold criteria are applied to distance metrics.

Abstract: A method and system for recognizing complex patterns, such as Chinese characters (or Kanji), identifies patterns by stroke recognition using detailed information about stroke shape and specifically curvature characteristics. Written strokes are categorized into different specific stroke types and are assigned stroke identity labels by comparison of distance metrics generated with reference to stroke templates, each template comprising information specifying position of a point and permissible deviation for each such point along a stroke. Deviation values may differ from point to point and from stroke type to stroke type. The data on the written stroke may be rotated or displaced relative to each stroke template to enhance the likelihood of stroke recognition. Limited information about stroke position relative to other strokes may be preserved and employed to resolve ambiguities among accumulations of stroke identity labels found to ambiguously indicate more than one pattern or character.

Abstract: A system is provided for producing a stabilized visual scotoma or aperture which comprises means for projecting the image of a visual scene along a first optical path including first and second mirrors positioned serially along the optical path. Both mirrors are mounted for rotation about an axis corresponding, respectively, to horizontal and vertical eye movements. Optical means are provided for forming an image of the eye at each of the first and second mirror with the center of rotation of the eye in each image nominally at the axes of rotation of the first and second mirrors. Control means are provided to rotate the first and second mirrors about their axes in response to eye movements. Means are provided to project an image of the scene along a second optical path to the eye of the subject including means capable of negating the compensating effect for eye movement in the first optical path.

Abstract: A method for recognizing complex handwritten character set employs spatial position recognition in which characters of a first set are registered in a first region and characters of a second set are registered in a second region. The second region may be included within the first region. The invention is particularly useful for distinguishing Kanji from non-Kanji character sets in a data input system.

Abstract: A stabilized visual system for directing a beam of energy, such as a laser beam, to a specific selected location in an eye and maintaining the beam in the selected location regardless of eye movements. The system employs a fundus illumination and monitoring device which illuminates the fundus of an eye and allows an observer simultaneously to observe the illuminated fundus, an eye tracker which continuously measures the position and changes in position of the illuminated eye and produces electrical signals in response to the changes in position of the eye, and an input beam stabilizer which directs a beam of electromagnetic energy to a selected location in the eye. Servomotor driven optical elements (e.g., a pair of mirrors) are positioned in the path of the beam of electromagnetic energy and are connected to receive and be driven by the electrical signals produced by the eye tracker so that the electromagnetic beam is maintained at the specific selected location in the eye even though the eye moves.

Abstract: A three dimensional eye tracker, for measuring as a function of time the point in three dimensional space on which the eye is fixed, includes a portion which functions as a two dimensional double Purkinje eye tracker for measuring movement of the eye in rotation and translation, an automatic optometer portion for measuring the refractive power of the eye, and a common optical path simultaneously to provide corrections for both portions of the instrument. The two dimensional eye tracker portion incorporates a means for directing a beam into the eye, thereby forming first and fourth Purkinje images, and measuring means responsive to the first and fourth Purkinje images to generate output signals indicative of eye rotation and translation. The automatic optometer portion alternately directs a light beam through different areas of the eye lens and includes a mechanism for altering the directed light beam until the image on the retina does not move.

Abstract: In order to verify the authenticity of the signature of an individual, first a sample signature is written with a pen which can generate electrical signals representative of the forces exerted in the plane of the paper in the process of writing. These signals are sampled and then scaled so that the signature when displayed, can be fitted within a predetermined display area. The scaled signals generated from the sample signature are then stored. When it is desired to compare the sample signature with a signature which is subsequently written, called a specimen signature, the specimen signature is written and is processed for display in the same manner as was the sample signature. The scaled sample signature signals are then called out of storage and displayed, as are the scaled signals generated in the course of writing the specimen signature. Any deviations between the signatures are very readily detectable by observing the display.

Abstract: An eye tracker measures the point in space on which the eye is fixated. An input mirror reflects an input image into the eye and directs the Purkinje images so formed in the eye back into the eye tracker mechanism. The images are gathered by a collimating objective and directed through focusing and deflecting optics so as to be incident on light flux measuring devices (photodetectors). The optics and detectors are connected in closed loop servo systems which keep the first and fourth Purkinje images centered on their respective photodetectors, keep the input beam properly positioned in the eye, and at the same time generate signals responsive to movement of the first Purkinje image to give a measure of both translational and rotational horizontal and vertical eye movement and movement of the fourth Purkinje image to give a measure of purely horizontal and vertical eye movement. Circuitry combines the signals to generate a measure of purely translational horizontal and vertical signals.

Abstract: A deflector, through which a subject views a target or visual stimulus, can independently move the visual stimulus horizontally and vertically to stimulate or compensate the subject's eye movement and can alter the optical distance to stimulate or compensate accommodation (focus). The target is projected on the subject's eye by way of two mirrors serially disposed in the projecting path and mounted for rotation about vertical and horizontal axes, respectively. Lens elements produce an undistorted unity magnification image of the eye at each mirror, with the center or rotation of the eye in each image nominally on the axis of rotation of the respective mirrors, and servo motors independently rotate the mirrors about their respective axes to produce vertical and/or horizontal deflection of the stimulus at the eye.

Abstract: When trains of signals, derived from a written template signature, are to be compared directly with trains of signals, derived from a written specimen signature, because no two written signatures are identical, there is a requirement for providing a certain degree of "rubberiness" between the specimen and template signals. Previously, such rubberiness was achieved by breaking up the trains of signals into fixed portions and then conducting translation, stretch and contraction between these fixed portions in the course of the comparison. In this invention, advantage is taken of the existence of prominent landmarks in the trains of signals of the template and specimen signatures. The trains of signals are broken into segments by these landmarks. Segments of the specimen are stretched or contracted and translated to match corresponding segments of the template, to greatly simplify and enhance correlation process.

Abstract: In order to verify the authenticity of the signature of an individual, first a sample signature is written with a pen which can generate electrical signals representative of the forces exerted in the plane of the paper in the process of writing. These signals are sampled and then scaled so that the signature when displayed, can be fitted within a predetermined display area. The scaled signals generated from the sample signature are then stored. When it is desired to compare the sample signature with a signature which is subsequently written, called a specimen signature, the specimen signature is written and is processed for display in the same manner as was the sample signature. The scaled sample signature signals are then called out of storage and displayed, as are the scaled signals generated in the course of writing the specimen signature. Any deviations between the signatures are very readily detectable by observing the display.

Abstract: A person, who is to have his identity verified, first writes his signature or any other appropriate group of characters or symbols several times with a special pen which produces signals representative of the writing forces in the plane of the paper and the writing pressure. From these a number of different parameters are derived. These parameters may be, for example, average value, energy, timing, number of zero crossings, etc. Average values and standard deviations are obtained for each of these parameters and these are stored as components of a template vector. In order to detect whether or not a later handwriting sample is authentic, a measure of the difference between the template vector and the later handwriting sample vector is calculated. The distinction between true signatures and forgeries is then made on the basis of this difference. If it is less than an appropriately selected value the signature is judged authentic while if it is above such value it is judged a forgery.

Abstract: A writing instrument is provided which generates electrical signals indicative of the force applied and the direction of motion taken by the writing instrument as one is writing with it. The writing instrument uses strain gauges for providing these signals.