Abstract: A system and method for determining the position and orientation of an object within an environment using optical beacons placed at known locations within the environment. The optical beacons are received by an imaging device mounted on the object to be positioned, The system derives the position and orientation of the object from data associated with the pixel locations of the beacons within images, the identity of the beacons within images, and the positions of the beacons within the environment. In one embodiment, the optical beacons emit signals that are patterned in such a way that they appear as a first signal when sampled a low sampling rate and appear as a second signal when sampled at a high sampling rate. The first signal is the same for each beacon, and is used to distinguish beacons from other sources of light in the environment. The second signal is different for each beacon, and is used to identify beacons. In another embodiment, the optical beacons are installed underground and rise on command.

Abstract: A system and corresponding method for generating stereoscopic image from modelling data and camera animation curve data created in the process of creating a computer graphics animation sequence intended for 2D display. The system comprises a database in which the modelling data and the original camera animation curve data are stored, as well as a stereoscopic camera animation curve data generator and an animation sequence renderer. The stereoscopic camera animation curve data generator inputs the original camera animation curve data and generates stereoscopic camera animation curve data for at least one stereoscopic camera which is fixed in position and alignment with respect to another stereoscopic camera (which may be the original camera used to generate the original computer graphics animation sequence). The renderer inputs the stereoscopic camera animation curve data and the modelling data and generates stereoscopic image data.

Abstract: An inexpensive, quick change pricing display on a sign board employs one or more basic numerical arabic figure eight digits of a segmented construction. Each basic numerical eight is made up of designator segments that may have contrasting color with respect to a viewing background of the display or sign. Numerical digits of zero through nine are selectively formed on each basic eight by applying or removing covering strip segments or elements which may be of the same or a different color as the viewing background to selective designator segments of each basic eight in such a manner as to leave exposed or to present color segments that represent the desired numerical digit.

Abstract: A process of imposing an electrical charge on an electrically insulating surface of a moving web wherein a brush electrode contacts the surface. The brush is made up of extremely soft and flexible fiber filaments comprising carbon mounted on a metallic brace which also serves as an electrical contact to supply the brush with d.c. potential whereby the electrically insulating surface is charged to nearly the potential applied to the brush.In order to improve charge uniformity the brush is oscillated in a direction transverse to the direction of web movement.