Abstract: A method for matching a recorded image with geographic data substantially corresponding to a geographic location where the image was recorded, is disclosed. In a preferred embodiment, global positioning system data logs are time matched with other data collected, including image data, for the purpose of spatially mapping the collected data. Two important underpinnings of the present invention are that first, the real time of the data acquisition is recorded along with the data acquired; and second, that the offset time between the data logging clock and the world standard time is accurately determined. A primary advantage of the present invention is its wireless functionality; no information transmitters, receivers, special interfaces or power suppliers are required. In addition, a wide variety of off-the-shelf equipment may be used with the present invention as system components.

Abstract: The system of the present invention includes a hardware device (40) and software, which are configurable and operable in three modes: recording mode, indexing mode, and playback mode. In the recording mode, the hardware device (40) is connected to a GPS receiver (44) and video recording device (42), and permits GPS data to be recorded on the same recording medium that images are recorded on using the video recording device (42). As a result, a particular geographic location associated with particular images can be directly referenced by GPS data. After recording the images, the hardware device (40) is connected to a computer (46) having the software of the present invention installed, and the system causes GPS data to be transferred from the recording medium to the computer (46) as the recorded images are replayed. During this step, called the indexing mode, the computer (46) draws a map showing all of the GPS referenced locations recorded on the recording medium.

Abstract: A method for matching a recorded image with geographic data substantially corresponding to a geographic location where the image was recorded, is disclosed. In a preferred embodiment, global positioning system data logs are time matched with other data collected, including image data, for the purpose of spatially mapping the collected data. Two important underpinnings of the present invention are that first, the real time of the data acquisition is recorded along with the data acquired; and second, that the offset time between the data logging clock and the world standard time is accurately determined. A primary advantage of the present invention is its wireless functionality; no information transmitters, receivers, special interfaces or power suppliers are required. In addition, a wide variety of off-the-shelf equipment may be used with the present invention as system components.

Abstract: A timing system which permits the operator of the timing system to indicate to others who wish to interact with the operator whether the operator is currently available. If the operator of the device is unavailable, the ting system indicates at what time the operator will be available. A first device on the operator's desk is used for setting the period of time that the operator will be unavailable. A second device is connected to the first device by a communications link and is situated in a location visible to the potential visitors who wish to visit the operator. The second device indicates to visitors whether or not the operator is available and facilitates efficiency in an office environment by not requiring them to travel all the way to the operator's work space. If the operator is unavailable, the second device can also display the time when the operator will be available.

Abstract: A fax message transmitted by a facsimile transmitter includes bar coded headers in its first page. At least one of these headers contains the name of an addressee that is also a user on a network. A fax server receiving the incoming fax message inspects the first page of the incoming facsimile to locate the bar coded headers. If a TO: header is found it is used to determine the corresponding E-mail address, and the fax is automatically routed as E-mail on the network to the addressee. Any other headers, such as a FROM: or SUBJECT: header have their bar coded content converted to ASCII and attached as ASII strings to the first page for easy inspection. An asymmetrical nature of the bar code used allows the fax server to determine which of a left-to-right or right-to-left scanning direction produces valid bar code. This in turn indicates whether the headers for the first page are right side up or upside down. By implication, this determines the orientation for the entire fax document.

Abstract: A method of digitially filtering unfiltered values from a transducer to eliminate jitter compares a new unfiltered value against the previous filtered value. If the difference exceeds a selected amount the unfiltered amount is taken as and replaces the filtered value. If the difference is less than the selected amount then the new filtered amount is calculated from sliding percentages of the old filtered value added to the new unfiltered value. The two percentages add to one hundred percent, and linearly reflect what percentage the difference is of the selected amount.

Abstract: A digitizer measuring abscissas and ordinates at separate times compensates these coordinates for errors created by cursor or stylus motion during the digitizing process. At the highest level of operation this is achieved by altering the coordinate measurement sequence to be abscissa, ordinate, abscissa, and then associating the ordinate with the average of the two abscissas. Two ordinates separated by an intervening abscissa could be used as well. At a lower level a similar alteration in measurement procedure allows for correction of errors in the determination of coarse values from pairs of fine values X' and X" or Y' and Y" by application of the principle of the vernier. When cursor motion is present the two fine values of a pair do not correspond to the same point. This is overcome by measuring X', X", and X' and associating X" with the average of the two X' values to find the coarse X value. The same is done with Y', Y" and Y' to find the coarse Y value.

Abstract: A position control system is described for the control of cursor movement on a video display terminal or the like. The control system includes a wireless movable steering means which emits acoustic signals, tracking means adapted to receive the acoustic signals and determine the position of the steering means by hyperbolic triangulation, and communication means for communicating the position (either absolute position or relative movement) of the steering means to the video display terminal.