Abstract: Provided is a method for digital image representation based upon Discrete Projective Fourier Transform (DPFT) constructed in the noncompact (DNPFT) and compact (DCPFT) realizations of geometric Fourier analysis on SL(2,C) groups. Novel characteristics are that the model is well adapted to perspective image transformations and well adapted to the retinotopic (conformal) mapping of the biological visual system. To compute the DPFT of a digital image by Fast Fourier transform (FFT), an image is re-sampled with a non-uniform log-polar sampling geometry. A “deconformalization” procedure corrects the “conformal lens optics” of the conformal camera to render image perspective transformations.

Abstract: Provided is a method for designing, managing and executing response plans. Specific plan and resources are defined and a defined plan is executed either automatically or manually according to pre-determined or “real-time” parameter definitions. An executed plan notifies, by various user-defined means, actively or pre-defined parties in a near simultaneous fashion of security communications, notifications, directives and/or information. One embodiment of the system includes a component that requires a notified party to acknowledge a particular notification event by responding with a personal identification number (PIN) or calling a specified telephone number and entering the PIN. The system enables parties to be organized into groups based upon member profiles. Individual parties can be assigned to sub-groups, enabling specifically designed communications to go to the parties of any particular sub-group.

Abstract: Provided is an apparatus and method for detecting a state of a device such as a meter or appliance and transmitting to a remote location a particular tone or tones corresponding to the detected state. The transmission is initiated either by a predetermined series of tones from the remote location to the apparatus or by changing conditions within the device. The claimed subject matter enables a service provider to detect a service outage, the scope of the outage and the resumption of service.

Abstract: Provided is a system and method for consolidating telephone calls from more than one individual to a single, remote conference call provider through a telephone switch such that the multiple calls utilize a single telephone connection between the individuals' location and the conference call provider. A private branch exchange (PBX) or other type of switch detects attempts by multiple local callers to reach a designated conference call number and multiplexes those calls. In one embodiment, at least one of the conference call participants is coupled to the switch via a network, such as the Internet, using an Internet protocol (IP) telephone connection.

Abstract: A makeover system and method for using the system is provided for providing a user with an image of how a person would look with different hair, glasses, makeup, etc. Using a before picture of the person, the system displays an item on the before picture and resizes the item to fit the size of the person according to user input. Therefore, the makeover system can superimpose an item over an image of a person regardless of the size of the image of the person on a computer screen. The system then provides an after picture representing a composite image of the superimposed selected overlay item over the image of the person.

Abstract: A GridBloc strategy game. The present invention employs a runner and a blocker within any number of various GridBloc boards. The runner is operable to move throughout the GridBloc board, and the blocker who tries to oppose the movement of the runner throughout the GridBloc board. The GridBloc structure is a three dimensional 3D volume in various embodiments of the invention. The GridBloc game is operable to be performed in the volumetric portion of the GridBloc structure. If desired, the GridBloc game is performed along the surfaces of a 3D GridBloc structure. The runners and blockers have various traits in some embodiments, including special traits that allow them to perform actions beyond a basic functionality of a runner and a blocker. The special traits are used to perform running and blocking operations a fixed number of times during the course of a game, or indefinitely throughout the game in various embodiments of the invention.

Abstract: A game with moveable play space. The invention allows any user playing the game to modify the play space at any number of given times and in response to any number of different conditions. Certain spaces (tiles or blocks) within the play space are wildcard spaces that independently initiates modification of the game play space. Any game play space can benefit from the invention, including conventional game boards including chess and checker boards. The modifications of the game play space include any number of manipulations including column shuffling, rotating, flip-flopping, and other types of manipulation. The selection of which portion of the game play space is made by the players of the game. If desired, the selection of which portion of the game play space is governed by the space on which a game piece resides, or the particular type of game piece that is being moved or used in that game.

Abstract: An apparatus and a method for routing data in a radio data communication system having one or more host computers, one or more intermediate base stations, and one or more RF terminals organizes the intermediate base stations into an optimal spanning-tree network to control the routing of data to and from the RF terminals and the host computer efficiently and dynamically. Communication between the host computer and the RF terminals is achieved by using the network of intermediate base stations to transmit the data.

Abstract: A packetization method and packet structure improve the robustness of a bitstream generated when a still image is decomposed with a wavelet transform. The wavelet coefficients of one “texture unit” are scanned and coded in accordance with a chosen scanning method to produce a bitstream. The bitstreams for an integral number of texture units are assembled into a packet, each of which includes a packet header. Each packet header includes a resynchronization marker to enable a decoder to resynchronize with the bitstream if synchronization is lost, and an index number which absolutely identifies one of the texture units in the packet to enable a decoder to associate following packets with their correct position in the wavelet transform domain. The header information enables a channel error to be localized to a particular packet, preventing the effects of the error from propagating beyond packet boundaries. The invention is applicable to the pending MPEG-4 and JPEG-2000 image compression standards.

Abstract: An amplifier circuit including a novel degeneration input stage that permits a low Noise Figure and superior linearity to be achieved in combination. The amplifier is suitable for use in fully integrated direct-conversion tuner circuits, and provides continuously variable gain functionality implemented by steering current away from an output load of the amplifier through differential transistor pairs located in the current signal paths of an input stage. Voltage headroom problems are avoided by placing the attenuation resistors of the degenerated input stage in the signal path, such that there is little or no DC voltage drop across the resistors. Further, this arrangement permits very accurate on-chip matching to an off-chip signal source. The distribution of IP3 values over the gain range of the amplifier, as well as gain and NF characteristics, are dependent on resistor ratios rather than absolute values. These amplifier characteristics are thus largely temperature and process independent.