Abstract: This disclosure provides a method for adjusting system timing in a reconfigurable memory system. In a Dynamic Point-to-Point (“DPP”) system, for example, manufacturer-supplied system timing parameters such as access latency and maximum clock speed typically reflect a worst-case configuration scenario. By in-situ detecting actual configuration (e.g., whether expansion boards have been inserted), and correspondingly configuring the system to operate in a mode geared to the specific configuration, worst-case or near worst-case scenarios may be ruled out and system timing parameters may be redefined for faster-than-conventionally-rated performance; this is especially the case in a DPP system where signal pathways typically become more direct as additional modules are added. Contrary to convention wisdom therefore, which might dictate that component expansion should slow down timing, clock speed can actually be increased in such a system, if supported by the configuration, for better performance.

Abstract: This disclosure provides a portable shopping aid used to mount a shopping list, coupons, or other documents. Contrary to conventional wisdom, the aid is configured to sacrifice a writing surface in favor of portability, by providing a small body that may be easily inserted into a pocket or handbag. The body includes a clamp for mounting the aid onto a push bar of a shopping cart, for hands free viewing during shopping, as well as a document clip mechanism that clips documents by their ends closest to the push bar. In order to provide structural rigidity to retained documents, and notwithstanding the absence of a writing surface or clipboard, the clip mechanism is configured to crease documents. The shopping aid also includes feet for standing the aid upright, on a flat surface, and means for mounting the aid magnetically on a refrigerator wall, in all cases such that retained documents are presented in a convenient reading orientation.

Abstract: This disclosure provides a portable shopping aid used to mount a shopping list, coupons, or other documents. Contrary to conventional wisdom, the aid is configured to sacrifice a writing surface in favor of portability, by providing a small body that may be easily inserted into a pocket or handbag. The body includes a clamp for mounting the aid onto a push bar of a shopping cart, for hands free viewing during shopping, as well as a document clip mechanism that clips documents by their ends closest to the push bar. In order to provide structural rigidity to retained documents, and notwithstanding the absence of a writing surface or clipboard, the clip mechanism is configured to crease documents. The shopping aid also includes feet for standing the aid upright, on a flat surface, and means for mounting the aid magnetically on a refrigerator wall, in all cases such that retained documents are presented in a convenient reading orientation.

Abstract: In a MPEG or other video system, a “region map” is preferably defined in header information for each frame which indicates for each independently coded region in the frame which “image slices” contain data for that region. Using a system of globally and locally defined regions (region groups), the map permits automatic identification of an object through multiple frames (notwithstanding movement) and for select decoding and extraction of that object only, without necessarily decoding all irrelevant image data. An edited region can be re-inserted into the original encoded bit stream in place of the extracted data using minimal computational resources.

Abstract: This disclosure provides a system for efficiently processing a data set. More particularly, image data such as volumetric data are stored in a spread memory fashion, with image data subsets occupying only a fraction of each page. Each memory page is sized to roughly map to processor cache size (or a section thereof), such that image data is always mapped to one or more predetermined fractions of processor cache. By keeping processing parameters (e.g., look-up tables and buffers) in the remainder of cache, the system effectively locks those parameters against overwrite by the image data. This system facilitates the use of conventional workstations, laptops and other machines not enhanced for processing large or complicated data sets. It also extends capabilities of both un-enhanced and enhance machines, permitting them to process data more efficiently.

Abstract: This disclosure provides a printer pen having a pressure regulation system and a mechanism for purging air from the pen using the pressure regulation system. More specifically, a pressure sensor and a permanent magnet actuator open and close an internal valve to selectively pressurize a local ink container with ink to achieve a precise pen back pressure, which may be specific for each pen in order to maximize print quality. The pen also has a blow-off vent and internal conduits which channel trapped air upward, toward the vent. When too much air is detected within the ink container (based on transient response as sensed by the pressure sensor), the pen is moved near an external tab at or near a service station, such that the tab physically opens the blow-off vent. The internal valve is also opened to permit the pen to pressurize (ink is normally at below-atmospheric pressure) and thereby expel air through the blow-off vent.

Abstract: This disclosure provides a valve which is controlled by a magnetic actuator. More specifically, the actuator is a polarized, magnetic actuator, that is, a magnetic actuator containing both a permanent magnet and an electromagnet. The actuator can be an inexpensive commercial relay having a pivoting armature that pushes a compliant diaphragm against a valve seat to close the valve. Preferably, the armature is configured as a “see-saw,” such that as the valve is opened, an opposing end of the see-saw also displaces the diaphragm. In this manner, fluid pressure in a valve chamber is relatively constant, and there are no significant pressures which prevent the valve from opening and closing. The preferred application of the valve is to actively drive printer ink supply, such that ink can be selectively drawn using the valve from a remote ink supply into a local ink reservoir, mounted near a print head.

Abstract: This disclosure provides a compression system for edited images which have previously been compressed. The preferred system uses software to track and determine the nature of edits made to each image frame. Each image frame is divided into spatial regions, and codes defining the nature of changes are then stored in a set of tables called the “registry of edits.” When it is time to compress images for output, re-compression software interrogates the registry to determine whether spatial regions in the frame has been altered in a manner that undermines the integrity of the original compression data. For example, if a compressed image signal is modified in the spatial domain to add the logo of a local television station, most of each image frame will remain unchanged and the original motion vectors and residuals (or other compressed representation) from an input signal may be re-used, thereby saving substantial processing time and minimizing introduction of additional quantization errors.

Abstract: This disclosure provides a voice-operated remote control intended to replace multiple entertainment system remotes, and it preferably includes two parts, a base unit and a remote (or table-top) unit. During normal operation, the base unit receives each electronic speaker driver signal from a stereo receiver or other sound source and uses speaker-specific transfer functions to generate an “audio mimic signal” which accounts for room acoustics and circuitry distortions. This signal is then subtracted from detected sound and a residual is used to detect spoken commands. In response to spoken commands, learned IR commands are transmitted by the base unit to the remote unit, which then repeats these commands, directing them toward the appropriate entertainment system. Learning of room acoustics and of IR and spoken commands are each performed in discrete modes.

Abstract: This disclosure provides an image screen having anti-reflective qualities, such as might be used in projection television. In particular, an opaque black layer is formed on a front, viewer-side of the screen using the transmissive properties of the projection screen itself, e.g., as defined by a bubble lens array on the back side of the screen. In one embodiment, light is transmitted through a Fresnel lens, through a bubble lens array, and onto a photoresist to expose transmissive “pinholes” in the photoresist. Photoresist is then removed in unexposed areas, and an anti-reflective material is deposited over the entire viewer-side of the screen. Remaining photoresist is then removed from transmissive areas to leave the anti-reflective material in all areas not receptive to projection light. The material is developed and cured and the front side is optionally protected with a sealant layer.

Abstract: In a MPEG or other video coding system, regions of each frame may be independently coded for later, independent extraction or processing directly from a compressed bit stream. An encoder/transcoder receives raw video, standard compressed video or compressed video already having independently coded regions (“ICRs”) that are to be edited in some manner. The encoder/transcoder permits user creation of regions, and provides automatic tracking features to identify and select those objects or regions through multiple frames (notwithstanding object movement). The encoder/transcoder re-uses as much compressed input data as is available in generating an output, and so, may be used for real-time encoding and editing processes. To this effect, the encoder/transcoder re-uses original bit stream data as well as original or new motion vector data in compiling an output, or any mix of them as appropriate.

Abstract: In a MPEG or other video system, regions of each frame may be independently coded for later, independent extraction directly from a compressed bit stream. An encoder/transcoder receives raw video, standard compressed video or compressed video already having independently coded regions (“ICRs”) that are to be edited in some manner. A resultant signal may be used downstream for logo insertion or other video editing or processing without having to completely decode the entirety of each frame of a video sequence; rather, only those portions upon which editing or processing is to be performed are decoded. Once modified, substitute data may be inserted back into the compressed bit stream to take the place of decoded, edited data.

Abstract: This disclosure provides a system for classifying images, used in image detection, image recognition, or other computer vision. The system processes directory images to obtain eigenvectors and eigenvalues, and selects a set of “smooth” basis vectors formed by linear combinations of these eigenvectors to be applied against a target image. Contrary to conventional wisdom, however, a group of the eigenvectors having the weakest eigenvalues are used to select the basis vectors. A second process is then performed on this group of “weakest” eigenvectors to identify a set of candidate vectors, ordered in terms of “smoothness.” The set of basis vectors (preferably 3-9) is then chosen from the candidate vectors in order of smoothness, which are then applied in an image detection or image recognition process.

Abstract: This disclosure provides a printer pen having a pressure regulation system and a mechanism for purging air from the pen using the pressure regulation system. More specifically, a pressure sensor and a permanent magnet actuator open and close an internal valve to selectively pressurize a local ink container with ink to achieve a precise pen back pressure, which may be specific for each pen in order to maximize print quality. The pen also has a blow-off vent and internal conduits which channel trapped air upward, toward the vent. When too much air is detected within the ink container (based on transient response as sensed by the pressure sensor), the pen is moved near an external tab at or near a service station, such that the tab physically opens the blow-off vent. The internal valve is also opened to permit the pen to pressurize (ink is normally at below-atmospheric pressure) and thereby expel air through the blow-off vent.

Abstract: This disclosure provides a system for remotely communicating with a vehicle including a wireless device, a security gateway, an on-board computer coupled to one or more sensors or controls, and a web interface that provides for graphical interface between the vehicle and a remote individual. More particularly, a vehicle owner uses the Internet to directly communicate with the vehicle and, using this linkage, can monitor vehicle status (e.g., oil level and quality), read vehicle statistics such as odometer reading and interrogate other sensors as sampled by the on-board computer. Preferably, the owner can also change security functions such as door lock, alarm on, ignition kill “on,” and similar functions using this web interface.

Abstract: This disclosure provides a reverse play system that may be used with newer digital television and image standards. In particular, a compressed input including motion vectors is received, and the motion vectors are used to calculate closest match positions. The order of image frames is then reversed, and reverse motion vectors are calculated anew. In calculating new motion vectors, compression software performs motion search for each data block by first comparing a local neighborhood around the block with the closest match positions. If there is an exact match (between the data block and a closest match position), then an original motion vector is inverted and exactly re-used as a motion vector in reverse play. If there are several (non-exact) matches, the software weights every motion vector associated with overlap of the neighborhood and selects the motion vector corresponding to the largest overlap.

Abstract: This disclosure provides a valve which is controlled by a magnetic actuator. More specifically, the actuator is a polarized, magnetic actuator, that is, a magnetic actuator containing both a permanent magnet and an electromagnet. The actuator can be an inexpensive commercial relay having a pivoting armature that pushes a compliant diaphragm against a valve seat to close the valve. Preferably, the armature is configured as a “see-saw,” such that as the valve is opened, an opposing end of the see-saw also displaces the diaphragm. In this manner, fluid pressure in a valve chamber is relatively constant, and there are no significant pressures which prevent the valve from opening and closing. The preferred application of the valve is to actively drive printer ink supply, such that ink can be selectively drawn using the valve from a remote ink supply into a local ink reservoir, mounted near a print head.

Abstract: A printer pen has a pressure regulation system and a mechanism for purging air from the pen using the pressure regulation system. More specifically, a pressure sensor and a permanent magnet actuator open and close an internal valve to selectively pressurize a local ink container with ink to achieve a precise pen back pressure, which may be specific for each pen in order to maximize print quality. The pen also has a blow-off vent and internal conduits which channel trapped air upward, toward the vent. When too much air is detected within the ink container (based on transient response as sensed by the pressure sensor), the pen is moved near an external tab at or near a service station, such that the tab physically opens the blow-off vent. The internal valve is also opened to permit the pen to pressurize (ink is normally at below-atmospheric pressure) and thereby expel air through the blow-off vent.