Abstract: TOF system shutter time needed to acquire image data in a time-of-flight (TOF) system that acquires consecutive images is reduced, thus decreasing the time in which relative motion can occur. In one embodiment, pixel detectors are clocked with multi-phase signals and integration of the four signals occurs simultaneously to yield four phase measurements from four pixel detectors within a single shutter time unit. In another embodiment, phase measurement time is reduced by a factor (1/k) by providing super pixels whose collection region is increased by a factor “k” relative to a normal pixel detector. Each super pixel is coupled to k storage units and four-phase sequential signals. Alternatively, each pixel detector can have k collector regions, k storage units, and share common clock circuitry that generates four-phase signals. Various embodiments can reduce the mal-effects of clock signal transients upon signals, and can be dynamically reconfigured as required.

Abstract: Dynamic range of a differential pixel is enhanced by injecting, synchronously or asynchronously, a fixed compensating offset (?V) into a differential signal capacitor whenever magnitude of the differential signal across the capacitor exceeds a predetermined value. The number (N) of ?V offsets made is counted. Effective differential signal capacitor voltage V(t)=Vo+N·?V, where Vo is capacitor voltage. Differential pixel signal/noise ratio is increased by dynamically maximizing operational amplifier gain AG for each differential pixel.

Abstract: A system used with a virtual device inputs or transfers information to a companion device, and includes two optical systems OS1, OS2. In a structured-light embodiment, OS1 emits a fan beam plane of optical energy parallel to and above the virtual device. When a user-object penetrates the beam plane of interest, OS2 registers the event. Triangulation methods can locate the virtual contact, and transfer user-intended information to the companion system. In a non-structured active light embodiment, OS1 is preferably a digital camera whose field of view defines the plane of interest, which is illuminated by an active source of optical energy. Preferably the active source, OS1, and OS2 operate synchronously to reduce effects of ambient light. A non-structured passive light embodiment is similar except the source of optical energy is ambient light. A subtraction technique preferably enhances the signal/noise ratio. The companion device may in fact house the present invention.

Abstract: High dynamic range brightness information is acquired by inputting detection current to a high (adjustable) gain resettable integrator whose output V(t) is compared to a Vth threshold by a comparator whose output is counted by a reset counter as V(t)≧Vth. When a desired count is attained, data acquisition ends, the counter is read, and the entire circuit is reset. A TOF data acquisition circuit includes first and second sequences of series-coupled delay units, and a like number of latch units coupled between respective delay units. A phase discriminator compares output from each chain and feedback a signal to one of the chains and to a comparator and can equalize delay through each chain. A control voltage is coupled to the remaining chain to affect through-propagation delay time. The latch units can capture the precise time when V(t)≧Vth. Successive measurement approximation can enhance TOF resolution.

Abstract: A three-dimension distance time-of-flight system is disclosed in which distance values are acquired by a plurality of sensors independently from each other. For use with this and similar systems, Z-distance accuracy and resolution are enhanced using various techniques including over-sampling acquired sensor data and forming running averages, or forming moving averages. Acquired data may be rejected if it fails to meet criteria associated with distance, luminosity, velocity, or estimated shape information reported by neighboring sensors. A sub-target having at least one pre-calibrated reflectance zone is used to improve system measurement accuracy. Elliptical error is corrected for using a disclosed method, and reversible mapping of Z-values into RGB is provided.

Abstract: P-type and n-type regions are defined in the first surface of a substrate upon which is formed an epitaxial layer of preferably Si—Ge material, preferably capped by Si material. During epitaxy formation, dopant in the defined regions diffuses down to form p-type and n-type junctions in the Si material, and diffuses up to form p-type and n-type junctions in the Si—Ge epitaxial material. Si junctions are buried beneath the surface and are surface recombination velocity effects are reduced. Photon energy striking the second substrate surface generates electron-hole pairs that experience the high bandgap of the Si materials and the low bandgap of the Si—Ge epitaxy. The tandem structure absorbs photon energy from about 0.6 eV to about 3.5 eV and exhibits high conversion efficiency.

Abstract: A stowable device for washing the underside and wheel well regions of a vehicle includes a base member joined at one end to a handle member such that the angle between the members can vary. A water jet disposed adjacent the distal end of the base member has a slit-like outlet. A length of flexible tubing couples the water jet to a trigger handle and waterjet valve located on the free end of the handle member. A source of water is coupled to the trigger handle, and passes through the flexible tubing and out the waterjet when the user presses the water jet valve. At least one non-swivelling wheel assembly is attached to the base member. The ratio between the length of the base member and the width of the wheel assembly preferably exceeds about 20:1 to promote maneuverability of the device.

Abstract: A MIDI-compatible gesture synthesizer is provided for use with a conventional music synthesizer to create musically realistically sounding gestures. The gesture synthesizer is responsive to one or more user controllable input signals, and includes several transfer function models that may be user-selected. One transfer function models properties of muscles using Hill's force-velocity equation to describe the non-linearity of muscle activation. A second transfer function models the cyclic oscillation produced by opposing effects of two force sources representing the cyclic oppositional action of muscle systems. A third transfer function emulates the response of muscles to internal electrical impulses. A fourth transfer function provides a model representing and altering virtual trajectory of gestures. A fifth transfer function models visco-elastic properties of muscle response to simulated loads. The gesture synthesizer outputs MIDI-compatible continuous pitch data, tone volume and tone timbre information.

Abstract: A unitary construction hand-holdable device for tieing an inflated balloon includes projecting spaced-apart first and second prongs, and defines an opening providing finger access to the region rearward and beneath the prongs. An inflated balloon is held beneath the device, and the balloon neck is stretched to pass over both prongs and is then pulled down, below the device. The neck is then crossed over itself and a knot is formed in the region generally below the access opening. After tieing, the knotted balloon is slid off on the prongs. The device may be used to tie elastic materials other than balloons.

Abstract: An automated voice mail/answering machine greeting system includes a computer system having a real time clock, a CPU, and persistent memory that stores data representing appointment text data for potential callees. The text data may be downloaded into the memory from PIMs associated with the callees. The stored text identifies each callee, appropriate dates, time ranges, and message text, including message text flagged as personal. The stored data can also include global data such as holidays. If a callee does not answer an incoming telephone call, the present date and time are compared against any stored appointment text data for the callee. If no such data is stored, a telephone answering machine can play a default message. But if stored data exists for the present date and time, the data is retrieved from persistent memory and preferably buffered. Absent a user-input flag marking it as personal, the buffered data is converted from text to synthesized voice.

Abstract: A signal extraction and character recognition system is provided for an MICR system using E13B font characters and a magneto-resistive read head. Each character is treated as defining a block comprising a matrix of equal sized zones. Because adjacent characters are separated by space (e.g., non-residually magnetized regions), the read head output signal is used to first identify the start of each character. As the document bearing the characters moves relative to the head, the signal strength from each vertical zone is summed. The relative vertical column signal strength is then compared to the vertical column signal strength for the preceding column to form a ratio set. The ratios are then quantized into one of three levels, depending upon whether R>T.sub.1 (a first threshold, preferably 4/3), R<T.sub.2 (a second threshold, preferably 3/4), T.sub.2 .ltoreq.R.ltoreq.T.sub.1. The patterns of these three quantized levels uniquely identify the 14 characters in the E13B character set.

Abstract: A laptop computer includes a cavity into which a mouse/trackball pointer unit may be releasably mounted. The pointer unit is electrically coupled to the laptop computer by a retractable wire or by infrared or radio frequency wireless techniques, and is used as a trackball when disposed within the keyboard cavity. User-operable switches are accessible from the trackball surface of the unit. However, when work space permits, the pointer unit may be removed from the laptop cavity, inverted and used as a mouse. Additional user-operable switches are also accessible from the mouse upper-surface of the pointer unit. The pointer unit housing has a single opening through which the rotatable ball protrudes in each mode. A sense switch automatically ascertains which mode is to be used from the relative orientation of the pointer unit housing. In mouse mode, a sense switch decouples the trackball surface accessible user-operable switches to prevent their inadvertently signaling as the pointer unit is moved about.

Abstract: A silo-like container includes an apparatus for discharging material within the container. The container interior bottom member leaves an annular opening with respect to the container walls, through which opening material may fall to be collected. A preferably toothed discharge ring is disposed above the interior bottom member and is rotated by a drive wheel. A retaining element preferably having teeth-like members is mounted adjacent the interior wall of the silo. As the discharge ring is rotated, planetary motion preferably about a silo axis occurs. The retaining element teeth-like members cooperate with the toothed portion of the discharge ring to urge rotational movement of the discharge ring about its own virtual axis. Discharge ring motion urges material within the silo radially outward toward the annular opening. The retaining element is mounted above the discharge ring such that the discharge ring is prevented from rising upward.

Abstract: A software-implemented bridging routine is provided for a full duplex audio telephone system comprising units A, B and C. of which only unit A need have at least two lines and be full duplex. Unit A receives and speaker-reproduces an audio signal B+C that echoes with a time delay dt.sub.1 and is detected by unit A's microphone as a signal k.sub.b Bdt.sub.1 +k.sub.c Cdt.sub.1, where k.sub.b and k.sub.c are co-efficients. Unit A's host software determines time dt.sub.1 and generates a delay dt.sub.2 .apprxeq.dt.sub.1. Unit A's host processor sums its own microphone output with a signal generated by a non-destination unit that is delayed by time dt.sub.2. Thus, when communicating with unit B, unit A's software generates a host processor output signal A+k.sub.b Bdt.sub.1 +k.sub.c Cdt.sub.1 +Cdt.sub.2. The k.sub.b Bdt.sub.1 echo component is removed by unit A's AEC, which is coupled between units A and B. This causes unit B to receive the signal A+Cdt.sub.2 +k.sub.c Cdt.sub.1 from unit A. Since dt.sub.2 .apprxeq.

Abstract: A LCD in a laptop computer is resiliently mounted to a light-weight stiff celled composite sandwich panel that protects the LCD against breakage. The composite panel comprises a layer of lightweight preferably aluminum honeycomb celled material that is sandwiched between inner and outer sheets of graphite epoxy material. The carbon fibers comprising the graphite epoxy material have their axes parallel to a plane of the composite panel and exhibit a high strength modulus, whereas the axes of the honeycomb cells are normal to the plane of the composite panel. The LCD is mounted to the composite panel using vibration-isolated threaded fasteners, and/or using double-sided adhesive foam tape. In addition to providing an attachment surface for electronic printed circuit boards, the composite panel advantageously provides a large dissipation area for thermal management.

Abstract: A method for safely removing even a hazardous contaminant from a substrate surface without either precoating the contaminant or constantly flowing an inert gas thereover is disclosed. A pulsed source of light energy having an output spectrum including an infrared component and a visible component is directed upon the contaminant. The directed energy being sufficient in magnitude to carbonize or to decompose the contaminant. Preferably produced by a flashtube, the energy has a repetition rate ranging from about 0.1 to 12 pulses/second, and a peak energy per pulse exceeding about 3,700 Joules. The sound and/or sound level at the pulsed source of light energy may be monitored as a guide to varying the light source energy characteristics to best effect contaminant removal.

Abstract: In a laptop computer, CPU-generated heat is thermally conducted passively to a radiator-like element disposed behind the LCD, which uses the heat to warm the LCD. The CPU is surrounded by a liquid-tight housing containing a biphase coolant. A first tube in fluid communication with an outlet port in the housing conveys heat-vaporized coolant to an input port on the radiator. The coolant flows through a plurality of columns formed in the radiator-like element, transferring heat and condensing in the process. The transferred heat is radiated to the LCD, which is desirably warmed in the process. The condensed coolant is conducted from an export port in the radiator-like element through a second tube to an input port in the housing. A pressure sensor may be included to provide a coolant pressure drop signal that can be used to shutdown the CPU in the event of a coolant leak.

Abstract: A one-piece steering wheel is formed as a unitary casting from an alloy that includes 11.5% to 14% by weight silicon, and 350 to 450 parts per million strontium. Preferably the steering wheel mold is rotated during casting at relatively high rotational speeds exerting 100 g to 250 g force on the wheel. An optimum rotational speed is disclosed. A one-piece steering wheel formed according to the invention exhibits minimal length ferro-silicon hair-like strands, and thus exhibits reduced brittleness.

Abstract: An apparatus is provided for removing a small area of epidermis from the skin to expose an intact area of dermis and subsequently deliver a liquid in contact with the exposed dermis. This method of delivery allows the rate of absorption of substances into the body to be enhanced by removal of the epidermis. A preferred embodiment removes the epidermis by forming a suction blister, the apparatus having a housing attached to the skin adhesively to define a chamber in which suction is applied. Suction is applied to the chamber without connection to an external source of suction by means of an evacuated cell separated from the chamber by a disruptable membrane. A tubular member is actuated to rupture the membrane, disrupt the blister and deliver liquid to the chamber in successive stages of operation of the apparatus.

Abstract: A jewelry chain holder includes two tube-like structures joined together by a common partition wall in a side-by-side disposition, each tube defining a channel-like cavity and a longitudinal slit running the full tube length and preferably located on a portion of the tube somewhat opposite from the partition wall. The length of each tube approximates half the total chain length, and the cross-section of each cavity is sufficiently large to contain a cross-section of the chain within. Preferably the tube-like structures are transparent and made of a slightly resilient material that permits a user to force approximately half the chain length into each cavity through the longitudinal slit. The result is that substantially the entire chain is maintained in a stretched out disposition within the two cavities, the partition wall separating the two chain halves. So held, the chain is visible from 360.degree. and is protected by the exterior of the tube-like structures from dust, scratching and other damage.