Abstract: A vision system for use in modeling an environment or scene is presented. A user views a scene through an electronic camera and is presented with CAD type functions for creating graphical representation of the scene. As the apparatus has knowledge of where it is with respect to objects in the scene and with respect to where it has been previously, the model perspective and size can be continuously updated to reflect the view of the scene as the camera addresses from any point in space.

Abstract: Systems are arranged to provide a user information which relates to objects of interest. A user may provide indication of a directional reference to a device. The device determines which objects are being addressed by searching a database containing preprogrammed information relating to objects. Information relating to objects being addressed can then be presented at a user interface. A device of the system may include a point reference, a position determining means, a input receiving means, a computer processor and database, and a user interface. Methods of the system includes the steps of indicating a direction, determining position, searching a database, and presenting information to a user.

Abstract: A variable dark-field illumination method and apparatus to produce microscopic and macroscopic images with a variable dark-field effect thereby making best use of various detector response characteristics. The variable dark-field of the invention is particularly characterized by an adjustable object contrast which optimizes the use of the various detectors dynamic range. The invention is particularly useful when coupled with a video camera and for macroscopic systems having a large depth object field. The dark-fields of the art have geometries which are objectionable because those geometries have very limited depths of field. The invention is particularly distinguished from the art as the dark-field methods and apparatuses of the art are generally geometrically restrictive and they do not provide variable contrast control for input images.

Abstract: Computer vision systems provide a user a view of a scene whereby an image of the scene may have been augmented with information generated by a computer. Computer vision systems of the present invention include graphical user interfaces which have been discovered to operably interact with geometric constructs of a user environment, objects within a scene, perspective of the scene, image features of a signal which represents the scene, among others. These graphical user interfaces of the invention do not behave as those known because operation of these interfaces depends on properties and features particular to computer vision systems which have position and attitude determining means.

Abstract: A device for addressing objects via pointing is provided. In response to an object being addressed, a computer provides a graphical user interface which relates to the particular object being addressed. As different objects are addressed, the user interface provided changes to agree with the object being addressed at any given time. Devices have position and attitude determining facility in communication with a computer having prerecorded data and a graphical user interface.

Abstract: A special configuration of devices includes mirrors which operate to give a driver an easy and complete view around an automobile. More precisely, standard rear view mirrors are arranged in a manner to switch between providing a normal rear view and a quick look into the region sometimes and herein known as the blind spot. Switches which are specially located on a steering wheel provide access to a control system whereby a driver may operate the device without removing hands from their proper position on the steering wheel. Activation of the switch yields a mirror movement allowing a driver to check a blind spot before changing lanes.

Abstract: A vision system which collects information from similar vision systems having a different perspective of a scene are arranged to produce a composite image. The composite image having information from both perspectives can then include features impossible to otherwise show. Objects otherwise “hidden” from a first perspective are displayed as information from a second perspective may contain imagery relating to those images. A translation of spatial coordinates conditions the image from the second perspective such that it will fit into a composite image and match the first perspective.

Abstract: A technique has been devised which may be used to synchronize a receiver clock to a transmitter clock at either end of a transmission network having jitter intrinsic therein. The technique is characterized by a modified least squares linear regressive approach which takes advantage of assumptions particular to such transmission networks. The technique finds advantages in comparison to commonly used phase-locked loop techniques which have long startup phase delays where clocks are not in sync. The modified least squares linear regressive technique of the invention provides excellent isolation of jitter and other timing variations while simultaneously providing for quick startup.

Abstract: Systems are arranged to provide a user information which relates to objects of interest. A user may point a device toward an object to address it. The device determines which objects are being addressed by reference to an internal database containing preprogrammed information relating to objects. Information relating to objects being addressed can then be presented at a user interface. A device of the system may include a point reference, a direction reference, a position determining support, attitude determining support, a computer processor and database, and a user interface. Methods of systems include the steps of addressing an object, determining position and attitude, searching a database, and presenting information to a user.

Abstract: Computer vision systems provide a user a view of a scene whereby an image of the scene may have been augmented with information generated by a computer. Computer vision systems of the present invention include graphical user interfaces which have been discovered to operably interact with geometric constructs of a user environment, objects within a scene, perspective of the scene, image features of a signal which represents the scene, among others. These graphical user interfaces of the invention do not behave as those known because operation of these interfaces depends on properties and features particular to computer vision systems which have position and attitude determining means.

Abstract: The systems combine images of a real scene with computer generated imagery where the computer generated imagery is particular to the position and pointing attitude of the device. Being useful to spectators of the game baseball, the device can produce images showing where a strike zone is relative to the position of the players; can produce images of ball tracks; of replays and many other forms of information having characteristics dependent on a viewer's position and attitude.

Abstract: A cooking apparatus includes a pan or skillet coupled with a lid of the invention which together form a special cooking chamber where a utensil may remain operable while it is in the cooking chamber and while the lid is in place on the skillet. In addition, a special port in the lid permits on to add spices, cooking oils and other ingredients to the cooking chamber without removing the lid. In this way, a lid of the invention allows one to prepare foods in a cooking chamber without having to remove the lid portion thereof. Preferred lids of the invention include: a dome shaped transparent element, having a slot and a port therein, a handle thereon and a port cover which is removable from the port by way of a hinge and a is driven by a finger lever.

Abstract: A golf club head consisting of more than one piece has a joint which holds the pieces together. Characterized by a mechanical interlock, the joint of the invention is formed by preparing a specialized insert with a recess long the periphery of the front side. In addition, a specialized golf club head body includes a ridge of malleable material about a opening operable for receiving the insert. After the insert is placed into the seat in the body, the ridge of malleable material is pushed over and into the recess of the insert. The insert is held fast to the club body and forever and permanently integrated therewith. The joint provides a stronger, cosmetically more attractive, and inexpensive club.

Abstract: A financial instrument that can be fully processed by automatic machinery is presented as the subject of this disclosure. Although many systems exist to facilitate processing of bank checks and the like, they arrive short of the advantages provided for in this invention. A combination of techniques in the art and new technologies taught herein provide a system that is useful to both human users, and machine processors. Since the invention is fully compatible with known processes, data from the document can be used in the old way, using old methods which include human input techniques. Alternatively, a fully automatic machine process is now possible and new processes for clearing checks can be adopted to increase the efficiency of processing. The new document also provides a mechanism that is more fraud and tamper resistant than is provided for in the art.

Abstract: Method and apparatus enabling color or black/white bi-level or multi-level halftone images to be displayed or printed on various raster output devices, in particular on display devices (cathode ray tubes, plasma displays, liquid crystal displays) or on printing devices (printers, telefaxes). The originality of the present invention is found in the dither matrix R.sup.c*n which is obtained by applying on a c-fold replication of a well-dispersed threshold matrix D.sup.n a one-to-one discrete rotation of Pythagorean angle .alpha.=arctan(b/a) or .beta.=arctan(a/b) around an arbitrary point, where {a,b,c} are Pythagorean triplets satisfying Diophantine equation a.sup.2 +b.sup.2 =c.sup.2 and n is an integer. The images produced using the disclosed method are visually pleasing due to the absence of visible artifacts and to the small typical structure size. In addition, this method offers very smooth intensity gradations throughout the dynamic range.

Abstract: Calendar Photo Album having a pad of assembled sheets suitably mounted to turn as leaves and presenting pairs of opposed pages, one of the pages of each pair bearing a calendar page of a different month of the year, and the other page of each pair bearing a picture holding member for displaying photos and the like. This arrangement provides the opportunity to include and interchange multiple snapshots, photographs, or other graphic work at one time. Pictures and the like can be inserted in all of the calendar pages and may easily be interchanged with other photos at any time without disassembly of the Calendar Photo Album. Each picture holding member holds pictures and the like by one of the following attachment methods: 1) Adhesive material for attachment and interchanging of varying-sizes of photos, 2) Diagonal slits for inserting and interchanging varying sizes of photos, 3) A window frame cut-out with plastic sleeves for receiving and interchanging photos.