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 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: Articles of the invention include cereal food products prepared in their manufacture processes with a specialized surface coating which operates to make a cereal product which can be easily mixed with water only to yield a good tasting product. A coating of milk or milk-like substance applied to the surface of cereal pieces may be mixed with water. The result is cereal in a liquid substance of reconstituted milk or substance which resembles milk. The mixture of cereals of the invention and water substitute for the common combination of cereal and real milk.

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: Systems of the invention for forming artificial fingernails include methods, apparatus and kits. A form implement is fashioned into a complementary shape of a fingernail. Acrylic material in a gelatinous state, applied to a base comprised of a natural fingernail and optionally an artificial fingernail tip, is molded by further application of a form. A form of the invention tends to shape the acrylic material in a preferred manner before it hardens in the polymerization process. The form, left in intimate contact with the hardening acrylic material, imparts its shape and texture to the material. A form, thereafter having been removed from a newly created artificial fingernail, creates a superior looking nail having a smooth transparent look which is more natural and desirable. In addition, forms of the invention result in better shaped nails having less defects than nails formed via commonly known techniques.

Abstract: A watch case is arranged with a periphery having a lobe and a recess to cooperate with the human anatomy and ergonomics. A specially shaped watch case provides a means to couple a wristwatch to a wrist bone. The coupling provides mechanism to reduce movement of the watch about the wrist and to locate an optical probe with respect to a preferred region of tissue. In addition to the special shape of the watch case, an arrangement of watch bands and their attachment to watch cases advances the objectives of devices of the invention.

Abstract: Artificial fingernails and fingernail kits which are comprised of a plurality of pieces laminated together form a composite nail having a preferred look. A preferred look called "French Manicure" is obtained where the color scheme very accurately resembles the colors of a natural nail. Fingernails of the invention have a pink color visible through a white translucent material. The arrangement of the pieces which form the composite nail may include a structure where a first thin piece made of translucent material is attached to a second thin piece made of colored material. The composite nail may be attached in a conventional way to a natural nail or alternatively, the nail may be built-up, step-by-step onto a natural nail.

Abstract: A cooking apparatus in the form of a skillet with a complementary lid has a specially designed provision which accommodates a cooking utensil. The cooking utensil may be used to manipulate food being cooked while the skillet and lid remain coupled together thus preventing splattering of food residue about the cooking area. The skillet and lid, in combination form a cooking chamber. The chamber remains substantially enclosed throughout the cooking process. As the food being cooked needs attention, for example stirring or flipping, the utensil may be employed to effect such without disturbing the integrity of the cooking chamber. A lid of the apparatus may be formed of glass material to allow a chef a view into the chamber. In addition, a specialized coupling between a skillet rim and the lid provides improved reduction of mess.