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: 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: 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.

Abstract: The present invention is generally concerned with electronic vision devices and methods, and is specifically concerned with image augmentation in combination with navigation, position, and attitude devices. In the simplest form, devices of the invention can be envisioned to include six major components: A 1) camera to collect optical information about a real scene and present that information as an electronic signal to; a 2) computer processor; a 3) device to measure the position of the camera; and a 4) device to measure the attitude of the camera (direction of the optic axis), thus uniquely identifying the scene being viewed, and thus identifying a location in; a 5) data base where information associated with various scenes is stored, the computer processor combines the data from the camera and the data base and perfects a single image to be presented at; a 6) display whose image is continuously aligned to the real scene as it is viewed by the user.

Abstract: The invention teaches grayscale specific character outline modification techniques for synthesizing contrast controlled grayscale pixmap characters of improved appearance at any resolution and size. In addition, methods for computing the visually optimal spacing of any two characters taking into account outline shape modifications induced by the character contrast control method.

Abstract: Techniques and devices for diagnosing tissue via hyperspectral imaging are presented. A three dimensional "image" where one dimension contains spectral information is formed from a region of interest. The spectral content of the image can be analyzed on a pixel-by-pixel basis to determine the presence of certain matter and the spatial extend thereof The techniques are non-invasive and do not require introduction of agents typically required to facilitate interaction with illumination sources.

Abstract: New methods of manipulating topological regions and properties have been discovered. These novel methods simplify complex spatial design problems. In some cases, the methods provide solutions or outputs where prior techniques fail entirely. Prior methods of reasoning about relations in two-dimensional space require computation with exact geometry even when only topological answers are required. For example, computing which sets of two-dimensional regions have simultaneous intersections would require explicitly constructing these intersections. These techniques become unnecessarily complex when regions have complex shapes. The present invention includes methods where topological properties of a set of regions in two-dimensional space can be manipulated by applications of topological computations. Two classes of these methods select and determine maximal and minimal simultaneous region intersections.

Abstract: A conveyor with a carriage activates actuators which encourage the carriage along a path. The position of the carriage is detected and used to activate mechanical stimuli to advance the carriage position. Only the portions of the device which are directly advancing the carriage are consuming energy thereby providing an efficient conveyor. Various geometries are suggested such that the conveyor function is independent of carriage path. Various forms of mechanical actuators can be utilized to achieve the same results. The devices have function independent of any particular actuator.

Abstract: Vision systems having knowledge of position and attitude can reliably determine what scenes are being addressed by the system. Real images of the scene can then be augmented with computer generated information which relates to the known scene. A determination of position and attitude of the device identifies which scene is being addressed. A computer recalls information regarding the scene and generates imagery according to that recalled information. The computer generated imagery is then combined with an image of the scene to form an augmented image which is presented to the user aligned to the viewing direction of the device.

Abstract: Vision systems having knowledge of position and attitude can reliably determine what scenes are being addressed by the system. Real images of the scene can then be augmented with computer generated information which relates to the known scene. Since the level of detail or resolution is not restricted in computer generated models, a system can continue to provide further magnified images without limit. As magnification increases, the amount of information presented to a user from images of the real scene decreases but computer generated imagery continues to provides realistic images which represent scenes being addressed by the apparatus. Computer generated imagery is combined with an image of a real scene to form an augmented image which is presented to the user aligned to the viewing direction of the device at any desired magnification.

Abstract: A microscope stage which provides for displacements in simultaneous rotation and linear translation or combinations thereof while also providing for optical coupling of an illumination light source to an object being addressed. The stage can generally be a plurality of optically transparent plates in proximity to one another having a grease interface therebetween. The grease allows movement of the plates with respect to each other in any direction parallel to their surfaces. The grease and plates are arranged to allow light to be transmitted therethrough. An object can be illuminated through the stage from a source located with the stage between the object and the source.

Abstract: A golf club head that comprises a main body portion formed by an investment casting of a first metallic material, and forming a cavity; a face reinforcement plate formed of metallic material, only the periphery of the face reinforcement plate is integral with the main body portion to support the plate, the plate forming a recess bounded by a peripheral lip; and a non-metallic ball striking second plate received in a recess and retained therein.

Abstract: An invention for positioning information tracks that are on a recording medium so that the scan path of a replay transducer is aligned with respect to those tracks has been discovered. The invention relieves tracking systems of the requirements of having dedicated servo heads, servo tracks, embedded servo recordings or preformatting procedures. A replay transducer "looks" for a synchronization mark on a data track to arrive at a prescribed time determined in a calibration step. The correct arrival time of the synchronization mark assures the correct positioning of the data track with respect to the scan path. Alternatively, an early or late arrival time signals an incorrect position and triggers a correction adjustment to the recording medium advancement mechanism.