Abstract: A background (sky box) in a video game or other virtual reality environment dynamically changes as a function of a parameter, producing a more realistic display. Luminance-only texture and color texture data are employed to create the background. The color texture data are provided as a lookup table in which one axis of the lookup table corresponds to time or another variable, and the other axis indicates the colors of pixels in the display as a function of the altitude or azimuth of the pixels. The luminance-only texture data are thus modulated by the chrominance values from the color texture data for pixels in the background. Optionally, one of a plurality of two-dimensional color textures can be selected as a function of the variable and applied to the luminance-only texture data.

Abstract: Preparing one or more secure media effect programs, generating a binary image of the programs and associated data, loading the binary image into memory of a secondary processor, and executing the programs of the binary image with the secondary processor, substantially independent from a primary processor. A binary image builder automatically maps one or more programs and data to secondary processor memory by changing encoded binary instructions of each program before execution by the secondary processor. The changes identify locations at which the programs and data will be stored in secondary processor memory, identify locations of parameters that can be updated in real time, and enable execution control to return to a secondary processor execution kernel. The secondary processor execution kernel polls flags in a main memory to determine whether to download new or updated state data and/or program code from main memory to the secondary processor memory.

Abstract: The inventory management of items, such as banner ads to be displayed on web sites, is disclosed. In one embodiment, a method constructs a number of item slot groups and a number of meta item slot groups. Each item slot group has a number of item slots. Each meta group encompasses one or more item slot groups, and has a number of item slots equal to the total number of item slots of its constituent groups. The method allocates each of a number of items of a first type over the item slots of the meta groups that are unfilled, by matching characteristics of the item to characteristics of the meta groups. The method also allocates each of a number of items of a second type over both the item slots of the meta groups as well as the groups that are unfilled, again by matching characteristics of the item to characteristics of the groups.

Abstract: In a distributed computing environment, a queue of jobs is maintained on a job database, along with parameters for each of the computing devices available to process the jobs. A task model defining the job is provided for generating a plurality of tasks comprising each job. The tasks are maintained in a tuple database, along with the status of each task, indicating when each task is ready for processing. As a computing device becomes available to process a task, its capabilities are matched with those required to complete tasks that are ready for processing and the highest priority task meeting those requirements is assigned to the computing device to be processed. These steps are repeated until all the tasks required for the job have been processed, or the job is otherwise terminated.

Abstract: Methods for delivering light to a treatment site of a patient to administer a light therapy thereto are provided. A method includes steps of providing a portable power source, and a light source configured to provide light suitable for the light therapy for a period of at least two hours, and an optical fiber; positioning a distal portion of the optical fiber that is adapted to be disposed at the treatment site within a patient's body, where the light generated by the light source and conveyed by the optical fiber exits from the distal portion of the optical fiber; energizing the light source with the portable power supply; and administering the light treatment to the treatment site with the light source, wherein the patient is ambulatory without interruption of the light therapy during the treatment.

Abstract: A method and system for selectively fully displaying additional content in a browser window, without requiring scrolling in more than one direction, based on an available display area. For example, additional advertising content is thus selectively displayed in an otherwise unused area of the browsing window to the right of a primary content of a Web page. The size of the available display area is automatically detected, and a determination is automatically made as to whether the additional content and primary content can both be fully displayed in the available display area under the scrolling constraint. If so, both the additional content and the primary content are displayed. Otherwise, only the primary content is displayed. The additional content is downloaded only when it can thus be included within the display area.

Abstract: Prestructuring disparate content data types prior to receiving any access requests to provide fast retrieval, assembly, and delivery of content data. Source content data are obtained from a source data structure that is readily created and editable by an author who does not have programming skills. The source content data are transformed into a predefined output structure that enables efficient access to the content data over a network. Predefined classes and entities of metadata indicate subsets of the content data that are deliverable and indicate relationships between elements of the content data. The content data and controlling metadata are preformatted for display and stored in fields of the output structure. The content data are also cross referenced by a plurality of categories within various areas of interest to create a hierarchical structure of interrelationships that is stored in the output structure, enabling a user to browse through related content data.

Abstract: Light from an object such as a cell moving through an imaging system is collected and dispersed so that it is imaged onto a plurality of separate detectors. The light is spectrally dispersed by a plurality of spaced-apart dichroic reflectors, each detector receiving light from a different one of the dichroic reflectors. Each dichroic filter reflects light of a different predefined color, passing light of other colors. The output signal from each detector is indicative of a different characteristic of the object. In one configuration, each detector is provided with a separate imaging lens. In another configuration, the detectors are spaced at varying distances from the corresponding dichroic reflectors, so that separate imaging lenses are not required.

Abstract: An integrated endoscopic image acquisition and therapeutic delivery system for use in minimally invasive medical procedures (MIMPs). The system uses directed and scanned optical illumination provided by a scanning optical fiber or light waveguide that is driven by a piezoelectric or other electromechanical actuator included at a distal end of an integrated imaging and diagnostic/therapeutic instrument. The directed illumination provides high resolution imaging, at a wide field of view (FOV), and in full color that matches or excels the images produced by conventional flexible endoscopes. When using scanned optical illumination, the size and number of the photon detectors do not limit the resolution and number of pixels of the resulting image. Additional features include enhancement of topographical features, stereoscopic viewing, and accurate measurement of feature sizes of a region of interest in a patient's body that facilitate providing diagnosis, monitoring, and/or therapy with the instrument.

Abstract: A quality level determining the extent to which each image file is compressed is automatically computed for each image file in a set to ensure that the total size of the compressed image files does not exceed a predefined limit. The compressed size of each image file is initially determined when compressed at a predefined minimum acceptable level and at a nominal level. The relative complexity of the image files is determined based upon their high frequency energy content. As a function of the image file complexity, and starting with the compressed sizes initially determined, the appropriate quality level is determined for compressing each of the image files in an iterative process that ensures the total size of the compressed image files does not exceed the predefined limit, while retaining acceptable quality. Thus, a set of image files can be compressed optimally to fit within a limited storage.

Abstract: A style identifier is associated with each of a plurality of media clips stored in a database, based on a subjective evaluation of various characteristics of each media clip by an expert. The style represented by the style identifier corresponds to an impression on the expert regarding various qualities of the media clip and is not constrained by the subject of the media clip. Media clips with which style identifiers are associated can be any form of digital media, such as clip art files, sound files, photographs, animation files, fonts, etc. Also associated with each media clip in the database is an absolute ranking value for each of a plurality of different attributes based on a subjective evaluation of each media clip by an expert. A user can search the database for media clips associated with a specific style identifier and can sort the media clips that were identified by a search, based upon the absolute ranking value for a selected attribute.

Abstract: A tool that enables a user to easily and automatically create a photo gallery of thumbnail images on a Web page. A user selects a group of original images, and the tool automatically produces a corresponding group of thumbnail images on the Web page, with hyperlinks to the corresponding original images. Four predefined templates are included, each defining a different format for the thumbnail images including a vertically oriented gallery, a horizontally oriented gallery, a slide show gallery, and a montage gallery. Captions and descriptive text can also be entered and displayed for the thumbnail images in most of the style galleries. An edit function enables a user to add or delete images to existing galleries and to automatically modify the appearance of a photo gallery by selecting and applying a different template.

Abstract: A method and system for creating timed reminders linked to computer-readable documents. The present invention permits a user to create a reminder for any date and time, and associate any data file with the reminder in such a manner that the file is automatically opened, executed, or read as applicable at the date and time specified in the reminder. A document-linked reminder may be created from any application program within an application suite through the use of a reminder creation dialog. The reminder creation dialog permits a user to specify a time and date on which the reminder will activate, and an associated file. The reminder is then stored in a database. The reminder creation dialog may be later accessed in order to create additional reminders, or to edit the time, date, or associated file for existing reminders. Periodically, the document reminder system will poll the database in order to determine whether any reminders need to be activated.

Abstract: An optical fiber having a reduced cross-sectional region adjacent to its distal end, which is fused to an optical component, is vibrated, rotating the optical component to scan a region. The optical component has a back focal point that is substantially coincident with an effective light source of the optical fiber, so that the light emanating from the optical component is either substantially collimated or convergent. The optical component is either a ball lens, a drum lens, a graded index lens, or a diffractive optical element. A vibratory node is also made substantially coincident with the back focal point of the optical component, producing a compact scanner with extensive field of view. The optical fiber is preferably reduced in cross-sectional area after the optical component is fused to the optical fiber, by immersion in a three-layer etch apparatus having an etch-stop layer, an etch layer, and a solvent layer.

Abstract: The present invention relates to optimizing the configuration of rotary impact collectors and devices in which such rotary impact collectors are employed. Rotary impact collectors are formed out of base plate upon which a plurality of vanes are mounted. One aspect of the present invention is a combined impact collector and fan in which the ratio of vane height to impeller diameter is in the range of about 0.01 to about 0.2. Preferably, the vanes are evenly spaced around the impeller so as to present a balanced load to the motor. Other performance enhancing elements include the use of truncated vanes, configurations optimized for injection molding fabrication, controlling the orientation of the vanes to reduce the formation of vortex forces, and enhancements configured to increase the ability to collected particles rinsed off such impellers.

Abstract: The number of graphic objects in a visual tile rendered varies as a function of distance between the tile and a viewpoint in a simulation. Fewer objects are rendered when the tile is far from the viewpoint, and vise versa. A level of detail (LOD) value is pseudo-randomly selected and associated with each object, indicating the maximum distance at which the object will be visible. A current LOD value is determined for the tile. An object is rendered if its LOD value is equal or greater than the current LOD value of the tile. Objects are faded into and out of view by modulating an opacity value as the current LOD value changes. Texture values of an object are adjusted as a function of ambient and direct components of light on the object, to achieve lighting corresponding to time of day, current season, and/or region in the simulated world.

Abstract: An illumination system for increasing a light signal from an object passing through a reflection cavity. The reflection cavity is defined by spaced-apart, opposed first and second surfaces disposed on opposite sides of a central volume. Preferably the first reflecting surface forms an acute angle with the second reflecting surface. A beam of light is directed into the reflection cavity so that light is reflected back and forth between the first and second surfaces a plurality of times, illuminating a different portion of the central volume with each pass until, having ranged over the central volume, the light exits the reflection cavity. The “recycling” of the light beam in this manner substantially improves the signal to noise ratio of a detection system used in conjunction with the reflection cavity by increasing an average illumination intensity in the central volume.

Abstract: Light from an object moving through an imaging system is collected, dispersed, and imaged onto a time delay integration (TDI) detector that is inclined relative to an axis of motion of the object, producing a pixilated output signal. In one embodiment, the movement of the image object over the TDI detector is asynchronous with the movement of the output signal producing an output signal that is a composite of the image of the object at varying focal point along the focal plane. In another embodiment, light from the object is periodically incident on the inclined TDI detector, producing a plurality of spaced apart images and corresponding output signals that propagate across the TDI detector. The inclined plane enables images of FISH probes or other components within an object to be produced at different focal points, so that the 3D spatial relationship between the FISH probes or components can be resolved.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for removing concentrated spots of collected particulates from an impact collection surface, and transferring those particulates into a container suitable for preparing a liquid sample. A jet of fluid can be utilized to remove and transfer the particulates. If a liquid jet is employed, care is taken to minimize the quantity of liquid to avoid unnecessarily diluting the sample. A mechanical scraper can alternatively be employed to remove and transfer the particulates into the container. The scraper can be rinsed with liquid or vibrated to remove the particulates. Alternatively, the portion of the surface containing a specific spot of particulates can be removed and placed into a container.

Abstract: A method and system for decoding and storing encoded control data delivered via the horizontal overscan area of a video signal. An interactive device such as an interactive toy performs behavior defined by control data that can be encoded into a video signal that can be broadcast or played-back from video tape. The interactive device is equipped with a non-volatile memory that permits the control data to be stored for performance subsequent to the transmission session (e.g., a televised program). The interactive device also may be equipped to perform behavior during the transmission session. The control data is delivered as a series of control data words that include genus codes and sequence codes. Genus codes identify the interactive device to which the data word is directed, so that a particular interactive device will respond (i.e., perform behavior) only in accordance with the control data words including the appropriate genus code.