Abstract: A method and apparatus for obtaining atmospheric spectroscopy measurements from an observation platform using retroreflectors is disclosed. The observation platform is located above the surface of a planetary body, and at least one retroreflector is located on the surface of the planetary body. Electromagnetic radiation from a radiation source that is incident upon the retroreflector is reflected to a spectrometer located on the observation platform. By analyzing the received radiation, the spectrometer obtains atmospheric spectroscopy measurements for the atmospheric region through which the incident and reflected radiation pass.

Abstract: Systems and methods for locating and identifying structures beneath a surface of the earth by processing and transforming a signal transmitted from a horizontal borehole at a specific depth from a surface of the earth into a representation of underground structures.

Abstract: A view morphing algorithm is applied to synchronous collections of video images from at least two video imaging devices, and interpolating between the images, creates a composite image view of the local participant. This composite image approximates what might be seen from a point between the video imaging devices, presenting the image to other video session participants.

Abstract: The invention comprises a structured light projector, a video camera, and an image processor, for achieving perspective corrected images that enhance eye-contact during teleconferencing. A structured light projector is offset in one direction from the monitor center, and illuminates a local participant with a structured light pattern. The image of the local participant, illuminated by both ambient and structured light, is captured by the video camera, also offset from the monitor center, preferably in the direction opposite the structured light projector. By considering the distortion of the structured light observed from the position of the video camera and the position of the structured light projector and video camera relative to the monitor center, an image processor creates an image of the local participant as viewed from a perspective that, when viewed by the remote participant, provides a sense of eye contact with the local participant.

Abstract: The image of a local user is captured from a beam splitter disposed in front of a video display. By canting the beam-splitter away from the surface of the video display, the bore-sight of the video camera is made to coincide with the line of sight from the local user to the center of the video display. This enables the arrangement to convey eye-contact from one user to another user using the same type of apparatus at a remote location.