Abstract: The present invention provides a network data recording system particularly adapted for use in transportation systems. Cameras, microphones and a variety of sensors and existing vehicle systems are networked to a central controller, which receives and processes audiovisual and other data from the cameras and sensors. Raw and processed information is stored in a removable memory which may be mirrored to a fixed local memory. The fixed local memory can also be used to store programs and other system data. The controller may be ruggedized to meet disaster recovery requirements. Control panels can be placed throughout the vehicle for use by the crew to monitor conditions and respond to them. Information can be sent to a ground station, and the ground station may also exhibit control over the network data recording system. The system is suitable for use in all manner of transportation systems, such as aircraft, trains, and ships.

Abstract: The present invention provides a 360 degree panoramic IP network camera system. Analog panoramic data is obtained by an imaging subsystem, which is then digitized, processed, encoded, and streamed by a control subsystem in accordance with user input through a graphical user interface. Access to and control of the imaging data may be provided through a web server. The web server enables users across a network to access the imaging data via a web browser-based user interface. Different types and configurations of panoramic images may be generated, processed, stored and displayed for use in a wide variety of application. A video analyzer may also be employed for post processing of data to direct image capture and other information gathering.

Abstract: The present invention provides a network data recording system particularly adapted for use in transportation systems. Cameras, microphones and a variety of sensors and existing vehicle systems are networked to a central controller, which receives and processes audiovisual and other data from the cameras and sensors. Raw and processed information is stored in a removable memory which may be mirrored to a fixed local memory. The fixed local memory can also be used to store programs and other system data. The controller may be ruggedized to meet disaster recovery requirements. Control panels can be placed throughout the vehicle for use by the crew to monitor conditions and respond to them. Information can be sent to a ground station, and the ground station may also exhibit control over the network data recording system. The system is suitable for use in all manner of transportation systems, such as aircraft, trains, and ships.

Abstract: The present invention provides a network data recording system particularly adapted for use in transportation systems. Cameras, microphones and a variety of sensors and existing vehicle systems are networked to a central controller, which receives and processes audiovisual and other data from the cameras and sensors. Raw and processed information is stored in a removable memory which may be mirrored to a fixed local memory. The fixed local memory can also be used to store programs and other system data. The controller may be ruggedized to meet disaster recovery requirements. Control panels can be placed throughout the vehicle for use by the crew to monitor conditions and respond to them. Information can be sent to a ground station, and the ground station may also exhibit control over the network data recording system. The system is suitable for use in all manner of transportation systems, such as aircraft, trains, and ships.

Abstract: A small transmitter built into the electric system of an environment, either stationary or potentially mobile, transmits a weak RF field capable of at least partially disabling a communication device in response to receiving a trigger signal. The trigger signal is generated by the electric system in response to the presence of one or more so-called “forbidden” conditions that require that the communication device be disabled. Disabling the communication device in this manner prevents the user from using the communication device under inappropriate conditions and thereby operates to greatly enhance public safety. Disabling the communication interface of the communication device may entail disabling all keypad functions of a cellular phone, for instance, disabling all but valid, predetermined emergency uses of the communication interface, or powering-down the communication device during the existence of the condition.

Abstract: A medical image archiving system and method. A medical image archiving system receives analog NTSC or PAL video from a medical imaging device and converts it to a digital format for storage. The storage can be via local hard disc drive, or CD writer, or other optical storage medium, or via Local or Wide area network storage to a remote electronic storage medium. The system includes an integral web server to permit easy access over a network using a browser. When an image is stored on a CD, it can be stored as a session and the CD closed to prevent further writing.

Abstract: A method and system to selectively transmit and receive audio-visual physiological content to and from remote locations using two-way broadband communication technology via an interactive audio-visual appliance having multiple modes of operation. The transmission of audio-visual physiological content may optionally be coupled with the selective transmission and receipt of audio-visual entertainment content information, such as videos, movies, music, etc. between the remote locations, also via the interactive audio-visual appliance. Moreover, the present invention provides videoconferencing capabilities to users between remote locations via the audio-visual appliance.

Abstract: A medical image archiving system and method. A medical image archiving system receives analog NTSC or PAL video from a medical imaging device and converts it to a digital format for storage. The storage can be via local hard disc drive, or CD writer, or other optical storage medium, or via Local or Wide area network storage to a remote electronic storage medium. The system includes an integral web server to permit easy access over a network using a browser. When an image is stored on a CD, it can be stored as a session and the CD closed to prevent further writing.

Abstract: A self-contained dental camera uses white diodes to provide sufficient illumination for dental imaging without unduly depleting battery power. The illuminated dental work is imaged by a camera, preferably a CCD, and the resulting video signal is transmitted to a base station for display on a monitor. The camera unit may be disposed in a holder on a base station to recharge the battery.

Abstract: A method for receiving and processing an incoming message in a wireless messaging terminal is disclosed. In particular, the method includes providing a receiver which receives the message and a memory for storing the message. The method further includes matching the message with a pre-recorded voice prompt stored in the memory and retrieving the voice prompt from the memory. In addition, the method includes playing the voice prompt as an audible alert signal through an audio output device.

Abstract: An answering machine apparatus coupled to a telephone line having a number of telephones coupled thereto for receiving/recording a message or messages which enables a user to determine if a message(s) has been received/recorded by utilizing any of such telephones. That is, if a message or messages have been received/recorded and not reproduced, a signal may be provided to the telephone line when the user places any of the telephones coupled to the telephone line in an off-hook state. Such signal may provide an indication to the user of the respective telephone that a message(s) has been received/recorded. Such indication may continue for a predetermined amount of time, such as 4 seconds, after which a normal dial tone signal may be provided to the respective telephone. Accordingly, the user may determine if a message has been received/recorded by merely placing any of the telephones in an off-hook state.

Abstract: A system and method of transmitting customized voice messages from a first voice messaging device to a second voice messaging device over a messaging network. A customized voice message is initially transmitted from a first voice messaging device to a second voice messaging device over the messaging network, including a first base station. The first base station assigns a unique code for that customized voice message, and then transmits that customized voice message and unique code over the messaging network to the second voice messaging device, the latter of which stores the customized voice message and the unique code associated with it. The first base station also stores the unique code in memory.

Abstract: A rotary switch with direction-of-rotation output includes a thumbwheel (12), a first reduced-diameter ratchet wheel (14), a second reduced-diameter ratchet wheel (16), and a mounting shaft (18) upon which the thumbwheel (12), ratchet wheel (14), and ratchet wheel (16) are mounted in side-by-side frictionally engaged relationship. The ratchet wheel (14) and the ratchet wheel (16) cooperate with respective pawls (24)(30) so that the ratchet wheel (14) is constrained for rotation in one direction only about the shaft (18), and the ratchet wheel (16) is constrained for rotation in the other direction only about the shaft (18). The thumbwheel (12) is in frictional engagement with the ratchet wheel (14) and the ratchet wheel (16) so that rotation of the thumbwheel (12) will cause one of the two ratchet wheels to rotate.

Abstract: A system for automatically unlocking an automotive child safety door lock comprises an emergency sensor such as a collision sensor initiating airbag deployment, a door lock mechanism and a door lock releasing mechanism. Upon the sensor detecting an emergency, such as a collision, the sensor produces a signal that is sent to the door lock releasing mechanism. The door lock releasing mechanism then unlocks the door lock mechanism. The sensor may also trigger disconnection of the battery from the automobile's electrical circuitry and interruption of the fuel line from the fuel tank to the engine. The emergency sensor may alternatively include a temperature or smoke sensor.

Abstract: I/O port signal conversion apparatus for converting between I/O port signals of a first voltage level coupled from or supplied to an I/O port of a computer and A1 signals of a second voltage level supplied to or coupled from audio/video equipment arranged in an S-LINK cable bus system with an S-LINK cable bus. The computer inserts into the I/O port signals audio/video equipment headers that flag respective audio/video equipment which poll the S-LINK cable bus. A plug couples the I/O port signals and the A1 signals between the I/O port and the S-LINK cable bus system. A voltage control circuit disposed within the plug converts between the voltage level of the I/O port signals and the voltage level of the A1 signals.

Abstract: A voice scratchpad implemented in a wireless telephone allows the user to record important information gathered during a phone conversation. The wireless telephone includes signal processing means and memory means for recording at least one message or memo which is spoken over the telephone. The telephone also includes controls for initiating the recording of such a memo and for retrieving and replaying the memo. Indexing may be included which allows the system to record and replay a plurality of memos. The user of the phone can thus record important information in a memo on the voice scratchpad without the need for paper or the concentration and effort required for writing.

Abstract: A two way messaging terminal includes a transmitter and a receiver. A voice message is encoded using a CODEC after which the resulting data is compressed in non-real time prior to transmission. On receipt the compressed message is first decompressed in non-real time prior to decoding and playing back.

Abstract: A method for receiving and processing an incoming message in a wireless messaging terminal. The method includes providing a receiver which receives the message and a memory for storing the message. The method further includes matching the message with a pre-recorded voice prompt stored in the memory and retrieving the voice prompt from the memory. In addition, the method includes playing the voice prompt as an audible alert signal through an audio output device.

Abstract: Music compact disk player which automatically programs the titles and song names of every music CD that is installed therein. In addition to installing a multiple number of music CDs, a data CD having stored thereon time code data and name data of most or all music CDs is installed into the music compact disk player. Respective time code data, representing the number of songs and the song lengths thereon, is reproduced from each installed music CD, and respective name data corresponding to the reproduced time code data are reproduced from the data CD. The reproduced name data, which identifies the title and song names of every installed music CD, are stored in the music compact disk player's memory.

Abstract: A method for receiving and processing an incoming message in a wireless messaging terminal. The method includes providing a receiver which receives the message and a memory for storing the message. The method further includes matching the message with a pre-recorded voice prompt stored in the memory and retrieving the voice prompt from the memory. In addition, the method includes playing the voice prompt as an audible alert signal through an audio output device.