Abstract: An Internet traffic redirection architecture is disclosed that allows for directing of trash traffic to specified sites. The system or method allows a controller, such as an ISP, to benefit from mistyped Internet addresses so that participating partners of the ISP are presented to the customer when the requests a web site that is not found or does not exist. The system decreases lost traffic by means of capturing unresolved “trash” traffic on the Internet and redirecting said traffic to a search engine partner and/or other partners.

Abstract: A multi-planar volumetric display system and method of operation generate volumetric three-dimensional images using a multi-surface optical device including a plurality of individual optical elements arranged in an array; and an image projector for selectively projecting images on respective optical elements to generate a first volumetric three-dimensional image viewable in the multi-surface optical device. A floating-image generator may also be included for projecting the first volumetric three-dimensional image to generate a second volumetric three-dimensional image viewable as floating in space at a location separate from the multi-surface optical device.

Abstract: A system and method for controlling information output based on user feedback about the information that includes a plurality of information sources. At least one neural network module selects one or more of a plurality of objects to receive information from the plurality of information sources based on a plurality of inputs and a plurality of weight values during that epoch. At least one server, associated with the neural network module, provides one or more of the objects to a plurality of recipients. The recipients provide feedback during an epoch. At the conclusion of an epoch, the neural network takes the feedback that has been provided from the recipients and generates a rating value for each of the objects. Based on the rating value and selections made, the neural network redetermines the weight values. The neural network then selects the objects to receive information during a subsequent epoch.

Abstract: A variable focusing projection system for controllably focusing image slices of an object onto respective optical elements of a volumetric display device, such as a multiple optical element device, by changing the effective object distance of the object and thereby adjusting the image distance. A variable focusing projection system comprises a projection lens and an object distance modifier. The object distance modifier is located between the object and the projection lens and has an index of refraction greater than 1 and variable thickness. The system controllably positions a predetermined thickness of the object distance modifier in the optical path. The object distance modifier may comprise a disk made of a transparent material with an azimuthally varying thickness. The disk may be controllably rotated to position the predetermined thickness in the optical path to generate a desired image distance.

Abstract: The present invention relates to three-dimensional (3D) imaging, and more particularly, to a multi-planar 3D display system using a plurality of liquid crystal shutters which incorporate nematic liquid crystals having polymer-stabilized liquid cholesteric textures. The polymer stabilized mixture includes a combination of liquid crystals, a chiral additive, monomer and a photo initiator. By using nematic liquid crystals having polymer-stabilized cholesteric textures in a multi-planar 3D display system, a substantially haze-free 3D image can be viewed on the multi-surface optical device from a wide range of viewing angles.

Abstract: A multi-planar volumetric display system and method generate volumetric three-dimensional images using a multi-surface optical device including a plurality of individual optical elements corresponding to a plurality of image depths. An image projector selectively projects images on respective optical elements to generate a volumetric three-dimensional image viewable in the multi-surface optical device. Psychological vision cues are added during generation of the three-dimensional image to enhance depth perception when viewing the three-dimensional image. A floating-image generator may project the three-dimensional image having enhanced depth to generate a second volumetric three-dimensional image viewable as floating in space.

Abstract: A multi-planar volumetric display system and method of operation generate volumetric three-dimensional images using a multi-surface optical device including a plurality of individual optical elements arranged in an array; and an image projector for selectively projecting images on respective optical elements to generate a first volumetric three-dimensional image viewable in the multi-surface optical device. A floating-image generator may also be included for projecting the first volumetric three-dimensional image to generate a second volumetric three-dimensional image viewable as floating in space at a location separate from the multi-surface optical device.

Abstract: A multi-planar volumetric display system and method generate volumetric three-dimensional images using a multi-surface optical device including a plurality of individual optical elements corresponding to a plurality of image depths. An image projector selectively projects images on respective optical elements to generate a volumetric three-dimensional image viewable in the multi-surface optical device. Psychological vision cues are added during generation of the three-dimensional image to enhance depth perception when viewing the three-dimensional image. A floating-image generator may project the three-dimensional image having enhanced depth to generate a second volumetric three-dimensional image viewable as floating in space.

Abstract: A transient light scattering shutter is provided that switches very quickly from an optically transparent state to a strongly light scattering state and vice versa by varying a voltage across the shutter. Multi-surface optical devices and multiplanar volumetric systems using a plurality of such transient light scattering shutters are also provided. These devices and systems generate high quality three-dimensional images that are viewable without special eyewear or headgear.

Abstract: Rasterization of three-dimensional images are provided in which three-dimensional image data, which includes at least (x,y,z) coordinate and color information, are generated, organized, and stored at memory locations in one or more frame buffers in accordance with z-coordinate information.

Abstract: A multi-planar volumetric display system and method of operation generate volumetric three-dimensional images using a multi-surface optical device including a plurality of individual optical elements arranged in an array; an image projector for selectively projecting images on respective optical elements to generate a first volumetric three-dimensional image viewable in the multi-surface optical device; and a floating-image generator for projecting the first volumetric three-dimensional image to generate a second volumetric three-dimensional image viewable as floating in space at a location separate from the multi-surface optical device. Anti-aliasing adjusts the display of voxels in a transition between optical elements, such that color values of the voxels are modified as a function of the distance of the voxels from the optical elements, to generate a smooth transition between portions of the volumetric three-dimensional image.

Abstract: An interface controller for a computer or other data processor which does not require physical contact between a pointing device and the controller. Methods and apparatus are disclosed for detecting coordinates associated with the violation of a plane or field in space by a pointing device such as a user's finger, and using the detected coordinates as input for controlling a data processor such as a digital computer. The interface controller is especially useful for controlling computers in which the user is presented not with a physical interface screen such as a CRT monitor, but with a projected virtual image of the screen.

Abstract: A multi-planar volumetric display system and method of operation generate volumetric three-dimensional images using a multi-surface optical device including a plurality of individual optical elements arranged in an array; an image projector for selectively projecting images on respective optical elements to generate a first volumetric three-dimensional image viewable in the multi-surface optical device; and a floating-image generator for projecting the first volumetric three-dimensional image to generate a second volumetric three-dimensional image viewable as floating in space at a location separate from the multi-surface optical device. The optical elements includes liquid crystal elements having a controllable variable translucency.

Abstract: A dental floss device (1, 40, 50, 60, 70) comprises a handle (2) having a shank (3) terminating in a head piece (4). A disposable dental floss holder (5) comprises a base portion (10) and a pair of spaced-apart jaws (11, 12) with a length of dental floss (13) extending therebetween. The head piece (4) has a groove (20) in which the base portion (10) is securely retained when the device is used in all flossing directions. Snap-fit projections (15) extend inwardly from the jaws (11, 12) of the floss holder (5) and are retained behind marginal edges (25) of a floor (24) of the groove (20). When used, the floss holder (5) is removed and a new floss holder (5) is fitted.