Abstract: An apparatus in a network of apparatuses includes a first processing unit that includes a first object unit that receives an item, a first test unit that applies different types of tests to the item and takes measurements, a first sensor that receives the outcomes from the tests and generates output signals, a first computation unit that receives the output signals and processes the output signals to generate parameter values; a first memory storing parameter data for the items, wherein the parameter data are useful for categorizing the item based on the measurements and output signals, and a first processing module including an artificial intelligence program. The first processing module automatically selects a source from which to receive new parameter data, automatically modifies the parameter data that are stored in the first memory using the new parameter data, and transmits the modified parameter data to a recipient.

Abstract: An apparatus in a network of apparatuses includes a first processing unit that has: a first measurement unit configured to receive items and take physical measurements, a first memory storing parameters that are useful for categorizing the items based on the physical measurements taken from the items and characteristics calculated using the physical measurements, and a first processing module including an artificial intelligence program. The first processing module automatically selects a source from which to receive new parameters based on similarity between physical measurements taken by the first processing unit and physical measurements that were taken by the sources, automatically modifies at least some of the parameters that are stored in the first memory with the new parameters received from the source and with measurements taken by the first processing unit to generate modified parameters, and transmitting a subset of the modified parameters to one or more recipients.

Abstract: An apparatus in a network of apparatuses includes a first processing unit that has: a first measurement unit configured to receive items and take physical measurements, a first memory storing parameters that are useful for categorizing the items based on the physical measurements taken from the items and characteristics calculated using the physical measurements, and a first processing module including an artificial intelligence program. The first processing module automatically selects a source from which to receive new parameters based on similarity between physical measurements taken by the first processing unit and physical measurements that were taken by the sources, automatically modifies at least some of the parameters that are stored in the first memory with the new parameters received from the source and with measurements taken by the first processing unit to generate modified parameters, and transmitting a subset of the modified parameters to one or more recipients.

Abstract: A network of apparatuses that characterizes items is presented. A self-updating apparatus includes a processing unit that has a memory storing parameters that are useful for characterizing different items, and a processing module configured to automatically select sources from which to receive data, modify the parameters based on the data that is received, and to select recipients of modified parameters. Selection of sources and recipients is based on comparison of parameters between the processing module and the sources, and between the processing module and the recipients, respectively. The processing unit may include an artificial intelligence program (e.g., a neural network such as a machine learning program). When used in a network, the processing units may “train” other processing units in the network such that the characterization accuracy and range of each processing unit improves over time.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus for efficient resource sharing are presented. The apparatus includes a central unit having a plurality of surfaces on the outside, the central unit holding a resource. Compartments are coupled to the central unit, each of the compartments being placed adjacent to one of the surfaces of the central unit. Each compartment has a platform to support an object, and has a sensor that reads an output signal indicating that the object in the compartment has finished accessing the resource from the central unit. A computation unit receives and processes the output signal from each of the compartments. The sensor in the apparatus may be located in the central unit instead of in the compartments.

Abstract: A method and system for efficiently screening for threatening items are presented. The system includes a test unit configured to subject the object to a combination of two or more different types of tests, sensors configured to receive test outcome from the object and generate corresponding output signals, and a computation unit receiving and processing the output signals to generate parameter values. The computation unit combines the parameter values from the different types of tests to determine a set of risk factors that indicate a likelihood that the threatening item is present in the object, wherein the parameter values include visualization data obtained from different measurement angles.

Abstract: A method and a system for efficiently screening for dangerous threatening items in or on an animate subject (e.g., a person) are presented. The system includes a portal that accommodates an animate subject and a test unit that includes equipment for subjecting the animate subject to a combination of two or more tests. There are sensors located in the portal, wherein each of the sensors reads data resulting from testing the animate subject and generates an output signal. A computation unit receives the output signal from each of the sensors and processes the output signals in parallel to determine a risk factor based on parameters resulting from the two or more tests. The test unit may be coupled to a portal and an object unit, wherein the object unit is for screening inanimate subjects (e.g., bags, coats). The parallel acquisition and processing of the output signals enhances accuracy.

Abstract: A method and a system for efficiently screening for dangerous threatening items in or on an animate subject (e.g., a person) are presented. The system includes a portal that accommodates an animate subject and a test unit that includes equipment for subjecting the animate subject to a combination of two or more tests. There are sensors located in the portal, wherein each of the sensors reads data resulting from testing the animate subject and generates an output signal. A computation unit receives the output signal from each of the sensors and processes the output signals in parallel to determine a risk factor based on parameters resulting from the two or more tests. The test unit may be coupled to a portal and an object unit, wherein the object unit is for screening inanimate subjects (e.g., bags, coats). The parallel acquisition and processing of the output signals enhances accuracy.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus for efficient resource sharing are presented. The apparatus includes a central unit having a plurality of surfaces on the outside, the central unit holding a resource. Compartments are coupled to the central unit, each of the compartments being placed adjacent to one of the surfaces of the central unit. Each compartment has a platform to support an object, and has a sensor that reads an output signal indicating that the object in the compartment has finished accessing the resource from the central unit. A computation unit receives and processes the output signal from each of the compartments. The sensor in the apparatus may be located in the central unit instead of in the compartments.

Abstract: A method and system for efficiently screening for dangerous threatening items are presented. The system includes an object unit designed to hold the object and a test unit including equipment for subjecting the object to a combination of two or more tests. There are sensors located in the object unit, wherein each of the sensors reads data resulting from testing the object and generates an output signal. A computation unit receives the output signal from each of the sensors and processes the output signals in parallel to determine a risk factor based on parameters resulting from the two or more tests. The parallel acquisition and processing of the output signals enhances accuracy. By testing a “batch” of objects at once, the system improves throughput.

Abstract: An interface for an infant toy includes a processor coupled to an activity parameter sensor removably attached to a body portion of the infant as by a wrist cuff. Signals from the sensor are employed to detect an infant's arousal state and activity level. The processor registers a baseline and determines threshold values with respect to the sensed activity parameter and also establishes a threshold value for the sensed parameter with reference to stored values and patterns of the detected parameter for specific age groups. Thereafter, the sensed parameter is compared with the calculated threshold value and if the sensed parameter value exceeds the threshold value, a wireless activation signal is transmitted to actuate a toy. The interface includes both motion and audio sensors and infrared, light or RF transmitters.

Abstract: An interactive hatching egg provides a learning experience for children. The egg is formed of upper and lower sections joined along a plane transverse to the longitudinal axis of the egg. The lower section carries a power supply, a controller having an input coupled to a touch sensor and outputs coupled to a motive drive, an illumination source and a sound generator. The controller is programmed to initiate a cycle upon detecting when the egg is touched, with the cycle including sound and light patterns. The cycle concludes with the motive drive actuating a latch which releases a hatch lid contoured in the upper shell to expose a baby animal. Upon detecting the egg being touched during a cycle, the controller alters the sound and/or light patterns.

Abstract: An interactive hatching egg provides a learning experience for children. The egg is formed of upper and lower sections joined along a plane transverse to the longitudinal axis of the egg. The lower section carries a power supply, a controller having an input coupled to a touch sensor and outputs coupled to a motive drive, an illumination source and a sound generator. The controller is programmed to initiate a cycle upon detecting when the egg is touched, with the cycle including sound and light patterns. The cycle concludes with the motive drive actuating a latch which releases a hatch lid contoured in the upper shell to expose a baby animal. Upon detecting the egg being touched during a cycle, the controller alters the sound and/or light patterns.