Abstract: A computerized interactor system uses physical, three-dimensional objects as metaphors for input of user intent to a computer system. When one or more interactors are engaged with a detection field, the detection field reads an identifier associated with the object and communicates the identifier to a computer system. The computer system determines the meaning of the interactor based upon its identifier and upon a semantic context in which the computer system is operating. The interactors can be used to control other systems, such as audio systems, or it can be used as intuitive inputs into a computer system for such purposes as marking events in a temporal flow. The interactors, as a minimum, communicate their identity, but may also be more sophisticated in that they can communicate additional processed or unprocessed data, i.e. they can include their own data processors.

Abstract: A computerized interactor system uses physical, three-dimensional objects as metaphors for input of user intent to a computer system. When one or more interactors are engaged with a detection field, the detection field reads an identifier associated with the object and communicates the identifier to a computer system. The computer system determines the meaning of the interactor based upon its identifier and upon a semantic context in which the computer system is operating. The interactors can be used to control other systems, such as audio systems, or it can be used as intuitive inputs into a computer system for such purposes as marking events in a temporal flow. The interactors, as a minimum, communicate their identity, but may also be more sophisticated in that they can communicate additional processed or unprocessed data, i.e. they can include their own data processors.

Abstract: A computerized interactor system uses physical, three-dimensional objects as metaphors for input of user intent to a computer system. When one or more interactors are engaged with a detection field, the detection field reads an identifier associated with the object and communicates the identifier to a computer system. The computer system determines the meaning of the interactor based upon its identifier and upon a semantic context in which the computer system is operating. The interactors can be used to control other systems, such as audio systems, or it can be used as intuitive inputs into a computer system for such purposes as marking events in a temporal flow. The interactors, as a minimum, communicate their identity, but may also be more sophisticated in that they can communicate additional processed or unprocessed data, i.e. they can include their own data processors.

Abstract: A computerized interactor system uses physical, three-dimensional objects as metaphors for input of user intent to a computer system. When one or more interactors are engaged with a detection field, the detection field reads an identifier associated with the object and communicates the identifier to a computer system. The computer system determines the meaning of the interactor based upon its identifier and upon a semantic context in which the computer system is operating. The interactors can be used to control other systems, such as audio systems, or it can be used as intuitive inputs into a computer system for such purposes as marking events in a temporal flow. The interactors, as a minimum, communicate their identity, but may also be more sophisticated in that they can communicate additional processed or unprocessed data, i.e. they can include their own data processors.

Abstract: The present invention teaches a variety of methods and systems for providing computer/human interfaces. According to one method, the user interfaces with an electronic device such as a computer system by engaging a sensor with desired regions of an encoded physical medium. the encoded physical medium is preferably chosen to provide intuitive meaning to the user and is thus an improved metaphor for interfacing with the computer system. The sensor may have at least one identification number (ID) providing information such as user identity, sensor type, access type, or language type. The sensor can transmit the certain decoded information together with the at least one ID to the computer system.

Abstract: A computerized interactor system uses physical, three-dimensional objects as metaphors for input of user intent to a computer system. When one or more interactors are engaged with a detection field, the detection field reads an identifier associated with the object and communicates the identifier to a computer system. The computer system determines the meaning of the interactor based upon its identifier and upon a semantic context in which the computer system is operating. The interactors can be used to control other systems, such as audio systems, or it can be used as intuitive inputs into a computer system for such purposes as marking events in a temporal flow. The interactors, as a minimum, communicate their identity, but may also be more sophisticated in that they can communicate additional processed or unprocessed data, i.e. they can include their own data processors.

Abstract: Methods and systems for sensing an auditory environment using a tympanic membrane of an individual are disclosed. An embodiment of a method comprises a step of dynamically sensing a displacement of the tympanic membrane in response to excitation by the auditory environment. An electrical signal based upon the sensed displacement is produced. Consequently, the electrical signal is representative of the auditory environment as sensed by the individual. Embodiments for sensing the displacement of the tympanic membrane are based upon laser interferometry and ultrasonic ranging. Further disclosed are methods and systems for modifying a sensed auditory environment, and methods and systems for producing a virtual auditory environment based upon directly sensing the displacement of the tympanic membrane of an individual.

Abstract: A subcutaneous implant for displaying various re-programmable information or decorative patterns beneath the surface of the skin of a person or an animal. A biologically inert subcutaneous implant is constructed of a flexible material so as to conform to the skin's surface. The subcutaneous implant includes a battery for providing power to the implant. The subcutaneous implant also includes a receiver for receiving programming information from a user, and a display for displaying the programming information through the skin.