Abstract: Method and system for reconstructing seamless fingerprint image from set of image slices, or frames, from fingerprint swipe sensor. Robust normalized cross-correlation procedures are used for frame evaluation and image matching. Efficient use of device processing resources including memory by keeping only data frames that indicate moving finger and discards frames where no finger exists at sensor during acquisition or finger has not moved since last frame was acquired. Capability to adjust sensor settings during acquisition process to obtain optimal results. Logic ensures operation across different physical systems and sensor characteristics with varying acquisition speeds. Statistics regarding resulting reconstructed image and finger swiping process are computed and embedded in reconstructed image and are useful to the downstream fingerprint matching system, and by embedding in image, inventive system and method ensure that any fingerprint processing system can use information if when called upon to do so.

Abstract: The system and method of the present invention is directed to emulating and configuring any of a plurality of electronic input devices. A system in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention comprises an interface and an emulator. The interface is for selecting and configuring an electronic input device from a plurality of electronic input devices, and the emulator is for emulating the electronic input device. Preferably, the plurality of electronic input devices comprise any two or more of a scroll wheel, a mouse, a joy stick, a steering wheel, an analog button, and a touch bar. Also in a preferred embodiment, the interface is an Application Programming Interface (API) and the emulator comprises a finger swipe sensor for receiving user input.

Abstract: A foot scrubbing and massaging assembly for use in a bathing facility includes a base member including a front face and a peripheral edge, a socket located in the front face of the base member, and a drainage channel located in the base member. The drainage channel includes a first end terminating at and communicating with the socket and a second end terminating at the peripheral edge. The foot scrubbing and massaging assembly further includes a foot pad selectively received by the socket, the foot pad including a front side and a back side, the front side of the foot pad including a working surface. A plurality of suction members is disposed along the back face of the base member for removably securing the base member to a facility surface within the associated bathing facility.

Abstract: A biometric secured system grants a user access to a host system by classifying a fingerprint used to verify or authorize the user to the system as real or fake. The classification is based on a probability that fingerprint image data corresponds to characteristics that reliably identify the finger as real. The system includes a fingerprint sensor for capturing fingerprint image data coupled to a spoof detection module. In one embodiment, the spoof detection module is programmed to determine spoof probability based on a combination of metrics that include, among other metrics, pixel gray level average and the variance of pixels corresponding to a fingerprint ridge, pixel gray level average and the variance of pixels corresponding to a fingerprint valley, density of sweat pores, and density of sweat streaks, to name a few metrics.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a system for and method of calculating pressure differences using a finger sensor. A finger sensor system in accordance with the present invention comprises a finger sensor for capturing first and second of sets of image data by contacting the finger sensor and means for providing a statistical comparison between the first and second sets of image data to determine a total pressure difference. The means for providing a statistical comparison comprises a means for generating first histogram data from the first set of image data and second histogram data from the second set of image data. The means for providing statistical data correlates peaks of the first and second histogram data and also determines differences between variances of the first and second sets of image data.

Abstract: Apparatus, system, method, computer program, and computer program product that provide a security in creating and processing fingerprint images obtained from a fingerprint sensor by generating a full image fingerprint minutia feature template without ever generating or reconstructing the full or complete fingerprint image that is conventionally required to generate such minutia feature template.

Abstract: A system and method in accordance with the present emulate a computer mouse operation. The system comprises a finger image sensor for capturing images relating to a finger and generating finger image data, a controller, and an emulator. The controller is coupled to the finger image sensor and is configured to receive the finger image data and generate movement and presence information related to the finger on the finger image sensor. The emulator is configured to receive the movement and presence information, determine duration corresponding to the presence of the finger on the finger image sensor, and generate data corresponding to a mouse output. In a preferred embodiment, the finger image sensor comprises one or more logical regions, each region corresponding to a positional mouse button. In this way, the system is able to emulate a left mouse click and, optionally, a right mouse click and a center mouse click.

Abstract: A device for and method of performing a task associated with fingerprint data is disclosed. The method comprises reading fingerprint data, matching the read fingerprint data to stored fingerprint data, the stored fingerprint data having an associated task, and performing the task. The associated task is part of a chain of tasks that are automatically executed when the read fingerprint data is matched to the stored fingerprint data. Preferably, at least one task has associated user profile data that is used to perform the task. An electronic device that can be controlled in accordance with the present invention includes, but is not limited to, a telephone, a personal computer, a personal digital assistant, and a remote controlled device.

Abstract: A system for and method of obtaining rotation information is disclosed. The method comprises capturing a plurality of patterned images from a plurality of locations, correlating the plurality of patterned images to generate sets of linear differences, and using the sets of linear differences to generate the rotation information. Preferably, the plurality of locations comprise a first part of a fingerprint swipe sensor and a second part of the fingerprint swipe sensor, each part configured to capture a part of a fingerprint image. Each part captures a part of the fingerprint image at two positions and correlates the parts at the two positions to determine one set of linear differences. Together, the sets of linear differences are used to calculate the rotation information, which can be used to emulate a rotational device such as a steering wheel, a joystick, or a navigation bar.

Abstract: A system and method of the present invention emulates electronic input devices such as a steering wheel, a mouse, a joystick, a navigation bar, a scroll wheel, and a pressure-sensitive button. The method comprises swiping a finger on a swipe sensor, calculating a difference between a first position of the finger on the swipe sensor and a second position on the swipe sensor, and translating the difference into a plurality of sets of signals. Each set of signals is used to emulate the signals generated by one of the electronic input devices. The method thus uses a single swipe sensor to emulate multiple electronic input devices. In a preferred embodiment, the system is used to control a display on a portable electronic device is coupled to or forms part of the portable electronic device.

Abstract: An electrical discharge machining system including a fixture for the post which allows the post to be mounted and clamped thereto in a precise predetermined position thereon whether the post has a round cross-sectional configuration or a polygonal shape thereto. In a preferred form, the fixture includes a bore for a round shaped post having an indexing pin which seats in a groove formed in an upper surface of the fixture and is clamped therein by clamp members actuated by cam clamp operators. The clamping of the pin in the groove keeps the post rigid and stationary relative to the fixture to provide for improved results when the electrode is subject to machining operations. In addition, because the clamping mechanism herein does away with the previously-described hydraulic clamping device utilized with prior fixtures, there are no hydraulic lines or connections that have to be set up and maintained to provide an easier-to-use fixture for use with the tool holding system.

Abstract: The invention provides caverns and methods for producing caverns in bedded salt deposits for the storage of materials that are not solvents for salt. The contemplated salt deposits are of the bedded, non-domed variety, more particularly salt found in layered formations that are sufficiently thick to enable the production of commercially usefully sized caverns completely encompassed by walls of salt of the formation. In a preferred method, a first bore hole is drilled into the salt formation and a cavity for receiving insolubles is leached from the salt formation. Thereafter, at a predetermined distance away from the first bore hole, a second bore hole is drilled towards the salt formation. As this drill approaches the salt, the drill assumes a slant approach and enters the salt and drills through it in a horizontal direction until it intersects the cavity for receiving insolubles.

Abstract: A portable automatic test system which is deployable as separate modular elements in a plurality of separate protected transit cases, which after removal of the case covers, are stacked one upon the other to form the final test system. All electrical connections between adjacent modular elements are by zero insertion force connectors or low insertion force connectors positioned between the top and bottom of the adjacent elements. Moreover, the electronic components of each element are readily available through a file drawer design allowing ready access to individual printed circuits boards therein. The system controller also functions in a dual role, serving also as a portable maintenance aid.

Abstract: A process for the extraction of oil and bitumen fractions from tar sands comprising the steps of heating the tar sands to 70.degree.-150.degree. F., mixing with an aqueous solutions of water soluble separation chemicals, particularly sulfonated fatty acids or salts, holding the tar sand and the separation chemicals for a sufficient period of time to allow the bitumen to float to the top and the sand to sink to the bottom, and separation of the oil or bitumen fractions from water and the separation chemicals.

Abstract: A medical waste disposal system that allows for the "hands-off" disposal of medical waste. The system comprises a wall mounted outer container which is extended away from the wall upon which it is mounted. The outer container has an aperture for the receipt of medical waste and members extending from this aperture into its interior which automatically open an inner container when the inner container is inserted into the outer container. The automatic opening occurs when the members contact and force open tabs located on the inner container. These tabs are positioned to align with the members and are resiliently biased to the closed position so that the inner container automatically closes when it is removed from the outer container. The inner container may be removed without direct human contact by fully opening an access door located in the base of the outer container, thereby allowing the inner container to fall free of the system.

Abstract: A socket wrench extension is used with one of a plurality of removable sockets having different depths. The extension has a threaded magnetic head and a shank. The shank has a driving and driven end. A threaded axial bore extends into the driving end but falls short of the driven end. The driven end has a drive receiving portion. The shank also has at its driving end a polygonal portion with a polygonal cross-section. The magnetic head is threaded partially into the bore to extend beyond the driving end. Thus the threaded magnetic head can be adjustably extended from the driving end to bring the magnetic head into a position consistent with the different depths of the removable sockets.

Abstract: This invention relates to water based and water dilutable compositions containing about 5 to 20% by weight of water insoluble lipophilic organic solvents and a coupling agent comprising a compound having the formula ##STR1## where R--(CH.sub.2).sub.n is the residue of a sulfonated monounsaturated C.sub.12 to C.sub.18 fatty acid having the C--S attachment in one of the carbon atoms of the residue and M is an alkali metal, alkaline earth metal or amine, the weight ratio of solvent to coupling agent being from about 1:1 to 2:1. The composition is useful for metal cleaning, rust removing and phosphatizing.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a device designed for use in surgical procedures requiring the driving of screws into bone. The device provides positive locking screw holding engagement yet permits angular movement of the screw of up to 10.degree. from the axial direction.

Abstract: A wire driving assembly for use as a surgical instrument engages a wire in rotating driving relation through a retainer which includes a passageway therethrough for passage of the wire. Cooperating with the retainer is a body member, the latter including a bore in which the retainer is received. Driving connection between the retainer and the wire is achieved by a tapered interior bore of the body member and cooperating engaging elements received in sets of apertures located along the length of the retainer and radially thereof. Each set of apertures is of a different diameter, the diameter of the set at the forward end of the retainer being the largest. Spherical elements are positioned in the apertures and move radially inwardly to a wire engaging position and radially outwardly to a wire releasing position.

Abstract: A surgical saw blade fastening means comprising a saw blade and chuck wich provides for positive locking of the blade while permitting rapid removal of the saw blade without the use of additional tools is disclosed. The chuck which is provided with an adapter portion so it can be attached to surgical instruments presently in use comprises a slotted body portion having a pyramid locator at the base of the slots into which the notched end of a saw blade is seated by the action of a knurled internally threaded collar carried on said chuck body in cooperation with the teeth of the saw blade.