Abstract: A communication device configured in such a manner that the cellular communication device antenna and circuitry may be situated at a distance from the user during use. High frequency, electromagnetic radiation emitted from the antenna is thereby substantially diminished by the time it reaches the user. The device may include a handset unit, a speaker, a microphone and a connecting cord. Th device may also include a desktop base unit such as a conventional telephone base unit on which a cellular communication device is situated. The handset unit may comprise a conventional headset unit, such as a cellular telephone hands-free headset unit, inside conventional handset housing.

Abstract: A system for producing multiple personalized video sequences of a subject includes a storage medium storing a foreground video sequence of an element of interest which has been pre-mixed to enable keyed superposition over an other video image, and a video camera for generating a background video signal corresponding to a real-time video sequence of the subject. A mixer superposes the foreground video sequence over the background video signal to produce a combination video sequence in which the subject appears together with the element of interest. A video monitor is provided for displaying the combination video sequence as it is mixed. The system may be constructed as an automated machine with an automatic payment system and a media recorder and feeder. Preferably, the system includes camera and lighting control systems for producing effects in the real-time video signal to mimic similar effects in the pre-recorded video sequence.

Abstract: Environmental variations in ambient light and temperature are eliminated in arrangements for and methods of detecting objects in areas exposed to such variations by generating a differential measurement value indicative of the difference between two signals derived from two light sources, both signals being affected in the same way and extent by the environmental variations.

Abstract: An action apparatus generates lights and sounds in response to hand positions above a trio of housings. The apparatus has different operational modes, any one of which is remotely selectable at a distance from, and in a non-contact relationship with, the housing.

Abstract: An optical controller is capable of surrounding a player with a radiation screen from a plurality of panels, and enables the player to produce control signals for interface with a controlled instrument such as a musical instrument, a video game processor, etc. The insertion of the appendage of the player can produce a functional control signal. The relative position of the insertion of the appendage can be determined, for example, as a result of the intensity of reflected radiation in the dispersing radiation screen. The video game processing unit can play either a conventional video game that usually accepts eight functional control signals, or it can utilize the full capacities of the control signals available from the optical controller. The player can simulate the movements of the video character to experience a more realistic game play action.

Abstract: An optical controller is capable of surrounding a player with a radiation screen from a plurality of panels, and enables the player to produce control signals for interface with a controlled instrument such as a musical instrument, a video game processor, etc. The insertion of the appendage of the player can produce a functional control signal. The relative position of the insertion of the appendage can be determined, for example, as a result of the intensity of the reflected radiation in the dispersing radiation screen and adjusted in elevation. The video game processing unit can play either a conventional video game that usually accepts eight functional control signals, or it can utilize the full capacities of the control signals available from the optical controller for enhanced play action.

Abstract: An apparatus for producing signals by means of radiation, for controlling musical instruments, image producing devices, video games, computer games and the like, comprises sensors sensitive to radiation directed towards them from points of sensing spaces, selectively to produce the aforesaid signals, and emitters for conveying radiation to elongated emission spaces.

Abstract: An optical instrument is provided which comprises emitter means which emit radiation into an elongated emission space and sensor means responsive to radiation directed towards them from any point of an elongated sensing space whereby to generate tone signals, the emission and sensing spaces being in only partial overlapping relationship, preferably as a result of their having different axes of symmetry, the instrument further comprising means for decoding the tone signals and transmitting the same to an interface to a device to be controlled by the instrument. Said controlled device is preferably chosen from among devices for producing musical tones and devices for producing optical images. The tone signal generating means preferably constitute a number of units, each unit corresponding to a tone and the several units being arranged in a line which preferably defines a closed floor space.