Abstract: A label printer system includes a disk storage medium including a thermally-sensitive layer formed on at least a portion of an upper surface. A rotational drive rotates the disk storage medium and a transverse drive moves a laser substantially transversely with respect to the disk storage medium. A memory includes a symbol set and a label printer driver. A processor uses the label printer driver to control the rotational drive and the transverse drive in order to thermally write the symbol set to the thermally-sensitive layer of the disk storage medium, using the laser.

Abstract: A label printer system includes a disk storage medium including a thermally-sensitive layer formed on at least a portion of an upper surface. A rotational drive rotates the disk storage medium and a transverse drive moves a laser substantially transversely with respect to the disk storage medium. A memory includes a symbol set and a label printer driver. A processor uses the label printer driver to control the rotational drive and the transverse drive in order to thermally write the symbol set to the thermally-sensitive layer of the disk storage medium, using the laser.

Abstract: A liquid crystal micro display (lcmd) is manufactured by creating a hole in an lcmd surface, filling the lcmd with liquid crystal material through the hole, and then sealing the hole. The invention allows an lcmd to be tested before it is separated from other lcmds and packaged. As a result, the invention increases the yield and reduces the cost associated with lcmd manufacturing.

Abstract: A portable computer includes a removable I/O device, where the removable I/O device is separate from a built-in cursor control device of the computer so that the computer stays functional without the removable I/O device. Consequently, if the presenter wants to return to the computer and use it directly, he does not have to place the removable I/O device back in the computer, which may disrupt the operating mode. Alternatively, the removable I/O device or both a receiver system and the removable I/O device may be designed to fit in one of PC card slots of the computer when not in use. This alternative enables the presenter to use an existing computer for presentations by simply plugging the receiver system and/or the removable I/O device in one of the computer's existing slots. The computer may further provide for automatic configuration of external video output or internal display modes once the removable I/O device is detached from the computer.

Abstract: A personal display system having an ocular scan unit for generating user identification information and an interface for conveying user identification to a connected system.

Abstract: A label printer system includes a disk storage medium including a thermally-sensitive layer formed on at least a portion of an upper surface. A rotational drive rotates the disk storage medium and a transverse drive moves a laser substantially transversely with respect to the disk storage medium. A memory includes a symbol set and a label printer driver. A processor uses the label printer driver to control the rotational drive and the transverse drive in order to thermally write the symbol set to the thermally-sensitive layer of the disk storage medium, using the laser.

Abstract: A label printer system includes a disk storage medium including a thermally-sensitive layer formed on at least a portion of an upper surface. A rotational drive rotates the disk storage medium and a transverse drive moves a laser substantially transversely with respect to the disk storage medium. A memory includes a symbol set and a label printer driver. A processor uses the label printer driver to control the rotational drive and the transverse drive in order to thermally write the symbol set to the thermally-sensitive layer of the disk storage medium, using the laser.

Abstract: A portable computer includes a removable I/O device, where the removable I/O device is separate from a built-in cursor control device of the computer so that the computer stays functional without the removable I/O device. Consequently, if the presenter wants to return to the computer and use it directly, he does not have to place the removable I/O device back in the computer, which may disrupt the operating mode. Alternatively, the removable I/O device or both a receiver system and the removable I/O device may be designed to fit in one of PC card slots of the computer when not in use. This alternative enables the presenter to use an existing computer for presentations by simply plugging the receiver system and/or the removable I/O device in one of the computer's existing slots. The computer may further provide for automatic configuration of external video output or internal display modes once the removable I/O device is detached from the computer.

Abstract: A device for forming erasable images on a reusable medium, comprising: an erasing portion; and a writing portion; wherein the erasing portion comprises a separator for separating at least two layers of the reusable medium; and wherein the writing portion comprises automatic machine-driven pressure applicators for applying pressure but no ink to the reusable medium, thereby forming an image on the reusable medium.

Abstract: The present invention is a method and apparatus for shielding the lens and the field of view of an optical device, such as a camera or an image projector, from obstruction by unwanted contaminants such as dust, dirt, rain, and the like. The invention employs a transparent shield positioned to protect the lens from such contaminants. A wiper is positioned to be in contact with the shield but the wiper is also positioned to not obstruct the field of view. A rotation mechanism is used to cause rotation of the shield. Contaminants that may be deposited upon the shield may be wiped from the shield by the wiper yet the wiper does not obstruct the field of view. Rotation of the shield allows a portion of the shield that is obstructed by a contaminant to be rotated away from the field of view. Rotation of the shield allows a portion of the shield that has been wiped to be rotated into the field of view.

Abstract: A control device controls undesirable emissions from devices in an environment by transmitting signals to devices in the environment. The signals can be either control signals that require the devices in the environment to operate at a reduced functionality, or warning signals indicating an acceptable level of functionality for the devices. The levels of functionality for the devices are chosen to correspond to desired emission levels by the devices in the environment. The control device utilizes a transmitting device to transmit the signals to devices in the environment, and can include sensors to detect conditions within the environment. Another embodiment of the invention uses a control device as a relay for communication signals between devices within the environment and signal sources outside of the environment.

Abstract: A label printer system includes a disk storage medium including a thermally-sensitive layer formed on at least a portion of an upper surface. A rotational drive rotates the disk storage medium and a transverse drive moves a laser substantially transversely with respect to the disk storage medium. A memory includes a symbol set and a label printer driver. A processor uses the label printer driver to control the rotational drive and the transverse drive in order to thermally write the symbol set to the thermally-sensitive layer of the disk storage medium, using the laser.

Abstract: An imaging system includes a cover having an underside with an identifiable pattern disposed over a platen. The imaging system is capable of recognizing the identifiable pattern and removing data from a digital image file of the scanned original corresponding to portions containing the identifiable pattern. An alternative imaging system provides for a preliminary scan that locates extraneous objects in the background of a scanned region. When an original is scanned, the digital image file from the scan of the original can be compared with the preliminary scan to remove extraneous images from the digital image file.

Abstract: A device for forming erasable images on a reusable medium, comprising: an erasing portion; and a writing portion; wherein the erasing portion comprises a separator for separating at least two layers of the reusable medium; and wherein the writing portion comprises automatic machine-driven pressure applicators for applying pressure but no ink to the reusable medium, thereby forming an image on the reusable medium.

Abstract: A laser printing system for illuminating an elongate region of a photosensitive surface. The laser printing system includes a laser source to generate a light beam in a light path and a light modulation assembly that includes an n×m array of elements, wherein the n×m array has an aspect ratio of at least 1:100. The laser printing system additionally includes an expansion assembly disposed in the light path between the laser source and the light modulation assembly to expand the light beam and impinge the light beam simultaneously on substantially all of elements in the n×m array of elements.

Abstract: A display system is capable of displaying images of high resolution on a main screen, and augmentation images in augmentation regions located around the main screen. The viewing experience is enhanced by the presence of the augmentation images because of the increase in visual information conveyed to viewers. The augmentation regions lie outside of the foveal field of view of the viewers, so the augmentation images can be of lower resolution than the high resolution images. The use of lower resolution augmentation images reduces the cost of the display system.

Abstract: Images are displayed on a wearable display by generating an inner region display signal, and generating an outer region display signal using the inner region signal. The outer region display signal is generated by determining motion, brightness and color characteristics from the inner region display signal. The outer region is of substantially lower resolution than the inner region, and is outside the viewer's foveal field of view. The viewing experience is enhanced by the increase in the size of the image due to the presence of the outer region. Because the outer region is outside of the foveal field of view, the viewer of the image does not perceive the change in resolution of the outer region. An outer region may alternatively be created by distorting a source image.

Abstract: A liquid crystal micro display (lcmd) is manufactured by creating a hole in an lcmd surface, filling the lcmd with liquid crystal material through the hole, and then sealing the hole. The invention allows an lcmd to be tested before it is separated from other lcmds and packaged. As a result, the invention increases the yield and reduces the cost associated with lcmd manufacturing.

Abstract: The present invention is a method and apparatus for shielding the lens and the field of view of an optical device, such as a camera or an image projector, from obstruction by unwanted contaminants such as dust, dirt, rain, and the like. The invention employs a transparent shield positioned to protect the lens from such contaminants. A wiper is positioned to be in contact with the shield but the wiper is also positioned to not obstruct the field of view. A rotation mechanism is used to cause rotation of the shield. Contaminants that may be deposited upon the shield may be wiped from the shield by the wiper yet the wiper does not obstruct the field of view. Rotation of the shield allows a portion of the shield that is obstructed by a contaminant to be rotated away from the field of view. Rotation of the shield allows a portion of the shield that has been wiped to be rotated into the field of view.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for displaying images are addressed to displaying differing images to the right and left eyes of a user. A right image is presented to the user's right eye by a right display, and a left image is presented to the user's left eyeby a left display. When the user's brain processes the right and left images, it performs binocular summation on the two images, and perceives a composite image containing more information than either of the right and left images.