Abstract: A viewer interaction system and method receives video data from a video source and identifies object content in the received video data. A video signal is generated that represents the video data. That video signal is communicated to a display device which displays a video image representative of the video signal. The system and method monitor user interaction with the displayed video image and selects an interactive activity based on the user's interaction with the displayed video image and the identified object content in the received video data.

Abstract: A contextual advertising system and method receives video data and multiple advertisements associated with the video data. The system and method identify object content in the received video data and generates a video signal representing the video data. The video signal is communicated to a display device which displays a video image. User interaction with the displayed video image is monitored by the system and method. An advertisement is selected from the multiple received advertisements for display to the user. The advertisement is selected based on the user interaction with the displayed video image and the identified object content in the video data.

Abstract: The present invention describes a system and method for controlling interactive video, including a remote control device allowing the user to interact with the video. The method allows bringing the “lean-forward” hypervideo experience to a “lay-back” environment such as the TV screen. The method also allows for the creation of a single system that combines both the social aspects of the “lay-back” and the “lean-forward experience” into a new type of rich media viewing experience.

Abstract: Proposed is a model for generation and use of metadata for interactive video navigation and video content identification.

Abstract: The clockwork movement comprises a crown (12) connected with at least one element of the movement through a connecting organ. It is provided with a selection device (13) that includes a blocking device (15) provided with two blocking spring blades (26, 27) cooperating with a set of teeth (28) of crown (12). This blocking device allows rotation of the crown to be blocked in a first direction, and to be permitted in a second direction, in a predetermined position of a control lever (30) selectively acting on the first or second of these spring blades (26, 27) through a sector (31). When this lever (30) is turned into a second position, rotation of the crown is permitted in the first direction but blocked in the second direction. One thus obtains a movement in which the direction of rotation of crown (12) is selected by the user by his prior action on selection device (13).

Abstract: The clockwork movement comprises a crown (12) connected with at least one element of the movement through a connecting organ. It is provided with a selection device (13) that includes a blocking device (15) provided with two blocking spring blades (26, 27) cooperating with a set of teeth (28) of crown (12). This blocking device allows rotation of the crown to be blocked in a first direction, and to be permitted in a second direction, in a predetermined position of a control lever (30) selectively acting on the first or second of these spring blades (26, 27) through a sector (31). When this lever (30) is turned into a second position, rotation of the crown is permitted in the first direction but blocked in the second direction. One thus obtains a movement in which the direction of rotation of crown (12) is selected by the user by his prior action on selection device (13).

Abstract: A portable device for administering a gas. The device can supply at least one nostril of a user with at least part of a gas. The device includes at least one gas distribution nozzle and a support, with which the at least one gas distribution nozzle is supported or held in position on the face of the user. The at least one gas distribution nozzle is held along at least part of the outer wall or surface of the nose or cheeks of the user, when the device is positioned on the head or the face of the user. The at least one nozzle is outside the user's nostrils.

Abstract: The gas mixture leaving the laser apparatus (1) is recycled to a permeator (45) which separates it into two flows. The discharge from the permeator is expanded in an expansion turbine (27) coupled to a compressor (35) for exerting suction on the recycled mixture, which makes it possible to obtain the desired reduced pressure in the laser apparatus. Applications to power laser apparatuses with nitrogen/carbon dioxide mixture, intended for cutting materials.

Abstract: Apparatus for the formation of excited or unstable gaseous molecules, comprising a tubular gas passage (5) having an axis, formed between a first electrode (1) and a dielectric tube (3) coaxial to the first electrode and supporting a second electrode (4), the electrodes being connected to a high voltage high frequency source (13). The first electrode (1) surrounds the dielectric tube (3) and comprises an elongated gas inlet (7) and outlet (8) parallel to the axis and diametrically opposed to each other on opposite sides of the dielectric tube (3). The second electrode (4) is a layer of metal applied to the internal wall of the dielectric tube (3). The second electrode (4)is formed by metallization of the internal wall of the dielectric tube (3). The gas inlet (7) and outlet (8) have a height not exceeding the radial thickness (e) of the gas passage (5). The external wall of the dielectric tube is covered with a thin layer (21) of enamel.

Abstract: Mixing power laser apparatus, comprising a generator of a flow of excited nitrogen (1), and structure (6; 19) to introduce a flow of CO.sub.2 into the flow of excited nitrogen. The generator (1) is of the cold corona electric discharge type operating at a pressure greater than 0.3.times.10.sup.5 Pa, and is coupled to a waveguide (2) with mirrors (3, 4) opposed along a principal direction of the waveguide. For use particularly in cutting material.

Abstract: A power laser has a cavity (2) delimited at its opposite ends by a first partially transmitting window (3) and a second reflecting window ( 4). The first window (3) is constituted by at least one diamond wafer (5) with uncoated flat parallel surfaces, having a controlled thickness whose variations do not exceed 0.2 micron. The diamond wafer (5; 6) is mounted in an annular support (9; 10) of material which is a good heat conductor and is provided with a cooler (11; 12). The window (3) can comprise two parallel wafers (5.sub.A, 5.sub.B) of diamond separated by a calibrated distance (14) which is an uneven multiple of .lambda./4n, .lambda. being the laser wavelength and n the index of refraction of the medium between the wafers. Or the second window (4) can also be constituted by a diamond wafer (6) with a reflective metallic coating (60). A sweeping gas can be blown over the internal surface of at least one of the windows.

Abstract: These gases, specially adapted to the need of CO.sub.2 lasers, have a total purity less than 99.995%, a water content lower than 5 vpm and a total hydrocarbon content lower than 5 vpm.