Abstract: A method of manufacturing a landscape edging apparatus is disclosed. Here, the method can include providing a pre-fabricated mold having a simulated masonry or stone configuration, positioning a plurality of tubular members onto the mold, and disposing an oil-based material into the mold. The method can further include disposing a first layer of a first polymer-based material into the mold, disposing one or more of a rock, grout, or sand-based material into the mold, and disposing a second layer of a second polymer-based material into the mold. The method can then further include the steps of curing the first and second layers within the mold into the landscape edging apparatus.

Abstract: A simulated stone or masonry apparatus for landscape, lawn, or garden edging or siding is disclosed. More specifically, the simulated stone edging can be made of a durable polymer material, easy to install and remove using ground penetrating metal stakes, lightweight, weatherproof, cost-effective, and provide a visual appeal of actual stone work. In one embodiment, the landscape edging apparatus can including one or more guides, a first flexible material having a first side and a second side, wherein the first side further includes a textured faux stone surface, wherein the second side includes one or more receiving members, and wherein the receiving members are configured to receive the guides.

Abstract: A biometric sensor apparatus uses an infra red light source and a CMOS image sensor. A platen receives a body part and the image sensor receives light transmitted through the body part. A processor determines from the detected through-transmitted light whether the body part is live or is a spoof body part. This determination is based upon a detected variation of the opacity of the body part due to blood flow through the body part. Digital processing of the collected image signal data is performed, such as by smoothing. The sensor may further function as a pattern (such as a fingerprint) sensor for detecting surface patterns on the presented body part and identifying an individual from those sensed patterns.

Abstract: An image sensor may have a pixel array and an imaging lens for forming an image on the pixel array. The sensor may also include a pixel readout unit for enabling individual pixel values to be readout. The sensor may further include a pixel selection unit wherein at least one pixel sub-array is selected according to the pixel values readout and the at least one sub-array is used for reading the image.

Abstract: A method of practicing athletic skills is disclosed along with systems associated therewith. The method may include providing a ball drop system and an athlete in a first position. The ball drop system may drop a ball and may prompt the athlete to leave the first position and move their entire body at least one step length to a second position. The second position may be in contact with or proximate to the ball drop system or dropped ball.

Abstract: A method of practicing athletic skills is disclosed along with systems associated therewith. The method may include providing a ball drop system and an athlete in a first position. The ball drop system may drop a ball and may prompt the athlete to leave the first position and move their entire body at least one step length to a second position. The second position may be in contact with or proximate to the ball drop system or dropped ball.

Abstract: A biometric sensor apparatus uses an infra red light source and a CMOS image sensor. A platen receives a body part and the image sensor receives light transmitted through the body part. A processor determines from the detected through-transmitted light whether the body part is live or is a spoof body part. This determination is based upon a detected variation of the opacity of the body part due to blood flow through the body part. Digital processing of the collected image signal data is performed, such as by smoothing. The sensor may further function as a pattern (such as a fingerprint) sensor for detecting surface patterns on the presented body part and identifying an individual from those sensed patterns.

Abstract: The optical biometric sensor apparatus and methods for analyzing images of biometric features such as fingerprints are adapted to distinguish between live body members and inanimate objects, and to detect spoofing devices applied to live body members. Live body members are detected by transmitting IR light from a first IR light source through an object to an image sensor. The IR transmission characteristics of a live body member vary with the human heartbeat, and multiple images are analyzed to verify whether the object is a genuine live body member. A visible light source illuminates the object for obtaining a detailed image from the sensor for conventional biometric analysis. Transmitted IR images and reflected visible light images are also processed to detect the presence of spoofing devices applied to live body members. Multiple IR and visible light sources of different wavelengths may be used for this purpose.

Abstract: An image sensor may have a pixel array and an imaging lens for forming an image on the pixel array. The sensor may also include a pixel readout unit for enabling individual pixel values to be readout. The sensor may further include a pixel selection unit wherein at least one pixel sub-array is selected according to the pixel values readout and the at least one sub-array is used for reading the image.

Abstract: The optical pointing device, i.e. a computer mouse, includes an optical assembly, having a lens and light guide, that is formed integrally with a base or footplate. The optical assembly and the footplate are designed as a single, homogenous unit and are molded in a single operation. This device does not require assembly of separate components.

Abstract: The optical biometric sensor apparatus and methods for analyzing images of biometric features such as fingerprints are adapted to distinguish between live body members and inanimate objects, and to detect spoofing devices applied to live body members. Live body members are detected by transmitting IR light from a first IR light source through an object to an image sensor. The IR transmission characteristics of a live body member vary with the human heartbeat, and multiple images are analyzed to verify whether the object is a genuine live body member. A visible light source illuminates the object for obtaining a detailed image from the sensor for conventional biometric analysis. Transmitted IR images and reflected visible light images are also processed to detect the presence of spoofing devices applied to live body members. Multiple IR and visible light sources of different wavelengths may be used for this purpose.

Abstract: Data is encoded in a solid state image sensor that includes a sensor pixel array by varying the color processing applied to at least some of the border pixels of the sensor pixel array. Data may be encoded in the color processing by varying the pattern of a color filter mosaic and by varying a pattern of a microlens array in accordance with a predetermined scheme. This scheme includes omission of color filter material and omission of the microlens array from selected pixels. The data, typically encoded in a binary format, is read by illuminating the sensor pixel array and by processing the output signals from the border pixels. The encoded data may include color process codes, mask revision codes and product codes.

Abstract: An automotive glove box assembly. The glove box assembly includes a storage bin and a door disposed in hinging relation to the storage bin. The door includes an expansible body having a face portion facing towards a vehicle occupant and a back portion in opposing relation to the face portion. The expansible body is operatively connected to at least one gas emitting unit such that upon discharge of gas from the gas emitting unit, the expansible body is pressurized and the face portion is projected outwardly to an extended position so as to intercept lower extremities of the occupant.

Abstract: Robust, multi-faceted sub-word method for rapidly and reliably detecting a barge-in condition of a speaker talking while an automated audio prompt is being played. This sub-word method allows for rapid stopping of the prompt to improve automatic speech recognition and reduce speaker confusion and/or frustration. An automatic speech recognition system (ASR) that practices such a method is also presented.

Abstract: An automotive glove box assembly. The glove box assembly includes a storage bin and a door disposed in hinging relation to the storage bin. The door includes an expansible body having a face portion facing towards a vehicle occupant and a back portion in opposing relation to the face portion. The expansible body is operatively connected to at least one gas emitting unit such that upon discharge of gas from the gas emitting unit, the expansible body is pressurized and the face portion is projected outwardly to an extended position so as to intercept lower extremities of the occupant.

Abstract: Data is encoded in a solid state image sensor that includes a sensor pixel array by varying the color processing applied to at least some of the border pixels of the sensor pixel array. Data may be encoded in the color processing by varying the pattern of a color filter mosaic and by varying a pattern of a microlens array in accordance with a predetermined scheme. This scheme includes omission of color filter material and omission of the microlens array from selected pixels. The data, typically encoded in a binary format, is read by illuminating the sensor pixel array and by processing the output signals from the border pixels. The encoded data may include color process codes, mask revision codes and product codes.

Abstract: There is disclosed a communication system arrangement whereby the efficiency with which pooled facilities are used can be increased by reducing the number of lines that are dedicated to the pool. This is accomplished by making available to the pool, on a priority basis, lines that have been installed for other purposes, such as, for example, conference lines and private two-way lines. The system is arranged such that dedicated pooled lines have a higher priority than other lines which are available to the pool on a decreasing priority basis. In addition, each pooled set of lines at each station is given a visual indication using the system available lamp to indicate whether an idle line remains in the pool. This arrangement allows each station user to determine, without unnecessary seizure attempts, whether or not an available line exists in the pool.