Abstract: An optical guide for horizontally aligning two vertically stacked images generated by one or two SLMs. The optical guide has a channel separator that directs both images along two different paths. A pair of aligning reflectors on each path vertically shift the images with respect to each other so that at least part of the images on the first path are aligned side-by-side with at least part of the images on the second path. The channel separator then redirects the images to the image plane. Along both paths, at least two of the reflecting surfaces of channel separator or aligning reflectors are optically powered so as to change the width or height of the images.

Abstract: An optical system is described for combining separate deformable mirror device images into a single image. The resulting image is a single continuous image comprising left and right halves corresponding to the original individual images. The system is particularly useful for presenting spatial light modulator images to the printing drum of a xerographic process for letter quality documents. The combined image width allows a substantially greater printing width than was previously possible.

Abstract: First circuit apparatus, comprising a given number of prior-art image-pyramid stages, together with second circuit apparatus, comprising the same given number of novel motion-vector stages, perform cost-effective hierarchical motion analysis (HMA) in real time, with minimum system processing delay and/or employing minimum hardware structure. Specifically, the first and second circuit apparatus, in response to relatively high-resolution image data from an ongoing input series of successive given pixel-density image-data frames that occur at a relatively high frame rate (e.g., 30 frames per second), derives, after a certain processing-system delay, an ongoing output series of successive given pixel-density vector-data frames that occur at the same given frame rate. Each vector-data frame is indicative of image motion occurring between each pair of successive image frames.

Abstract: A single camera container inspection system that views the entire interior surface of a container during one pass, producing a single image of the interior surfaces to detect defects and contaminants in the interior surfaces of the container.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for near real-time stereo vision system for use with a robotic vehicle comprises two cameras mounted on three-axis rotation platforms, image-processing boards, a CPU, and specialized stereo vision algorithms. Bandpass-filtered image pyramids are computed, stereo matching is performed by least-squares correlation, and confidence ranges are estimated by means of Bayes' theorem. In particular, Laplacian image pyramids are built and disparity maps are produced from the 60.times.64 level of the pyramids at rates of up to 2 seconds per image pair. The first autonomous cross-country robotic traverses (of up to 100 meters) have been achieved using the stereo vision system of the present invention with all computing due aboard the vehicle. The overall approach disclosed herein provides a unifying paradigm for practical domain-independent stereo ranging.

Abstract: An optical system is described for combining separate deformable mirror device images into a single image. The resulting image is a single continuous image comprising left and right halves corresponding to the original individual images. The system is particularly useful for presenting DMD images to the printing drum of a xerographic process for letter quality documents. The combined image width allows a substantially greater printing width than was previously possible.

Abstract: A translucent hemispherical diffuser provides shadowless, uniform illumination of an object to be inspected or otherwise viewed. The optical medium of the translucent diffuser has a milk glass optical consistency, and/or one or more surfaces of the diffuser may be textured to diffuse light entering or leaving the optical medium of the diffuser. The hemispherical diffuser is placed between a light source and the object to be viewed. Light from the light source entering the optical medium of the diffuser is re-radiated uniformly from the concave surface of the diffuser. The object to be viewed is located approximately at the center of curvature of the hemispherical diffuser. Thus, the radiating concave surface of the diffuser subtends a solid angle of approximately two -pi steradians. Light may be scattered and diffused by various reflecting surfaces external to the diffuser, prior to entering the optical medium of the diffuser.

Abstract: A pyramid frequency analyzing technique is taught in which an input sampled temporal signal is convolved with a spatially localized, gradual rolloff kernel weighting function, which is subtracted from the input signal in each pyramid stage prior to the convolved signal having its sample density decimated and applied as an input to the next pyramid stage (rather than subsequent to the convolved signal having its sample density decimated as in a Burt Pyramid analyzer). In addition, a synthesizing technique is taught which provides additional high-frequency peaking in each stage thereof, not provided by a Burt Pyramid synthesizer.

Abstract: A foveated electronic camera employing a spatial-frequency spectrum analyzer and data-reduction means utilizing movable spatial windows for converting a high-resolution, wide field-of-view image into a group of subspectrum band images ranging in resolution and field of view from a lowest-resolution image of the entire field of view to a highest-resolution image of a selectably positionable smallest spatial subregion of the entire field of view. Such a camera is useful in a surveillance camera system and in a robotic system, by way of examples.

Abstract: Processes for the production of flavorant capsules containing aromatic and/or flavor principles of food materials are disclosed. The flavorant capsules produced by these processes are also disclosed.

Abstract: Processes for the production of flavorant capsules containing aromatic and/or flavor principles of food materials are disclosed. The flavorant capsules produced by these processes are also disclosed.

Abstract: Noise reduction is achieved, without the introduction of noticeable artifacts in the displayed image, using (1) a non-ringing, non-aliasing, localized transfer, octave-band spectrum analyzer for separating the video signal representing the image into subspectra signals, (2) separate coring means for one or more of the analyzed subspectra signals, and (3) then a synthesizer employing one or more non-ringing, non-aliasing filters for deriving an output image-representing signal from all of the subspectra signals.

Abstract: An evacuated envelope having a front wall encloses a plurality of electron beam guides. Extending across one end of the beam guides is a line cathode which generates a plurality of electron beams and directs the beams into the guides. A pair of parallel modulation electrodes is associated with each beam guide and is positioned with the cathode between them. Each modulation electrode partially overlaps the associated electron beam guide. A cathodoluminescent screen is on the front wall.

Abstract: A scarfing torch adapted for manual manipulation which includes means disposed in said torch to provide a component of force upon the torch to offset forces upon the torch generated either by the flow of oxygen gas used in the scarfing process or gravity. The offsetting force is provided by the release of a secondary fluid from the torch in the appropriate direction. The secondary fluid may be released to impinge upon the surface of the workpiece being scarfed.

Abstract: In a display device a modulator structure may be formed by disposing on a surface of the back wall a plurality of first control electrodes. A modulator member having a smoothly continuous surface has disposed thereon a plurality of second control electrodes. The surfaces of the back wall and the top member having the electrodes thereon are joined together to form opposing pairs of control electrodes.

Abstract: An evacuated envelope has a rectangular display section and a gun section at one edge of the display section. The display section includes front and back walls which are generally rectangular, in closely spaced, parallel relation, and a plurality of spaced, parallel support walls between the front and back walls forming a plurality of parallel channels. At one side of the display section is at least one keying channel which extends parallel to the channels of the display section. The gun section extends across one end of the channels and includes therein gun structure which will direct electrons into the channels.

Abstract: In an image display, the video information may be keyed to the position of the electron beam by sensing the beam deflection voltage. A keying system utilizes means for generating a reference voltage which is proportional to the anode voltage and means for comparing the reference voltage to the deflection voltage for the electron beam. When a predetermined relationship between the two voltages, such as equality, is reached; the comparing means produces an output which indicates the deflected position of the electron beam. The output of the comparing means can be used to switch the video information to modulate the electron beam.

Abstract: An evacuated envelope having a plurality of spaced, parallel support walls extending between and substantially perpendicular to flat substantially parallel front and back walls to provide a plurality of parallel channels extending along the front and back walls. The front and back walls and the support walls are of an electrically insulating material, typically glass. Compressed between each of the support walls and the front wall is a metal strip which serves as the tip of the support wall and which extends along the entire length of the support wall. Each tip is tapered in thickness from a thickness substantially equal to the thickness of the support wall at the support wall to a thinner thickness at the front wall. Means is provided between each metal tip and either the support wall or the front wall to prevent movement of the tip transversely of the channels. A shadow mask extends across each of the channels and extends between the metal tips and the support walls.

Abstract: An evacuated envelope has a rectangular display section and a gun section at one edge of the display section. The display section includes front and back walls which are generally rectangular, in closely spaced, parallel relation, and a plurality of spaced, parallel support walls between the front and back walls forming a plurality of parallel channels. The gun section extends across one end of the channels and includes therein gun structure which will direct electrons into the channels. In each of the channels is a beam guide which confines the electrons in a beam and guides the beam along the length of the channel. The beam guide also includes means for selectively deflecting the electron beam out of the guide at selective points along the guide so that beam will impinge upon a phosphor screen along the inner surface of the front wall.

Abstract: An evacuated envelope having a plurality of spaced, parallel support walls extending between and substantially perpendicular to flat substantially parallel front and back walls to provide a plurality of parallel channels extending along the front and back walls. The front and back walls and the support walls are of an electrically insulating material, typically glass. Compressed between each of the support walls and the front wall is a metal strip which serves as the tip of the support wall and which extends along the entire length of the support wall. Each tip is tapered in thickness from a thickness substantially equal to the thickness of the support wall at the support wall to a thinner thickness at the front wall. Means is provided between each metal tip and either the support wall or the front wall to prevent movement of the tip transversely of the channels. A shadow mask extends across each of the channels and extends between the metal tips and the support walls.