Abstract: A screen-based host with processing and I/O facilities interacts with distributed items that are arranged for storing and exchanging digital information with the host. In particular, under proximity conditions and initially without user interaction, the items exchange accordingly with the host without requiring formatted berth facilities of the host. The various items through associated self-identifying evoke specific iconizing by the host for signaling to the user an associated service field. The host allows a user person to activate data processing operations with respect to the service field. During proximity conditions, the items keep abreast of host-generated results relevant to a corresponding service field. The host allows free styling of the items with respect to the item's physical shape.

Abstract: A system for holding a plurality of record carriers, which are each combined with an associated insert. The system includes an apparatus with a given number N of record-carrier holders to each of which a given code is assigned; and a control device having a unit for generating the code of a desired record-carrier holder to select that holder, and a unit for transmitting the generated code to the apparatus. The control device includes a set of flat insert carriers to which the same codes are assigned as to the record-carrier holder and which are each configured to hold at least one insert and to be movable relative to the adjacent insert carrier. The control device also includes an insert-carrier detection device configured to detect the code of an insert carrier relative to which the adjacent insert carrier has been moved and to transmit this code to the apparatus in order to select the desired record-carrier holder.

Abstract: Apparatus for displaying an image suspended in space above a horizontal surface such as a tabletop or vehicle dash-board, of an original image below the surface, comprises a beam-splitter window in the surface and a retroreflector below the surface in a path for light reflected by the beamsplitter. The original image may for example be a VDU screen or vehicle instrument panel.

Abstract: A border for a substantially two-dimensional image comprises an anterior pattern and a posterior pattern, the patterns being space one from the other and being arranged to form, when viewed together, a resultant apparent pattern in a different plane to that of the image. The patterns each comprise relatively brighter and relatively darker regions, but each usually has a different pitch. The posterior pattern may advantageously comprise an array of reflective dots printed onto a major surface of a light transmissive sheet which may be edge lit by a light source. The border brightness can then be independent of ambient light conditions and simple to manufacture.

Abstract: A system for holding a plurality of record carriers which are each combined with an associated insert and apparatus with a given number N of record-carrier holders to each of which a given code is assigned, and a control device including a unit for generating the code of a desired record-carrier holder to select this holder and a unit for transmitting the generated code to the apparatus. The control device includes a set of flat insert carriers to which the same codes are assigned as to the record-carrier holder and which are each configured to hold at least one insert and to be movable relative to the adjacent insert carrier, the control device including an insert-carrier detection device configured to detect the code of an insert carrier relative to which the adjacent insert carrier has been moved and to transmit this code to the apparatus in order to select the desired record-carrier holder.

Abstract: An apparatus for displaying an image comprises a) a retroreflective screen, b) a polarising beam-splitter making an oblique angle with the screen, c) a device for projecting light from an image or object toward the screen through the beam-splitter, and d) a partially reflective light transmissive sheet being provided at an oblique angle to the beam-splitter such that the sheet may be view through the beam-splitter. The apparatus may be used as a head up display in which real and virtual images in respective positions may be viewed.

Abstract: An apparatus for displaying an image of an object comprises a beam splitter and retroreflectors between the object and the beam splitter on opposite sides of the object. Louvre films adjacent the beam splitter having oppositely directed slats allow observers on opposite sides of the apparatus to view the image but not the object.