Abstract: In one embodiment, an information signal is stored in magnetic ink. In another embodiment, a magnetic ink encoding stylus includes a magnetic ink write head. In a further embodiment, a computer system includes a magnetic ink encoding stylus coupled to a computer via an external bus.

Abstract: One aspect of the invention involves the output of a radio frequency (RF) identification tag by a writing instrument to indicate ink color or another characteristic associated with a line style parameter of the writing instrument. The RF identification tag is a wireless signal that uniquely identifies the line style parameters, such as physical-ink or virtual-ink color, produced when using the writing instrument. A writing tablet receives the RF identification tag and signals a computing device, responsible for displaying graphical representations made on the writing tablet, to display a portion of the graphical representation formed by that writing instrument with the characteristics of the line style parameters specified by the RF identification tag.

Abstract: One aspect of the invention involves a thermal image generation device comprising a casing forming an interior cavity. One surface of the casing includes a screen with thermochromic material attached to a bottom surface of the screen. The casing houses at least one thermal transfer element movable over regions of the thermochromic material to alter a temperature at the regions from a steady-state, ambient temperature. Such temperature alterations temporarily cause a color variation to the thermochromic material until the regions of the thermochromic material return to the ambient temperature.

Abstract: A physical element may be caused to appear to interact with an image displayed on a computer display screen. The position of the element with respect to the display screen may be determined automatically. The user can then manipulate the element to cause an image, which may appear to be connected to the element, to be altered. Therefore, the user gets the impression that the element is capable of interacting and altering an image displayed on the display screen.

Abstract: Toner xerographically adhered to a material, such as a sheet of paper, may be removed using a solvent-based or solventless approach. The application of ultrasonic tamping, scraping and brushing may aid in removing toner particles. In a solvent-based approach, a solvent may be applied generally or the solvent may be targeted specifically to the toner covered portions of the material to loosen the adhesive securement of the toner to the material. Thereafter, the toner is subjected to a mechanical abrasion using ultrasonic and physical agitation to cause flaking of the toner.

Abstract: A booster lens may be used with a conventional or electronic microscope by positioning the booster lens on top of a specimen holder. With limited or no additional focusing, greater magnification may be achieved by augmenting the magnification possible with the optics available with the microscope itself.

Abstract: A material that phosphoresces may be controlled and the phosphorescence may be terminated when desired. A phosphorescing material may be exposed to an energy source that causes the material to stop phosphorescing. Thus, a pattern may be written on a surface, which is phosphorescing using a coherent energy source. The written pattern, represented by darkened regions, may be recognized by users as a symbol, a graphics or text.

Abstract: Toner xerographically adhered to a material, such as a sheet of paper, may be removed using a solvent-based or solventless approach. The application of ultrasonic tamping, scraping and brushing may aid in removing toner particles. In a solvent-based approach, a solvent may be applied generally or the solvent may be targeted specifically to the toner covered portions of the material to loosen the adhesive securement of the toner to the material. Thereafter, the toner is subjected to a mechanical abrasion using ultrasonic and physical agitation to cause flaking of the toner.

Abstract: A material that phosphoresces may be controlled and the phosphorescence may be terminated when desired. A phosphorescing material may be exposed to an energy source that causes the material to stop phosphorescing. Thus, a pattern may be written on a surface, which is phosphorescing using a coherent energy source. The written pattern, represented by darkened regions, may be recognized by users as a symbol, a graphics or text.

Abstract: A paraboloid receiving dish having a base, a receiver coupled to the base, and a plurality of petals pivotably connected to the base. The petals are moveable between an open position and a closed position with each of the positions forming a reflector having a parabolic shape.

Abstract: One aspect of the invention involves a thermal image generation device comprising a casing forming an interior cavity. One surface of the casing includes a screen with thermochromic material attached to a bottom surface of the screen. The casing houses at least one thermal transfer element movable over regions of the thermochromic material to alter a temperature at the regions from a steady-state, ambient temperature. Such temperature alterations temporarily cause a color variation to the thermochromic material until the regions of the thermochromic material return to the ambient temperature.

Abstract: A material that phosphoresces may be controlled and the phosphorescence may be terminated when desired. A phosphorescing material may be exposed to an energy source that causes the material to stop phosphorescing. Thus, a pattern may be written on a surface, which is phosphorescing using a coherent energy source. The written pattern, represented by darkened regions, may be recognized by users as a symbol, a graphics or text.

Abstract: Toner xerographically adhered to a material, such as a sheet of paper, may be removed using a solvent-based or solventless approach. The application of ultrasonic tamping, scraping and brushing may aid in removing toner particles. In a solvent-based approach, a solvent may be applied generally or the solvent may be targeted specifically to the toner covered portions of the material to loosen the adhesive securement of the toner to the material. Thereafter, the toner is subjected to a mechanical abrasion using ultrasonic and physical agitation to cause flaking of the toner.

Abstract: A booster lens may be used with a conventional or electronic microscope by positioning the booster lens on top of a specimen holder. With limited or no additional focusing, greater magnification may be achieved by augmenting the magnification possible with the optics available with the microscope itself.

Abstract: One aspect of the invention involves the output of a radio frequency (RF) identification tag by a writing instrument to indicate ink color or another characteristic associated with a line style parameter of the writing instrument. The RF identification tag is a wireless signal that uniquely identifies the line style parameters, such as physical-ink or virtual-ink color, produced when using the writing instrument. A writing tablet receives the RF identification tag and signals a computing device, responsible for displaying graphical representations made on the writing tablet, to display a portion of the graphical representation formed by that writing instrument with the characteristics of the line style parameters specified by the RF identification tag.

Abstract: A writing tablet may be covered with a thermochromic writing surface so that the user may temporarily mark on the writing surface by changing its temperature. In one embodiment, the writing surface may be positioned over a processor-based device. The processor-based device, using a touch screen, for example, may detect the writing on the writing surface and may receive that writing as a touch screen input.

Abstract: A material that phosphoresces may be controlled and the phosphorescence may be terminated when desired. A phosphorescing material may be exposed to an energy source that causes the material to stop phosphorescing. Thus, a pattern may be written on a surface, which is phosphorescing using a coherent energy source. The written pattern, represented by darkened regions, may be recognized by users as a symbol, a graphics or text.

Abstract: A microphone may use boundary layer technology in concert with a concave reflector to produce improved sensitivity. The concave reflector may be arranged with respect to a boundary layer creating surface such that the sound waves are concentrated at the boundary layer creating surface. Thus, an intense compression layer is formed proximate to the boundary layer creating surface. A transducer may arranged in opposition to the boundary layer creating surface to convert the boundary layer energy into an electrical signal.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus adapted for using video input devices to capture illumination information for input to computer graphics applications. The methods include obtaining information from an illuminated region, wherein the illuminated region is generated by passing light from an illumination source through an aperture and impinging that light on a surface; determining a quality of the illumination source derived from the information; and generating an output for use in a computer application, wherein the output is indicative of the quality of the illumination source. The apparatus include an opaque plate having an aperture and second plate adjacent the opaque plate, wherein light from an illumination source passing through the aperture impinges on the second plate, thereby producing an illuminated region on the second plate. Machine-readable medium and systems adapted to utilize the methods and apparatus are included.

Abstract: A subject viewfinder unit includes a viewfinding unit. The viewfinding unit projects a frame target upon receiving a projection signal. A timing unit is coupled to the viewfinding unit. The timing unit generates the projection signal in response to information regarding a timing of when an image sensor of a camera is accumulating charge to form video fields.