Abstract: Methods and apparatus reduce data transmission in a wireless client-server navigation system. A request for data representative of a map-related feature is received at a central server from a mobile unit. Data describing the feature is obtained in the form of line segments interconnecting points having coordinates such as a shapefile or other format. An operation is performed on the data describing the feature to generate data representative of the feature in a data-reduced format, and the data representative of the feature in the data-reduced format is forwarded to the mobile unit issuing the request. The operation responsible for producing the data-reduced format includes the steps of: receiving data describing a map; partitioning the map into a plurality of tiles; designating a reference point within each tile; representing the feature in the form of offsets from the reference points; and wherein the data-reduced format is based upon the reference points and offsets.

Abstract: A navigation system and method uses loops as opposed to existing search techniques to more expeditiously find routes on a map from a starting point to a destination. Roads on a map are traced to form one or more continuous loops. Information regarding the loops is stored for future reference. A starting point and at least one destination are specified, and loops that connect the loops containing the starting point and destination are determined. A route is then formulated from the starting point to the destination using road segments or intersections where the identified loops are mutually contiguous. A list is generated including the loops and the road segments associated therewith. The road segments of an initial loop are examined and, if a road segment or intersection common to a next loop is identified, the road segments of that loop are examined, and so on, until a route from the starting point to the destination is found.

Abstract: A navigation system and method uses loops as opposed to existing search techniques to more expeditiously find routes on a map from a starting point to a destination. Roads on a map are traced to form one or more continuous loops. Information regarding the loops is stored for future reference. A starting point and at least one destination are specified, and loops that connect the loops containing the starting point and destination are determined. A route is then formulated from the starting point to the destination using road segments or intersections where the identified loops are mutually contiguous. A list is generated including the loops and the road segments associated therewith. The road segments of an initial loop are examined and, if a road segment or intersection common to a next loop is identified, the road segments of that loop are examined, and so on, until a route from the starting point to the destination is found.

Abstract: A method of sorting cells, particularly, but not exclusively, sperm cells, is described. The method comprises the use of a surface decontamination medium to strip the cells of any extra-cellular surface contamination and to then subject to stripped cells to a charge based on separation.

Abstract: A method of sorting cells, particularly, but not exclusively, sperm cells, is described. The method comprises the use of a surface decontamination medium to strip the cells of any extra-cellular surface contamination and to then subject to stripped cells to a charge based separation.

Abstract: In an interactive, computer generated animation, a primary element is controlled by a user with a primary controller. A secondary element is controlled by the user with a secondary controller that generally includes a right analog stick. The secondary element is controlled by moving the stick. The secondary element may be controlled during occurrence of an event or prior to a scheduled event.

Abstract: A method of sorting cells, particularly, but not exclusively, sperm cells, is described. The method comprises the use of a surface decontamination medium to strip the cells of any extra-cellular surface contamination and to then subject to stripped cells to a charge based separation.