Abstract: An ambient-aware headset is described. A mixer coupled to an external audio source receives an external audio signal. The mixer is also coupled to an ambient audio source to receive an ambient audio signal. The mixer mixes the external audio signal and the ambient audio signal according to a specified relationship. A speaker coupled to the mixer emits the external audio signal and the ambient audio signal into an ear canal of a user after the external audio signal and the ambient audio signal have been mixed by the mixer.

Abstract: A method of moving an object on a drag plane in a virtual three-dimensional (3D) space, includes selecting the object using a cursor, moving the cursor to a location, creating a reference plane, projecting movement of the cursor to the location to an interim point on the reference plane, projecting the interim point onto the drag plane, and displaying the object at the location on the drag plane.

Abstract: An electronic image of a document that includes a printed text portion and a handwritten portion is formed, and a part of the printed text portion in the image is identified as being associated with the handwritten portion. A correlation between a digital version of the handwritten portion and digital text representing the previously-identified part of the printed text portion is stored.

Abstract: A three dimensional (3D) space is rendered to a user. The 3D space includes a 2D surface that is oblique to the display when rendered. An indicator constrained to the surface is used to determine the position of a user's intent.

Abstract: A target object is selected in a virtual three-dimensional space by identifying objects, including the target object, in the virtual three-dimensional space, determining distances between the objects and a point in the virtual three-dimensional space, prioritizing the objects based on distances and identities of the objects, and selecting the target object from among the objects based on priority.

Abstract: Conveying a relationship between two objects in a scene is accomplished by selecting source and destination ends of an imaginary line between the objects in the scene, a source object being located at the source end, a destination object being located at the destination end. An image representing the destination object may be displayed near the source end of the imaginary line. The image may be animated to the location of the destination object along the imaginary line. A relationship indicator, such as a line, may also be displayed between the source object and the image as the image is animated to the destination end.

Abstract: A method and apparatus to enhance the visualization of a 3D graphics scene. A first 3D view of the graphics scene is generated from a first viewing position and a second 3D view of the graphics scene is generated from a second viewing position. The two views are then displayed alternately to produce a “shaking” effect to enhance the 3D visualization.

Abstract: A system manipulates an object in a three-dimensional graphical scene that includes a graphical camera in a first position and a first orientation. The system receives an object manipulation indication and identifies an improved viewing location of the camera for manipulation the object. The system then moves the camera to a second position and second orientation based on the improved viewing location. Finally, the system receives an end of object manipulation indication and moves the camera back to the first position and first location.

Abstract: Systems and methods are introduced for evaluating the relevance of rich media material. A topic and a document are received, and the document is divided into various pieces. The relevance of each piece is evaluated with respect to the received topic, and these individual evaluations are combined in some way into a surrogate representation of the relevance.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for automated dynamics of three-dimensional graphics scenes for enhanced 3D visualization by a user. In accordance with one embodiment, a virtual camera, which creates the 3D graphics scene by capturing a viewing perspective of a 3D space, is moved a small distance along the surface of a plane between first and second viewing positions of the 3D space. Subsequently, the camera “shakes” by repetitively shifting between the first and second viewing positions, thereby improving a user's depth perception of objects present within the 3D space. In an alternative embodiment, the movement of the virtual camera between the first and second viewing positions is animated, thereby creating a series of additional viewing positions between the first and second viewing positions. The “shaking” of the 3D scene is subtle and does not interfere with the user's understanding of the scene.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for facilitating navigation in three-dimensional graphics scenes. As a user changes from one viewing position to another within these 3D scenes, an opportunistic control button is displayed on the computer screen for selection via a user-input device, such as a mouse. Selection of this control button enables the user to assume the viewing position that was observed immediately preceding the user's current viewing position. In one embodiment, the control button appears on the display directly under the cursor (i.e., mouse pointer) at the time that the current viewing position appears, regardless of where the cursor is located on the screen. Advantageously, the user is able to assume previously viewed positions within 3D scenes with relative ease.

Abstract: A system and method for determining the relevance of streaming data using numerical evaluations contained in topic vectors. A query is generated and a topic-evaluation vector is received. The topic-evaluation vector is compared to the generated query, and an action is taken based on the results of the comparison.

Abstract: A portable storage medium is used to store data and provide access to information from an information dissemination system (IDS). The storage medium can store one or more location/key pairs. Each of the location/key pairs designates a particular IDS location as well as an access key to the particular IDS location. The storage medium can also store a plurality of information units. The information units are categorized into levels of information categories with at least one information category per level and at least one information unit per information category. Levels of information categories can be individually accessed and categories of information units within levels can be selectively downloaded.

Abstract: An odor-free hot-mix asphalt composition consists essentially of liquid asphalt, or a hot-mix asphalt or a hot mix, cold lay asphalt, or a rubberized hot mix asphalt or a hot mix asphalt with added latex, containing an effective amount of an additive comprising a citrus terpene (4-isopropyl 1-methylcyclohexene) D-limonene mixed with a vegetable oil such as cottonseed oil, soya oil, rapeseed (canola) oil, peanut oil, corn oil, sunflower oil, palm oil, coconut oil, and palm kernel oil. etc. and an effective amount of a silicone oil dispersant. A preferred additive composition consists essentially of 10-15 parts citrus terpene (D-limonene) and 85-90 parts vegetable oil, and an effective amount up to about 2 parts silicone oil, the parts in the composition totaling 100. When 0.5-1.0 parts of this composition are mixed with 99.0-99.5 parts liquid asphalt the resulting liquid asphalt composition is substantially free of characteristic asphalt odors, and other objectionable odors.

Abstract: A fluid carrier is made up of at least a flexible inner container, a nozzle and an outer substantially rigid shell which may or may not be compressible or expandable and which can be enclosed with a protective enclosure prior to use. Carrier kits can also include flares, reflectors and other equipment.

Abstract: An improved method of prevention of adhesion of hot-mix asphalt to dump trucks and other containers or equipment comprises preparing an aqueous dispersion of a vegetable oil and applying the dispersion to the surface of the container before loading the hot-mix asphalt therein. Vegetable oils which are useful as release agents in aqeous dispersion include cottonseed oil, soya oil, rate (canola) oil, peanut oil, corn oil, sunflower oil, palm oil, coconut oil, and palm kernel oil. The oil is emulsified in water, using a suitable emulsifier, preferably a sorbitol base emulsifier, in the amount of 1-5 oz. per gallon of water. The oil and emulsifier are preferably premixed and supplied as a self-emulsifier composition. The resulting emulsion is applied in an amount to provide a thin coating on the wall of the container or equipment. The emulsion is applied in the amount of 3-4 qts. to coat a dump truck or 4-6 qts. to coat a trailer. The hot-mix asphalt is easily removed from the container, i.e.

Abstract: An improved anti-stripping additive for asphalt/aggregate composition used in constructing and repairing highways, pavements, driveways and parking lots consists essentially of a citrus terpene (4-isopropyl 1-methylcyclohexene) D-limonene mixed with a vegetable oil such as cottonseed oil, soya oil, rapeseed (canola) oil, peanut oil, corn oil, sunflower oil, palm oil, coconut oil, and palm kernel oil, etc. and a silicone oil dispersant. A preferred composition cosists essentially of 10-15 parts citrus terpene (D-limonene) and 85-90 parts vegetable oil, and an effective amount, up to 2 parts, of silicone oil, for dispersing the vegetable oil and terpene, the parts in the composition totaling 100. When 0.5-1.0 parts of this composition are mixed with 99.0-99.5 parts asphalt and 4-8 parts of the mixture are added to 92-96 parts of aggregate, the resulting asphalt/aggregate may be used as a hot-mix asphalt, hot-mix cold lay asphalt, slurry seal and precoat asphalt for paving.

Abstract: An improved apparatus for pouring molten metal into a mold or other cavity. The apparatus includes a tiltable pouring ladle having a pouring spout disposed coaxially with the axis of rotation or tilt of the ladle to permit pouring of metal in a direction coincident with such axis of rotation. The apparatus is further provided with a positionable pouring trough for directing molten metal from the pouring spout to a pouring cup located at any position on the mold surface. With this apparatus, a fixed relationship between the pouring spout, the pouring trough, and the mold surface at any phase of the pouring process may be maintained such that the trajectory of molten metal being poured through air is minimized. The ladle is shaped such that molten metal may be poured at a rate proportional to the tilting rate of the ladle. The ladle also includes apparatus for preventing impurities such as slag or dross inclusions introduced into the ladle with the molten metal from being poured into the casting.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for imparting a permanent variegated pattern to a reconstituted tobacco sheet by selectively densifying areas of the sheet in the presence of heat.

Abstract: A tuning system has been devised for timpani and similar percussion instruments of the type having a removable head or skin positioned across the upper end of a sound chamber and terminating in an outer edge surrounding the upper circular edge of the chamber with a hoop or other suitable bead affixed around its outer edge. In order to facilitate ease of replacement of the head, a hoop retainer is provided with open-throated connectors at spaced circumferential intervals each adapted to receive the upper enlarged end of a tuning post assembly which forms a part of each of a series of tuning units comprising the tuning system. Each tuning post assembly is so constructed and arranged as to permit simultaneous adjustment through a common chain drive to loosen or tighten the head in order to change its pitch; and further to permit individual vertical adjustment of each tuning post assembly to effect localized changes in pitch by loosening or tightening the head in the area adjacent to that tuning unit.