Abstract: A movable-vehicle security system includes a facial-recognition system including a scanner such as a television or infrared camera directed at the face of a person in the driver's seat, which system produces output control signals that are applied to enable or disable operation of the vehicle, with or without a key or other supplemental security system. In a particular embodiment, the system includes a camera mounted on the “third taillight” assembly (which is preferably mounted below the roof and inside the rear window), directed at the rear-view mirror, and coupled to a facial-recognition computer, which in turn is coupled (with appropriate security precautions) to an enabling element for the vehicle, such as a starter motor. In a further embodiment, the system can be coupled to various elements of the motive system to create an auto-starting car.

Abstract: A machine tool apparatus is provided employing a plurality of tool heads which may be sequentially or simultaneously automatically controlled to perform preprogrammed operations on either the same or different workpieces. In one form, a plurality of tool heads are supported on the same frame, guideway or track and may be separate prepositioned or driven under remote or automatic control to perform preprogrammed operations either in sequence or simultaneously on the same workpiece or simultaneously on separate workpieces spaced apart on a common conveyor such as a flight conveyor while the conveyor is either in motion or stationary. In another form, the conveyor is automatically stopped with units of work thereon, each disposed so as to be predeterminately located with respect to a respective machine tool which has been prepositioned adjacent the work-holding conveyor.

Abstract: A movable-vehicle security system includes a facial-recognition system including a scanner such as a television or infrared camera directed at the face of a person in the driver's seat, which system produces output control signals that are applied to enable or disable operation of the vehicle, with or without a key or other supplemental security system. In a particular embodiment, the system includes a camera mounted on the “third taillight” assembly (which is preferably mounted below the roof and inside the rear window), directed at the rear-view mirror, and coupled to a facial-recognition computer, which in turn is coupled (with appropriate security precautions) to an enabling element for the vehicle, such as a starter motor. In a further embodiment, the system can be coupled to various elements of the motive system to create an auto-starting car.

Abstract: A system and method of using a combination of audio signal modification technologies integrated with hearing capability profiles, modern computer vision, speech recognition, and expert systems for use by a hearing impaired individual to improve speech intelligibility.

Abstract: A machine tool apparatus is provided employing a plurality of tool heads which may be sequentially or simultaneously automatically controlled to perform preprogrammed operations on either the same or different workpieces. In one form, a plurality of tool heads are supported on the same frame, guideway or track and may be separate prepositioned or driven under remote or automatic control to perform preprogrammed operations wither in sequence or simultaneously on the same workpiece or simultaneously on separate workpieces spaced apart on a common conveyor such as a flight conveyor while the conveyor is either in motion or stationary. In another form, the conveyor is automatically stopped with units of work thereon, each disposed so as to be predeterminately located with respect to a respective machine tool which has been prepositioned adjacent the work-holding conveyor.

Abstract: A bar code (10) has primary information (46, 48, 50, 51) encoded in one direction (e.g., horizontally) and secondary information (13, 21, 36) encoded in another direction (e.g., vertically) in single (11) or multiple tracks (35) in selected ones of the vertical bars (11) of a bar code (10). Using a non-linear, variable amplitude scanner, all of the bars are scanned in the one direction to obtain all of the primary information and all of those vertical bars having secondary information are scanned in the other direction to obtain all of the secondary information. The one direction which is perpendicular to the vertical bars (11), is determined by first rotating the scan path axis (86, 87) until both start (46) and end (48) code bars are read thereby placing the scan path entirely within the total bar code, and, then, further rotating the scan path (88, 89) to determine the direction of the minimum crossing width (Lsc 80) of the total bar code (10).

Abstract: An apparatus and method for producing elongated strip, wire or cable, a portion or all of which is defined by electrically superconducting material. An elongated wire, strip or cable is controllably coated with one or more materials which define a superconducting layer thereon or a plurality of such superconducting layers which bond or solidify on the substrate. In a particular form, the superconductor is formed as a layer secured to a wire-like substrate having an outer stratum that is electrically insulative, and a second layer of insulating material is secured to the outer surface of the superconductor layer. In one embodiment, the substrate may be an optically transparent light pipe, such as made of glass.

Abstract: A system and method assists the driver of a motor vehicle in preventing accidents or minimizing the effects of same. In one form, a television camera or other ranging device is mounted on a vehicle and scans the roadway ahead of the vehicle as the vehicle travels. Continuously generated video picture signals output by the camera are electronically processed and analyzed by a fuzzy-logic-based image analyzing computer mounted in the controlled vehicle, which generates control signals and applies them to control the operation of the accelerator, brake, and steering system of the vehicle in a coordinated way to attempt to avoid or lessen the effects of a collision. In a particular form, the decision computer may select the evasive action taken from a number of choices, depending on whether and where the detection device senses other vehicles and obstacles. Warning signals may also be generated.

Abstract: Global positioning system inputs are used in a manufacturing process where location of a work piece relative to a robotic manipulator is input into a control system. The manipulator is located and tracked by using “GPS” signals, as is an associated work piece. Radio signal based position indicators associated with work pieces transmit work piece location and status. In some embodiments manipulator locations are sensed by position indicators associated with manipulators and signals relating to the position of the manipulators are transmitted to the control system. The control system controls the manipulator and may also control material handling equipment for the transport of work pieces.

Abstract: System and method for detecting, monitoring and evaluating hazardous situations in a structure includes the use of an expert system and, to the extent necessary, fuzzy logic in the generation of solution sets. Sensor units having two-way communication capability are strategically located in a structure or in a matrix of structures. These units are high-level multifunctional detectors, RF and other wireless or hardwired communication modules and signal generating systems that may communicate with a base station, with other modules and/or may have onboard logical solution generation capacity.

Abstract: Systems and methods are disclosed for displaying data on a head's-up display screen. Multiple forms of data can be selectively displayed on a semi-transparent screen mounted in the user's normal field of view. The screen can either be mounted on the user's head, or mounted on a moveable implement and positioned in front of the user. A user interface is displayed on the screen including a moveable cursor and a menu of computer control icons. An eye-tracking system is mounted proximate the user and is employed to control movement of the cursor. By moving and focusing his or her eyes on a specific icon, the user controls the cursor to move to select the icon. When an icon is selected, a command computer is controlled to acquire and display data on the screen. The data is typically superimposed over the user's normal field of view.

Abstract: A movable-vehicle security system includes a facial-recognition system including a scanner such as a television or infrared camera directed at the face of a person in the driver's seat, which system produces output control signals that are applied to enable or disable operation of the vehicle, with or without a key or other supplemental security system. In a particular embodiment, the system includes a camera mounted on the “third taillight” assembly (which is preferably mounted below the roof and inside the rear window), directed at the rear-view mirror, and coupled to a facial-recognition computer, which in turn is coupled (with appropriate security precautions) to an enabling element for the vehicle, such as a starter motor. In a further embodiment, the system can be coupled to various elements of the motive system to create an auto-starting car.

Abstract: A movable-vehicle security system includes a facial-recognition system including a scanner such as a television or infrared camera directed at the face of a person in the driver's seat, which system produces output control signals that are applied to enable or disable operation of the vehicle, with or without a key or other supplemental security system. In a particular embodiment, the system includes a camera mounted on the “third taillight” assembly (which is preferably mounted below the roof and inside the rear window), directed at the rear-view mirror, and coupled to a facial-recognition computer, which in turn is coupled (with appropriate security precautions) to an enabling element for the vehicle, such as a starter motor. In a further embodiment, the system can be coupled to various elements of the motive system to create an auto-starting car.

Abstract: An audio photograph or picture 2 made of a photograph or picture material 6 having an image area 12 for providing at least one photographic or picture image and further having an audio system 4 embedded within the photograph or picture material 6. The audio system 4 comprises a recording system for recording and storing audio information and a playback system for playing audio information. The components of the audio system 4 are made from ultra-thin, compact, and flexible materials, and these components are made paper-thin.

Abstract: A system and method for generating and displaying three-dimensional images of a scene 6 on a screen 12 that provides multiple viewing positions for one or more viewers 16. A stereoscopic video capture system 2 and 4 picks up video images 3 and 5 of the scene 6. A video signal processing unit processes the video images into video signals. The video signal processing unit has a graphics controller 8 for controlling and processing the video signals into stereoscopic display signals. A display unit 10 displays the stereoscopic display signals as stereoscopic display images on the screen 12, and the graphics controller 8 manipulates the stereoscopic display images to provide multiple viewing positions of the stereoscopic display signals on the display unit 10 of the screen 12 to the one or more viewers 16. Multiple viewing angles and distances are provided for the one or more viewers 16. The stereoscopic display images are oscillated to provide multiple viewing angles.

Abstract: An audio photograph or picture 2 made of a photograph or picture material 6 having an image area 12 for providing at least one photographic or picture image and further having an audio system 4 embedded within the photograph or picture material 6. The audio system 4 comprises a recording system for recording and storing audio information and a playback system for playing audio information. The components of the audio system 4 are made from ultra-thin, compact, and flexible materials, and these components are made paper-thin.

Abstract: A machine tool method employs a plurality of tools which may be sequentially or simultaneously automatically controlled to perform preprogrammed operations by either the same or different workpieces. A unit of work is conveyed to be operated on by selected of the plurality of tools that are controllably operated at respective work locating positions. A plurality of command control message signals are generated to perform preprogrammed operations either in sequence or simultaneously on the same workpiece or simultaneously on separate workpieces spaced apart on a common conveyor such as a flight conveyor while the conveyor is either in motion or stationary. In another form, the conveyor is automatically stopped with units of work thereon, each disposed so as to be predeterminately located with respect to a respective machine tool which has been prepositioned adjacent the work-holding conveyor.

Abstract: A system and method assists the driver of a motor vehicle in preventing accidents or minimizing the effects of same. In one form, a television camera is mounted on a vehicle and scans the roadway ahead of the vehicle as the vehicle travels. Continuously generated video picture signals output by the camera are electronically processed and analyzed by an image analyzing computer, which generates codes that serve to identify obstacles. A decision computer mounted in the controlled vehicle receives such code signals along with code signals generated by the speedometer or one or more sensors sensing steering mechanism operation and generates control signals. Such code signals may be displayed, and a synthetic speech or special sound generating and warning means used, to warn the driver of the vehicle of approaching and existing hazards.

Abstract: System and method for detecting, monitoring and evaluating hazardous situations in a structure includes the use of an expert system and, to the extent necessary, fuzzy logic in the generation of solution sets. Sensor units having two-way communication capability are strategically located in a structure or in a matrix of structures. These units are high-level multifunctional detectors, RF and other wireless or hardwired communication modules and signal generating systems that may communicate with a base station, with other modules and/or may have onboard logical solution generation capacity.

Abstract: A fuzzy logic based emergency flight control system for an aircraft. The system has a thrust vectoring flight control system, an aerodynamic flight control system, and a fuzzy logic controller. The thrust vectoring flight control system provides thrust to the aircraft in an emergency situation alone or in combination with aerodynamic flight controls. The fuzzy logic controller executes fuzzy logic algorithms for assessing the emergency situation and controlling the aircraft thrust vectoring and aerodynamic flight control systems in the emergency situation. An adjustable nozzle is coupled to an exhaust thrust end of an engine of the aircraft and is angularly adjusted to direct thrust of the aircraft in a determined direction after fuzzy logic controller assessment of the emergency situation.