Abstract: A portable computer that is ergonomic and solvent resistant is disclosed. The computer may have an exterior surface that is made from a soft polymer, so that it will shield a user from exposure to heat while providing a positive tactile feel and shielding the computer from impact. The computer may comprise a number of input output devices with distinct controls arranged about the body of the computer so that a user may comfortably operate each the devices with one hand. The housing of the computer may be sealed, so that it will be resistant to liquid and particulate infiltration, and may be easily wiped clean and disinfected.

Abstract: Systems and methods for providing a status of a teleconference by determining an approximate delay time and providing a status signal in view of the determined approximate delay time are provided. An approximate delay time is approximately the amount of time that will elapse before an occurrence occurring at a first time, which is captured into an occurrence signal by a source unit, will be experienced at a second time after the occurrence signal is received by at least one receiving unit.

Abstract: Described is a system and methods for embedding standard video-taking heuristics into video-recording devices to help improve the quality of captured video for consumer devices. The described approach uses a combination of audio, visual, and haptic feedback that responds to video as it is recorded. This feedback can help users compose better shots as well as help them develop an understanding of the fundamentals of good video-taking.

Abstract: An interactive media player that allows users to view, discuss and interact with any video or audio segment that is owned by the users. In one aspect, a video player graphical user interface presents a video segment in its native, unaltered format and surrounds the video segment with interactive elements with which a user can view related content or create commentary and new content. By tracking metadata such as chapter, timecode, caption and other descriptive information from the video segment, advanced interactions with other users on a network playing the same video segment will be supported without the need to re-encode or duplicate the original video segment. Users can also create new content, such as commentary, audio or video clips that can be associated with a specific section of the video segment and stored on the network so that other users can view and interact with the newly-created content.

Abstract: A portable computer that is ergonomic and solvent resistant is disclosed. The computer may have an exterior surface that is made from a soft polymer, so that it will shield a user from exposure to heat while providing a positive tactile feel and shielding the computer from impact. The computer may comprise a number of input output devices with distinct controls arranged about the body of the computer so that a user may comfortably operate each the devices with one hand. The housing of the computer may be sealed, so that it will be resistant to liquid and particulate infiltration, and may be easily wiped clean and disinfected.

Abstract: A portable computer having multiple modes of connectivity is disclosed. The portable computer may be configured to communicate using several wireless transmission protocols, including WWAN, WiFi, and Bluetooth. The portable computer may also receive input from multiple devices, including a bar code scanner, camera, RFID reader, fingerprint reader, digitizer, and an audio subsystem. The portable computer may also contain an accelerometer, and may be configurable to automatically park its hard drive disk when acceleration of a predetermined magnitude is detected.

Abstract: A system for collecting biological samples, such as fecal specimens, and testing such samples for the presence of an analyte is disclosed. The system comprises a sample collection device that includes a removably secured tab for retaining and transferring a portion of the sample to be tested to the test device. The tab is preferably configured so that it can be received in the test device in only a pre-selected orientation so as to put the portion of the tab carrying the sample in communication with a chromatographic material in the test device.

Abstract: A system for collecting biological samples, such as fecal specimens, and testing such samples for the presence of an analyte is disclosed. The system comprises a sample collection device that includes a removably secured tab for retaining and transferring a portion of the sample to be tested to the test device. The tab is preferably configured so that it can be received in the test device in only a pre-selected orientation so as to put the portion of the tab carrying the sample in communication with a chromatographic material in the test device.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides a multiple chamber container that includes a container body sealed around a peripheral edge and having an outlet. The container also includes a first peel seal having a projecting portion and a second peel seal that isolates the outlet. The second peel seal may also include a projecting portion. The first and second peel seals may be configured to define a symmetrical chamber. The chamber may include an axis of symmetry extending between the first and second projecting portions. The chamber geometry of the container ensures a correct sequential opening of the first and second peel seals.

Abstract: A classification system or classifying images of solder joints has a two-sided classifier to which query cases are presented. It can operate in an environment without task-specific counter-concept cases (“bad examples”) because it filters a library of general counter-concept cases to provide a refined set of counter-concept cases. The filtering is performed by a one-sided classifier, which uses a base of task-specific concept cases to perform the filtration.

Abstract: A low cost single lens array for use in an automatic optical inspection system, so as to reduce parallax, cross talk, and sensitivity to lateral fabrication errors, and a method for stitching together image segments formed by the array. The lens array comprises a plurality of tube-like baffles, within which are disposed single lens sets and linear image sensors. These baffles are typically arranged to provide de-magnified and inverted image segments that are stitched together to provide the entire image of the surface object.

Abstract: A classification system automatically generates an indication that a training feature vector case is a pollutant based on a mis-labelled reference image. It excludes the case from the set, builds a k-nearest neighbour confidence classifier, and then classifies the case using this classifier. The case may be marked as suspect if its classification does not match what is determined, or if they do match, if the confidence level is below a threshold. The system can automatically remove or re-label all suspect cases.

Abstract: The present invention provides an ultra thin tablet computer battery and docking station system. The system comprises of an ultra thin tablet computer system providing an ultra thin tablet computer (339) with edge mounted main battery (347) with an optional extended battery (310) and a docking system (501) for presenting the tablet computer (339) as a monitor to the user in an articulatable manner with or without the extended battery (310) while simultaneously charging the tablets main battery (347) and the extended battery (301) if it is mounted to the tablet computer while docked.

Abstract: Systems and methods for providing a status of a teleconference by determining an approximate delay time and providing a status signal in view of the determined approximate delay time are provided. An approximate delay time is approximately the amount of time that will elapse before an occurrence occurring at a first time, which is captured into an occurrence signal by a source unit, will be experienced at a second time after the occurrence signal is received by at least one receiving unit.

Abstract: A system and apparatus for detecting and evaluating surface conditions on a road surface and atmospheric conditions simultaneously from a vehicle is disclosed. The system comprises a sensor for detecting the presence of deposited material on a road surface, a detector for determining one or more characteristics of the deposited material such as freezing temperature, process means for converting a detected signal and display means for displaying the condition of the road surface, and a sensor for detecting falling precipitation. An embodiment of the present invention includes a remote sensing apparatus which utilizes electromagnetic radiation to sense actual surface material conditions, temperatures, and composition and local atmospheric conditions at the vehicle as it is moving over a travel surface. This information is then processed through a computer in order to determine those additional steps necessary to apply additional materials to the road surface in order to minimize hazardous driving conditions.

Abstract: A surface condition sensing and treatment system includes a transmitter for transmitting electromagnetic radiation (EMR) toward a surface material disposed upon a vehicle travel surface. Reflected EMR is received and signals indicative of the reflected EMR are processed to produce output corresponding to a characteristic of the surface material. Characteristics include friction, depth and composition, including ice present in the surface material. Sensing may be locally or remotely, automatically or manually initiated. The system may include a display and at least one computer with a database of surface material characteristics, historical, environmental and GIS positional information. Sensed characteristics processed with database information may determine a surface treatment, according to a selected outcome or level of service. A spreader system applies the surface treatment responsive to local, remote, automatic or manual command.

Abstract: The present invention provides a docking station (501) for a tablet computer (339) with or without an extended battery (301). This docking station (501) comprises a docking assembly for positioning with three degrees of freedom and having a data connector for mechanically supporting and interfacing with the tablet computer (339). A support member (505) couples the cradle (507) assembly to an expansion base (503). The base (503) includes a number of ports (54, 56, 60, 62) for interfacing with a variety of peripheral devices or power supplies. These varieties of ports mount to a printed circuit board contained within the expansion base (503). A flexible printed circuit (FPC) (64) combines the signal pathways for the variety of ports, allowing the signal pathways to travel from the printed circuit board (64) and to the data connector (519).

Abstract: A system for collecting biological samples, such as fecal specimens, and testing such samples for the presence of an analyte is disclosed. The system comprises a sample collection device that includes a removably secured tab for retaining and transferring a portion of the sample to be tested to the test device. The tab is preferably configured so that it can be received in the test device in only a pre-selected orientation so as to put the portion of the tab carrying the sample in communication with a chromatographic material in the test device.

Abstract: A machine vision system comprising a structured light illuminator, a camera, an image processor, and a controller, wherein the controller dynamically adjusts parameters for structured illumination according to actual position of a subject being inspected.

Abstract: The present invention provides a tablet computer and a docking station assembly. This docking station includes a docking assembly for positioning with three degrees of freedom and having a data connector for mechanically supporting and interfacing with the tablet computer. A support member couples the docking assembly to an expansion base. The base includes a number of ports for interfacing with a variety of peripheral devices or power supplies. These varieties of ports mount to a printed circuit board contained within the expansion base. A flexible printed circuit (FPC) combines the signal pathways for the variety of ports, allowing the signal pathways to travel from the printed circuit board and to the data connector. The tablet computing device has a plurality of contact or touch points positioned on the right and left edges of the tablet to facilitate aligning the tablet to the docking assembly in either a landscape or portrait mode.