Abstract: Racks are disclosed for storing a plurality of wine bottles, each bottle having a bottom portion and a neck portion. Each rack comprises a housing having two opposing side panels connected to a back panel, at least one of the side panels having a plurality of holes or notches. One or more structures are provided in the housing to receive the bottom portions of the wine bottles, such that the bottles are stored at angles with the neck of each wine bottle extending outwardly through a respective one of the holes or notches. The side panels may curve into an upper point to form a boat-shaped housing. The rack may include a plurality of V-shaped structures or a zigzag structure mounted on the back panel to receive the bottom portions of the wine bottles. Mirror-image and staggered bottle storage embodiments are described.

Abstract: Digital imagery is composed or composited within a smartphone or other portable electronic device to merge foreground and background subject matter acquired simultaneously with different cameras or acquired at different times with the same camera. A processor stores the digital imagery along with information derived or used by an operation to differentiate the foreground subject matter from the background scene, which may be a digital matting operation, and/or may involve finding an edge or an outline of the foreground subject matter. The foreground subject matter and the background scene may be stored as different graphical layers in the memory. A user control such as a touchscreen may enable a user to select and resize or reposition the foreground subject matter on a background scene of a separately acquired image. The digital imagery may constitute a still image or a sequence of images representative of motion video.

Abstract: A wireless remote control system provides very low power operation and automatic addressing. In one disclosed example, the remote-control transmitter is battery operated, the receiver is powered from the AC line, and the system functions as a remotely operated switch to control lights or other devices or appliances. Battery life is extremely long, limited only by corrosion and other shelf-life issues. The transmitter is automatically programmed by a receiver using a very short range auxiliary signaling system when the transmitter is brought into close proximity to a receiver. The auxiliary signaling system transfers operational parameters from the receiver to the transmitter, enabling the transmitter to operate with the correct codes and on the correct frequency. Multiple switch transmitters may control a single operating device, and so that remotes can be added arbitrarily. Once programmed, the transmitter sends out a repetitive, unitized message in a continuous sequence to control the receiver.

Abstract: An apparatus integrates a plurality of television signal sources into a cohesive audio/video environment. Internal provisions include a standard broadcast-frequency tuner, cable tuner as well as other optional inputs such as for a direct-broadcast satellite, previously recorded video material, etc. In the preferred embodiment, means are provided whereby a main or primary program channel may be linked to additional channels providing supplementary information to enhance resolution, sound quality, or to facilitate special effects.

Abstract: Improvements enhance the use of portable communications devices such as cellular telephones. According to one embodiment, data storage capacity is added to the device, such that if a “speed-dial” type operation is initiated, the device is operative to announce a pre-recorded message previously associated by the user with that key sequence, such as the number and/or person being dialed. Another feature enables the user to program a series of telephone numbers before in advance. In this way, the user is able to initiate the dialing of the numbers sequentially, without having to select or key in information for each call while driving. Yet another aspect of the invention offers the ability to interact with GPS (“Global Positioning Satellite”) information. In some scenarios, it may be advantageous to be able to switch the communications link (say, between different carrier services, such as “Air-Touch Cellular” or “Sprint PCS”) as the communications device is moved to different locations.

Abstract: A personal listening system uses the FM broadcast band for transmission and reception. The system includes a base unit and physically separate right- and left-ear listening units. The base unit includes an FM stereo transmitter. Each listening unit demodulates and amplifies the received signal, but the right-ear unit only amplifies the right channel and the left-ear unit only amplifies the left channel. The base unit may be a digital music player, book reader, video player, smart cellular telephone, or any other portable device. The base unit may include a display for displaying the selected FM frequency. The base unit may be a self-contained or integrated unit, or a device that couples to a digital music player, smart cellular telephone or other device to receive the audio signal therefrom. The right- and left-ear listening units may be any type of on-ear, in-ear or around-ear sound delivery devices including earbuds.

Abstract: A projected still or video image is controlled with light generated by a laser pointer, for example. A device with a projector and a display controller projects an image onto a surface, and an image sensor views the projected image. A handheld device outputs a beam of light. A controller receives information from the image sensor regarding the presence or movement of light from the handheld device interacting with the projected image on the surface, and a control function is implemented if the light from the handheld device interacts with the projected image in accordance with a stored predetermined visual interactions such as encircling, “scratching,” or other movements. The controller may be programmed to recognize light of a specific laser wavelength in conjunction with a control operation.

Abstract: An apparatus integrates a plurality of television signal sources into a cohesive audio/video environment. Internal provisions include a standard broadcast-frequency tuner, cable tuner as well as other optional inputs such as for a direct-broadcast satellite, previously recorded video material, etc. In the preferred embodiment, means are provided whereby a main or primary program channel may be linked to additional channels providing supplementary information to enhance resolution, sound quality, or to facilitate special effects.

Abstract: A personal listening system uses the FM broadcast band for transmission and reception. The system includes a base unit and physically separate right- and left-ear listening units. The base unit includes an FM stereo transmitter. Each listening unit demodulates and amplifies the received signal, but the right-ear unit only amplifies the right channel and the left-ear unit only amplifies the left channel. The base unit may be a digital music player, book reader, video player, smart cellular telephone, or any other portable device. The base unit may include a display for displaying the selected FM frequency. The base unit may be a self-contained or integrated unit, or a device that couples to a digital music player, smart cellular telephone or other device to receive the audio signal therefrom. The right- and left-ear listening units may be any type of on-ear, in-ear or around-ear sound delivery devices including earbuds.

Abstract: Battery recharging apparatus for smart phones and other mobile devices eliminates the need to carry a separate charger and/or cord. A cradle receiving the portable electronic device includes a plug with at least two prongs configured to plug into a wall outlet supplying AC line voltage. A power supply in the case converts the AC line voltage into a low DC voltage, and a connector, configured to mate with the power input connector, provides the low DC voltage to the portable electronic device. The plug may include pivoting prongs that fold into the case during periods of non-use. Alternatively, a plug may be provided with a retractable cord enabling a user to extend the cord and plug for charging purposes and retract the cord and plug into the case during periods of non-use. The case may further include an auxiliary rechargeable battery.

Abstract: An apparatus integrates a plurality of television signal sources into a cohesive audio/video environment. Internal provisions include a standard broadcast-frequency tuner, cable tuner as well as other optional inputs such as for a direct-broadcast satellite, previously recorded video material, etc. In the preferred embodiment, means are provided whereby a main or primary program channel may be linked to additional channels providing supplementary information to enhance resolution, sound quality, or to facilitate special effects.

Abstract: A projected still or video image is controlled with light generated by a laser pointer, for example. A device with a projector and a display controller projects an image onto a surface, and an image sensor views the projected image. A handheld device outputs a beam of light. A controller receives information from the image sensor regarding the presence or movement of light from the handheld device interacting with the projected image on the surface, and a control function is implemented if the light from the handheld device interacts with the projected image in accordance with a stored predetermined visual interactions such as encircling, “scratching,” or other movements. The controller may be programmed to recognize light of a specific laser wavelength in conjunction with a control operation.

Abstract: Smartphones and other portable electronic devices include self-training, lip-reading, and/or eye-tracking capabilities. In one disclosed method, an eye-tracking application is operative to use the video camera of the device to track the eye movements of the user while text is being entered or read on the display. If it is determined that the user is moving at a rate of speed associated with motor vehicle travel, as though GPS or other methods, a determination is made if the user is engaged in a text-messaging session, and if the user is looking away from the device during the text-messaging session assumptions may be made about texting while driving, including corrective actions.

Abstract: A wireless remote control system provides very low power operation and automatic addressing. In one disclosed example, the remote-control transmitter is battery operated, the receiver is powered from the AC line, and the system functions as a remotely operated switch to control lights or other devices or appliances. Battery life is extremely long, limited only by corrosion and other shelf-life issues. The transmitter is automatically programmed by a receiver using a very short range auxiliary signaling system when the transmitter is brought into close proximity to a receiver. The auxiliary signaling system transfers operational parameters from the receiver to the transmitter, enabling the transmitter to operate with the correct codes and on the correct frequency. Multiple switch transmitters may control a single operating device, and so that remotes can be added arbitrarily. Once programmed, the transmitter sends out a repetitive, unitized message in a continuous sequence to control the receiver.

Abstract: A secure transaction method involves establishing an electronically accessible verification site authorized by the holder of a credit or debit card, and accessing the verification site by a merchant to determine whether a request for goods or services is authorized. The request for goods or services is based upon the use of the credit or debit card, but the card is not physically presented. The verification site is an electronic mail account which may be established by the merchant, card holder or other authorized person or entity. An authorization message is preferably sent from the site to the merchant in response to the step of accessing the verification site by the merchant. The verification site may also be wirelessly accessible, enabling an authorization message to be delivered through a cellular telephone, personal digital assistant, or other mobile device.

Abstract: A secure transaction method involves establishing an electronically accessible verification site authorized by the holder of a credit or debit card, and accessing the verification site by a merchant to determine whether a request for goods or services is authorized. The request for goods or services is based upon the use of the credit or debit card, but the card is not physically presented. The verification site is an electronic mail account which may be established by the merchant, card holder or other authorized person or entity. An authorization message is preferably sent from the site to the merchant in response to the step of accessing the verification site by the merchant. The verification site may also be wirelessly accessible, enabling an authorization message to be delivered through a cellular telephone, personal digital assistant, or other mobile device.

Abstract: A system for manual or automatic correction of geometric or video image distortions introduced by projection onto obliquely angled or imperfect surfaces. Sensors may be disposed at the projector itself, at the projected image surface, or in a portable remote-control unit. Corrections may be applied as part of an original set-up process, or dynamically as the configuration changes. Image-stabilization techniques are utilized where applicable, as is the use of test patterns and the incorporation of “helper” signals into the video image. Tactile-sensing capabilities provide an interactive environment, and various packaging configurations for projection units and sensor provisions are disclosed.

Abstract: A video indexing system uses pictures representative of a recorded video program to assist a user in determining the contents of a recorded medium without having to view the program itself. The pictures preferably represent segments of the program which are spaced apart in time, enabling a relatively small number of such pictures to characterize a lengthy program, and are presented in separate windows on the screen of the same device used to display the video program. The pictures may include still or moving imagery. A viewer optionally may select a particular picture with a pointing device, to commence replay of the recorded program from that period in the program, or to recall stored audio information so as to assist in identifying the selection. The picture information may be stored on the same medium as that used to record the video program, or a different medium may be used.

Abstract: A personal listening system uses the FM broadcast band for transmission and reception. The system includes a base unit and physically separate right- and left-ear listening units. The base unit includes an FM stereo transmitter. Each listening unit demodulates and amplifies the received signal, but the right-ear unit only amplifies the right channel and the left-ear unit only amplifies the left channel. The base unit may be a digital music player, book reader, video player, smart cellular telephone, or any other portable device. The base unit may include a display for displaying the selected FM frequency. The base unit may be a self-contained or integrated unit, or a device that couples to a digital music player, smart cellular telephone or other device to receive the audio signal therefrom. The right- and left-ear listening units may be any type of on-ear, in-ear or around-ear sound delivery devices including earbuds.

Abstract: A video indexing system uses pictures representative of a recorded video program to assist a user in determining the contents of a recorded medium without having to view the program itself. The pictures preferably represent segments of the program which are spaced apart in time, enabling a relatively small number of such pictures to characterize a lengthy program, and are presented in separate windows on the screen of the same device used to display the video program. The pictures may include still or moving imagery. A viewer optionally may select a particular picture with a pointing device, to commence replay of the recorded program from that period in the program, or to recall stored audio information so as to assist in identifying the selection. The picture information may be stored on the same medium as that used to record the video program, or a different medium may be used.