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: Methods and apparatus enable an image-viewing system to automatically zoom in and out as target subset matter is tracked. A hand-held body with a lens gathers an image including target subject matter. An image sensor having a resolution in pixels receives the image, and a viewfinder displays at least a portion of the image received by the image sensor. By virtue of the invention, apparatus for automatically zooming out the image displayed in the viewfinder if relative movement is detected between the target subject matter and the body and, and automatically zooming in the image displayed in the viewfinder if the relative movement of the target subject matter slows down or becomes stationary. A power zoom lens may effectuate the automatic zooming, or the zooming may be accomplished digitally without moving parts. The body may form part of a camera, video recorder, binoculars or telescope.

Abstract: A system, kit and method are disclosed to support a variety of plants, including tomato plants, flowers such as peonies and roses, small trees and bushes. A rod having a cross-sectional geometry with upper and lower ends defining a length includes a socket configured to receive the lower end of another one of the rods, enabling a plurality of the rods to be stacked. A plurality of retainer components are spaced apart along the length of the rod, each retainer component including one or more capture devices, each capture device being configured to retain a portion of a flexible member. The lower end of one or more of the rods may then be placed into the ground proximate to a live plant with the flexible member positioned around at least a portion of the plant and attached at one or more of the capture devices to support the plant.

Abstract: A zone-based heating, ventilating, and air conditioning (HVAC) system uses occupant sensors and controllable vents to favor environmental conditions in occupied areas. A plurality of comfort delivery devices are provided, each being associated with at least one of the zones, each comfort delivery device being responsible for delivering a change in climate to its respective zone through the HVAC unit. A sending unit is disposed in each zone, the sending unit including a first sensor for determining whether the zone is occupied by one or more persons, a second sensor for determining an environmental condition in the zone, and a communications device for outputting a signal relating to the occupancy and environmental condition. A control unit includes an input for receiving the signal from each sending unit and selectively activating and deactivating the comfort delivery devices to prioritize the climate control provided by the HVAC unit to zones that are occupied.

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: 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 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: 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 method of transferring user preferences from one computer to another is based upon a transportable data storage medium. Information relating to the user's computer configuration preferences are recorded on the medium at a first computer, which is then loaded at a second computer, so as to at least temporarily configure the second computer in accordance with the information stored on the transportable medium. The information stored on the medium may effectuate various configuration changes at the second computer, including the generation of a preferred desktop graphical interface. The storage medium may also include information relating to wired or wireless network or dial-up communications preferences, application programs, one or more user files or information relating thereto. The method may further include the step of accessing a remote location to at least temporarily configure the second computer in accordance with the information stored on the transportable medium.

Abstract: A method of transferring user preferences from one computer to another is based upon a transportable data storage medium. Information relating to the user's computer configuration preferences are recorded on the medium at a first computer, which is then loaded at a second computer, so as to at least temporarily configure the second computer in accordance with the information stored on the transportable medium. The information stored on the medium may effectuate various configuration changes at the second computer, including the generation of a preferred desktop graphical interface. The storage medium may also include information relating to wired or wireless network or dial-up communications preferences, application programs, one or more user files or information relating thereto. The method may further include the step of accessing a remote location to at least temporarily configure the second computer in accordance with the information stored on the transportable medium.

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: The perception of a displayed image is altered for viewers moving relative to the position of the display system screen, thereby imparting a sense of three-dimensional immersion in the scene being displayed. A display generator generates a scene having foreground and background elements, and a display screen displaying the scene. A sensor detects the position of a viewer relative to the display screen, and a processor is operative to shift the relative position of the foreground and background elements in the displayed scene as a function of viewer position, such that the viewer's perspective of the scene changes as the viewer moves relative to the display screen. The foreground and background elements may be presented in the form of multiple superimposed graphics planes, and/or a camera may be used to record the scene through panning at sequential angles.

Abstract: A method of enhancing an electronic communication is disclosed, be it in the form of a message, file, or other type of transmission. The method includes the steps of transmitting and receiving a message or file with a content and, along with the message or file, transmitting and receiving enhancement information enabling a recipient of the message or file to more fully appreciate the content. In one embodiment, the enhancement information enables the recipient to visualize the sender or listen to the content of a message. For example, the enhancement information may include phonemes enabling the recipient to listen to the content of a message in a synthesized voice of the sender. In all embodiments, the enhancement information may be stored at the location of the recipient to limit the need for retransmission thereof.

Abstract: A method of enhancing an electronic communication is disclosed, be it in the form of a message, file, or other type of transmission. The method includes the steps of transmitting and receiving a message or file with a content and, along with the message or file, transmitting and receiving enhancement information enabling a recipient of the message or file to more fully appreciate the content. In one embodiment, the enhancement information enables the recipient to visualize the sender or listen to the content of a message. For example, the enhancement information may include phonemes enabling the recipient to listen to the content of a message in a synthesized voice of the sender. In all embodiments, the enhancement information may be stored at the location of the recipient to limit the need for retransmission thereof.

Abstract: Windshield wiper control apparatus comprises one or more door-open sensors and electronic control circuitry operative to terminate or slow down the operation of the windshield wipers if the door associated with that sensor is opened. The apparatus may further include an inclement weather detector, such that the electronic control circuitry is only operative to terminate or slow down the operation of the windshield wipers if inclement weather is detected. The apparatus may further include a vehicle movement sensor, such that the electronic control circuitry is only operative to terminate or slow down the operation of the windshield wipers if the vehicle is not moving.

Abstract: Remotely operable electronic apparatus are applied to distance measurement and picture/sound recording wherein, for example, a remote unit may be equipped with a microphone and an active range finder coupled to an auto-focussing capability. In one embodiment a camera is adapted to transmit a signal to the remote unit which returns a signal enabling the camera to accurately calculate distance and adjust focus in accordance with time-of-flight. The transponder preferably forms part of a wireless microphone, with the signal transmitted by the camera being preferably acoustical in nature. The acoustical signal transmitted by the camera is preferably modulated onto a return RF signal, enabling at least a portion of the audio circuitry associated with voice modulation to be used for the purpose of modulating the ranging signal, thereby realizing a very efficient and economical approach to remote sound detection and active ranging finding.

Abstract: Electronic teleconferencing configurations use one or more remote microphones for added functionality. A base unit includes an interface to a telecommunications network and at least one remote microphone in wireless communication with the base unit, enabling a carder of the microphone to speak to a listener through the base unit over the telecommunications network. The base unit may form part of a telephone, and would preferably further include a docking station to receive the remote microphone along with electrical contacts causing the telephone to enter into a speakerphone mode when the remote microphone is removed for use. A speaker may either be provided in the base unit, or may be disposed in the housing of the remote microphone, for example, in the form of a headset. With multiple wireless microphones audio processing circuitry may be added for level control or microphone/speaker discrimination.

Abstract: A flexible material such as a transparent tape includes a material which enhances the visibility of a newly formed edge. The material can include a fluorescent dye disposed in the tape, or can be a material which reacts with oxygen, moisture or some other component of the ambient atmosphere to render the edge more visibly evident.

Abstract: A flexible material such as a transparent tape includes a material which enhances the visibility of a newly formed edge. The material can include a fluorescent dye disposed in the tape, or can be a material which reacts with oxygen, moisture or some other component of the ambient atmosphere to render the edge more visibly evident.

Abstract: A flexible material such as a transparent tape includes a material which enhances the visibility of a newly formed edge. The material can include a fluorescent dye disposed in the tape, or can be a material which reacts with oxygen, moisture or some other component of the ambient atmosphere to render the edge more visibly evident.