Abstract: Disclosed is a method of manufacturing a substrate that can be used to make a coffee substitute beverage. Initially, a starch-containing and protein-containing substrate is exposed to a plurality of enzymes including at least glycosidase and protease enzymes. The substrate undergoes an aging process while exposed to the plurality of enzymes. The substrate is subsequently subjected to temperatures to initiate a Maillard reaction. The coffee substitute beverage made from the prepared substrate provides benefits over conventional coffee alternatives.

Abstract: A security system notifies a user of a security event when a movable barrier operator light turns on. The security system includes a camera in communication with control circuitry and a communication module. The control circuitry is configured to control operation of the camera. The communication module communicates with a light status detector that determines the status of an operator light associated with a movable barrier operator. When the operator light turns on, the light status detector sends a signal to the communication module, effecting the control circuitry to operate the camera to capture security data. The communication module then transmits the captured security data over a network to be accessible by a mobile device.

Abstract: A barrier operator that controls operation of a camera includes a controller, a communication module, and control circuitry. The controller moves a barrier between open and closed positions. The communication module receives open/close commands from a peripheral device. The control circuitry is in communication with the controller, the communication module, and a camera. The control circuitry of the barrier operator automatically activates the camera to capture at least one visual image in response to receiving an open/close command and/or a determination to move the barrier.

Abstract: A security system notifies a user of a security event when a movable barrier operator light turns on. The security system includes a camera in communication with control circuitry and a communication module. The control circuitry is configured to control operation of the camera. The communication module communicates with a light status detector that determines the status of an operator light associated with a movable barrier operator. When the operator light turns on, the light status detector sends a signal to the communication module, effecting the control circuitry to operate the camera to capture security data. The communication module then transmits the captured security data over a network to be accessible by a mobile device.

Abstract: A video conference system in which a plurality of users communicate video to one another over a data network in a video conference and at least one moderator that moderates the video conference. At least one conference server links users and at least one moderator over a data network so users can communicate at least one video data stream to others. A hierarchical arrangement of control parameters control communications between the users over the at least one conference server. Moderator control parameters in the hierarchical arrangement permit the at least one moderator to specify control parameters from the hierarchical arrangement for one or more of the plurality of users and/or participation rights of one or more of the plurality of users. Computer program products provide a moderator with control or participation of users in accordance with a user set of parameters.

Abstract: A barrier operator that controls operation of a camera includes a controller, a communication module, and control circuitry. The controller moves a barrier between open and closed positions. The communication module receives open/close commands from a peripheral device. The control circuitry is in communication with the controller, the communication module, and a camera. The control circuitry of the barrier operator automatically activates the camera to capture at least one visual image in response to receiving an open/close command and/or a determination to move the barrier.

Abstract: A lighting apparatus is configured to adjustably project light from multiple light sources. The lighting apparatus may include a fixture mountable to a mounting surface and a plurality of light heads. Each light head includes a light source and can have a perimeter surrounding a light projection surface, where the perimeter of each light head has at least one joining surface. One or more of the light heads are adjustable so that the lighting apparatus can be adjusted between a multi-directional configuration that projects light to at least two separate lighting areas, and a unified configuration that projects light to a single lighting area. The joining surfaces of each light head can be configured to substantially align, for example, so that the unified configuration establishes a unified light projection surface.

Abstract: A wireless door chime apparatus operates in connection with a trigger device installed at a doorway. The wireless door chime apparatus has a decorative housing, such as a vase, bowl, candle, statue, or lamp, for example. A wireless speaker unit configured to generate audible sounds is mounted to the decorative housing. The wireless door chime apparatus also has a power connection mechanism that can supply electric power to the wireless door chime apparatus. The wireless door chime apparatus produces an audible notification in response to receiving a wireless signal generated by the trigger device.

Abstract: One embodiment of the invention is a videoconference system in which multiple users communicate video and audio data to one another over a data network. The example system comprises a first conference server linking a plurality of first users to one another to allow each of the first users to communicate at least one video data stream and at least one audio data stream to others of the first users whereby the first users are in real-time two way audio and video communication with one another. The example system further comprises a second conference server linking a plurality of second users to one another to allow each of the second users to communicate at least one video data stream and at least one audio data stream to others of the second users whereby the second users are in real-time two way audio and video communication with one another.

Abstract: A video conference system in which a plurality of users communicate video to one another over a data network in a video conference and at least one moderator that moderates the video conference. At least one conference server links users and at least one moderator over a data network so users can communicate at least one video data stream to others. A hierarchical arrangement of control parameters control communications between the users over the at least one conference server. Moderator control parameters in the hierarchical arrangement permit the at least one moderator to specify control parameters from the hierarchical arrangement for one or more of the plurality of users and/or participation rights of one or more of the plurality of users. Computer program products provide a moderator with control or participation of users in accordance with a user set of parameters.

Abstract: A computer program product for managing communications during a videoconference includes computer executable instructions stored on a computer readable storage medium that when executed by one or more computers causes the computers to receive an input first set of communications control parameters that apply to all videoconferences to be conducted over one or more videoconference servers. The computer stores the input first set of control parameters in a memory, and receives an input second set of communications control parameters that includes a subset of the first set and that applies to only a portion of videoconferences to be conducted over the videoconference servers. The computer compares the second set of communications control parameters to the first set of control parameters and retains the second set of communications control parameters in a memory for use during the conference if they do not violate the first set of control parameters.

Abstract: A quick-release arrangement for a hand-held device (30) comprising a belt clip (10) and an engagement element (20), wherein the belt clip is adapted to fit on a user's belt or waistband, the engagement element is attachable to a hand-held device, and the belt clip has a retaining portion (17, 18) shaped to slidably accept the engagement element to a limit point and to form an interference fit with the engagement element at said limit point.

Abstract: This document describes the design of an articulated artificial skin that may be used to cover any three dimensional surface that changes morphology with time. In one embodiment the skin is made from individual four sided pyramids arranged to bend about their edges. Each pyramid may contain a solid, liquid, gas, or plasma, or any relevant technology such as solar panels and rechargeable batteries. Each pyramid may be connected to neighboring pyramids via tubes, pipes, or electrical wires to allow the flow of fluids and/or electricity. Multi layers of the artificial skin may be used to provide features such as pressure garments, cooling garments, thermal barriers, and armor shielding suitable for use in extreme environments.

Abstract: A wearable display device is described that allows the image from a semi-transparent display screen placed close to the eye to be correctly focused onto the retina while simultaneously allowing the image from the external environment to pass through the device without significant aberration. Focus of the display screen image is achieved through use of a micro-lens array between the screen and the eye, and a separate set of micro-lens arrays on the distant side of the screen in conjunction with the micro-lens array on the near side of the screen allows the external environmental image to pass through. In this manner images from the display screens can overlay the eye's usual view of the external environment. Use of micro-lens arrays that have dynamically adjustable focus properties allow for simulated three-dimensional images and corrective optics for far- or near-sightedness.