Abstract: Input devices having a deformable membrane and methods of their use are disclosed. In one embodiment, an input device includes a body, a deformable membrane coupled to the body such that the body and the deformable membrane define an enclosure filled with a medium, and an internal sensor disposed within the enclosure, the internal sensor having a field of view configured to be directed through the medium and toward a bottom surface of the deformable membrane. The input device further includes a controller configured to receive an output signal from the internal sensor corresponding to a deformation in the deformable membrane, determine a gesture based on the output signal from the internal, and provide a gesture signal corresponding to the gesture.

Abstract: A system that has a plurality of monitors, a control unit, a first object and a second object is provided. The second object has one or more sensors operable to generate data and is remote from the first object. The control unit is configured to determine whether a first user is positioned on a first or on a second location of the first object and display a simulation of a second user onto the plurality of monitors based on the generated data. The second user is located remote from the first user and is displayed as being positioned in a different location on the first object than the first user on the first object. The control unit is further configured to activate the one or more heat generating devices to simulate a presence of the second user being positioned in the different location on the first object.

Abstract: Systems and methods for under-stair storage include a robotic retrieval system. The robotic retrieval system includes a robot that retrieves and deposits objects in a space under a set of stairs, A portal provides access to the space from above the stairs. Objects are stored in locations within the space. The robot selectively locates and retrieves the objects.

Abstract: A system that has a plurality of monitors, a control unit, a first object and a second object is provided. The second object has one or more sensors operable to generate data and is remote from the first object. The control unit is configured to determine whether a first user is positioned on a first or on a second location of the first object and display a simulation of a second user onto the plurality of monitors based on the generated data. The second user is located remote from the first user and is displayed as being positioned in a different location on the first object than the first user on the first object. The control unit is further configured to activate the one or more heat generating devices to simulate a presence of the second user being positioned in the different location on the first object.

Abstract: Systems and methods for under-floor storage include a robotic retrieval system. The robotic retrieval system includes a robot disposed under an upper floor. The robot may retrieve and deposit objects in a space under the upper floor. A portal provides access to the space from above the upper floor. Objects are stored in locations within the space. The robot selectively locates and retrieves the objects.

Abstract: Systems and methods for under-stair storage include a robotic retrieval system. The robotic retrieval system includes a robot that retrieves and deposits objects in a space under a set of stairs, A portal provides access to the space from above the stairs. Objects are stored in locations within the space. The robot selectively locates and retrieves the objects.

Abstract: A system that has a plurality of monitors, a control unit, a first object and a second object is provided. The second object has one or more sensors operable to generate data and is remote from the first object. The control unit is configured to determine whether a first user is positioned on a first or on a second location of the first object and display a simulation of a second user onto the plurality of monitors based on the generated data. The second user is located remote from the first user and is displayed as being positioned in a different location on the first object than the first user on the first object. The control unit is further configured to activate the one or more heat generating devices to simulate a presence of the second user being positioned in the different location on the first object.

Abstract: Input devices having a deformable membrane and methods of their use are disclosed. In one embodiment, an input device includes a body, a deformable membrane coupled to the body such that the body and the deformable membrane define an enclosure filled with a medium, and an internal sensor disposed within the enclosure, the internal sensor having a field of view configured to be directed through the medium and toward a bottom surface of the deformable membrane. The input device further includes a controller configured to receive an output signal from the internal sensor corresponding to a deformation in the deformable membrane, determine a gesture based on the output signal from the internal, and provide a gesture signal corresponding to the gesture.

Abstract: A system that has a plurality of monitors, a control unit, a first object and a second object is provided. The second object has one or more sensors operable to generate data and is remote from the first object. The control unit is configured to determine whether a first user is positioned on a first or on a second location of the first object and display a simulation of a second user onto the plurality of monitors based on the generated data. The second user is located remote from the first user and is displayed as being positioned in a different location on the first object than the first user on the first object. The control unit is further configured to activate the one or more heat generating devices to simulate a presence of the second user being positioned in the different location on the first object.

Abstract: A computer-implemented system for receiving an incoming message including a message header and a message body in General Inter-ORB Protocol (GIOP) type format, the system comprising: an external ORB element based on a computer configured to convert the header of the incoming message to an implementation-specific format, and configured to provide the header in implementation-specific format with the body in GIOP type format to a distribution mechanism for identifying an appropriate target server for processing the body of the incoming message; and an internal ORB element based on an originating server configured to convert the body of the outgoing message to CORBA GIOP type format to a distribution mechanism.

Abstract: An object request broker (ORB) for receiving an incoming message including a message header and a message body in General Inter-ORB Protocol (GIOP) type format, the ORB comprising: an external ORB element for converting the header of the incoming message to an implementation-specific format, and for providing the header in implementation-specific format with the body in GIOP type format to a distribution mechanism for identifying an appropriate target server for processing the body of the incoming message; and an internal ORB element associated with the identified target server for converting the body of the incoming message to an implementation-specific format for use by the target server to process the message.

Abstract: An object request broker (ORB) for receiving an incoming message including a message header and a message body in General Inter-ORB Protocol (GIOP) type format, the ORB comprising: an external ORB element for converting the header of the incoming message to an implementation-specific format, and for providing the header in implementation-specific format with the body in GIOP type format to a distribution mechanism for identifying an appropriate target server for processing the body of the incoming message; and an internal ORB element associated with the identified target server for converting the body of the incoming message to an implementation-specific format for use by the target server to process the message.

Abstract: An object request broker (ORB) for receiving an incoming message including a message header and a message body in General Inter-ORB Protocol (GIOP) type format, the ORB comprising: an external ORB element for converting the header of the incoming message to an implementation-specific format, and for providing the header in implementation-specific format with the body in GIOP type format to a distribution mechanism for identifying an appropriate target server for processing the body of the incoming message; and an internal ORB element associated with the identified target server for converting the body of the incoming message to an implementation-specific format for use by the target server to process the message.

Abstract: For the decoupling between drive lines 9 for applying the firing and extinguishing pulses and supply lines 7 for supplying the sustain voltage, as well as for firing and maintaining discharges in gas discharge display devices, electrodes 2 are applied via conductive multi-layer zones 3 of the surrounding dielectric layer 4, from the supply lines 7 and also via counter-plates provided on the surface of the dielectric layer 4. The counter-plates are interconnected by lines 9, and form with associated counter-electrodes, respective capacitors in which one counter-plate vertical row can represent a first coordinate while the second coordinate may be formed by time-defined shifting of this vertical row of counter-plates in a direction which is vertical with respect to its extension.