Abstract: A system for interactive visualization of items in an online environment based on textual and quantitative properties of those items is described. End-users of the system are humans and items can be any objects such as songs, books, and other users. One aspect of the system is a process used to map an item's quantitative and textual data into a position in the visualization, e.g., a two or three dimensional space. Using transformation matrices canonical correlation analysis (CCA) and a specific item's quantitative and textual data, the system projects an item onto the visualization and uses ratings and spatial positions to assign reputation values to each end-user and their textual responses to facilitate efficient browsing and rating of items and viewing of patterns, trends, and insights as they emerge.

Abstract: A collaborative online tele-operation system allows an audience of many participants to simultaneously share control of a single remote actor, such that the actions of the actor are based on the ongoing collective preferences of the audience.

Abstract: Disclosed is a system for percutaneously steering a surgical needle. Needle steering is accomplished by taking advantage of a deflection force imparted on the bevel tip of the needle by the tissue medium as the needle is pushed through the tissue. By controlling the translation speed and rotation angle of the bevel, a flexible needle may be steered substantially without deflecting or distorting the tissue. The control inputs (translation speed and rotation angle) are computed based on a “bicycle” non-holonomic kinematic model that is a function of mechanical properties of the tissue medium. The system may be used with image-based feedback, which may provide for feedback-based refinement of the model as the needle propagates through the tissue.

Abstract: The method of the invention is executed by a computer under the control of a program stored in computer memory. The method includes the step of accumulating preference data for a set of individuals. The preference data is transformed from multi-dimensional data to lower-dimensional data using a principal component analysis. The lower-dimensional data is then converted into a recommendation map where predicted preference information for a selected individual is easily computed. Recommended content is then routed to the selected individual. The invention has been tested, by way of example, to recommend jokes to users based on their ratings of sample jokes.

Abstract: A collaborative online tele-operation system allows an audience of many participants to simultaneously share control of a single remote actor, such that the actions of the actor are based on the ongoing collective preferences of the audience.

Abstract: A system for bookmarking viewer selected TV broadcast events and displaying a set of associated internet locations or website hotlinks, comprising the selection of a set of broadcast events using a remote control, and storing a set of event-identifier data associated with the set of selected broadcast events in an activity table, and then generating a set of associated internet locations or website hotlinks by comparing the set of event identifiers with a database of TV schedules, events and company information. The generated set of associated internet locations or website hotlinks can then be used by viewer for access to and display of the selected internet locations associated with the set of selected broadcast events.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus are provided for developing a complete set of all admissible Type I and Type II fixture designs for a workpiece. The fixture processor generates the set of all admissible designs based on geometric access constraints and expected applied forces on the workpiece. For instance, the fixture processor may generate a set of admissible fixture designs for first, second and third locators placed in an array of holes on a fixture plate and a translating clamp attached to the fixture plate for contacting the workpiece. In another instance, a fixture vise is used in which first, second, third and fourth locators are used and first and second fixture jaws are tightened to secure the workpiece. The fixture process also ranks the set of admissible fixture designs according to a predetermined quality metric so that the optimal fixture design for the desired purpose may be identified from the set of all admissible fixture designs.

Abstract: A fixture process and method is provided for developing a complete set of all admissible fixture designs for a workpiece which prevents the workpiece from translating or rotating. The fixture processor generates the set of all admissible designs based on geometric access constraints and expected applied forces on the workpiece. For instance, the fixture processor may generate a set of admissible fixture designs for first, second and third locators placed in an array of holes on a fixture plate and a translating clamp attached to the fixture plate for contacting the workpiece. In another instance, a fixture vice is used in which first, second, third and fourth locators are used and first and second fixture jaws are tightened to secure the workpiece. The fixture process also ranks the set of admissible fixture designs according to a predetermined quality metric so that the optimal fixture design for the desired purpose may be identified from the set of all admissible fixture designs.

Abstract: An apparatus for gripping objects comprising a first jaw having a first support member and a first support plate that is slidingly attached to the support member with respect to a first direction or motion. The apparatus is also comprised of a second jaw that has a second support member and a second surface plate attached to the second surface member. Additionally, the apparatus is comprised of a structure holding the first jaw and the second jaw such that the first jaw and the second jaw can move in a second direction toward or away from each other to grip or release the object, respectively. In a preferred embodiment, the second surface plate is fixedly attached to the second support member and the first direction is perpendicular to the second direction. The sliding action of the first support plate acts to reduce the effective frictional force between the object and jaws to facilitate stable grasping.

Abstract: An apparatus for gripping objects comprising a first jaw having a first support member and a first support plate that is slidingly attached to the support member with respect to a first direction or motion. The apparatus is also comprised of a second jaw that has a second support member and a second surface plate attached to the second surface member. Additionally, the apparatus is comprised of a structure holding the first jaw and the second jaw such that the first jaw and the second jaw can move in a second direction toward or away from each other to grip or release the object, respectively. In a preferred embodiment, the second surface plate is fixedly attached to the second support member and the first direction is perpendicular to the second direction. The sliding action of the first support plate acts to reduce the effective frictional force between the object and jaws to facilitate stable grasping.