Abstract: A transaction card is described in which data representing an identifiable image can be stored in a limited amount of storage space. The image to be stored is converted to an associated matrix of pixel values. The matrix of pixel values is partitioned into a plurality of ordered image portions corresponding to a like partitioning of the image. The partitioning is generally related to feature locations in the image. Each image portion is compared with a reference set of image portions represented by pixel groups. Associated with each pixel group is a signal group. For each image portion, a signal group is chosen for the associated reference pixel group that most closely matches with the pixel image portion. The signal groups representing the matrix of pixel values or the image to be stored are stored as bit patterns on the storage space of a transaction card. The bit patterns may then be read and converted to the signal groups.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for performing real-time computer animation of data used to simulate physical phenomena is disclosed. The animation system generates floating point geometrical element simulation data and byte width variable simulation data with a processing unit. The floating point geometrical simulation data is supplied to a graphics processor which generates element transformation matrices. The variable simulation data is applied to each of the element transformation matrices by the graphics processor to generate a plurality of layer transformation matrices. The layer transformation matrices are then applied to a stock piece-wise polygonal surface to generate a plurality of layer elements. The layer elements are displayed on a graphics display unit in real-time in the form of glyphs which animate the physical phenomena.

Abstract: Techniques for multiple verification of transaction cards incorporating digital image information and authorization data onto a transaction card to assist in the card verification process. This technique requires the authorized card holder to have a picture identification accompany the application for the card. Picture information is converted to a digital image that is stored and used in one or a plurality of means for verifying that the presenter of the card, at the point of the transaction, is the authorized user. Such means include visual comparison of card presenter and extracted digital image information and verification that the data has not been altered. Encryption of the data, as it is read from the card, at the point of origin is used to formulate encoded authorization data that is then compared against like encoded authorized card holder data stored at a centrally located data base.

Abstract: The secondary quantization of a plurality of signals such as scanner signals quantized in a colorimetric coordinate system for the modified spectral response of a display device. The secondary quantization reflects the nonlinear human response to color. Two embodiments of the secondary quantizationmethod are presented. The first method is a global cost reduction approach and the second is a method that diffuses the visual costs equally into each secondary quantization level or bin.

Abstract: This invention minimizes the color errors associated with performing conversion and/or correction of color digital image data using multi-dimensional look-up tables of a limited size. By distributing the errors across the color gamut it is possible to reduce the average color error as well as the maximum color errors associated with linear or conventional linear or nonlinear, e.g. cube-root or logarithmic, remapping schemes. The resulting advantage will be color images with greatly reduced artifacts.

Abstract: Techniques for multiple verification of credit cards incorporating digital image information and authorization data onto a credit card to assist in the card verification process. This technique requires the authorized card holder to have a picture identification accompany the application for the card. Picture information is converted to a digital image that is stored and used in one or a plurality of means for verifying that the presenter of the card, at the point of the transaction, is the authorized user. Such means include visual comparison of card presenter and extracted digital image information and verification that the data has not been altered. Encryption of the data, as it is read from the card, at the point of origin is used to formulate encoded authorization data that is then compared against like encoded authorized card holder data stored at a centrally located data base.

Abstract: A digital halftone image is produced by providing a binary bit image pattern having a minimum visual noise for each density level in the image, and the binary bit patterns being correlated in a manner that reduces visual noise resulting from transitions between patterns. The patterns are addressed by pixel density and x,y location to produce a halftone image. The patterns are generated by employing a stochastic minimization technique with a constraint to insure correlation between patterns.

Abstract: A method of making a thin lens having a desired high order curvature includes the steps of providing a layer of transparent photoresist; generating a continuous tone exposure pattern for exposing the photoresist such that when exposed and developed the layer of photoresist will possess the desired high order curvature; exposing the layer of photoresist; and developing the layer to produce the thin lens.