Abstract: A system is disclosed for assisting users in storing and retrieving information in an information storage system. The system includes selection means for permitting a user to choose selected information to be stored; convening means for convening a tagging tribunal, the tagging tribunal providing a graphical aggregation of available tags and information nuggets that may be selected by a user to create an association between at least one selected tag or information nugget and the selected information based on the user's decision to create such an association; and linking means for creating an associative link between the at least one selected tag or information nugget and the selected information, the associative link being part of an associative network.

Abstract: A window treatment is disclosed that offers privacy while also allowing persons within a residence to look outside. The window treatment utilizes a fabric manufactured to have a transparency constant across its horizontal dimension, and varying across its vertical dimension.

Abstract: A compact fetal sound system delivers high-fidelity sound to a fetus in utero through a miniature, abdominally mounted driver with a convex diaphragm. No gel is necessary at the interface between the diaphragm and the mother's abdomen. Digital signal processing shapes the frequency spectrum of the sound transmitted to the fetus, so that after traveling through the attenuative tissue of the expectant mother the desired volume of sound and frequency content reach the ears of the fetus. As the term of pregnancy progresses, the frequency shaping provided by the digital signal processing automatically varies to compensate for changes in uterine lining thickness and the like. Preferred embodiments also include a microphone attached to the abdomen of the mother and signal processing to correct for frequency and amplitude distortions of sound eminating from the womb. Embodiments also include an elastic belt to maintain the transducer and microphone against the abdomen.

Abstract: An web-based anonymous mutual-interest-based social introduction system allows registered users to anonymously express interest in a friends or acquaintances by specifying the e-mail address and/or mobile phone number of each person of interest. Interest is recorded in a database and if a person in whom interest was expressed independently expresses a mutual interest, both parties are notified. In a preferred embodiment, users expressing interest may choose to have enticing clues sent to the person of interest to encourage him or her to register with the system and anonymously express interest in friends and/or acquaintances. Unlike typical dating websites, the present invention is meant to facilitate dating between persons who have met but not yet disclosed attraction to one another.

Abstract: A nutrition board game is disclosed with novel aspects that promote players learning various aspects of proper nutrition by playing the game. Both chance and knowledge contribute toward each player advancing in the game. In one aspect, nutrition-related questions must be answered to advance in the game. In another aspect different activities (such as eating a specific food, drinking water, or doing jumping jacks) are interspersed to accelerate learning.

Abstract: Several embodiments are described which allow either the U-bar or the straight bar of a bicycle U-lock to act as the lever arm of a wrench which may be used to remove the wheel nuts of a bicycle. The invention allows bicyclists to carry a wheel nut wrench without adding any extra weight to the bicycle, since a U-lock is normally carried anyway. Having a wheel wrench facilitates emergency repairs such as changing tires.

Abstract: A compact fetal sound system delivers high-fidelity sound to a fetus in utero through a miniature, abdominally mounted driver with a convex diaphragm. No gel is necessary at the interface between the diaphragm and the mother's abdomen. Digital signal processing shapes the frequency spectrum of the sound transmitted to the fetus, so that after traveling through the attenuative tissue of the expectant mother the desired volume of sound and frequency content reach the ears of the fetus. As the term of pregnancy progresses, the frequency shaping provided by the digital signal processing automatically varies to compensate for changes in uterine lining thickness and the like. Preferred embodiments also include a microphone attached to the abdomen of the mother and signal processing to correct for frequency and amplitude distortions of sound eminating from the womb. Embodiments also include an elastic belt to maintain the transducer and microphone against the abdomen.

Abstract: An electronic wallet which is biometrically secured stores credit card and other information. A biometric sensor prevents the electronic wallet from being used by the user who does not have permission to use the wallet. A rewriteable card is inserted into a slot of the wallet in order to have credit card information placed on the card. After the card is used the information is erased from the card when it is placed back in the slot in the electronic wallet.

Abstract: A multi-party conversation analyzer and logger uses a variety of techniques including spectrographic voice analysis, absolute loudness measurements, directional microphones, and telephonic directional separation to determine the number of parties who take part in a conversation, and segment the conversation by speaking party. In one aspect, the invention monitors telephone conversations in real time to detect conditions of interest (for instance, calls to non-allowed parties or calls of a prohibited nature from prison inmates). In another aspect, automated prosody measurement algorithms are used in conjunction with speaker segmentation to extract emotional content of the speech of participants within a particular conversation, and speaker interactions and emotions are displayed in graphical form.

Abstract: An object detection system utilizing one or more thin, planar structured light patterns projected into a volume of interest, along with digital processing hardware and one or more electronic imagers looking into the volume of interest. Triangulation is used to determine the intersection of the structured light pattern with objects in the volume of interest. Applications include navigation and obstacle avoidance systems for autonomous vehicles (including agricultural vehicles and domestic robots), security systems, and pet training systems.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided for using microvariations of a biological living organism to generate a sequence of environmental changes perceptible through one of the human senses. The method includes the steps of transforming microvariations within a living organism into an analog electrical signal and generating the sequence of environmental changes perceptible through the human senses based on said analog signal. The sequence of changes can include the generation of music based on the signal, or the control of lighting, aromas, or air movement in the environment of the organism. One example application is the generation of music from electrical microvariations detected in a house plant.

Abstract: A communications system includes a telephone, a data network, a device coupled to the data network and telephone, and a communications routine in the device. The communications routine controls communication of voice data between the telephone and the data network.

Abstract: A remote-control modular lighting system allows users to select individual lighting modules for adjustment by momentarily pointing the remote control at the lighting module to be adjusted. Subsequent adjustments may be done without aiming at the lamp, allowing the operators attention to be on the subject being lit. Control functions may include aiming of the light, power on/off, dimming, etc. In one preferred embodiment, individual lamps broadcast an identifier code to be stored in the remote. This allows the remote to adjust groups of lamps, or change a group of lamps to a particular stored configuration. This functionality is achieved without the requirement of special set-up procedures during installation.

Abstract: A communications system includes a telephone, a data network, a device coupled to the data network and telephone, and a communications routine in the device. The communications routine controls communication of voice data between the telephone and the data network.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided for using microvariations of a biological living organism to generate a sequence of environmental changes perceptible through one of the human senses. The method includes the steps of transforming microvariations within a living organism into an analog electrical signal and generating the sequence of environmental changes perceptible through the human senses based on said analog signal. The sequence of changes can include the generation of music based on the signal, or the control of lighting, aromas, or air movement in the environment of the organism. One example application is the generation of music from electrical microvariations detected in a house plant.

Abstract: A remote-control modular lighting system utilizing a directional wireless remote control for the selective adjustment and programming of individual lighting modules is disclosed. Individual lighting modules may be selected for adjustment by momentarily pointing the remote control at the lighting module to be adjusted. Subsequent adjustments may be done without aiming at the lamp, allowing the operators attention to be on the subject being lit. For home or retail applications, control functions may include aiming of the light, switching on and off the light, and dimming. Theatrical applications may also include control of spot size and color. Lighting modules may also be controlled as a group or individually. Different groups of lights may be defined within the remote, and lights may be members of multiple groups.

Abstract: A method and apparatus facilitating web-initiated communication by telephone, providing for both anonymous and non-anonymous communication, which allows users to contact each other through a trusted central connecting facility provides breakthroughs in personal control, privacy, and safety for people communicating over the telephone. All calls are incoming calls, both to callers and call recipients. Users may control what time windows they can receive calls from other users, on an individual basis. Billing for professional services delivered over the phone may be done automatically through the call delivery system. Both one-to-one and group calls are provided. An auction feature allows customers to bid for phone time with desired personalities. Calls may be scheduled to happen automatically at pre-arranged times. Use of PIN codes prevents unintended recipients from receiving a call.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for the treatment of bruxism thorough biofeedback is disclosed. In one embodiment, the apparatus consists of electronics mounted in a light-weight headband which may be worn comfortably by a user during sleep or while awake. Electrodes within the headband pick up surface EMG voltage signals indicative of bruxism, and bio-feedback is provided to the user by a piezoelectric transducer in mechanical contact with the head of the user. One electrode of the piezoelectric transducer also serves as the reference sense electrode. The electrodes require no chemistry, allowing the apparatus to be worn for considerable periods without skin irritation. Information detailing the timing, quantity, and duration of bruxing events may be stored internally for later retrieval via display, computer interface, or voice synthesis interface. When EMG signals satisfy certain pre-determined time and amplitude conditions, an acoustical bio-feedback signal is generated.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for the treatment of bruxism through biofeedback is disclosed. In one embodiment, the apparatus consists of electronics (M1) mounted in a light-weight headband (HB1) which may be worn comfortably by a user during sleep or while awake. Electrodes (E) within the headband pick up surface EMG voltage signals indicative of bruxism, and biofeedback is provided to the user through an earphone (SK).

Abstract: A bruxism monitoring device comprising a thin shell formed to the shape of and elastically retained to one or more teeth, said shell further comprising: a plurality of layers having mutually distinguishable colors, each color distinguishable from the colors of adjacent layers; and a material thickness that is greater anteriorly than posteriorly. The outer layer of the shell, when worn away by grinding action, reveals an inner layer. The regions of wear may be analyzed to determine the extent of the bruxing activity.