Abstract: A method and system for an inexpensive wireless imaging are provided which allows a user to take hands-free video or still-picture images. An imaging system includes a mask adapted to be worn by a user having a viewing area covered by a faceplate, an imaging subsystem which is mounted on the mask and adjacent to the faceplate, and an image storage system which is positioned outside the mask in close proximity to the user. The imaging subsystem is adapted to capture images positioned in front of the faceplate. The image storage system is operatively connected to the imaging subsystem by wireless communication and is capable of storing the images and instantly replaying the images for viewing by the user.

Abstract: A face and environment sensing portable device. In a preferred embodiment, the device is wrist-worn by a person, similarly to a wristwatch. The portable device includes one or more sensing elements, such as an image-capturing device, a microphone or other environmental sensor, and a processing system for processing data obtained from the sensing element(s). In addition, the portable device may include input/output elements for interfacing the portable device with a person and with external systems. The portable device reliably authenticates the identity of the person based on information obtained from the sensing element(s) and may also determine whether the user has been in continuous possession of the device. By using multi-modal identification, the invention may provide increased confidence, while maintaining a low cost. This verification may then be used, for example, to enable the person to conduct secure transactions.

Abstract: A wireless communication system is disclosed for communicating via a broadcast signal and a dedicated telephone connection. A remote wireless device has a broadcast receiver for receiving a locally broadcast signal from a broadcast unit. The device can be a cellular telephone with a local access function. The continuously looping signal can be transmitted for local access only (e.g., within a building) and contains a start signal, display information, and command information for a plurality of for a plurality of related, hierarchical menus. A broadcast receiver processing unit of the device converts the signal into one or more text menus for display on the wireless device. The menus may be navigated using an input device, and various branches within the hierarchical menu structure can be used to enable wireless users to focus in on items of interest.

Abstract: A face and environment sensing portable device. In a preferred embodiment, the device is wrist-worn by a person, similarly to a wristwatch. The portable device includes one or more sensing elements, such as an image-capturing device, a microphone or other environmental sensor, and a processing system for processing data obtained from the sensing element(s). In addition, the portable device may include input/output elements for interfacing the portable device with a person and with external systems. The portable device reliably authenticates the identity of the person based on information obtained from the sensing element(s) and may also determine whether the user has been in continuous possession of the device. By using multi-modal identification, the invention may provide increased confidence, while maintaining a low cost. This verification may then be used, for example, to enable the person to conduct secure transactions.

Abstract: A method for operating a data processing system to compress a first frame in an ordered sequence of image frames. A second frame precedes the first frame in the sequence of frames, and the second frame is preceded by a third frame in the sequence of frames. Each frame is divided into a plurality of processing blocks. The method first determines a displacement vector for at least one block in the second frame. The displacement vector identifies a region in the third frame that is an approximation of the block in the second frame. The displacement vectors in the second frame and measured vectors in the first frame are then used to determine an approximation for a displacement vector associated with one of the blocks in the first frame. This approximation is then used to define a search region in a frame preceding the first frame. The search region includes a plurality of sub-regions, each of the sub-regions having the same size as that block.

Abstract: A tool core is disclosed for forming an opening in a composite structure. The composite structure comprises a structural core with inner and outer skins formed on a mandrel, sealed in an impervious fabric bag and cured at elevated temperature and pressure in an enclosed chamber. The tool core is formed by a tool core inner member of simi-rigid material enclosed in an inflatable elastic bag. The interior of the tool core bag is exposed to the elevated pressure of the closed chamber and therefor inflates during the curing process to conform the tool core precisely to the opening in the structural core.