Abstract: Embodiments of the invention may include a scanning device to scan three dimensional objects. The scanning device may generate a three dimensional model. The scanning device may also generate a texture map for the three dimensional model. Techniques utilized to generate the model or texture map may include tracking scanner position, generating depth maps of the object and generation composite image of the surface of the object.

Abstract: A mobile phone handset or handheld device with a connector that enables a direct connection with another device without the need for a separate cable. The connector can be a universal serial bus (USB) connector or similar connector. The connector can move between a stowed position within the housing of the mobile phone handset and a deployed positions where it protrudes from the mobile phone handset.

Abstract: A method and apparatus to digitize three-dimensional objects. A projection assembly is retained in fixed relation to an imaging assembly. The projection assembly projects a fixed gradient light pattern into a focal zone of the imaging assembly. The imaging assembly integrates the illumination over time such that the fixed gradient reveals the features of the three dimensional object.

Abstract: Embodiments include a system for integrating capture software functionality into other software applications including computer aided design (CAD) application, search application, database management application, email applications, network publishing applications, collaboration applications, copying and facsimile applications, manufacturing applications and similar programs. A user may utilize any of these applications to initiate a capture of an image or model. The applications may include an integrated capture functionality or message system to communicate with a capture application to initiate a capture. A separate or integrated conversion application may automatically be invoked to convert and return the image or model to the requesting application.

Abstract: Embodiments include a system for integrating capture software functionality into other software applications including computer aided design (CAD) application, search application, database management application, email applications, network publishing applications, collaboration applications, copying and facsimile applications, manufacturing applications and similar programs. A user may utilize any of these applications to initiate a capture of an image or model. The applications may include an integrated capture functionality or message system to communicate with a capture application to initiate a capture. A separate or integrated conversion application may automatically be invoked to convert and return the image or model to the requesting application.

Abstract: A floating button that may be used to replace a plurality of distinct buttons and/or a graphical pointing device. The floating button translates in a region defined by a housing. A sensor detects the location of the button in the region. The locations within the region may be mapped to a plurality of virtual buttons. This permits a button of a size appropriate for comfortable operation by a finger, while allowing the selection of a large number of functions in a space that is only somewhat larger than a single button. The location of the button within its translation region also provides an immediate tactile and visual reference as to the function to be selected.

Abstract: The three-dimensional imaging system providing distribution over a distributed network. A low-cost convenient three-dimensional imaging system having a digitizer and orientation fixture which automatically acquires and calibrates to each other. Automatic acquisition and calibration provide vastly improved ease of use. The system interfaces with a distributed network, such that authorization for operation and/or access to data captured may be controlled at a remote node on the distributed network.

Abstract: A compact appliance providing high resolution display capability in an ergonomically designed package. Subassemblies of the device are mechanically coupled to avoid interference between a user's hands and face while the device is used, while concurrently providing ergonomically located control for substantially all functions of the device.

Abstract: An on-line support system providing a persistent chat system and a database of knowledge articles organized in a tree-based hierarchy. The on-line support system merges the utility of a communication system with a knowledge navigation system. Knowledge can be accumulated through text, voice and image communications by a user in a common environment, and these communications are preserved and organized for future reference.

Abstract: A teleconference system providing high quality image sharing superior to conventional videoconferencing. Images can be inserted into communications content automatically from a connected imaging device. The resolution of the capture device may exceed the local display resolution, and the higher resolution images are transmitted to the communications destination. The system may automatically add the images to content upon capture, and infer the insertion point or destination based on context.

Abstract: A method and apparatus to capture a high resolution photograph of a target. A focal zone of a linear image sensing array is displaced across an area containing a target to be photographed. The displacement may be angular or linear with appropriate scaling to yield the end photograph. By changing the focal depth, relief of the target may be fully focused in one or more passes.

Abstract: A three-dimensional imaging system providing certification over a distributed network. By monitoring or controlling image capture from a trusted environment, the fidelity of the record of the image captured is certified by the operator of the trusted environment. An image record may be archived and an audit trail maintained for any image of interest.

Abstract: A method comprising analyzing a data file representing a three dimensional object to automatically identify a plurality of views of interest based on at least one observable characteristic of the three dimensional object; and defining an access mechanism to permit the plurality of views to be accessed.

Abstract: A method and apparatus capable of using two or more capture methods to create three-dimensional representations of a target captured. Elements of the three-dimensional digital representation generated from the plural capture method are combined to yield a single digital three-dimensional representation having improved quality.

Abstract: A system for aligning a light source to a reflector on a frame for efficiently illuminating a target along a first axis of the reflector. The light source is coupled to an arm that is linearly translatable by a driver assembly coupled to the frame. The travel of the driver assembly is aligned to a plane defined by two axes of the reflector with an alignment pin coupled to the driver assembly and adjusted to the frame. The light source may then be aligned for travel in the first axis by mechanically isolating the drive mechanism from a malleable arm connected to the light source and by bending the malleable arm in at least one dimension.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for point cloud assembly are described. In one embodiment, the method includes the obtaining of a data set of a first point cloud and a data set of a second point cloud. Once obtained, a portion of geometry defined by each respective data set is identified, which substantially describes a similar geometric shape. Next, a transformation is computed, such that the portion of geometry in each data set aligns to substantially minimize alignment error. Finally, the computed transformation is applied to the first point cloud to register the first point cloud relative to the second point cloud. In one embodiment, identification of the geometric portion describing a substantially similar geometric shape may be performed utilizing geometric reference point information, image texture information or a combination thereof.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for obtaining up to one depth measurement for each pixel. A image sensing array (ISA) captures a measurement of intensity on a surface. The intensity maps to depth. Accordingly, from a single pixel, or a group of pixels without regard to the intensity distribution among the pixels in the group, a depth measurement can be obtained independently of any and/or all data captured by other pixels in the array.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for obtaining up to one depth measurement for each pixel. A image sensing array (ISA) captures a measurement of intensity on a surface. The intensity maps to depth. Accordingly, from a single pixel, or a group of pixels without regard to the intensity distribution among the pixels in the group, a depth measurement can be obtained independently of any and/or all data captured by other pixels in the array.

Abstract: A floating button that may be used to replace a plurality of distinct buttons and/or a graphical pointing device. The floating button translates in a region defined by a housing. A sensor detects the location of the button in the region. The locations within the region may be mapped to a plurality of virtual buttons. This permits a button of a size appropriate for comfortable operation by a finger, while allowing the selection of a large number of functions in a space that is only somewhat larger than a single button. The location of the button within its translation region also provides an immediate tactile and visual reference as to the function to be selected.

Abstract: Learning system using pre-existing entertainment media such as feature films on DVD or music or CD in connection with augmented language-learning content stored in a companion file. A player for viewing or listening the augmented content and the entertainment media. The player may include features such as parental control, position tracking, and an inference engine.