Abstract: Language learning system using pre-existing entertainment media such as feature films on DVD in connection with augmented language-learning content stored in a companion file. A player for viewing the augmented content and the entertainment media. An editor to create and manage companion source files and create associations with the entertainment media.

Abstract: A high performance rotary axis. An upper and lower unit are coupled together by a pair of bearings to permit relative rotation between the units. The bearings are biased relative to others along a link to reduce play between the bearings. A processor and sensor provide for detection of relative positions between the units. A floating stop may be provided to permit rotation about the axis in greater than 360°.

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: 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 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 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: 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 for rotating an object. An upper unit is rotatably mounted on a base. A drive mechanism is mounted within the base so as to engage and drive rotation of the upper unit. A processor within the base controls the drive mechanism to achieve desirable acceleration characteristics during a cycle to reduce disturbances of an object rotated.

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 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 comprises steps of sensing a first user action, transmitting a first optical message in response to the first user action, and performing at least one optical code reading step in response to non-receipt of a valid response to the first optical message. An apparatus to perform the aforementioned steps and an article of manufacture to direct the aforementioned steps are disclosed.

Abstract: A method comprises steps of sensing a first user action, transmitting a first optical message in response to the first user action, and performing at least one optical code reading step in response to non-receipt of a valid response to the first optical message. An apparatus to perform the aforementioned steps and an article of manufacture to direct the aforementioned steps are disclosed.

Abstract: An optical detector optically senses a bar code. A multi-bit analog-to-digital converter is responsive to the optical detector to generate a plurality of digital sample values based on the bar code. A bar code detector processes the plurality of digital sample values to generate a plurality of processed values. The bar code detector detects an edge of a bar within the bar code based upon a first local optimum and a second local optimum of the plurality of processed values.

Abstract: An interface device includes at least one of an infrared receiver (14) and an infrared transmitter (16) to communicate with an external device (39). The infrared receiver (14) and/or the infrared transmitter (16) is supported by a diskette-like housing (10). A transducer (30) supported by the diskette-like housing (10) facilitates communication between the interface device and a diskette drive (12). Methods of using the interface device are disclosed.

Abstract: A method comprises steps of sensing a first user action, transmitting a first optical message in response to the first user action, and performing at least one optical code reading step in response to non-receipt of a valid response to the first optical message. An apparatus to perform the aforementioned steps and an article of manufacture to direct the aforementioned steps are disclosed.

Abstract: An amplifier has an input responsive to an optical detector. An analog-to-digital converter is responsive to an output of the amplifier. A processor activates an optical emitter, and reads a first sample from the analog-to-digital converter. Upon determining that the first sample is less than a first threshold, the processor applies a first signal to a control input of the amplifier for a first duration. The processor reads a second sample from the analog-to-digital converter. Upon determining that the second sample is greater than a second threshold, the processor applies a second signal to the control input for a second duration less than the first duration.

Abstract: An amplifier has an input responsive to an optical detector. A comparator is responsive to an output of the amplifier. A data communication circuit is responsive to the comparator. An optical emitter is responsive to the data communication circuit. A multi-bit analog-to-digital converter is responsive to the output of the amplifier. A processor reads a sample from the multi-bit analog-to-digital converter while the optical emitter is cooperating with the data communication circuit to transmit a message. The processor applies a signal to a control input of the amplifier in response to determining that the sample is beyond a threshold.

Abstract: An apparatus for providing an optical code reading mode and a data communication mode comprises an optical detector, a variable-gain amplifier having an input and an output, an optical code reader circuit and a data communication circuit. The input of the variable-gain amplifier is responsive to the optical detector. The optical code reader circuit and the data communication circuit are responsive to the output of the amplifier. The variable-gain amplifier provides a first gain during the optical code reading mode, and a second gain during at least a portion of the data communication mode, wherein the second gain is less than the first gain.

Abstract: A foldable apparatus includes a first housing (20), a second housing (22), and an interface (24). The second housing (22) is pivotally connected to the first housing (20). The interface (24) has a first portion (26) associated with the first housing (20) and a second portion (28) associated with the second housing (22).

Abstract: A writing implement (10) has an optical reader (20) integrated therewith. The optical reader (20) can include a bar code reader, an optical text reader, or an optical imaging reader. Preferably, a wireless data communication circuit shares an emitter and a detector of the optical reader (20).