Abstract: A compact image steering and focusing device has a generally rectangular frame containing at least one illuminator and at least one and preferably two cameras and a pan/tilt mirror on a tilting frame. There is a tilt axis through the frame. A tilt motor is attached to the frame to turn the frame about the tilt axis. Another camera is positioned in optical alignment with the pan/tilt mirror. The device can fit behind the cover plate of an automated teller machine. Images from the cameras on the titling frame are used to focus the other camera on one eye of the automated teller machine user to identify the user by iris analysis and comparison to an iris image or iris code on file.

Abstract: A system and method of positioning a head of a subject to be photographed by a single camera uses a mirror and at least one collimated light beam. The single camera is positioned so that there is a selected specific location in space within a field of view of the camera at which the head or eye of the subject is desired to be positioned. A light source directs a collimated light beam or light sheet so that the light beam or light sheet intersects a line running from the mirror through the selected specific location in space and can be seen by an eye at the selected specific location in space that is looking at the mirror. The user is told to position his head across from the mirror and move his head until he sees the collimated light beam or light sheet and his eye in the mirror. When the subject is so positioned the single camera can take an image of the eye from which the subject can be identified. If desired a second mirror can be used in place of the light source.

Abstract: A compact image steering and focusing device has a generally rotatable platform that carries a pan/tilt mirror. The rotatable platform, at least one motor driven lens and a camera are mounted on a housing. Two drive motors each with an associated cable are provided to rotate the rotatable platform and tilt the mirror. Light reflected from a subject is captured by the mirror and directed through the lens to the camera. The device can fit behind the cover plate of an automated teller machine. This system is preferably used with a narrow field of view camera and two wide field of view cameras. Images from the wide field of view cameras are used to focus the narrow field of view camera on one eye of the automated teller machine user to identify the user by iris analysis and comparison to an iris image on file.

Abstract: Purchase of an item bearing a unique identification code is verified by (a) ascertaining the identification code of an item to be purchased; (b) acquiring data representative of color features of the item to be purchased; and (c) comparing the data representative of color features of the item to be purchased to data representative of expected color features for items having the same identification code. Other physical characteristics of an item, such as height, may also be employed. The disclosed system is also capable of detecting whether a shopping cart is empty or not, and determining whether a non-empty cart is an indication that a theft is being attempted.

Abstract: A compact image steering and focusing device has a generally rectangular frame containing a pan/tilt mirror and at least one lens. There is a tilt plane bisecting the frame. A mirror drive motor is attached to the frame on one side of the tilt plane and a lens motor is attached to the frame on the other side of the tilt plane. The frame is rotatably attached to a stand and connected to a frame drive motor mounted on the stand. The device can fit behind the cover plate of an automated teller machine. This system is preferably used with a narrow field of view camera and two wide field of view cameras. Images from the wide field of view cameras are used to focus the narrow field of view camera on one eye of the automated teller machine user to identify the user by iris analysis and comparison to an iris image on file.

Abstract: A method and system for providing access to a plurality of video programs of a video library in accordance with viewer preferences. Members of the Home Video Club of the invention may phone in or write in their video program choices and the received viewer choices are tabulated in accordance with a selection priority scheme at the transmission side so that the most popular video programs as determined by the voter choices may be broadcast more regularly for the viewer's convenience. For this purpose, a "prime time" viewing period is defined in accordance with the viewer preferences so that the more popular video programs can be shown more frequently to meet viewer demand. The selected video programs are broadcast over rented or dedicated cable television channels for reception by the viewer. The received video programs may then be recorded and time-shifted so that the viewers may view the video programs at their leisure.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for monitoring the status of a multiple part vehicle. An apparatus according to the invention comprises a tag for placement on a second part of the vehicle. The tag communicates a unique ID code to an interface unit on the first part of the vehicle. The interface unit detects the presence of a valid ID code, and in response, provides an indication that the second part of the vehicle is connected. A transmitter provides data indicative of the connect/disconnect status of the vehicle to a central station. Vehicle position data may also be provided to the central station.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for monitoring the status of a multiple part vehicle are disclosed. Apparatus according to the invention comprises a tag on a second part of the vehicle which impresses a unique ID code of the vehicle's existing electrical system. An interface unit in a first part of the vehicle detects the presence of a valid ID code on the vehicle's electrical system and in response provides an indication that the second part of the vehicle is connected. A mobile satellite transmitter provides data indicative of the status of the vehicle to an earth station via a satellite. Vehicle position data is also provided to the earth station with each transmission.

Abstract: Apparatus is provided for monitoring the bond condition of a fine aluminum wire being ultrasonically bonded to an electrode pad. The apparatus comprises a counter for generating a start and stop signal indicative of a predetermined plurality of cycles from the ultrasonic generator of the ultrasonic bonder. A stable source of pulses is applied to a second counter which is started and stopped by the start and stop signal. The count stored in the second counter is read out to a microprocessor and is indicative of the frequency of the ultrasonic generator during the bonding operation. A plurality of frequency readings are taken and measured during the formation of an ultrasonic wedge bond and this information is employed to calculate a bond quality rating which accurately predicts whether a good bond has been made or some condition exists indicating that a good bond has not been made.

Abstract: An improved pattern recognition system is disclosed which converts rows and columns of digitized video signal elements indicative of light intensity falling on a camera into integrated signatures, one for each of two orthogonal directions. Signatures corresponding to effectively rotated images may also be provided. Portions of the signatures having the most useful information contained therein are selected by comparison with subsets of the total signatures in a teach mode. In a run mode, the thus selected sub signatures are compared with snapshot signatures of a target object, such as integrated circuit dice, for precise location of corresponding portions of the target object.