Abstract: Methods for determining affective information are provided as are imaging systems that determine affective information. In accordance with one method, affective signals are obtained containing facial characteristics and physiological characteristics of a person. The facial characteristics are analyzed and the physiological characteristics are analyzed. The emotional state of the person is determined based upon analysis of the facial and physiological characteristics of the person.

Abstract: In a first aspect of the invention, a method is provided for forming a group image. In accordance with the method, a set of imaging information is obtained depicting a scene over a period of time. Elements in the set of imaging information are distinguished and attributes of the elements in the set of image information are examined. Imaging information is selected from the set of imaging information depicting each element with the selection being made according to the attributes for that element. A group image is formed based upon the set of imaging information with the archival image incorporating the selected image information.

Abstract: A communication device is provided having a transceiver adapted to send and receive wireless communication signals and a contact surface. A contact circuit is adapted to detect contact of another communication device with said contact surface. A controller is adapted to enable communication only between the communication device and detected communication devices.

Abstract: Authentication systems and methods are provided. In accordance with one method, a user identification is determined based upon a signal modulated by a wireless transponder circuit in an identification token. The signal strength of signals modulated by the wireless transponder is monitored over a period of time and a pattern of movement of the identification token is determined. An authentication signal is generated when the sensed pattern of movement of corresponds to a previously stored set of token authentication movements associated with the determined user identification.

Abstract: Identification display devices and methods for operating the same are provided. The identification display device has a display, and a non-volatile memory having image content depicting a user stored therein. An authentication control system has a user input system that is adapted to sense a user input and an authentication controller, to generate an authentication signal when the user makes an appropriate authentication input. A display controller is adapted to cause the display to present an identifying image only in response to the authentication signal.

Abstract: Image content sharing devices and methods are provided. The image content sharing device has a display, a memory, a user input capable of receiving more than one user input action and of providing a user input signal indicative of each of the more than one user input actions and a controller. The controller is operable in an image content presentation mode, wherein the controller causes image content to be presented on the display and at least one other mode; with the controller being adapted so that when the controller is in the image content presentation mode and detects a user input signal, the controller determines at least one destination based upon the user input signal detected and arranges for the presented image content to be automatically transmitted to the at least one destination, with the controller further being operable in at least one other mode.

Abstract: An image processing system (10) obtains image sequences and assembles a presentation therefrom. The system has a camera (12) for capturing image sequences, a random-access electronic memory (16) for temporary storage of the image sequences, an input reader for accepting pre-programmed instructions from a first storage medium, a control panel with a display (18) for viewing image sequences (64) and presenting pre-programmed instructions to the operator and an operator interface for accepting responses to the pre-programmed instructions. A control logic processor (20) executes pre-programmed instructions and arranges the presentation from the captured image sequences stored in random-access electronic memory (16), according to operator responses. An output writer records the presentation onto a storage medium.

Abstract: Display systems, control systems for a display and a method for operating a display are provided in which people are detected a presentation space within which content presented by the display can be observed. Viewing areas are defined for each person with each viewing area comprising a less than all of the presentation space and including an area corresponding to each person. One channel of image content is obtained for presentation to each person and a combination image is presented on the display. The combination image is modulated so that each area of the combination image presented by the display is viewable only in selected areas of the presentation space. The combination image has image content from each channel of image content arranged in areas of said combination image so that, when modulated, the image content from each channel of image content is viewable only in a viewing area defined for the person for whom the content is obtained.

Abstract: Methods and control systems are provided for operating a display capable of presenting content within a presentation space. In accordance with the method, a person is located in the presentation space and a viewing space is defined comprising less than all of the presentation space and including the location of the person. Content is presented so that the presented content is discernable only within the viewing space.