Abstract: A skid-resistant plastic sheets that can reduce or overcome the problem of slippage and hence reduce the bodily injuries as well as equipment damage. Various ways to achieve or obtain skid-resistance in single plastic sheets are described. These skid-resistant dust protective plastic sheets may be manufactured in one step process or two-step process and fall into two categories; 1) those that embody topographical changes and 2) those that have a discontinuous coating of a skid-resistant material on one or both sides and are discussed separately.

Abstract: A technique to automatically detect intruders in a restricted area. The technique detects the intruders position in real time from digital camera images (both visible and infrared) and presents it to an operator. The operator aids in locating, identifying and assessing the potential threat of an intruder are provided. The approach can be structured for a wide range of mission deployment ranging from a simple jungle trail, an oil refinery, to an entire airfield.

Abstract: The present invention features a Product Information System (PISYS) which presents advertising and product information to grocery shoppers. The system includes one or more shopping carts with a bar code scanner to read Universal Product Codes (UPCs) from merchandise. An artificial intelligence system presents advertising and general product information. The system determines the shopper's tastes from choices which the shopper expresses explicitly and from characterizations which it infers by examining the shopper's buying habits. When the shopping session is complete, the PISYS shopping cart transfers relevant information to a PISYS check-out counter, which transfers it directly to an in-house central computer. Because a PISYS shopping cart interacts with a shopper at the very moment he is making a purchase decision, it provides the most effective means for advertising.

Abstract: A technique to automatically detect intruders in a restricted area. The technique detects the intruders position in real time from digital camera images (both visible and infrared) and presents it to an operator. The operator aids in locating, identifying and assessing the potential threat of an intruder are provided. The approach can be structured for a wide range of mission deployment ranging from a simple jungle trail, an oil refinery, to an entire airfield.

Abstract: The invention is a method of calling a group of tourists back to their conveyance, in which each passenger is given a portable alerting device when they leave the conveyance. When the conveyance is ready to leave, a transmitter on the conveyance transmits a wireless signal which causes the alerting device to vibrate or give off a light or sound signal, alerting the passenger to return to the conveyance for departure.

Abstract: The invention is a method of calling a group of tourists back to their conveyance, in which each passenger is given a portable alerting device when they leave the conveyance. When the conveyance is ready to leave, a transmitter on the conveyance transmits a wireless signal which causes the alerting device to vibrate or give off a light or sound signal, alerting the passenger to return to the conveyance for departure.

Abstract: A price verification method for retail stores using shelf pricing, and apparatus therefor, in which the shelf labels are provided with an extended bar code having the item number and price of the item. A remote unit scans the item number and price, and uses the item number to look up the item in a database which is identical to the store checkout scanner database, and compares the shelf price to the database price. If they are not the same, a new shelf label may be printed immediately. Also, the UPC or other barcode on the product itself is scanned and compared to the shelf price label.

Abstract: A price verification method for retail stores using shelf pricing, and apparatus therefor, in which the shelf labels are provided with an extended bar code having the item number and price of the item. A remote unit scans the item number and price, and uses the item number to look up the item in a database which is identical to the store checkout scanner database, and compares the shelf price to the database price. If they are not the same, a new shelf label may be printed immediately. The method and apparatus described herein are easily adapted to allow government inspections of stores for shelf price accuracy. A further embodiment of the invention provides for a portable totalizer with which a shopper can total purchases as they are selected, enabling the shopper to check the scanner at the checkout register.

Abstract: The present invention teaches apparatus, method and use for a portable shopper product information remote unit. A plurality of remote units are provided to shoppers within a retail establishment which uses bar code scanners at a cashier's counter to record products of the shopper's purchase. The units are retrieved from each shopper subsequent to a finished purchase and returned to a central maintenance system. The remote units' batteries are recharged and data updated with at least updated pricing information such that the bar code scanners at the cashier's counters and the remote units are provided with the same updated product pricing information.

Abstract: A device for accumulating information about storage batteries, especially useful for electric vehicles, in which a microcomputer having memory and associated sensors is built into each battery pack. The device accumulates data about the usage and condition of the pack, and identification data on the user, then transmits the data to an external computer when the pack is charging.

Abstract: The present invention features a system for recognizing a string of handwritten characters automatically using a graphic input. This invention is expected to have several applications, such as affecting postal ZIP codes and the dollar amount location on bank checks. For postal applications, the device includes an identification strip for identifying the sender, a receiver, a source or a destination of material such as packages or mail. The identification strip can be part of a postage stamp, label, envelope, etc., and has a reserved region with a plurality of entry guide outlines, each designating one alphanumeric character or digit of a ZIP code. Disposed on each entry guide outline surface is a pattern that is not machine-readable. The pattern includes line segments upon which a letter, number or symbol may be inscribed. The line segment in each entry guide outline acts as a trace-over guide for the inscriber, wherein the letter, number or symbol inscribed conforms to a machine-readable character.

Abstract: A multi-classification information security method to prevent information in a computer information system with one of a plurality of security classifications to be written onto an input/output means with a non-compatible security classification. The method may also prevent information with one of a plurality of security classifications from being accessed by a user with a different classification. A detector means located in the computer input/output device detects the classification of the input/output means which is indicated by color or bar code indicia located on the input/output means. This input/output means classification is compared with the classification of the information. When the classifications correspond, information can be written to the input/output medium.