Abstract: A handheld electronic magnifier for providing a magnified representation of an object is provided. The magnifier includes a casing having a camera face and an opposed display face, a camera inside the casing for acquiring an image of the object, and a display extending along the display face for displaying the magnified representation of the object based on the image acquired by the camera. The handheld electronic magnifier also includes a handle and a two-axis hinge assembly rotatably connecting the casing and the handle about orthogonal first and second hinge axes extending respectively along a length of the casing and a width of the handle. The two-axis hinge assembly includes a longitudinal and a transverse hinge member rigidly fixed to each other and extending along the first and second hinge axes, respectively. The longitudinal and transverse hinge members are rotatably connected to the casing and the handle, respectively.

Abstract: A docking assembly for docking a handheld device thereto is provided. The docking assembly includes a cradle for receiving the handheld device, and a handle adjacent to the cradle and reciprocally movable inwardly and outwardly relative to the cradle between an open and a position. The handle has a handle interface facing a corresponding device interface of the handheld device when the handheld device is placed in the cradle. The handle interface has a pair of alignment projections and a handle data connector connectable to a device data connector of the handheld device, the alignment projections being engageable with complimentary alignment cavities of the handheld device. The docking assembly further includes a displacement mechanism configured such that, as the handle moves toward the closed position, the alignment projections progressively engage the alignment cavities and guide the handle and device data connectors toward each other for connection therebetween.

Abstract: A computer-implemented method for providing a text-based representation of a region of interest of an image to first is provided that includes a step of identifying text zones within the image, each text zone including textual content and having a respective rank assigned thereto based on an arrangement of the text zones within the image. The method also includes determining a processing sequence for performing optical character recognition (OCR) on the text zones. The processing sequence is based, firstly, on an arrangement of the text zones with respect to the region of interest and, secondly, on the ranks assigned to the text zones. The method further includes performing an OCR process on the text zones according to the processing sequence to progressively obtain a machine-encoded representation of the region of interest, and concurrently present the machine-encoded representation to the user, via an output device, as the text-based representation.

Abstract: A method and a system for providing a text-based representation of a portion of a working area to a user are provided. The method includes acquiring an image of the entire working area and performing a fast OCR process on at least a region of interest of the image corresponding to the portion of the working area, thereby rapidly obtaining an initial machine-encoded representation of the portion of the working area and immediately presenting it to the user as the text-based representation. Parallelly to the fast OCR process, a high-precision OCR process is performed on at least the region of interest of the image, thereby obtaining a high-precision machine-encoded representation of the portion of the working area. Upon completing the high-precision OCR process, the high-precision machine-encoded representation of the portion of the working area is presented to the user as the text-based representation, in replacement of the initial machine-encoded representation.

Abstract: A handheld magnification device for displaying a magnified representation of an object in a see-through manner is provided. The handheld magnification device includes a casing and a first and a second camera both adapted to acquire an image of the object, and having respectively a first working range proximate the handheld magnification device and a second working range different from and extending beyond the first working range. The handheld magnification device also includes a distance-sensitive sensor for measuring a distance parameter representative of a distance between the object and the handheld magnification device, as well as a processing unit for automatically selecting, based on the distance parameter and the first and second working ranges, one of the first and second cameras as a selected camera. The handheld magnification device further includes a display for displaying the magnified representation of the object based on the image acquired by the selected camera.

Abstract: A computer-implemented method for providing a text-based representation of a region of interest of an image to first is provided that includes a step of identifying text zones within the image, each text zone including textual content and having a respective rank assigned thereto based on an arrangement of the text zones within the image. The method also includes determining a processing sequence for performing optical character recognition (OCR) on the text zones. The processing sequence is based, firstly, on an arrangement of the text zones with respect to the region of interest and, secondly, on the ranks assigned to the text zones. The method further includes performing an OCR process on the text zones according to the processing sequence to progressively obtain a machine-encoded representation of the region of interest, and concurrently present the machine-encoded representation to the user, via an output device, as the text-based representation.

Abstract: A method and a system for providing a text-based representation of a portion of a working area to a user are provided. The method includes acquiring an image of the entire working area and performing a fast OCR process on at least a region of interest of the image corresponding to the portion of the working area, thereby rapidly obtaining an initial machine-encoded representation of the portion of the working area and immediately presenting it to the user as the text-based representation. Parallelly to the fast OCR process, a high-precision OCR process is performed on at least the region of interest of the image, thereby obtaining a high-precision machine-encoded representation of the portion of the working area. Upon completing the high-precision OCR process, the high-precision machine-encoded representation of the portion of the working area is presented to the user as the text-based representation, in replacement of the initial machine-encoded representation.

Abstract: A docking assembly for docking a handheld device thereto is provided. The docking assembly includes a cradle for receiving the handheld device, and a handle adjacent to the cradle and reciprocally movable inwardly and outwardly relative to the cradle between an open and a position. The handle has a handle interface facing a corresponding device interface of the handheld device when the handheld device is placed in the cradle. The handle interface has a pair of alignment projections and a handle data connector connectable to a device data connector of the handheld device, the alignment projections being engageable with complimentary alignment cavities of the handheld device. The docking assembly further includes a displacement mechanism configured such that, as the handle moves toward the closed position, the alignment projections progressively engage the alignment cavities and guide the handle and device data connectors toward each other for connection therebetween.

Abstract: A magnification system which allows viewing a magnified representation of an object is provided. The magnification system includes two main components: a handheld device and a base station. The handheld device is provided with a camera module, a processing unit and, optionally, a display unit. The base station has a frame structure and, optionally, a monitor. The frame structure includes a cradle for receiving the handheld device. The handheld device can function as a stand-alone device and can be carried around for use outside of the home or office or, generally, away from the base station, or it can be mounted on the base station where images of documents or other objects disposed on a workspace of the frame structure can be acquired by the camera module of the handheld device and shown on the monitor through the processing unit.

Abstract: A handheld magnification device for displaying a magnified representation of an object in a see-through manner is provided. The handheld magnification device includes a casing and a first and a second camera both adapted to acquire an image of the object, and having respectively a first working range proximate the handheld magnification device and a second working range different from and extending beyond the first working range. The handheld magnification device also includes a distance-sensitive sensor for measuring a distance parameter representative of a distance between the object and the handheld magnification device, as well as a processing unit for automatically selecting, based on the distance parameter and the first and second working ranges, one of the first and second cameras as a selected camera. The handheld magnification device further includes a display for displaying the magnified representation of the object based on the image acquired by the selected camera.

Abstract: The present relates to a front mount rotary cutter. The present front mount rotary cutter comprises a shell, a drive coupler affixed to the shell, and a plurality of rotary blades hingedly mounted to the shell. The plurality of rotary blades is driven by the drive coupler. The present front mount rotary cutter also comprises a plurality of discharge chutes. The plurality of discharge chutes protects a vehicle and/or the drive coupler from dust and debris generated upon operation of the plurality of rotary blades.

Abstract: The invention encompasses novel compounds of Formula (I) or pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof. These compounds are inhibitors of the microsomal prostaglandin E synthase-1 (mPGES-1) enzyme and are therefore useful to treat pain and/or inflammation from a variety of diseases or conditions, such as osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis and acute or chronic pain. Methods of treating diseases or conditions mediated by the mPGES-1 enzyme and pharmaceutical compositions are also encompassed.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to structures for enclosing bathing fixtures, such as bathtubs, whirlpools and showers. More particularly, it relates to an apron assembly comprising a frame member and an access panel that are held together through magnetic means.

Abstract: The invention encompasses novel compounds of Formula or pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof. These compounds are inhibitors of the microsomal prostaglandin E synthase-1 (mPGES-1) enzyme and are therefore useful to treat pain and/or inflammation from a variety of diseases or conditions, such as osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis and acute or chronic pain. Methods of treating diseases or conditions mediated by the mPGES-1 enzyme and pharmaceutical compositions are also encompassed.

Abstract: The adaptation of a regular pocket size computer for use by a visually impaired person is provided. A framework is firstly provided for building adapted applications, having adapted input and output services, a system resources library including tools for interacting with these adapted services and an adaptation library. A tactile keyboard is further provided to allow data entry through the screen interface of the computer. The tactile keyboard includes a membrane having raised keys on one side and corresponding screen activating tips on the other. Means for mounting the keyboard above the computer with the screen activating tips positioned in contact less alignment with the corresponding selected areas of the screen interface are also provided.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a method of enhancing cognition in a healthy subject comprising administering a safe cognition enhancing amount of a phosphodiesterase-4 inhibitor. In particular, this invention is directed to a method of enhancing memory, learning, retention, recall, awareness and judgement in health subjects comprising administering a safe and effective amount of a phosphodiesterase-4 inhibitor.

Abstract: The adaptation of a regular pocket size computer for use by a visually impaired person is provided. A framework is firstly provided for building adapted applications, having adapted input and output services, a system resources library including tools for interacting with these adapted services and an adaptation library. A tactile keyboard is further provided to allow data entry through the screen interface of the computer. The tactile keyboard includes a membrane having raised keys on one side and corresponding screen activating tips on the other. Means for mounting the keyboard above the computer with the screen activating tips positioned in contact less alignment with the corresponding selected areas of the screen interface are also provided.

Abstract: This invention relates to a system for orienting and guiding visually impaired pedestrians. The system combines a Global Positioning System (GPS) receiver to a dead reckoning unit that compensates for GPS imprecision and loss of signal. The system is highly portable: it is based on a handheld portable computing platform that communicates wirelessly with a self-powered strap containing the GPS receiver and the dead reckoning unit. The system also uses wireless protocols to receive additional orientation information from a remote location server or operator accessible through the internet. Additionally, a positioning algorithm for mapping the user near a street intersection is provided.

Abstract: Compounds represented by Formula (I) or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, are phosphodiesterase 4 inhibitors useful in the treatment of asthma and inflammation.