Abstract: A user is provided with the capability to view only those segments of TV broadcast programs and/or pre-recorded digital programs that are identified by the user (or other persons, e.g., parents) as acceptable. Preferences for the types of material that is desired for viewing are provided. The provider analyzes a selected program and creates a user specific segmentation file that, when played along with the recorded program, causes the program to automatically skip specific types of material (e.g., commercials, violence, pornography, etc.) and/or jumps to specific material desirable without the user having to intercede during the viewing. The segmentation file is distributed to the user and the user provides a fee to the provider for making and distributing this customized segmentation file.

Abstract: A user is provided with the capability to view only those segments of TV broadcast programs and/or pre-recorded digital programs that are identified by the user (or other persons, e.g., parents) as acceptable. Preferences for the types of material that is desired for viewing are provided. The provider analyzes a selected program and creates a user specific segmentation file that, when played along with the recorded program, causes the program to automatically skip specific types of material (e.g., commercials, violence, pornography, etc.) and/or jumps to specific material desirable without the user having to intercede during the viewing. The segmentation file is distributed to the user and the user provides a fee to the provider for making and distributing this customized segmentation file.

Abstract: A complex micromirror or LCD array device that performs complex optical or electro-optical transforms is described. Both real and imaginary parts of a light beam are modulated in amplitude to give a spatially and temporally modulated beam.

Abstract: A complex micromirror or LCD array device that performs complex optical or electro-optical transforms is described. Both real and imaginary parts of a light beam are modulated in amplitude to give a spatially and temporally modulated beam.

Abstract: A user is provided with the capability to view only those segments of TV broadcast programs and/or pre-recorded digital programs that are identified by the user (or other persons, e.g., parents) as acceptable. Preferences for the types of material that is desired for viewing are provided. The provider analyzes a selected program and creates a user specific segmentation file that, when played along with the recorded program, causes the program to automatically skip specific types of material (e.g., commercials, violence, pornography, etc.) and/or jumps to specific material desirable without the user having to intercede during the viewing. The segmentation file is distributed to the user and the user provides a fee to the provider for making and distributing this customized segmentation file.

Abstract: An apparatus which includes a probe for detecting a resonance signal induced in a sample. The probe and the resonance signal each have a respective, corresponding Q, and the ratio, Q′, of the Q of the probe to the Q of the resonance signal is relatively large. Preferably, Q′ is greater than, or equal to, 1.

Abstract: Shielding materials used in electromagnetic digitizers which are packaged in a notebook computer environment. Shielding materials with sufficiently high magnetic permeability to increase the magnetic signal detected by the digitizer sensor grid can be used in such an environment, and can be placed in direct contact with the sensor grid. Aluminum or copper shields can also be placed in direct contact with the sensor grid to provide the requisite shielding. A combination of conductive and ferrite material can also be used as the conductive base material provides for shielding and a layer of ferrite material increases the magnetic signal and prevents signal attenuation by the conductor.

Abstract: An acoustic contact sensor for handwritten computer input is disclosed herein. The contact sensor comprises ultrasonic sending transducer means, receiving transducer means and circuit means for providing a logic signal to a computer when contact is made. The sending and receiver transducer means can either individually be coupled to a pen stylus or writing and/or display surface.

Abstract: User-machine interaction through a touch input display screen is enhanced through the use of surface coding in the form of stylus diameter or reflectivity peripheral surface features that are sensed in optical sensing apparatus.

Abstract: The location of an object in a work area is established by sweeping a single light beam over the area and employing in coordinate calculations the rotational arc of the light source, and the serial events of the light variation when the beam is reflected from a mirror positioned on the opposite periphery intersects the object and the light variation when the beam directly intersects the object.

Abstract: The calibration of a force sensing type data input device through the use of at least one correction developed by minimization of differences between an actual location of a pattern of test forces and a calculated location of the test forces where the calculation is on the basis of the effect of the test forces on the equilibrium of the device.

Abstract: A piezoelectric touch screen assembly can be attached to mounting ears on an ordinary CRT assembly. The touch screen assembly includes a frame, a glass plate which is seated on a gasket at one surface of the frame and a plurality of piezoelectric elements which are bonded to the glass plate and are "trapped" between the CRT face and the glass plate. Studs extend outwardly from the CRT ears through openings in the frame. Coil springs are placed on the studs and are trapped by washer nuts to load the touch screen assembly toward the CRT by a predetermined amount. Grommets with a unique cross sectional configuration are mounted at the openings through the frame. The grommet is designed to provide minimal resistance to movement of the touch screen assembly toward or away from the CRT face but greater resistance to movement of the assembly in other directions.

Abstract: Correlation of light beam movement with electrical timing in a light beam interrupt data input interface device is provided by determining the magnitude of an angular difference between the electrical system and a line through the scanning axis for use as a correction factor. The correlation principle involves a combination of measurement with respect to the electrical system and the application of geometric principles to provide a correction factor.

Abstract: An actuator for a magnetic read/write head carried by a linear motor has its stator located between a pair of disks within a stack of magnetic recording disks. The stator comprises an array of reversed polarity magnets (preferably permanent) in a linear array. A pair of flat coils are the drive elements of the armature of the motor with the coils arranged in side-by-side relationship for bridging from magnet to magnet in the stator. Thus the armature will not be stalled between magnets. The actuator is controlled by an electronic control system for selecting any position precisely, rather than in steps as in a stepping motor. A microprocessor can be used to adjust control of the direction of motion of the actuator based upon feedback signals.

Abstract: Information is transferred interactively between a user and an information processor by establishing the direction of the user's gaze or visual focus with relation to portions of a viewing surface and thereafter the direction of the user's gaze or visual focus to a specific portion of the viewing surface conveys information. The direction of a user's gaze is established through a reflected signal from the operator's eyeball.

Abstract: An interface and terminal are provided between data processing operations and the movement of an indicator member of stylus. The interface and terminal identifies the coordinates of the position of the stylus by the angles that a light beam reflected from the stylus makes with a reference and uses a history of coordinate data for specific coordinate selection. The stylus position is sensed by interruption of light. The terminal retains and displays a trace of the stylus movement. The interface and terminal are useful both for manual to computer input, and, for remote data processing to mechanical movement, such as in displays and manufacturing operations. Accuracy of the order of 0.01 inches in 12 inches is achieved.

Abstract: A force-sensing data input device of very high accuracy and a method for operating such a force-sensing input device. An input surface is provided having a transparent faceplate which conforms to the display surface of a display device, such as a cathode-ray tube display, with which the input device is used. A flange of the input surface is separated from a rigid, conductive reference surface or frame by force-sensing piezoelectric transducers, preferably constructed of lead-zirconium titanate. At least portions of the piezoelectric transducers which are sensitive to electromagnetic interference are located within wells formed in the frame so as to be shielded. Preferably, four piezoelectric transducers are provided, one at each corner of a rectangular opening formed in the frame. To determine the point of application of force on the input surface, the outputs of the four transducers are first summed.

Abstract: In apparatus such as optical scanners and printers wherein a beam of light is reflected along a moving mirror surface to another location, the accuracy of tilt of the moving mirror and the travel of scan can be controlled by reflecting the beam of light from the moving mirror to first and then second intersecting mirror surfaces and then back to the moving mirror.

Abstract: The security of manufactured apparatus is enhanced through reducing the motivation for theft by partitioning the design of the manufactured apparatus so as to provide a component essential to the operation that is destroyed both in function and in appearance on moving the apparatus, is clearly distinguishable from a common article of commerce and cannot be singly, economically produced. The security is enhanced because theft is not profitable since a cost equal to any profit is incurred to replace the destroyed part and chance of detection is increased. Small apparatus theft, such as occurs with a typewriter, is rendered impractical by providing a power cord that is distinctive in appearance, not economically singly replaceable, that is so fastened that it must be fractured in order to remove the apparatus.

Abstract: Apparatus for cleaning mussels and other shellfish which can be used floating on the surface of the water from which the shellfish were taken is disclosed. A container, typically a 5-gallon can, has a great number of holes formed in its circumferential surface. The container is supported within a basin of water, typically on a body of water by a pair of bouyant rings, so that a portion of the container lies below the surface of the water thereby allowing the water to enter and exit the container through the holes in the surface of the container. A door is provided in the container for the insertion and removal of the mussels. The interior surface of the container is interrupted, typically by a plurality of vanes or ribs formed on the interior surface of the container, so that when the container is rotated, typically by a hand crank attached to one end of the container, the mussels are drawn part way up the side of the container before tumbling back upon themselves.