Abstract: Digital camera systems and methods are described that provide digital cameras with large effective single-frame dynamic exposure ranges. The digital camera systems include multiple channels. Each channel includes an optics component and sensor comprising an array of photo-detectors. The sensors of the camera channels are integrated on a semiconductor substrate. The camera systems include a processing component coupled to the channels. The processing component is configured to separately and simultaneously control an integration time of each channel. The integration time of at least one channel is controlled relative to the integration time of at least one other channel so that an image formed by combining data of a frame received simultaneously from the channels has a relatively large dynamic range.

Abstract: Embodiments of a solid-state camera system, particularly an imager module and an associated assembly method are described herein. Embodiments of the imager module include an optics frame configured to accommodate multiple optical channels, each optical channel comprising a lower lens group and an upper lens group. At least one of the lens groups is movable with respect to the other and to image sensors. The imaging sensors may be contained in an imager die. Embodiments further include an assembly method, including an optical configuration and method for mounting and focusing to image sensor microelectronic circuitry. Various embodiments are directed toward packaging microelectronic imagers that are responsive to radiation in the visible light spectrum or radiation in other spectrums to provide a small imager module size suitable for automated manufacture at low cost but are not so limited.

Abstract: An imager apparatus and methods are described. An embodiment of an imager module includes a plurality of groups of optical lenses, a lens frame, and at least one associated lens barrel configured to position and hold the plurality of groups of optical lenses. At least one of the groups of optical lenses is movable with respect to at least one other group of optical lenses for achieving optical focus. The imager module includes an integrated circuit (IC) imager die in proximity to the plurality of lenses, the imager die containing at least one image capture microelectronic device.

Abstract: Methods of generating a write current in response to a write command include generating a reverse preshoot write current having a polarity opposite to a polarity for generating a magnetic transition corresponding to the write command, and then generating a write current to effect the magnetic transition corresponding to the write command. The write current may be used for writing data to a storage disk of a disk drive that includes a write head configured to apply a magnetic field to the storage disk responsive to write currents. A preamplifier circuit includes a write current generator configured to receive a write current command and configured to generate, responsive to the write current command, a reverse preshoot current having a first polarity that is opposite a second polarity for generating a magnetic transition corresponding to the write command.

Abstract: A preferred embodiment of the subject invention is directed to creation and pricing of an option related to a target zone in a time-price plot. If the price curve against time enters this zone (in a preferred embodiment, a “box”), a fixed amount of money is paid to the owner of the option; if the curve misses the box, there is no payout to the option owner, who also forfeits the premium paid for the option. Software is described that enables an option buyer to easily create and set the parameters of such an option, that computes a premium for the option, and that manages payout and other functions related to the option. The above-described embodiment is a buy-to-hit option. Other embodiments are directed to sell-to-hit, buy-to-miss, and sell-to-miss options.

Abstract: There are many, many inventions described herein. In one aspect, what is disclosed is a digital camera including a plurality of arrays of photo detectors, including a first array of photo detectors to sample an intensity of light of a first wavelength and a second array of photo detectors to sample an intensity of light of a second wavelength. The digital camera further may also include a first lens disposed in an optical path of the first array of photo detectors, wherein the first lens includes a predetermined optical response to the light of the first wavelength, and a second lens disposed in with an optical path of the second array of photo detectors wherein the second lens includes a predetermined optical response to the light of the second wavelength.

Abstract: In one aspect, the present invention comprises a system for trading currencies over a computer network. A preferred embodiment comprises: (a) a server front-end; (b) at least one database; (c) a transaction server; (d) a rate server; (e) a pricing engine; (f) an interest rate manager; (g) a trade manager; (h) a value at risk server; (i) a margin control manager; ( ) a trading system monitor; and (k) a hedging engine. In another aspect, the present invention comprises methods for trading currency over a computer network. In another aspect, the present invention comprises software for currency trading over a computer network.

Abstract: There are many inventions described herein. Some aspects are directed to methods and/or apparatus to provide relative movement between optics, or portion(s) thereof, and sensors, or portion(s) thereof, in a digital camera. The relative movement may be in any of various directions. In some aspects, relative movement between an optics portion, or portion(s) thereof, and a sensor portion, or portion(s) thereof, are used in providing any of various features and/or in the various applications disclosed herein, including, for example, but not limited to, increasing resolution, optical and electronic zoom, image stabilization, channel alignment, channel-channel alignment, image alignment, lens alignment, masking, image discrimination, range finding, 3D imaging, auto focus, mechanical shutter, mechanical iris, multi and hyperspectral imaging, and/or combinations thereof.

Abstract: There are many, many inventions described herein. In one aspect, what is disclosed is a digital camera including a plurality of arrays of photo detectors, including a first array of photo detectors to sample an intensity of light of a first wavelength and a second array of photo detectors to sample an intensity of light of a second wavelength. The digital camera further may also include a first lens disposed in an optical path of the first array of photo detectors, wherein the first lens includes a predetermined optical response to the light of the first wavelength, and a second lens disposed in with an optical path of the second array of photo detectors wherein the second lens includes a predetermined optical response to the light of the second wavelength.

Abstract: There are many, many inventions described herein. In one aspect, what is disclosed is a digital camera including a plurality of arrays of photo detectors, including a first array of photo detectors to sample an intensity of light of a first wavelength and a second array of photo detectors to sample an intensity of light of a second wavelength. The digital camera further may also include a first lens disposed in an optical path of the first array of photo detectors, wherein the first lens includes a predetermined optical response to the light of the first wavelength, and a second lens disposed in with an optical path of the second array of photo detectors wherein the second lens includes a predetermined optical response to the light of the second wavelength.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for providing uninterruptible power are provided by aspects of the invention. One aspect is more particularly directed to an uninterruptible power supply for providing power to a load. The uninterruptible power supply includes an input to receive input power, an output to provide output power, a plurality of battery modules that provide backup power, a power circuit coupled to the input, coupled to the plurality of battery modules and coupled to the output to provide power derived from at least one of the input power and the backup power to the output, a controller, a return line coupled to the controller and coupled to each of the battery modules, and a fist sense line coupled to the controller and coupled to the plurality of battery modules. The controller and each of the battery modules are configured and arranged such that at least one characteristic of the battery modules is determined by the controller based on signals detected by the controller on the first sense line.

Abstract: A stabilizer assembly for use with a conveyer system includes a stabilizer member that pivots from a first position to a second position towards a vertically-curved track section as a conveyor carrier moves into the vertically-curved section. A method for stabilizing a conveyor carrier includes installing a stabilizer member adjacent to the vertically-curved section of the conveyor track, and pivoting the stabilizer member from a first vertical position towards a second position as the conveyor carrier moves into the vertically-curved section of the conveyor track. A conveyor system includes a conveyor track having a vertically-curved section, a conveyor carrier placed on the conveyor track for traveling along the conveyor track, and a stabilizer assembly that includes a stabilizer member pivotable from a first position to a second position towards the vertically-curved section as a conveyor carrier moves into the vertically-curved section.

Abstract: A stabilizer assembly for use with a conveyer system includes a stabilizer member that pivots from a first position to a second position towards a vertically-curved track section as a conveyor carrier moves into the vertically-curved section. A method for stabilizing a conveyor carrier includes installing a stabilizer member adjacent to the vertically-curved section of the conveyor track, and pivoting the stabilizer member from a first vertical position towards a second position as the conveyor carrier moves into the vertically-curved section of the conveyor track. A conveyor system includes a conveyor track having a vertically-curved section, a conveyor carrier placed on the conveyor track for traveling along the conveyor track, and a stabilizer assembly that includes a stabilizer member pivotable from a first position to a second position towards the vertically-curved section as a conveyor carrier moves into the vertically-curved section.

Abstract: A video mixing system that is adapted to receive respective video and graphic control signals for controlling the display content on a video monitor. A video decoder processes the video and graphic control signals, thus making it possible to mix two or more video sources, one of which is typically an in-house data terminal source and the other of which is typically connected as a graphics option. At the output of the decoder is a gate means for providing selective voltage stepped intensity control signals for controlling the video monitor.

Abstract: A horizontal scrolling apparatus that provides scrolling on a character-by-character basis including a screen memory and associated visual attribute memory having associated therewith a scroll control memory for storing at least one bit for controlling horizontal scrolling. A latch controls writing into the scroll control memory to provide an enable bit therein, only in those locations corresponding to characters that are to be scrolled. An offset number is stored in an offset register, which number is variable under computer control. Operation of an adding circuit is responsive to sensing of the enable bit for adding the offset number to the present screen address to provide an offset address. The offset address is coupled to the video memory for display of the character associated with the offset address in the screen address position.

Abstract: An apparatus for controlling visual attributes associated with characters displayed on a video display screen including a video memory for storing multiple data words corresponding to screen character locations, an attribute memory associated with the video memory for storing visual attribute codes and an attribute propagation store associated with the attribute memory for controlling visual attribute code propagation. A latch controls writing into the attribute propagation memory, a control bit for controlling visual attribute code propagation. The apparatus also includes a video display generator and control logic responsive to the control bit for causing a predetermined attribute code to be propagated for a preselected number of screen character locations.