Abstract: Mechanisms for providing optical image stabilization in at least one direction as well as auto-focus in a digital camera comprise a plurality of springs mechanically coupled to at least a lens module carrying a lens of the digital camera, wherein the plurality of springs provides overall low stiffness to movement of the lens in two, first and second directions orthogonal to each other, and provides high stiffness to torsion of the lens module.

Abstract: Mechanisms for providing optical image stabilization in at least one direction as well as auto-focus in a digital camera comprise a plurality of springs mechanically coupled to at least a lens module carrying a lens of the digital camera, wherein the plurality of springs provides overall low stiffness to movement of the lens in two, first and second directions orthogonal to each other, and provides high stiffness to torsion of the lens module.

Abstract: Zoom digital cameras comprising a Wide sub-camera and a folded fixed Tele sub-camera. The folded Tele sub-camera may be auto-focused by moving either its lens or a reflecting element inserted in an optical path between its lens and a respective image sensor. The folded Tele sub-camera is configured to have a low profile to enable its integration within a portable electronic device.

Abstract: Zoom digital cameras comprising a Wide sub-camera and a folded fixed Tele sub-camera. The folded Tele sub-camera may be auto-focused by moving either its lens or a reflecting element inserted in an optical path between its lens and a respective image sensor. The folded Tele sub-camera is configured to have a low profile to enable its integration within a portable electronic device.

Abstract: Zoom digital cameras comprising a Wide sub-camera and a folded fixed Tele sub-camera. The folded Tele sub-camera may be auto-focused by moving either its lens or a reflecting element inserted in an optical path between its lens and a respective image sensor. The folded Tele sub-camera is configured to have a low profile to enable its integration within a portable electronic device.

Abstract: Piezoelectric transducer arrays enhanced with flexoelectric effects and a method thereof is disclosed. The array can include an ultrathin piezoelectric ring that includes embedded rings. Adjacent ring transducers can be completely separated from each other on a supporting substrate. The supporting substrate can have cavities to support the transducer array. Additionally, such an array can include electrodes attached to the rings.

Abstract: Piezoelectric transducer arrays and methods of making the same are discussed. Such an array can include a piezoelectric film comprising a plurality of segments. Adjacent segments can be separated by trenches of a plurality of trenches in the piezoelectric film. Additionally, such an array can include a plurality of electrodes attached to the plurality of segments.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for adjusting the effect of applying a kernel to a signal is provided. The adjustment may be based on the magnitude of an effect that a kernel matrix is intended to have on the signal matrix. The adjustments can be based on factors including, but not limited to, a signal-to-noise ratio of the signal data, properties of a device (e.g., lens) used to capture the signal data, or a metric that is derived based on an analysis of the signal data. Processing image data in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention is aimed at regaining lost contrast that may be due to properties of optics that are used to capture the image data.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for adjusting the effect of applying a kernel to a signal is provided. The adjustment may be based on the magnitude of an effect that a kernel matrix is intended to have on the signal matrix. The adjustments can be based on factors including, but not limited to, a signal-to-noise ratio of the signal data, properties of a device (e.g., lens) used to capture the signal data, or a metric that is derived based on an analysis of the signal data. Processing image data in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention is aimed at regaining lost contrast that may be due to properties of optics that are used to capture the image data.

Abstract: The present invention is an apparatus and method for collecting a specimen of middle ear fluid, through the ear drum of a patient, for subsequent culturing. The present invention involves using a needle that is adapted for puncturing through the ear drum, with a fluid absorbent material disposed on the needle to absorb a sufficient specimen of middle ear fluid for subsequent culturing and identification of bacteria present. Such an apparatus can be made inexpensively and disposable after each use. A stop guard can be secured to the needle to inhibit penetration of the needle beyond a desired depth through the ear drum. The stop guard enables the desired depth of penetration, through the ear drum, to be determined without having to rely solely on the skill of the practitioner performing the procedure.

Abstract: A dual-speed, dual format full-duplex two-wire voiceband data transmission system provides automatic speed selection at the answering terminal responsive to a handshaking sequence which is compatible with existing systems operating at telegraph speeds. Existing systems provide asynchronous full-duplex serial data transmission in the speed range of zero to 300 bits per second using frequency-shift keying of tones in split frequency bands dedicated to the respective transmisson directions. Alternative full-duplex serial data transmission at 1200 bits per second using phase-shift keying of carrier waves in these same split frequency bands can now be provided from a common line protocol.