Abstract: In an AC magnetic tracker one or more multi-axis field sources, each operating at a different frequency, or frequency set, are detected and tracked in three-dimensional space, even when wireless or otherwise not physically connected to the tracking system. Multiple sources can be tracked simultaneously as they each operate with their own unique detectable set of parameters. The invention not only provides the ability to uniquely identify one or more sources by their frequencies, but also to synchronize with these frequencies in order to measure signals that then allow tracking the position and orientation (P&O) of the source(s). Further, these sources need not be present at the time of system start-up but can come and go while being detected, discriminated and tracked. It also should be noted that application of such systems in multiples with more sensors not synchronized to a source or sources also could be employed to give the reverse appearance of a known source phase and incoherency with the sensors.

Abstract: A system (100) and method (400) for unambiguous wireless accessory association between a host device (102) having an optional transceiver (202) and a wireless accessory (110) can include a wireless adaptor (104), a transducer (103 or 106 or 114), and a processor (200) coupled to the wireless adaptor. The processor can be programmed to cause the wireless adaptor to selectively enter (402) a discovery mode, temporarily select (406) a first accessory that responds to the discovery mode, cause (408) the transducer to emit an identity signal detectable only within an unambiguous range, examine (412) a sensed incoming signal to confirm the first accessory is within the unambiguous range, and discontinue discovery (414) and select the first accessory if the sensed incoming signal is determined by the processor to have high similarity to the identity signal.

Abstract: A configurable interface system (100) couples an accessory (102) to a communication device (104). The interface system utilizes a memory device (120) embedded in the accessory (102) that stores physical configuration and event mapping descriptors (114, 122) pertaining to the accessory. The communication device (104) reads the physical configuration and event mapping descriptors and configures its external interface (112) in response thereto, preferably through the use of bi-directional GPIO lines (110).

Abstract: A method for adaptive video processing includes identifying an object in a frame of video data, determining an object confidence value associated with the identified object, and determining if the object confidence value meets a predefined threshold object confidence value. If not, the method can further include repeatedly processing the frame of video data with additional processing algorithms, and again identifying the object, determining an updated object confidence value, and determining if the updated object confidence value meets the predefined threshold object confidence value, until the updated object confidence value meets the predefined threshold object confidence value. Thereafter, an event can be identified based upon the identified object and an object primitive defining a relationship between the identified object and one or more other objects in the frame of video data, where the events can be identified in accordance with a hierarchical event structure.

Abstract: The 3-axis field source coils and 3-axis sensor coils derived from off-the-shelf suppliers in a magnetic tracker are integrated with driving and sensing circuitry to provide a complete six-degree-of-freedom tracker in only two modules: a sensor module and a source module plus being able also to track with at least a second sensor of identical design. One or both of the basic tracker modules may be mounted on respective single printed-circuit boards, and the source module may take advantage of digital wave generation and tuned coil drivers for reduced hardware. One or both of the coil sets may be non-concentric, and the output for providing P&O updates to a host computer may take advantage of a connector that receives electrical power from the host computer, such as a USB/USB-2 connector. To further reduce system cost, the circuitry used to amplify the signals received by the sensor coils may be multiplexed under control of the processor on the source board.

Abstract: Magnetic tracking systems and methods confine source(s)/sensor(s) to a compact region, thereby facilitating enhanced precision without the need for distortion compensation or mapping. Several sensors placed in accurately known (or determined through algorithms within the tracker processor) locations allow a single small magnetic field source to be tracked by all of them simultaneously. Such a configuration allows an operator's head to be tracked accurately, as in a flight simulator, where coupling between field source and sensors is kept short, thereby eliminating the need for distortion mapping.

Abstract: Equipment that enables people to carry substantial pack loads have the problems that the body is under load from the shoulders down and packs bearing against the body prevent evaporation of perspiration which generates discomfort and fatigue. An eccentric backpack load exacerbates these problems. The subject invention is a wearable harness that transfers pack loads directly to the person's hips, bypassing the shoulders and upper body. Two over-the-shoulder, inverted “U” beams have attachment points for back and front packs and maintain a ventilation space beneath both. Balanced front and back packs can eliminate load eccentricity. Each beam is supported at the bottom (front and back) by a wide belt that goes over the hip. The harness is kept in place circumferentially at the waist by an ordinary belt around the waist. A distinctive hip is an important advantage; therefore, the invention is applicable mostly to women.

Abstract: Self-calibrating AC magnetic tracking systems and combination “outside-in” and “inside-out” architectures offer unique motion tracking capabilities. More area is covered with minimal distortion using the tracking system itself to determine overall P&O based on the P&O of an initial, reference marker. The output as anticipated and needed by the user is output without confusion and without costly and time-consuming metrology while covering a large region when distance from the reference may be great. A method according to the invention includes the steps of positioning a plurality of stationary AC magnetic “markers” in a tracking volume and moving a mobile AC magnetic marker proximate to a first one of the stationary markers designated as a reference marker. The position and orientation (P&O) of the mobile marker is determined relative to the reference marker, then moved so as to be proximate to a second one of the stationary markers.

Abstract: A magnetic tracker system for use on an operator's head makes “mouse”/cursor movements on a screen similar to that of the classic computer “mouse”/track ball/touchpad/joystick. Only head movements are used as opposed to lifting a hand from the keyboard for making such moves. The new “mouse” avoids interrupting the hands from their position on the keyboard and has no moving mechanical parts that become clogged and that need a special surface (mouse pad) or special surface measurements (optical mouse).

Abstract: In an AC magnetic tracker one or more multi-axis field sources, each operating at a different frequency, or frequency set, are detected and tracked in three-dimensional space, even when wireless or otherwise not physically connected to the tracking system. Multiple sources can be tracked simultaneously as they each operate with their own unique detectable set of parameters. The invention not only provides the ability to uniquely identify one or more sources by their frequencies, but also to synchronize with these frequencies in order to measure signals that then allow tracking the position and orientation (P&O) of the source(s). Further, these sources need not be present at the time of system start-up but can come and go while being detected, discriminated and tracked. It also should be noted that application of such systems in multiples with more sensors not synchronized to a source or sources also could be employed to give the reverse appearance of a known source phase and incoherency with the sensors.

Abstract: A small, lightweight field source acts as a “pseudo-sensor” in an AC magnetic tracking system, facilitating wireless operation. Upon activation, the source sends out three continuous low-power magnetic signals, a separate frequency from each of three resonant orthogonal coils, without the need for switching to a receive mode or detecting a synchronizing signal to start the three signals simultaneously. This simple structure allows the source to be kept small and consume little power so that it can operate for over one hour before needing to be re-charged. This design approach thus allows a user or object being tracked to move about freely with no restricting cabling to a base station or even to a body-mounted electronics module and bulky battery. A family of frequencies can be used for each of several such pseudo-sensor sources in order for the base station sensors and electronics to track multiple sources.

Abstract: Techniques for removing distortion in an AC magnetic tracker identify a characteristic frequency in the distortion environment which is then utilized to extract distortion components from the tracker receiver signals so that the corrected position and orientation can be calculated. A multiplicity of alternative techniques for determining this characteristic frequency are disclosed, several of which can be done during operation without interrupting system operation while others can be done off-line. The invention also allows the use of a tuned tracker transmitter since it does not need to operate at multiple frequencies. The invention differs from the prior art by treating an extended conductor characteristic as just another unknown. The position and orientation algorithm solves the 6 unknown coordinates of position and orientation plus the one more unknown—the extended conductor characteristic frequency.

Abstract: A configurable interface system (100) couples an accessory (102) to a communication device (104). The interface system utilizes a memory device (120) embedded in the accessory (102) that stores physical configuration and event mapping descriptors (114, 122) pertaining to the accessory. The communication device (104) reads the physical configuration and event mapping descriptors and configures its external interface (112) in response thereto, preferably through the use of bi-directional GPIO lines (110).

Abstract: An audio accessory optimization system (100) includes an audio accessory (104) that couples to a radio (102), the audio accessory including a memory (112) containing a plurality of descriptors (116, 118, 120) that provide information to enable radio optimization of the accessory audio performance.

Abstract: A connector (100) having multiple contacts (102) includes a supply contact (104), a ground contact (106) and at least one other contact (108) for providing attach/detach detection to an accessory or accessory connector. The supply and ground contacts (104, 106) are longer than the detect contact (108) so that power is connected prior to any of the other contacts and power is removed after any of the other contacts are detached. Logical control circuitry (318) interfaces with the connector (100) to minimize sparks upon detachment from the accessory (304).

Abstract: An antenna (104) and antenna interface system (200) are provided that allow both RF and baseband signals to be transported over a single antenna/communication device coaxial center connector (110, 120). A single wire memory device (134) is embedded into the antenna (104) and electrically coupled to the antenna's center conductor (110). Frequency diplexing (114, 116) is used to transport the single wire bus communications between the antenna (104) and the communication device, such as a radio (102).

Abstract: A seating unit for a passenger vehicle, especially an aircraft, has a reclinable seat back connected to a seating portion by a hinge. A slider is mounted in a guide track and supports the hinge. A pivotally connected front strut supports the seating portion at a location in front of the hinge. A pivotally connected rear strut supports the seat back at a location spaced apart from the hinge. As the slider along the guide track, the seat back moves to an orientation substantially coplanar with the seating portion so as to provide a flat surface for a sleeping passenger.

Abstract: A device for holding and controlling the temperature of a corrosive chemical processing bath. The device has a tank having a bottom intimately covering thermally conductive fins, a heat sink thermally connected to the fins and heaters, connected to the heat sink, for changing the temperature of the fins. Preferably the device is produced by rotationally molding the tank about the fins coated with a polymeric material thereby covering the fins and forming an integral seamless tank.