Abstract: A database is provided for storing a plurality of primary sales transactions between buyers and sellers. An electronic receipt is generated for one of the sales transactions, the electronic receipt is transmitted to a device associated with a user, and a signal is received from the user whereby a sales transaction is initiated relating to a secondary purchase.

Abstract: A database is provided for storing a plurality of sales transactions between buyers and sellers, where each sales transaction may involve, for example, the sale of a product. A signal is received indicating that a buyer wishes to return a product, the seller of the purchased product is identified in the database, a return label is generated, and it is transmitted back to the buyer.

Abstract: A method for automatically steering mosaic cut lines along preferred routes to form an output mosaic image includes the step of creating an assignment map corresponding to the output mosaic image where each pixel has an initial designation of unassigned. Then, each pixel of the assignment map that intersects the preferred routes is marked as being a Preferred Cut Line pixel to divide the Assignment Map into one or more regions. For each region, a search is conducted to locate one or more source images that completely cover that region. If multiple source images completely covering the region are located, the method uses a Selection Heuristic to determine quality of coverage, and then designates each pixel in that region as being assigned to the source image determined to be best by the Selection Heuristic.

Abstract: An automated process for color-balancing a series of oblique images captured from one or more positions and from one or more orientations. The automated process includes the step of selecting a series of color-balanced images to use as reference images. Then, on an oblique image by image basis (1) a portion(s) of a reference image(s) that overlaps the oblique image is located, (2) multiple color-balancing transformations are created that approximately matches the color distribution of the oblique image to the color distribution of the overlapping portion(s) of the reference image(s), (3) pixels in the oblique image are transformed according to the multiple color-balancing transformations created for that oblique image; and (4) the transformed pixel value is transformed in the oblique image or a copy of the oblique image.

Abstract: An image capture system for capturing images of an object, the image capture system comprising a moving platform such as an airplane, one or more image capture devices mounted to the moving platform, and a detection computer. The image capture device has a sensor for capturing an image. The detection computer executes an abnormality detection algorithm for detecting an abnormality in an image immediately after the image is captured and then automatically and immediately causing a re-shoot of the image. Alternatively, the detection computer sends a signal to the flight management software executed on a computer system to automatically schedule a re-shoot of the image. When the moving platform is an airplane, the detection computer schedules a re-shoot of the image such that the image is retaken before landing the airplane.

Abstract: A computer system for continuously panningoblique images. More particularly, the computer system uses a methodology whereby separate oblique images are presented in a manner that allows a user to maintain an understanding of the relationship of specific features between different oblique images when panning.

Abstract: An image capture system for capturing images of an object, such as the Earth. The image capture system includes a moving platform, at least two image capture devices, a position system, an event multiplexer and a computer system. The image capture devices are mounted to the moving platform. Each image capture device has a sensor for capturing an image and an event channel providing an event signal indicating the capturing of an image by the sensor. The position system records data indicative of a position as a function of time related to the moving platform. The event multiplexer has at least two image capture inputs and at least one output port. Each image capture input receives event signals from the event channel of one of the image capture devices. The event multiplexer outputs information indicative of an order of events indicated by the event signals, and identification of image capture devices providing the event signals.

Abstract: A method for creating an oblique-mosaic image from a plurality of source images is disclosed. Initially, a desired area to be imaged and collected into an oblique-mosaic image is identified and then a mathematical model of a sensor of a virtual camera is created, where the virtual camera has an elevation greater than an elevation of the area to be imaged. The mathematical model has an oblique-mosaic pixel map for the sensor of the desired area. A surface location is determined for each pixel included in the oblique mosaic pixel map, and at least one source oblique image pixel of the area to be imaged is reprojected for each pixel included in the oblique-mosaic pixel map to thereby create an oblique-mosaic image of the desired geographical area. The at least one single oblique-mosaic image is visually pleasing and geographically accurate. Further, techniques for compensating for building lean in oblique-mosaic images are disclosed.

Abstract: A dispensing system for liquid materials comprising a container, a dispensing assembly, a cap member, and base material. The container defines a primary opening, a secondary opening, and a product chamber. The dispensing assembly is selectively attached to the container to cover the primary opening. The cap member is selectively attached to the container to cover the secondary opening. The base material is introduced into the product chamber through the secondary opening. The base material is dispensed from the product chamber through the primary opening using the dispensing assembly.

Abstract: The resolution and contrast of impedance measurements and scans are improved by using a non-contact impedance probe comprising an inner conductor configured to bear a measurement signal and an outer conductor configured to bear a shielding signal. The measurement signal and shielding signal are selected to increase the directionality of the flux emitted from the impedance probe. In one embodiment, the measurement signal and the shielding signal are phase locked signals. A sample may be placed in a basin having a conductive surface that receives the flux emitted from the impedance probe. By filling the basin with a conductive solution, direct contact between the probe and the sample may be avoided along with the associated variability in contact resistance. The small highly-directional flux emitting area achievable with the present invention enables high resolution high contrast non-contact scanning of biological and non-biological materials.

Abstract: The resolution and contrast of impedance measurements and scans are improved by using a non-contact impedance probe comprising an inner conductor configured to bear a measurement signal and an outer conductor configured to bear a shielding signal. The measurement signal and shielding signal are selected to increase the directionality of the flux emitted from the impedance probe. In one embodiment, the measurement signal and the shielding signal are phase locked signals. A sample may be placed in a basin having a conductive surface that receives the flux emitted from the impedance probe. By filling the basin with a conductive solution, direct contact between the probe and the sample may be avoided along with the associated variability in contact resistance. The small highly-directional flux emitting area achievable with the present invention enables high resolution high contrast non-contact scanning of biological and non-biological materials.

Abstract: An apparatus for use within a controlled environment, the apparatus having an enclosure, an air filter, and an air flow generator. The enclosure includes an interior region for receiving an article and performing contaminant generating operations. The air filter receives contaminated air from the enclosure and outputs air substantially free of contaminants. The air flow generator can be sealably disposed between the enclosure and the air filter for establishing an air flow into the enclosure interior region from the controlled environment and out of the air filter into the controlled environment.

Abstract: A sealant dispenser system and method for applying sealant to fasteners. The sealant dispenser system comprising a syringe that engages a dispenser head, wherein the dispenser head has a plurality of dispenser feed channels that receive sealant from an intermediate dispenser conduit, which receives sealant from the sealant distribution conduit. The sealant distribution conduit is configured to receive a needle of a syringe which, when filled with sealant, can be engaged to distribute sealant from the syringe barrel through the sealant distribution conduit, through the intermediate dispenser conduit and through the dispenser feed channels and out of the dispenser feed channel orifices. The dispenser feed channels and the dispenser feed channel orifices are positioned proportional distances apart to allow for distribution of sealant around the entire edge of a fastener.

Abstract: A heat transfer cover mitigates temperature changes of an object. A cover body is configured to receive the object. A plurality of heat transfer channels are defined in an interior of the cover body. The channels are arranged to transport a heat transfer fluid in thermal communication with the object. An inlet port is configured to connect the plurality of channels with a source of the heat transfer fluid. An interior surface of the cover body may substantially conform to a shape of an exterior of the object. A plurality of lands may be defined in the interior of the cover body. The lands are arranged to engage the exterior of the object. The heat transfer channels may be defined between adjacent lands. At least a first end of the cover body may define an opening. The at least first end and the object are substantially sealed at the opening.

Abstract: A method is provided for controlling a chemical mechanical polishing (CMP) operation. The method is operative in a CMP apparatus having a plurality of end point detection probes and in which a plurality of process variables can be set to adjust the removal rate across a layer that is to be polished. In accordance with the method, the process variables are adjusted to a first setting and a layer overlying a work piece is polished using that setting. Information from the plurality of end point detection probes is collected and evaluated to determine removal rate of the layer. The process variables are adjusted in response the evaluation and a second layer on a second work piece is polished using the adjusted settings.

Abstract: Storage controllers and related methods of operation are described. One method tracks storage access operations to a logical disk. The method persistently identifies storage blocks that have been accessed. Responsive to the identifying, the method selectively skips subsequent operations to storage blocks that have not been accessed.

Abstract: In connection with a sales transaction, product information is directly collected from a product provided with a label or tag that can be electronically scanned using, for example, optical scanning technology or radio-frequency scanning technology. The product information is electronically provided to a third party for the purpose of a post sale activity such as recording of the sale of the product or product warranty registration.

Abstract: In connection with a sales transaction, product information is directly collected from the product provided with a label or tag that can be electronically scanned by, for example, optical scanning technology or radio-frequency scanning technology. The product information is electronically provided to the buyer in the form of an electronic receipt.

Abstract: In connection with a sales transaction, a physical sales receipt is generated which includes a unique transaction identifier. The buyer can later access an electronic version of the sales receipt through a computing device by presenting the transaction identifier. The buyer can enjoy the benefits of a recorded sales history, for example a customer loyalty discount in future sales, without the need of providing customer or account information at each transaction.

Abstract: A convertible container for the storage, transportation, dispensing and utilization of air freshening products includes an elongate tubular box having opposed sidewalls and normally closed ends for the retention of the products. At least one of the sidewalls has a tear-out portion adjacent its corner end for access to the interior for dispensing the product. The sidewalls also have perforated lines extending transversely so that the upper portion of the box may be removed and, in conjunction with generally transversely extending fold lines, the remainder of the box can be converted to a wall mounted dispenser.