Abstract: A light collector is provided to converge light from a light source down to a range of acceptance angles of an illumination optic, and to couple the converged light into the illumination optic, where the range of acceptance angles of the illumination optic is less than a range of emission angles of the light source.

Abstract: Embodiments of optical collimators are disclosed. For example, one disclosed embodiment comprises an optical waveguide having a first end, a second end opposing the first end, a viewing surface extending at least partially between the first end and the second end, and a back surface opposing the viewing surface. The viewing surface comprises a first critical angle of internal reflection, and the back surface is configured to be reflective at the first critical angle of internal reflection. Further, an end reflector is disposed at the second end of the optical waveguide, and includes a faceted lens structure to cause a majority of the viewing surface to be uniformly illuminated when uniform light is injected into the first end and also to cause a majority of the injected light to exit the viewing surface.

Abstract: Embodiments of optical collimators are disclosed. For example, one disclosed embodiment comprises an optical waveguide having a first end, a second end opposing the first end, a viewing surface extending at least partially between the first end and the second end, and a back surface opposing the viewing surface. The viewing surface comprises a first critical angle of internal reflection, and the back surface is configured to be reflective at the first critical angle of internal reflection. Further, a collimating end reflector comprising a faceted lens structure having a plurality of facets is disposed at the second end of the optical waveguide.

Abstract: An integrated vision and display system comprises a display-image forming layer configured to transmit a display image for viewing through a display surface; an imaging detector configured to image infrared light of a narrow range of angles relative to the display surface normal and including a reflection from one or more objects on or near the display surface; a vision-system emitter configured to emit the infrared light for illuminating the objects; a visible- and infrared-transmissive light guide having opposing upper and/or lower face, configured to receive the infrared light from the vision-system emitter, to conduct the infrared light via TIR from the upper and lower faces, and to project the infrared light onto the objects outside of the narrow range of angles relative to the display surface normal.

Abstract: Systems and methods for encoding and decoding adaptive device inputs are provided. The system may include a computing device coupled to an adaptive input device having a mechanical key set including a plurality of mechanically depressible keys, each key including a touch display. The computing device may comprise code stored in mass storage for implementing via a processor, a touch display application program interface configured to receive encoded input device data including one or more of mechanical key-down input data and touch input data, decode the encoded input device data to identify one or more of a key command corresponding to the mechanical key-down input data and a touch command corresponding to touch input data from one or more keys, and send one or more messages to an adaptive input device application based on the identified key command and/or touch commands.

Abstract: The subject application relates to a system(s) and/or methodology that facilitate vision-based projection of any image (still or moving) onto any surface. In particular, a front-projected computer vision-based interactive surface system is provided which uses a new commercially available projection technology to obtain a compact, self-contained form factor. The subject configuration addresses installation, calibration, and portability issues that are primary concerns in most vision-based table systems. The subject application also relates to determining whether an object is touching or hovering over an interactive surface based on an analysis of a shadow image.

Abstract: A docking station for an electronic device includes a magnet that holds the electronic device in a mated orientation relative to the docking station. The docking station may include a mounting surface with two or more different charge-contact regions, each charge-contact region electrically coupled to a terminal of an electric power source and positioned to form an electrical connection with a charging terminal of the electronic device when the electronic device mates with the mounting surface.

Abstract: The claimed subject mater provides systems and/or techniques that provide biometric feedback monitoring of brain activity. The system includes mechanisms that obtain indication of brain activity associated with an individual which can be utilized to ensure that the individual is maximizing his or her brain activity. Where it is determined that the individual is not optimally utilizing his or her brain, feedback can be directed to the individual in order to stimulate brain activity in a specified response center of the brain.

Abstract: The subject application relates to a system(s) and/or methodology that facilitate vision-based projection of any image (still or moving) onto any surface. In particular, a front-projected computer vision-based interactive surface system is provided which uses a new commercially available projection technology to obtain a compact, self-contained form factor. The subject configuration addresses installation, calibration, and portability issues that are primary concerns in most vision-based table systems.

Abstract: The claimed subject matter provides a system and/or a method that facilitates identifying a medical facility for an emergency medical situation. An interface can receive a portion of data related to an emergency medical incident and a corresponding location. A match component can evaluate the portion of data to select a medical facility in which to transport a patient involved in the emergency medical incident, wherein the medical facility can be ascertained based on a distance between the location of the emergency medical incident and a location for the selected medical facility and traffic related to a route there between.

Abstract: The claimed subject matter provides a system and/or a method that facilitates scheduling an incoming patient appointment for a medical facility. A medical facility can provide healthcare to a patient, wherein the medical facility can utilize a schedule with an available time slot to assign an appointment to a patient. A match component can evaluate a portion of transportation data to select a patient to which an appointment on the schedule is allotted. A dynamic schedule component can automatically adjust the schedule based upon the evaluation.

Abstract: User input devices and methods for use in scrolling with a computing device are provided. One disclosed user input device includes a housing, a control surface coupled to the housing and configured to be manipulated by a digit of the user, and a flywheel operatively coupled to the control surface, such that motion of the digit of the user on the control surface is transferred to the flywheel. The flywheel may be a mechanical flywheel operated by a scroll wheel on which the control surface is positioned, or a virtual flywheel implemented by a computer program and operated by a pressure sensitive input device on which the control surface is positioned.

Abstract: The claimed subject matter provides a system and/or a method that facilitates enhancing a game, game play or playability of a game. An experience component can collect a portion of data related to a game in which the portion of data indicates at least one of a tip or a tactic for the game. A game component can dynamically incorporate the portion of data into the game during game play to enhance playability of such game for a user with assistance provided by at least one of the tip or the tactic.

Abstract: Provided are systems and/or methods that facilitate sensing, detecting, or treatment of a condition or need of a living body using a genetically engineered symbiotic agent.

Abstract: An interactive table has a display surface on which a physical object is disposed. A camera within the interactive table responds to infrared (IR) light reflected from the physical object enabling a location of the physical object on the display surface to be determined, so that the physical object appear part of a virtual environment displayed thereon. The physical object can be passive or active. An active object performs an active function, e.g., it can be self-propelled to move about on the display surface, or emit light or sound, or vibrate. The active object can be controlled by a user or the processor. The interactive table can project an image through a physical object on the display surface so the image appears part of the object. A virtual entity is preferably displayed at a position (and a size) to avoid visually interference with any physical object on the display surface.

Abstract: An interactive table has a display surface on which a physical object is disposed. A camera within the interactive table responds to infrared (IR) light reflected from the physical object enabling a location of the physical object on the display surface to be determined, so that the physical object appear part of a virtual environment displayed thereon. The physical object can be passive or active. An active object performs an active function, e.g., it can be self-propelled to move about on the display surface, or emit light or sound, or vibrate. The active object can be controlled by a user or the processor. The interactive table can project an image through a physical object on the display surface so the image appears part of the object. A virtual entity is preferably displayed at a position (and a size) to avoid visually interference with any physical object on the display surface.

Abstract: An interactive display device employing a flat panel display (FPD). The interactive display device includes a housing, a flat panel display, a light diffusing layer, a visible light illumination system, and a non-visible light illumination system that is used for detecting objects adjacent to the FPD. Techniques are also described for providing uniform illumination of the FPD with visible light, when viewed from a plurality of viewing angles by a user, and for diffusing the visible illumination at a surface boundary of the FPD, such that a coherent image of an interior of the housing is at least partially obscured from view by the user. Non-visible light that has passed through the FPD is reflected from objects adjacent to the display, passes back through the FPD, and is detected within the housing.

Abstract: The subject application relates to a system(s) and/or methodology that facilitate vision-based projection of any image (still or moving) onto any surface. In particular, a front-projected computer vision-based interactive surface system is provided which uses a new commercially available projection technology to obtain a compact, self-contained form factor. The subject configuration addresses installation, calibration, and portability issues that are primary concerns in most vision-based table systems.

Abstract: Various embodiments are disclosed relating to a keyboard with integrated key and touchpad. In an example embodiment, a keyboard is provided that includes a plurality of keys, each key being capable of being pressed to select one or more keyboard inputs. The keyboard also includes a micro touchpad provided on an upper surface of a first key of the keys to allow pointer control by moving a finger or other object across a top surface of the micro touchpad.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for hardware input devices provides context sensitive labels which can change according to an application running on a computer and/or the function assigned to an input element. An illustrative implementation of the method and apparatus includes employing ink having two or more electroluminescent pattern layers with an input device. Based on the context of a computer associated with the input device, an illuminated pattern identifies the current functionality of one or more of the inputs of the input device.