Abstract: A thrown or projected ball-shaped camera for capturing video and still images over the arc of its airborne trajectory is disclosed. Improvements include an orientation sensor for determining the camera's orientation in flight; an embedded processing unit for triggering an image capture in response to the camera's orientation; an embedded processing unit for rotating a captured image in response to the camera's orientation; and an embedded processing unit for stitching a plurality of captured images. Also disclosed is a ball-shaped camera having multiple embedded cameras for capturing a spherical panoramic image.

Abstract: A ball-shaped camera thrown or projected into an airborne trajectory, and an image capture system with network devices collaborating for the purpose of generating panoramic images and video sourced from network ball cameras, and ball cameras capable of capturing stable image and video while spinning, spiraling or precessing through a trajectory.

Abstract: A thrown or projected ball-shaped camera for capturing images over the arc of its airborne trajectory is disclosed. Improvements include a position sensor for determining the camera's perspective in flight. An embedded processor for normalizing multiple captured images to a single ground plane, stitching multiple images into a panoramic image, and compiling multiple images into a smooth, continuous fly-by video. Also disclosed is a plurality of camera apertures facing outwardly from the sphere for capture of images to be stitched into a larger panoramic image.

Abstract: A thrown or projected ball-shaped camera for capturing images over the arc of its airborne trajectory is disclosed. Improvements include a position sensor for determining the camera's perspective in flight. An embedded processor for normalizing multiple captured images to a single ground plane, stitching multiple images into a panoramic image, and compiling multiple images into a smooth, continuous fly-by video. Also disclosed is a plurality of camera apertures facing outwardly from the sphere for capture of images to be stitched into a larger panoramic image.

Abstract: A ball that provides normalized images of a ground-based target subject captured over the course of the arc of its airborne trajectory.

Abstract: A portable mast capable of supporting a payload that can be fastened to and detached from an unsteady, inclined or irregular surface of attachment. The improvements include a tensioning cable which exerts pressure on the base of the mast in opposition to the surface of attachment, a guide protecting the cable from abrasion, means for adjusting and retaining tension in the cable when the mast is fastened to the surface of attachment, a base capable of housing the fastener to protect the fastener from corrosion and tampering, a base allowing attachment to and pass-through of existing cords crossing the surface of attachment, and a base having resilient compression to conform to an irregular surface of attachment while maintaining pressure between the base and surface of attachment created by tensioning of the cable. Also disclosed is a mast with mechanical means for increasing cable tension in order to secure its tripod base to a surface of attachment.

Abstract: A ball that provides normalized images of a ground-based target subject captured over the course of the arc of its airborne trajectory.

Abstract: A drain valve that prevents entry of odious airborne particulates into the habited environment while allowing for drainage of wastewater. The improvements include a disc with leaves cantilevered from a perimeter lip allowing the valve to operate in a drain with limited clearance between the opening and the drain crosshair below, a structural brace that effectively seals the center of the drain while allowing for through-passage of the drain strainer bolt, a gap at the perimeter edge of each leaf to prevent interference with an opposing edge, and rounded leaf edges and rounded vertices to prevent snagging of hair follicles and other draining matter. Also disclosed is a combined drain strainer and drain valve, and a drain valve installable within a drain pipe beneath the drain opening.

Abstract: An insulated tent which has interior and exterior walls that are separated from each other by an atmosphere of low thermal conductivity. The atmosphere may be a partial vacuum or may include a gas with lower thermal conductivity than air. The walls may be kept separate by the pressure of the gas or by mechanical forces and the partial vacuum may be induced by means of a one-way valve which permits the escape of heated air from between the interior and exterior walls. Also disclosed are structures that reduce the effect of wind on the tent's exterior surface, including spoilers and convex windward edges, and structures that guide the flow of water on the interior and exterior surfaces of the tent.

Abstract: Umbrellas with improvements that make the umbrella easier to control. The improvements include an edge of the umbrella canopy that presents a convex surface to the flow of air across the canopy and that also may direct the flow of air away from the underside of the canopy and away from the user of the umbrella, gutters for directing the flow of water on the canopy, spoilers for modifying the flow of air across the canopy, windsocks that release air pressure under the canopy by inflating, and canopies with streamlined shapes, including shapes that may be modified by the user or modify themselves in response to the flow of air.

Abstract: A system for creating raster-vector composite images from raster images. Edges detected in the raster image are used to create a vector image. The vector image is combined with the raster image to create a composite image. Edges in the raster image can be deleted since the detail information is contained in the vector image. The composite image can be manipulated without distortion. To print or display the image, the vector image data is rasterized and merged with the raster image data.

Abstract: The present invention provides a device for automatically creating a connect-the-dots drawing from an existing image. Edge detection techniques are used to determine the edges in an image and corner points are determined along the edges. The corner points are then ordered and outputted with numbers to create the connect-the-dots drawing.