Abstract: Embodiments of the invention address deficiencies of the art in respect to bottom of the basket (BOB) item detection and provide a method, system and computer program product for high-contrast BOB item detection. In one embodiment of the invention, a shopping cart BOB item detection data processing system can include high contrast material applied in proximity to a shopping cart BOB; an optical sensor positioned to generate an image of the high contrast material; BOB detection logic and an alert disposed in proximity to a cash register at the check stand. The BOB detection logic can include program code enabled to analyze the image to detect either an obscuring or an obstruction of the high contrast material. As such, the alert can be operable to issue an alert responsive to the BOB detection logic detecting one an obscuring or an obstruction of the high contrast material.

Abstract: The embodiments of the invention provide an apparatus, method, etc. for a camera-equipped writing tablet for digitizing form entries. More specifically, a data capture apparatus comprises a form holder and an image capture device connected to the form holder. The image capture device is positioned to capture an image of a form on the form holder, wherein the form could be a paper form. A clip is connected to the form holder, wherein the image capture device is mounted to the clip. The apparatus further comprises an electronic pen connected to the form holder, wherein the form holder comprises an electronic pen capture device to electronically capture marks made on the form using the electronic pen. The electronic pen is a combination ink and electronic pen that is temporarily connected to the form holder.

Abstract: The embodiments of the invention include a microscope having a transparent specimen holder and a digital imaging device positioned within the transparent specimen holder. The digital imaging device can include a wireless transmitter. The transparent specimen holder can have a top surface and a bottom surface, wherein the transparent specimen holder is completely transparent between the top surface and the bottom surface. Thus, the transparent specimen holder is completely transparent above and below the digital imaging device. Furthermore, a processor is operatively connected to the digital imaging device, wherein the processor produces an image of a specimen positioned on the specimen holder. A display is operatively connected to the processor, wherein the display displays the image.

Abstract: The embodiments of the invention include a microscope having a transparent specimen holder and a digital imaging device positioned within the transparent specimen holder. The digital imaging device can include a wireless transmitter. The transparent specimen holder can have a top surface and a bottom surface, wherein the transparent specimen holder is completely transparent between the top surface and the bottom surface. Thus, the transparent specimen holder is completely transparent above and below the digital imaging device. Furthermore, a processor is operatively connected to the digital imaging device, wherein the processor produces an image of a specimen positioned on the specimen holder. A display is operatively connected to the processor, wherein the display displays the image.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods are disclosed for verifying identity using a plurality of biometric samples collected during a pre-enrollment phase, where the plurality of biometric samples concern one or more biometric measures. In one embodiment, the biometric measure comprises an individual's signature, samples of which are collected over a period of time prior to an enrollment procedure. Collecting signatures over a period of time prior to an enrollment procedure allows a more robust signature model to be developed since the signature model will reflect natural, statistically significant, variations that occur over time. During an enrollment procedure, the user then attests to the validity of the signatures collected during the pre-enrollment phase. Valid signatures are used to construct a signature model that will be used to authenticate signatures provided during later transactions.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention address deficiencies of the art in respect to bottom of the basket (BOB) item detection and provide a method, system and computer program product for high-contrast BOB item detection. In one embodiment of the invention, a shopping cart BOB item detection data processing system can include high contrast material applied in proximity to a shopping cart BOB; an optical sensor positioned to generate an image of the high contrast material; BOB detection logic and an alert disposed in proximity to a cash register at the check stand. The BOB detection logic can include program code enabled to analyze the image to detect either an obscuring ir an obstruction of the high contrast material. As such, the alert can be operable to issue an alert responsive to the BOB detection logic detecting one an obscuring or an obstruction of the high contrast material.

Abstract: The extended range of optical data communication is enabled through the use of intermediary relay stations spaced fairly far apart. IRDA communicatiOn, as is well known, uses very short duration optical pulses to send data up to 1 Mbit/sec; this has the concomitant effect of minimizing LED duty cycle and preventing excessive heating. The invention uses a number of integrated pulses to represent a single bit instead of utilizing a one-to-one correspondence between pulses and bits. Processing software causes the transmitter to “stutter” or repetitively emanate the identical pulse representing a bit of information. Sufficient photons are thereby gathered at a receiver to reach a predetermined threshold. A tradeoff of the data transmission frequency in this invention is that as signal intensity drops by a factor of 100 when distance increases by a factor of 10 yielding a distance/intensity ratio of 1/10.

Abstract: The embodiments of the invention provide an apparatus, method, etc. for a camera-equipped writing tablet for digitizing form entries. More specifically, a data capture apparatus comprises a form holder and an image capture device connected to the form holder. The image capture device is positioned to capture an image of a form on the form holder, wherein the form could be a paper form. A clip is connected to the form holder, wherein the image capture device is mounted to the clip. The apparatus further comprises an electronic pen connected to the form holder, wherein the form holder comprises an electronic pen capture device to electronically capture marks made on the form using the electronic pen. The electronic pen is a combination ink and electronic pen that is temporarily connected to the form holder.

Abstract: Apparatus is disclosed for generating control signals for the manipulation of virtual objects in a computer system according to the gestures and positions of an operator's hand or other body part. The apparatus includes a glove worn on the hand which includes sensors for detecting the gestures of the hand, as well as hand position sensing means coupled to the glove and to the computer system for detecting the position of the hand with respect to the system. The computer system includes circuitry connected to receive the gesture signals and the hand position signals for generating control signals in response thereto. Typically, the control signals are used to manipulate a graphical representation of the operator's hand which is displayed on a monitor coupled to the computer system, and the graphical representations of the operator's hand manipulates virtual objects or tools also displayed by the computer.

Abstract: This invention extends the range of optical data of mobile device by trading speed for distance as well as integrating a plurality of pulses over time to define a single bit of information. The present invention uses a number of integrated pulses to represent a single bit instead of utilizing a one to one correspondence between pulses and bits. The present invention executes a range extender application which executes on the mobile device without any hardware modification to the mobile device. The range extender application causes the optical transmitter to “stutter” or repetitively emanate the identical pulse representing a bit of information. Sufficient photons are thereby gathered at a receiver to reach a predetermined threshold. A tradeoff of the data transmission frequency in this invention is that a signal intensity drops by a factor of 100 when distance increases by a factor of 10 yielding a distance/intensity ratio of {fraction (1/10)}.

Abstract: Apparatus is disclosed for generating control signals for the manipulation of virtual objects in a computer system according to the gestures and positions of an operator's hand or other body part. The apparatus includes a glove worn on the hand which includes sensors for detecting the gestures of the hand, as well as hand position sensing means coupled to the glove and to the computer system for detecting the position of the hand with respect to the system. The computer system includes circuitry connected to receive the gesture signals and the hand position signals for generating control signals in response thereto. Typically, the control signals are used to manipulate a graphical representation of the operator's hand which is displayed on a monitor coupled to the computer system, and the graphical representations of the operator's hand manipulates virtual objects or tools also displayed by the computer.

Abstract: A structure is provided for a user-manipulable input device, such as an in-keyboard, joystick-type device, for allowing a user to provide input to a computer graphical user interface (GUI). The structure includes a user-manipulable, articulating member, and a plurality of stationary, electrically conductive sensors. The articulating member also has an electrically conductive member. The physical disposition of the articulating member and the sensors provides narrow gaps, across which are measurable capacitances. As the user manipulates the articulating member, the capacitances change in value. Circuitry produces signals related to the capacitances, and the signals are processed, according to a transfer function, to generate GUI input signals. The sensors are preferably sensing electrodes, incorporated into a circuit board. The articulating member is preferably a cone-shaped member, having a conductive surface which faces the sensors.

Abstract: This invention extends the range of optical data communication systems by trading speed for distance as well as integrating a plurality of pulses overtime to define a single bit of information. Its goal is to increase current IRDA ranges from 1 m to 10 meters as this enables much more interactivity between an individual and a point of sale; this implementation also reduces the amount of wiring required for communication since RF transmission requires less wiring than an ac modem. The extended range of optical data communication is enabled through the use of intermediary relay stations spaced fairly far apart. IRDA communication, as is well known, uses very short duration optical pulses to send data up to 1 Mbit/sec; this has the concomitant effect of minimizing LED duty cycle and preventing excessive heating. As stated previously, this invention uses a number of integrated pulses to represent a single bit instead of utilizing a one to one correspondence between pulses and bits.

Abstract: Apparatus is disclosed for generating control signals for the manipulation of virtual objects in a computer system according to the gestures and positions of an operator's hand or other body part. The apparatus includes a glove worn on the hand which includes sensors for detecting the gestures of the hand, as well as hand position sensing means coupled to the glove and to the computer system for detecting the position of the hand with respect to the system. The computer system includes circuitry connected to receive the gesture signals and the hand position signals for generating control signals in response thereto. Typically, the control signals are used to manipulate a graphical representation of the operator's hand which is displayed on a monitor coupled to the computer system, and the graphical representations of the operator's hand manipulates virtual objects or tools also displayed by the computer.

Abstract: A structure is provided for a user-manipulable input device, such as an in-keyboard, joystick-type device, for allowing a user to provide input to a computer graphical user interface (GUI). The structure includes a user-manipulable, articulating member, and a plurality of stationary, electrically conductive sensors. The articulating member also has an electrically conductive member. The physical disposition of the articulating member and the sensors provides narrow gaps, across which are measurable capacitances. As the user manipulates the articulating member, the capacitances change in value. Circuitry produces signals related to the capacitances, and the signals are processed, according to a transfer function, to generate GUI input signals. The sensors are preferably sensing electrodes, incorporated into a circuit board. The articulating member is preferably a cone-shaped member, having a conductive surface which faces the sensors.

Abstract: A structure is provided for a user-manipulable input device, such as an in-keyboard, joystick-type device, for allowing a user to provide input to a computer graphical user interface (GUI). The structure includes a user-manipulable, articulating member, and a plurality of stationary, electrically conductive sensors. The articulating member also has an electrically conductive member. The physical disposition of the articulating member and the sensors provides narrow gaps, across which are measurable capacitances. As the user manipulates the articulating member, the capacitances change in value. Circuitry produces signals related to the capacitances, and the signals are processed, according to a transfer function, to generate GU I input signals. The sensors are preferably sensing electrodes, incorporated into a circuit board. The articulating member is preferably a cone-shaped member, having a conductive surface which faces the sensors.

Abstract: An apparatus and method are disclosed for encoding and transferring data from a transmitter to a receiver, using the human body as a transmission medium. The transmitter includes an electric field generator, a data encoder which operates by modulating the electric field, and electrodes to couple the electric field through the human body. The receiver includes electrodes, in physical contact with, or close proximity to, a part of the human body, for detecting an electric field carried through the body, and a demodulator for extracting the data from the modulated electric field. An authenticator, connected to the receiver, processes the encoded data and validates the authenticity of the transmission. The apparatus and method are used to identify and authorize a possessor of the transmitter. The possessor then has secure access to, and can obtain delivery of, goods and services such as the distribution of money, phone privileges, building access, and commodities.

Abstract: An apparatus to assist the musical instruction of a student including one or more tone sources (e.g. flute, human voice, violin) playing monophonically as inputs, means to quantify aural parameters of pitch, amplitude, duration, and timbre of inputs, means to visually store and represent temporal history of said, means to store and playback audio signal of inputs, and means to arrive at and display musical related pitches. A digital waveform analyzer is used to control a tunable low-pass filter in the pitch tracker and preform spectral estimation of timbre. Also, a digital version is described. Pre-recorded music instruction and a karaoke player are used as examples of reference tone sources. Visual representation of aural parameters can be provided as video output.

Abstract: A music re-performance system allows a plurality of untrained instrumentalist to play pre-stored music using traditional playing techniques along with an automatic accompaniment at a tempo controlled by a selected-instrumentalist. Instrumentalist's gestures start and stop pre-stored score notes and temporal restrictions limit gestural timing errors. Expression parameters, including volume, timbre, and vibrato, are selectively updated, allowing editing of music sound files. A finger manipulation and energy driver controller model, including transducers and signal processing, accommodates wind and string instruments. Temporal masking prevents substantially concurrent finger and energy gestures, intended as simultaneous, from producing multiple false gestures.

Abstract: An apparatus to assist the musical instruction of a student including one or more tone sources (e.g., flute, human voice, violin) playing monophonically as inputs, means to quantify aural parameters of pitch, amplitude, duration, and timbre of inputs, means to visually store and represent temporal history of said, means to store and playback audio signal of inputs, and means to arrive at and display musical related pitches. A waveform analyzer is used to control a tunable low-pass filter in the pitch tracker and preform spectral estimation of timbre. Pre-recorded music instruction and a karaoke player are used as examples of reference tone sources. Visual representation of aural parameters can provided as video output.