Abstract: A method for modifying a video stream for display includes receiving a request to display a video stream in a display mode that facilitates viewing by visually impaired viewers. An unmodified region of interest (ROI) is identified in a current video frame of the video stream. A location of the unmodified ROI is tracked in each of the subsequent video frames. The unmodified ROI is magnified by a prescribed amount in at least some of the video frames in which the unmodified ROI is being tracked to produce a magnified ROI. For each of the video frames in which the unmodified ROI is being tracked and magnified, the magnified ROI is combined with at least a portion of the video frame in which the ROI is located to thereby produce a modified video stream.

Abstract: An image display device including a display configured to display a first image is provided. The image display device includes a controller configured to generate a second image by enlarging a part of the first image displayed in a first region of the display and to control the display to display a part of the second image in the first region, and a sensor configured to sense a user input for moving the second image. In response to the user input, the controller is configured to control the display to move and display the second image, within the first region.

Abstract: An add-on device adapted to be releasably attachable to a drug delivery device, the drug delivery device comprising a first housing having a first mounting surface with a first positioning structure, and a dose setting mechanism with a dose indicator member. The add-on device comprises a second housing comprising a second mounting surface with a second positioning structure protruding from the second mounting surface and adapted to engage the first positioning structure form-fittingly when the add-on device is mounted on the drug delivery device, a mounting switch actuatable between a non-mounted and a mounted state, a cam-era opening formed in the mounting surface, the second positioning structure surrounding the camera opening, a camera adapted to capture an image of the indicator member when arranged in alignment with the camera window, wherein the mounting switch is arranged in the vicinity of the second positioning structure.

Abstract: A method for managing wide view content in a virtual reality (VR) environment and an apparatus therefor are provided. The method includes receiving content covering 360 degree or a wider viewing angle than a viewing angle of a user of the first device and displaying, on the VR device, a first view displaying at least one portion of the content covering the viewing angle of the user on a first view area of a display of the VR device, and a second view covering 360 degree or the wider viewing angle of the content using convex projection on a second view area of the display.

Abstract: A vehicle surrounding situation estimation device includes a collision detection unit that detects that a vehicle collides with an object outside the vehicle; a surrounding situation detection unit that detects a situation of a detection area around the vehicle; a surrounding situation estimation unit that estimates a situation of a prediction area around the vehicle at a collision time based on a detection result of the surrounding situation detection unit before the collision detection unit detects the collision; a surrounding situation recording unit that records the situation of the prediction area; and a surrounding situation prediction unit that predicts a situation of a vehicle surrounding area around the vehicle based on the situation of the prediction area after the collision detection unit detects the collision, the situation of the prediction area being recorded by the surrounding situation recording unit before the collision detection unit detects the collision.

Abstract: A sensor system for a vehicle for recognizing adjacent vehicles, situated in an adjacent lane, with protruding or exposed objects, is described which includes a first lateral LIDAR sensor. The first lateral LIDAR sensor is tilted about a first transverse axis with respect to the horizontal, so that the first detection range, with its front portion in the travel direction, detects a first upper spatial area laterally ahead of the vehicle, at a height above the installed position of the first lateral LIDAR sensor. The second lateral LIDAR sensor is tilted opposite to the tilt direction of the first LIDAR sensor about a second transverse axis with respect to the horizontal, so that the second detection range, with its rear portion in the travel direction, detects a second upper spatial area laterally behind the vehicle, at a height above the installed position of the second LIDAR sensor.

Abstract: Visual codes are scanned to assist navigation. The visual code may be a Quick Response (QR) code that contains information useful to calibrating a variety of navigation-based sensors such as gyroscopes, e-compasses, and barometric pressure sensors. Embodiments describe methods for magnetometer calibration and computing sensor orientation relative to users' local frame of reference. The embodiments use an initial yaw estimate, accelerometer, and gyroscope measurements along with other readily available information (the earth's magnetic field intensity, inclination angle, and declination angle).

Abstract: Method for fabricating a transparent display dial for a portable object, wherein the method includes the steps of: creating a mold with a first relief pattern for imprinting a decoration on at least a first portion of the surface of the transparent display dial, and with a second relief pattern for imprinting an antireflective filter on a second portion of the surface of the transparent display dial; depositing on the dial a mixed layer of a monomer and a cross-linking agent sensitive to ultraviolet radiation; applying the mold on the mixed monomer and cross-linking agent layer; solidifying the mixed monomer and cross-linking agent layer by photopolymerization under ultraviolet irradiation through the mold, and after insolation, removing the mold. The invention also concerns a transparent display dial obtained according to the method of the invention.

Abstract: A measuring graduation includes a phase grating for a photoelectric position measuring device for measuring positions in a first direction and in a second direction extending orthogonally to the first direction. The phase grating has a periodic array of grating elements in the first direction and in the second direction. The grating elements each have an outer contour that is formed by a continuous line which includes two mutually opposing first straight edges, two mutually opposing second straight edges extending perpendicularly to the first straight edges, and connecting lines extending between the first straight edges and the second straight edges. The connecting lines form an obtuse angle with the first straight edges and with the second straight edges.

Abstract: An optical encoder includes a rotation disc, an annular slit, a light source, an absolute-value-related detecting unit, and a signal processing device. The annular slit includes a first annular slit and a second annular slit which are decentered in a mutually different direction. The light source is configured to irradiate light on the annular slit. The absolute-value-related detecting unit is configured to detect transmitted light or reflected light irradiated from the light source and transmitted or reflected at the annular slit to output a detected signal. The absolute-value-related detecting unit includes a first detecting unit corresponding to the first annular slit and a second detecting unit corresponding to the second annular slit. The signal processing device is configured to detect an absolute rotational angle of the rotation disc based on the detected signal output from the absolute-value-related detecting unit.

Abstract: The invention relates to an optoelectronic angle sensor for determining a rotational angle about an axis, comprising a code carrier (2) provided with a flat coding (3) and a photosensitive detector. The code carrier (2) and the detector can be displaced about the axis in relation to each other. Said angle sensor also comprises a device for producing an evaluable image of at least one part of the coding on the detector such that the image contains information relating to a rotational position of the code carrier (2) in relation to the detector, in addition to an evaluation unit for determining the rotational angle from the image. The coding (3) is self-luminous and it also comprises at least part of the device for producing an evaluable image.

Abstract: A display device for a vehicle includes a front face cover that covers a front face of a display section for displaying information of the vehicle, and an antireflection film provided on a surface of the front face cover. The surface of the front face cover has a curved face which is formed so that an observation color of the curved face viewed from an eye range of a person sitting on a seat of the vehicle differs depending on an observation position in the eye range due to a difference in an interference wavelength of reflection light reflected by the antireflection film, the reflection light advancing toward the eye range from the front surface.

Abstract: An automated storage system for storing large quantities of samples in trays includes a storage compartment, a tray shuttle compartment abutting the storage compartment on one side and a plurality of independent modules on the other side. The modules perform processing of samples that are retrieved from the storage compartment by a tray shuttle, including extraction of selected samples from retrieved source trays and transfer of the selected samples into a separate, destination tray that can be further processed or removed from the system for use. The independent operation of the modules permits handling and processing to be performed simultaneously by different modules while the tray shuttle accesses additional samples within the storage compartment. In one embodiment, a vertical carousel is used to vertically align a desired tray with the tray shuttle, while the tray shuttle operates within a horizontal plane.

Abstract: A scanning head for an optical position-measuring system includes a receiver grating, formed of photosensitive areas, for the scanning of locally intensity-modulated light of differing wavelengths. The receiver grating is formed from a semiconductor layer stack of a doped p-layer, an intrinsic i-layer and a doped n-layer. The individual photosensitive areas have a first doped layer and at least a part of the intrinsic layer in common and are electrically separated from one another by interruptions in the second doped layer.

Abstract: An optical absolute rotary encoder can have a simple and small structure, for determining the absolute values of rotational positions with high accuracy. The encoder can include an optical scale having an absolute pattern representing a code corresponding to a single absolute value using a transmitting area and/or an intercepting area. A light emitting unit can be arranged at one side with respect to the optical scale, and configured to project light on the optical scale. A light receiving unit can be arranged at the same side as the light emitting unit, can configured to receive light passing through the transmitting area of the optical scale. A light guide unit can be provided and configured to guide the light from the light emitting unit to the light receiving unit. The optical scale and the light emitting unit can rotate relative to each other about an axis of rotation, and the light receiving unit can be disposed on the axis of rotation.

Abstract: In one aspect of the present invention, a device for sensing an absolute position of an encoded object, comprising: a position tracking module comprising: a track illumination module configured to illuminate the encoded object with one more light beams, and to detect one or more light beams resulting from said illumination of said encoded object; and an absolute position determinator configured to determine the absolute position of the encoded object based on said one or more light beams resulting from said illumination of said encoded object.

Abstract: The invention provides a method and a transparent housing cover for a meter index for communicating optical signals through an optical port formed on a front face of the transparent housing cover, for further communicating optical signals in a straight line past one side of the meter index; and for re-directing the optical signals at an angle of approximately ninety degrees to or from an optical transceiver. The cover includes an integrally formed light pipe, the light pipe further forming the optical port near the front of the body and the light pipe extending along one side of the body and behind the meter index; and the light pipe includes a surface at a back end for reflecting light at approximately ninety degrees to and from a light transceiver positioned behind the meter index.

Abstract: The invention relates to a signalling column with levels which are assembled by means of a relative pivoting limited in amplitude and interconnected by means of axially-extending conductors. The body of a level (A) has a locking bar (30) which extends axially to penetrate an opening (23) in the adjacent level and abuts an edge of said opening on a rotation attempt. The ends (30a, 30b) of the bar may be displaced and the opening is of such a size as to accommodate the top end of the relevant bar and the bottom end of the bar above.

Abstract: The invention provides a method and a transparent housing cover for a meter index for communicating optical signals through an optical port formed on a front face of the transparent housing cover, for further communicating optical signals in a straight line past one side of the meter index; and for re-directing the optical signals at an angle of approximately ninety degrees to or from an optical transceiver. The cover includes an integrally formed light pipe, the light pipe further forming the optical port near the front of the body and the light pipe extending along one side of the body and behind the meter index; and the light pipe includes a surface at a back end for reflecting light at approximately ninety degrees to and from a light transceiver positioned behind the meter index.

Abstract: A reading machine includes an image input device including a lens and a polarizer disposed over the lens, a flash and a second polarizer disposed over the flash. The image input device also includes a computing device coupled to the image input device for capturing images, the computing device, including a processor to execute instructions and a computer program product residing on a computer readable medium, the computer program product comprising instructions for causing the processor to process the captured images to recognize features in the captured images.

Abstract: A reticle device is disclosed, comprising a transparent substrate provided with subsurface reticle design inscribed within the substrate.

Abstract: A distance indicating apparatus and method determine the distance between a fixed object and a moving object (such as a motor vehicle, airplane or water vessel) by using two spaced-apart projectors to project a distance indicating scale (which can include non-linear markings) and an index along two different paths onto a projection target surface where they are visible to create a visual distance indication that varies as the fixed and moving objects vary in distance less than a certain distance.

Abstract: A reflection-type graduation having a silicon substrate. The silicon substrate has first subsections formed thereon. Each of the first subsections has etched oblique surfaces. The surfaces are positioned so that light beams directed incident to the surfaces cause no retroreflection. The substrate also includes second subsections having relatively higher reflecting properties as compared to the first subsections. The first subsections and second subsections are alternatively disposed on the substrate in a first direction.

Abstract: An optical filter including at least one substrate and first and second thin-film interference filters disposed directly on the substrate. The interference filters include a plurality of hard coating thin film layers of alternating high and low index of refraction. A fluorescence spectroscopy system and method of selecting a band of wavelengths from light in a fluorescence spectroscopy system are also provided.

Abstract: A reflective measuring scale graduation, as well as a method for manufacturing the same are described. The reflective measuring scale graduation includes first and second subdivisions having different reflection properties, which extend in at least one first direction on a reflecting substrate. The highly reflecting first subdivisions are made of a plurality of partial layers having different indices of refraction and function as an interference filter. The low reflecting second subdivisions are composed of at least one absorber layer on the substrate.

Abstract: The present invention provides an optical guide fixture for coupling visual information on a surface to a viewer. The optical guide fixture of the invention can be coupled to an optical receiver, such as a digital camera, operably connected to a head-mounted display unit to provide a device according to the invention for viewing a surface. Such a device, in one application, provides magnified images of visual information on a surface, such as a page of a book, to a patient with a visual impairment.

Abstract: A transparent or partially transparent container is described with a convex portion on one side wall and an image adhering to an opposite and spaced apart second side wall which appears magnified as viewed through the convex opening. The magnified image improves the aesthetics of the packaging.

Abstract: The invention provides a sightglass assembly for viewing the interior of a vessel, such as a reaction vessel for chemical or biochemical reactions, and is adapted to be welded to a vessel wall. The sightglass assembly comprises a window disc fused to a metal frame having a flange extending radially therefrom. The assembly is set into an appropriately sized opening in the vessel wall and the outer perimeter of the flange is welded to the vessel wall. An annular groove in the flange, surrounding the frame and window disc, absorbs stresses created by the heat of welding and thus protects the integrity of the entire unit. When installed, the sightglass assembly and inner face of the tank wall provide an easily cleanable smooth continuous surface, free of recesses and crevasses where bacteria can collect and grow or product from previous batches can accumulate and cause contamination.

Abstract: A camera has a rear cover part, and a rotatable counter dial with a numerical scale of exposure count indicia to be successively viewed. Each of the indicia has the same color. A label on the rear cover part is superimposed to the counter dial and has the same color as the indicia to render the indicia invisible in order to prevent them from being viewed. The label includes a viewing portion that is not the sane color as the indicia and is arranged to be superimposed successively to the indicia when the counter dial is rotated. As a result, the indicia are made successively visible in order to permit them to be successively viewed. Eye-readable information is imprinted on the label, and the counter dial is transparent to permit the information to be visible through the counter dial in order to be read.

Abstract: An optical unit for projecting an image including first and second locating lines for substantially eliminating the introduction of visual parallax error. In one preferred form, the optical unit is incorporated into a machine for performing a forming operation on a workpiece and is operative to project an image of a portion of a scale to a position easily read by the user during machine operation. The optical unit includes a prism portion having a first side disposed adjacent the scale, a second side at an angle to the first side for reflecting the image and a third side through which the projected image may be viewed. The first locating line is disposed on the first side and the second locating line is disposed on the third side such that visual alignment eliminates the introduction of visual parallax error associated with reading a scale.

Abstract: A camera has a rear cover part, a label on the rear cover part, and a numerical scale of exposure count indicia to be successively viewed. The numerical scale of exposure count indicia is located on the label, and each of the indicia has the same color. A color-absorbing optical filter is rotatable superimposed to the indicia and is a color that absorbs the color of the indicia to render the indicia invisible in order to prevent them from being viewed through the filter when light is reflected from the indicia to the filter. The filter includes a viewing portion that is arranged to be superimposed successively to the indicia when the filter is rotated and does not absorb the color of the indicia. As a result, the indicia are successively visible through the viewing portion in order to permit them to be successively viewed. Eye-readable information on the label is a color that is transmitted through the filter to permit the information to be read when light is reflected from the information to the filter.

Abstract: An emergency visual assistance device which provides an operator at an operator station access to operationally necessary visual information when that visual information is obscured by smoke or other vision-obstructing matter, and a method for using that device. In the device's basic version, a transparent panel is attached to either end of an elongated rigid hollow spacer tube in a manner which provides a substantially airtight seal. The preferred embodiment includes flexible skirts at each end of the device, and an illumination means mounted within the device. The flexible skirts serve mainly to exclude smoke from the operator's visual pathway, and the illumination means provides light for illuminating the visual information.

Abstract: The present invention provides an optical guide fixture for coupling visual information on a surface to a viewer. The optical guide fixture of the invention can be coupled to an optical receiver, such as a digital camera, operably connected to a head-mounted display unit to provide a device according to the invention for viewing a surface. Such a device, in one application, provides magnified images of visual information on a surface, such as a page of a book, to a patient with a visual impairment.

Abstract: An optical unit for projecting an image including first and second locating lines for substantially eliminating the introduction of visual parallax error. In one preferred form, the optical unit is incorporated into a machine for performing a forming operation on a workpiece and is operative to project an image of a portion of a scale to a position easily read by the user during machine operation. The optical unit includes a prism portion having a first side disposed adjacent the scale, a second side at an angle to the first side for reflecting the image and a third side through which the projected image may be viewed. The first locating line is disposed on the first side and the second locating line is disposed on the third side such that visual alignment eliminates the introduction of visual parallax error associated with reading a scale.

Abstract: A scale for opto-electrical linear or angular measuring systems. A gradation in the form of a phase grating is embodied on the scale and has alternating raised and stepped areas. A continuous compensating layer of chrome and on it a continuous highly reflective layer of titanium nitride are applied to one side of a step-like structured base body. The material and the layer thickness of the compensating layer is selected in such a way that it counteracts the mechanical stresses of the reflecting surface layer and thus, in the finished state of the scale, the deposited layers no longer exert stresses on the base body.

Abstract: A method for digital image magnification in a graphical user interface is disclosed. In contrast with prior methods which magnify a selected region of an original image without preserving its context, the present method provides a method for magnification that allows simultaneous viewing of the magnified image and its unmagnified context. In a preferred embodiment, the method provides a floating window ?122! superimposed on an original image. Displayed within the floating window is a magnified image of a selected region of the original image. The floating window is centrally positioned over the selected region. In one aspect of the invention, the floating window is partially transparent so that portions of the original image within the floating window ?124! are displayed in a faint manner in comparison to portions of the original image outside the floating window ?126!. As the selected region is moved, typically by a user-controlled pointing device, the floating window ?122! also moves.

Abstract: An illumination system is provided having one or more light sources, opaque baffles, and mirrors for illuminating indicia on a substrate, such as a semiconductor wafer, for viewing by a camera aligned parallel with or at an angle to the substrate. The light sources include light emitting diodes (LEDs) for illuminating soft marks and broad spectrum incandescent lamps for illuminating hard marks. Dark field and light field illuminators are provided for enhanced reading of light indicia on a dark background and dark indicia on a light background, respectively. A light control unit allows for manual or automated control of light source selection and light intensity. Opposing mirrors extending along the optical paths of the light sources, reflect light emitted from the light sources into the camera field of view, thereby increasing the illumination efficiency and permitting the use of fewer light sources.

Abstract: A route guide system for making guidance of the traveling direction in the sight field of the driver during traveling. The road guide plate is provided in front of a turning point. This road guide plate emits light differing in flash timing according to the branching direction. The liquid crystal shutter is provided on the front glass of the vehicle equipped with the navigation system. When making road guidance, ON/OFF operation of the liquid crystal shutter is controlled by an MPU so that only the light of the light-emitting pattern corresponding to the traveling direction according to the traveling direction information of the turning point obtained from route searching toward the targeted location.

Abstract: A support-measure to pinpoint and neutralize electro-optical viewing devi or systems is provided which utilizes blind optical augmentation. The counter-measure uses a light source to which current viewers are blind and a combination of visible and far infrared viewing or detection devices.

Abstract: An illumination system is provided having one or more light sources, opaque baffles, and mirrors for illuminating indicia on a substrate, such as a semiconductor wafer, for viewing by a camera aligned parallel with or at an angle to the substrate. The light sources include light emitting diodes (LEDs) for illuminating soft marks and broad spectrum incandescent lamps for illuminating hard marks. Dark field and light field illuminators are provided for enhanced reading of light indicia on a dark background and dark indicia on a light background, respectively. A light control unit allows for manual or automated control of light source selection and light intensity.

Abstract: A driver's overhead indicator for automobile is a device using a reflecting plate in front of an instrument panel the image of which can be reflected through a secondary reflection onto a projecting plate which is installed on top of a dashboard. Both the reflecting plate and the projecting plate can be adjusted by a tightening member which is linked to a supporting frame, from which two stand members support and fasten to the body of the car. Said reflecting plate and said projecting plate were treated by a special layer of material such that the projecting plate maintains a clear background. The driver in a car can see the instrument panel from the projecting plate without looking at the instrument panel itself. This overhead indicating device can bypass the driver to look down at the instrument panel and avoid any possible accident that could arise while looking down.

Abstract: Double banks of LED's, opaque baffles, and a camera having a field of view are disclosed for reading laser-etched character strings and other indicia on semiconductor wafers and other substrates. The LED's of the banks may be integrally or separably lensed, and masks may be provided proximate the banks and in the nearfield of the LED's.

Abstract: The automotive display apparatus consists of an indicator, a transmissive first reflector plate, a second reflector plate, and a face plate. The face plate has a rear surface the upper portion of which is inclined at an angle larger than the inclined angle of the remaining portion of the rear surface. If light from a display of the indicator is inadvertently directly passed onto the upper portion of the rear surface of the face plate, the upper portion reflects the light to form an eventually ghost-causing virtual image at such a position that the ghost does not enter into a viewing area for the indicator display. The automotive display apparatus does not require an extra spc to provide a display free of ghost and is produceable at a low cost.

Abstract: A device for magnifying indicia printed on a container is provided. The device is designed to be releasably mounted to a prescription vial or other medication container to permit visually impaired individuals to read easily the label information relating to the safe and effective use of their medications. The device includes a magnifying medium which can be releasably attached to the container. Components are also provided for maintaining the medium in spaced relationship to the container to effect proper magnification of the indicia.

Abstract: A device for use as a magnifying implement is disclosed which has a housing member designed to accommodate prescription bottles of various popular sizes therein in a fixed position. A longitudinally moveable magnifying lens slideably mounted in the housing member is utilized to magnify the print contained on an instruction label located on the side of the prescription bottle. Alternate embodiments allow different size medicine bottles to be alternately mounted in concentric fashion, or with the side of the medicine bottles facing the lens in a fixed position.