Abstract: An apparatus includes an input device which inputs coordinate data and pressure data corresponding to a signature which is handwritten by a stylus, a unit for sensing a completion of input of a handwritten signature, a unit for detecting an actual stroke end point, a unit for extracting a given number of items of coordinate data input after the actual stroke end point, as effective air stroke data, from the coordinate data and pressure data both input during a period of time from the actual stroke end point to sensing of the completion of input of the handwritten signature, and a unit for defining, as signature data corresponding to the handwritten signature, the coordinate data and the pressure data both input during a period of time from a signature input start point to the actual stroke end point and the coordinate data extracted as the effective air stroke data.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus, including computer program products, for presenting status of digital signatures. A digital document is received that defines a presentation structure and includes a digital signature. The digital document specifies a representation of the digital signature and a location in the presentation structure for the representation of the digital signature. A status is determined for the digital signature. A status representation is associated with the digital signature, where the status representation identifies the status determined for the digital signature. Without altering the representation of the digital signature, at least a portion of the digital document and the status representation of the digital signature are presented in a user interface, where the status representation is presented in the presentation structure at a location that depends upon the location of the digital signature.

Abstract: The invention refers to a computer-based system for the acquisition, analysis, and authentication of the handwritten signature. The person that performs a handwritten signature performs a series of three-dimensional movements with a plane graphical finality. The movements generate kinetic information perceived by the special pen that the signature is performed with (the writing and digital acquisition device for the primary bio-kinetic information). The information, concordant to the afferent bio-kinetic pattern, is collected by the included MEMS type acceleration sensors in the pen. The system continues to analyze the generated information (the signals) and it determines the dynamic-biometrical characteristics, based upon the biometrical dimension of the information. The characteristics are transformed in data vectors and invariants that are stored in a database.

Abstract: A method for classifying a plant leaf by utilizing the feature points of venation has been developed. A sample image of the venation can be extracted by utilizing a Curvature Scale Space (CSS) Corner Detection Algorithm. The sample image is treated to thicken the venation and increase the contrast through the retrieval unit prior to applying the Canny Edge Detection technology. The feature point, Branching Point and End Point is detected at each point where the calculated curvature angle is a local maximum. The distribution of the feature points of the extracted venation is calculated by applying a Parzen Window non-parametric estimation method.

Abstract: A fishing pole strike indicator comprising a housing for a power source, illuminable member and exterior switch for engaging and disengaging illumination along with a pair of clamps each with a stationary and articulated jaw member so that the strike indicator can be selectively attached to the pole as desired. Each clamp has a jaw that when closed has an aperture passing through diametrically sized to encompass a fishing pole shaft. The articulated jaw members of the clamps have a thumb screw for optionally securing the articulated jaw in the closed position and releasing the strike indicator from the fishing pole in the open position.

Abstract: Shiny or reflective portions of a product surface, such as areas covered by foil, are represented to a user viewing a product image by a looped animation that simulates the visual effect of light on those reflective portions. The animation comprises a sequence of images generated by applying a gradient function to an image of the areas corresponding to the reflective portions of the product. To generate the individual images for use in the animation, the gradient function is applied at different offset positions relative to the product image.

Abstract: The present invention provides automated methods for cell body extension analysis, software for carrying out such methods, and detection devices comprising such software.

Abstract: A video monitoring device for vehicles contains a plurality of cameras, a digital image processing unit, and a display device. The cameras are installed at the bottom rims of the sideview mirrors, and/or the front and back rims of the vehicle. The images captured by the camera are combined and processed by the digital image processing unit for presentation on the display device. The digital image processing unit contains a moving object highlight unit to frame and trace the images of moving objects in the image presented on the display device.

Abstract: In a case where the remaining capacity of a RAM 12 is small, the resolution of a rendering processing is made smaller than usual. By this, even if the remaining capacity of the RAM 12 is small, banner printing using a long size print sheet P becomes possible.

Abstract: An image forming processing circuit and an image forming apparatus having a clock stop function of the invention perform, in an image forming processing process, supply of a clock for processing only in a period in which the clock is required and stop the supply of the clock for processing in a period in which the clock for processing is not required. An ASIC itself realizes a low power consumption function (a clock stop function) without requiring control from a CPU or the like as in the conventional sleep function. Thus, it is possible to effectively reduce power consumption of the ASIC compared with that in the past.

Abstract: Obtained is a biomolecular interaction analyzer which is capable of simultaneously measuring a large number of many kinds of samples. The biomolecular interaction analyzer is an analyzer for measuring biomolecular interactions, which includes a measurement chip and a color CCD array. The measurement chip includes a plurality of measurement areas in each of which a fine particle sensor coated with a noble metal is formed. In the color CCD array, two-dimensionally arrayed light receiving elements respectively for measuring optical properties of the measurement areas are utilized.

Abstract: Methods of imaging biological samples are provided. Aspects of embodiments of the methods include freezing, thawing and imaging a biological sample, one or more times, in a manner sufficient to image the biological sample while maintaining the viability and/or structural integrity of the sample. Also provided are devices and systems for use in practicing the methods.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for registration comprises a computer and a server in communication via a network, an intranet and/or the Internet, means for entry of data into the computer, and a signature or biometric digitizer including coupling software for directly entering digitized signature or biometric data electronically into the computer. The data and digitized signature or biometric data are communicated to the server. The registration apparatus and method may be utilized for voter or other registration and/or another transaction.

Abstract: An unauthorized user prevention device and method prevents unauthorized users from operating a devices such as firearms or other types of weapons, and can also prevent access as an anti-theft device for vehicles and doors to vehicles or buildings. A users initially grips a handle containing pressure sensors, and a pressure signature profile is stored that is based on hand position of the user's handgrip on the particular device as indicated by a change in pressure, pressure as a function of position on the particular device; and pressure as a function of time. A comparator compiles the pressure signature profile and compares it with profiles is storage to determined whether a match exists. Upon finding a match, a control unit releases an interlocking unit to enable the user to operate the device because he/she is authorized.

Abstract: A wireless input device having an outward appearance resembling a standard ballpoint pen operates as both a standard ballpoint pen or similar writing instrument as well as an input device. The pen includes directional sensors for determining the direction and length of each pen stroke. A transmitter is provided in the pen barrel for transmitting the stroke signals directly to a computer for input and processing each stroke to provide an accurate representation of the pen stroke as it is being made. The transmitter may be a wireless device for transmitting a low frequency radio signal to a receiver associated with the computer. This permits the pen to be utilized anywhere within the transmitting range of the device, and in any orientation, with the computer picking up, processing and storing the signal representing the pen strokes.

Abstract: An electronic device used to identify loci containing more than one stroke. This electronic device utilizes a ball rotation sensor to detect the position and movement while it is in contact with a surface and an acceleration sensor when the device is not in contact with the surface. Further, this device is able to correct for inaccuracies in the acceleration sensor utilizing data received from the ball rotation sensor. This correction is based on a calculated detection error determined while the ball rotation sensor is active. The correction occurs when the device is again no longer in contact with the surface and again utilizing the acceleration sensor to determine position.

Abstract: An unauthorized user prevention device and method prevents unauthorized users from operating a devices such as firearms or other types of weapons, and can also prevent access as an anti-theft device for vehicles and doors to buildings. A users initially grips a handle containing pressure sensors, and a pressure signature profile is stored that is based on hand position of the user's handgrip on the particular device as indicated by a change in pressure, pressure as a function of position on the particular device; and pressure as a function of time. A comparator compiles the pressure signature profile and compares it with profiles is storage to determined whether a match exists. Upon finding a match, a control unit releases an interlocking unit to enable the user to operate the device because he/she is authorized.

Abstract: A biometric machine method for instantaneous assessment of the fine motor control of a human individual through analysis of that individual's handwriting dynamics in which the dynamic data concerning forces, accelerations, and the like, of a scriber, is collected during the process of cursive writing. The criteria of stability, smoothness and synchronization of the writer's motion are returned by the system as quantifying measures of the neurological function. The method processes behavioral random signals with application of the correlation function analysis to the handwriting dynamic signals. In one embodiment, the system includes an instrumented pen connected to a computer, power supply, and analog-to-digital converter, and with the handwriting samples provided on any writing surface. In a second embodiment, the system comprises an instrumental digital tablet having an active area and non-instrumented scriber with the handwriting samples provided on the active area of the grid.

Abstract: A data input system is provided with an input pen. A sequence of characters are traced with the input pen, and image data on them are read from the image scanner incorporated in the input pen. Each character is recognized on the basis of the image data. If a recognition error occurs during the input processing, a correct character is written with the input pen. A locus of movement is traced on the basis of moving distance data, which is obtained by a moving distance sensor and includes a moving distance and a moving direction. A character represented by the traced locus is recognized.

Abstract: A handwritten character recognition method including the steps of acquiring coordinate information and writing pressure information relating to a handwritten character string as three-dimensional time series information, correcting the handwritten character string data through use of a warping function in order to minimize the overall degree of difference among a plurality of sets of handwritten character string data, and comparing the thus-corrected character string data with registered handwritten character string data by dynamic programming matching so as to obtain the overall degree of difference between the handwritten character string data and the corrected handwritten character string data.

Abstract: In a method for determining a reference autograph character string on the basis of a set of sample autograph character strings from the same writer, a particularly characteristic autograph character string can be selected from a set of produced sample autograph character strings, e.g. signatures. In signature verification, such references are needed to serve as a comparison measure in the identification of the signer. The method according to the invention divides the produced character strings of a sample set of signatures into strokes according to the execution, and compares individual strokes with respect to the recorded dynamic parameters, such as for example pressure and locus coordinates and writing speed, in order to enable the determination of the deviation of all the strokes of the sample character strings from one another.

Abstract: A computerized system for teaching handwriting skills to a student displays a character to be written, prompting the student to use a digitizing pen to write the character on a digitizing surface, operating the digitizer to capture pen tilt angle, x,y coordinate values, pen tip pressure, pen tip height, and timing for each pixel. These pen stroke parameters and parameters computed therefrom, including pen tilt direction, are compared with stored corresponding "ideal" or "normal" data and the results of such comparisons are analyzed to determine whether a handwriting "process problem" exists. If so, appropriate "on the spot" corrective feedback information is generated and delivered in audible and/or visual form to the student at the times it will be most beneficial.

Abstract: A system and method of authentication electronic transactions in which personal hand writing patterns like signatures are used. Signatures are conveyed from sender to receiver through a data communications channel and stored as data streams. The method is based on the fact that nobody can hand write two identical patterns. The result of the authentication test is false if the new hand writing pattern is identical or too close to any of the previously stored patterns.

Abstract: A method for the optical three dimensional measurement of a tooth without calibration bodies. An optical projection system projects a pattern onto a tooth, and an optical imaging system images the pattern projected thereon, from a first position in space and subsequently from a second position in space, with the images from the two positions in space having a common imaged area of the tooth. The image patterns are evaluated to calculate three dimensional coordinate data of the tooth surface relative to the respective imaging position for each image and also for the two images combined, to produce a single three dimensional tooth surface data record. In this method, points and/or surfaces are selected from the common imaged area with the aid of properties of the tooth surface contour which are invariant under displacement and rotation, so that they can be clearly correlated with each other.

Abstract: A handwriting input method and apparatus is disclosed which generates a single line segment from a group of input line segments which are input by a user. The input line segments may be overlapping or disconnected short line segments, thereby allowing the user to enter lines in a free stroke format, much the way an artist sketches. For each of the input line segments a plurality of variable parameters are detected from the stroke data. The parameters for each input line segment are converted to a three-dimensional weighting function. The weighting functions for different line segments are combined, the edge of the resulting combined function is detected, and that edge is displayed as a line segment on a display device.

Abstract: The measurement of gray scale or color composition integrated densities of irregularly shaped areas of a subject specimen is accomplished by using a video camera to derive an analog video image signal representative of the optical intensity of light associated with the specimen. A modified low cost high speed video digitizer converts the video image signal into a digital format which an interactive computer program converts into digital optical density values that are used to determine the net integrated density of each irregularly shaped area within the specimen.