Did You Know...
...Chester Carlson was a patent agent who tired of having to make multiple copies of patent applications using the only duplication method available at the time: carbon paper. In 1959 he came up with a new copying system and took it to IBM for evaluation. The "experts" at IBM determined potential sales to be only 5,000 units because people wouldn't want to use a bulky machine when they had carbon paper. Carlson's invention was the xerography process, the company founded on the system is Xerox.
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| Number | Title | Issue Date |
| 7468778 | Virtual studio system A method of providing a visual representation of a scene to a participant in a studio is provided, wherein the studio is arranged to be viewed by a camera to provide a camera image and has at least a portion of a background object arranged to be keyed out of the cam... | 12/23/2008 |
| 7414698 | Captioning system and method A system for providing closed-caption text in a movie theater wherein the caption information is only visible to those patrons wishing to view the text, comprising a projector projecting a plurality of light applications onto a predetermined strip of light in a view... | 08/19/2008 |
| 7405801 | System and method for Pulfrich Filter Spectacles Pulfrich Filter Spectacles to view a 2-dimensional motion picture with 3-dimensional visual effects are disclosed. A method for synchronizing the Puifrich filter spectacles and a method of displaying 2-dimensional motion pictures as 3-dimensional pictures using the ... | 07/29/2008 |
| 7394519 | System and method for audio encoding and counterfeit tracking a motion picture A system and method is provided for encoding an identifiable code into the audio content of a motion picture. The audio content is altered in at least one specific pre-selected location in the audio soundtrack of the motion picture so as to be essentially unnoticeab... | 07/01/2008 |
| 7359130 | Lens mount and alignment method An improved lens mount and related alignment methods are provided. In one example, a lens mount includes a ring member and a base member connected with the ring member. The base member has a bottom surface. First and second coplanar mounting pads are provided on the... | 04/15/2008 |
| 7349553 | Watermarks for secure distribution of digital data A visible first watermark and invisible second and third watermarks are embedded in digital media content, in order to protect the media content from piracy. The visible first watermark protects the media content during distribution and storage, while the invisible ... | 03/25/2008 |
| 7332706 | Detecting and thwarting imaging systems at theatrical performances A system and method of detecting and thwarting the use of unauthorized imaging systems at theatrical performances. Sensors are deployed at a theatrical event to detect a focusing signal and/or the RF signal of an unauthorized imaging device. De-focusing signals are ... | 02/19/2008 |
| 7324646 | Method and apparatus for film anti-piracy A method and apparatus is disclosed for introducing alterations or distortions in projected images. The distortions on the projected image are imperceptible to a human viewer. The distortions are recorded on recording devices and observable upon viewing the recorded... | 01/29/2008 |
| 7304714 | Use of optical sensor in motion picture film projector lamphouse to detect state of projector to prevent interruption of feature film presentation by kodak digital cinema system designed for cinema advertising A system that determines a projector's true state in an automatic projection sequence. The system includes a projector in a primary display system, having a lamp for displaying visual information; and a sensor to determine the state of the lamp in the primary displa... | 12/04/2007 |
| 7300624 | Method of disinfecting a building air supply According to the invention there is provided a method of reducing microbial levels in the interior of a building, including vaporizing an anti-microbial essential oil to produce vaporized anti-microbial essential oil, entraining the vaporized anti-microbial essentia... | 11/27/2007 |
| 7295281 | System and method for adaptive marking and coding of film prints A system and method for marking, coding and tracking a film print in an efficient, adaptive and customized manner for providing unique and robust identification of each individual film print and for facilitating accurate tracking of the origin of a pirated copy is d... | 11/13/2007 |
| 7292283 | Apparatus and method for performing sub-pixel vector estimations using quadratic approximations To achieve the foregoing, and in accordance with the purpose of the present invention, an apparatus and method for generating refined sub-pixel vectors for motion estimation from vector correlation values and converged vector correlation values using quadratic appro... | 11/06/2007 |
| 7289644 | Anti-piracy coding of motion pictures A method for uniquely identifying a copy of a motion picture disposed on a medium. A first sequence and a second sequence of the motion picture each can be selectively marked with an identifier mark to collectively define a uniquely identifiable marking pattern. A t... | 10/30/2007 |
| 7287163 | Digital watermark embedding apparatus and method, and computer program A digital watermark embedding apparatus divides data to be watermarked into a plurality of data areas on the basis of data characteristics, in time series, or on the basis of user selection and performs digital watermark embedding in which different algorithms are a... | 10/23/2007 |
| 7272240 | Method and apparatus for generating, sensing, and adjusting watermarks A method and apparatus for generating and adjusting a watermark in a watermarking system comprising a watermark generator and a watermark detector includes the watermark generator emitting the watermark. The watermark detector detects the watermark. The watermark de... | 09/18/2007 |
| 7267444 | Image projector display device An image projector display device projecting an image onto a surface substantially parallel to a path of light emitted through a representation of an image and a projection/objective lens. The display device compensates for the varying distances of the surface onto ... | 09/11/2007 |
| 7269573 | Virtual-product presentation system Apparatus and methods for virtually presenting a product for purchase by a consumer. The product has one of the following characteristics: vibrations, a mass, a texture, a smell and a temperature. A memory stores a representation of a characteristic of the product. ... | 09/11/2007 |
| 7249719 | Method and apparatus for a multiple source vapor-dispensing device A vapor-dispensing device that, through a delivery system, facilitates evaporation of multiple volatizable materials into an environment. In one embodiment, a common evaporative region is utilized; in another, a controller suitably controls an aspect or characterist... | 07/31/2007 |
| 7221759 | Projector with enhanced security camcorder defeat A projector (10) with enhanced security camcorder defeat including a copy protection illumination system (1) for illuminating a spatial light modulator (30) comprises: a polychromatic light source (20); uniformizing optics (22) for... | 05/22/2007 |
| 7199857 | Digital control unit for projector automation systems A projector automation system for controlling one or more controlled systems having functionality that is responsive at least in part to automation control signals. The automation system interacts with a digital projector having a control port and a film projector h... | 04/03/2007 |
| 7190579 | Data processing system with air purifying device An air purifying data processing system includes a chassis, a planar, a microprocessor and an air purifier. The air purifier produces purified air that is exhausted exterior to the chassis to improve the air quality in the vicinity of the chassis. The air purifier p... | 03/13/2007 |
| 7161741 | Focusing systems for perspective dimensional measurements and optical metrology Focusing systems for which variation of magnification with focus is either inherently compensated, or is calibrated and corrected. The required conditions for inherent compensation are determined, and the desired state is called constant relative magnification. It i... | 01/09/2007 |
| 7154579 | Fragrance delivery for multimedia systems A system for fragrance sensory stimulation synchronized to a multimedia source connected to an audiovisual display is disclosed. A fragrance generator processes fragrance information from the audiovisual source into a flagrance signal, and a fragrance control system... | 12/26/2006 |
| 7073731 | Method and system for ambient air scenting and disinfecting based on flexible, autonomous liquid atomizer cartridges and an intelligent networking thereof An apparatus for freshening air, including a base unit; a power supply operably connected to the base unit; a driving and switching circuit connected to be powered by the power supply; a first plug portion connected to the driving and switching circuit; a detachable... | 07/11/2006 |
| 7050076 | Optical state modulation apparatus, display system and optical state modulation method An optical state modulation unit is provided to apply an optical intensity modulation in temporal domain on a display image generated from an inputted image signal for different gray scale values such that the optical intensity modulation performed at least one of t... | 05/23/2006 |
| 7050102 | Spatial referenced photographic system with navigation arrangement An image system which captures, along with the images, information defining both the position and the orientation of the camera along with the distance to the subject. A video camera is attached to three accelerometers, two gyroscopes, and a rangefinder. Data gather... | 05/23/2006 |
| 7030956 | Optical intensity modulation method and system, and optical state modulation apparatus An optical intensity modulation having a periodicity in the temporal domain is applied on an optical state of an original display image, being displayed on a projection screen or a display screen, that takes into account a human temporal frequency contrast sensitivi... | 04/18/2006 |
| 7020383 | Detecting and thwarting imaging systems at theatrical performances A system and method of detecting and thwarting the use of unauthorized imaging systems at theatrical performances. Sensors are deployed at a theatrical event to detect a focusing signal and/or the RF signal of an unauthorized imaging device. De-focusing signals are ... | 03/28/2006 |
| 7006630 | Methods and apparatus for digital content protection A multilayer digital content protection system, particularly for a digital cinema application is provided. Detection of unauthorized activity at the time it is occurring is provided using a first protection layer. Two layers of imperceptible watermarks, one camcorde... | 02/28/2006 |
| 6983082 | Reality-based light environment for digital imaging in motion pictures Image-based lighting for use in rendering of digital objects is derived from image data collected from a real motion-picture set. The image data includes sets of correlated images at different exposure levels, each corresponding to a selected location. The image dat... | 01/03/2006 |
| 6977366 | Detecting and thwarting imaging systems at theatrical performances A system and method of detecting and thwarting the use of unauthorized imaging systems at theatrical performances. Sensors are deployed at a theatrical event to detect the IR focusing signal and/or the RF signal of an unauthorized imaging device. De-focusing signals... | 12/20/2005 |
| 6945598 | Cable wiring construction There is provided a cable wiring construction capable of preventing troubles caused by breaking of cable. A curl cord 15 is extended from a unit body 11 under a seat 1, and a controller 16 is provided at a tip end of the curl cord 15 | 09/20/2005 |
| 6944581 | Collimated visual display apparatus Collimated visual display apparatus comprising an aspheric screen (12) and a curved collimating mirror (16), characterised in that the aspheric screen (12) is not a surface of revolution about an axis, the aspheric screen (12) comprises f... | 09/13/2005 |
| 6932331 | Combination of air refresher and electronic appliance holding device A holding device is composed of a base and a cover. An air refresher is positioned in a receiving portion of the device and an electronic appliance is clamped between two clamping plates on two sides of the device. A sliding mechanism is received in the device and i... | 08/23/2005 |
| 6909543 | Foveated display system An improved theater geometry which is capable of providing improved image resolution and improved image contrast over prior systems is achieved with a unique projection geometry and image re-mapping technique. The projected image is provided with a continuously vari... | 06/21/2005 |
| 6903871 | Reconfigurable surface A three-dimensional surface shape is produced from input numerical data. The shape of a sheet elastic material is determined by the positions of a matrix of control rods. The position of each of the rods is determined by a computer-controlled system. Each rod is fit... | 06/07/2005 |
| 6842218 | Scent delivery system The scent delivery system employs a single conduit with a nasal interface at one end and a fan or canister of compressed air at the other end. In between the two ends a scent injection device is positioned. The injection device injects scent into an air flow created... | 01/11/2005 |
| 6809792 | Spectral watermarking for motion picture image data An apparatus and method for forming a substantially invisible watermark or copy-deterrent pattern within a motion picture frame that utilizes spectral image data in order to apply a pattern that is not objectionable to a viewer, but that can be sensed and recorded b... | 10/26/2004 |
| 6803987 | Portable scent delivery system A portable device is disclosed which can deliver various combinations of scents in rapid succession directly to a user's nose. The device uses a blower fan (2) which forces air through a fragrance chamber (4). The flow into the chamber is regulated by ... | 10/12/2004 |
| 6783084 | Method and apparatus for olfactory stimulation A method and apparatus for delivering aromatic substances for olfactory stimulation, treatment and/or therapy which includes a delivery assembly including a chamber into which air is introduced and subsequently delivered under even pressure through a mixing venturi.... | 08/31/2004 |
