Showing papers on "Object (computer science) published in 2001"

Method, apparatus, and system for attaching search results

Abstract: According to one aspect of the present mechanism, a method is provided in which a search request containing search criteria is received from a first user. A search is performed based on the search criteria to retrieve records in one or more databases that match the search criteria. A list of search results based on the retrieved records is displayed to the first user. In response to the first user's request to associate a particular search result in the list to a particular object, associate the particular search result to the particular object.

Connected audio and other media objects

Abstract: Media objects are transformed into active, connected objects via identifiers embedded into them or their containers. In the context of a user's playback experience, a decoding process extracts the identifier from a media object and possibly additional context information and forwards it to a server. The server, in turn, maps the identifier to an action, such as returning metadata, re-directing the request to one or more other servers, requesting information from another server to identify the media object, etc. The linking process applies to broadcast objects as well as objects transmitted over networks in streaming and compressed file formats.

Optimal aggregation algorithms for middleware

Abstract: Assume that each object in a database has m grades, or scores, one for each of m attributes. For example, an object can have a color grade, that tells how red it is, and a shape grade, that tells how round it is. For each attribute, there is a sorted list, which lists each object and its grade under that attribute, sorted by grade (highest grade first). There is some monotone aggregation function, or combining rule, such as min or average, that combines the individual grades to obtain an overall grade.To determine objects that have the best overall grades, the naive algorithm must access every object in the database, to find its grade under each attribute. Fagin has given an algorithm (“Fagin's Algorithm”, or FA) that is much more efficient. For some distributions on grades, and for some monotone aggregation functions, FA is optimal in a high-probability sense.We analyze an elegant and remarkably simple algorithm (“the threshold algorithm”, or TA) that is optimal in a much stronger sense than FA. We show that TA is essentially optimal, not just for some monotone aggregation functions, but for all of them, and not just in a high-probability sense, but over every database. Unlike FA, which requires large buffers (whose size may grow unboundedly as the database size grows), TA requires only a small, constant-size buffer.We distinguish two types of access: sorted access (where the middleware system obtains the grade of an object in some sorted list by proceeding through the list sequentially from the top), and random access (where the middleware system requests the grade of object in a list, and obtains it in one step). We consider the scenarios where random access is either impossible, or expensive relative to sorted access, and provide algorithms that are essentially optimal for these cases as well.

Method and apparatus for managing data exchange among systems in a network

Abstract: The present invention provides a solution to the needs described above through a system and method for managing data exchange among systems in a network. The systems and methods of the present invention translate data from a system specific local format to a generic interchange format object, and vice versa, with predefined stylesheets using generic components and a system specific service components which utilize a native application programming interface of the specific local system.

Video-based image control system

Abstract: A method of using stereo vision to interface with a computer is provided. The method includes capturing a stereo image, and processing the stereo image to determine position information of an object in the stereo image. The object is controlled by a user. The method also includes communicating the position information to the computer to allow the user to interact with a computer application.

Marking medium area with encoded identifier for producing action through network

Abstract: Automatic actions can be obtained through a network using an area of marking medium with machine-readable markings that encode an action/medium identifier. The action/medium identifier identifies an action that can be produced through the network, and also identifies the area of marking medium. For example, it may include a globally unique or network-wide page identifier as well as an action identifier that can be used to produce an action described by data associated with a counterpart digital page. Or it can include both a page identifier and a location identifier, with the location identifier also identifying an action that relates to the page's digital counterpart. Or it can include a document identifier and an action identifier. Or it can be a globally unique or network-wide sticker identifier that can be used to identify a document, a peripheral device, or another object to which the sticker is attached, and that also produces an action through the network.

Integrated network for monitoring remote objects

Abstract: Integrated imaging and GPS network monitors remote object movement. Browser interface displays objects and detectors. Database stores object position movement. Cameras detect objects and generate image signal. Internet provides selectable connection between system controller and various cameras according to object positions.

The MPEG-7 visual standard for content description-an overview

Abstract: The MPEG-7 visual standard under development specifies content-based descriptors that allow users or agents (or search engines) to measure similarity in images or video based on visual criteria, and can be used to efficiently identify, filter, or browse images or video based on visual content. More specifically, MPEG-7 specifies color, texture, object shape, global motion, or object motion features for this purpose. This paper outlines the aim, methodologies, and broad details of the MPEG-7 standard development for visual content description.

Application program interface that enables communication for a network software platform

Abstract: An application program interface includes a first class to provide information regarding a current HTTP request. The application program interface also includes a second class to manage HTTP output to a client and an object to provide access to server-side utilities and processes. Particular application program interfaces include additional classes to manipulate cookies, handle file transfers, provide exception information, or control operation of an output cache.

System and method for object identification and behavior characterization using video analysis

Abstract: In general, the present invention is directed to systems and methods for finding the position and shape of an object using video. The invention includes a system with a video camera coupled to a computer in which the computer is configured to automatically provide object segmentation and identification, object motion tracking (for moving objects), object position classification, and behavior identification. In a preferred embodiment, the present invention may use background subtraction for object identification and tracking, probabilistic approach with expectation-maximization for tracking the motion detection and object classification, and decision tree classification for behavior identification. Thus, the present invention is capable of automatically monitoring a video image to identify, track and classify the actions of various objects and the object's movements within the image. The image may be provided in real time or from storage. The invention is particularly useful for monitoring and classifying animal behavior for testing drugs and genetic mutations, but may be used in any of a number of other surveillance applications.

Dynamic object- driven database manipulation and mapping system

Abstract: The present invention provides a system and method for dynamic object-driven database manipulation and mapping system which relates in general to correlating or translating one type of database to another type of database or to an object programming application. Correlating or translating involves relational to object translation, object to object translation, relational to relational, or a combination of the above. Thus, the present invention is directed to dynamic mapping of databases to selected objects. Also provided are systems and methods that optionally include caching components, security features, data migration facilities, and components for reading, writing, interpreting and manipulating XML and XMI data files.

Meta-document management system with personality identifiers

Abstract: A digitally readable identifier located proximate to a physical object communicates a personality identifier. The personality identifier is automatically or manually associated with document content. The personality identifier is automatically associated with document content using context information that identifies the place of a physical object and/or the time the personality identifier is communicated. Once the personality identifier is associated with document content, a meta-document server enriches the document content in accordance with a predefined thematic set of document services identified by the personality identifier.

Method for providing customized user interface and targeted marketing forum

Abstract: A method for providing customized network interface and targeted marketing forum. Consumers are provided with a graphical interface tailored in appearance and content based solely on the consumer's specifications. In addition, advertisers and other commercial entities are provided with a targeted audience of consumers having an increased likelihood of interest in the advertisement or commercial object.

Pointing systems for addressing objects

Abstract: Systems are arranged to provide a user (521) information (533) which relates to objects of interest (525). A user may point a hand held device (522) toward an object to address it. The device determines which objects are being addressed by making position and attitude measurements and further a reference and search of a database (12) containing preprogrammed information relating to objects. Information relating to objects determined as objects presently being addressed in thereafter presented at a user interface (532). Devices of these systems include a point reference (545), a direction reference (546), a position determining (26) support, attitude (29) determining support, a computer processor (23) and database, and a user interface (532). Methods of systems include the steps of addressing an object (161), determining position and attitude (161) searching a database (221), and presenting information to a user (237).

Authentication watermarks for printed objects and related applications

Abstract: The disclosure describes systems for creating and authenticating printed objects (45, 46) using authentication and copy detection watermarks. For example, one verification system includes a watermark decoder (50) and a verification module (64, 66, 68, 70). The watermark decoder (50) detects a copy detection watermark in a printed object (45, 46) to determine whether the printed object has been reproduced. The verification module (64, 66, 68, 70) processes a message decoded from an authentication watermark on the printed object to authenticate the printed object or bearer of the printed object. The authentication and copy detection watermarks may be implemented as the same or different watermarks. For example, the authentication and copy detection watermarks may be separate watermarks embedded in an image that is printed on the object. The authentication watermark, in some applications, includes an identifier that links the object to a database entry with related information about the object.

Object segmentation with background extraction and moving boundary techniques.

Abstract: Image data for an image frame are allocated among three groups. In one group are image data which are part of a derived motion boundary, along with image data which differ by at least a threshold amount from a corresponding point among normalized background data. In another group are image data which closely correspond to the normalized background image data. A third group includes the remaining pixels. An initial estimate for the object boundary is adjusted iteratively based on the groupings, followed by application of an active contour model.

Method and system for location tracking

Abstract: Techniques for location tracking, location utilization, and dissemination and management of location information are disclosed. As a location monitoring system, one embodiment includes at least a plurality of mobile computing devices supported by a wireless network, and a web server coupled to a wired network (e.g., the Internet) that couples to the wireless network. Each of the mobile computing devices are associated with and proximate to an object whose location is being monitored. The web server stores the locations of each of the mobile computing devices or the objects proximate thereto, and enables only authorized users to obtain access the locations via the wired network.

Object-oriented framework for hyperlink navigation

Abstract: An object-oriented framework comprises system services, objects, and integration interfaces which unify retrieval and browsing of data among multiple different application programs, document formats, and local and remote data storage sites. The framework provides a hyperlink object which encapsulates general hyperlink navigation functions. The hyperlink object has a moniker which references a hyperlink's target, and a location string which designates a location in the target. The hyperlink object uses the moniker to retrieve the target as an object in the framework, and causes the object to display a view of the target at the location. The framework also provides a browse context object which maintains a navigation stack of navigated hyperlink targets, and allows passing of window and navigation tool bar position information to a frame in which the target is displayed to effect the appearance of window reuse when navigating between frames. The framework also includes a cache and table of running objects to speed return navigation to recently navigated targets.

Linking of computers based on steganographically embedded digital data

Abstract: A printed object, such as an item of postal mail, a book, printed advertising, a business card, product packaging, etc., is steganographically encoded with plural-bit data. When such an object is presented to an optical sensor, the plural-bit data is decoded and used to establish a link to an internet address corresponding to that object.

Digital media recognition apparatus and methods

Abstract: One of the embodiments of the invention includes a method of identifying illegal uses of copyright material. The steps of the method preferably include the steps of: (a) providing a primary digital media object, (b) associating an auxiliary construct with the object, (c) transforming the construct using at least one of the attributes of the object to generate a unique key representative of the primary object, (d) receiving a plurality of secondary digital media objects, (e) performing steps (b) and (c) on the secondary objects to generate unique keys representative of the secondary objects, (f) comparing the keys of the secondary objects with the key of the primary object to identify if any of the secondary objects are substantially similar to the primary object.

Alignment member for delivering a non-symmetric device with a predefined orientation

Abstract: A device and method for delivering an object within a patient, wherein the object is delivered in a preferred orientation relative to the delivery site of the patient. The delivery device has an alignment member that allows the object to be delivered intravascularly to the delivery site of the patient, wherein the object is delivered in a pre-determined orientation. The object may, for example, be non-symmetric or include a configuration that requires delivery to the site in only one suitable orientation relative to the delivery site. Such objects may be used, for example, to treat certain defects or injuries in vessels or organs within a patient's body.

Side-monitoring apparatus for motor vehicle

Abstract: An image pick-up means mounted in the motor vehicle picks up a side direction of a driver's own vehicle. An approaching object detecting means detects an approaching degree of an approaching object which approaches his own vehicle from a side direction road crossing his own vehicle on the basis of two images picked up at two timings apart by a prescribed interval by the image pick-up means. A danger decision means decides a danger on the basis of the approaching degree. In such a configuration, a side-monitoring apparatus for a motor vehicle can accurately know the danger of collision with the object approaching from the side direction road.

Method and system for synchronizing mobile devices

Abstract: A protocol for synchronizing data is provided. Additionally, a system and method of using the protocol are also provided. The protocol allows responses to be grouped with commands in a single XML document. It provides a command for requesting a single object be sent without requiring that all unsynchronized objects be sent. It provides a command for specifying how many objects at a time should be sent and a response that indicates that more objects are available to be sent. It provides a means for arbitrarily extending the protocol in application-specific ways. It provides a means for sending updates while requesting that no updates be sent back.

Systems and methods for manipulating electronic information using a three-dimensional iconic representation

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention relate to methods and systems for editing, creating and modifying documents through the use of multiple function icons in a graphical user interface environment. Icons comprising a series of object images may represent documents and the pages thereof. Manipulation of the object images and their parts through user input with a pointing device or other input device causes document modification to occur.

Video or information processing method and processing apparatus, and monitoring method and monitoring apparatus using the same

Abstract: In a remote operation monitoring system and the like, it is a video processing apparatus capable of intuitively grasping an object operated by an operator and an operation result. The video processing apparatus includes a unit (310, 320, 2104, 2202) for storing information about at least one object displayed on a screen of a display unit; a unit (12, 2105) for designating information about the object; a unit (300, 2201) for searching the store unit based upon the designated information, and for obtaining information within the store unit corresponding to the designated information; and also a unit (20, 2103) for performing a process related to the object based on the obtained information. An operator can readily grasp an object to be operated and a result.

A fully automated object extraction system for the World Wide Web

Abstract: This paper presents a fully automated object extraction system Omini. A distinct feature of Omini is the suite of algorithms and the automatically learned information extraction rules for discovering and extracting objects from dynamic Web pages or static Web pages that contain multiple object instances. We evaluated the system using more than 2,000 Web pages over 40 sites. It achieves 100% precision (returns only correct objects) and excellent recall (between 99% and 98%, with very few significant objects left out). The object boundary identification algorithms are fast, about 0.1 second per page with a simple optimization.

Family Polymorphism

Abstract: This paper takes polymorphism to the multi-object level. Traditional inheritance, polymorphism, and late binding interact nicely to provide both flexibility and safety - when a method is invoked on an object via a polymorphic reference, late binding ensures that we get the appropriate implementation of that method for the actual object. We are granted the flexibility of using different kinds of objects and different method implementations, and we are guaranteed the safety of the combination. Nested classes, polymorphism, and late binding of nested classes interact similarly to provide both safety and flexibility at the level of multi-object systems. We are granted the flexibility of using different families of kinds of objects, and we are guaranteed the safety of the combination. This paper highlights the inability of traditional polymorphism to handle multiple objects, and presents family polymorphism as a way to overcome this problem. Family polymorphism has been implemented in the programming language gbeta, a generalized version of Beta, and the source code of this implementation is available under GPL.

System for advertising on a network by displaying guide codes

Abstract: An advertising method on a network comprises displaying a guide code corresponding to a network address of an advertisement object and allowing a user to transmit said guide code. Moreover, an advertisement method on a network for additionally allows a user to purchase an advertised good or service by transmitting a guide code via a mobile telephone and charging the cost of the purchase to a calling account of the mobile telephone. Also, the present invention has particular application as an advertisement guide system and method using guide codes, wherein users are able to simply and conveniently recollect Internet homepage addresses of advertisers of advertisements made through various advertisement media, using voice or character mailboxes or electronic mails of mobile communication terminals, without having to write down the Internet homepage addresses on a memo paper. The invention further relates to a simple reservation, purchase and settlement system that takes advantage of the rapid increase in the number of users of mobile communication terminals.