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Wooden Toys
Fall in love with wooden toys at Oompa! The fresh style and open-ended nature of our wooden toys can't be beat. Our manufacturers are carefully selected and our toys have been thoroughly tested. You'll love the quality craftsmanship that ensures our toys will withstand years, if not generations, of rough and tumble childhood play. And yes, Oompa's outstanding collection of wooden toys is affordable!
Cordoba Blocks
Give your child the gift of creativity with this colorful and unique set of building blocks. Made of beech wood and coated with natural, solvent-free lacquers that are safe for curious hands and teething mouths, this quirky play set is perfect for toddlers and preschoolers. Your child will enjoy exploring the rattle, bell, mirror, and reflective...More Details →
Classic Alphabet Blocks
Stimulate learning and promote creative play at the same time with our original set of Classic Alphabet Blocks, created by William Bultman over 25 years ago. Featuring an animal picture, a number or math symbol, and 4 letters, each unique block is hand crafted, embossed and polished to silky smooth perfection. Crafted from renewable basswood gr...More Details →
Oval Xylophone
Teach your little one about sounds and music with this multicolored xylophone from Plan Toys, the educational toy company. With its child-sized mallet and bright, candy-inspired colors, the Oval Xylophone will immediately appeal to toddlers and young children. As they pound the bars, they'll learn about musical notes, harmony, and rhythm, while ...More Details →
Zoo Chunky Puzzle
Seven zoo friends say hello in our Zoo Chunky Puzzle. The chunky wooden pieces fit into color coded cut outs on the puzzle base making this a great first puzzle. We love that the chunky pieces can stand up all on their own. This means your little one can play with the animals as stand up figures in addition to using them as puzzle pieces. This b...More Details →
Scoot-Around Ride-On
Our foot-powered, award-winning Scoot-Around Ride-On by Hape is a wonderful way to introduce your littlest to balancing as he develops gross motor skills. Each of the four sturdy wheels is lined with rubber which prevents your floors and walls from getting scratched. We love the chunky handle bar that makes it easy to steer around the tightest o...More Details →
Magical Sound Flute
Let your child explore the world of music with our Magical Sound Flute! The wooden instrument features a moveable stick that changes the sound of the flute. This instrument was made in Germany by Haba. Recommended For Toddlers 2 Years And Older Loudness suitable even for the smallest ones Measures 5.75 x 1.5 inches Made of beech wood coated wit...More Details →
Mini Maracas
Shake music time up with Mini Maracas by Hape! This easy to use instrument is perfect for your child to begin exploration of music, beats, and rhythm. Your toddler will find it easy to make music as these maracas are sized for small curious hands. These instruments complements other musical toys by Hape such as Rhythm Set, Rainbow Xylophone, Lit...More Details →
Solid Drum
With its timpani-like shape and cheerful geometric patterns, the Solid Drum is a perfect introduction to the world of music. With tuned areas on the drum surface that make different sounds, the drum provides an introduction to percussion music and rhythm for young children, giving them a vehicle to improve their spatial sense and fine motor cont...More Details →
Fantasy Blocks
Introduce your child to their very own fantasy world with the Fantasy Blocks collection. This set includes 26 pieces of intricately designed blocks with vivid colors, intriguing patterns and designs, and a few secrets here and there. Some feature a glittery, hologram, or mirror foil coating for added decoration and flair. Others have hidden item...More Details →
Upper and Lower Case Blocks
Introduce the complete alphabet to your child at an early age with these hard to find upper and lower case alphabet blocks. Toddlers and preschoolers will love to stack, count, and build while learning their letters with this terrific starter set. The 14 block set is finely crafted of super durable kiln dried Michigan basswood, making these bloc...More Details →
Assorted Vegetables Set
Our tasty Assorted Vegetables Set by Plan Toys will add a nutritious note to your child's kitchen pretend play. We love this set for its sturdy construction, clever "sliceable" veggies, and eco-friendly materials. Manufactured with PlanWood, an environmentally friendly material made from reclaimed wood chips and organic colorant, this line is ex...More Details →
Discovery Blocks
Open your child up to a world of wonder with the Discovery Blocks set. Each of the six sturdy wooden blocks has its own secret treasure to discover. There's a rattling bead, a yellow peephole, a push button, a bell, a mirror, and a kaleidoscope. Your child will spend hours uncovering the different surprises, and her senses will be stimulated as ...More Details →
Animals Chunky Puzzle
Our Animals Chunky Puzzle is complete when each little animal finds its spot on the puzzle. We like that this puzzle can also function as a stacking toy -- just stack the chunky pieces up high! This lovely wooden puzzle was designed in France by Janod. Recommended For Toddlers 18 Months And Older Includes 7 Puzzle Pieces And Puzzle Base Measure...More Details →
Rhythm Set
Our colorful Rhythm Set by Hape is a unique addition to any musical instrument collection. Use the stick to slide down the wooden ridges of the guiro or rattle the clapper to tap the wooden pieces together. Little ones will find it easy to make their own music as this rhythm set is sized to fit the hands of the littlest musicians. These instrume...More Details →
Foster your child's appreciation of sound and music with the eclectic Clatter, a toy made to delight all of the senses. With its rainbow of vibrant colors and comfortable, child-sized handles, the Clatter would be a wonderful toy even without its sound - but the click-clack of this percussive instrument is both fun and distinctive. Your little o...More Details →
Our Clicker-Clacker is a great way for little ones to get interested in sound, beats, and patterns. Little musicians can easily grasp the ring or rod and shake away! Green wooden pieces at the end make a gentle clacking sound. This toy is made of sustainable wood in Germany by our friends at Haba. Recommended For Toddlers 2 Years And Older Loud...More Details →
Block and Roll Wagon
Our stylish Block and Roll Wagon by Hape has a simple colorful design that allows your little one to transport colorful blocks to his own little construction site. Twenty blocks in different shapes fit perfectly into the walker. This toy encourages logic and special relationships as toddler tries to get all the blocks back in the tray and gross ...More Details →
Eeny Meeny Miny Zoo Blocks
Let your baby's imagination run wild with this inventive set of building blocks from Haba. Including 25 unique pieces, each cut from beech wood and painted with safe, solvent-free natural lacquers, this set is an ideal choice for infants over a year old who are raring to explore, play, and create. The Eeeny, Meeny, Miny Zoo includes a lion, alli...More Details →
Classic Alphabet Blocks with Canvas Bag
Make playtime fun and cleanup a snap with our original set of classic alphabet blocks, now in a convenient and practical canvas bag. Each colorful, hand crafted block features an animal illustration, a number, and four letters to make 4 complete alphabet sets. Embossing on two sides adds dimensionality and texture to each unique block. Our commi...More Details →
Elements Of Nature Nesting Blocks: Air (Rainbow)
Representing the element of Air, our Waldorf-inspired Rainbow Tunnel has been beautifully hand carved from a single piece of wood. Lovingly made in Europe by our friends at Grimm's Spiel und Holz, this stunning set can be used not only as puzzle and stacking set, but also to create countless scenes in open-ended play. With a little imaginatio...More Details →
Rainbow Wooden Peg Dolls In Bowls
Our Rainbow Wooden Peg Dolls were handcrafted by Grimm's Spiel und Holz of Germany. Each charming doll comes nested in a matching cup of the same color, all of which fit neatly on the wooden tray which is included. Ideal for open-ended, imaginative play, these little friends can be used in sorting and matching games, dressed up, used in puppet ...More Details →
Kaleidoscopic Blocks
Open a world of wonder for your child with kaleidoscopic blocks in a medley of vibrant colors. Each block is made of solid, durable beech wood harvested from PEFC-certified sustainable forests in Germany, and filled with a plastic bubble kaleidoscope screen for color and reflective effect. Makes a perfect addition to any basic building block sys...More Details →
Rattling Shaker
Listen as wooden pellets bounce off the acrylic glass of our Rattling Shaker. Toddlers can easily grab hold of the ring or the rod and shake it up to make some noise! Don't worry parents, this toy isn't too lound! This insturment was designed by Haba and made in Germany. Recommended For Toddlers 2 Years And Older Loudness suitable even for the...More Details →
Twist-and-Turn Blocks
This unique set of eight Twist-and-Turn Blocks by Hape screw-together so towers won't come crashing down. Colorful shapes accented with subtle patterns encourage imagination as toddler improves fine motor skills by screwing the pieces together. This set can be easily incorporated into other block sets for added fun. Wood for this toy comes from ...More Details →
Dolls Chunky Puzzle
Our Dolls Chunky Puzzle is complete when each little girl Has the correct face, mid-section, and legs. Each adorable doll has a different colored outfit making it easy to see which pieces match up. We like that this puzzle can also function as a stacking toy, just stack the chunky pieces up high! This lovely wooden puzzle was designed in France ...More Details →
Bugs Alphabet Blocks
Everyone is buzzing about these Bugs Alphabet Blocks, and you will be too once you welcome them into your home! As vividly colored as nature itself, these bright blocks feature 28 different insect illustrations along with the insect name prominently featured below. In a unique and hard to find twist, these durable blocks also feature both upper ...More Details →
Moover Baby Truck (Red)
Our Moover Baby Truck (Red) is a perfect first ride-on toy. At the beginning you may have to click the truck together for your little one. He will enjoy the working pulley and steering about the house. As he gets a bit older, he will love building and disassembling the truck. The easy click system allows your little driver to explore his enginee...More Details →
Rolling Boats
Come sail away on our delightful Rolling Boats handcrafted by our friends at Grimm's Spiel und Holz in Germany. Available in your choice of four colors, each little wooden sailboat is comprised of three separate blocks -- two triangles and a semi-circle -- that neatly fit together to form a boat that really rocks! Each little sailboat is compo...More Details →
Mini Block & Roll Wagon
Fill up our Hape Mini Block and Roll with 8 colorful blocks in different shapes. Smooth rolling wheels allow our Mini Block and Roll to be pulled around and unloaded in different places to encourage your toddler to get moving and be creative with their building location! Wood for this toy comes from an FSC-managed forest accented with water-base...More Details →
Curvy Board - Waldorf Wooden Rocker Board
For exciting and imaginative open-ended play, try our new Wooden Curvy Board. Popular in Waldorf classrooms, this unique toy not only promotes extensive imaginative play, but has a multitude of developmental benefits that hone balance skills, develop a child's awareness of his or her physical body, and stimulate the vestibular system. Great fo...More Details →
Sevilla Blocks
This colorful play set is sure to charm and entertain with its combination of windows, towers, baubles, and other building components. The Sevilla blocks set includes a rattle, bell, mirror, magnifying glass, peephole, and prism embedded in various blocks, as well as a variety of arches, towers, columns, and more! Your child will learn spatial t...More Details →
Hammer Balls
Channel your child's boundless energy into aligning, pounding, and drumming on the Hammer Balls wooden toy set. With its unique design, this toy is a fun way to help children relieve tension and burn off some of their exuberant energy. The Hammer Balls can also be used as a tool to teach children about safely expressing their feelings without hu...More Details →
Rainbow Xylophone
Our Rainbow Xylophone by Hape is a classic toddler toy with modern design. Toddlers learn scales as well as colors as they use the sticks to make their own music. This instrument complements other musical toys by Hape such as Mini Maracas, Rhythm Set, Little Drummer, Mr. Tambourine, and Pound and Tap Bench. Wood for this toy comes from an FSC-ma...More Details →
Little Drummer
Let you toddler find his own rhythm with our Little Drummer by Hape. Tap the top or bottom with hands or drumsticks for different sounds. This instrument complements other musical toys by Hape such as Mini Maracas, Rhythm Set, Rainbow Xylophone, Mr. Tambourine and Pound and Tap Bench. Wood for this toy comes from an FSC-managed forest accented w...More Details →
Patience Blocks
Enhance your child's motor skills while encouraging persistence with our Patience Blocks. Much more than simple building blocks, each contains a built-in puzzle. Your child will work diligently to move the blocks back and forth to complete the puzzle, and then add them to his next building masterpiece. High-quality beech wood is harvested from P...More Details →
Sorting Train
Get your little one on the right track with the Plan Toys Sorting Train, brilliantly designed to be a puzzle, shape sorter, and fun pull toy all in one package! Your little engineer will have fun assembling the colorful, chunky pieces to make a cheerful train that becomes a functional pull toy, with a pull cord and smoothly rolling wheels. This ...More Details →
Ladybug Shape Sorter
Our Ladybug Shape Sorter by Hape is full of fun and learning. First, match the natural wooden pegs to their corresponding spot on the ladybug's back. Then, sort out the eight rings, each with a different cut out shape, onto the four pegs. Toddlers learn square, triangle, hexagon, and star as they stack the correct shape into the corresponding pe...More Details →
Basic Building Blocks Extra Large Set
Teach your little one to explore creatively with our premium Basic Building Blocks Extra Large Set by Haba. With an assortment of wedges, blocks, cylinders, bridges, stars, tubes, and more, this master set of building blocks provides unlimited opportunities to dream and build creatively. As she plays and creates her own miniature world, your ch...More Details →
Japanese Character Blocks
Get your little builder on track to becoming a sensei of the Japanese language with our incredible Japanese Alphabet Blocks. Made in the USA of Michigan basswood, each block features Japanese characters, numbers, or animals. One side of each block also contains a portion of a map of Japan - can your little one complete this puzzle? These high qu...More Details →
Rainbow Whirls Pegging Game
Sixteen pegs and sixteen rings complete our colorful Rainbow Whirls Pegging Game. Pegs fit into the wooden board and rings can be stacked right onto them. Your little one will enjoy experimenting with colors and patterns. The rings and pegs can even be stacked high! This simple toy was a recipient of the 2011 National Parenting Center's Seal of ...More Details →
Walker Wagon
Is your little one close to walking, but needs a little extra encouragement to keep him on his feet? Our wooden Walker Wagon by Haba is a great place to start, offering support and motivation for young children to keep toddling, gaining confidence as they go. The wagon includes wooden wheels with rubber rims for smooth, soundless movement, and a...More Details →
Wishbone 3-In-1 Bike Red Limited Edition
Get in the fast lane with our Wishbone 3-In-1 Red Bike! This limited edition bike features a hi-gloss royal red finish and is one of the most versatile pre-bikes you'll find. Designed to fit your child's growing needs, this trike converts from a three wheel starter "walker" tricycle to a pedal-less bike that teaches balance in a snap! The frame ...More Details →
Color Buttons
This unique pegging board features beautifully crafted "buttons" in six colors. Little ones will love to explore a world of color as they learn to stack the buttons in patterns and towers. This set comes with 30 buttons and a pegging board. Recommended For Children 2 to 6 Years Old Pegging Board Measures 7.75 x 7.75 Inches Includes Peg Base A...More Details →
Forest Chunky Puzzle
Seven forest friends meet up for a day of play! Each of the seven chunky pieces fits into a corresponding, color-coded cut out shape. The chunky animal shapes can stand up all on their own for some imaginative play. This multifunctional puzzle was designed in France by our friends at Janod. Recommended For Toddlers 18 Months And Older Includes ...More Details →
Large Colored Wooden Waldorf Blocks
This beautiful set of Large Colored Wooden Waldorf Blocks features 15 bright wooden blocks of varying shapes and sizes packaged in a reusable, convenient, cotton mesh storage bag. Inspired by the Waldorf philosophy of education, these unique wooden blocks offer textures, colors, and shapes that will spark imagination and encourage free, creativ...More Details →
Encourage your child to create her own musical masterpieces with this handheld Tambourine. Decorated with white stars, moons, flowers, and a fairy friend, the tambourine is the perfect way to teach children about sound and music. As your little one plays, she'll use her sense of rhythm and fine motor control to make different sounds and variatio...More Details →
Sakrada Blocks
Inspire your child to new heights of delight and fun with this collection of building blocks. Perfect for the toddler who is still learning by touch and taste, this set of 10 pieces can be stacked, sorted, built into a tower, or used to construct bridges and tunnels. Made of beech wood from PEFC-certified sustainable forests and tinted with safe...More Details →
Multi Animo Tractor Pull Toy
A beautiful first birthday present, our European-designed Multi Animo Tractor Pull Toy by Janod comes complete with tractor and detachable trailer, a sheep, pig, donkey, 2 cows, 2 trees and a farmer. Finely crafted of solid wood, this set was designed to withstand generations of play. Recommended For Toddlers 18 Months And Older Includes 5 Ani...More Details →
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- September 17 – Giving USA 2015 & High Net Worth Philanthropy Reports – Webinar
- Fundraising Certification Course 1: How to Create a Marketing Plan
- Fundraising Certification Course 2: Donor Thank You & Retention
- Fundraising Certification Course 3: Social Media Strategies
- Fundraising Certification Course 4: Donation Pages & Nonprofit Websites
- Fundraising Certification Course 5: Email Campaigns:
Nevada Regional Conferences for Nonprofits
Nevada Regional Conferences for Nonprofits
"ANN provides an amazing number of helpful resources for Nevada nonprofits at a very affordable price." -Jean Marovich, Regional Director, Charity Services
"The Nonprofit Website Project is the best education I received all year." -Dawn Lane, Founder/ED, Hope Home Foundation
Funder Interview w/ Wells Fargo Foundation
- Very well-done! Answered all my questions. (Melanie Marcano, Development Coordinator)
- Dawn has a very down to earth way of presenting. She is very clear and direct. (Stephanie Vrsnik, Community Development Director)
Funder Interview w/ Caesars Foundation
- Wonderfully Informative. (Jennifer Kidwell, Founder of a Nonprofit)
- Excellent presentation by Mr. Reilly. Very clear and concise. (Diana Winn, Operations Manager)

subset: commoncrawl


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Catalogue Description:
Faience ushabti of Privy Counselor of Amun, Ku, born of Ta-sheret-en-ta-ihet. Mummiform with tools. Undetailed wig cover and beard. Inscription arranged in one band around body, ending at plinth, and one column on front of body. Condition: Intact. Glaze weathered from original greenish color to matte blue. Brown spots on front of figure. This ushabti is one of series 37.174E-37.178E


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OpenID Login
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Winter!: Prepare for holiday gaming!
Game Night!: This weekend! https://www.facebook.com/events/317792721696252/
New Releases: What upcoming games are you looking forward to?
Answer this question....: Eyup or Nope?
So Gamers...: how is it going?
Fercberk...: Ask us a question or two on our Facebook Page! http://www.facebook.com/gamerDNA
Need Help?: Ask us a question or two on our Facebook Page!
Facebook!: Gamers! Check out our Facebook page!
Youtube!!!: Check out our Youtube channel http://www.youtube.com/user/smg1170?feature=mhee
Gamers......: meh
Closing in:
Painkiller is awesome, so awesome that I feel bad for anyone who hasn't played it, seriously go see a doctor or something.
Game Traits applied to Painkiller: Triple Dose (PC) by korncob
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I love everything about this game, the classes feel unique, skill chains make combat fun as well...
I like games like this but they always end up pissing me off...they start off with something so...
Awesome game, I didn't realize it was open world similar to GTA and such but in first person. It...
From the beta this game looks to be extremely fun, the instances are completely nuts there's...
I actually have this for PC, love the game graphics are great the game is pretty much perfect and...
The number of games with "DNA" in the title.
gamerDNA®, Contents are Copyright 2006–2015 PLAYXPERT LLC and Live Gamer Inc. gamerDNA and the gamerDNA Logo are trademark and property of Live Gamer Inc.


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Originally written on Soccerlens | Last updated 1/28/13
Drogba to choose Galatasary over Chelsea for Champions League football - originally posted on Soccerlens.comGalatasaray are looking to sign Didier Drogba in the January transfer window and have started negotiations with Chinese club Shanghai Shenhua to buy the striker. Drogba set for Galatasaray? Drogba, who won three Premier League titles and four FA Cup moved to China after helping Premier League giants Chelsea win their maiden Champions League trophy last May. Though the club offered him a year's extension on reduced terms, but he rejected such advances then. The 34-year-old applied for permission to leave on loan before the winter transfer window but his demands were rejected by FIFA. He instead returned to his former club Chelsea to train with the side in order to remain sharp for the African Cup of Nations. Chelsea owner Roman Abramovich gave the green signal to offer the Ivorian a deal until the end of the season, with an option of extending it for another year. The talks wer...
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Member Since: June 07, 2011
[5] March 11, 2015 at 12:50am
We will NEVER be taken down by this incremental-ism that is usurping our freedoms and rights as Americans Dammit!
"We The People" already possess billions of rounds in inventory and can circumvent ANY federal overreach upon us.
"When Tyranny Becomes Law, Rebellion Becomes Duty"
[3] November 22, 2014 at 1:48am
Even a sane person would have offed himself by now.
The guilt must be overwhelming.
Hitler eventually did it.
Do the right thing.
In reply to the contribution Dear Mr. Obama, It Must Be Good to Be King
[1] November 22, 2014 at 11:57am
bosox15 responded:
[3] November 7, 2014 at 11:00pm
Yep. I live in California, ( ok shut up the rest of you.. there are tons of very conservative counties here, and my Sheriff has my back)
@Richardoky you gave me a great idea. So now most of what is in my safe makes me a felon. If I get caught, I can say I just ripped it all off from the back of an unlocked pick up down at the local CVS. Hey, I'd at-least avoid the Felony charge and the prison @ss poundings at Folsom.
Joking aside, with this new Prop and on top of the Illegals they are unloading on the streets (thank you Eric F* nut Holder), I am a very proud "Undocumented Firearm Owner"
"Burglars who are caught with stolen property under $950 in value, including firearms, will be issued a citation by officers and released back into the community to continue their criminal lifestyle.
"Burglars who are caught with stolen property under $950 in value, including firearms, will be issued a citation by officers and released back into the community to continue their criminal lifestyle.
Good Job California… IDIOTS!!!!
Come to my house and you will know what the term "Center Mass" means; the hard way.
October 4, 2014 at 5:50pm
Ebola patient transport. Scratch that. To efficiently expedite transport lying CDC bureaucrats to safer parts of the country.
I'm sure the Chinese and Russians have already hacked the design and have a prototype in the mix.
btw. Is that the Chemical Brothers?
In reply to the story Innovation Awaits: Newly Unveiled Chopper Can Travel at Record-Speed
September 15, 2014 at 2:12pm
Find out why The Blaze writes these headlines with these three Amazing new tricks.
Here are some similar ad's we have always seen in the classified sections in the back of.. name you magazine.
25 ways to improve you memory and why it's the best thing you ever did!
Find out how this 87 year old is making tons of money from her home!
This amazing new trick will make you rich, click here and find out!
[6] September 14, 2014 at 10:47pm
F*** You! What a stupid comment.
In reply to BlazeGlory's comment on the story Navy Identifies Pilot Presumed Dead After Midair Collision
[2] August 18, 2014 at 10:57pm
Release the Hounds!!
I think there are more reporters there then protesters.
In reply to the story Protests in Ferguson Reach Critical Point Amid Reports of Shots Fired, Tear Gas
[1] August 19, 2014 at 2:51am
iwontell responded:
[1] August 18, 2014 at 10:54pm
Release the Hounds!!
In reply to the story Protests in Ferguson Reach Critical Point Amid Reports of Shots Fired, Tear Gas
[2] August 9, 2014 at 1:28am
Dirka, Dirka, Dirka Jihad!
What happened to: Dirka, Fast and Furious?
Dirka, NSA?
Dirka IRS?
Dirka Dirka VA Scandal?
Dirka Dirka, Bergdahl prisoner swap?
Oh crap, Dirka, Dirka Wag the Dog!!!
August 9, 2014 at 1:11am
Awesome. Maybe better than the Soggy Bottom Boys.
May 30, 2014 at 11:13pm
I follow you on Twitter, I agree. I'm in Cal. and I remember when the Open Carry folk started showing up at Starbucks. I understand the premise; but for the love of God,you don't have to bring in an AR15 strapped around your shoulder in a restaurant to prove your point. I will show you my weapons, they are deep and wide. But the thought never ever went through my head that I needed to carry my AR.. anywhere for that matter. I think these guys are A-holes in my opinion and are not helping.
In reply to MinistryOfTruth's comment on the story Two More Major Restaurant Chains Tell Customers to Leave Their Guns at Home
[3] May 31, 2014 at 9:19am
BrutalTruth responded:
May 20, 2014 at 10:16pm
Exactly!!! Terrorize people and hold shot guns to the heads of innocent citizens for… WORTHLESS PAPER MONEY?
What gives?
I tell you, what gives?
Well, let me be cryptic, here.
It won't be your Glenn Beck-Martin Luther King "We we will over come….." moment in history.
May 19, 2014 at 5:48pm
I'm sure he deeply missed by the Bushes.
What ever happened to Obama's pooch? Haven't seen it for a while.
I'm worried that it may have ended up on a PU PU platter in one of his gala events.
April 18, 2014 at 5:19pm
You've been reading Dostoyevsky's Plurality of Voices
Your use of a Metal of Honor for your Avatar would be of interest for some Navy Seals.
In reply to VOICEOFTHEPLURALITY's comment on the story Gun Supporters Lose Huge Battle in New York
April 9, 2014 at 2:27pm
Again. Stingray. Not a shark. Stop at 18 seconds. Profile is identical. You can clearly see the long tail.
In reply to eagledown's comment on the story Pro Surfer's GoPro Footage Captures Shadowy Figure in the Water Alongside Him
April 9, 2014 at 2:08pm
100% Correct. Stingray. Next story.
In reply to SCWilliamson's comment on the story Pro Surfer's GoPro Footage Captures Shadowy Figure in the Water Alongside Him
April 9, 2014 at 2:27pm
eagledown responded:
April 1, 2014 at 1:22pm
Louise de Lombard has already got one, it is very nice!
In reply to the story Historians' Explosive Claim: They've Found the Holy Grail
March 31, 2014 at 10:55am
Obama Administration catch and release like salmon knowing they will eventually spawn upstream and will become Democrats.
I've given up on both of those concepts.
My proof?
Obama is still in office.
In reply to Gonzo's comment on the story Study Finds Nearly 70,000 Criminal Illegal Aliens Released Back Into the U.S.
March 21, 2014 at 12:53pm
The Forestry "Ranger's" are out of control!! MY SHERIFF IN EL DORADO County. YES California, REMOVED their law enforcement powers last year. You didn't here that in the news. Told them to go pound sand. They were HARASSING law abiding gun owners in the park. Sheriff John D' Agostini is an Oath Keeper!!!
El Dorado County Sheriff Strips Forest Service of State-Law Enforcement Powers.
February 21, 2014 at 5:12pm
DEAD KENNEDYS – Police Truck
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Summer Ride in Indian Country
View Single Post
Lucky Rider
Joined: Feb 2005
Location: Baja is good
Oddometer: 1,211
Canyon De Chelle was only a hundred miles away, and before I went down there 70 miles south of 160, I wanted to go north of Kayenta thru Monument Valley to Mexican Hat.
I want to run the Valley of the Gods road that curls around to the base of the Moki Dugway.
Today was to be the day, but I had to get the DR going first. When I filled the bike up from the out of gas situation, it wouldn't start. I got up early and ripped the carb off again...I was getting good at it by now.
As I looked the carb over I found a bugger in the float needle....and something that I'd missed before. When I dropped the carb out on the trail the other day, it fell on a capped off vacuum nipple and cut a hole in the rubber vacuum cap.
Crap all I had to do is plug that hole and all would be well. Sure enough the DR ran like a scalded dog when I got it back together.
Now I was ready for the Valley of the Gods road.
Ratman.......Pete ....
My Solo Continental Divide Ride
....and of course, Luck beats good...
OLDEN DAYS...mostly BAJA
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25 DIY Ideas and Inspiration for a Gender Reveal Party
Gender reveal parties are popping up left and right and rightfully so. They are a new spin on the classic baby shower that is so much fun for everyone. Some couples have chosen to find out the gender before and reveal it to all their loved ones, while others find out right along with everyone else. Either way, the expressions are priceless. Whether you're doing the planning or daydreaming about your future party, check out these 25 DIY Ideas and Inspiration for a Gender Reveal Party…
Coming Up With the Perfect Theme 1 of 25This could be the hardest part, so try to brainstorm cute phrases to work off of like this one.
Check it out at The Tomkat Studio.
Box O' Balloons 2 of 25Fill a cardboard box with balloons and watch the couple's reaction as the gender is revealed.
Spotted at Side by Side.
Going Neutral 3 of 25A gender neutral party allows you to experiment with unexpected colors like green and grey.
Get the DIY party printables at The Pretty Blog.
Piñata Surprise 4 of 25Fill a Chinese lantern piñata with blue or pink confetti and watch as the cute couple opens it to reveal the gender.
Check it out at Oh Happy Day.
Free Printable Reveal Cards 5 of 25Download and assemble these adorable gender reveal cards to give to friends and family or the mama-to-be.
Get the free printable at Here's Looking at Me Kid.
Take a Slice 6 of 25Give the baker the baby's gender in a sealed envelope and have them bake it into a cake for the big reveal.
Check it out at On to Baby.
Cake Topper Bunting 7 of 25Add a cute bunting to the top of the cake, but don't peak inside to see the gender reveal.
Get the tutorial at A Pair of Pears.
Baby Balloon 8 of 25Use a giant balloon to be the focus point of the table and hide the gender reveal inside.
Find out more at On to Baby.
Wear Your Guess 9 of 25A great way to show your vote is by having your guests wear their vote whether it be a mustache or bow.
Find out more at Colour Her Hope.
Pretty Bows 10 of 25Cut out this template to make some pretty bows for your guests to wear.
Check it out at Natty by Desing.
DIY Mustache 11 of 25Cut out an assortment of mustaches for your guests to choose from.
Get the template at Easy Makes Me Happy.
Waddle It Be? 12 of 25Use a book to help you get inspired like this family used, Make Way for Ducklings. The bottle cups are pretty good too.
Check it out at Layla Grace.
It's Time 13 of 25Collect vintage clocks to use as the focus of your It's Time gender reveal party.
Find out more at Kara's Party Ideas.
A Whole Lot of Gumballs 14 of 25This fun couple made gumballs the focus of their gender reveal. You must check out their faces when they find out.
Find out more at Baby Lifestyles .
Sonogram Garland 15 of 25Decorate the mantel with the baby's sonograms, careful not to reveal too much.
Find out more at Hostess With the Mostess.
Unexpected Themes 16 of 25Go ahead and try a new theme for your gender reveal, like focusing on mama and her many cravings.
Find out more at Apartment Therapy.
Homemade Touch 17 of 25To add some vintage charm to the party make signs with chalkboards and string a burlap banner.
Find out more at Spearmint Baby.
Framed Chalkboard Sign 18 of 25It's so easy to make chalkboard signs to use for the party.
Get the tutorial at Intimate Weddings.
Voting Booth 19 of 25Set up a voting booth and have the guests choose their favorite names or what they think the gender will be.
Find out more at On to Baby.
Make a Film 20 of 25This couple made a stop-motion film to reveal the gender of their baby.
Check it out at On to Baby.
Bright and Sunny 21 of 25Set up a warm and inviting table for your guests to congregate around.
Find out more at Hostess With the Mostess.
Decorating With Pom-Poms 22 of 25Learn how to make the pom-poms that can so nicely adorn the table.
Get the tutorial at Martha Stewart.
He R She Bars 23 of 25Turn a Hershey's bar into a gender reveal appropriate He R She chocolate bar.
Find out more at Kara's Party Ideas.
What's Inside That Tasty Morsel? 24 of 25If cake is not your thing, hide the gender reveal inside chocolate chip cookies.
Find out more at What's In My Belly?.
Sweet Surprise 25 of 25This couple took pictures of them eating blue and pink colored ice cream to reveal the gender of their baby to their loved ones.
Find out more at Sessionine.
Read more from Jacinda on Prudent Baby
Follow Prudent Baby on Facebook and Twitter for updates!
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25 Camera-Inspired Crafts
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CEDAR FALLS, Iowa Animal control officers picked up a rare, barred albino owl last Saturday in Cedar Falls.
The owl was thin and dehydrated.
Now it's at the Black Hawk Wildlife Rehabilitation Project getting healthier, eating more and doing well.
He's a little bit on the light side weight wise, but nothing dangerous so we brought him back here with the idea that were just going to observe for a short period of time before we make any kind of decision, said Linda Nebbe, a wildlife rehabilitator.
The owl was born in Cedar Falls and his family's nest is there.
Nebbe says they're not sure what future plans are yet, but the owl may go to an educational exhibit.


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I'm fooling around creating web sites.
Yes, the content is a bit self-indulgent, and I won't say it's super-special, but hey why not? People do it on Facebook all the time!
"Creativity takes courage." Henri Matisse
It's a step above fingerpainting but not much. Still I've gone to plenty of modern art museums and always wondered if I could do as well without much practice.The answer was "sort-of"The really alarming thing is I think I got worse as I went along.Take a look at the pictures and judge for yourself. An even better idea is trying them for yourselves!
My favorite part about backpacking is soaking in the colors. The colors in the mountains and especially near sunrise and sunset when the sun is lower on the horizon. Ripples in the lakes or lichens on rocks have thousands of colors ... far more than any graphic print on clothing or the best architecture or graphic arts. It's easy to think of artificial things having bright colors and nature to have "earth tones" but really the craziest kaleidoscopes of colors can be a field of view with earth, water, and clouds.
Homemade cards are special for the people you sent them to, cost you less and can even save you time shopping once you're good at them. They're really not hard to do once you get the hang of it, and sometimes a great way to be sure some of those digital pictures make it to print, and maybe up on the refrigerator door.


text:
Got A Product To Pitch? Consider Selling On Amazon
Last year, more than one billion units worldwide were ordered via the Amazon website from sellers with businesses of all sizes,
Movie Ticket Ordering Goes Mobile As Options Expand
Movie information and ticket ordering service Fandango is launching a new app for the Amazon Fire Phone, which is to be released later this week.
3-D Graphics, Eye-Tracking Technology Among Amazon Phone Features
Prices start at $199 for a 32GB and $299 for a 64GB version.
Amazon Expected To Bring Smart Phone To Market
Web retailer Amazon is expected to announce Wednesday it is introducing its own smart phone during a webcast.
E.S.P.'s Mother's Day Gift Guide
Show mom how much you appreciate all she does by getting her something from E.S.P.'s Mother's Day Gift Guide.
Matt's Favorites: Dueling Tablets, Delivery By Drone, Smart Bra, And Much More
So what else is new and cool in the wild, wacky world of science and technology? Well, here goes…
Amazon.com Wine Store Introduces Shipping To Michigan, 3 Other States
Just in time for the holiday season, Amazon.com (Nasdaq: AMZN) announced that customers can now place orders on Amazon Wine, http://www.amazonwine.com, for delivery in Michigan, as well as New York, Arizona and Louisiana.
Local Couple Makes A Comeback On Steamy E-Book Sales
Just a short time ago, Jacinda and Jack Wilder were on the verge of loosing their home.
Michigan Lawmakers Target Internet Sales Taxes
Supporters say the bills will bring in revenue and help level the playing field for local businesses that must collect sales taxes.
Amazon, QVC, Apple Dominate the ForeSee Mobile Retail Satisfaction Index
Amazon is extending its domination of e-retail into the mobile platform, according to the ForeSee Mobile Satisfaction Index: Holiday Retail Edition, released Tuesday by the customer experience analytics firm ForeSee.


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Government Is Analyzing Alternatives for Contractor Identification Numbers
GAO-12-715R: Published: Jun 12, 2012. Publicly Released: Jun 12, 2012.
Additional Materials:
- Full Report:
- Accessible Text:
(202) 512-4841
Office of Public Affairs
(202) 512-4800
What GAO Found
In recent years, the governments reliance on DUNS numbers has increased significantly. There has been a dramatic increase in the number and types of entities that are required to have DUNS numbers to do business with the government. GSA also has expanded the level of business information services that it acquires from Dun & Bradstreet. These services include data verification and monitoring as well as corporate linkage information to support enhanced reporting capabilities. As GSA has increased its use of the DUNS number and business information services, its costs have increased from about $1 million in 2002 to approximately $19 million per year under the current contract. The current contract for DUNS numbers is a sole-source contract awarded to Dun & Bradstreet in 2010 for a 3-year base period with options for 5 additional yearsthe contract now totals up to $154 million.
There are several challenges associated with GSAs contract for unique identification numbers. GSA believes that Dun & Bradstreet effectively has a monopoly for government unique identifiers that has contributed to higher costs. This effective monopoly results in part from government regulations and directives that require contractors, grantees, and other entities seeking to do business with the government to obtain a DUNS number. Also, due to the proprietary nature of DUNS numbers, Dun & Bradstreet has placed restrictions on how GSA can use DUNS numbers. This limits the purposes for which the government can use the data and hampers the ability to switch to a new numbering system. Dun & Bradstreets competitors have raised concerns regarding the governments use of DUNS numbers as its unique identification number. These companies believe that the integral role of DUNS numbers in government systems has provided Dun & Bradstreet with unfair advantages in the government or commercial markets for business data. Other organizations have expressed concerns about the governments use of DUNS numbers as well. For example, one organization noted that DUNS numbers are not subject to transparency requirements such as Freedom of Information Act requests so it is difficult to determine independently the accuracy or comprehensiveness of DUNS information.
To address concerns about the high costs and proprietary restrictions associated with the governments use of DUNS numbers, GSA recently began an analysis of alternatives for unique numbering systems. In its ongoing analysis, GSA has conducted market research and plans to conduct a cost-benefit analysis and feasibility study for alternatives to using DUNS numbers by September 2012. GSA has concluded that it is not in the best interests of the government to change from one proprietary number to another. The agency is therefore evaluating the advantages and disadvantages of replacing DUNS numbers with a government-owned numbering system. GSA also will be considering a hybrid approach utilizing both DUNS numbers and a government-owned numbering system, which could be a viable alternative. A key factor in deciding whether to replace DUNS numbers in government data systems is the cost of switching. In the event of a change, GSA and dozens of other agencies would have to modify their data systems, replace all DUNS-related data in those systems, and update policies and procedures that refer to DUNS numbers. GSA officials have said switching costs could be substantial and, while they have outlined steps for capturing costs, they are still developing their methodology for estimating these costs. Meanwhile, even as GSA continues using DUNS numbers, the agency may be able to ease current restrictions on their use, such as the requirement to delete associated DUNS data when the contract with Dun & Bradstreet ends. We are recommending that GSA initiate negotiations with Dun & Bradstreet to that end. GSA agreed with our recommendation.
Why GAO Did This Study
In 2011, the federal government spent more than $1 trillion on contracts and grants. To help manage and oversee these activities, the government relies on a number of data systems which are used, for example, to advertise solicitations, report awards, and track performance. The government needs a way to distinguish between the numerous entities with which it does business. For decades, the government has relied on Dun & Bradstreets Data Universal Numbering System (DUNS) as a unique identifier. The General Services Administration (GSA) contracts with Dun & Bradstreet for use of DUNS numbers in governmentwide data systems. Over time, DUNS numbers have become embedded in various government data systems and processes, and all prospective contractors, grantees, and other federal aid recipients generally are required to have a DUNS number in order to do business with the government. In recent years, government officials have expressed concerns about the rising costs of using DUNS numbers. In addition, other companies that offer unique identifier numbering systems have questioned why the government will not consider their products and services as an alternative to DUNS numbers.
Congress asked us to review the federal governments use of DUNS numbers. In response, we examined (1) how the government currently contracts for and uses DUNS numbers; (2) the challenges posed by the governments use of DUNS numbers; and (3) steps GSA has taken to mitigate these challenges. To address these objectives, we analyzed GSA documents such as analyses of alternatives and contracts and interviewed officials from GSA, other agencies, and Dun & Bradstreet. We also interviewed officials from companies that compete with Dun & Bradstreet in commercial markets.
What GAO Recommends
GAO recommends that the Administrator of GSA initiate discussions with Dun & Bradstreet on ways to reduce current restrictions on the use of DUNS numbers.
For more information, contact William T. Woods at (202) 512-4841 or by email at email@example.com.
Recommendation for Executive Action
Status: Open
Comments: GSA concurred with our recommendation and indicated it is taking steps to determine what is feasible and cost effective. GSA has been conducting an analysis of alternatives for the use of Dun & Bradstreet's DUNS entity unique identifier and is expected to complete its analysis by March 30, 2013. The objectives of the analysis are to identify feasible alternatives to the current sole source contract for Dun & Bradstreet's proprietary services and to identify whether the current contract path or an alternative solution is the most cost-effective option available. We will continue to monitor GSA's efforts in working with Dun & Bradstreet in the coming months.
Recommendation: To ensure that government agencies have improved access to information needed to effectively fulfill their missions, the Administrator of GSA should initiate discussions with Dun & Bradstreet on ways to reduce current restrictions on the use of DUNS numbers.
Agency Affected: General Services Administration
Explore the full database of GAO's Open Recommendations »
Jun 24, 2015
Federal Real Property:Current Efforts, GAO Recommendations, and Proposed Legislation Could Address Challenges [Reissued on June 24, 2015]GAO-15-688T: Published: Jun 16, 2015. Publicly Released: Jun 16, 2015.
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2020 Census:Recommended Actions Need to Be Implemented before Potential Cost Savings Can be RealizedGAO-15-546T: Published: Apr 20, 2015. Publicly Released: Apr 20, 2015.
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text:
- Gene Wojciechowski, Senior Writer
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ORLANDO, Fla. -- Justin Rose lives in Orlando, but his accent is as British as a cup of Earl Grey at afternoon tea. So you cut him a break when the first-round leader of the Arnold Palmer Invitational relies on his caddie for March Madness advice.
"Louisville," said Mark Fulcher, as he plopped down Rose's bag on the edge of the Bay Hill practice putting green.
That would be the No. 1-seeded Cardinals of the Midwest Regional -- not that Rose had a clue. Unlike Thursday playing partner Tiger Woods, who said he has the Indiana Hoosiers going all the way, Rose didn't fill out an NCAA tournament bracket. Instead, he's concentrating on Arnie's tournament.
Rose shot a 7-under-par 65, which came as a surprise to the guy swinging the club.
"Obviously, if you had said I would shoot a 65 on the range this morning, I would have probably said, 'How many holes have I played?'" said Rose.
This is typical Rose. Understated as a rep tie. Self-deprecating. Refreshingly humble.
Bay Hill was in a cranky mood Thursday morning. It was chilly (in the 50s), damp (thanks to rain a day earlier) and windy. Some of the spectators wrapped themselves in blankets, as if they were tailgating at the Ohio State-Michigan game.
"You couldn't fake the round," said Rose.
No, this was a 65 to be proud of. He shot it in less than perfect conditions and did so playing in the same threesome as Ernie Els and Woods, who attracts galleries like dust to Pledge.
Woods didn't exactly concede the day to Rose. Tiger shot 69, but had a few missed putts and a loose bunker shot that cost him. Rose had one bogey, six birdies and an eagle.
"He had every single facet of the game working," said Woods, who shares a swing coach with Rose -- Sean Foley.
You probably remember Rose from the 2012 Ryder Cup, when he squirmed out of the half-Nelson hold Phil Mickelson had on him through 16 holes of their crucial late Sunday singles match.
Down one as they walked to the 17th green, Rose sank a 40-footer to win the hole and tie the match. Then he sank a 15-footer for birdie to secure a killer point for the Europeans. When rolling the credits for "The Miracle at Medinah," Rose should rate somewhere just below Ian Poulter.
Reminded of those Sunday putts on that late September day, Rose didn't gloat.
"I think somehow I just gutted them and somehow willed them in," he said.
Putting has never been Rose's strength. Check that -- as an amateur, Rose was a great putter.
But in recent years, Rose and his putter got along like Samsung and Apple. On Thursday, however, Rose couldn't miss a thing.
He needed only 25 putts to complete the round. He made 10 putts of 6 feet or longer. He made six putts of 10 feet or longer. He was Chevy Chase in "Caddyshack": nanananananana.
His putting reconstruction process began late last summer. He switched from a mallet to a blade. He changed his putting posture. He spent more time on the greens than mowers.
"There hasn't been a Eureka moment," said Rose. "Today's the first day it's shown up."
As corny as it sounds, Rose believes in the power of hard work. His career has been built on it. He turned pro not long after finishing with a T-4 at the 1998 Open Championship as an amateur. He missed 21 cuts in a row. He persevered. He eventually broke through.
Rose, 32, said the game has tested him, even "dumbfounded me." But here he is, not far removed from a 2012 that saw him win the most money of his PGA Tour career ($4 million plus), and he's retooling his putting stroke.
He isn't afraid to take calculated leaps of faith. He took one after that 1998 Open Championship at Royal Birkdale. He took one when he moved to the States. He's taking one now with a new putting regimen.
Some players do a slow freak-out when they play in Woods' group. Not Rose.
"No, I felt this is my hometown as well," said Rose. "I've got a good little support. I felt like the crowd was good to me out there. Obviously, Tiger is the man here at Bay Hill."
Woods has won at Bay Hill seven times. Rose's best finish here is a T-3 in 2011. But Rose had two things Thursday that Woods didn't have: the lead and a group of 20 or so kids from Rose's charitable foundation following him around the course.
Everyone will be back on Friday, including the threesome of Rose, Woods and Els, and the crowds that trailed them. Rose wouldn't mind if something else returned, too, for the afternoon round.
That new and improved putting stroke.
For Tiger, any progress in game is positive sign
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3/22/2013 - Golf Justin Rose


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YIELD: Serves 8
In a bowl combine the frisée, the radicchio, and the pears. In a small bowl whisk together the vinegar, the mustard, and salt and pepper to taste, add the oils in a stream, whisking, and whisk the dressing until it is emulsified. Toss the salad with the dressing, divide it among 8 salad plates, and sprinkle each serving with some of the hazelnuts.
To toast and skin hazelnuts:
Toast the hazelnuts in one layer in a baking pan in a preheated 350°F. oven for 10 to 15 minutes, or until they are colored lightly and the skins blister. Wrap the nuts in a kitchen towel and let them steam for 1 minute. Rub the nuts in the towel to remove the skins and let them cool.


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A shoe having an outer sole, an upper attached to the outer sole for enclosing the wearer's foot, and an insole. A compressible and expansible elastic insert is accommodated in a cavity between the outer sole and the insole. The elastic insert has a flat body formed of spring material. Projecting out of the plane of the body is a spiraling, tapering leaf which elastically deflects in response to relative movements of the outer sole and the insole toward and away from one another.
1. A shoe adapted to be worn on a foot of a person, said shoe comprising:
a. an outer sole having a peripheral edge;
b. an upper fixed to the periphery of said sole for enclosing the foot of the person;
c. an insole overlying said outer sole in spaced relation thereto to form a cavity between said outer sole and said insole, said cavity having substantially flat, opposed surfaces, said outer sole and said insole being relatively movable toward and away from one another; and
d. a spring member accommodated in said cavity and engagable with said outer sole and said insole for yieldably resisting relative movement of said outer sole and said insole toward one another,
e. said spring member comprising a unitary, substantially planar body of uniform thickness, springy material seated on one surface of said cavity and having a peripheral edge,
f. a leaf cut from said body and joined at one end to said body adjacent said edge,
g. said leaf when in its unstressed condition being inclined outwardly of the plane of said body for engagement by the other surface of said cavity,
h. said leaf having a bearing portion remote from said one end of said leaf and which in the unstressed condition of said leaf occupies a position of maximum spacing of said leaf from the plane of said body,
i. said leaf being resiliently deformable in response to the application thereto of a compressive force to move said bearing portion and the remainder of said leaf in a direction toward the plane of said body, thereby resiliently stressing said leaf,
j. the surface of said cavity on which said base seats preventing movement of said leaf in said direction beyond the plane of said body,
k. said leaf being of substantially uniform thickness corresponding to that of said body and of varying width which narrows in a direction from said one end toward said bearing portion.
2. A shoe according to claim 1 wherein said leaf spirals from said one end toward said bearing portion.
3. A shoe according to claim 2 wherein the spiral of said leaf is nautiliform.
4. A shoe according to claim 2 wherein said spring member comprises two of said planar bodies so positioned relative to one another that the bearing portion of the leaf of one body confronts and seats on the bearing portion of the leaf of the other body.
5. A shoe according to claim 4 including means for securing the bearing portions of the respective leaves to one another.
6. A shoe according to claim 4 wherein said spring member has a fully compressed height corresponding to the combined thickness of said bodies.
7. A shoe according to claim 1 wherein said leaf terminates at said bearing portion.
8. A shoe according to claim 1 wherein said bearing portion of said leaf is enlarged relative to that part of said leaf which adjoins said bearing portion.
9. A shoe according to claim 1 wherein said body is circular in plan.
10. A shoe according to claim 1 wherein said body is quadrangular in plan.
11. A shoe according to claim 1 wherein said body has a second leaf cut from and integral with and joined at one end to said body at a zone spaced from the juncture of the first-mentioned leaf with said body.
12. A shoe according to claim 11 wherein said second leaf is joined at its other end to the first-mentioned leaf at said bearing portion.
13. A shoe according to claim 11 wherein said second leaf spirals and narrows in width from said one end toward its other end.
14. A shoe according to claim 13 wherein the spiral of each of said first and second leaves is nautiliform.
15. A shoe according to claim 13 wherein said second leaf is joined at its other end to the first-mentioned leaf at said bearing portion.
16. A shoe according to claim 1 including a plurality of said cavities each of which accommodates one of said spring members.
17. A shoe according to claim 16 wherein said cavities are spaced apart from one another in a direction lengthwise of said shoe.
18. A shoe according to claim 1 wherein said leaf is rectangular in cross-section and wherein the width of said leaf at all points between said one end and said bearing portion is greater than the thickness of said leaf.
19. A shoe according to claim 1 wherein said spring member has a compression range of about 0.27 inch.
This is a continuation of copending application(s) Ser. No. 824,701 filed on Jan. 21, 1992; which is a continuation of Ser. No. 07/587,522 filed Sep. 24, 1990 which is a continuation of Ser. No. 07/287,458 filed Dec. 21, 1988, all now abandoned.
The present invention relates to the field of footwear and particularly to footwear having an elastic sole insert.
Sporadically over the last 100 years, there have been various attempts to fabricate shoe soles or insoles having internal springs. Early such devices are shown in U.S. Pat. Nos. 413,693, 507,490, 968,120, and 1,088,324. These early patents, like the more recent counter-part, U.S. Pat. No. 4,322,893, utilize helically wound coil springs as shock absorbing energy storage devices. A draw back with coil springs is their height relative to their diameter and their limited range. In order to minimize the collapsed height, conically wound coil springs have been utilized. The most significant problem of prior art coil springs is their limited energy storage capacity. Additionally, coil springs of conventional design are difficult to retain as their free ends cause load concentrations requiring rigid retainer plates as reinforcement structures, as shown in U.S. Pat. No. 2,668,374. U.S. Pat. No. 4,267,648 (Weisz) suggests several alternatives to coil springs, such as flat disk springs and belleville washer springs. In order to maintain a low profile, a large number of small springs are utilized.
It is an object of the present invention to provide an elastic sole insert which is compact and provides high energy storage capability.
A feature of the present invention is that the insert has a large diameter relative to its height and presents a large load bearing surface.
An advantage of the present invention is the elastic insert is relatively easy to retain within the shoe, and has a relatively low weight and size when compared to prior art devices having comparable energy storage capacity.
These and other objects, features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following specification.
Disclosed is a shoe having an outer sole member, an upper member attached to the sole for enclosing the foot of the wearer, and an insole which confronts the wearer's foot. An elastic insert is placed in a cavity in the shoe between the outer sole and the insole. The elastic insert deforms along an axis generally perpendicular to the sole of the shoe. The elastic insert has a generally planar body and a cutout region formed therein which defines a spring leaf. In its unstressed condition the leaf is inclined out of the plane of the body, but elastically deflects toward the plane of the body when loaded in compression.
FIG. 1 is a plan view of an elastic insert;
FIG. 2 is a side elevational view of the insert of FIG. 1;
FIG. 3 is a partially cut-away side elevation of a shoe with a wearer's foot shown in outline;
FIG. 4 is a cross sectional end view taken along line 4--4 of FIG. 3;
FIG. 5 is a plan view of the outline of a shoe showing the insert orientation;
FIG. 6 is a plan view of an alternative elastic insert design;
FIG. 7 is a side elevation of the insert in FIG. 6 in its free state;
FIG. 8 is a side elevation of the insert shown in FIG. 6 in its fully compressed state;
FIG. 9 is a plan view of a third embodiment of the elastic insert, the side elevation in the free and compressed states being substantially equivalent to FIGS. 7 and 8, respectively;
FIG. 10 is a plan view of a fourth embodiment of the elastic insert;
FIG. 11 is a side elevation of the FIG. 10 elastic insert;
FIG. 12 is a load versus deflection graph; and
FIG. 13 is a schematic diagram of a cantilevered beam.
With reference to the drawings, several preferred embodiments of the invention are disclosed. FIGS. 1-5 show a first embodiment of the elastic insert 20 shown in an athletic shoe 22. In the preferred embodiment, the elastic insert 20 consists of upper and lower elements 24 and 26 shown in FIG. 4 oriented in stacked alignment along a common axis. Upper and lower elements 24 and 26 are substantially identical to one another and are centrally attached to one another using a rivet 28 or the like which acts as a fastener means for attaching the upper and lower elements together. Each of the upper and lower elements is formed of an elastically deformable material such as a spring steel sheet or the like. Each element has a continuous and generally planar, circular body 30 having a cutout region 32 formed therein which defines a spring leaf 34. The leaf is joined at one end to the body adjacent its peripheral edge and extends inwardly wholly within the confines of the periphery of the body. The leaf preferably is of spiral shape, as shown in the FIG. 1 plan view. The leaf is joined at its inner end to an enlargement constituting a bearing portion 36 having a central hole 38 for receiving rivet 28.
As shown in the FIG. 2 side elevation, the body 30 is generally planar. Leaf 34 is inclined and projects in a direction out of the plane of the body in the uncompressed state. The sheet material forming the element 26 has a substantially uniform thickness T, and the element itself has a free or uncompressed height H as shown. The maximum deflection is the difference between the free height H and thickness T. The elastic element may be compressed repeatedly from its free height to the totally flat position without fatigue.
Leaf 36 acts as a cantilever beam fixed at one end and loaded at the other. The leaf is joined at its outer end to the body adjacent its periphery and extends inwardly therefrom. The leaf has a uniform thickness T and a varying width. The leaf has a width that is greatest adjacent its juncture with the body 30, and tapers to a minimum width adjacent the bearing portion 36. By utilizing a spiral design, a greater beam length can be achieved. The spiral design causes the leaf to be loaded in torsion, as well as simply in shear and bending, as would be the case in a straight cantilever beam affixed to a rigid body at one end. The spiral configuration preferably is nautiliform in configuration. Where the elastic insert is made up of an upper and lower element as shown in FIG. 4, the free height, compressed thickness, and useful range will be twice that of the single element.
Shoe 22 is made up of a sole member 40, an upper member 42 and an insole 44. Sole 40 has an exterior surface 46 and an interior surface 48. The upper member 42 is affixed to the periphery of the sole and generally encloses the foot of the wearer in a conventional manner. Insole 44 conforms to the sole interior surface and cooperates with the foot of the shoe wearer in the conventional manner. Between the sole interior and the insole is a cavity 50 in which the elastic insert 20 is accommodated. As the foot of the shoe wearer exerts a compressive force on the bearing portion 36, leaf 34 will elastically deflect toward the plane of the body 30. As the shoe wearer runs or jumps, the load exerted upon the insert will cause the insert alternately to compress and expand, storing and releasing energy. In the preferred embodiment of the invention shown in FIG. 4, a thin insole reinforcement 52 is provided to prevent the soft foam insole 44 from deforming into the element cutout region 32.
The elastic insert is particularly beneficial in an athletic shoe used in jumping sports, such as basketball and volleyball. The inserts are also helpful in running shoes. During a running or jumping step, the load is transmitted from the wearer's foot to the ground through the shoe sole. In a typical shoe during a jumping maneuver, the sole is compressed during initiation of the jump and expands to the original height once the shoe is separated from the ground. A typical shoe sole is relatively inelastic and is very inefficient at releasing energy during the jumping maneuver due to high hysteresis. Inserts according to the invention are very elastic with relatively little hysteresis thereby releasing the maximum amount of energy during a jumping maneuver.
Preferably, each shoe is provided with two elastic inserts spaced longitudinally of the shoe, as shown in FIGS. 3 and 5. One insert 20 located in the shoe sole cavity adjacent the wearer's heel and the other insert 20' oriented in a cavity below the ball of an wearer's foot.
Initial testing has indicated that the elastic element having a compression range of 0.27 inch and a spring rate of 175 pounds per inch performs satisfactorily in a shoe worn by a 160 pound person. Ideally, an insert will be selected which has the highest spring rate possible and which will still enable the insert to be fully compressed at the commencement of the muscle contraction or positive movement portion of the jumping maneuver. Too stiff an insert will not enable the insert to be fully compressed during the muscle extension or negative movement portion of the jump. If the spring is not fully compressed at the commencement of the muscle contraction, jumping performance can actually be hindered as a result of the inserts limiting the force which can be exerted during a portion the muscle contraction. Too soft an insert will not store the maximum amount of energy, therefore limiting the beneficial effect of the insert and possibly resulting in excess deformation during normal walking. While ideally the insert spring rate would be specifically selected for each wearer considering the wearer's weight and athletic ability, commercial shoes having permanently installed inserts can be made with regular or stiff inserts. Spring rate of the inserts would also vary as a function of shoe size.
For jumping sports it is believed that ball and heel elastic elements should have a substantially equal geometry and spring rate. It should be recognized that the heel and ball spring rates can be varied as desired depending upon the expected use of the shoe. It should also be appreciated that only a single insert may be used in certain circumstances. For example, a long-distance running shoe may utilize a heel insert only while the sprinter's shoe may utilize a ball insert only.
A second embodiment 60 of the elastic insert is shown in FIGS. 6-8. The insert is formed of a substantially planar, rectangular body sheet 62 having a cutout 64 formed therein which defines a peripheral edge 66 and a plurality of spring leaves 68, 68', 68", 68"' projecting inwardly from opposite sides of the body 62. The insert is preferably made up of upper and lower elements 70,72 as shown in FIG. 7. The peripheral edge 66 of each body is generally planar and parallel to the shoe sole. The element is elastically deflectable along an axis generally perpendicular to the shoe sole. The leaves of each element project out of the plane of the body in the free state as shown in FIG. 7 and the free ends of the leaves of one element overlie and engage the leaves of the other element. The ends of the leaves are locally parallel as shown, to form bearing portions.
Preferably, as in the first embodiment, the leaves of the upper and lower element are fastened together at their bearing portions using a suitable fastener such as a rivet or the like. Also similar to the first embodiment, the elastic element has a fully compressed height equal to two times the sheet thickness T, and the leaves are generally tapered having a width greatest at their juncture with the marginal edge of the body 62.
A third embodiment of the elastic insert 76 is shown in FIG. 9. The difference between insert 76 and insert 60 is web 78 which extends across the insert body and connects opposite marginal edges of the element to one another. It should be appreciated that a wide variety of leaf configurations can be constructed by providing one or more cutouts of various shapes to suit the desired application.
A fourth embodiment of the elastic insert 80 is shown FIGS. 10 and 11. Preferably, insert 80 is made up of upper and lower elements in a similar fashion as the earlier embodiments described. Insert 80 is similar in appearance to insert 20 shown in FIGS. 1 and 2. A first and a second cutout region 82 and 84 is formed in the elastic insert to define a pair of spiraling leaves 86 each of which is joined at one end to the body 88. The opposite end of each is joined to a central bearing portion 90 having a hole 92 therein for the accommodation of a rivet or the like. Each leaf is widest at its juncture with the body 88 and tapers in a direction toward the bearing portion 90.
Elastic element 80 exhibits significantly different load versus deflection characteristics than previously described elastic elements utilizing leaves of cantilever design. Leaves of cantilever design have a fairly linear load versus deflection curve as shown on line 94 in FIG. 12. In order to increase the energy storage capacity of the elastic insert given maximum load, a non-linear load versus deflection curve is preferred and which has an initially steep slope and a very low slope high deflection. Elastic element 80 combines the load versus deflection characteristics of the spring as is shown in curve 94 with that of a dome spring or belleville washer represented by curve 96 to achieve the load versus deflection curve represented by line 98.
FIG. 13 shows a schematic representation of a cantilever beam affixed at one end and loaded at the other. Beam 100 has a length 1. When force F is exerted on the free end of the beam, the free end deflects a distance d. Deflection in the classical cantilever beam shown in FIG. 13, is expressed by the following equation:
d=Fl3 /3EI
Where E is equal to the modulus of elasticity and I is the beam moment of inertia. Force F exerted on the end of the beam causes an equal and opposite reaction force FR at the wall attachment. Force F also causes a bending moment M0 to be exerted at the wall attachment, where M0 equals Fl. While the shear load on the beam is uniform throughout its length, the moment varies directly in proportion to the length. At the wall, bending moment is maximum, at the free end the bending moment is zero with a linear progression therebetween. The bending load exerted on the beam will therefore be greatest adjacent the affixed attachment, and minimum at the free end.
In order to prevent stress concentration, and to minimize the weight of the insert, in the various preferred embodiments, the leaves are generally tapered, being widest adjacent their juncture with the body, and narrowest adjacent the bearing portion. This tapered leaf design results in a substantially uniform stress distribution. Beam 68 in insert 60 shown in FIG. 6 acts like a classical cantilever beam as shown in FIG. 13, with the exception that its width and moment of inertia vary as a function of length. The beam is loaded in both the bending and shear modes. The spiral leaf design incorporated in the inserts shown in FIGS. 1-5, 10, and 11 is also loaded in torsion. The relative magnitude of the bending in the torsional load varies throughout the beam length as a function of geometry. In the embodiment of the insert shown in FIG. 1, over two-thirds of the energy is stored in the spring as a result of torsional deformation. In insert 80, in addition to sheer, bending and torsion, the beam is also loaded in axial compression.
As a result of forming the insert from a sheet of material having an uniform thickness, the leaf between its juncture with the body and the bearing portion will have a generally rectangular cross-sectional area whose width is substantially greater than its thickness. The rectangular shape enables the polar moment of inertia of the leaf cross-section to be maximized to better resist torsion in the spiral insert designs shown in FIGS. 1 and 10.
The elastic inserts in the preferred embodiment can be fabricated of high quality spring steel, such as SAE 9254, SAE 1074 or equivalent, but it should be appreciated that other materials could be used. Common spring materials and their properties are listed in Mark's Standard Handbook for Mechanical Engineering, 8th Edition, pages 8-78, which is incorporated by reference herein. Other material, such as titanium sheet or molded fiber reinforced composites, could also be used in applications where weight is critical.
In order to manufacture an elastic insert, flat plate stock, such as spring steel stock having the appropriate thickness is selected. While the steel is in the annealed state, it is cut to the desired plan view using a milling or stamping operation. Preferably, the insert is de-burred to remove sharp corners. The leaf is then plastically deformed out of the plane of the body to achieve the desired free height. The elastic insert element is then heat treated using conventional quenching techniques to harden the spring. In the preferred embodiment where the elastic insert is made up of a pair of elements, the two elements are axially aligned with their leaves engaging one another and fastened together using a rivet or the like.
It is also to be understood, of course, that while the forms of the invention herein shown and described constitute preferred embodiments of the invention, this disclosure is not intended to illustrate all possible forms of the invention. It will also be understood that the words used are words of description rather than limitation, and that various changes may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention disclosed.
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James leads Heat past woeful Wizards 99-71
MIAMI The Miami Heat hit the boards from the start and pulled away at the end.
Chastened by a rare home defeat, Miami had a rebounding advantage for a change Sunday and scored the final 21 points to beat the woeful Washington Wizards 99-71.
The Heat were coming off only their third home loss of the season Friday against Chicago. They allowed the Bulls 20 second-chance points, but Washington totaled just four.
Miami, beaten on the boards by a total of 38 rebounds over the previous three games, this time enjoyed a 50-39 advantage. Udonis Haslem had 12 rebounds and Chris Bosh added nine.
"There were some better in-traffic battles, guys going up and trying to get it with two hands, guys getting up off the ground," coach Erik Spoelstra said. "That disposition to rebound was better. It's an effort thing."
The game matched the teams with the best and worst records in the Eastern Conference, and in the late going it looked like it. Miami scored the final 21 points and held Washington scoreless over the last 7:07.
"The defense came alive," LeBron James said. "We understand that if we want to win, ultimately we have to defend."
James scored 24 points, extending his streaks of scoring at least 20 to 32 consecutive games this season, and 53 in a row including last year's playoff run.
James launched into a long jump in dismay when his dunk was waved off because of a Wizards foul. He gave the Heat a scare when he tweaked his left ankle and limped away from a scrum after drawing a foul, but he stayed in the game.
And there was no slackening in his scoring pace. He shot 9 for 17 and had seven assists.
The Wizards (4-28), last in the NBA in points and shooting, clanked a succession of open shots and hit 36 only percent. They lost their fifth game in a row and fell to 0-13 on the road against Eastern Conference teams.
Miami improved to 16-3 at home and now embarks on a six-game trip.
"We're going to see where we're at," Bosh said. "Trips are always a test."
As the Heat center, Bosh became a focus of criticism for their poor work on the boards. In response, he said, he kept track of his rebound total during the game.
"I'm just counting them so everybody will get off my back," he said with a chuckle. "It's nine today. OK. Now I need to get nine the next game - or maybe even 10.
"The only way we can do a better job is if each guy challenges himself a little more, and I challenged myself tonight."
Spoelstra said he noticed a difference in Bosh, who sparked a fast start by Miami.
"I just like to see him get off the floor," Spoelstra said. "He probably had more jumps in this game than he has had in a lot of them. He was active. It felt like he was a 7-foot player, which he is."


text:
Addressed herein are techniques and equipment for pre-processing digital images to be superimposed for display. Filtering, re-sampling, and decimation are variously used to process images and sub-images to produce to-be-superimposed images. One of the described techniques is designed primarily (although not necessarily exclusively) for computational efficiency, while the other sacrifices some computational efficiency for higher quality of output images.
1. A method for processing a base image having a resolution of X times Y pixels, the method comprising:
re-sampling the base image to a resolution of 2M times 2N pixels, wherein X is equal to at least 2M and Y is equal to at least 2N;
producing a first sub-image by decimation of the re-sampled base image to a resolution of M times N pixels; and
producing a second sub-image by shifting the phase of the re-sampled base image and then decimation of the phase shifted image to a resolution of M times N pixels.
2. The method of
3. The method of
4. The method of
5. The method of
6. The method of
7. The method of
8. The method of
9. The method of
10. The method of
reducing the pixel value step size of the first sub-image and the second sub-image.
11. The method of
12. The method of
performing a black level lift on the first sub-image and the second sub-image.
13. The method of
14. A method for processing a base image having a resolution of X times Y pixels, the method comprising:
passing the base image through a low pass filter;
producing a first sub-image by sub-sampling the filtered base image to a resolution of M times N pixels; and
producing a second sub-image by shifting the phase of the filtered base image and then sub-sampling the phase shifted image to a resolution of M times N pixels,
wherein X is equal to at least 2M and Y is equal to at least 2N.
15. The method of
16. The method of
17. The method of
reducing the pixel value step size of the first sub-image and the second sub-image.
18. The method of
19. The method of
performing a black level lift on the first sub-image and the second sub-image.
20. The method of
This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 60/215,707 filed on Jul. 3, 2000 and International Application No. PCT/US01/21172 filed on Jul. 3, 2001 and published in English as International Publication No. WO 02/03688 A2 on Jan. 10, 2002, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by this reference.
This invention relates primarily to electronic projection of images and more particularly to techniques and equipment for processing sub-images prior to their projection onto a screen or other surface for the purpose of superimposing one or more sub-images onto one or more other sub-images.
U.S. Pat. No. 5,490,009 to Venkateswar, et al., incorporated herein in its entirety by this reference, discusses a display system in which two sub-images generated using spatial light modulators (SLMs) are partially superposed (with a spatial offset) and displayed simultaneously. As described in the Venkateswar patent, the system purportedly provides enhanced resolution of a projected image by merely increasing the number of SLMs. Either horizontal or vertical resolution, or both, can be enhanced. For example, to approximate a twofold increase in horizontal resolution, the system uses two SLMs, each having x pixels per row and y rows. Each of the two SLMs provides a "sub-image," generated from alternating samples of data, with the sampling rate providing 2(x) samples per row. The two images are partially superposed, with a horizontal offset of � the center-to-center horizontal spacing of the pixels of the SLM. The resulting image has a perceived quality approaching that of a system that generates a single image from a SLM having 2(x) pixels per row.
See Venkateswar, col. 2, ll. 32-43.
FIG. 1 of this application illustrates exemplary spatial superimposition of two imagers; one offset one-half pixel diagonally from the other. Stated differently, the display of FIG. 1 may be made by offsetting the pixels of Imager A (as compared to those of Imager B) by one-half their size in both the horizontal and vertical dimensions. To permit this type of superimposition, a base image "I" must be processed so as to divide it into two diagonally-offset components, sub-images "IA" (associated with Imager A) and "IB" (associated with Imager B).
Shown in FIG. 2 of the Venkateswar patent is a block diagram of a system for displaying superimposed sub-images. Although the illustrated system includes a block designated "processor system" (element 23 of the drawing), the sole recitation of its function is as follows:
Processor system 23 prepares the data for display by performing various pixel data processing tasks. Processor system 23 includes whatever processing memory is useful for such tasks, such as field and line buffers. The tasks performed by processor system 23 may include linearization (to compensate for gamma correction), colorspace conversion, and line generation.
See id. col. 4, ll. 36-42. Thus, absent from the Venkateswar patent is any disclosure of specific techniques for processing base images to obtain any resolution-enhancing benefits of superimposition.
The present invention addresses such techniques for pre-processing of images to be superimposed for display. In general, the techniques, which utilize signal-processing algorithms, create from a higher resolution image a selected number of components, which components subsequently will be combined through superimposition of multiple imagers. The ultimate result of using these techniques is projection of images with higher resolution than that obtainable through use of each single imager.
Superimposition may be achieved within a projector by combining multiple imagers before the composite image is passed to the projection lens. Alternatively, superimposition may occur by overlaying multiple precisely-aligned projectors. Those skilled in the art will understand that techniques of the present invention are useful in either situation, however, and may be applicable in many cases without regard to the types of SLMs and light valves, sources, or engines employed. In particular, any SLMs utilized in the projection system may—but need not be—the deformable mirror devices (DMDs) referenced in the Venkateswar patent.
Generally speaking, any display based on imagers with a discrete pixel array where the number of pixels for the horizontal and vertical dimensions of the image are fixed has a certain maximum spatial frequency that it can display. It is convenient to convert the spatial frequency of the display from pixels per unit area to a more common imaging dimension such as lines per millimeter which can be done by assuming a reference image size and dividing the number of pixels by that size in millimeters. When such displays are used to show images that are derived from photographic film, for example, such a relationship is particularly useful as it helps to describe how well a photographic image with a certain modulation transfer function (MTF) will be reproduced by the display. MTF is commonly expressed as a graph showing depth of modulation in percent versus lines per millimeter.
For a given reference image size, doubling the number of pixels of the imager will double the maximum spatial frequency that the display can represent. Unfortunately, such a doubling in each direction increases the number of pixels by four (2�2) times, and the difficulty of fabrication of pixel array imagers such as DMDs is greatly increased by such large increases in pixel count.
It is also essential that for a given pixel count, the spatial frequency content of image data to be displayed must be limited so that the spatial frequency capability of the display is not exceeded. If this is not done higher frequencies will be incorrectly displayed as lower ones; a phenomenon commonly called aliasing.
By using the technique of superimposition one can simulate the effect of doubling the number of imager pixels. This requires that a starting image have at least the spatial frequency content from sampling that is two times the spatial frequency limit of either of the two rasters that will be superimposed. This increased spatial frequency content can then be subdivided between the two rasters using suitable re-sampling techniques.
Because the resulting display is composed of superimposed pixels of twice the size (offset by � pixel diagonally), there is a summation that takes place at the projection screen. This summation reduces the MTF available above the spatial frequency limit of a single imager, so that the MTF of a display with two superimposed imagers is not exactly equal to that of a single imager with twice as many pixels, but the improvement is still significant. The summation has the additional benefit that the visibility of subraster pitch artifacts in the display (such as the gaps between the mirrors of a DMD device) is reduced by the summation of two offset rasters. Additionally, it is necessary to take into account the fact that pixels are adding together at the display by compensating for the increased black level and the effective stretching of the dynamic range that will occur.
FIG. 1 is, as noted above, a schematicized illustration of an exemplary spatial superimposition of two imagers, one offset diagonally from the other.
FIG. 2 is a diagrammatic representation of a method for splitting a base image into sub-images using re-sampling and decimation.
FIG. 3 is a diagrammatic representation of a method for splitting a base image into sub-images using filtering and sub-sampling.
FIG. 4 is a diagrammatic representation of the method of FIG. 2 augmented to include additional processing steps.
FIG. 5 is a diagrammatic representation of the method of FIG. 3 augmented to include additional processing steps.
Illustrated in FIG. 2 is a first method for re-sampling a base image I into components IA and IB. Designed for computational efficiency, the method illustrated in FIG. 2 maximizes use of integer data throughout the processing. Although multipliers and divisors of two are preferable, multipliers and divisors of other (preferably integer) values may be utilized instead.
In connection with FIG. 2, assume, for example, that base image I has resolution of X�Y pixels, and each of the two imagers in the display has a resolution of M�N pixels. Base image I may then be re-sampled 10, consistent with this method, to an intermediate resolution of 2M�2N pixels (where X typically is greater than, but at least is equal to, 2M, and Y typically is greater than, but at least is equal to, 2N). Any appropriate digital low-pass filter may be employed to effect such re-sampling; in at least some embodiments of the invention, however, either a sinc filter (i.e. an ideal low-pass filter) or a lanczos filter (i.e. a time-windowed version of the sinc filter) is desirably used. Sinc and lanczos filters in particular provide good performance when the SLMs are DMDs, although those skilled in the art will recognize that other digital filters conceivably could be used instead. Generally, however, such filters will be chosen consistent with the goal of tailoring the frequency of the image data to the display.
Thereafter, the re-sampled image is processed to create two sub-images IA and IB. One of the components IA has no phase shift but is simply the re-sampled base image 12 subjected to decimation 18, while the other component IB is the re-sampled base image 12 shifted by one pixel diagonally 16 (consistent with FIG. 1) and then subjected to decimation 20. Again, however, the invention is not necessarily limited to techniques in which a one pixel diagonal phase shift occurs, but rather is more broadly applicable.
Decimation 18, 20, comprises filtering and sub-sampling of the input base image pixels at selected periodicity, to produce respective sub-images IA and IB of resolution M�N (the imager resolution). Preferably (although, as noted above, not necessarily), the decimation ratio is fixed at two. With the decimation ratio so fixed, the decimation process can be implemented efficiently using, for example, a digital impulse or box filter.
The method illustrated in FIG. 2 can be performed relatively quickly, since division of base image I occurs at a resolution of 2M�2N, which may be a re-sampled version of the original resolution. However, because filtering occurs in two parts of the process, during both the initial re-sampling and the later decimation steps, the resulting image quality is somewhat difficult to control.
The method illustrated in FIG. 3, by contrast, is designed to achieve high image quality. As a consequence, its throughput is likely to be less than that of the method illustrated in FIG. 2, which as noted above is designed for computational efficiency. As shown in FIG. 3, base image I is passed through a low-pass filter before further processing occurs. Although the cut-off frequency of the filter typically is determined by the ratio of the original image resolution to that required in the subsequent sub-sampling operation, many other characteristics of the filter may be chosen in order to provide good balance between reducing aliasing and preserving image details. These characteristics can, therefore, be identified by those skilled in the art using appropriate engineering judgment.
Again, assume that we have a base image I of resolution X�Y (where X and Y are at least twice the corresponding resolutions of the each imager) and imagers of resolution M�N. Here the ratio between the base image resolution and the effective display resolution is used to determine the filtering required, taking into account the ability of the superimposed display to support higher image spatial frequency content than a single imager can display without aliasing. After the base image I is filtered 30 into a filtered base image 31, which is a lower resolution version of the base image, the two sub images are created. Sub image IA is simply the filtered base image 31 sub-sampled 38 to the imager resolution M�N. Sub image IB is created by applying the appropriate diagonal phase shift 34 (also determined by the ratio of the original image resolution and the effective display resolution of the two superimposed imagers) to the filtered base image 31 and then sub-sampling 36 to the imager resolution M�N. Again, however, the effective phase shift of sub-image IB need not necessarily be exactly one-half pixel diagonally and, if desired for some reason, sub-image IA can have a non-zero phase shift too. Because this method typically contemplates conducting all processing operations at the original resolution of base image I, it likely will require more computing time than will the method illustrated in FIG. 2.
The action of filter 30 may be further improved by making the cut-off frequency a function of pixel value. Decreasing the cut-off frequency for bright areas of the image for example is effective in reducing the visibility of raster artifacts that may result from displays such as those based on DMD devices where pixels are very sharply defined due to the construction of the DMD device.
Nothing in this application is intended to limit use of the disclosed processing techniques to systems having only two imagers. Indeed, superimposition can be realized through multiple imagers. As but one example, four imagers can be utilized by adding horizontal and vertical half-pixel phase-shift components to the zero and diagonal phase-shift components. Experiments to date demonstrate that such a four-imager system can further improve resolution of displayed images over that of the two-imager system illustrated in FIG. 1.
Similarly, nothing in this application requires only mutually-exclusive use of methods illustrated in FIGS. 2 and 3 for a particular system. Instead, such methods may be used alternately in the same system, with the method of FIG. 3 being employed when highest-quality images are required and the method of FIG. 2 being used otherwise, for example. Thus, although the foregoing is provided for purposes of illustrating, explaining, and describing embodiments of the present invention, further modifications and adaptations to these embodiments will be apparent to those skilled in the art and may be made without departing from the scope or spirit of the invention.
As an example of possible modifications to these embodiments, FIGS. 4 and 5 illustrate the methods of FIGS. 2 and 3 as augmented to include additional processing steps. Superimposition of two image components effectively sums up the illumination from two imagers at each pixel position. Assuming two imagers are equally bright, then the effect of superimposition doubles the brightness of the display image. However, it also doubles the black level of the display image, resulting in reduction in perceived image contrast. Furthermore, the increase in image brightness also increases the step size between neighboring pixel values, which may lead to visible contouring artifacts.
The problem of contouring artifacts can be compensated by reducing the pixel value step size 40 of each image component (see FIGS. 4 and 5). This can be achieved by dividing the pixel values of each component by two before superimposition. However, there are two problems with this simple division approach. First, if the black level of each imager is higher than 50% of the brightness of the least significant bit, division by two will introduce black level clipping. Second, the division operation introduces a quantization error unless sufficient pixel depth is provided.
The solution to black level clipping is to pre-process each image component to ensure that the brightness of the least significant bit is at least twice as high as the imager black level. This processing is called "black level lift" 42 (again see FIGS. 4 and 5), and it can be realized by scaling pixel values at sufficient precision. To avoid quantization error from division, the bit depth of each image component is ideally increased by one bit. Both processing steps can be done in the pre-processing stage prior to re-sampling to the final imager resolution. It is also possible to achieve this processing in the projector using a look-up table or other method.
The foregoing is provided for purposes of explanation and disclosure of preferred embodiments of the present invention. Further modifications and adaptations to the described embodiments will be apparent to those skilled in the art and may be made without departing from the scope or spirit of the invention and the following claims.
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Henley Festival
10 July 2015, Henley Festival Floating Stage, Henley-on-Thames
The Philharmonia Orchestra invites you to a celebration of the Music by George Gershwin on the floating stage at Henley festival on Friday 10 July. This Gershwin spectacular will include repertoire such as Rhapsody in Blue, and lavish arrangements of songs including The Man I Love and I Got Rhythm. Conducted by Troy Miller and Fabio D'Andrea, the all-star cast includes Gregory Porter, Chinese... read more