An acceptor for admitting incoming requests to a server application includes a session manager that determines the class of an incoming request. The class includes a first class and a second class. A queuing module is provided to store the request if the incoming request is of the second class. A priority control module is provided to ensure that a predetermined number of requests are sent to the server application for service in each cycle. The priority control module allows (1) the predetermined number of the first class requests to be sent to the server application if the first class requests received in a cycle are at least equal to the predetermined number, and (2) a mixture of the first class requests and the second class requests to be sent to the server application if the first class requests received in a cycle are less than the predetermined number. A method of handling incoming requests to the server application is also described.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention pertains to the Internet. More particularly, this invention relates to an improved request acceptor for a server application system that allows early prioritization and adapted processing of requests accessing the server application, and a method thereof.
2. Description of the Related Art
With the rapid growth of the Internet, more and more business and residential users are beginning to rely on the Internet for their mainstream and mission-critical activities. As is known, the Internet typically refers to a number of data service systems connected together via a high speed interconnect network (see FIG. 1). Each data service system typically includes Internet server applications that host content for various customers. The Internet server applications can also host applications. Remote user terminals (e.g., terminals 11a-11n in FIG. 1) may be connected to a data service system (e.g., the data service system 20 in FIG. 1) via an interconnect network. Each user terminal is equipped with a web browser (or other software such as an e-mail software) that allows the user terminal to access the content and/or applications hosted in various data service systems.
Popular Internet applications include World Wide Web (WWW), E-mail, news, and FTP applications. All of these applications follow the client-server model and rely on the Transmission Control Protocol (TCP) for reliable delivery of information/applications between severs and user terminals. These applications can also be referred to as server applications. A user can access a server application (e.g., web server) by generating at least one request to the corresponding server application. The server application then services the request. A server application can be accessed by multiple users at the same time. The server application typically handles the user access requests in a first-in-first-out (FIFO) fashion.
One problem of the above-identified prior art server application is that it does not have protection mechanism against excessive load conditions. Another problem is that the server application does not provide performance guarantees to its customers that host their content/service sites in the server application. To overcome these problems, prior proposals have been made to add quality-of-service (QoS) middleware in the server application. FIG. 2 illustrates one such prior proposal. As can be seen from FIG. 2, the QoS middleware 32 includes a session manager 40, a classification module 41, and an admission control module 42. The session manager 40 determines whether an incoming request is part of an existing session or not. The classification module 41 then associates the request with a class. If the request is part of an existing session, the classification module 41 associates the request with a premium class. If not, the classification module 41 associates the request with a basic class. The premium requests are sent to a premium queue in the priority queues 43 while the basic requests are sent to a basic queue in the priority queues 43. This allows the middleware 32 to offer differential treatment for existing session requests relative to new session requests. Following classification, the admission control module 42 determines whether a basic request should be admitted for service or rejected before it is sent to the priority queues 43.
Disadvantages are, however, still associated with this prior approach. One disadvantage is that the processing of the session manager 40 and the classification module 41 is still done in a FIFO manner (i.e., sequential processing). This makes those premium requests to wait in the middleware until they are processed. The differential treatment offered by the middleware 32 is effective only after the requests have been inserted into the priority queues 43. This means that the middleware 32 may still become a bottleneck in terms of processing the incoming requests. The middleware 32 becomes a bottleneck when it is receiving a large number of requests. If it becomes the bottleneck, the middleware 32 is not able to offer differential service because of its use of FIFO scheduling.
Another disadvantage is that manual configuration and tuning of the middleware and/or the server application is typically required to ensure optimal performance. This is a significant task for the operator of the server application because many of the settings require in-depth understanding of the structure and operation of the server application, as well as that of the middleware. For example, the operator has to specify parameters such as the maximum lengths of the priority queues in the middleware 32. Even the admission control criteria (e.g., CPU utilization, queue length, etc.) has to be specified by the operator. In addition, the optimal values of these parameters are also different for different workloads of the server application. Thus, the operator may need to constantly tune the parameters manually to ensure optimal performance since the workloads change from time to time.
One feature of the present invention is to allow early prioritization of the incoming requests in a server application system.
Another feature of the present invention is to allow adapted processing of classified requests in a server application system.
A further feature of the present invention is to provide means in a server application system for allowing early prioritization and adaptive processing of incoming requests.
An acceptor for admitting incoming requests to a server application includes a session manager that determines the class of an incoming request. The class includes a first class and a second class. A queuing module is provided to store the request if the incoming request is of the second class. A priority control module is provided to ensure that a predetermined number of requests are sent to the server application for service in each cycle. The priority control module allows (1) the predetermined number of the first class requests to be sent to the server application if the first class requests received in a cycle are at least equal to the predetermined number, and (2) a mixture of the first class requests and the second class requests to be sent to the server application if the first class requests received in a cycle are less than the predetermined number.
A method of admitting incoming requests to a server application includes the step of determining the class of an incoming request. The class includes a first class and a second class. The request is stored in a queuing module if the incoming request is of the second class. A predetermined number of the first class requests are sent to the server application if at least the predetermined number of the first class requests are received in a cycle. If the number of the first class requests received in a cycle is less than the predetermined number, then a mixture of the first class and second class requests equal to the predetermined number are sent to the server application.
Other features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following detailed description, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, illustrating by way of example the principles of the invention.

Request acceptor for a network application system and a method thereof

Hewlett-Packard Devolpment Company, L.P.


An X-ray detector (5) comprises an X-ray-electric charge conversion film (21) for directly converting into charges an incident X-ray that has passed through a subject (2) and is received, and a charge information reading section (15) for detecting charges produced by the X-ray-electric charge conversion film (21) as image signals. The X-ray-electric charge conversion film (21) consists essentially of a rare-earth compound containing at least one of rare-earth element and at least one of element selected from oxygen, sulfur, selenium and tellurium. The X-ray-electric charge conversion film (21) does not adversely affect human bodies and environment, and is excellent in sensitivity, film-forming feature and the like. Accordingly, the X-ray detector (5) which is provided with the improved X-ray detection sensitivity, detection accuracy and the like with environmental loads and the like decreased can be provided.

X-ray photographing is used for medical diagnosis, non-destructive inspection for industrial purpose and the like. An intensifying screen/film method is used generally for the X-ray photographing. The intensifying screen/film method is a method which converts an X-ray passed through a subject into visible light on an intensifying screen and photosensitizes a film by the visible light to obtain an X-ray image. The medical diagnosis and non-destructive inspection are carried out based on the X-ray image formed on the film.
Meanwhile, with the recent advance of digital technology, a method which converts an X-ray image into an electric signal and processes the electric signal into an image so as to examine is now becoming popular. The medical diagnosis and non-destructive inspection are carried out on the basis of a visible image (X-ray image) displayed on a CRT or the like. As a method of examining an X-ray image by digitizing it, there is known a method which uses an X-ray image intensifier (I.I. tube) as an X-ray detector.
The X-ray image intensifier is provided with an input section which converts an X-ray into photoelectrons and an output section which converts the photoelectrons into visible light at both ends of a vacuum envelope. The output visible light image is digitized by a CCD camera or the like. For example, lungs are diagnosed by photographing a region of about 400×400 mm, and to detect an examination image of such a photographed region by the CCD camera sized about one inch, it is necessary to highly collect light within the I.I. tube. Therefore, there are problems that the I.I. tube becomes large in size and the like.
With the advance of the semiconductor processing technology in these years, there is developed a system that X-ray photographing is carried out using semiconductor sensors and semiconductor elements arranged in the form of an array. This type of X-ray imaging system can easily deal with a large photographing region and can directly digitize image data. Therefore, it is suitable for creation of database of X-ray photographed data (image data) in, for example, the medical field. In addition, it has advantages that a dynamic range is large in comparison with that of X-ray photographing systems using a conventional photosensitive film, and image accuracy is hardly affected by a change in X-ray exposure amounts.
In the X-ray imaging system using the semiconductor process technology, a planar X-ray detector with an amorphous silicon thin film transistor (a-Si TFT) in the form of an array applied to a switching gate is used. As the planar X-ray detector, there are known a direct conversion method using an X-ray-electric charge conversion film to convert an X-ray image directly into electric charge information and an indirect conversion method using a phosphor layer for converting an X-ray image into a light signal and a photoelectric conversion film for converting the light signal into electric charge information.
Sensitivity obtained by the planar X-ray detector of the indirect conversion method is equivalent to or less than that of a photographing system using, for example, the intensifying screen/film method or an X-ray image intensifier. Therefore, the planar X-ray detector of the direct conversion method which can provide high sensitivity is watched with interest in these years. For the planar X-ray detector of the direct conversion method, it is considered to use a material such as a-Se, PbI2, HgI2 or the like for the X-ray-electric charge conversion film (see Japanese Patent Laid-Open Applications Nos. 2001-264443 and 2001-320035).
PbI2 and HgI2 in the constituent materials of the above-described X-ray-electric charge conversion film are worried that Pb and Hg exert an adverse effect on human bodies and environments and, therefore, it is demanded to decrease the use of them in various fields. Even Se is worried that it exerts an adverse effect on human bodies and environments if it is contained in a large amount. In addition, it is necessary to form the X-ray-electric charge conversion film uniformly in order to obtain an accurate image by the planar X-ray detector. But, the conventional X-ray-electric charge conversion film materials such as Se, PbI2, HgI2 and the like are hardly formed into a uniform film. Therefore, the conventional planar X-ray detector of the direct conversion method has a problem that the image accuracy drops because of the film accuracy and film characteristics of the X-ray-electric charge conversion film.
As described above, the planar X-ray detector of the direct conversion method attracts attention because it provides high sensitivity. However, the X-ray-electric charge conversion film material used for the conventional planar X-ray detector is demanded that its use is decreased because it has an adverse effect on human bodies and environments and has a problem that a uniform film cannot be formed from it. Degradation of the film accuracy of the X-ray-electric charge conversion film degrades the image accuracy of the planar X-ray detector. Therefore, it is demanded that the X-ray-electric charge conversion film can be formed uniformly by using a material which does not affect adversely on human bodies and environments.
The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances and provides an X-ray detector and an X-ray examination apparatus using it, by applying materials, which do not exert an adverse effect on human beings and environments and provide a uniform film with ease, to the X-ray-electric charge conversion film, to decrease environmental loads and the like and also to improve the X-ray detection sensitivity, detection accuracy and the like.

X-ray detector and X-ray examination apparatus using it


This disclosure relates to a modified transfer-roll system and method for electrophotographic printing or the like. A photoconductor, e.g., a photoconductive roller or belt, is provided for collecting a first photostatic charge in a selected form corresponding to an image to be printed, and for retaining toner in the form of the image on a first surface of printing media. Using a first selected voltage from a first power source, a photostatic charging device, such as a charge roller and/or corona, is used to apply the first photostatic charge to the photoconductor. A laser write device activates selected portions of the charge applied to the photoconductor, such portions being in the form of the image. A development roller then transfers toner to the photoconductor, the toner photostatically adhering to the photoconductor in the form of the image. A transfer roller, in contact with the photoconductor at a selected transfer point, transfers the toner image from the photoconductor to the first surface of the printing media. At least one end of the transfer roller is sized and configured for accommodating overhanging edges of printing media as a setback from the paper edges and for clearance from toner on the photoconductor. A second power source applies a second selected voltage to the transfer roller, thereby attracting toner thereto, so as to effect transfer of the toner image from the photoconductor to the printing media first surface. Alternatively, a second surface of the printing media has a second photostatic charge to attract the toner retained by the photoconductor for transfer of the toner image.

The present invention relates generally to electrophotographic printing and, more particularly, to an improved transfer-roll system and method for enhanced printing, digital imaging, lithographic reproduction or the like.
During electrophotographic printing, for instance, a printed image is typically produced by transferring toner from a rotating, cylinder-like photoconductor to a sheet of paper or similar medium. This is usually accomplished by placing the paper against the photoconductor at a selected transfer point. A corona then applies a charge, such as by spraying, onto selected portions of the back side of the paper, the charge causing the paper to attract toner to the corresponding charged portions of the paper. As the photoconductor is rotated, i.e., during the toner transfer step, the paper is moved in tandem with the photoconductor. Upon contact between the photoconductor and the paper, the toner image corresponding to the charged portions is transferred from the photoconductor to the paper.
Other conventional electrophotographic printers use a semiconductive transfer-roller which is placed against the back of the paper for attracting toner to the front thereof. The roller is also soft, allowing it to press gently and uniformly against the rotating photoconductor, thereby squeezing the paper evenly against the photoconductor. Simultaneously, a voltage is applied to the roller for attracting and retaining toner on the paper. Because the soft roller, by its nature, is constructed of materials that are porous, it often captures and retains toner from the photoconductor. This usually occurs at locations where there is no paper between the roller and photoconductor.
To prevent toner and corresponding portions of the desired image from coming into contact with the transfer-roller, applications software has typically been provided to insure that the image is kept away from edge portions of the paper. In addition, transfer-rollers have been utilized that are of the same or greater width than the paper being printed upon. Since the photoconductor touches the roller only where no printing occurs, it was, therefore, believed that little or no toner could be developed on the transfer-roller.
To the contrary, however, some toner often ends up on the transfer-roller, such as on lengthwise or gap regions between consecutive sheets of paper. Toner transfer also occurs when printing on envelopes and other media considerably narrower than the transfer-roller. This toner transfer is usually due to incorrectly charged toner and/or unintended development such as during paper misfeeds. As a result, relatively small amounts of toner, e.g., between about 1% and 3% of the so-called background, end up in the gap regions and, in turn, on the transfer-roller. Eventually, a significant amount of toner is captured on the roller, typically in stripe form, causing unwanted soiling of the paper being fed and shortened roller life.
While undesirable, this occurrence was not generally considered problematic for several reasons. First, toner coverage in the unprinted or background areas is frequently quite low. Second, the transfer voltage could be turned off between sheets of paper, then on again, preventing, in theory, photoconductor to transfer-roller toner contact. Third, in applications such as printing on photographic paper where toner coverage is relatively high, such paper usually comes in a roll so that there are no gaps between sheets of paper. It is noted, in any case, that conventional printers are often readily modifiable for use of rolls rather than sheets of paper.
Although not an issue with every printing job, generally speaking, it is highly desirable to allow images to be printed to the edges of the paper. This is particularly true in photo paper printing applications which use clear toner to protect ink-jet prints. In these applications, a thick, clear toner layer about 20 microns thick, for example, is applied uniformly to the photo paper all the way to the edge thereof. The toner is then laid upon an ink-jet printed image and, subsequently, electrostatically fused to the photo paper to provide protection against moisture.
To insure coverage of the entire surface of the paper, it has been found that the photoconductor itself and, hence, the photoconductor toner layer must be generally wider than the photo paper, e.g., by several millimeters. Accordingly, where only one width of paper is used, a transfer-roller several millimeters narrower than the paper can be used without toner capture on the roller. Beyond each end of the transfer-roller, i.e., where the photoconductor (or equivalent) is wider than the paper, the toner has nowhere to go and is subsequently scraped from the photoconductor by a cleaning blade. Alternatively, where no cleaning blade is provided, toner on the photoconductor simply returns to the development region and the development roller reabsorbs the toner. Because photo paper is usually sufficiently stiff and adequately conductive to receive the desired charges from the charge roller, for optimum results, toner should be transferred uniformly to the outward most edges of the photo paper, even where there is no direct support from the transfer-roller.
Problems frequently arise, however, where multiple paper widths are utilized. Specifically, wherever the paper is narrower than the transfer-roller (and the photoconductor), some toner usually develops on the transfer-roller. This problem is magnified in that the development density present is at least twice that of solid area development densities, such as background toner levels, typically transferrable in the space between paper sheets. In some cases, up to about 2 mg/cm2 may be continuously placed on the transfer-roller, resulting in relatively heavy stripes of toner on those portions of the roller adjacent to the paper edges.
Hence, when paper of greater width is subsequently printed upon, toner buildup from previous, smaller width printing jobs reduces the resiliency of the transfer-roller at the point of contact between the roller and paper. This, in turn, results in variable contact pressure, particularly in areas away from the stripes, leading to uneven transfer of toner in regions outside the striped areas. It also causes transfer of toner onto the back side of the paper, despoiling the paper and hindering fusion of the toner thereto.
A system and a method are, therefore, desired for improving the quality of printed images on printing media as the geometry of the media changes, so as to provide not only even, uniform coverage of toner and the corresponding image to be printed, but also to the physical edges of the media, simply, practically, reliably and at a relatively low cost.
Accordingly, a specific, illustrative apparatus is provided for use in a system including a photoconductor for collecting a photostatic charge in a selected form corresponding to an image to be printed, and for retaining toner in the form of the image on a first surface of printing media. The apparatus includes a transfer roller in contact with the photoconductor at a selected transfer point for transferring the toner image from the photoconductor to the first surface of the printing media. The transfer roller has at least one groove in proximity to each roller end for accommodating overhanging edges of printing media as a setback from the paper edges and for clearance from toner on the photoconductor.
Another specific, illustrative apparatus is provided for use in a system including a photoconductor for collecting a photostatic charge in a selected form corresponding to an image to be printed, and for retaining toner in the form of the image on a first surface of printing media. The apparatus includes a transfer roller in contact with the photoconductor at a selected transfer point for transferring the toner image from the photoconductor to the first surface of the printing media. The transfer roller has extendable roller ends such that, upon their extension a selected distance, at least one groove is formed in proximity to each roller end for accommodating overhanging edges of printing media as a setback from the paper edges and for clearance from toner on the photoconductor.
A further specific, illustrative apparatus is provided for use in a system including a photoconductor for collecting a photostatic charge in a selected form corresponding to an image to be printed, and for retaining toner in the form of the image on a first surface of printing media. The apparatus includes a plurality of transfer rollers arranged about a rotatable carrousel. Each roller is rotatably mounted to the carrousel such that at least one of the rollers is positionable for operative engagement with the photoconductor at a selected transfer point, such engagement effecting transfer of the toner image from the photoconductor to the first surface of the printing media. Each roller has an effective length different than that of the other rollers so as to enable overhanging edges of printing media having a selected width, such overhanging edges providing a setback from the paper edges and clearance from toner on the photoconductor.
Yet another specific illustrative apparatus is provided for use in a system including a photoconductor for collecting a photostatic charge in a selected form corresponding to an image to be printed, and for retaining toner in the form of the image on a first surface of printing media. The apparatus includes a plurality of transfer rollers arranged along a translatable carriage. Each roller is rotatably mounted to the carriage such that upon selected translation of the carriage, at least one of the rollers is positionable for operative engagement with the photoconductor at a selected transfer point. Such engagement effects transfer of the toner image from the photoconductor to the first surface of the printing media. Each roller has an effective length different than that of the other rollers so as to enable overhanging edges of printing media having a selected width. Such overhanging edges provide a setback from the paper edges and clearance from toner on the photoconductor.
Also provided is a specific, illustrative system for printing toner or the like on printing media. The system comprises a drum for retaining toner, and a transfer roller in contact with the drum at a selected transfer point for transferring a uniform layer of the toner from the drum to a first surface of the printing media. At least one end of the transfer roller is sized and configured for accommodating overhanging edges of printing media as a setback from the paper edges and for clearance from toner on the drum. In addition, a power source is provided for applying a selected voltage between the drum and the transfer roller and for attracting the toner thereto, so as to effect transfer of the uniform toner layer from the drum to the printing media first surface.
Still another specific, illustrative system is provided for printing toner or the like on printing media. The system includes a development roller for retaining toner in a form of an image desired to be printed. A transfer roller, in contact with the development roller at a selected transfer point, effects transfer of a uniform layer of the toner from the development roller to a first surface of the printing media, the toner adhering to the first surface at the selected transfer point. At least one end of the transfer roller is sized and configured for accommodating overhanging edges of printing media as a setback from the paper edges and for clearance from toner on the drum.
In addition, a specific illustrative method is provided for printing an image electrophotographically on printing media. First, a photoconductor for collecting a photostatic charge is moved in a first direction. Next, using a selected voltage from a power source, the photoconductor is charged with the photostatic charge. Selected portions of the charge applied to the photoconductor are then activated, such portions corresponding to an image to be printed on the printing media. A development roller is rotated adjacent to and in tandem with the photoconductor but in a third direction generally opposite to that of the first, and toner is transferred from the development roller to the photoconductor, the toner photostatically adhering to the photoconductor in a form corresponding to the image to be printed. Thereafter, a transfer roller is placed in contact with the photoconductor, the point of contact defining a selected point for transferring toner from the photoconductor to a first surface of the printing media. The transfer roller has at least one groove in proximity to each roller end for accommodating overhanging edges of printing media as a setback from the paper edges and for clearance from toner on the photoconductor. Next, the printing media is transported in tandem with and to a point between the photoconductor and the transfer roller. Finally, toner on the photoconductor is attracted toward the transfer roller so as to effect transfer of the toner image from the photoconductor to the printing media first surface.
Another specific illustrative method is provided for printing an image electrophotographically on printing media. Initially, a photoconductor for collecting a photostatic charge is moved in a first direction. Using a selected voltage from a power source, the photoconductor is then charged with the photostatic charge. Next, selected portions of the charge applied to the photoconductor are activated, such portions corresponding to an image to be printed on the printing media. A development roller is then rotated adjacent to and in tandem with the photoconductor but in a third direction generally opposite to that of the first. Toner is, in turn, transferred from the development roller to the photoconductor, the toner photostatically adhering to the photoconductor in a form corresponding to the image to be printed. Next, a transfer roller having extendable ends is placed in contact with the photoconductor, the point of contact defining a selected point for transferring toner from the photoconductor to the first surface of the printing media. The ends of the transfer roller are extended a selected distance such that at least one groove is formed in proximity to each roller end for accommodating overhanging edges of printing media as a setback from the paper edges and for clearance from toner on the photoconductor. The printing media is transported in tandem with and to a point between the photoconductor and the transfer roller. Finally, toner on the photoconductor is attracted toward the transfer roller so as to effect transfer of the toner image from the photoconductor to the printing media first surface.
In a further specific, illustrative method for printing an image electrophotographically on printing media, a photoconductor for collecting a photostatic charge is first moved in a first direction. Using a selected voltage from a power source, the photoconductor is then charged with the photostatic charge. Next, selected portions of the charge applied to the photoconductor are activated corresponding to an image to be printed on the printing media. A development roller is then rotated adjacent to and in tandem with the photoconductor but in a third direction generally opposite to that of the first. Toner is, in turn, transferred from the development roller to the photoconductor, the toner photostatically adhering to the photoconductor in a form corresponding to the image to be printed. Next, a carrousel having a plurality of transfer rollers arranged thereabout is rotated, each roller being rotatably mounted thereto so as to position at least one of the rollers in contact with the photoconductor upon carrousel rotation. The point of contact defines a selected point for transferring the toner image from the photoconductor to a first surface of the printing media, each roller having an effective length different than that of the other rollers so as to enable overhanging edges of printing media having a selected width. Such overhanging edges provide a setback from the paper edges and clearance from toner on the photoconductor. The printing media is transported in tandem with and to a point between the photoconductor and the transfer roller. Finally, toner on the photoconductor is attracted toward the transfer roller so as to effect transfer of the toner image from the photoconductor to the printing media first surface.
Yet another specific illustrative method relates to printing an image electrophotographically on printing media. Initially, a photoconductor for collecting a photostatic charge is moved in a first direction. Using a selected voltage from a power source, the photoconductor is then charged with the photostatic charge. Next, selected portions of the charge applied to the photoconductor, corresponding to an image to be printed on the printing media, are activated. A development roller is rotated adjacent to and in tandem with the photoconductor but in a third direction generally opposite to that of the first. Toner is, in turn, transferred from the development roller to the photoconductor, the toner photostatically adhering to the photoconductor in a form corresponding to the image to be printed. Next, a carriage with a plurality of transfer rollers rotatably mounted thereto is translated so as to position at least one of the rollers in contact with the photoconductor. The point of contact defines a selected point for transferring the toner image from the photoconductor to a first surface of the printing media. In addition, each roller has an effective length different than that of the other rollers so as to enable overhanging edges of printing media having as elected width, such overhanging edges providing a setback from the paper edges and clearance from toner on the photoconductor. The printing media is then transported in tandem with and to a point between the photoconductor and the transfer roller. Finally, toner on the photoconductor is attracted toward the transfer roller so as to effect transfer of the toner image from the photoconductor to the printing media first surface.
Still another specific, illustrative method is provided for printing toner or the like on printing media. Initially, a drum for retaining toner is rotated in a first direction. A transfer roller is then rotated in a second direction generally opposite to that of the first. The transfer roller is in contact with the drum at a selected transfer point for transferring a uniform layer of the toner from the drum to a first surface of the printing media. At least one end of the transfer roller is sized and configured for accommodating overhanging edges of printing media as a setback from the paper edges and for clearance from toner on the drum. Using a selected power source, a selected voltage is applied between the drum and the transfer roller for attracting the toner thereto so as to effect transfer of the uniform toner layer from the drum to the printing media first surface.
Yet a further specific, illustrative method is provided for printing toner or the like on printing media. First, a development roller for retaining toner in the form of an image desired to be printed is rotated in a first direction. A transfer roller is then rotated in a second direction generally opposite to that of the first. The transfer roller is in contact with the development roller at a selected transfer point for transferring a uniform layer of the toner from the development roller to a first surface of the printing media. The toner adheres to the first surface at the selected transfer point, at least one end of the transfer roller being sized and configured for accommodating overhanging edges of printing media as a setback from the paper edges and for clearance from toner on the drum.
The present invention will now be further described by reference to the following drawings which are not intended to limit the accompanying claims.

Modified transfer-roll system and method for electrophotographic printing of the like

Hewlett-Packard Development Company, L.P.


A packet parser has a set of marker elements each comprising a one bit latch and connected to store flag values from the results of the application of parser rules. Some marker elements are connected to provide the stored marker values as input to the parser rule logic to be taken into account in the processing of subsequent parser rules and some are connected to control external hardware. Some markers are reset at the end of each packet. A special toggle marker element toggles its value when its address is selected and other marker elements are connected to store, when its own address is selected, the value of the toggle element. Other markers toggle their own value when selected.

The present invention relates to flags to be used in a packet parser.
In data networks, devices such as routers and network switches need to be able to process and forward large numbers of data packets with little delay. To meet those demands, network processors have been developed that are specialized for the task compared to general purpose processors and therefore can operate a much higher speeds.

This patent is subject to a terminal disclaimer.

Sticky and transient markers for a packet parser

International Business Machines Corporation


An apparatus and method for providing manual shift modes for an automatic transmission for a motor vehicle is provided. A plurality of sensors are coupled to the automatic transmission and the motor vehicle and are adapted to sense a plurality of parameters thereof and produce a plurality of respective sensor signals. An input device, responsive to manipulation by a driver, is adapted to produce one of an upshift signal and a downshift signal and a mode setting signal in response thereto. A controller is coupled to the automatic transmission and the input device and is adapted to receive the mode setting signal and the sensor signals and select one of a first and second manual modes in response thereto and to receive one of the upshift and downshift signals and responsively shift the automatic transmission in response to the sensor signals and the selected one of the first and second manual modes.

Automotive vehicles require a power train to transmit the force of an engine to the wheels of the vehicle. The power train's main component is typically referred to as the transmission. The transmission converts engine speed and torque in accordance with the tractive-power demand of the vehicle. Transmissions are generally, either manually or automatically actuated. Manual transmissions generally include mechanical mechanisms for coupling rotating gears to produce different ratio outputs to drive the wheels. Automatic transmissions are designed to take automatic control of the frictional units, gear ratio selection and gear shifting.
Vehicles equipped with automatic transmissions are generally easier to operate with a gear selection process generally adapted to favor fuel economy and smooth shifts. However, some drivers may favor the more aggressive performance and feel of a manual transmission in exchange for lower fuel economy and lower ease of use.
One approach has been to provide for manual shifting of the automatic transmission through a gear shift lever. However, previous attempts to provide manual modes of operation have provided a single mode of manual operation. One inherent problem in providing a single mode of manual operation is that the mode must balance performance and fuel economy, i.e., increased performance typically has a negative effect on fuel economy. Different drivers desire different trade-offs, e.g., more performance with less fuel economy or more fuel economy with less performance.
The present invention is aimed at overcoming one or more of the problems as set forth above.

Apparatus and method for manually shifting an automatic transmission


A method for manufacturing a brush head (10). The method includes molding a tuft carrier (50) having at least one retention element (52) that are positioned relative to a handling plate (101). Excess material (59) may be removed from the tuft carrier. The retention elements are loaded into recesses of the handling plate. A bristle tuft (21) comprised of a plurality of bristles (22) is inserted into the opening (51) of each retention element. A proximal end (23) of each bristle tuft (21) is bonded together with at least a portion of the proximal side (53) of each corresponding retention element (52) to form a merged proximal end head portion (26) that secures the bristle tufts and retention elements together as a plurality of merged tuft assemblies (20). A platen (42) of a neck (40) is positioned in relation to the merged tuft assemblies using a cavity in a base plate. A matrix material (30) is overmolded to at least partially encompass the platen and the merged tuft assemblies and form the brush head.

The brush heads of both manual and power toothbrushes comprise bristles which are used to clean the teeth, tongue, and cheeks. In some toothbrushes, the bristles are stapled, or anchored, into the neck portion of the brush head. In other toothbrushes, the bristles are held in the head without staples, in methods commonly known as "anchor free tufting".
There are several ways to manufacture brush heads having anchor-free tufting. In one method, groups, or tufts, of individual bristles are melted or fused together at one end, and then the bristle tufts are overmolded with a material that then hardens, forming a brush head. In another method, bristle tufts that are fused at one end are inserted into holes in the brush neck, and either the neck material is heated to shrink around the bristle tufts, or the brush neck with the inserted bristle tufts are over-molded. However, there are limitations and difficulties with each of these current manufacturing methods such that the manufacturing methods are slow, involve multiple steps and equipment, or have higher than acceptable failure rates, resulting in loose bristles or bristle tufts which can come out of the brush head during use.
Accordingly, there is a need in the art for methods and apparatus for more efficiently manufacturing brush heads with anchor free tufting.

Brush head manufacturing methods using a molded tuft carrier and base plate


The folding chair (10) includes V-shaped main support frame (12) with an apex (28) and two legs (22 and 24) with free ends. A V-shaped seat support frame (14) has an apex (40) and two arms (34 and 36) with free ends. The V-shaped seat support frame (14) is pivotally attached to the main support frame (12) by pivot pins (48 and 50) which allow pivotal movement between a position in which both V-shaped frames (12 and 14) are in a common plane and a position in which the seat support frame (14) is in a plane that is generally perpendicular to the plane through the main support frame (12). A third leg (16) is pivotally attached to the V-shaped main support frame (12) near its apex. The third leg (16) is connected to the apex portion (40) of the V-shaped seat support frame (14) by a pin member (66) and holds the seat support frame in a fixed position relative to the V-shaped main support frame. The pin (66) is removed to allow both V-shaped support frames (12 and 14) and the third leg (16) to fold flat and into a common plane. A back rest (20) is secured to the apex (40) of the V-shaped main support frame (12). A support seat (18) is attached to the free ends of the arms (34 and 36). The pivot pins (48 and 50) pass through conical bores (52 and 54). Shoulder straps (86 and 88) are provided for carrying the chair (10). Hooks (94) can be provided for attaching a backpack to the chair and carrying brackets (96) can be provided for attaching other equipment to the chair.

Hunters, ice fisherman and other individuals need comfortable chairs that allow them to sit for hours at a time with minimal movement while remaining alert and ready to spring into action at any time. Such chairs should be stable on uneven surfaces. There should be cushions for comfort and for warmth in cold weather. Such chairs should be light weight, easy to carry and should not interfere with other equipment which must be carried.
Some chairs that have been used have a webbing or fabric covers supported by a rectangular framework. These chairs tend to become uncomfortable causing the person using the chair to shift positions frequently after sitting in them for a period of time. Such chairs also tend to be cold. When a person sits in them, his protective clothing is compacted forcing the air out and thereby increasing the rate of heat transfer through the clothing and the chair.
Chairs with four legs or that include horizontal support surfaces tend to be unstable on rough or uneven surfaces. Chairs with horizontal bar members attached to both ends to two chair legs tend to rock on rough surfaces. There is also a tendency for the bar members to bend and deform the chair legs.
Chairs are used by hunters that are either attached to a tree or are leaned against a tree. Such chairs require a tree with the right size trunk and with limbs that are properly spaced. If there are a number of limbs close to the ground it may be impossible to use a chair that is designed to be leaned against a tree trunk. A search for a tree that has the required features and desirable location will in some cases take time. In other cases it will be impossible to find a suitable tree. Hunters of animals that live on tundra and ice fisherman for example cannot use chairs that are to be attached to or leaned against trees.
Chairs that convert into carts or even travoises are known. Such chairs may work very well in some circumstances but not in other circumstances. Carts and travoises do not work well in rough terrain for example. Chairs that convert into carts or travoises are larger and weigh more than chairs that are not convertible. Chairs that are convertible are therefore undesirable except in the situations in which the device they convert into is also needed.
Chairs require a support structure made from rigid members. A folding chair still has rigid members after it is folded into a compact package for storage or transport. In order to carry such a chair after it is folded for transport, it is often necessary to provide special padding or to support and hold the chair away from a person's body to prevent discomfort.


A video processing system may include a video input and a video output for outputting manipulated video images. The system may have a video processing chain connecting the video input to the video output. The chain may include a series connection of two or more video processing components. The components may each include a component input for receiving video images and a component output for outputting processed video images. A control input may be present for controlling the video processing component to be in an enabled or a disabled state. The video processing component may be arranged to obtain in the enabled state the processed video images by performing a respective processing operation on the received video images; and to obtain in the disabled state the processed video images by forwarding the received video images to the component output without performing the processing operation.

Video processing systems are known in the art. For example, personal computers with graphic cards are known. Typically, the graphics card is provided with a set of video processing algorithms and is able to execute a selected video processing algorithm. A software application running on the personal computer can invoke and control the execution of one or more video processing algorithms in a certain order, for instance to capture a video from a camera.
A disadvantage of the known video processing systems is, however, that the video processing system has to be implemented again for each different application. For example, the software application has to select the algorithms, define their order and ensure a transfer of the processed video images from one algorithm to another. Also, the algorithms are application specific requiring the development of a large number of different algorithms for the different possible applications.

Video processing system, integrated circuit, system for displaying video, system for generating video, method for configuring a video processing system, and computer program product


A method and a resource broker are provided to control a conference session. The resource broker receives, from a conference controller, a message requesting to set up a conference communication for a participant. The message indicates whether a terminal of the participant supports selective forwarding. The resource broker verifies the availability of local selective forwarding and multipoint control resources. Based on the capabilities of the terminal and based on local resource availability, a reply is sent to the conference controller, indicating that the conference communication should be set up in selective forwarding or multipoint control mode, using local resources or resources of a network cloud. When a new participant is added or when a monitoring agent reports a change of availability of the local resources, the conference communication may be moved between the network cloud and the local resources, or change between selective forwarding and multipoint control modes.

A traditional technique for holding video conference is called multipoint control. A multipoint control unit (MCU) is a device that bridges and combines two (2) or more media streams, for example audio/video feeds, from a plurality of participants so that all participants can be provided with the same combined media stream. Multipoint control can be processor intensive and bandwidth intensive. Multipoint control requires decoding and re-encoding of the media streams, a process that adds latency and negatively impacts the user experience. These drawbacks of multipoint control may be significant, especially as the number of participants to the video conference grows. Selective forwarding is a more recent technology.
A selective forwarding unit (SFU) receives media streams from two (2) or more participants and determines which of these media streams should be forwarded to which participants. Selective forwarding is less processor intensive than multipoint control. However, terminals used by participants to a conference communication may not all be capable of supporting selective forwarding.
A so-called "network cloud" may provide a large amount of resources sufficient to accommodate high-bandwidth, high-processing communications such as a video conference between an important number of participants. However, for many organizations, the cost of holding a video conference on the network cloud may be prohibitive.
Accordingly, improvements aiming at optimizing set-up and control of conference communications may be desirable.

Methods and nodes for controlling a conference communication


Determination of an acoustic filter for incorporating local effects of room modes within a target area is presented herein. A model of the target area is determined based in part on a three-dimensional virtual representation of the target area. In some embodiments, the model is selected from a group of candidate models. Room modes of the target area are determined based on a shape and/or dimensions of the model. The room mode parameters are determined based on at least one of the room modes and the position of a user within the target area. The room mode parameters describe an acoustic filter that as applied to audio content, simulates acoustic distortion at the position of the user and at frequencies associated with the at least one room mode. The acoustic filter is generated at a headset based on the room mode parameter and is used to present audio content.

The present disclosure relates generally to presentation of audio, and specifically relates to determination of an acoustic filter for incorporating local effects of room modes.
A physical area (e.g., a room) may have one or more room modes. Room modes are caused by sound reflecting off of various room surfaces. A room mode can cause both anti-nodes (peaks) and nodes (dips) in a frequency response of the room. The nodes and antinodes of these standing waves result in the loudness of the resonant frequency being different at different locations of the room. Moreover, effects of room modes can be especially prominent in small rooms, such as bathrooms, offices, and small conference rooms. Conventional virtual reality systems fail to account for room modes that would be associated with a particular virtual reality environment. They generally rely on geometrical acoustics simulations that are unreliable at low frequencies or artistic renders unrelated to physical modelling of environment. Accordingly, audio presented by conventional virtual reality systems can lack a sense of realism associated with virtual reality environments (e.g., small rooms).


The present disclosure relates to a display panel, a method for preparing the same and a display device. The display panel includes a first electrode, a light emitting structure, a second electrode and a scattering layer stacked in sequence. The second electrode is a transparent electrode. One side of the scattering layer away from the second electrode is configured as a light emergent side. The surface of the one side of the scattering layer away from the second electrode is a rough surface, and the RMS of the roughness of the rough surface ranges from 50 nm to 200 nm.

Serving as a novel light emitting material, a Quantum Dot (QD) has the advantages such as high color purity of light, high light emitting quantum efficiency, light emitting color adjustability and long service life so as to become a current research hotspot of a novel LED light emitting material. Therefore, a Quantum dot Light Emitting Diode (QLED) with a quantum dot material as a light emitting layer has become a main research direction of a novel display device at present.

Display panel, method for preparing the same, and display device

Beijing BOE Technology Development Co., Ltd.


Bush to be arranged between two fitting elements for passing through cables, lines or the like in protected fashion, comprising an elongate, hose-shaped bush body (10) with a substantially linearly running central section (11) and heads (12, 13) at the ends, wherein the heads (12, 13) form a first inner circumferential face (20) at their open ends and a latching device (14, 15) for knocking the bush into installation openings in the fitting elements (M) is formed on each of the heads (12, 13) and integrally therewith, which latching device has a circumferential web (16) with at least one latching hook (17), which is formed thereon and has at least one radially outer latching tab (18), wherein the web forms a second inner circumferential face (19) opposite the latching tab (18), characterized in that the bush body (11) is formed from rubber and the latching devices (14, 15); are formed from hard-elastic plastic, and in that at least one of the second inner circumferential faces (19) is configured in such a way that it runs radially out of alignment with the corresponding first inner circumferential face (20).

Such protective sleeves are known for example from DE 33 40 664 A1 and DE 100 58 563 A1. Here, the sleeve body is made of a flexible plastic material, preferably a thermoplastic elastomer, and the locking means are made of hard-elastic (energy-elastic) plastic, preferably a polypropylene. In order to manufacture such a protective sleeve, the sleeve body is first formed in an injection molding tool, for example, and in a subsequent method step the hard components, that is the locking means, are molded onto the sleeve body. This production sequence allows to remove the core necessary for forming the elongated tubular sleeve body before the locking means are molded or formed thereon.

Protective sleeve to be arranged between two assembly elements for passing through cables/lines or the like in protective fashion and method for its production

Bayerische Motoren Werke Aktiengesellschaft


A computing device is configured to provide over a network an ability to create a 2.5D full motion custom multi-media file. In one example, a computing device makes available to a user a plurality of stored video templates into which a user may insert custom video, photos, and/or text. The computing device provides a low resolution preview of the custom video to the user over the network connection. The user then has the ability to edit the custom video prior to finalization. The computing device receives signals indicating purchase or licensing credentials and in response to receiving such credentials, finalizes and delivers a 2.5D video for the user. So configured, a user can relatively cheaply and quickly create video content such as an advertisement having modern visual features such as 2.5D video in a cost efficient and timely manner.

It is generally known that advertising products and services can result in increased sales for the company or products featured in the advertising. Advertising can come in a variety of forms including print ads, static or near-static on-line advertising, or video based advertising. Because video based advertising can convey more information and many situations video advertising can be therefor preferred.
Producing a video advertisement, however, can be quite pricey. Equipment for producing the video must be purchased or rented and software for combining together the various aspects of a video can also be expensive. In particular, where modern advertising generally includes various graphics and video effects to catch the intended audience's attention. Such effects can be difficult to integrate into a video form.
Various methods are known for creating print advertisement using a computer based editing approach. Such systems for creating print advertising, however, cannot handle the complexities involved with combining various video elements desired for modern advertising.


A system and method for communicating data from a medical device to a lighting device is provided. The system may include the medical device, the lighting device, and/or one or more interface devices. The medical device may be configured to transmit data to the lighting device, which for example, may include information relating to the medical device, dosage information, diagnostic data, medical device training feedback, health monitoring information, and/or air quality information. The lighting device may be configured to receive data from the medical device and control one or more lighting characteristics based on the received data. A characteristic of the light may include one or more of color, color temperature, intensity, flashing or steady-state, on or off, and/or the like. The system may provide for a home based adherence and/or compliance monitoring system, in which a patient's interaction with a medical device may be monitored and an alert/indication provided.

A patient's adherence relates to a patient taking their medication at the prescribed frequency, and is important to obtain the full benefits of the therapy. Similarly, it is also important that a patient are using their medication delivery device correctly. This is referred to as competence or compliance. It is valuable to monitor patient competence/compliance since a patient may be fully adherent to their medication schedule, but if they fail to use the device correctly, then they may receive an ineffective amount of the drug and therefore their therapy may be unsuccessful.
Providing a medical device with electronics configured to monitor patient usage is one method to allow for a patient or caregiver to ensure that medications are being taken correctly. It is known for drug delivery devices, such as inhalers and pill bottles, to use electronics that fit inside or attach to the body of medical devices and that these drug delivery devices may be configured to provide information regarding a patient's use of the device. These systems may provide reminders to patients in the form of visible or audible alerts, for example, when a dose is overdue or a medication has been administered correctly.
A problem experienced by such devices is that the additional electronics required significantly increase the manufacturing costs that most pharmaceutical companies are not willing to accept. Furthermore, such systems often require a certain level of engagement by the patients themselves, which may represent a further burden in addition to taking the medications themselves. As such, many patients are not willing to embrace the new technology and may be deterred from their continued adherence with their prescribed therapy. Accordingly, there exists a need for providing a convenient and inexpensive technique for improving the interaction of a user with a medical device that may not require much active participation on the part of the patient, may further engage the patient in their therapy, and/or may assist with competence/compliance monitoring.


The present invention relates to improvements to building construction. Particularly, the present invention relates to a structural unit for the use in building construction of floors, roofs and walls of a building. There is provided a structural unit for a building comprising: at least one truss; at least one fibrous cementitious building element; and at least one connection member configured to connect the at least one truss to the at least one fibrous cementitious building element, wherein, the connection member is integral with the building element and accessible for connection of the at least one truss to the building element. Also claimed is a method of constructing the structural unit.

Conventional building systems such as flooring systems for the ground floor of modern domestic properties have tended to be manufactured out of wood or concrete. Both materials possess excellent thermal properties, but the sound proofing of concrete is far superior to that of conventional wooden floors. As it is not practical (or often cost effective) to construct the second or subsequent floor of domestic buildings with concrete, these subsequent floors are usually manufactured from wooden floor joists, floor boards and/or particle board sheets.
The lack of sound proofing afforded by such flooring materials means that there will always be a tendency to hear noise such as footsteps of an individual walking across this flooring and squeaking from relative movement of the flooring and support joists.
In an attempt to address the problem of noise travelling between floors, soundproof insulation can be installed in the gap between the ceiling and the flooring of the next level which are separated by wooden trusses or joists.
This has been successful to some degree and the design of such trusses also enable conduits or wiring to be positioned between floors. However, the installation of additional soundproofing material increases the time and cost of building construction.
New Zealand Patent No. 537801 discloses a system and method which combine timber or steel trusses with pre-manufactured concrete floor elements to create a modular flooring system for inter level floors in buildings. Such a system was developed to alleviate the problem of noise travelling between floors by utilising concrete in a cheap and convenient manner. As concrete has inherent insulation properties it eliminates the need for additional insulation material to be installed between the ceiling and the flooring of the next level.
However, it is difficult to connect the pre-manufactured concrete floor elements to the timber trusses when employing the system and method of New Zealand Patent No. 537801. That is because the concrete elements need to be bolted directly to the timber trusses following alignment of the corresponding apertures. This alignment process can be difficult and time consuming. Also following alignment and joining, an industrial epoxy resin is often applied to the join to give the join requisite bond and strength. This process is labour intensive and also increases the time and cost of manufacture. Furthermore, the use of concrete increases the overall weight of the finished product (given that the practical minimum thickness of the concrete floor elements is 80 mm to ensure adequate cover of the reinforcing steel).
Issues with the weight of standard concrete have been resolved to some extent by the development of lightweight formulations. However, the use of lightweight concrete is also limited due to its lack of ductility. While conventional concrete is hardly known for its ductility, the cracking and brittle nature of concrete is even more pronounced in lightweight concrete, because the lightweight aggregate is typically weaker than the cement matrix, and provides little resistance to crack propagation. For products produced from such lightweight concrete, the fracture energy is typically only a fraction of that of conventional concrete.
Accordingly, it would be advantageous to provide an improved building system and method which alleviates the foregoing disadvantages of noise travelling between floors of a building, the difficulty of connecting cementitious building elements to trusses and which is lightweight and easy to utilise yet which also has sufficient crack resistance and ductility.
It is an object of the present invention to address the foregoing problems or at least to provide the public with a useful choice.
Further aspects and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the ensuing description which is given by way of example only.
All references, including any patents or patent applications cited in this specification are hereby incorporated by reference. No admission is made that any reference constitutes prior art. The discussion of the references states what their authors assert, and the applicants reserve the right to challenge the accuracy and pertinency of the cited documents. It will be clearly understood that, although a number of prior art publications are referred to herein, this reference does not constitute an admission that any of these documents form part of the common general knowledge in the art, in New Zealand or in any other country.
Throughout this specification, the word "comprise", or variations thereof such as "comprises" or "comprising", will be understood to imply the inclusion of a stated element, integer or step, or group of elements integers or steps, but not the exclusion of any other element, integer or step, or group of elements, integers or steps.

Structural unit comprising a truss and fibrous cementitious slab building element connected together


A novel composition for use in reducing and recovering metals, such as silver, and for use in stripping adhesive polymer layers from various polymer bases, such as polyester, and processes for using same are provided. The composition and variations thereof can be useful in separating an adhesive polymeric layer from the film for recovery of either. The composition comprises a reducing sugar/alkaline solution that is particularly useful for recovering silver from polyester photographic film where a silver halide light-sensitive emulsion layer is adhered to the polyester film by a polymeric adhesive resin, such as resins containing copolymers of polyvinylidene chloride and polyvinyl chloride. Processes for separation and recovery are also disclosed and claimed.

Polyethylene terephthalate (PET), or polyester as it is commonly known, has been widely used as a polymeric base material in a variety of applications, including photographic films, beverage containers, and recording tapes. In many of these various applications, the polymeric base is coated with various binders, adhesives, and metal compounds. For example, in photographic films, a polyester base is coated with an adhesive polymer layer formed from copolymers of polyvinylidene chloride and polyvinyl chloride, hereinafter referred to as "PVDC-based resin". The PVDC-based resin layer permits the adhesion of a light-sensitive emulsion layer to the polyester base. In photographic films, this light-sensitive emulsion layer is usually a silver halide dispersed in gelatin. PVDC-based resin is used to bond the emulsion to the polyester surface because gelatin does not bond sufficiently thereto. In other applications, a PVDC-based resin layer may be used in manufacturing polyester soda bottles and other polymeric articles.
Polyester film is being used in increasing amounts for photographic support, magnetic recording tapes, graphic arts materials, electrical insulation, and other applications requiring a clear, strong, dimensionally stable and chemically resistant film. Although other polymeric bases are utilized, polyester has become the standard film for photographic use and, in particular, for that type of film as described above which employs a silver halide dispersed in gelatin.
Although other polymeric adhesives may be utilized, most films presently employ polyvinylidene chloride resin or congeners thereof. PVDC-based resin adheres tightly to both the polyester surface and the silver halide gelatin emulsion. The PVDC-based resin layer is often called the "subbing" layer. Particularly, copolymers of polyvinylidene chloride and polyvinyl chloride or copolymers of polyvinylidene chloride and polyacrylonitrile are generally used as the subbing layer. The polyvinyl halide subbing layers are generally extremely thin, usually on the order of 1 mil in thickness and sometimes as thin as 0.1 mil or less.
Each year, millions of pounds of polyester and other polymeric bases are scrapped because the presence of the polyvinylidene chloride-based coating inhibits recovery of clean recyclable polymer. Due to problems in the manufacturing process, some of this polyester film never receives a silver halide layer. Instead the base is discarded with only the PVDC-based resin layer coated thereon. Moreover, many of pounds of X-ray and other photographic films are scrapped without recovering the valuable silver contained therein. It would, of course, be very desirable to convert scrap polyester into clean polyester and to convert the scrap films containing metals into a form from which the metals may be recovered. Recovery of silver from the halide emulsion provides both reusable silver and reduces solid waste disposal problems, while protecting our natural resources and environment from silver in waste streams.
A traditional method employed to recover silver from used photographic film is to incinerate the film and reclaim the silver from the ash by pyrometallurgical processing. As expected, the economics of this process are not favorable when silver prices are low.
Various other methods have been used in attempts to recover the silver and polymeric base material from both used ("black") and unused ("green") photographic film and scrap PVDC-based resin-coated PET. Many of the prior methods treat scrap photographic film with hot caustic solutions and/or various solvents. For example, U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,602,046 and 4,612,057 to Buser et al. describe methods for recovering silver and polyester from photographic film by employing an alkaline solution and high shear conditions. Likewise, U.S. Pat. No. 5,064,466 to Hilton shows the use of a stripping formulation having alkaline bleach solution in a process for recovering silver. As disclosed therein, the stripped solution containing silver, silver halide and animal protein is then treated with a strong or highly ionized acid resulting in the precipitation of hydrolyzed animal protein, silver and silver halide. U.S. Pat. No. 3,647,422 to Wainer employs a caustic bath solution, various mechanical rolling and scraping treatments, as well as electrolysis to recover silver and polyester from processed photographic film.
U.S. Pat. No. 3,652,466 to Hittel is directed to a process for recovering polyester utilizing a aqueous alkali solution to form a slurry from small pieces of scrap film. A classification column is used to separate the silver halide emulsion layer and the vinylidene chloride copolymer coating from the polyester pieces. Thereafter, the silver compounds are recovered from the emulsion and vinylidene chloride copolymer sludge.
Various solvents and other agents have also been employed to recover silver and polyester. Such agents include oxidizing agents such as potassium permanganate as described in U.S. Pat. No. 3,047,435 to Wemple, monoethanolamine as described in U.S. Pat. No. 3,928,253 to Thornton et al., and various polar aprotic solvents described in U.S. Pat. No. 3,873,314 to Woo et al.
Additionally, U.S. Pat. No. 3,649,250 to Dorenfeld et al. describes the recovery of silver from photographic film by converting the silver to silver cyanide and then recovering silver by the Merrill-Crow process. U.S. Pat. No. 4,392,889 to Grout and U.S. Pat. No. 4,828,717 to DeLeeuw et al. show other apparatus such as baths for recovering silver and/or plastic from photographic film.
A PVDC-based resin was first employed in the 1950's as the subbing layer for adhering silver halides to polyester. Prior to the use of PVDC-based resin to adhere metals to polymeric bases, various reducing agents had been employed to reduce silver to a recoverable form from various silver-containing solutions and silver-containing cellulosic papers. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 1,448,475 to Weisberg discloses the use of an ordinary sugar to precipitate silver from a sodium thiosulfate solution. The silver sodium thiosulfate solution described therein had been created by washing the silver salt from photographic plates. U.S. Pat. No. 2,503,104 to Farber describes the use of a hydrolyzed sugar solution obtained from wood and a caustic solution to reduce and recover silver from various photographic solutions. As described therein, silver is precipitated from spent photographic solution by heating the solution to its boiling point, rendering it alkaline, and reducing the silver by using organic reducing agents. U.S. Pat. Nos. 1,350,157 to Horton and 1,637,990 to Ellis disclose methods for recovering silver and camphor from cellulosic products, including waste photographic film, by treating with an alkali solution and various solvents which cause the silver to be precipitated out.
Although various reducing sugars have been used to recover silver, such sugars were used to reduce silver after it was in a solution, not to recover silver directly from a solid base. None of the previously-mentioned patents employing reducing sugars solved the problem of removing silver halides bound to a polymer-base film by a polyvinylidene halide subbing layer.
One current commercial process for recovering silver and/or polyester from used or unused photographic film employs the following steps: (1) grinding film into small chips; (2) adding an enzyme to the ground film to decompose the gelatin and liberate the silver from the silver halide emulsion; (3) adding sodium borohydride to reduce the silver from the silver halide emulsion after separating the film therefrom; (4) adding a coagulant to coagulate metallic silver and allowing it to settle into a sludge; and (5) roasting the sludge to remove organics and obtain metallic silver. In addition, caustic potash or soda may be added to the enzymatic and reduction reactions to maintain the pH as necessitated by the particular reagents.
This process suffers from the fact that sodium borohydride is very expensive (sodium borohydride is currently priced at about $25.00 per pound), thus rendering the process uneconomical, especially when silver prices are low. Furthermore, the process often results in fires and creates other safety concerns due to its hazardous reaction steps. The process also produces an abnormally large amount of fines from which the PVDC-based resin-adhered silver has not been removed. Fines include small particles of polyester film that have not been stripped of the silver halide. Fines disposal increases costs as well as increases potential for harm to the environment caused by their burning. Moreover, the resulting roasted silver powder is only about 60% to 80% pure silver.
Although various agents and processes are known to separate silver, PVDC-based resin, and polyester, the particular features of the present invention are absent from the art. The prior art is generally deficient in affording a caustic/reducing sugar composition that removes the PVDC-based resin layer while, at the same time, reduces the silver to obtain metallic silver from photographic film. Moreover, the prior art does not suggest a composition or process as described herein for removing PVDC-based resin from non-silver-containing polyester or for reducing metals attached as metal halides to a substrate. The present invention overcomes the shortcomings of the prior art in that the composition and process disclosed herein result in lower processing costs, less hazardous operational procedures, and increased yields and purity of silver recovered from various PVDC-based resin-layered films and other substrates.

Composition for removing adhesives from polymeric film and process for using same


A laser device includes: an optical amplifier; a first reflector configured to reflect light output from the first optical end face of the optical amplifier; a ring resonator; an input optical waveguide optically coupled to the ring resonator; a reflector optical waveguide optically coupled to the ring resonator; a second reflector configured to reflect light that propagates in the reflector optical waveguide; an output optical waveguide; and a delay interferometer that includes first and second optical couplers and a pair of optical waveguides formed between the first optical coupler and the second optical coupler. The second optical end face of the optical amplifier and one port of the first optical coupler are optically coupled. A first port of the second optical coupler and the input optical waveguide are optically coupled. A second port of the second optical coupler and the output optical waveguide are optically coupled.

In recent years, accompanying the development of optical interconnecting techniques, there is demand for the realization of integrated optical transceivers that are suitable for cost reduction. As a technique of realizing such integrated optical transceivers, silicon (Si) photonics is drawing attention. For example, an external resonator laser is proposed that has a configuration in which a light emission element of a III-V compound semiconductor is formed on a silicon substrate so as to control oscillation modes by using a silicon waveguide filter.
FIG. 1 and FIG. 2 illustrate examples of external resonator lasers. In the configuration illustrated in FIG. 1, oscillation occurs between a pair of reflectors Rb and Rf. In the configuration illustrated in FIG. 2, light output from the Semiconductor Optical Amplifier (SOA) to the silicon waveguide returns to the SOA via ring resonators R1 and R2. The light returned from the silicon waveguide is reflected by the reflector Rb and is output to the silicon waveguide again. This causes oscillation. The wavelength of generated laser light is determined by the resonation wavelength of the ring resonators R1 and R2 in the external resonator lasers illustrated in FIG. 1 and FIG. 2.
The configuration illustrated in FIG. 1 is described in for example Japanese Laid-open Patent Publication No. 2006-245344. The configuration illustrated in FIG. 2 is described in for example Japanese Laid-open Patent Publication No. 2009-200091. Further, another related technique is described in Japanese Laid-open Patent Publication No. 2008-34657.
In the configurations illustrated in FIG. 1 and FIG. 2, in order to meet the conditions for the single oscillation mode, it is necessary to accurately control the resonation wavelength of the ring resonators R1 and R2 having different diameters. Accordingly, when the wavelength of the ring resonators shifts due to temperature change or the like, there is a possibility that the oscillation characteristics deteriorate.
Laser light is emitted from the SOAs in the configurations illustrated in FIG. 1 and FIG. 2. Accordingly, when for example the laser light is to be supplied to a device on a semiconductor substrate, optical axis alignment has to be performed, which is troublesome.
In the configuration illustrated in FIG. 1, it may be possible to obtain laser light on the semiconductor substrate by for example implementing the reflector Rf by using a half mirror. In such a case, however, output laser light is under influence of losses occurring in the ring resonators R1 and R2. Accordingly, it is difficult to generate high-power laser light efficiently in this configuration.

Laser device that includes ring resonator


A film forming device forms a coated film on a substrate by discharging a liquid material in the form of liquid droplets, and causing the liquid droplets to impact on the substrate at a predetermined pitch. The predetermined pitch is determined based on the diameter of the liquid droplets after impact of the liquid droplets on the substrate. Drop marks are reduced and a uniform coated film is formed on the substrate.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a method for arranging a liquid material on a substrate by discharging the liquid material in the form of liquid droplets, and particularly, relates to a method for forming a film on a substrate by discharging a liquid material in the form of liquid droplets, a device using the method, a method for arranging liquid crystal on a substrate by discharging liquid crystal from a discharge unit, and a device using the method.
2. Description of the Related Art
In liquid crystal devices, for example, an alignment film is formed on a substrate for alignment of liquid crystal molecules.
Such films are formed by forming a coated film of a liquid material on a substrate followed by drying.
Known examples of methods for forming a film of a liquid material on a substrate include printing and spin coating. In addition, there is also a technology in which coated films are formed by discharging a liquid material in the form of liquid droplets and then causing the droplets to impact on the substrate at a predetermined pitch for the purpose of reducing the amount of material used (e.g., Japanese Unexamined Patent Application, First Publication No. 9-138410).
In the case of a liquid crystal device, liquid crystal arranged on a substrate is used, for example, as a part of a display control unit in a liquid crystal device.
Known examples of methods for arranging liquid crystal on a substrate include a method for discharging a predetermined amount of liquid crystal from a discharge unit such as a dispenser. In addition, known examples of methods for arranging liquid crystal on a substrate include a method in order to carry out the arrangement of liquid crystal at higher precision for arranging the liquid crystal on a substrate by discharging liquid crystal from a discharge unit in the form of liquid droplets (e.g., Japanese Unexamined Patent Application, First Publication No. 5-281562).
In the case of methods for forming a film on a substrate by discharging a liquid material in the form of liquid droplets, or methods for arranging liquid crystal on a substrate by discharging the liquid crystal in the form of liquid droplets, the peripheral edges of the liquid droplets tend to remain unevenly in the form of drop marks. This unevenness causes a deterioration of uniformity of the film thickness, and may cause a deterioration of visibility in displays such as liquid crystal devices.

Liquid crystal discharging method, and liquid crystal discharging device


Liquid crystal display device including a liquid crystal panel having a plurality of gate lines and data lines, and at least one drive-IC having multi-channels, the multi-channels having linked channels connected to the gate lines or data lines and dummy channels not linked to the gate lines or the data lines. The linked channels may be arranged successively in a line and the dummy channels may be arranged at opposite ends of the line of the linked channels to thereby reduce dim block formation by shifting positions of the dummy portions.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to liquid crystal display devices, and more particularly, to a liquid crystal display device for improving a picture quality.
2. Discussion of the Related Art
In keeping pace with developments of an information oriented society, demands for display devices has increased in various forms. Recently, to meet the demands, various flat display devices such as LCDs (Liquid Crystal Display Device), PDPs (Plasma Display Panel), ELDs (Electro Luminescent Display), VFDs (Vacuum Fluorescent Display), and so on have been studied, some of which are being used as display devices in various apparatuses.
Of the various display devices, the LCD has been used mostly for mobile display devices owing to advantages of good picture quality, lightweight, thin profile, and low power consumption. In addition to mobile display devices such as monitors for notebook computers, the LCD has been developed in various forms as monitors for televisions for receiving and displaying a broadcasting signal and as monitors for desktop computers.
For using the LCD as general display devices, key development of the LCD lies in further realizing high quality picture, such as high definition, high luminance, and large sized picture, while maintaining the features of lightweight, thin profile, and low power consumption.
An LCD is provided with a liquid crystal panel for displaying a picture, and a driving unit for applying a driving signal to the liquid crystal panel. The liquid crystal display panel is provided with first and second glass substrates bonded together with a space between the substrates, and a liquid crystal layer between the first and the second glass substrates.
Formed on the first glass substrate (or a TFT array substrate) are a plurality of gate lines arranged at regular intervals in one direction, a plurality of data lines arranged at regular intervals perpendicular to the gate lines, a plurality of pixel electrodes on every pixel region defined at every intersection between the gate lines and the data lines in a form of matrix, and a plurality of thin film transistors (TFT) to be switched in response to a signal on the gate line for transmission of a signal on the data line to each pixel electrode.
Formed on the second glass substrate (or a color filter substrate) are a black matrix layer for shielding a light incident on parts excluding the pixel regions, R, G, and B color filter layers for expressing colors, and a common electrode for displaying a picture.
A driving principle of a general liquid crystal display device lies on using optical anisotropy and polarizing properties of liquid crystals. Since the liquid crystal is thin and elongated, molecules of the liquid crystals tend to orient such that applying an electric field to the liquid crystals can control orientation of a molecular arrangement of the liquid crystals.
Therefore, if the orientation of the molecular arrangement of the liquid crystals is controlled, the molecular arrangement of the liquid crystals is controlled, and the light refracts in a direction of the desired orientation of the molecular arrangement of the liquid crystals, thereby enabling the display of the picture information.
Presently, the Active Matrix LCD, in which thin film transistors and pixel electrodes connected thereto are arranged in a matrix, has attracted the most interest due to its good resolution and motion picture implementing capability.
A related art liquid crystal display device will be described with reference to the attached drawings.
Referring to FIG. 1, the related art liquid crystal display panel is provided with a first substrate 1 and a second substrate 2 bonded together with a space between the substrates, and liquid crystals 3 between the first substrate 1 and the second substrate 2.
Arranged on the first substrate 1 are a plurality of gate lines 4 at regular intervals in one direction, and a plurality of data lines 5 at regular intervals perpendicular to the gate lines 4 to define pixel regions 'P', wherein a pixel electrode 6 is formed on each of pixel regions 'P'. A plurality of thin film transistors 'T' are respectively formed at portions where the gate lines 4 and the data lines 5 intersect so as to be driven in response to a signal on the gate line 4 for transmission of a data signal from the data line 5 to each pixel electrode 6.
A black matrix layer 7 is formed on the second substrate 2 for shielding light incident on portions excluding the pixel regions 'P'. R, G, and B color filter layers 8 for expressing colors and a common electrode 9 are also formed on the second substrate 2 for displaying a picture.
The thin film transistor 'T' is provided with a gate electrode projected from the gate line 4, a gate insulating film (not shown) is formed on an entire surface, an active layer (not shown) is formed on the gate insulating film over the gate electrode, a source electrode is projected from the data line 5, and a drain electrode is spaced a predetermined distance from the source electrode.
The pixel electrode 6 is in contact with the drain electrode for being turned on/off in response to a signal received as the thin film transistor 'T' is driven. The pixel electrode 6 is formed from a transparent conductive metal having a good light transmittivity such as ITO (Indium Tin Oxide).
FIG. 2 illustrates an enlarged view showing a wiring of a pixel region, a link region, and a pad region of a related art liquid crystal display device.
Referring to FIG. 2, the wiring of the related art liquid crystal display device is formed such that a space between adjacent lines becomes smaller as the wiring proceeds from the pixel region to the pad region via the link region. This is because a drive-IC (not shown) formed opposite to the pad region for receiving line signals from a system has a width relatively smaller than a width of the plurality of the gate lines or data lines connected to the drive-IC. The gate lines or the data lines in the pixel region 15a are extended to pad lines 15c via link lines 15b.
A configuration at a center portion 'C' is different from a configuration at an edge portion E. That is, while the wiring at the center portion 'C' of the drive-IC runs on a straight line through the pixel region, the link region, and the pad region, the wiring at the edge portion 'E' of the drive-IC has different pitches between the wiring 15a at the pixel region and the wiring 15c at the pads, the pitch of the wiring at the link 15b between the pixel region and the pad region is reduced as the wiring goes from the pixel region toward the pad region.
FIG. 3 illustrates a plan view of a wiring of a related art liquid crystal display device, and FIG. 4 illustrates an enlarged view of wiring of a third Tape Carrier Package (TCP) in FIG. 3.
Referring to FIG. 3, the related art liquid crystal display device is provided with a liquid crystal panel 10 having first substrate 1 and a second substrate 2 opposite each other and a liquid crystal layer (not shown) between the first and second substrates 1 and 2. The liquid crystal display panel 10 has a pixel region (inside the dashed lines) defined at a center portion and a non-display portion (outside the dashed lines) defined on an outside of the pixel region. The non-display portion is provided with a pad region where gate drive-ICs 12 and data drive-ICs 14 are connected thereto with respective gate TCPs 11a˜11d, and data TCPs 13a˜13c and 23a˜23c, and a link region between the pixel region and the pad region where the link wiring passes.
The gate drive-ICs 12 and the data drive-ICs 14 are connected to the pad region with corresponding TCP film. In the drawing, the gate drive-ICs 12 are connected to the pad region of the liquid crystal panel 10 with first to fourth gate TCPs 11a, 11b, 11c, and 11d respectively, and the data drive-ICs 14 are connected to the pad region of the liquid crystal panel 10 with first to sixth data TCPs 13a, 13b, 13c, 23a, 23b, and 23c.
If the liquid crystal display device is driven in a two port system, i.e. if the first to third data TCP 13a, 13b, and 13c and the fourth to sixth data TCP 23a, 23b, and 23c receive data voltage signals from ports of a system different from each other, there are surplus first dummy portion 20a and a second dummy portion 20b at ends of the ports which do not receive signals from the ports.
The total number of output pins of the data TCPs 13a, 13b, 13c, 23a, 23b, and 23c are not the same with a total number of the data lines 15a on the liquid crystal panel 10. Therefore, in the two port system, if the pins of the data TCP are connected to the data lines 15a starting from a left side of the first port in succession, there are pins at an end of the first port, i.e. an end of the third TCP 13c, which do not have corresponding data lines 15a of the liquid crystal panel 10 and are left as surplus. Similarly, there are surplus pins at an end of the sixth TCP 23c. Thus, there are dummy pins (or called channels) at the third and sixth data TCPs 13c and 23c and are called as TCP dummy portions 20a and 20b, respectively. There are two dummy portions 20a and 20b in the two port system.
If there are more than two ports in the liquid crystal panel 10, the number of dummy portions at ends of the ports will match the number of the ports typically.
Referring to FIG. 4, there are six dummy pins at an end of the third data TCP 13c of the end of the first portion, i.e. at the first dummy portion 20a. It is likely that there is a same number of dummy pins at the second dummy portion 20b.
It is assumed that the liquid crystal display device of the related art is in an SXGA display, with a resolution of 1280×1024. Thus, there are 1280×3=3840 data lines in the pixel region.
If it is assumed that there are 642 pins in each data TCP, and data mapping (connection of the pins of the data TCP to the data lines) is started from the left side, though all pins (642 pins) of the first data TCP 13a and the second data TCP 13b are matched and connected to the data lines 15a, only 636 pins of the third data TCP 13c are matched and connected to the data lines 15a. This leaves right most 6 dummy pins in the third data TCP 13c unmatched and unconnected to the data lines of the pixel region as illustrated in FIG. 4.
That is, the first data TCP 13a has the first to 642nd data lines (#1˜#642) connected thereto, the second data TCP 13b has 643rd to 1284th data lines (#643˜#1284) connected thereto, and the third data TCP 13c has 1285th to 1920th data lines (#1285˜#1920) connected thereto.
Moreover, the fourth data TCP 23a has 1921st to 2562nd data lines (#1921˜#2562) connected thereto, the fifth data TCP 23b has 2563rd to 3204th data lines (#2563˜#3204) connected thereto, and the sixth data TCP 23c has 3205th to 3840th data lines (#3205˜#3840) connected thereto.
Thus, there are first and second dummy portions 20a and 20b each with 6 pins at right side ends of the third data TCP 13c and the sixth data TCP 23c, respectively.
It should be noted that the number of dummy pins can change according to the number of pins of the TCP. That is, the number of dummy pins is a difference of a number of the output pins of the data TCPs and a number of the data lines 15a.
The first dummy portion 20a between the third data TCP 13c and the fourth data TCP 23a causes a link resistance difference between the first dummy portion 20a and the link wiring in the vicinity of the first dummy portion 20a. As a result, a dim block is formed in the vicinity of the first dummy portion 20a causing a difference of luminance from neighboring portions of the panel.
That is, the dummy pins of the TCP dummy portion have resistance differences from neighboring link wiring, which causes differences in the rising and falling of the data signal supplied from a source drive-IC. This in turn causes a charging performance difference of pixel regions leading to a formation of the dim block at an interface of the drive-ICs.

Liquid crystal display device with dummy portions


Decoding video data. Receive a first video stream including a first plurality of frames encoded at a first resolution, a second video stream including a second plurality of frames encoded at a second resolution and a residual bitstream encoded at a third resolution. The second plurality of frames correspond to the first plurality of frames encoded at the first resolution and the first resolution is greater than the second resolution and the third resolution is at least between the first and second resolutions. Side information determined based at least on the first plurality of frames and the second plurality of frames. The video data decoded based at least on one received frame of the first plurality of frames, at least one received frame of the second plurality of frames encoded at the second resolution, the residual bitstream encoded at the third resolution, and the side information.

In video communications, there can be many types of losses, such as isolated packet losses or losses of complete or multiple frames. Breakups and freezes in video presentation are often caused by a system's inability to quickly recover from such losses. In a typical system where the video encoding rate is continuously adjusted to avoid sustained congestion, losses tend to appear as short bursts that span between one packet and two complete frames.
Current error concealment schemes exist that attempt to address this concern. However, current error concealment schemes are ineffective in various ways. For example, current error concealment schemes typically rely on the existence of intact pixels near the region to be concealed, making them ineffective against burst loss that span a complete frame or more. Moreover, current error concealment decisions are typically based on guesses, since the true likeness of the lost region is unknown. This means the concealment effort can sometimes inadvertently introduce larger errors.
The drawings referred to in the description of embodiments should not be understood as being drawn to scale except if specifically noted.

Hewlett-Packard Development Company, L.P.