A light box particularly adapted to back-light posters which includes a housing having a back wall, a peripheral wall and an opening opposite the back wall; a diffuser panel spanning the opening, an elongated lamp within the housing adjacent the peripheral wall for emitting radiation from the lamp peripherally inward toward the back wall and the diffuser panel, and first and second reflector surfaces respectively adjacent and more remote from the lamp with the first reflector surface having reflecting capabilities which are less then the reflecting capabilities of the second reflector surface. The lamp has material contiguous thereto for preventing emitted radiation directed from the lamp directly toward the diffuser panel from impinging upon the diffuser panel whereby bright spots on the back-lit poster are eliminated and the poster is back-lit uniformly over its area.

The invention concerns a light box.
Light boxes serve for the affixation of posters. They consist of a box sealed by means of a diffuser panel which normally contains several fluorescent lamps. Posters affixed to the diffuser panel are back-lit by the fluorescent lamps. If the box is deep enough, the lamps can be fitted at a distance from the diffuser panel, but difficulties arise if the box is not very deep. In such cases the light diffusion is uneven, with the result that the position of the lamps can be identified from the outside through the diffuser panel and poster. Places with greater luminance than their surroundings are known as hot spots. The desired effect, of course, is one of optimal even back-lighting of the poster, i.e. even illumination of the diffuser panel.


A biometric authentication apparatus for performing user authentication based on finger/palm print information representing a biological characteristic of fingerprint or palm print and vein information representing a biological characteristic of vein, comprises:                a finger/palm print information acquirer arranged and adapted to obtain finger/palm print information from a selected portion of a person;        a vein information acquirer arranged and adapted to obtain vein information from the selected portion of the person;        a sensor arranged and adapted to come in contact with the selected portion of the person and to output a signal corresponding to a pressing degree of the selected portion of the person against the sensor;        a controller arranged and adapted to identify, responsive to the signal output from the sensor, whether a state of the selected portion of the person is suitable for obtaining the finger/palm print information and the vein information and to control the finger/palm print information acquirer and the vein information acquirer to obtain the finger/palm print information and the vein information according to a result of the identification; and        a user authenticator arranged and adapted to perform user authentication based on the finger/palm print information and the vein information.

1. Technical Field
The present invention relates to a biometric authentication apparatus used for user authentication based on finger/palm print information and vein information, as well as to a corresponding biometric authentication method.
2. Related Art
Multimodal biometric authentication techniques have been known and used for user authentication with multiple different types of biological information, such as fingerprint, facial recognition, and voice print. In relation to the multimodal biometric authentication techniques, one known technique uses one image sensor to obtain two different types of biological information (Unexamined Patent No. 2004-234040). Another known technique changes a light source for each type of biological information to be obtained (Unexamined Patent No. 2005-168627).
Acquisition of information with higher accuracy has been demanded in the process of obtaining finger/palm print information representing a biological characteristic of fingerprint or palm print and vein information representing a biological characteristic of vein from a user. There has also been a demand in society for the technique of readily verifying whether obtained biological information is a living biological origin or a non-living non-biological origin.

Biometric authentication apparatus and biometric authentication method


A pretensioner for a vehicle seat belt system comprises a pair of driving members arranged in tandem and spaced apart laterally from each other on either side of a space between them and a connector driven by the driving members and arranged such that at least a portion moves through the space between the driving members when the pretensioner is operated.

The present invention relates to a pretensioner for vehicle seat belts, and in particular to a pretensioner suitable for pretensioning a belt by pulling on a buckle to which the belt is connected.
In some seat belt systems used in vehicles such as automobiles, a pretensioner is provided for preventing movement of the body of an occupant through tightening of the belt when excessive acceleration is applied on the vehicle and thereby providing greater restraint of the occupant. A pretensioner can be installed at various locations in a seat belt system. In particular, it is useful for improving occupant restraint when a buckle tongue positioned at the juncture between a shoulder section and a lap section of a belt webbing is pulled on, because tension is imparted uniformly to both belt sections. Thus, a buckle pretensioner has been proposed to pull the buckle, into which the tongue is inserted when the belt is put on.
For example, buckle pretensioners are disclosed in Japanese Patent Laid-Open Publications No. 61-241234, No. 1-119455, No. 1-164651, and No. 2-256550. A pretensioner is also disclosed by the Japanese Utility Model Laid-Open Publication No. 63-35017, although it is not designed to pull on the buckle. Those prior art pretensioners use torsion bars, compression coil springs, spiral springs, air cylinders and the like as driving devices and pull the buckle (or another element of the belt system) through a connection member by a driving force.
The driving devices of belt pretensioners provide powerful driving forces that act within very short times. Thus, to secure a certain stroke necessary for imparting pretension, belt pretensioners are of large size. It is not possible to install them on the buckle in the vehicle, and they are unattractive in appearance. Accordingly, pretensioners having torsion bars are installed horizontally below the seat, and those having compression coil springs are usually installed horizontally on the side of the seat or at some other position.
However, when the pulling direction of the buckle, which is to be pulled in a longitudinal direction, is different from the operating direction of the driving device, as in many known arrangements (except the last mentioned example), there must be provided a complicated direction-changing mechanism between the driving device and the drive element. Such direction-changing mechanism will not only lead to a complicated and large pretensioner, but may decrease the driving force for pulling, which is to be transmitted from the driving device to the buckle.
In the pretensioner of Publ. No. 63-35017, referred to above, the compression coil spring serving as the driving means is arranged coaxially with the belt-pulling direction, and the compression coil spring is installed horizontally as seen from the mounting condition of the inertia body (locking device). The mechanism with such an arrangement cannot be applied directly for the pulling of the buckle, which is to be pulled in a longitudinal direction. Even if such is possible, there must be provided locking means for preventing the belt from slackening after operation of the pretensioner, and the arrangement of such means leads to an increase in the axial or radial dimensions of the entire system.


A dendrimer complex comprising a dendrimer and an antimicrobial agent with the dendrimer complex placeable directly into a fluid to inhibit growth of microbes or rid the fluid of microbes. In a further embodiment of the invention the dendrimer complex is secured to a carrier, which is placed in a body of fluid and allowed to dispense the antimicrobial agent into the fluid. Once the antimicrobial agent is dispensed, the dendrimer complex can be removed and recycled to add functional groups to the dendrimer so that the dendrimer can be reused.

The concept of dendrimer technology and particularly dendrimers are well known in the art. In general, a dendrimer is a large molecule having a sphere-like shape and includes a core with outer branches for holding functional groups.
Dendrimers are unique, highly branched, organic molecules that represent a breakthrough in polymer synthesis. Dendrimers are considered to be novel because of their size, shape, and physical or chemical properties. Dendrimers represent an example of synthetic organic molecules having uniform size and 3-dimensional structures. A promising feature of dendrimers is that they can be synthesized to have various internal structure and various surface properties. Because of the multiple reaction sites on the dendrimer molecules they can be combined with a number of different compounds.
Dendrimers are considered nanotechnology since the size of a dendrimer molecule is typically in the nanometer range. In general, the dendrimers are comprised of three components a) a core material; b) a highly-uniform branched polymers attached in step-wise layers to the core and c) a nano-scaled 3-dimensional surface structure, commonly spherical. While the synthesis of dendrimers is known, it is oftentimes difficult and time consuming, thus the cost of dendrimers can be relatively expensive costing thousands of dollars per pound. The technology and use of dendrimers remains limited at least partly due to the high costs of the dendrimers. However, various dendrimer patents and publications on dendrimers include laundry lists of proposed applications or uses for dendrimers.
An example of a proposed use of a dendrimer in "wound treatment" is shown in Balogh U.S. Pat. No. 6,224,898. Balogh et al discloses that an antimicrobial agent comprising a metal-containing compound is distributed on or in a dendrimer polymer for applying to a specific type of wound, namely, "burn wounds". Balogh et al states his "dendrimer silver nanocomposite" is applied to a wound by a spray or is applied to a cloth substrate and then applied to a wound. While Balogh et al. conducts tests he concludes that his antimicrobial agent is effective "in vitro" for treatment of wounds.
While the dendrimers generally do not have any antibacterial properties the Cooper et al. U.S. Pat. No. 6,440,405 discloses formation of a quaternary ammonium functionalized dendrimer that does derive its antibacterial properties from the dendrimer itself. In Publication No US 2002/022012 Cooper et al. goes on to propose "surface treatments" using a dendrimer biocide-silver nanocomposite as an antimicrobial agent. Cooper et al. prepares his biocide-silver nanocomposite by reacting the dendrimer biocide disclosed in his U.S. Pat. No. 6,440,405 with a silver compound. Cooper et al. then incorporates his biocide-silver nanocomposite into various surface coatings to provide the coating or surface with antimicrobial activity. Cooper et al. points out the use of the dendrimer with biocide-silver nanocomposite as being effective against agents such as anthrax. Cooper et al. specifically points out the incorporation of his dendrimer silver nanocomposite into "protective coatings or paints, personal products such as cosmetics, industrial products, hospital products, and sanitation of swimming pools and spas." Cooper et al. goes on to point out that his dendrimer silver nanocomposite can be "immobilized onto the surface to create efficient antimicrobial surfaces for use as biomaterial, anti-fouling paints, and other similar devices." Thus, Cooper et al. teaches the use of the biocide-silver nanocomposite within the structure or some type of coating to make antimicrobial surfaces.
The Tomalia et al. U.S. Pat. No. 5,714,166 discloses the use of dendrimers for "pharmaceutical and agricultural applications" More specifically, Tomalia et al discloses dense star polymers can be associated with a bioactive agent, a diagnostic agent or a therapeutic/diagnostic agent. Tomalia et al. teaches the use of the dense star polymers in pharmaceutical and agricultural applications. He specifically points out the transporting of genetic material through a cellular member and into a cellular nucleus with a dendrimer polymer.
The Tomalia et al U.S. Pat. No. 4,507,466 discloses the uses of dendrimers for emulsifier for oil or water emulsions, as wet strength agents in the manufacture of paper and agents for modifying the viscosity in aqueous formations such as paints.
The Tomalia et al. U.S. Pat. No. 4,694,064 discloses the use of dendrimer in the production of molecular composites and as crystalline modifiers for polymeric materials.
In the above references it is evident that the dendrimers or dendrimer biocides have been combined with various biocidal agents to produce antibacterial products that can be incorporated into articles or coatings to rid surfaces of bacteria. In contrast, the present invention has found that one can incorporate dendrimers with an antimicrobial agent directly into a fluid to control microbial activity in the fluid in order to render the fluid safe for either consumption or recreational uses. In addition, the invention includes a fluid treatment method that permits one to rid or at least inhibit microbial growth in the fluid and when the dendrimer antimicrobial agent is spent permits one to remove and recycle the dendrimer for combining with fresh antimicrobial agents.

Dendrimer fluid purification agent and article


The present invention discloses a method for modeling and registering 3D scene structure based on single image, belonging to the field of virtual reality technology. The method includes calibrating camera through analyzing image line features; analyzing property of plane support relationship by using categorized lines to obtain a preliminary scene structure; optimizing scene structure via interoperation by a small number of users to complete modeling of scene structure for whole image; and finally registering 3D image scene structure, collected by different cameras through line features, into a unified 3D scene, allowing application into modeling of wide-range scene structure. According to the present invention, corresponding information of 3D scene structure can be rapidly obtained through interoperation by a small number of users. In the meantime, the present invention can guarantee modeling integrity of scene structure and effectively reducing 3D modeling cost, making 3D reconstruction of wide-range scene structure easier.

In recent years, virtual reality technology is being widely applied in the fields of map navigation, smart city, military simulation, etc., and is popular in the modern society since visual effects it created are more consistent with reality. However, these applications are not possible without 3D scene data which is much closer to the real world, thus how to efficiently construct a 3D virtual scene based on the scene of the real world has become one of the hottest issues in computer vision in recent years.
At present, there are many ways to realize 3D scene modeling, for example, by using a professional 3D modeling software, by using binocular imaging technology in computer vision, by using aerial survey technology, etc. For the professional 3D modeling software, such as 3DSMAX and the like, a relative high modeling accuracy can be achieved in the scene modeling process, however, it requires massive manpower and material resource to perform field measurement, resulting in long modeling period and high cost. The modeling technology based on binocular imaging technology, which is generally applied in automatic modeling engineering, has high technological requirements on equipment, and is usually applied to the modeling of small scale scenes, thus the modeling period is relative short, usually lasting for several hours to a few days depending on the complexity of the scene to be modeled, whereas the modeling accuracy thereof is relative low. In comparison, using aerial survey technology can effectively process the scene modeling operation of large scale scenes, and the modeling period is barely constrained by the size of the scenes, but the cost in the earlier and the later stages are both high in that, on one hand, high quality cameras are in demand due to acquisition of data by plane at high altitudes, meanwhile the flight cost is always remaining at a high level; on the other hand, under normal circumstances, the high-altitude photography generally collects a great amount of point cloud data, which requires support of complex algorithm so as to be processed into available model data, the accuracy thereof is merely 10cm. In relative terms, such technology has the worst flexibility due to the fact that it is a great challenge to timely reflect changes in local scene structure to an existing 3D scene considering the limited cost.
Generally speaking, there are some problems in the current modeling method of scene structure in the terms of cost, period, flexibility, accuracy and so on, and hence it is difficult to be effectively applied in the reconstruction of large scale 3D scenes.

Method for 3D scene structure modeling and camera registration from single image


A loudspeaker diaphragm according to an embodiment of the present invention includes: a diaphragm portion; and an edge portion, which is molded integrally with the diaphragm portion and made of a material different from a material for the diaphragm portion, wherein: the diaphragm portion includes, at an outer peripheral end thereof, an outer wall portion provided upright in a direction substantially parallel to a vibrating direction of the diaphragm portion; an inner peripheral surface of the edge portion is bonded onto an outer peripheral surface of the outer wall portion; and the outer wall portion has a height larger than a thickness of the diaphragm portion.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a loudspeaker diaphragm and a loudspeaker including the loudspeaker diaphragm.
2. Description of the Related Art
In general, a vibration system member, such as a loudspeaker diaphragm to be used in a loudspeaker, is obtained by assembling respective members, such as a diaphragm, an edge, and a gasket each molded into a predetermined shape, using an adhesive. The vibration system member thus obtained has a problem in that poor bonding may be caused depending on the combination of the respective members, and a problem in that characteristics may fluctuate due to a variation in adhesive application amount. Further, in order to prevent an operation failure of the loudspeaker, it is necessary to use a highly-accurate assembly jig, which leads to a problem of poor productivity. In addition, in a case of using a less adhesive material (for example, olefin-based thermoplastic resin), a process such as primer application is further required prior to adhesive application, which leads to problems with productivity and production cost.
In order to solve the above-mentioned problems, a method of molding the diaphragm, and the edge and the gasket by double molding has been proposed (Japanese Patent Application Laid-open No. Hei 7-15793). However, a bonding portion between the diaphragm and the edge has low strength and low rigidity, and hence there is a problem in that the diaphragm and the edge cause divided vibration.

Loudspeaker diaphragm and loudspeaker including the loudspeaker diaphragm


The invention concerns a method which consists in using an injector supplied with fuel whereof the pressure (Pcarb) is an increasing function of the amount of fuel (Q) to be injected, the opening of the injector being electromagnetically triggered by energizing the electric coil integral with the injector with a current peak of predetermined duration (T1). The invention is characterized in that the duration (T1) of the current peak in an increasing function of the pressure (Pcarb) of the fuel. Thus, the dynamics of the injector is increased.

The present invention relates to a method for controlling the amount of fuel injected into a direct-injection internal combustion engine. More especially, the invention relates to such a method employed using an injector supplied with fuel under pressure, the opening of said injector being triggered electromagnetically by supplying an electric coil that forms part of the injector with a current spike of predetermined duration.
Electromagnetically operated fuel injectors are well known, as is the method for controlling such an injector mentioned hereinabove (see, for example, U.S. Pat. No. 5,381,297). It is known that such an injector comprises a needle that can move under the action of an electromagnetic field developed by an electric coil supplied with a suitable current, between a position in which one end of this needle closes off an opening pierced in the seat defining a passage for a fuel to be injected into an internal combustion engine cylinder and a position in which the needle uncovers this opening to allow such injection. At rest, the needle is pressed against its seat by a preloading spring and by the pressure of the fuel let into the injector. To overcome this load, and allow the injector to open, it is necessary for the coil to be supplied fleetingly with a strong current, of the order of some ten amps for example, the current spike thus applied being followed by the application of a lower current holding the injector open for a time which is modulated according to the amount of fuel to be injected.
When such an injector is used to supply gasoline to a cylinder of a direct-injection internal combustion engine, it is currently desirable to have the possibility of adjusting this amount of fuel in a wide range. Indeed, when such an engine is operating at light load with a fuel-lean and stratified air/fuel mixture, the amount of gasoline to be injected needs to be very low. By contrast, at high speed and full load, a great amount of gasoline needs to be injected into the engine in a very short time, shorter than 5 ms at 6000 rpm. The ratio of the extreme fuel flow rates, or xe2x80x9cdynamic rangexe2x80x9d of the injector needs therefore to be very high, advantageously of the order of 20.
In order to get close to this value, it has been proposed for the pressure of the gasoline delivered to the injector to be increased when the injector needs to deliver a great deal of gasoline. Thus, for example, the injector is supplied with gasoline at a pressure of 50 bar for small amounts of gasoline to be injected, and at 110 bar for higher amounts. In this way it has been possible to obtain a dynamic range of about 15, which is still considered to be insufficient.
It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a method for controlling the amount of fuel injected into a direct-injection internal combustion engine by an injector with a high dynamic range, typically of the order of 20.
This object of the invention together with others which will become apparent from reading the description which will follow, is obtained using a method for controlling the amount of fuel injected into a direct-injection internal combustion engine by an injector supplied with fuel under pressure, the opening of said injector being triggered electromagnetically by supplying an electric coil that forms part of the injector with a predetermined current spike, this method being notable in that said duration of said current spike is an increasing function of said fuel pressure.
As will be seen in detail further on, this method makes it possible to widen the range of values of amounts of fuel injected, both at the small quantity end and at the highest quantity end.
According to another feature of the method according to the invention, the duration of said current spike is also an increasing function of the duration of a predetermined injector-open time.

Method for controlling the amount of fuel injected in a direct injection internal combustion engine


A system, related method and computer program product are disclosed for controlling fuel mass of CNG received by an engine. The system may comprise a heat exchanger configured to receive CLNG and supply coolant and to output CNG and return coolant, an injector configured to inject CNG into the engine, a gas line between the injector and heat exchanger, a control valve configured to receive return coolant from the heat exchanger and to change the amount of return coolant flowing through control valve, and a controller connected to the control valve. The gas line may be configured to carry CNG from the heat exchanger to the injector. The controller may be configured to maintain a Gas Line Temperature within an operating range by adjusting the amount of return coolant flowing through the control valve based, at least in part, on the Gas Line Temperature and a Target Return Coolant Temperature.

Vehicle applications using compressed natural gas systems often operate in variable environmental conditions and under changing operational modes. Changes in ambient temperature and changes in operational modes (idling, moving, loading, and the like) may effect the density of the fuel delivered to the engine by high pressure direct injection. Stable and consistent engine power output may be improved by controlling the fuel mass of the compressed natural gas delivered to the engine. Consistent fuel mass delivery provides a combustion environment that allows for stable power generation regardless of changing environmental or operational conditions.
U.S. Pat. No. 7,182,073 issued Feb. 27, 2007 (the '073 patent) discloses a liquefied petroleum gas injection engine system on a vehicle. The system disclosed seeks to lower emissions by reducing leakage of fuel into the intake system of the engine after the engine has been in an off condition. The '073 patent discloses an engine control management system electronic control unit that controls the injection time and injection rate of the liquefied petroleum gas injected through the injector depending on the traveling conditions of the vehicle, more specifically whether the fuel system receives natural cooling by outside air while the vehicle is moving or whether the vehicle is stopped and natural cooling of the air is unavailable. This type of system has drawbacks because the temperature of the fuel delivered may vary widely. A better system is needed.

Compressed natural gas fuel mass control system


A missile includes a control system having divert and attitude control system thrusters with control valves. Each of the control valves has a nozzle plate having a plurality of small nozzles therein. The nozzle plate includes a pair of portions, one of which is rotatable relative to the other. Control of flow through the nozzle plate may be effected by relative positioning of the portions of the nozzle plate. An upstream convergent portion of the nozzle plate may be fixed relative to the missile, with a downstream throat and/or divergent portion of the nozzle plate moveable. Movement of the movable portion of the nozzle plate may be accomplished by use of an actuator that is external to the missile body. The control valve provides a simple, lightweight and compact way of controlling flow from a divert thruster.

1. Technical Field of the Invention
The invention relates to missile systems, and in particular to control systems for missiles and rocket engines.
2. Background of the Related Art
Throttling control valves, such as used for divert thrusters for rockets and missiles, have typically involved a pintle that can be moved into and out of a convergent portion of a single convergent-divergent nozzle. Such mechanisms add significant amounts of mass to divert attitude control systems. In addition, the pintle and its corresponding actuation system are generally located internally, where they disadvantageously may be exposed to a high-pressure, high-temperature environment of combustion-product gasses used to produce the thrust.
It will be appreciated from the foregoing that some improvements may be possible for throttling control valves for divert thrusters.


The flame-retardant thermoplastic resin, composition comprised of the following Components (C), (D) and (E) with the thermoplastic resin composition having a thermoplastic polyurethane elastomer of the Component (A) and an ethylene polymer and/or an ethylene copolymer of the Component (B) as the main components;

A thermoplastic polyurethane elastomer has been conventionally used in various fields such as hoses, belts, electric wires, cables, pipes, soles and various types of molded articles, taking advantage of its excellent mechanical strength and wear resistance. Particularly, a resin which is improved in molding ability and water resistance obtained by alloying an ethylene copolymer such as an ethylene-vinyl acetate copolymer (EVA) and a thermoplastic polyurethane elastomer (Patent document 1) is used. However, the thermoplastic polyurethane elastomer, which consists of movable long chain parts called a soft segment and extremely high crystalline parts called a hard segment, has poor compatibility with other resins. Therefore, it has a disadvantage that the compatibility with ethylene polymers and ethylene copolymers is insufficient.
Furthermore, the thermoplastic resin composition having the thermoplastic polyurethane elastomer and the ethylene copolymer as the main components has a disadvantage of being poor in flame retardancy. This disadvantage is improved by adding a metallic hydrate such as magnesium hydrate (Patent document 2). However, the thermoplastic resin composition having the thermoplastic polyurethane elastomer and the ethylene (co)polymer as the main components is noncompatible. or poorly compatible on its own. Therefore, the compatibility gets worse and worse by using a large amount of inorganic substances such as a metallic hydrate, and also workability, surface properties of resin and physical properties or the like deteriorate and the flame retardancy thereof was not sufficient.
In addition, resin compositions wherein compounds containing nitrogen and/or phosphor such as melamine phosphate, melamine polyphosphate and condensed phosphate ester were added to the thermoplastic polyurethane elastomer to impart flame retardancy are known (Patent document 3). However, in this case, the flame-retardant mechanism is not the one wherein the flame retardancy is provided by forming a surface intumescent layer so as to suppress a diffusion of the decomposition products and heat transmission produced when burned. Moreover, there is no description in the specification suggesting that the compatibility of the above resin composition was improved.
On the other hand, an invention wherein a specific phosphate compound and a phosphate ester flame retardant were added to the thermoplastic polyurethane elastomers in combination was disclosed (Patent document 4). However, this invention concerns a fire-retardant sealing agent which is completely different in use from electric wires and cables or the like. Moreover, there is no description suggesting that the compatibility and flame retardancy of the resin composition having the thermoplastic polyurethane elastomer and the ethylene copolymer as the main components were improved.

Flame-retardant thermoplastic resin composition

Abstract: Component (C): a (poly) phosphate compound represented by the following general formula (1).

Abstract: n in the formula (1) represents a number of 1-100; X1 is an ammonia; or a triazine derivative, represented by the following general formula (2); p is a number satisfying a relation of 0<p≦n+2;

Abstract: Component (D): a (poly) phosphate compound represented by the following general formula (3).

Abstract: r in the formula (3) represents a number of 1˜100; Y1 is a diamine containing [R1R2N (CH2)mNR3R4], piperazine or a diamine containing a piperazine ring; R1, R2, R3 and R4 are each a hydrogen atom, or a straight chain or branched alkyl group having 1˜5. carbon atoms; m is an integer of 1˜10; q is a number satisfying a relation of 0<q≦r+2;

Abstract: Component (E): phosphoric acid ester compound represented by the following general formula (4).

Abstract: R7, R8, R10 and R11 in the formula (4) represent an alkyl group having 1˜10 carbon atoms, or an aromatic group represented by the following general, formula (5); R9 represents a bivalent aromatic group represented by the following general formula (6) or (7); s is a number of 0˜30.


A system and method for handling unwanted physical mail pieces having a sorter and imager which intercepts one or more pieces of physical mail, which produces an electronic image of a front panel of each piece of mail, and which physically retains pieces of mail in temporary physical storage, and which cooperates with an optical recognizer to determine an intended recipient for each retained piece of mail, further cooperating with a server that notifies the intended recipients and receives a choice for disposition of the mail, and including a destruction which destroys said pieces of mail rejected by the intended recipient.

1. Field of the Invention
This invention pertains to technologies employed to handle physical mail such as paper envelopes, parcels, catalogs, fliers, leaflets, and packages.
2. Background of the Invention
Paper junk mail or snail-mail sent out each year is rising at an alarming rate. Most of this mail is sent unsolicited, such that it is unknown whether the recipients wish to receive it or not. Some schemes, such as coupon methods, allow the senders or sponsors of the junk mail to determine the effectiveness of the mail campaigns by tracking the number of coupons redeemed.
However, it is estimated that over half of this mail is never even opened by the recipients, amounting to approximately 4 million tons of wasted materials, not including wasted resources such as fuel to deliver the mail and fuel to remove the discarded mail.
In a first problem with the status quo, this junk mail often contains personal information such as the recipients' names and addresses. Many recipients have purchased paper shredders in order to destroy unwanted mail before discarding it.
In a second problem with the status quo, recycling costs are generally considered to be high for such materials.
One attempt to solve or reduce this problem is a service currently provided by the Direct Marketing Association ("DMA") through their "Mail Preference Service" ("MPS"). In this scheme, consumers, but not businesses, can register for a nominal fee, which places their name and address in a "do not mail" database. Members of the DMA are required by the rules of membership to delete these addressees from their mailing lists. Additionally, if an unwanted piece of mail is received by a subscriber to the service, the subscriber can forward it, at the cost of forwarding postage plus a small handling fee, to have it processed by the DMA, presumably to notify the sender to remove the addressee from their mailing list. This scheme does not reduce mail from non-DMA members, as membership is voluntary, and it is costly to the consumer. Further, it is not applicable to businesses.
Therefore, there is a growing need to handle unwanted physical mail more efficiently and cost effectively for consumers and businesses.

Intelligent physical mail handling system

International Business Machines Corporation


A solid state x-ray detector has a set of bilayers formed on its front surface. Each bilayer includes a spacing layer and an absorbing layer which have different indexes of refraction, and the impinging x-rays strike the bilayers at an angle which satisfies the Bragg condition. As a result, x-rays polarized in one direction are substantially reflected while x-rays polarized in an orthogonal direction pass through the bilayers for detection by the solid state x-ray detector.

The field of the invention is radiation detectors and, more particularly, solid state x-ray detectors used singly or in arrays.
X-ray flux density is usually measured in one of two ways. First, a scintillation element may be used to convert the impinging x-rays into a luminescent intensity which is detected by a separate photomultiplier tube or a silicon photosensitive device. Such detectors are described, for example, in U.S. Pat. No. 5,103,092. Or second, photovoltaic or photoconductive solid state diodes that are directly sensitive to impinging x-rays may be used to produce electric currents. Such x-ray detectors are disclosed, for example, in U.S. Pat. Nos. 2,885,562; 3,598,997; 3,329,815; 4,926,052; and 5,103,100. Such x-ray detectors may be used singly, or they may be combined to form arrays of detectors.
In some applications, it is desirable to polarize the x-rays that impinge on the x-ray detector. One such application is described, for example, in U.S. Pat. No. 4,227,082, where a separate polarizer element is mounted in front of the x-ray detector. This approach can become awkward and expensive in some applications where polarized x-rays are required. For example, when an array of x-ray detectors are employed the use of separate polarizer elements is complex. Or, when the polarizer is to be rotated to observe the polarization characteristics of an x-ray source, the resulting structure is awkward and expensive.

Solid state detector for polarized x-rays


An erasable ink for marking boards is provided which includes a water dispersible pigment, silica, a latex and/or a spreading agent, and water, said ink having the ability to form continuous unbroken lines on a smooth, substantially non-porous surface, said lines being erasable from said surface, after drying, by a dry eraser.

The invention relates to erasable inks for use on marker boards.
Marker boards, or "whiteboards", are writing boards which can be used in combination with a pen, instead of chalk, and erased using, e.g., a tissue or soft cloth. These boards typically are plastic or ceramic, and have a smooth, hard, glossy surface.
Erasable inks having specialized properties are required for use with marker boards. It is important that the ink be able to wet the glossy surface, that the ink dry relatively quickly, and that the dried ink be erasable with a tissue, soft cloth or felt eraser. Other desirable properties include minimal shrinkage of the ink during drying, erasability after a period of time, and minimal residue left on the board after erasing. It is also desirable that the ink be suitable for use on most or all types of marker boards, a requirement which is difficult to meet due to the different surface properties of different marker board materials.
Marker board inks are described, e.g., in U.S. Pat. Nos. 3,834,823, 3,949,132 and 4,935,461.


A method for representing a motion for two blocks. The method generally includes the steps of (A) exchanging a particular value of a plurality of values with a memory, each of the values defining which of the two blocks use which of a plurality of motion vectors based upon one of a plurality of prediction types and (B) representing the motion for the two blocks with a group comprising the particular value and up to all of the motion vectors.

Compression of digital video data is used for many applications including transmission over bandwidth-constrained channels, such as direct broadcast satellite and storage on optical media. In order to achieve more efficient compression, complex computationally intensive processes are used for encoding (compressing) and decoding (decompressing) video. For example, although MPEG-2 is known as a very efficient method for compressing video, some new, more efficient standards (i.e., "Advanced Video Coding" standard H.264 published by the International Telecommunication Union Telecommunication Standardization Sector, Geneva, Switzerland) are being developed.
In the H.264 standard, a macroblock represents a 16 horizontal (H) by 16 vertical (V) array of pixels having 16 H×16V luminance samples and 8 H×8V each of Cb and Cr chrominance samples. Referring to FIG. 1, when macroblock adaptive field/frame coding is used, macroblocks are coded in vertically adjacent pairs that comprise an array of 16 H×32V pixels 10 (i.e., 16 H×32V luminance samples and 8 H×16V each of Cb and Cr chrominance samples) from a frame. Each macroblock pair 10 is coded either as two frame macroblocks 12a-b (i.e., two sets of vertically adjacent 16 H×16V pixels from the frame) or as two field macroblocks 14a-b (i.e., one set from each of two fields of 16 H×16V pixels).
Hereafter the notation "macroblock (pair)" is used to mean (i) a single macroblock if macroblock adaptive field/frame coding is not used and (ii) a macroblock pair if macroblock adaptive field/frame coding is used. The H.264 standard defines storing motion vectors for decoded macroblocks (pairs) for use in decoding other macroblocks (pairs). Specifically, to reconstruct the motion vectors for a current macroblock (pair) a decoder uses one of two sets of motion vectors. The first set involves motion vectors from neighboring macroblocks (pairs) in a current picture. Referring to FIG. 2, the first set of constructed motion vectors for the current macroblock (pair) 18 includes motion vectors for a macroblock (pair) 20 to the left, motion vectors for a macroblock (pair) 22 above and motion vectors for a macroblock (pair) 24 above and to the right. A second set of constructed motion vectors involves co-located motion vectors in a different picture (i.e., the motion vectors from a macroblock (pair) in the same position as the current macroblock (pair) 18 but in a different picture.) Typically, a decoder embodied in an integrated circuit (IC) would use a small data cache to hold the motion vectors for one row of macroblock (pairs) for the neighbor macroblocks (pairs) in the same picture to reduce the data written to and read from an external memory, where the cache holds one macroblock (pair) row of vectors. However, the motion vectors retained for future use, such as co-located motion vectors, are typically stored to the external memory and consume considerable storage space. Unfortunately, storing or caching large numbers of motion vectors increases a cost of a decoding or encoding system. The external memories and/or internal caches are commonly large circuits to hold all of the motion vector data. Furthermore, the external memory devices are often implemented with high speed technology to maintain sufficient data transfer rates.

Dual block motion vector storage in compressed form


A cooling system for an electronics chassis includes a plurality of centrifugal blowers arranged to motivate cooling air through the electronics chassis. The centrifugal blowers are arranged in one or more sets, each having blowers oriented with respective inlets in mutual facing relationship. The orientation, positioning, and alignment of the centrifugal blowers facilitates a compact arrangement of the plurality of blowers that achieves increased aerodynamic efficiencies to reduce noise output and energy consumption.

Designers of electronic equipment have become increasingly challenged to provide high-power devices in relatively small packages. These devices require compact and highly efficient cooling systems. A typical cooling system involves moving air across one or more printed circuit boards. The flow path layout, type of air moving device, and how well it is integrated into the system are all key elements in achieving the desired performance in a small package size with limited noise.
One such electronic device is a telecommunications router which typically includes a series of electronics communications "cards" arrayed with cooling fans in a chassis. The desire to make routers more powerful, yet compact in size, leaves little space for cooling system components necessary to address ever-increasing heat loads. Conventional system designs often employ fans that are not well matched to the system pressures, or do not move air efficiently within the space constraints, and result in unacceptable noise and relatively large power consumption.
Design efforts to date typically use multiple axial fans arranged in a "tray", as illustrated in FIG. 1. The fans either push cooling air through a chassis or pull warm air out from the chassis. Higher fan speeds have been used to address increased flow requirements, but as system pressures increase, designers have responded by adding additional trays of axial fans arranged in series. An example of such series of axial fan trays is illustrated in FIG. 2. In theory, each axial fan tray handles half of the system pressure. The conventional arrangement illustrated in FIG. 2 sets forth an orientation with both fan trays downstream from the electronics being cooled in the electronics chassis, thereby pulling cooling air through the system. In other conventional arrangements, fan trays may be disposed upstream of the electronics being cooled, or fan trays being disposed both upstream and downstream of the electronics in a push-and-pull-through system. Relatively high aerodynamic efficiencies may be achieved with this type of air mover, but unfortunately require high rotational speeds that typically result in unacceptable acoustic levels.
Centrifugal blowers are better suited for the higher pressures encountered in high cooling load applications. However, centrifugal blowers have not typically been considered for electronics chassis cooling, particularly in compact arrangements, due to their relatively larger physical size. As a result, centrifugal blowers have not commonly been considered for fit within cooling system packaging space. For example, a single inlet centrifugal blower sized to match the performance of two axial fans in series can require twice the volumetric space, be less efficient, and result in a less uniform flow field.
It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a cooling system that simultaneously increases performance and reduces noise of conventional air movers.
It is a further object of the present invention to provide a cooling arrangement that is particularly well suited for cooling densely populated electronic components, such as telecommunication edge routers.


A magnifying optical system for endoscope which can be set at least in a usual observing condition (at a wide position) and a condition for observing a magnified image of an object at a short distance (at a tele position) by moving any of one of lens units, and is configured so as to satisfy a condition mentioned below, thereby providing a sufficient observation depth in each observing condition:f(W)/F(T)>0.93.   (1)

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a magnifying optical system for endoscope, and more specifically an objective lens system (optical system) for endoscope which has a vari-focal function, thereby permitting observation of a magnified image.
2. Description of the Prior Art
In recent years, an increasing demand is posed in a medical field for an optical system which permits observation of a magnified image for precise diagnosis of a location which has changed to a morbid state.
Optical systems which are disclosed by official patent publications mentioned below are known as conventional examples of optical system which permits observation of such a magnified image, and is of a type which consists of three positive, negative and positive lens units, and performs a magnification change and focusing by moving the second negative lens unit:                Japanese Patent Kokoku Publication No. Sho-61-44283        Japanese Patent Kokai Application No. Hei 6-317744        Japanese Patent Kokai Application No. Hei 11-316339
Furthermore, a conventional example which is disclosed by the following official patent publication is known as an optical system which is composed of three negative, positive and negative lens units, and configured to perform a magnification change and focusing by moving the second positive lens unit:                Japanese Patent Kokai Publication No. 2000-267002
In order to enhance diagnostic precision, on the other hand, demands are posed for endoscopes which form image of higher qualities and it has been started to adopt image pickup devices on which picture elements are arranged in a number larger than conventional. It is therefore necessary to configure an image pickup optical system so as to have high performance which copes with such image pickup devices on which the picture element are arranged at large numbers.
In case of observation with an endoscope, for example, it is demanded to obtain an image having an image quality which is not lowered from a far point to a near point in an observation depth of an image pickup optical system, and it is therefore necessary for meeting this demand to use an image pickup optical system which has nearly pan-focus performance which is obtained by enlarging an large F number, or reducing an aperture of an aperture stop.
On the other hand, it is necessary to configure an image pickup optical system so as to satisfy the following Rayleigh limit condition to prevent an image quality from being lowered due to a diffraction phenomenon which is allowed to occur when an F number is enlarged, or an aperture of an aperture stop is reduced:Fno<1.64P/λ                wherein a reference symbol Fno represents an F number of an image pickup optical system, a reference symbol P designates a pitch of picture elements arranged on the image pickup device and a reference symbol λ denotes a wavelength.
It will be understood from the above-mentioned formula that so large an F number cannot be obtained as picture elements are arranged at a smaller pitch P or, or in a larger number of an image pickup device. Accordingly, arrangement of picture elements in a larger number of an image pickup device may result in an insufficient observation depth of an image pickup optical system, thereby making it impossible to obtain a desired image quality.
In a case where a magnifying endoscope is set in a condition for observing a magnified image of an object at a short distance (at a tele position) in particular, the short distance between an objective lens system and the object makes it necessary to reserve a sufficient image quality on a side of a near point of an observation depth and an aperture of an aperture stop is usually reduced to a diffraction limit.
In this case, a conventional magnifying endoscope poses no problem in practical use since the endoscope provides a sufficient observation depth even when an F number is changed by moving a lens system from a condition for observing a magnified image of an object at a short distance (tele position) to a usual observing condition (wide position).
In the optical system disclosed by Japanese Patent Kokoku Publication No. Sho 61-44283, Japanese Patent Kokai Publication No. Hei 6-317744 and Japanese Patent Kokai Publication No. Hei 11-316339 out of the above-mentioned conventional examples, movable lenses are disposed after aperture stops and exit pupils are moved from the image side to the object side for observing magnified images. For this reason, F numbers in usual observing conditions are smaller than those in conditions for observing magnified images.
When the conventional optical system disclosed by these patent publications are used in combination with image pickup device on which picture elements are arranged in large numbers, the optical systems will have too small F numbers in the usual observing conditions even if the F numbers are reduced to the diffraction limit, thereby having short depths and posing problems in practical use.
Furthermore, Japanese Patent Kokai Publication No. 2000-267002 discloses a magnifying optical system for endoscope of a type having an F number which is not different between a usual observing condition and a condition for observing a magnified image.
The magnifying optical system for endoscope disclosed by this patent consists of three negative, positive and negative lens units, and performs a magnification change and focusing by moving the second lens unit.
However, since this optical system uses only one positive lens unit, the movable second lens unit tends to have strong power.
Accordingly, this optical system allows aberrations to be changed remarkably between a usual observing condition and a condition for observing a magnified image, and cannot meet a demand for a high image quality. This optical system allows a remarkable change of chromatic aberration in particular which is a cause of image color oozing.
Furthermore, Japanese Patent Kokai Publication No. 2000-67002 discloses an optical system consisting of three positive, negative and positive lens units, out of which the second lens unit is movable. However, an optical system of this type allows an F number to be changed remarkably between a usual observing condition and a condition for observing a magnified image, thereby posing a problem which is similar to those posed by the optical systems disclosed by Japanese Patent Kokoku Publication No. Sho 61-44283, Japanese Patent Kokai Publication No. Hei 6-317744 and Japanese Patent Kokai Publication No. Hei 11-316339.
Furthermore, the above-mentioned Japanese Patent Kokoku Publication No. Sho 61-44283 discloses an objective lens system for endoscope having a high magnification, which is problematic for practical use since the optical system has a narrow visual field in a usual observing condition, thereby making it difficult to perform such works as screening interiors of living bodies for finding morbid portions, treatment of the morbid portions and the like.


A battery pack includes a battery unit including rechargeable batteries, a sensing board, the sensing board configured to process status information detected from the batteries, and a harness wire, the harness wire connecting the batteries and the sensing board so that the status information can be transmitted to the sensing board.

1. Field
Embodiments relate to a battery pack including a sensing board and a power storage system employing the same.
2. Description of the Related Art
A battery pack is an electrical storage device fabricated by connecting a plurality of batteries, and may be used as a storage device of a power storage system, which stores power in each of the batteries and provides the power if necessary, for example.

Battery pack including sensing board and power storage system employing the same


An exemplary latching system includes, among other things, a striker, a latch assembly that engages the striker to transition the latch assembly to a latched position, and a bumper containing rheological material. The bumper contacts the striker when the latch assembly is in the latched position. An exemplary latching method includes, among other things, contacting a striker with a bumper when a latch assembly engages the striker in a latched position, and increasing a hardness of the bumper by aligning particles within rheological material of the bumper.

A vehicle can include a first member, a second member, and a latching system. The first member can be moveable relative to the second member between an open and closed position. The latching system secures the first member relative to the second member when the first and second members are in the closed position.
In one example, the first member can be a door and the second member a vehicle frame. When the door is closed, a latch assembly of the latching system engages a striker mounted on the vehicle frame to secure the door to the vehicle frame. In another example, the first member can be a deck lid. When the deck lid is closed, a latch assembly engages a striker of the vehicle frame to secure the deck lid to the vehicle frame.
The latching system can include a compressible bumper. When the latching system is securing the first member to the second member, the bumper can press against portions of the latch assembly, the vehicle frame, or both to address movements of the first member relative to the second member. The relative movements can be caused by vibrations as the vehicle is operated. The relative movements can result in noise as the first member and second member contact each other. Some bumpers can be incorporated to instead, or additionally, address noise, vibration, harshness, buzzes, squeaks, rattles, or some combination of these. The bumpers can influence closing and opening efforts associated with moving the first member relative to the second member.

Latching system and latching method utilizing rheological material


The substrate processing apparatus includes a processing unit and a transfer unit that transfers a substrate into the processing unit. The processing unit includes a support unit that supports the substrate in the process chamber. The support unit includes a support on which the substrate is placed and an edge ring that surrounds the substrate placed on the support and that is detachable from the support. The transfer unit includes a hand having a top side on which the substrate is placed and a fixing member that is provided in the hand and that fixes the edge ring to a bottom side of the hand with an electrostatic force. The fixing member includes a first electrode and second electrode, and the transfer unit further includes a voltage applying device that applies voltages of different polarities to the first electrode and the second electrode.

Embodiments of the inventive concept described herein relate to a transfer unit and a substrate processing apparatus including the same.
In order to manufacture semiconductor devices, various processes such as photolithography, etching, ashing, ion implantation, thin-film deposition, cleaning, and the like are performed on a substrate to form desired patterns thereon. In etching process equipment used for the etching process among the aforementioned processes, parts used over a predetermined period of time have to be replaced in view of the amounts by which the parts are etched and a variation in the electric fields therein. Especially, a substrate processing apparatus mainly uses an electrostatic chuck to clamp a substrate. An edge ring provided around the electrostatic chuck to surround the substrate is directly exposed to chemical etching and physical etching and hence etched fast. Therefore, the edge ring has to be frequently replaced. In the related art, an edge ring is manually replaced by a worker while a chamber is at atmospheric pressure, or an edge ring is replaced by using a lift actuator around a chuck. However, these methods require a number of driving parts and therefore have problems in terms of generation of particles and a failure in control of the driving parts.

Transfer unit and substrate processing apparatus including the same


A distributed acoustic sensor, comprises a housing having a longitudinal bore therethrough, an optical fiber supported in the bore; and an inertial member supported within the bore, wherein the fiber is mechanically coupled to the inertial member. The inertial member may include a weight and may provides isotropic stiffness such that it deforms more readily in a first direction normal to the bore than it does in a second direction that is normal to both the bore and the first direction. The sensor may include a plurality of axially-spaced centralizers in the bore, and at least one of the inertial member and the centralizers may comprise swellable material.

The use of backscattered light in fiber optic cables has found increasing acceptance in a variety of applications. Because light can be backscattered from any location along the length of a fiber, information can be obtained over significant distances and such systems are often referred to as "distributed" sensors.
Because distortion or deformation of the fiber can be sensed, distributed sensors comprised of fiber optic cable can be used to sense temperature, pressure, strain, acoustic events, and the like. Distributed systems have been used advantageously in oilfield applications, in traffic monitoring, and in military/security applications, among others. In particular, distributed acoustic sensing (DAS) systems are finding increased usage for sensing seismic events, i.e. acoustic signals that have been transmitted at least partly along a path through the earth.
In a typical fiber optic-based distributed sensing system, one or more fiber optic cables designed to collect distributed strain or acoustic measurements are deployed in a desired location and coupled to the sensing subject by suitable means. In oilfield applications, the cables may be distributed in one or more boreholes, in or on the surface of the earth, and/or in or on a seafloor. One or more light boxes containing laser light sources and signal-receiving means are optically coupled to the fiber. In some embodiments, the light source may be a long coherence length phase-stable laser that is used to transmit direct sequence spread spectrum encoded light down the fiber. The cable may be double-ended, i.e. may be bent in the middle so that both ends of the cable are at the source, or it may be single-ended, with one end at the source and the other end at a point that is remote from the source. The length of the cable can range from a few meters to several kilometers, or even hundreds of kilometers. In any case, measurements can be based solely on backscattered light, if there is a light-receiving means only at the source end of the cable, or a light receiving means can be provided at the second end of the cable, so that the intensity of light received at the second end of the fiber optic cable can also be measured.
When it is desired to make measurements, the light source transmits at least one light pulse into the end of the fiber optic cable and a backscattered signal is received at the signal-receiving means. Localized strain or other disruptions cause small changes to the fiber, which in turn produce changes in the backscattered light signal. The returning light signal thus contains both information about the deformation of the fiber and location information indicating where along the fiber it occurred. Known optical time-domain reflectometry (OTDR) methods can be used to infer information about the sensing subject based on the backscattered signal from one or more segments of the fiber adjacent to the subject. In some instances, the location of the backscattering reflection at a point along the fiber is determined using spread spectrum encoding, which uniquely encodes the time of flight along the length of the fiber, dividing the fiber into discrete channels along its length.
Because of the nature of backscattering measurements, deformations that affect the distance between the back-scatterer and the light source, i.e. axial deformations, are much more detectable than lateral deformations. This in turn reduces their utility. It is therefore desirable to provide a DAS system in which sensitivity to lateral, or "cross-axial" or "broadside," signals is improved. It is further desirable to provide a DAS system that has improved directivity, or azimuthal anisotropy.

Fiber optic cable with increased directional sensitivity


Usage rights to digital content are dynamically assigned. Various dynamic conditions are monitored and the usage rights are adjusted in a predetermined manner based on the status of dynamic conditions. The dynamic conditions include the time of day, the load on a server or network, or the like. The resolution of an image can be determined based on the conditions and the image can be rendered using subband decomposition techniques to permit variable resolution images to be constructed on the fly.

This application is related to Applicants"" patent applications entitled METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR TRANSFERRING USAGE RIGHTS AND DIGITAL WORK HAVING TRANSFERRABLE USAGE RIGHTS Ser. No. 09/867,746, METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR ESTABLISHING USAGE RIGHTS FOR DIGITAL CONTENT TO BE CREATED IN THE FUTURE Ser. No. 09/867,747, DEMARCATED DIGITAL CONTENT AND METHOD FOR CREATING AND PROCESSING DEMARCATED DIGITAL WORKS Ser. No. 09/867,754, METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR ASSIGNING CONDITIONAL OR CONSEQUENTIAL RIGHTS TO DOCUMENTS AND DOCUMENTS HAVING SUCH RIGHTS Ser. No. 09/867,749, and METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR HIERARCHICAL ASSIGNMENT OF RIGHTS TO DOCUMENTS AND DOCUMENTS HAVING SUCH RIGHTS Ser. No. 09/867,748, which are being filed concurrently herewith, and are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.
This invention relates generally to distribution of digital works and more particularly to digital works having dynamic usage rights.
One of the most important issues impeding the widespread distribution of digital works or documents (i.e. documents in forms readable by computers), via electronic means, and the Internet in particular, is the current lack of ability to enforce the intellectual property rights of content owners during the distribution and use of digital works. Efforts to resolve this problem have been termed xe2x80x9cIntellectual Property Rights Managementxe2x80x9d (xe2x80x9cIPRMxe2x80x9d), xe2x80x9cDigital Property Rights Managementxe2x80x9d (xe2x80x9cDPRMxe2x80x9d), xe2x80x9cIntellectual Property Managementxe2x80x9d (xe2x80x9cIPMxe2x80x9d), xe2x80x9cRights Managementxe2x80x9d (xe2x80x9cRMxe2x80x9d), and xe2x80x9cElectronic Copyright Managementxe2x80x9d (xe2x80x9cECMxe2x80x9d), collectively referred to as xe2x80x9cDigital rights management (DRM)xe2x80x9d herein. There are a number of issues to be considered in digital rights management: authentication, authorization, accounting, payment and financial clearing, rights specification, rights verification, rights enforcement, and document protection for example. U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,530,235, 5,634,012, 5,715,403, 5,638,443, and 5,629,980, the disclosures of which are incorporated herein by reference, disclose DRM concepts addressing these issues.
In the world of printed documents, a work created by an author is usually provided to a publisher, which formats and prints numerous copies of the work. The copies are then sent by a distributor to bookstores or other retail outlets, from which the copies are purchased by end users. While the low quality of copying and the high cost of distributing printed material have served as deterrents to unauthorized copying of most printed documents, it is far too easy to copy, modify, and redistribute unprotected digital works. Accordingly, some method of protecting digital works is necessary to make it more difficult to copy them without authorization.
Unfortunately, it has been widely recognized that it is difficult to prevent, or even deter people from making unauthorized distributions of electronic works within current general-purpose computing and communications systems such as personal computers, workstations, and other devices connected over communications networks, such as local area networks (LANs), intranets, and the Internet. Many attempts to provide hardware-based solutions to prevent unauthorized copying have proven to be unsuccessful. The proliferation of high band-width xe2x80x9cbroadbandxe2x80x9d communications technologies will render it even more convenient to distribute large documents electronically, including video files such as full length motion pictures, and thus will remove any remaining deterrents to unauthorized distribution of digital works. Accordingly, DRM technologies are becoming a high priority.
Two basic DRM schemes have been employed to attempt to solve the document protection problem: secure containers and trusted systems. A xe2x80x9csecure containerxe2x80x9d (or simply an encrypted document) offers a way to keep document contents encrypted until a set of authorization conditions are met and some copyright terms are honored (e.g., payment for use). After the various conditions and terms are verified with the document provider, the document is released to the user in clear form. Commercial products such as IBM""s CRYPTOLOPES and InterTrust""s DIGIBOXES fall into this category. Clearly, the secure container approach provides a solution to protecting the document during delivery over insecure channels, but does not provide any mechanism to prevent legitimate users from obtaining the clear document and then using and redistributing it in violation of content owners"" intellectual property.
Cryptographic mechanisms are typically used to encrypt (or xe2x80x9cencipherxe2x80x9d) documents that are then distributed and stored publicly, and ultimately privately deciphered by authorized users. This provides a basic form of protection during document delivery from a document distributor to an intended user over a public network, as well as during document storage on an insecure medium.
In the xe2x80x9ctrusted systemxe2x80x9d approach, the entire system is responsible for preventing unauthorized use and distribution of the document. Building a trusted system usually entails introducing new hardware such as a secure processor, secure storage and secure rendering devices. This also requires that all software applications that run on trusted systems be certified to be trusted. While building tamper-proof trusted systems is a real challenge to existing technologies, current market trends suggest that open and untrusted systems such as PC""s and workstations using browsers to access the Web, will be the dominant systems used to access digital works. In this sense, existing computing environments such as PCs and workstations equipped with popular operating systems (e.g., Windows(trademark), Linux(trademark), and UNIX) and rendering applications such as browsers are not trusted systems and cannot be made trusted without significantly altering their architectures. Of course, alteration of the architecture defeats a primary purpose of the Web, i.e. flexibility and compatibility.
U.S. Pat. No. 5,634,012, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference, discloses a system for controlling the distribution of digital documents. Each rendering device has a repository associated therewith. A predetermined set of usage transaction steps define a protocol used by the repositories for carrying out usage rights associated with a document. Usage rights are encapsulated with the document content or otherwise associated with the document to travel with the document. The usage rights can permit various types of use such as, viewing only, use once, distribution, and the like. Rights can be granted based on payment or other conditions and are generally set prior to distribution to the user. For example the rights may grant the user certain privileges, such as the ability to view and print the content, in exchange for a specific fee. However, there are dynamic conditions that affect the cost or desirability of distributing a document. Conventional DRM techniques do not account for such dynamic conditions.
A first aspect of the invention is a method of dynamically assigning usage rights to digital content comprising storing the digital content on computer readable media, associating usage rights with the digital content, determining the status of one or more dynamic conditions, and adjusting the usage rights in a predetermined manner based on the status of the dynamic conditions.
A second aspect of the invention is computer readable media having instructions for dynamically assigning usage rights to digital content including instructions for determining the status of one or more dynamic conditions and instructions for adjusting the usage rights in a predetermined manner based on the status of dynamic conditions.

Method and apparatus for dynamically assigning usage rights to digital works


Designs of multi-band sensor array to generate multi-spectral images are disclosed. According to one aspect of the present invention, a multi-band sensor array includes one linear sensor configured to sense a scene in panchromatic spectrum to produce a panchromatic (PAN) sensing signal, and four color-band linear sensors to sense the same scene in different color bands to produce respective sensing signals. These sensors are packaged in a single module that is disposed on a single optical plane when used to scan a scene. A multi-spectral image is produced by combining these sensing signals. Further a unique packaging of the sensor array and a combination of soft and hard PCB are disclosed to withstand extremes in a harsh environment.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention is generally related to the area of image sensors and scanning technologies, and more particularly is related to image sensors with multiple bands suitable for use in various scanning applications including remote sensing.
2. Description of the Related Art
Remote sensing is related to the acquisition of information about an object or phenomenon without making physical contact with the object. In modern usage, the term generally refers to the use of aerial sensor technologies to detect and classify objects on Earth (both on the surface, and in the atmosphere and oceans).
There are two main types of remote sensing: passive remote sensing and active remote sensing. Passive remote sensing detects natural radiation that is emitted or reflected by the object or surrounding areas. Reflected sunlight is the most common source of radiation measured by passive sensors. Examples of passive remote sensors used in the passive remote sensing include film photography, infrared, and charge-coupled devices (CCD), and radiometers. Active remote sensing, on the other hand, emits energy in order to scan objects and areas whereupon a sensor then detects and measures the radiation that is reflected or backscattered from the target. RADAR is an example of active remote sensing, where the time delay between emission and return is measured, establishing the location, height, speed and direction of an object being radiated by the emitted energy (electromagnetic waves).
One of the passive remote sensing techniques is to use what is commonly referred to as remote sensing instrument (RSI) that includes multiple linear image sensors to capture a ground scene. A satellite map or image is then formed from respective signals from the multiple linear image sensors. For example, an exemplary RSI may use one panchromatic (PAN) signal and four Multi-Spectral (MS) signals from the multiple linear image sensors. In general, besides the PAN signal, there are four MS signals Blue (B), Green (G), Red (R), and Near Infrared (NIR), which are used to create a colorful satellite image.
In a high resolution and high performance RSI, the instrument needs 5 individual linear sensor arrays. The pixel size and number of pixel element are determined by the optical system for the individual linear sensor arrays, the satellite orbit and the swath width. For imagery at 720 km above the earth, the optical reduction is about 200,000. The pixel size of 10 um represents 2 meters resolution on the ground. For a linear sensor of 12,000 pixels, the image swath width is 24 km. The resolution of the PAN signal is normally higher than that of the MS signals. Thus the pixel size for the pixels generating the MS signals is typically larger and the pixel number is smaller than that of the pixel size for the pixels generating the PAN signal.
In the remote sensing applications, the current RSI uses folding mirrors to guide the different ray traces (incoming lights) to different optical planes, where one or more individual sensor arrays are positioned. FIG. 1 shows a mirror block to fold different ray traces (via respective filters) and project a corresponding colored ray onto one designated sensor array. Each of the MS CCD-based arrays is located on an independent optical plane. FIG. 2 shows another way to use folding mirrors to design a RSI. The folding mirror guiding the PAN ray trace to a PAN focal plane while the MS folding mirrors direct the MS ray traces to the MS focal planes. The focal planes of PAN and MS are different optical planes. The folding optical methods require very complicated optical system design.
As the sensor arrays used in the current RSI are commonly CCD-based devices while other circuits (e.g., AGC and amplifiers) are CMOS-based. It is well known that the integration of the CCD sensors and the CMOS-based circuitry requires very sophisticate skill sets given the working conditions in which a RSI operates. The RSI needs to operate in space, thus the RSI system designs are required to consider the thermal, structure and mechanical extremes in the space. These considerations and resulting design parameters often cause the RSI designs very complicated, hard to make and bulky.
There is thus a great need for different architectures of RSI that may have small footprint, broad operating wavelength range, enhanced impact performance, lower cost, and easier manufacturing process.
Likewise, such architectures may make it possible to be used in other applications such as detecting counterfeit currency or authenticating certain certificates or cards.


A lock assembly has a casing, a securing axle and a wheel. The securing axle is mounted rotatably in the casing and has a threaded end extending out of the casing. The wheel is mounted rotatably in the casing and selectively engages with the securing axle to rotate the securing axle. By rotating the wheel and the securing axle simultaneously, the threaded end of the securing axle can be screwed into an article. When the wheel disengages from the securing axle, the wheel cannot rotate the securing axle to keep the securing axle in the article. Then the article is in a position in cooperation with a cable.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a lock, and more particularly to a lock assembly can be used to secure an object in a position conveniently in cooperation with a cable.
2. Description of Related Art
Locks are widely used to prevent objects from being stolen and are developed into different types for different purposes. But, locks of securing an object in a position are not fully developed.
When articles are displayed in a business show or in stores, the articles are probably fastened via ropes or steel cables in concern of the articles. However, to fasten an article via ropes or steel cables is troublesome and time consuming. Moreover, unauthorized personnel might still untie the ropes or the steel cables and steal the articles.
To overcome the shortcomings, the present invention provides a lock assembly to obviate or mitigate the aforementioned problems.


A cord-operated control system for a venetian blind, in which a housing, attached to the head rail, holds a first drive wheel that is operatively connected to a driven bind member that rotates in opposite directions to open and close the blind with rotation of the first drive wheel in opposite directions and a second drive wheel that is operatively connected to the first drive wheel, so that the first drive wheel rotates in opposite directions with rotation of the second drive wheel in opposite directions. An endless loop operating cord is looped over the second drive wheel, so that an axial pulling force on only one of the depending portions of the operating cord on opposite sides of the second drive wheel causes the second drive wheel to rotate in one of the opposite directions. As a safety feature, a release disconnects the drive wheels from each only if there is an axial pulling force on both depending portions of the operating cord simultaneously.

This application claims priority to European Application No. 01204916.9 filed Dec. 17, 2001 and European Application No. 02076366 filed Apr. 8, 2002. Each of the above-identified patent applications is hereby incorporated by reference as if fully disclosed herein.
1. Field of the Invention
This invention relates generally to a control system for operating and positioning a covering for an architectural opening, such as a window blind (e.g., a horizontal or vertical venetian blind). This invention particularly relates to a control system which includes a drive wheel for positioning a blind and an endless-loop operating cord, looped over the drive wheel, so that depending portions of the cord are on opposite sides of the drive wheel. This invention quite particularly relates to a safety device for such a control system that includes means for allowing the cord to be detached from the drive wheel when a generally downward force is exerted simultaneously on both depending portions of the cord.
2. Description of the Relevant Art
Means for releasing an endless-loop operating cord, in its entirety, from a control system of a window blind to ensure the safety of children that might become entangled in the cord are described in EP 0 869 254. The operating cord of EP 0 869 254 depends from opposite sides of a drive wheel but is not looped over the drive wheel. Rather, its operating cord is slidably attached to a mounting plate, which is releasably mounted on a mounting support, and the cord is kept in operative engagement with the lower half of the drive wheel by the mounting plate. When both depending portions of the cord are pulled at the same time, the mounting plate is released from the mounting support, thereby releasing the cord from the control system, thereby preventing possible injury to a child whose head may have become entangled in the cord.
However a drawback of the system of EP 0 869 254 is that since its operating cord is not slung over its drive wheel as is conventional, extra parts (at extra cost) must be provided to guide and maintain the cord in operative engagement with the drive wheel. These extra parts include the mounting plate, mounting support and a pair of pulleys located on the mounting plate. This system is also less energy efficient in positioning the blind, for a given effort pulling downwardly on one depending portion of the cord. Furthermore, the extra parts make failure of the control system, in routine operation of the blind, more likely.
In accordance with this invention, a cord-operated control system for a covering for an architectural opening is provided which includes:
a housing;
a first drive wheel that is operatively connected to a driven blind member, adapted to rotate in opposite directions to open and close the covering; the first drive wheel being adapted to rotate in opposite directions and being connected to the driven blind member, so that the driven blind member rotates with the first drive wheel;
a second drive wheel that is adapted to rotate in opposite directions within the housing, is rotatably connected to the housing and is operatively connected to the first drive wheel, so that the first drive wheel rotates with the second drive wheel;
an operating cord that is an endless loop and is looped over the second drive
wheel and has first and second, cord portions depending from opposite sides of the second drive wheel, whereby an axial pulling force on only the first cord portion causes the second drive wheel to rotate in a first direction and an axial pulling force on only the second cord portion causes the second drive wheel to rotate in an opposite second direction; and
release means for disconnecting, preferably non-destructively disconnecting, the second drive wheel from the first drive wheel only when there is an axial pulling force on both the first and second cord portions simultaneously.
In one advantageous embodiment, both the first and second drive wheels are rotatably mounted in the housing, and the release means are for dismounting the second drive wheel from the housing when there is the axial pulling force on both the first and second cord portions simultaneously.
In a further advantageous embodiment, the second drive wheel is operatively connected to the first drive wheel by a third drive wheel and an auxiliary operating cord. Advantageously, both the second drive wheel and the third drive wheel are rotatably mounted in the housing, the auxiliary drive cord is an endless loop and is looped over the first drive wheel and the third drive wheel to operatively connect them, and wherein, when the second drive wheel is rotated, it causes the third drive wheel to rotate, which in turn causes the auxiliary operating cord to drive the first drive wheel to rotate and thus causes the driven member to rotate.
In a still further advantageous embodiment, the release means are for disconnecting a lower portion of the housing with a drive wheel from an upper portion of the housing with another drive wheel. Advantageously, the release means comprises a releasable snap engagement arrangement between the lower and upper housing portions.
In a yet further advantageous embodiment, the second and third drive wheels are coaxially connected, and the release means are for disconnecting the coaxially-connected, second and third drive wheels. Advantageously, the release means comprises a releasable snap fit arrangement between the second and third drive wheels.
Further aspects of the invention will be apparent from the detailed description below of particular embodiments and the drawings thereof.

Safety device for cord-operated control system


A battery type screw driver has an auxiliary switch 39 in addition to a main switch 37. A clutch 30 is provided between a driving shaft 16 and a driven shaft 11. A central bore 32 is formed along the central axis of the driving shaft 16. The operation bar 33 passes through the bore 32. A front end part of the operation bar 33 is connected to the driven shaft 11, while a rear end part thereof protrudes backwardly of the driving shaft 16. An auxiliary switch 39 is disposed in series with the main switch 37 in an electric circuit between the motor 8 and a battery 35. The auxiliary switch 39 is turned on when depressed by the operation bar 33 sliding backward when the screw 24 is fastened. The operation bar slides coaxially with the central axis of the driving shaft.

Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a battery type screw driver.
Related Background Art
A conventional AC/battery screw driver is provided with only a main switch without an auxiliary switch. Hence, a motor is actuated during operations other than an actual fastening process, which include an operation for confirming a screw fitting location and an operation for fitting of the screw to a bit. Consequently, there arise the following problems. (1) A loss in energy is caused especially when the battery serves as a motive power supply, resulting in a reduction inwork done per charging. (2) The motor and gear sounds are continuously generated during the operation to cause noises.
Japanese Patent Laid-Open Publication No. 61-76281 discloses a screw driver which can obviate the defects described above.
In the screw driver, the motor is rotated when the screw driver is pushed against a screw in a state of depressing the main switch. For this purpose, as illustrated in FIG. 17, the screw driver includes a microswitch as an auxiliary switch 1. This auxiliary switch 1 is disposed in series with the main switch in a driving circuit of the motor. The auxiliary switch 1 does not function simply by applying the bit 2 to the screw 3 (FIG. 17A). When the bit 2 is pushed against the screw 3, a driving shaft 4, front cover 5a, and a load detection unit 5 are all together moved backwards by the reaction thereof. The auxiliary switch is thereby turned on (FIG. 17B). Then, the motor is actuated for the first time, thus rotating the bit 2 through the driving shaft 4.
The conventional screw driver described above is, however, provided with the ring-like load detection unit 5. The load detection unit 5 slides in accordance with a sliding motion of the driving shaft 4. The auxiliary switch 1 is depressed by a projection 6 formed on the unit 5. The projection 6 exists in a position deviated largely from the driving shaft 4. There is a possibility that the operation of the auxiliary switch 1 is inaccurate. Further, the auxiliary switch 1 has to be provided in a gear box G behind the driving shaft 4. It is troublesome to install the auxiliary switch 1, and the auxiliary switch 1 is apt to be out of order. Besides, if grease in the gear box permeates the auxiliary switch 1, electrical trouble could result.


An approach is provided for adjusting camera shots. The approach involves receiving, via a sensor of a mobile device, an audio signal during a video recording of a subject by a camera of the mobile device. The approach also involves determining, at the mobile device, an audio level in a vicinity of the subject based on the received audio signal, wherein the audio level represents a change in pitch, pace, and cadence of a sound produced by the subject. The approach additionally involves determining that the audio level triggers a shot adjustment state. In the alternative or in addition to, the shot adjustment state is triggered by facial expression of the subject. The approach further involves dynamically adjusting, in response to the shot adjustment state, one or more camera parameters of the camera to alter a shot of the subject by the camera during the video recording. The camera parameters relate to either zoom control, aperture, lighting, or a combination thereof.

The prevalence and convenience of cameras, particularly by way of smartphones, have seen a remarkable growth in "amateur" production of video content. Moreover, the "selfie" generation, coupled with social media outlets, has caused more and more content to be generated. The notion of a "selfie" is that the camera operator self-operates the camera without assistance from anyone else, such that the camera operator is also the subject of the photo or video recording. At times, these self-productions can be monetized. With instructional and reality-based content, everyone is a potential producer. As such, monetization demands greater quality in the video production. However, most camera operators/producers traditionally do not have training in filmmaking to improve their production quality, without additional resources and expense.
Therefore, there is a need for a mechanism to assist with camera shot making that supports single user operation.

Method and system for dynamically adjusting camera shots


Text-to-speech streaming data is output to an end user using a distributed network based message processing system. The distributed network system includes a user access server that controls access of registered users to the data retrieval system. An internetwork data retrieval system server retrieves raw data from an internetwork. A text-to-speech server converts the raw data to an audible speech data. A memory storage output device stores a streaming media file containing the audible speech data and a streaming media server transmits the audible speech data to the registered users via the internetwork.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates in general to streaming data, and more specifically, to a distributed network based system for retrieving data from an internetwork and converting the data to text-to-speech for a registered user.
2. Description of the Related Art
In today's advanced electronic economy, information is retrieved from a variety of sources using various devices. News and stock reports, email messages, and sports information are only some of the information retrieved from devices such as pagers, advanced phone systems, and the internet. Given the busy schedule of people's lifestyle, it is understood that a majority of the people are trying to accomplish an increasing number of tasks in a given time period or schedule. Reading reports and messages to remain updated or informed on the economy becomes an increasingly time consuming event. Reading newsworthy updates and events in electronic format usually requires focus on the subject matter at hand. Furthermore, extended work hours especially for that portion of the economy that performs much of their work on the computer do not find it pleasing to read such updates and events on the computer at the end of a workday.
Text-to-speech conversion can be performed by software tools that have become available. Text-to-speech software converts words in electronic form to audible form. However, while many products convert text-to-speech, such products are designed to be installed on a single user's computer. These software products require a large amount of memory allocation and periodically require updating due to advances made in the field of text-to-speech applications which can become costly, including the initial installation, to the end user over time if the end user desires to maintain the latest technology.

Distributed network based message processing system for text-to-speech streaming data