A juvenile product includes a frame with a rail, the rail including first and second rail sections, a latch assembly coupling the first and second rail sections and configured to reside in a latched state for an in-use orientation of the rail, and an elastic bias element coupled to the first rail section or the second rail section and configured to be under tension in or near the in-use orientation such that the elastic bias element drives the rail away from the in-use orientation when the rail is near the in-use orientation with the latch assembly not in the latched state.

1. Field of the Disclosure
The present disclosure is generally directed to juvenile products, and more particularly to top rail and latch constructions for playards.
2. Description of Related Art
Playards often have top rails with latching mechanisms. Each side and each end of a typical playard has a top rail. In many cases, each top rail has two rail sections pivotally connected to one another at the center of the top rail via a latching mechanism. The latching mechanism is configured to retain the top rail in a stiff, often linear condition for use. The latching mechanism is also configured to release the top rail to a loose condition for folding the playard. In the loose condition, each top rail can be folded, essentially in half, to allow compact folding of the playard.
Many playard designs have employed top rails that are generally straight or linear when in the stiff condition or in-use orientation. Some, more recent, playard designs have employed upwardly curved top rails at one or both ends of the playard. The curved rails provide a different aesthetic appearance to distinguish, for instance, a more upscale product platform.
A typical latching mechanism locks each top rail section independently and separately from one another. As a result, the top rail sections can pivot relative to the latching mechanism independent of one another. The top rail is then typically covered by fabric soft goods to hide or mask the underlying structures and components. When released, the latching mechanism usually moves downward, dropping the two rail sections at the center. When latched, the latching mechanism usually moves upward, raising the two rail sections until locking in the stiff condition.
Unfortunately, caregivers do not always receive visual confirmation that the top rail sections are fully latched because the top rails are covered with soft goods. One or both of the rail sections may fail at times to fully lock in place during set up or assembly. This condition is referred to herein as a false latch, or as "false latching."
False latch conditions remain rather visible with most existing playards with linear or straight top rails. The weight of the latching mechanism and soft goods tend to pull down the latching mechanism, leaving the top rail in a bent configuration. The state of the latch is often thus readily discernable to a caregiver.
On some designs with curved top rails, however, a false latching condition may not be readily visible or noticeable. With a curved top rail, the outer end pivot point of each top rail section is positioned at a lower elevation than the inner pivot points at the latching mechanism when latched. Thus, the curvature and geometry of the rail sections may tend to retain the latching mechanism in the elevated, nearly locked, i.e. false latched, condition without one or both of the rail sections being fully locked and latched. The tautness of the soft goods between the outer pivot points and below the latching mechanism, in conjunction with the pivot geometry, may also assist in creating and masking the false latching condition.


In a method of the invention for assisting the piloting of an aircraft, a guard curve (CGS) is determined as a function of the resources of the aircraft, the position of an obstacle (O) or a terrain point situated in front of the aircraft is measured by telemetry, the distance D between the guard curve and the obstacle (O) or the terrain point is calculated, and a pull-down order or a pull-up order is produced as a function of the distance D.

Flying as close as possible to obstacles so as to perform a contour flight (civil or military) or a tactical flight (military) is extremely difficult since the pilot can rely only on what can be seen, on external aids (sensors and cameras), usually without any distance information, and on knowledge about the aircraft being flown (specifically the resources it has available and its load factors).
Under conditions of poor visibility or at night, flights of this type become practically impossible.
At best, the aids to piloting that are presently available provide information for avoiding obstacles and for indicating their presence, but they do not inform the pilot about possibilities of "optimized" flight over obstacles.
The following conventional abbreviations are used herein:
OWS: obstacle warning system;
LIDAR: light detection and ranging;
RADAR: radio detection and ranging;
CCD: charge-coupled device;
LI: light intensification;
IR: infrared;
MMI: man/machine interface;
HUD: head-up display;
HMS/D: helmet mounted sight/display;
IRS: inertial reference system;
INS: inertial navigation system;
AHRS: attitude and heading reference system;
GPS: global positioning system;
FOV: field of view;
FOR: field of regard.
Various automatic piloting systems or systems for assisting the piloting of an aircraft at low altitude have been proposed, that make use of a guard curve (or profile) associated with the aircraft and that compare said curve or profile with the profile of the terrain being overflown and/or of the terrain extending in front of the aircraft.
Such a guard curve can be constituted essentially by a simple horizontal straight line extending at a predetermined height below the aircraft, referred to as the "guard" height; in order to take account of obstacles lying ahead of the aircraft, and in order to delay giving an order to pull-up once such an obstacle has been detected as crossing the horizontal guard line, the curve may comprise a horizontal portion extended by a sloping segment so as to present a "ski toe" shape.
U.S. Pat. No. 3,396,391 describes improvements to a guard curve of this type and proposes modifying the curve as a function of the modulus and of the inclination of the aircraft velocity.
That patent describes in particular a pull-down guard profile comprising a first circular arc of radius corresponding to the pull-up radius, and a second circular arc tangential to the first arc and of radius corresponding to the sum of the pull-up radius plus the pull-down radius, the values of these radii depending on the square of the aircraft velocity; that patent also describes a device that delivers pull-up or pull-down orders as a function of comparing such a guard profile with the profile of the terrain as scanned by a radar.
French patent No. 2 712 251 and U.S. Pat. No. 5,555,175 describe a method of assisting piloting in which a guard curve is used to determine which obstacles are dangerous for the aircraft; in that method, the field in front of the aircraft and that is likely to be reached from the current position is subdivided into angular sectors, and for each sector obstacles are determined as seen by a telemetry detector; thereafter the tops of the obstacles are compared with the guard curve in order to select those obstacles that are closest to the curve; the tops of these obstacles are presented to the pilot superposed on an image of the external landscape together with a hair cross indicating the direction of the velocity vector of the aircraft, either in the form of individual hair crosses or in the form of a smoothed curve interconnecting the tops and referred to as a piloting curve; in order to fly as close as possible to the obstacles, the pilot must superpose the velocity vector hair cross on said curve.
Although that method presents advantages, it is not adapted to pull-down stages of flight; furthermore, that method does not deliver a pull-up order or a pull-down order.
The safety line (or safety cordon) calculated by that method disappears when pulling-up too severely; the pilot is required to maintain the velocity vector of the aircraft above the safety cordon (with an alarm being issued as soon as it goes below), said safety curve preventing the pilot from overflying obstacles as closely as possible.

Method and apparatus for assisting the piloting of an aircraft at low altitude


A method for automatically classifying a printed image, includes scanning the printed image; selecting an n by n block of pixels from the scanned image; calculating an array of DCT coefficients of the pixel block, wherein the array of calculated DCT coefficients are representative of spatial frequency and spatial orientation of the pixel block; comparing the DCT coefficients with an array of predetermined values, wherein the array of predetermined values are indicative of different image marking processes used to produce printed images; and determining an image marking process used to create the printed image based on the comparison of the DCT coefficients with the array of predetermined values. The array of DCT coefficients may be sampled into a feature set and the feature set provided to a neural network to output the determined image marking process.

A large number of color hardcopy images are being produced daily using a wide variety of image production processes such as conventional photography, lithography, xerography and inkjet printing. The images produced on these different media are often scanned subsequently, either for the purposes of copying or for creating an electronic representation for use in various applications. It is desirable that the scanning process accurately record the color information in the original hardcopy images. Since the spectral-response of typical scanners are not equivalent to those of a typical human observer, accurate color calibration can be obtained only if the correct medium dependent calibration is used for calibrating a color image. If the incorrect scanner color calibration is used, very significant color errors may be obtained. See for instance, "The Impact of UCR on Scanner Calibration, G. Sharma, S. Wang, D. Sidavanahalli, and K. Knox, Proc. IS&T's 1998 PICS conference, pp. 121-124.
In order to accurately calibrate a scanner, such as, for example, a color scanner, that scans an image carried on a substrate, different calibration transformations are required depending on the marking process, such as, for example, photography, inkjet printing, xerography, lithography and the like, and materials, such as, for example, toner, pigment, ink, etc., that are used to form the image on the substrate. For example, a calibration transformation that is used to calibrate the scanner for a photographic image is different from a calibration transformation that is used to calibrate the scanner for an ink jet-printed image, which is in turn different from a calibration transformation that is used to calibrate the scanner for a xerographically-formed image or for a lithographically-formed image. Additional accuracy may also be obtained in finer grain classification of the input image within each of these categories.
Typically, a user wishing to scan an image determines the marking process used to form the image from prior knowledge of the marking process, manually identifies the marking process such as, for example, photographic, ink jet, xerographic or lithographic, and uses the marking process information to set the scanner so that an appropriate calibration can be used. The manual identification is commonly done using different descriptions, such as Halftone vs. Photo vs. Xerographic Copy on the user interface from which different machine settings are inferred. Operator identification of the scanned medium can eliminate the problem of casts and color errors resulting from the use of an incorrect scanner calibration. However, this process is not only cumbersome but also correct identification of the input medium cannot be readily expected from novice users.
Previously, in D/A1366 an automatic method for identification of the medium without requiring additional information or operator input was proposed. The proposed method works by analyzing the spatial characteristics of the scanned image and utilizing the strong correlation between scanned media type and the spatial characteristics for the corresponding reproduction process. What is needed is an alternative approach for automatic media identification.

Method and system for classifying scanned-media


A plurality of users are associated with a system having at least one information processor coupled to a communication network. Multiple wireless access points to the communication network are provided; and multiple of the users associated with the system are provided access to the communication network via the access points.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates generally to networking and, more particularly, to linking existing Wi-Fi access points into a single unified community.
2. Description of the Related Art
Wireless networking for electronic devices, including, for example, computers, portable digital assistants ("PDAs"), cellular telephones, printers, digital cameras or the like has become very common and continues to grow in use and popularity throughout the world.
A widely used mobile platform is the so-called "3G" third-generation of wireless technology. 3G, based on the known Universal Mobile Telecommunications System ("UTMS") and wide-band Code-Division Multiple Access ("WCDMA"), purportedly increases data transmission rates for Global System for Mobile Communications ("GSM") systems and telephones.
Currently, a radio-based protocol, referred to generally herein and known in the art as wireless fidelity ("Wi-Fi"), invokes a standard communications protocol that enables wireless networking. In accordance with the known IEEE 802.11g protocol, as defined by the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers, Inc. ("IEEE"), devices are able to transmit at a speed of 54 megabits per second ("Mbps"). The 802.11g standard operates in the 2.4 gigahertz (GHz) frequency band, and enables wireless transmissions within a limited range or distance, for example, under one thousand feet. Most residential Wi-Fi users employ the technology for wireless access to the Internet, typically to enable sharing of an Internet connection among several devices. Users also enjoy the wireless mobility Wi-Fi provides.
In a typical residential installation, a user installing a Wi-Fi network maintains an active Internet connection, thereby providing the bandwidth needed for wireless Internet connectivity. Although simple dial-up connections to the internet may function to provide wireless connectivity, a high-speed internet connection, for example, via digital subscriber line ("DSL"), cable television service, T1 or the like, is preferred. In addition, a combination of hardware and software is installed. For example, computing device(s) are installed with Wi-Fi adapter(s) (essentially a low powered radio device), and a wireless router that provides an "access point," also referred to in the art as a "gateway," which manages the internet communication among the devices and is provided as well. The devices and gateway typically require configuring to function. Once properly configured, the computing devices equipped with Wi-Fi adapters can share the Internet connection and access web sites without a need for hardwire connections.
Referring to the drawings, in which like reference numerals refer to like elements, FIG. 1 illustrates an example collection of devices that can be configured to transmit and/or receive information over a prior art Wi-Fi network. As shown in FIG. 1, information processor 102 (depicted as a laptop computer) is suitably equipped and operable to maintain a connection to the Internet. Coupled to information processor 102 is gateway 104, which operates to manage the communication among the devices shown in FIG. 1. The remaining devices are all configured with a form of Wi-Fi adapter suitable to wirelessly receive data via the Internet connection. For example, cameras 106, displays 108, printer 110, and audio devices 112 are operable to send and/or receive information via the gateway 104 and information processor 102.
Relatively recently, Wi-Fi has become affordable and accessible for residences, schools, offices, business establishments or the like. This is largely due to the affordable cost of hardware, such as described above, which is required to establish a Wi-Fi network. Unfortunately, the range of Wi-Fi networks remains relatively limited, although attempts have been made to increase the coverage.
Recently with the distribution of broadband Internet access, such as provided via DSL, Fiberoptic, Coaxial and new Wi-Fi connections, available Internet bandwidth has rapidly increased and improved. Accordingly, individual users have more bandwidth than they can utilize. In spite of bandwidth excess, no effective footprint has been created that can span, for example, across an entire country. The inventor believes that individual home users who possess excess bandwidth would be willing to permit other people use some of this extra bandwidth if they receive something in exchange.
As known in the art, telephone usage over the internet (i.e., voice over the internet protocol, "VoIP"), is also rapidly increasing. In short, voice information is sent digital data packets over the Internet instead of traditional methods using the public switched telephone network ("PSTN"). VoIP is currently interfacing with Wi-Fi, such that data packets of digital voice information are transmitted via Wi-Fi networks. As VoIP over Wi-Fi becomes common, roaming to and from various Wi-Fi connections becomes more significant. In particular, for example, Wi-Fi operable with GSM/UMTS phones is foreseen by the inventors to be widely distributed in the near future.
Currently, fees associated with cellular telephone service in Europe are, typically, much higher than in the United States. European countries continue to invest in broadband Internet connections, and Wi-Fi networking is rapidly disseminated. Further, Wi-Fi devices are being distributed at a record pace, and VoIP is becoming mainstream. The result is that users want real broadband Internet access, including for VoIP, everywhere.
VoIP is an attractive alternative to 3G for various reasons. The cost of 3G is high and the speed is limited. Mobile operators have paid enormous amounts of money for 3G licenses and they want the return on their investment but they do not have the bandwidth to compete with Wi-Fi. 3G operators do not offer easy access to the Internet. 3G promised "the internet in your pocket" but delivered a pay-per-view business model.
It is believed by the inventor that broadband penetration is reaching a critical mass, currently estimated at 20% of all households in USA and Europe. This penetration continues to grow at a strong pace. Furthermore, broadband speeds are increasing substantially, for example, from 1 Mbps up to 20 Mbps. It is further believed that users who maintain Internet connections that transmit up to 20 Mbps do not utilize their bandwidth and, accordingly, have bandwidth to spare. This is true throughout the European Union and in the United States.
Various factors have been driving the growth of Wi-Fi. For example, many laptop computers are equipped with built-in wireless technology (e.g., laptop computers configured with the known CENTRINO microchip processor). Also, dramatic reductions in the cost of Wi-Fi access point hardware, and reductions in costs associated with broadband Internet connections have contributed to the growth of Wi-Fi.
Another relatively recent development in VoIP is a software product known in the art and distributed as "SKYPE." SKYPE is a VoIP software application that is distributed without charge, and, in its basic form, enables users to record and playback audio. SKYPE is a peer-to-peer internet telephony network, founded by Niklas Zennström and Janus Friis, the creators of KAZAA. The network is provided by all combined users of the free desktop software application. SKYPE users can speak to other SKYPE users for free, call traditional telephone numbers for a fee, via an interface known in the art as SKYPEOut, can receive and make calls to traditional telephones, via an interface known in the art as SKYPEOut, and further can receive voicemail messages. SKYPE provides a versatile method of synchronous and asynchronous communication.
Millions of users have downloaded SKYPE, and as many as over three million users may be using the software at any given time. SKYPE is believed to be the second most downloaded software ever, second only to peer-to-peer software. Over time, improvements to SKYPE have been made, such as due to new codecs and higher bandwidth availability, and quality has been increased. One result is less expensive international phone calls. As a result, VoIP functionality can be provided for users, thereby providing a cost effective alternative to high telephone rates.
Notwithstanding the telephone cost savings associated with VoIP, users of VoIP, typically, are restricted to using the technology in close proximity to their broadband internet connections. Users that employ VoIP technology in conjunction with Wi-Fi are restricted to the range of transmission provided, for example, by the wireless access point.
Over time, businesses, organizations and/or individuals have unsuccessfully attempted to build an increased coverage Wi-Fi infrastructure. These attempts have been done by building their own infrastructure such as those by Deutche Telecom, Telefonica, France Telecom and others. They have failed due to the high cost involved and the lack of sufficient revenues. Some of the shortcomings associated with these attempts include a limited size, competition with private Wi-Fi networks and use.
For example, U.S. Pat. No. 6,795,700 (the "'700 patent") is directed to a "Method of Creating Incentives for Establishing Hotspot Locations". Disclosed is a service provider, such as a wireless telephone provider, landline telephone provider or other type of service provider that wishes to make use of wireless access points for their customers without creating an infrastructure for such services. The business model provides incentives for owners of existing wireless access points to become affiliated with a larger provider. In this manner, customers seeking service may make use of an affiliated wireless access "hotspot" where they connect to the hotspot, use the hotspot to access the service provider, are authenticated by the service provider and make use of the network to obtain the services desired. The system is controlled by software provided by the service provider and this software monitors activity from each hotspot. The level of activity is used to support revenue sharing thereby providing the hotspot provider with income supporting their infrastructure.
Although the '700 patent may teach providing incentives for establishing hotspot locations and teaches a model of persuading owners to become affiliated with a internet provider, the '700 patent is silent with regard to permitting members of a group to use each other's bandwidth for free, and charging a relatively small access fee for non-contributors.
Another patent, for example, U.S. Pat. No. 6,950,628 (the "628 patent") issued to Meier is entitled, "Method For Grouping 802.11 Stations Into Authorized Service Sets To Differentiate Network Access And Services." The '628 patent discloses a method for enabling an access point to associate a wireless station to either a home subnet or a virtual local area network ("VLAN") based on a configuration (e.g., a service set identifier or "SSID") stored locally at the access point. Each service set is an arbitrary grouping of one or more network service parameters, and is typically configured for either VLAN or proxy mobile IP host. When a wireless station desires to associate with an access point, the wireless station sends a message to the access point, the message containing an SSID. A security server is further configured with a list of allowed service set identifiers for each wireless station to prevent unauthorized access to a VLAN or home subnet.
Currently, some countries in the world, and in Europe in particular, impose no explicit or implicit restriction in telecom regulation, for example through legislation to limit the capacity of a broadband user for permitting the access to internet through his Wi-Fi connection.
In addition to regulations regarding telecoms, some internet service providers ("ISP's") impose contractual restrictions on consumers by insisting on no sharing/reselling bandwidth. Such contractual restrictions are case-specific, however, and many other ISPs allow end consumer to share bandwidth.

This patent is subject to a terminal disclaimer.


A combination pre-filled and in situ filled implant for the replacement of an intervertebral disc of the spine, including a textile core and a flange with apertures dimensioned to receive screws or other affixation elements. The combination pre-filled and in situ filled implant may also have attached side pockets comprised of extra layers of embroidered fabric. The pockets on the implant may serve a dual purpose: to facilitate insertion and to expand the dimensions of the implant after insertion.

I. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates generally to surgical implants and, more particularly, to textile-based implants for surgical implantation and related methods of manufacture and use.
II. Discussion of the Prior Art
Surgical implants exist for myriad clinical needs, including (by way of example only) spine surgery to treat diseased or damaged intervertebral discs. Increasingly this treatment involves replacing all or part of the disc with a prosthesis. Disc prostheses based on either articulating metal plates or metal end plates supporting a polyethylene spacer are now in clinical use. These mechanical total disc replacements help to reduce the loss in spinal mobility and the degeneration of adjacent discs commonly associated with fusion.
While mechanical total disc replacements are a great improvement over fusion, some surgeons would rather use non-mechanical motion preserving implants. Previously there has been developed a textile-based total disc replacement having a textile-based core provided in a textile retaining jacket. Such an implant is described in commonly owned and co-pending International Patent Application PCT/US2008/060944, filed Apr. 18, 2008 and entitled "Textile-Based Surgical Implants and Related Methods," the entire contents of which are incorporated into this disclosure. The textile-based implant is advantageous in that it allows tissue ingrowth and is generally compliant and therefore is capable of restoring disc height and preserving the motion of the spinal unit. While such textile-based motion preserving spinal implants show great promise, there is still room for improvement.
The present invention is directed to improving textile-based implants, including but not limited to textile-based motion preserving spinal implants.

Textile-based surgical implant and related methods


A seismic data acquisition module includes a motherboard that is environmentally protected as a independent unit by an integral sheath, envelope or encapsulating cover. The motherboard unit is suitably configured for rapid and frequent manual removal from the interior cavity of a protective outer housing for compact and more secure packaging as well as more convenient transport over great distances, if necessary, to successively different survey sites. At a new survey site, the motherboard units may be inserted into more bulky but also more rugged or waterproof outer housings that are provided with environmentally tight cable connectors. The outer housings, having a capital value of only a fraction of the electronic motherboard units, may have arrived at the new site at a different time and may even be distributed in the new survey field at the time the motherboard units arrive.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to seismic survey equipment. In particular, the invention relates to equipment assembly combinations and the logistics of equipment deployment.
2. Description of the Related Art
In principle, a seismic survey represents an analysis of the earth""s layered density as indicated by seismic reflections from abrupt density discontinuities at the layer interfaces. The analysis is also influenced by seismic wave propagation velocities respective to the differences in strata density or elasticity. A precisely timed seismic event of known energy magnitude such as the ignition of buried explosives in a shallow borehole or that of a hammer shock propagated against the earth""s surface is launched against the earth at a precisely known location and time. Seismic wave reflections of this man-made seismic event are detected by arrays of geophones distributed in an orderly grid over the area of interest. The location of each geophone array is precisely mapped relative to the location of the seismic event. As the seismic wave from the timed event travels out from the source, reflections from that original seismic wave are returned to the surface where they are detected by the geophones. The geophones respond to the receipt of a wave with a corresponding analog electrical signal which is summed with the signals of the other geophones within the array in analog form. The summed analog signals are received from the geophone arrays by data acquisition modules which digitize the analog signal stream for retransmission to a central recording unit as a series of digital data packets. Among the significant data preserved by the data acquisition modules is the amplitude or the strength of the reflected wave and the exact time lapse from the moment the event occurred.
In a single survey, there may be thousands of geophone arrays. Consequently, the data flow must be orderly and organized. For example, the data acquisition modules transmit digital geophone array values in digital data packets containing a predetermined number of digital data bits. In addition to a seismic signal value, each of these data packets carries the identity of the specific geophone array from which the data originates and either explicitly or implicitly, the time it was received by the geophone. The acquisition modules are programmed to transmit a data packet respective to each geophone array channel at a predetermined frequency. The variable data in a data packet represents an instantaneous snapshot of the analog signal flow from the geophone array channel.
Managing an orderly flow of this massive quantity of data to a central recording unit requires a plurality of digital signal processing devices. The data acquisition modules convert the geophone analog data to digital data and transmit the digital data packets along receiver lines or radio transmission channels. There may be numerous data acquisition modules transmitting respective data packets along a single receiver line or channel. Among the functions of each data acquisition module is data packet transmission timing respective to the flow of data packets from other data acquisition modules transmitting respective data packets along the same receiver line. Typically, two or more receiver lines connect with base line units that further coordinate the data packet flow of numerous additional base line units into a base transmission line for receipt by a central recording unit.
Seismic surveying is often carried out under extremely inhospitable conditions of heat or cold, tropics or arctic, land and sea, desert or swamp. Regardless of the environment, the geophones must be positioned precisely relative to the seismic source event. Necessarily, manual placement of the geophones is required.
Due to the signal processing complexity of data acquisition modules and base line units, the xe2x80x9chard wiredxe2x80x9d electronic component assembly of these devices is expensive and relatively fragile. For this reason, the component assemblies are enclosed by protective environmental housings. There are as many different types of protective housings as there are environmental conditions. In some conditions, the housing must be waterproof to several hundred feet of depth, for example, but weight is of no great concern. In other conditions, mountains for example, the housing must be capable of withstanding severe shock as when falling from some height onto bare rock. Consequently, a world-wide seismic survey enterprise, in the past, has been required to maintain large inventories of seismic data acquisition equipment for rapid response for new surveys under diverse physical conditions.
As expensive as the protective housing may be, the cost of a housing is but a small fraction of the cost of the electronic component assembly that the housing protects. Moreover, to a great degree, the electronic component assembly in one type of protective housing is the same as in a different type of housing. Accordingly, such seismic survey groups must commit a large percentage of their equipment capital to replicate assemblies.
In other scenarios, the weight and volume of a protective housing is several times greater than the weight and volume of the electronic circuitry inside of the housing. Packing and preparing a seismic survey equipment assembly for delivery to a survey site is a large undertaking. Consequently, transport of a given survey equipment assembly from one survey site to another, distant, site is both, expensive and time consuming.
It is an object of the present invention, therefore, to reduce the capital cost of seismic survey equipment inventory for world-wide, multiple environment operations.
Another object of the present invention is to expedite the transport time and reduce the expense for transferring critical seismic survey equipment from one survey location to another.
Also an object of the invention is a standardized, motherboard assembly of electronic componentry and connections for seismic data processing that is universally connected with any of several environmental protection housings.
A still further object of the invention is a standardized motherboard assembly of electronic components for seismic data processing equipment that is enclosed or encased by a light, intimate shield suitable only for protection from shipping damage.
It is also an object of the invention to provide a method for quickly and inexpensively transporting the bulk of capital value equipment from one jobsite to another.
Also, an object of the invention is a method of advancing the equipment layout of one seismic job that may require a majority of the preparation labor with only a small fraction of the necessary equipment capital value while equipment representing the major capital value is in use elsewhere.
These and other objects of the invention, as will become apparent from an understanding of the following description of the preferred embodiments, are served by a unit motherboard design that is standardized for all housings in a seismic survey provider""s inventory. The unitized motherboard is encapsulated, encased or enclosed for protection against ordinary personnel handling damage such as extraction from an outer housing, insertion into an outer housing or assembling with other motherboard units in a shipping or transport crate.
Projecting from the protective enclosure of the unitized motherboard are one or more flexible connection harnesses for convenient electrical continuity of the motherboard circuitry with external data transmission cable. Exterior cable connectors of suitable specification for the type of outer housing protection required are secured to the housing cover. On the inside face of the housing cover, the cable connector wiring pins are hard-wired to a mating harness connection.
Minimal electrical componetry may be secured to the housing cover such as lightening surge arrestors as is distinctively necessary for the use environment respective to a particular type of housing.
A seismic survey company may devote available capital to outer protective housings without the expensive internal circuitry. A singular set of internal circuitry may be dedicated to a given seismic survey crew. As the crew moves from one survey location to another, it takes only the internal circuitry with it. Other, less skilled labor, may perform the task of assembling, organizing, packaging and transporting circuitry stripped of protective housings away from the prior survey field. Similarly, as a crew is still working a prior job with the portable circuitry, others may lay out the new survey equipment grid with only the protective outer housings. When the prior job is complete, the data handling circuitry is removed from the housings on the ground at the completed job, transported directly to the new job and inserted into the housings that are already in place on the ground of the new job site.


Dielectric supports for electronic components, such as circuit boards, are provided which are comprised of two or more bulk polymerized norbornene-type monomers. The monomers may be easily processed into circuit boards, etc. by reaction injection molding. The copolymers obtained exhibit high heat distortion temperatures and good dielectric properties and a balance of properties that make them, for example, well suited for molded wire board materials.

A common dielectric support for electronic components is often referred to as a circuit board. The traditional method of making these circuit boards is to impregnate woven glass fibers with epoxy resin precursors. These impregnated fibers are then pressed between two copper sheets at a high temperature for several hours to cure. The result is a copper clad board which can be further processed by etching, soldering and drilling to incorporate wires, electronic components or printed circuits thereon. The epoxy resin boards have good dielectric properties and high heat distortion temperatures. These traditional processes suffer in that the cure time is lengthy, which adds to the cost of the finished product and it is difficult to obtain shapes other than flat circuit boards by this process.
Another, more simplified method for producing circuit boards is by injection molding engineering plastics. Such methods are more rapid than traditional processes. The engineering plastics such as polyetherimide and polysulfone are distinguished from commodity plastics, such as polystyrene, in that they exhibit higher heat distortion temperatures, impact resistance and higher continuous use temperatures. For these features, a premium price is obtained. Because of this premium price, it is common practice in commercial industries to economize by balancing price versus the properties desired when selecting a polymer. Therefore, there is a continuing effort to provide materials with superior properties as well as a novel balance of properties for specialized applications.
For example, in preparing injection molded dielectric supports for electronic components, polymers with a high heat distortion temperature (Hdt) are required so that the integrity of the finished article is unaffected by the heat which generates from operation of the circuits. However, engineering polymers which exhibit high heat distortion temperatures characteristically exhibit correspondingly high glass transition temperatures (T.sub.g) and require more energy to process. Therefore, it may not be desirable to utilize materials with Hdt values higher than those necessary for the desired application. Polyetherimides are engineering polymers with excellent Hdt values for dielectric supports. However, they must be processed at high temperatures and high pressure because of their high Tg values and where the final product will not be exposed to extreme heat, the use of polyetherimides may be disadvantageous.
The present invention provides dielectric supports comprised of copolymers with a unique property profile. These copolymers have dielectric properties superior to epoxy resins, good Hdt valves and can be easily molded into finished products by utilizing a bulk polymerization process. The dielectric supports have the added features of low moisture absorption and good surface reactivity.
The copolymers used in the present invention are bulk polymerized to provide the desired dielectric supports. Common bulk polymerization techniques are reaction injection molding (RIM) and resin transfer molding (RTM). Both methods are known to provide shaped articles under relatively mild molding conditions, i.e., lower temperatures and pressures. In RIM processes, a low molecular weight polymer precursor or a reactive monomer is injected into a mold and is polymerized in bulk, i.e., without solvent or diluent to form the final product. The polymer precursor is typically a liquid monomer or an oligomer which exhibits a relatively low glass transition temperature and low melt viscosity, which simplifies transfer of the material into the mold. RTM is a method similar to RIM, the major differences being the speed with which reactants are transferred to the mold and the mixing of reactive components in that it is done at lower pressures. RTM is normally slower than the RIM process.
RIM and RTM processes are effective for a limited number of polymerized copolymers in that not all monomers/oligomers provide a solvent medium for a curing catalyst which generates polymer at a high degree of monomer conversion.
The copolymer used in the present invention is derived from two or more ring-opened polymerized norbornene-type monomers obtained by bulk polymerization. Minchak describes bulk polymerization and reaction injection molding of norbornene type monomers in U.S. Pat. No. 4,426,502. However, Minchak does not provide the dielectric supports of this invention which take advantage of the high cross-link density of copolymers derived from two or more norbornene type monomers to provide a unique property profile.

Bulk polymerized cycloolefin circuit boards


Methods, apparatus, systems and articles of manufacture to adjust content presented to an individual are disclosed. An example system includes a first modality sensor to measure a first response of an individual to first content during a first time frame and a second modality sensor to measure a second response of the individual to the first content during the first time frame. The first modality sensor is to measure a third response of the individual to first content during a second time frame, and the second modality sensor is to measure a fourth response of the individual to the first content during the second time frame. The example system also includes a mental classifier executing instructions to determine a first mental classification of the individual based on a first comparison of the first response to a first threshold and a second comparison of the second response to a second threshold. The mental classifier also is to determine a second mental classification of the individual based on a third comparison of the third response to a third threshold and a fourth comparison of the fourth response to a fourth threshold. In addition, the mental classified is to determine a mental state of the individual based on a degree of similarity between the first mental classification and the second mental classification. The example system also includes a content modifier to at least one of modify the first content to include second content or replace the first content with second content based on the mental state.

Individuals are exposed to multiple passive and interactive audio, visual, and audio-visual media content every day. The media content produces biologically based responses in the user that can be measured by one or more sensors. An individual's biological and/or physical response to an image can indicate emotional and cognitive responses. Personal logs and self-reporting of responses are often inaccurate and include biases due to human input. Additionally, personal logs and self-reporting rely on an accurate account by the individual of their own emotional and cognitive reaction.
The figures are not to scale. Wherever possible, the same reference numbers will be used throughout the drawing(s) and accompanying written description to refer to the same or like parts.

Methods and apparatus to adjust content presented to an individual


A carrier is provided. The carrier includes a magnetic core particle and a resin layer coating a surface of the magnetic core particle. The resin layer includes a resin, a conductive particle including tungsten tin oxide, and a chargeable filler.

Technical Field
The present disclosure relates to a carrier, a two-component developer, an image forming apparatus, a process cartridge, and an image forming method.
Description of the Related Art
In a typical electrophotographic image forming process, an electrostatic latent image is formed on an electrostatic latent image bearer and then developed into a toner image with a developer. The toner image is transferred onto a recording medium, fixed thereon, and output as a printed matter.
The developer generally includes a toner and a carrier. A typical carrier is composed of a core material and a resin layer that is coating the core material. Conventionally, the resin layer is formed of low-surface-energy resins, such as fluororesin and silicone resin, for the purpose of extending the lifespan of the carrier. Such a resin layer forms of a uniform surface of the carrier, which prevents the occurrence of toner filming, an oxidization of the surface, a decrease in humidity resistance, and an adhesion of the carrier to a surface of a photoconductor, while extending the lifespan of the developer, protecting the surface of the photoconductor from scratch and abrasion, controlling charge polarity, and adjusting the amount of charge.
In accordance with recent demands for higher printing speed, reduction of environmental burden of wastes, and reduction of printing cost per sheet, there is a need for a highly-durable carrier.
Among various properties of the carrier, a resistance value is adjusted depending on the image forming system used in combination with the carrier, for achieving a target printing quality. One method of adjusting the resistance value involves including a conductive particle in the resin layer of the carrier. Examples of the conductive particle generally include carbon black, titanium oxide, zinc oxidize, and ITO (indium tin oxide). In particular, single-particle carbon black and ITO-coated particle have been reported as the conductive particle having excellent conductivity.
With respect to ITO-coated particle, ITO is required to be in the form of a thin coating film (hereinafter "conductive coating film") on the surface of the base particle, for adjusting conductivity. When such an ITO-coated particle is used as the conductive particle in a carrier, however, since each carrier particle collides with the other carrier particles in a developing device, the conductive coating films of the ITO-coated particles which are exposed at the surface of the carrier particle are scraped off. Since the conductive coating film is thin, the base particle is exposed at the surface of the carrier particle in the early stage. As a result, the resin layer of the carrier rapidly weakens in terms of impact resistance, thereby accelerating an abrasion of the resin layer, a reduction of the resistance, an occurrence of carrier scattering, and shortening the lifespan of the carrier.
In view of this situation, there has been an attempt to more thickening the conductive coating film to delay an exposure of the base particle. However, this attempt does not prevent an abrasion of the conductive coating film.
On the other hand, the resin layer of the carrier may further include a conductive filler for giving conductivity to the carrier. Examples of the conductive filler generally include carbon black, available at a low price. Carbon black as the conductive filler, however, cannot respond to recent demands for higher printing speed, improved stress resistance, and an extended lifespan, because of causing a color contamination problem when the carrier is used in combination with a colored toner (especially yellow toner), white toner, or transparent toner.
Other examples of the conductive filler include those having a core-shell structure, in which the core and the shell respectively serve as the base particle and the conductive coating film. Such a core-shell-type conductive filler secures temporal charging ability of the carrier as the base particle is gradually exposed after the conductive coating film has been abraded. However, the core-shell type conductive filler has a drawback that the temporal charging ability fluctuates depending on the degree of abrasion of the conductive coating film (or the degree of exposure of the base particle). There is a demand for a carrier that more reliably provides temporal charging ability.

Carrier, two-component developer, image forming apparatus, process cartridge, and image forming method


Systems and methods are provided for reducing NOx emissions from a vehicle including an engine having an exhaust. In one example, the system comprises a NOx reducing system coupled to the engine exhaust including a base metal zeolite, said NOx reducing system including a first layer with a first pore size and a second layer with a second pore size, said first pore size being smaller than said second pore size.

Nitrogen oxides, such as NO and NO2 (collectively referred to as NOx), generated in the high temperature and high pressure conditions of an internal combustion engine, may constitute a large percentage of total exhaust emissions. In particular, NOx species emitted in the exhaust of lean-burn engines may be particularly difficult to eliminate. Accordingly, engine exhaust systems may utilize selective catalytic reduction (SCR) to reduce the NOx species to diatomic nitrogen and water. A variety of SCR catalysts have been developed including base metal catalysts and zeolite-based catalysts. These catalysts reduce NOx species in the presence of a reducing agent, such as ammonia or urea.
However, the inventors herein have recognized several issues with such catalysts. As one example, during cold start operations and/or at temperatures below catalyst light-off, SCR catalysts may be exposed to a large amount of hydrocarbons (HCs). At these low operating temperatures, zeolite-based SCR catalysts in particular, may adsorb and store a large fraction of the emitted HCs. The stored HCs may degrade the SCR reaction and consequently reduce the NOx conversion efficiency of the catalyst. Furthermore, if not removed from the catalyst, engine operating conditions can trigger an unexpected oxidation of the stored HCs, causing a significant increase in temperature, and possibly permanent thermal deactivation of the SCR catalyst.
In one example, some of the above issues may be addressed by a system for a vehicle including an engine having an exhaust, the system comprising a NOx reducing system coupled to the engine exhaust including a base metal zeolite, said NOx reducing system including a first layer with a first pore size and a second layer with a second pore size, said first pore size being smaller than said second pore size.
As one example, a zeolite formulation configured with a small pore size (e.g., at or less than about 5 Angstroms) may be included as the first layer with the first (smaller) pore size in an engine NOx reducing system. As such, the smaller pore zeolite formulation may or may not include any metals. A base metal zeolite configured with a larger pore size may be included as the second layer with the second (larger) pore size in the engine NOx reducing system. The base metal zeolite may be a transition metal-based zeolite catalyst. As one example, the base metal zeolite may be an Fe-based zeolite catalyst. Alternatively, a Cu-based zeolite catalyst may be employed. The first layer may be positioned between a passage for exhaust gas and the second layer. In this way, the first layer may also constitute an outer layer that may be exposed to exhaust gas before the second layer. The second layer may be positioned between the first layer and a substrate support. In this way, the second layer may also constitute an inner layer that may be exposed to untreated exhaust gas after the first layer. The small pore size of the first layer may impart molecular sieve properties to the layer, thereby buffering and protecting the SCR catalyst in the larger pore sized second layer from large molecular weight hydrocarbons. By reducing the amount of HCs adsorbed, associated exotherms may also be averted. Thus, the use of a first and a second layer of differing pore sizes in an engine NOx reducing system may enable efficient reduction of NOx species by SCR catalysts without the catalysts being adversely affected by exhaust emission HCs. Additionally, in still another embodiment, the first layer may be positioned upstream of the second layer.
It should be understood that the summary above is provided to introduce in simplified form a selection of concepts that are further described in the detailed description. It is not meant to identify key or essential features of the claimed subject matter, the scope of which is defined uniquely by the claims that follow the detailed description. Furthermore, the claimed subject matter is not limited to implementations that solve any disadvantages noted above or in any part of this disclosure.


An epitaxial structure for a high-electron-mobility transistor includes a substrate, a nucleation layer, a buffer layered unit, a channel layer, and a barrier layer sequentially stacked on one another in such order. The buffer layered unit includes at least one multiple quantum well structure containing a plurality of p-i-n heterojunction stacks. Each of the p-i-n heterojunction stacks includes p-type, i-type, and n-type layers which are alternately stacked along a direction away from the nucleation layer, and which are made of materials respectively represented by chemical formulas of AlxGa(1-x)N, AlyGa(1-y)N, and AlzGa(1-z)N. For each of the p-i-n heterojunction stacks, x gradually decreases and z gradually increases along the direction away from the nucleation layer, and y is consistent and ranges from 0 to 0.7.

A gallium nitride (GaN)-based high-electron-mobility transistor (HEMT) is a heterojunction field-effect transistor including a barrier layer (i.e., a doped layer) made of aluminum gallium nitride (AlGaN) and a channel layer (i.e., an undoped layer) made of GaN. A two-dimensional electron gas may be formed at an interface between the barrier layer and the channel layer (i.e., a heterojunction) since a relatively large discontinuity of spontaneous polarization and piezoelectronic polarization occurs at the heterojunction. Properties of the GaN-based HEMT might largely depend on the composition (such as Al and Ga contents), thickness, and crystal quality of the barrier layer. Due to advantages such as a relatively high concentration of the two-dimensional electron gas, a high rate of electron migration, and a high disruptive strength, the HEMT is widely used in high-pressure, high-frequency and high-temperature microwave devices, which are applied in various fields such as aerospace, radar technology, medicine, microwave transmission, etc.
An epitaxial growth of a semi-insulating GaN-based buffer layer with a high quality is one of the key factors to manufacture a GaN-based HEMT device with satisfactory properties. It is noted that a GaN-based buffer layer having a relatively low quality is prone to electrical leakage, which might adversely affect a pinch-off performance of the resultant HEMT device, reducing the ability of a gate-voltage to control a channel current, thereby deteriorating an overall performance of the HEMT device. The electrical leakage of the GaN-based buffer layer might also increase heat generation, which adversely affects a reliability and service life of the HEMT device. In addition, a dislocation density of the GaN-based buffer layer would directly affect the rate of electron migration of the two-dimensional electron gas in the HEMT device and a turn-on resistance thereof.
A GaN-based epitaxial structure for the HEMT device grown using metal organic chemical vapor deposition (MOCVD) generally has a relatively high background electron concentration (e.g., 1017/cm3) and exhibits a relatively low resistance. A conventional method for manufacturing a GaN-based epitaxial structure with a high resistance aims to control epitaxial growth parameters (e.g., pressure of reaction chamber, growth temperature, growth rate, V/III ratio, etc.) during the MOCVD process, so as to increase an amount of p-type dopant in the GaN-based epitaxial structure and/or a concentration of defects, thereby reducing the background electron concentration. However, the GaN-based epitaxial structure manufactured by such method may have an increased amount of defects and impurities, which greatly lowers the overall quality thereof. In addition, the conventional method requires a high dependency on equipments to control the epitaxial growth parameters and thus, has a low reproducibility.
Another conventional method for manufacturing the GaN-based epitaxial structure with a high resistance is conducted by virtue of introducing metals such as iron, chromium, and magnesium during epitaxial growth of the GaN-based epitaxial structure in a reaction chamber, so as to generate a high level of defects and/or provide electron holes for receiving excessive electrons. However, the metals might have memory effect, which would cause contamination of the reaction chamber, and the introduced impurities might lower the rate of electron mobility of the two-dimensional electron gas in the GaN-based epitaxial structure, which adversely affect the properties of the resultant HEMT device.

Epitaxial structure for high-electron-mobility transistor and method for manufacturing the same

Xiamen Sanan Integrated Circuit Co., Ltd.


A method and apparatus is provided for analyzing and processing images by identification of characteristic lines and corresponding parameters. More particularly, the method and apparatus transforms an image into mathematical models derived from the characteristic lines and parameters, based on repetitive image patterns. The parameters include central lines, signatures, cross-sections, characteristic strips, margins, end areas, fitting transformations and fitting sequences. Each of the parameters associated with the identified characteristic lines are representable by mathematical models, which accurately approximate the geometric and brightness (or color) attributes of the respective characteristic lines.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to the field of image representation. More particularly, the present invention relates to a method of identifying visual attributes of an image and transforming them into mathematical models.
2. Background Information
Analysis and processing of digital images plays an important role in nearly all disciplines of modem economics. From medical imaging to industrial quality control and diagnostics to entertainment and advertising, efficient image analysis, representation and processing is the primary component of the overall imaging system performance.
Some conventional methods of image analysis rely on extracting specific lines from the original images (referred to as xe2x80x9cedgesxe2x80x9d), which separate distinct image areas of different brightness (or color). These specific lines may also be referred to as xe2x80x9cridges,xe2x80x9d which are narrow strips, visually separated from the background by their brightness or color. Use of edge and ridge technology is described, for example, in relevant sections of A. Blake and M. Isard, xe2x80x9cActive Contoursxe2x80x9d (1998); J. Foley, et al., xe2x80x9cComputer Graphics: Principles and Practicexe2x80x9d (1997); and R. Gonzales and P. Wintz, xe2x80x9cDigital Image Processingxe2x80x9d (1987).
Generally speaking, the importance of such xe2x80x9cline-shapedxe2x80x9d image patterns, both for human visual perception and efficient automated image analysis, processing and representation, is well recognized in the field. However, the existing methods provide only partial information on the geometric and brightness structures relating to the line-shaped patterns. This partial information is insufficient for adequate image analysis of patterns. As applied to accurate image reproduction and representation, the conventional methods based on edge/ridge partitions are inadequate, especially with respect to high resolution images of the real world.
There are two main reasons for the general failure of conventional methods. First, the edges and ridges are detected only as geometric lines on the image. They are formed by original pixels (or by pixels in a finer grid), or they are approximated by splines. Such limited geometric representation does not simultaneously capture brightness or color patterns along the detected lines. Without the brightness or color pattern information, visually authentic capturing and reconstruction of line-shaped xe2x80x9cimage formsxe2x80x9d is not possible. Therefore, use of the conventional methodology in applications requiring realistic human visual perception of the image or high resolution analysis of medical, industrial and other commercially significant images is extremely limited.
The inadequate treatment of brightness patterns along line-shaped image forms results from difficulties associated with capturing such information. For example, whether or not a consistent brightness pattern exists along a given line is unpredictable. Typically, from a global perspective, both brightness and geometric shapes vary along any one line to such a large extent that direct comparison between any two distinct points on the line is virtually impossible. Furthermore, even for a line having somewhat uniform brightness and geometric characteristics, empirical determination of the corresponding brightness pattern is not possible by the conventional methods, because it requires explicit comparison of brightness data at different points along the line.
Second, edges and ridges as captured by conventional methods form only part of the visually significant line-shaped image patterns. Human visual experience demonstrates that much more complicated patterns than simply edges and ridges are perceived in line-shaped image forms. Conventional methods cannot recognize these more complicated forms.
In U.S. Pat. No. 5,510,838, to YOMDIN, et al., a method is disclosed for image representation by four types of models: edges, ridges, hills and background. Distinctive types of brightness profiles associated with the edge and ridge models are disclosed therein. However, the method of U.S. Pat. No. 5,510,838 presents a number of practical disadvantages. For example, the edge and ridge detection (and, in particular, detection of corresponding brightness profiles) is treated as an integral part of overall image representation. Consequently, isolated application of edge and ridge detection is difficult. Also, the method disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,510,838 requires that the original image be subdivided into an artificial grid of cells, each having a size of 6 to 48 pixels. The cells in these grids must be processed independently. Such subdivision contradicts the global nature of edges and ridges, reduces the visual quality of the resulting model-based image and renders many image analysis and processing applications virtually impossible.
U.S. Pat. No. 5,510,838 has additional practical problems, common to conventional image representation methods. First, the shape of the brightness profiles is determined a priori, and permits only limited adjustment to the actual image pattern. Second, the method cannot be used for empirical determination of actual, more complicated brightness profiles present on the image. Also, the resolution of the detection method is generally limited due to the use of second degree polynomial approximations on 4xc3x974 pixel windows.
Some of these problems are addressed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,960,118, to BRISKIN, et al. For example, an extended variety of brightness profiles is disclosed in this document. Also, the resolution of the detection method is improved by incorporating 3xc3x973 pixel windows in the original polynomial approximation. The patent also describes a limited method for empirical profile detection, dependant on the assumption that the profile is constant along the subject line (which is not the case for most brightness profiles). Furthermore, U.S. Pat. No. 5,960,118 still does not allow for application of edge and ridge detection separately from the full image representation process. U.S. Pat. No. 5,960,118 also does not eliminate the necessity of subdividing images into cells.
In view of the above, the present invention through one or more of its various aspects and/or embodiments is presented to accomplish one or more objectives and advantages, such as those noted.
The present invention overcomes the shortcomings of the existing techniques of image analysis and processing based on edge and ridge detection. It provides a method for identification of general characteristic lines on an image, as well as the signatures and fitting transformations corresponding to each characteristic line. The signatures simultaneously capture the brightness (or color) pattern along detected lines and the fitting transformations consolidate similar brightness and geometric patterns, while maintaining visual integrity of the overall image.
The present invention describes a method for empirical determination of an actual brightness cross-section along any given line. The present invention also provides an efficient representation of characteristic lines by mathematical models. The method enables a number of image analysis implementations, including visual quality inspections, pattern detections and sensor calibrations, based on the analysis of characteristic lines and their signatures. Furthermore, all types of characteristic lines are accurately captured.
All aspects of the invention include steps that are implementable by a computing device, without input from a user (i.e., automatic), or by a computing device in combination with an interface device, with input from the user (i.e., interactive). The invention also includes any combination of automatic and interactive implementations.
An aspect of the invention provides for representing an image by identifying one or more characteristic lines of the image, each characteristic line being a line along which a visual pattern repeats itself. A central line, which corresponds to and approximates the shape of the characteristic line, is determined. A cross-section, consisting of one or more geometric and one or more brightness parameters, at each point along the central line is also determined. Then, a basis cross-section representative of the characteristic line is determined and transformed to the cross-sections of the points along the central line. A characteristic line model representing the characteristic line of the image is assembled from the central line, the basis cross-section and the transformed cross-sections. The characteristic line model is stored, transmitted or processed further, depending on the implementation. The image may be a digital or analog image.
In another aspect of the invention, an image is represented by identifying one or more characteristic lines of the image, each characteristic line being a line along which a visual pattern repeats itself. A central line corresponding to the characteristic line and approximating the shape of the characteristic line shape is determined. Visual patterns along the central line are then identified. A basis signature representative of the characteristic line is determined and this basis signature is transformed to approximate a repetition of the visual pattern along the central line. A characteristic line model representing the characteristic line is assembled, consisting of the central line, the basis signature and the transformation of the basis signature. The characteristic line model is stored, transmitted or processed further, depending on the implementation.
According to still another aspect of the invention, an image is represented by first detecting edges on the image and adjacencies among the detected edges. The common adjacencies among the edges are interpreted as characteristic lines. A central line corresponding to each of the characteristic lines is then determined, the central line approximating the shape of the characteristic line and consisting of a number of points. Cross-sections corresponding to each of the points along each central line is detected. Each cross-section consists of at least one geometric parameter and at least one brightness parameter.
This process can also be implemented by detecting ridges and their associated adjacencies on the image, in addition to edges. The common adjacencies among the ridges are interpreted as characteristic lines. A central line corresponding to each of the characteristic lines is determined, the central line approximating the shape of the characteristic line and consisting of a number of points. Cross-sections corresponding to each of the points along each central line is detected. Each cross-section consists of one or more geometric parameters and one or more brightness parameters.
The image representation is further accomplished according to an aspect of the invention by subdividing each of the detected edges into spline segments. Each spline segment is evaluated, identifying adjacent spline segments. At least one adjacency interval on edge components is identified, which corresponds to the detected edges.
In an aspect of the invention, the adjacent spline segments are identified by first scanning all of the spline segments. For each one of the spline segments, adjacent spline segments are identified according to the following criteria: Adjacent spline segments contain at least one point that is less than or equal to a predetermined distance from the one spline segment and have a direction that forms an angle with the direction of the one spline segment which is less than or equal to a predetermined value. An adjacent spline segment also contains a midpoint that, when joined by an adjacency pointer with the midpoint of the one spline segment, results in an adjacency pointer having a direction that forms an angle with the direction of each of the joined spline segments which differs from (e.g.) 90 degrees by less than or equal to a predetermined value. The comparison is repeated for each of the scanned spline segments until they all have a corresponding set of adjacent spline segments.
According to another aspect of the invention, an image is represented by detecting edges on the image and subdividing the edges into corresponding spline segments. Each of the spline segments is evaluated and the adjacent spline segments are identified. The midpoint of each evaluated spline segment is then connected by an adjacency pointer with the midpoint of each of its corresponding adjacent spline segments, creating adjacency couples. Adjacency intervals of the image are identified as continuous chains of the adjacent couples. A central point of each adjacency pointer within each adjacency couple is identified and the central points are joined within each adjacency interval to form a central line corresponding to a characteristic line.
Once each central line is formed, the cross-sections corresponding to the points along the central line are detected. The cross-sections consist of at least one geometric parameter and at least one brightness parameter. A basis cross-section representative of the associated characteristic line is determined. The basis cross-section is transformed to the cross-sections of the points on the central line and a corresponding fitting path is determined. A characteristic line model representing the characteristic line is assembled, the characteristic line model consisting of at least the data representing the central line, the basis cross-section and the fitting path. The characteristic line model may then be stored, transmitted or processed.
In one aspect of the invention, adjacent spline segments corresponding to each of the evaluated spline segments are identified by first scanning all of the spline segments and identifying for each scanned spline segment the other spline segments that meet predetermined criteria. In particular, for spline segments to be considered adjacent to another of the spline segments, such a spline segment should contain at least one point that is less than or equal to a predetermined distance from the other spline segment and should have a direction that forms an angle with a direction of the other spline segment less than or equal to a predetermined value. Furthermore, the spline segment should contain a midpoint that, when joined by an adjacency pointer with a midpoint of the other spline segment, results in an adjacency pointer having a direction that forms an angle with the direction of each of the joined spline segments which differs from (e.g.) by 90 degrees less than or equal to a predetermined value. This comparison is repeated for each of the scanned spline segments.
In other aspects of the invention, the cross-sections are detected in alternative ways. One way is to identify scanning points at equal intervals along the central line of a characteristic line and project a line segment orthogonal to the central line at each of the scanning points. Characteristic points are identified on the orthogonal line segment at each point where the orthogonal line segment intersects the margin of the edges forming the characteristic line. An image brightness is sampled at each of the characteristic points on the orthogonal line segment. The cross-section of each orthogonal line segment is then approximated by a cross-section of the edges corresponding to the sampled image brightness.
In an alternative embodiment, the cross-sections are detected by subdividing the central line into subpieces, each having a predetermined length. Pixels located within a characteristic strip corresponding to each of the subpieces are identified. These pixels are defined at least according to their respective distances from the central line and brightness parameters. A cross-section at each of the subpieces is then derived based on the defined pixels.
The cross-sections are further refined by forming a quadratic difference between each derived cross-section and the cross-section derived from the next subpiece. The quadratic differences with respect to the parameters of a fitting transformation associated with the cross-section are minimized. A minimized fitting transformation of each derived cross-section and the cross-section derived from the next one of the subpieces is identified. Multiple fitting transformations are composed from these minimized fitting transformations and interpolated along the corresponding line segment. A fitting path is derived from the interpolated fitting transformations and each of the pixels are redefined according to its distance from the central line corrected according to the fitting path and one of its brightness or color parameter corrected according to the fitting path. A corrected cross-section is then derived at each of the subpieces based on the redefined pixels. In an aspect of the invention, the central lines are corrected by identifying a geometrically central point of the associated corrected cross-section and applying the fitting path to the central point.
In another aspect of the invention, an image, having an original size, is represented by first reducing the image from the original size. At least one characteristic line of the reduced image is identified, each characteristic line being a line on the image along which a visual pattern repeats itself. The reduced image is then re-scaled to the original size and a central line is determined corresponding to the characteristic line. The central line approximates the shape of the identified characteristic line and consists of a number of points. Then, consistent with other aspects of the invention, visual patterns along the central line are then identified. A basis signature representative of the characteristic line is determined and this basis signature is transformed to approximate a repetition of the visual pattern along the central line. A characteristic line model representing the characteristic line is assembled, consisting of the central line, the basis signature and the transformation of the basis signature. The characteristic line model is stored, transmitted or processed further, depending on the implementation.
Further, according to a related aspect of the invention, the central line of the re-scaled image is identified as a candidate central line. A characteristic strip associated with the candidate central line is determined. The characteristic strip includes portions of the image adjacent to the candidate central line. Image patterns are detected within the characteristic strip. It is then determined whether each of the image patterns within the characteristic strip repeats along the central line. If the image patterns within the characteristic strip do not repeat along the central line, the candidate central line is discarded as not corresponding to a characteristic line. Otherwise, the candidate central line is accepted and each of the image patterns is separated, a signature is identified and a geometric transformation that fits the signature to the repetitions of the pattern along the candidate central line is determined. A signature and a fitting sequence corresponding to the candidate central line are then approximated.
In another embodiment of the invention, an image is represented by identifying an empirical cross-section of at least one point of a line on the image. It is determined whether the line approximates the shape of a uniform characteristic line. If so, a fitting path, a corrected cross-section and a central line of the uniform characteristic line are identified accordingly.
Other aspects of the invention involve implementation of image representation by a computing apparatus. The computing apparatus includes a computing device that executes computer readable code, an input device that receives the digital image and interfacing with a user, at least one data storage device that stores computer data, and a programming code reading device that reads computer executable code. The computing device is in communication with the input device, the data storage devices and the programming code reading device.
According to one aspect of the invention involving computer apparatus implementation, the computer executable code instructs the computing device to identify at least one characteristic line of the image. Each characteristic line includes a line along which a visual pattern repeats itself. The computing device determines a central line corresponding to the characteristic line, the central line approximating the shape of the characteristic line and consists of a number of points. The computing device then determines a cross-section at each of the points along the central line, determines a basis cross-section representative of the characteristic line and transforms the basis cross-section to the cross-sections of the points along the central line. The cross-section includes at least one geometric parameter and at least one brightness parameter. Data representing the characteristic line, the central line, the cross-section and the transforms of the cross-section are stored in at least one data storage device. Also, the characteristic lines and the central line corresponding to each characteristic line may be identified by a user via the input device.
In another aspect of the invention, computer executable code instructs the computing device to identify at least one characteristic line of the image, each characteristic line including a line along which a visual pattern repeats itself. The computer executable code further instructs the computing device to determine a central line corresponding to the characteristic line, identify a plurality of patterns along the central line, determine a basis signature representative of the characteristic line and transform the basis signature to approximate a repetition of the visual pattern along the central line. The central line approximates the shape of the characteristic line. Data representing the characteristic line, the central line, the patterns, the basis signature, and the transforms of the cross-section are stored in at least one data storage device. The characteristic lines, as well as the central line and visual pattern corresponding to each characteristic line, may be identified by the user via the input device.
In another aspect of the invention, computer executable code causes the computing device to reduce the image from an original size and to identify at least one characteristic line of the reduced image. The characteristic line is a line along which a visual pattern repeats itself. The computing device then re-scales the reduced image to the original size, and determines for the re-scaled image a central line corresponding to the characteristic line. The central line approximates the shape of the characteristic line and consists of a number of points. The computing device then identifies patterns along the central line, determines a basis signature representative of the characteristic line and transforms the basis signature to approximate a repetition of the visual pattern along the central line. The data representing at least one of the characteristic line, the central line, the patterns, the basis signature and the transforms of the cross-section are stored in at least one of the data storage devices.
In still another aspect of the invention, computer executable code causes the computing device to identify at least one central line approximating a shape of a characteristic line and to subdivide the central line into subpieces, based on a predetermined length. The computing device further identifies pixels located within a characteristic strip corresponding to each of the subpieces and defines each of the pixels at least according to its distance from the central line and a brightness parameter. The computing device then derives a cross-section at each of the subpieces based on the defined pixels, forms a quadratic difference between each derived cross-section and the cross-section derived from the next subpiece, minimizes the quadratic differences with respect to the parameters of a fitting transformation and identifies a minimized fitting transformation of each derived cross-section and the cross-section derived from the next subpiece. Multiple fitting transformations are composed from the plurality of minimized fitting transformations and interpolated along the corresponding line segment.
The computer executable code then causes the computing device to derive a fitting path from the interpolated fitting transformations and redefine each of the pixels according to a distance from the central line corrected according to the fitting path and one of a brightness and a color parameter corrected according to the fitting path. A corrected cross-section at each of the subpieces is derived based on the redefined pixels. The computing device then identifies an (e.g.) geometrically central point of the corrected cross-section and applies the fitting path to the central point to derive a corrected central line. Data representing at least one of the uniform characteristic line, the central line, the plurality of fitting transformations, the fitting path, the empirical cross-section and the corrected cross-section are stored in one or more data storage devices.
The computing apparatus implementing representation of an image can alternatively include an image reading device for reading and storing the image, an interface device for enabling a user interface, a program module that receives and executes computer readable code, and a model storage device that stores characteristic line model data representing the image. The program module detects multiple edges and/or ridges on the image stored in the image reading device. The program module then detects adjacencies among each of the edges and ridges, interprets common adjacencies as characteristic lines and determines a central line corresponding to each of the characteristic lines. The central line approximates the shape of the characteristic line. The program module further detects cross-sections corresponding to each point along the central line. The cross-sections include one or more geometric parameters and one or more brightness parameters.
The program module can also subdivide each of the edges and ridges into corresponding spline segments. The program module then evaluates each of the spline segments, and identifies adjacent spline segments and at least one adjacency interval on each of multiple edge components corresponding to the edges.
In another aspect of the invention, a program module of the computing apparatus detects edges on the image and subdivides each edge into corresponding spline segments. It evaluates each of the spline segments and identifies adjacent spline segments and connects, with an adjacency pointer, a midpoint of the evaluated spline segment with a midpoint of each of the corresponding adjacent spline segments. This creates multiple adjacency couples. The program module then identifies adjacency intervals as continuous chains of adjacent couples, identifies a central point of each adjacency pointer within each adjacency couple, and joins the central points of each adjacency pointer within each adjacency interval to form a central line corresponding to the characteristic line. The program module then detects cross-sections corresponding to each point along the central line. Each of the cross-sections includes one or more geometric parameters and one or more brightness parameters.
The program module determines a basis cross-section representative of the characteristic line, determines a fitting path corresponding to the cross-sections and assembles a characteristic line model representing the characteristic line. The fitting path includes a transformation of the basis cross-section to the cross-sections of the points along the central line. The characteristic line model includes data representing the central line, the basis cross-section and the fitting path. The data representing one or more of the characteristic lines, the characteristic line model, the central line, the basis cross-section and the fitting path are stored in one or more data storage devices.
According to another aspect of the invention, a program module identifies an empirical cross-section of one or more points of a line on the image and determines whether the line approximates the shape of a uniform characteristic line. If so, the program module identifies a fitting path, a corrected cross-section and a central line of the uniform characteristic line. The data representing one or more of the uniform characteristic lines, the central line, the fitting path, the empirical cross-section and the corrected cross-section are stored in one or more data storage devices. As with all aspects of the invention, the program module can work in conjunction with the interface device to interact with a user in executing the invention.

Method and apparatus for image analysis and processing by identification of characteristic lines and corresponding parameters


A rewritable recording medium and a system for creating or recording presentation order information for the recording medium are disclosed. The rewritable recording medium includes (a) a data area in which a data file is recorded, and (b) a navigation information area in which a navigation information file is recorded. The navigation information file includes a plurality of presentation order information units for defining a data presentation sequence and a plurality of presentation order information groups each of which including at least one of the presentation order information units. Recording of new data is permitted only when the total number of the presentation order information units for all the presentation order information groups is less than a predetermined value.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates generally to a rewriteable recording medium and a method and system for creating and recording data management information for a rewritable recording medium, and more particularly, but not by way of limitation, to creation and recording of video object presentation order management data accompanied by editing presentation order of still or moving pictures recorded on the recording medium.
2. Description of the Related Art
Optical disks have come into wide use since the advent of compact disc (CD) and the demand for optical disks is expected to grow steadily with popularization of digital versatile disk (DVD). Optical disks include read-only disks such as CD-ROM and DVD-ROM, write-once disks such as CD-R and DVD-R, and rewritable disks such as CD-RW and DVD-RAM. The specification of DVD-RTRW, which is standard writing/reading format of a rewritable disk, has not released yet and standardization for the DVD-RTRW is under way.
As rewritable optical disks like DVD-RAM are of immensely large capacity, users may store a variety of data such as moving pictures, still pictures, audio data, and the like on a single recording medium. Each time a new data file is recorded on a rewritable recording medium, navigation information for locating the data file after recording is created and recorded along with the data file on the recording medium. The recorded navigation information is referred to whenever the relevant data file is accessed.
Navigation information regarding all data files stored on a recording medium is contained in a navigation data table as shown in FIG. 1, which is recorded as a single navigation data file on the recording medium. Accessing the recording medium entails loading the navigation data file into a memory, wherein the navigation data reside all the time. When recording a moving or still picture on the recording medium, the area in which the picture file will be recorded is determined with reference to the navigation information. Recording a picture file always accompanies creating management information regarding the recorded picture file and updating the navigation data file to include the newly created management information.
Management data pertaining to moving pictures comprise movie video object information (M_VOBI) and movie video object presentation order information (movie Cell Information or simply CI). Suppose that a moving picture file is composed of n movie video objects (M_VOBs) M_VOB#1xcx9cM_VOB#n as shown in FIG. 3. Since each M_VOB needs a M_VOBI and a CI, n M_VOBIs and n CIs are created in the same order that n M_VOBs are recorded. In FIG. 3, M_VOBI#1xcx9cM_VOBI#n correspond to M_VOB#1xcx9cM_VOB#n and C#2, C#4, . . . (shaded Cells in the box labeled ORG_PGC) correspond to M_VOB#1xcx9cM_VOB#n. The created M_VOBIs and CIs are stored in the movie A/V file information table (M_AVFIT) and the original program chain information table (ORG_PGCIT) of the navigation data shown in FIG. 1, respectively. As illustrated in FIG. 2A, Cell Information related to a movie VOB consists of several fields: Cell type (C_TY) indicating that the relevant VOB is moving picture data, the ID number of the relevant M_VOB (M_VOB_ID), the presentation start time (C_V_S_PTM) and presentation end time (C_V_E_PTM) of the relevant M_VOB, the index number of the text data connected with the CI (IT_TXT_N), and the index number of the thumbnail connected with the CI (THMNL_N).
When the recording medium is accessed, the navigation data file is read from the recording medium and loaded into a memory as mentioned before. If reproduction of a moving picture is requested, M_VOBIs and CIs relevant to the requested moving picture file are read from the M_AVFIT and ORG_PGCIT of the navigation data table, respectively. In reference to the M_VOBIs and CIs, the requested moving picture file can be located from the recording medium and reproduced.
On the other hand, management data pertaining to still pictures comprise still picture video object information (S_VOBI) and still picture video object presentation order information (still picture Cell Information or simply CI). Suppose that a still picture file is composed of n still picture video objects (S_VOBs) S_VOB#1xcx9cS_VOB#n as shown in FIG. 3. Since each S_VOB needs a S_VOBI and a CI, n S_VOBIs and n CIs are created in the same order that n S_VOBs are recorded. In FIG. 3, S_VOBI#1xcx9cS_VOBI#n correspond to S_VOB#1xcx9cS_VOB#n and C#1, C#3, . . . (not shaded Cells in the box labeled ORG_PGC) correspond to S_VOB#1xcx9cS_VOB#n. The created S_VOBIs and CIs are stored in the still picture A/V file information table (S_AVFIT) and the original program chain information table (ORG_PGCIT) of the navigation data shown in FIG. 1, respectively. As illustrated in FIG. 2B, Cell Information related to a still picture VOB consists of several fields: Cell type (C_TY) indicating that the relevant VOB is still picture data, the ID number of the relevant S_VOB (S_VOB_ID), the playback time (C_PB_TM), presentation start time (C_V_S_PTM), and still time (C_STILL_TM) of the relevant S_VOB, the index number of the text data connected with the CI (IT_TXT_N), and the index number of the thumbnail connected with the CI (THMNL_N).
The procedure for reproducing a still picture is similar to that for reproducing a moving picture. If reproduction of a still picture is requested, S_VOBIs and CIs relevant to the requested still picture file are read from the S_AVFIT and ORG_PGCIT of the navigation data table, respectively. In reference to the S_VOBIs and CIs, the requested still picture file can be located from the recording medium and reproduced.
The navigation data file is used in the same manner when movie or still picture files recorded on the recording medium are edited. If a user makes or edits a list of moving or still pictures to reproduce them in a preferred order, management data regarding the list are created with reference to the navigation data loaded into the memory. The management data consist of a series of CIs corresponding to the selected pictures, which forms a user-defined program chain or PGC (UD_PGC) to be stored in the user-defined PGC information (UD_PGCI) of the user-defined PGC information table (UD_PGCIT) shown in FIG. 1. UD_PGC#i is stored in UD_PGCI#i.
If reproduction of a play list of picture files is requested, the UD_PGC stored in the UD_PGCI corresponding to the requested play list is read from the UD_PGCIT of the navigation data in the memory. Then, the M_VOBIs and S_VOBIs corresponding to the CIs can be read from the M_AVFIT and S_AVFIT. Finally, the VOBs linked to the play list can be read out and the play list can be reproduced in reference to the VOBIs and CIs.
In the above method, the amount of the navigation data increases with the number of user-defined PGCs each of which contains information on a presentation order of VOBs, because each user-defined PGC is recorded in a user-defined PGCI in the navigation data table. It is an apparent drawback of the method, therefore, that the navigation data file may take excessive storage space as user-defined PGCs increase in number.
One possible solution to the above problem is to limit the maximum number of user-defined PGCs and the maximum number of CIs that a user-defined PGC can hold. This method, however, may give rise to other problems. Suppose that the number of CIs which a user-defined PGC can take is limited to N. In this case, some picture program to be reproduced continuously cannot be managed by a single user-defined PGC if the number of CIs contained in the picture program exceeds the prescribed bound N.
It is therefore a primary object of the present invention to provide a rewritable recording medium and a method and system for creating and recording presentation order management data for a rewritable recording medium, which enables effective control of the amount of presentation order management information needed for managing user-defined play lists in the limited maximum size of navigation data.
The method of creating and recording presentation order management information for a rewritable recording medium according to the present invention comprises steps of: creating information tables classified by the types of presentation order management of recorded data; checking the amount of presentation order management information contained in said information tables on the request of new presentation sequence; and controlling creation and record of new presentation order management information based on the result of said checking.
The information table utilized in the present invention comprises an original program chain information table and a user-defined program chain information table. The former table contains management information for reproducing recorded data in the recording order of the data, while the latter table contains management information for reproducing data in a user-preferred order. More specifically, the user-defined program chain information table contains presentation order information units for storing user-defined data presentation sequence and user-defined program chains each of which consists of a plurality of the presentation order information units. The method according to the present invention enables effective management of the amount of presentation order management data by controlling the maximum number of presentation order information units and the maximum number of user-defined program chains.

Method of creating and recording presentation order information management information for a rewritable recording medium