A system and method provide for synchronous operation of linked command objects in a general purpose software application. The software application provides a user with a variety of operations that manipulate available data objects. The software application manages the data objects in a number of contexts. Each context manages the existence and execution of a number of command objects. Each command object operates on one or more data objects in its context. To support synchronous operations that affect the state of data objects in more than one context, command objects are linked to each other. When one command object is executed, the context of the command object identifies a command object linked to the executed command object and initiates the execution of the linked command object via the context that manages that command object. This synchronization allows for synchronous undo and redone operations. The delete states of the command objects are also synchronized. Deleting a command object destroys it, and prevents it from being undone. When one command object is deleted the command object linked thereto is also deleted, thereby preventing the linked command object from being independently undone resulting in an inconsistent state of the contexts.

1. Field of Invention
This invention relates to the field of application development, and more particularly, to methods and systems that manage the behavior of multiple commands to provide synchronous operation of associated commands.
2. Background of Invention
A typical software application provides a user with a variety of operations that can be executed on the various types of data employed by the application. Each transforms one or more data objects in one or more contexts. A context is a mechanism for representing data to the user. Contexts include documents, windows, text entry fields, dialog boxes, pictures, and the like.
In an application based on an object oriented architecture, each user-level operation may be represented by any number of underlying command objects, each of which manages a specific function on a specific target data object(s) in a specific context. After a command object is executed on a given context, it is typically maintained until a new command object is created in order to execute another user action. Where an action affects more than one context, it is preferable that the command objects operating on the individual data objects be performed synchronously, thereby preserving to the user the appearance in the user interface of a single action.
One example of synchronous commands is the use of drag and drop actions in a graphical user interface, typically under the control of a mouse-type input device. To the user, the drag and drop action moves a piece of data from a source location, or context, to a target context. However, to the application, the locations themselves are contexts, and the drag and drop operation is typically represented by two command objects, one which operates on the source context to update it and remove a data object therefrom, and one that operates on the target context to update it with the dragged data object. To maintain the appearance of a single drag and drop action, these individual command objects must operate in synchrony on their respective contexts. Each context is independently updated, but to the user the appearance is of a unified action.
In most applications, it is desirable to provide a mechanism by which the user can perform an action, and undo that action if the result is dissatisfactory, or redo the action. Typically, the undo or redo actions are implemented as separate methods of a single command object that performs the action. In these instances, undoing and redoing the action is relatively straight forward and is provided in most conventional applications. Because there is only a single context as the target of the undo/redo, most such actions do not require synchronized commands, since the same target context is updated by each action.
However, where the original action affects two or more contexts, then an undo or redo of that action must restore the state of the both contexts. Because of the separate contexts, there needs to be a separate command object operating on each. Accordingly, because the user should perceive the undo or redo as a single action, the underlying command objects that execute the undo or redo must operate synchronously on their respective contexts. For example, in a word processor, a drag and drop operation of text data from one window to another results in two command objects, one to delete the text from the source window, and one to place the text in the target window. To undo the drag and drop action, the two command objects created to perform the drag and drop must execute their undo methods in synchrony.
One existing solution to synchronizing command objects in separate contexts is to identify a lowest common parent context that hierarchically contains the separate contexts. Typically between the parent context and the separate contexts there will be a number of intermediate contexts, each of which may have its own undoable command object. These undoable command objects are deleted, and an undoable command object is then posted in the parent context, allowing the operations in the separate contexts to be undone. The deletion of the command objects in the intermediate contexts is undesirable because these command objects are unrelated to the command objects in the separate contexts. Thus, the user loses the ability to undo these commands objects as an side effect of attempting to undo the command objects in the lower level separate contexts.
Accordingly, it is desirable to provide a method for synchronizing command objects that allows for unified execution and undoing of the commands on independent contexts.
The present invention overcomes the limitations of prior systems by linking individual command objects, each of which is responsible for its own methods for executing on data objects in the context it is associated with, and then synchronizing the execution and deletion of the linked command objects. When a synchronous user action is initiated, a command object is created in the context where the action originated, i.e., the source context, and a command object is created in the context where the action is targeted, i.e., the target context. The individual command objects are linked, so that one command object can be accessed and invoked in one context, when the other command object is invoked in an active context. This allows for synchronization of the execution of the command objects, so that both command objects are either done or undone at the same time. In this manner, the user will perceive the action as unified, even though it affects data objects in two contexts. The user can thus cause the do and undo method of one command object to be invoked, and the corresponding do or undo method of a linked command object will also be invoked.
In order to ensure that a command object can be undone only when another command object linked thereto is capable of being undone, the present invention provides for synchronizing the deletion of linked command objects. The command object may be deleted because it failed to execute properly, or because it was not undoable. When a command object is deleted, it is destroyed and can no longer be executed,.either to do or undo its affects on its data objects. Accordingly, when a command object is processed for execution, its delete state is determined and compared with the delete state of its linked command object. If these are different, it means that one command object has been deleted, and the other has not. Accordingly, the command object that has not been deleted is deleted. In this manner both of the command objects are either doable or undoable together, and if one has been deleted, and thus is undoable, the other is brought into synchrony. This way, the user is presented with a consistent ability to either undo or not undo both command objects to produce consistent results in the source and target contexts.

Method and system for synchronous operation of linked command objects


The molding member provides a substantially vertical wall along either side of the windshield, and a flush surface along the top side of the windshield so that rainwater on the surface of the windshield is prevented from flowing sideways along the side windows of the vehicle, and guided to the roof of the vehicle body. The transition from the middle portion of the molding member to the end portions is so gradual and smooth that it is highly pleasing to the eye, and would not create any undesirable aerodynamic disturbances. In particular, because the vertical walls on either side are defined as a smooth extension of the convex exterior surface of the head portion of the molding member, they can prevent accumulation of snow which otherwise may be produced along the side edges of the windshield as a result of operating a windshield wiper during snowfall but still effectively prevent the flow of rainwater to the side windows of the vehicle during rainfall.

Conventionally, the windshield of a vehicle is fitted in an opening provided in a vehicle body by placing a molding member along the periphery of the windshield to keep rainwater out provide an air tight seal for the passenger compartment. Normally, a sealant is filled into the gap, and the windshield is secured in place by cooperation of the sealant and the molding member. The exterior of such a molding member is sometimes covered by an ornamental metallic member.
When the vehicle is travelling at high speed in rain, the rain water on the windshield tends to flow sideways, and this water flow is known to obstruct the view through the side windows, and sometimes the view through the rearview mirrors mounted on the doors. Therefore, the molding member is often provided with a vertical wall on either side of the windshield to guide the rainwater to the upper end of the windshield, and to the roof of the vehicle to avoid such a problem.
The molding member is therefore required to have a cross section which is different from one place to another for blocking the water flow across the side edges of the windshield but allowing the water flow across the upper edge of the windshield. This can be accomplished by connecting together three or more segments having different cross sections to make a single molding member, but this complicates the fabrication process and may not provide a molding member with a desirable appearance. It is therefore desired to produce a continuous molding member having a changing cross section. However, fabrication of such continuous molding members typically requires a highly complex extrusion die, or additional steps of cutting a part of a molding member of a uniform cross section to form a desired differing cross section.


A boot-binding for board sports such as snowboarding is provided that is both automatically closing and compatible with any style of boot or shoe. A molded plastic shell which is fixedly attached to the board's upper surface provides a substantially boot-shaped receiving space and an automatic closing gate clamps down tightly across the boot's upper surface to bind the foot tightly. In operation, the rider simply steps into the binding thereby actuating a release mechanism which allows the gate to swing closed. Gate receptors mounted to the exterior of the plastic shell opposite the hinge accept and latch the gate firmly across boot's upper surface. Several cushioning elements, some of which may be inflatable, may be included and manual adjustments may be made without special tools to adjust the fit and feel of the binding.

1. Field of the Invention
This invention relates generally to board sports such as snowboarding and boot bindings for use in such activities. More specifically, this invention relates to an automatically closing and latching binding for use in board sports which is compatible with any style boot or shoe.
2. Related Art
Ross (U.S. Pat. No. 5,857,700) discloses a snowboard binding for a generic soft boot. The binding has a pair of straps attached at their proximal ends to a baseplate and at their distal ends to a connecting rod. A rotating latch is mounted to the connecting rod and engages a bar which is attached to the side of the baseplate opposite the proximal end of the straps.
Hansen, et al. (U.S. Pat. No. 6,065,770) describes a snowboard binding mechanism in which the binding instep is coupled to the binding sidewalls using flexible, tensile elements. The tensile elements are fixed at one end to the binding instep and fixed at the other end to a vertically-slid heel bar. The rider inserts the boot toe in the binding instep shell and presses the heel downward on the heel bar. As this pressure is applied, the tensile elements move downward in similar fashion, thus drawing the instep down upon the boot's upper surface. As the boot is positioned on the board surface, a latching mechanism fastens the heel bar securely. Removal is not assisted by any spring mechanism and the rider is required to apply upward pressure on the binding instep while releasing the latching mechanism.
Morrow, et al. (U.S. Pat. No. 6,189,913) describes a snowboard binding mechanism that utilizes a fixture imbedded in the boot sole that couples with a latching mechanism on the board surface. This pairing enables convenient step-in performance, but requires specialized footwear.
Couderc, et al. (U.S. Pat. application Pub. No. 2001/0009320) discloses a snowboard binding with a single linkage to connect two lateral edges. The linkage comprises two or more points for fastening to a first of the edges, and a single point for fastening to the second of the edges.
It is the object of the present invention to simplify the binding-entry process for snowboarders of every skill level without compromising comfort or functionality and without requiring riders to purchase additional or specialized equipment.

Automatic, universal boot binding for board sports


Stereoscopic microscope comprising an optical inverter system (21a, 21b) for erecting a pseudo-stereoscopic image and reversing the viewing beams thereof, wherein the inverter system comprises at least one deflector element (21a, 21b) having a focal power.

Opthalmological microscopes as such are known. They comprise a main objective, a magnification system disposed thereafter, i.e. behind the main objective, and a binocular system with oculars (eyepieces). In order to provide a stereoscopic microscope in a magnification system, which is, for example, designed as a zoom system, the main beam path, which passes the main objective lens may be split into a number of beam paths. Further, opthalmological microscopes are known, which allow for a simultaneous inspection of the object by a first user (main surgeon) and a second user (assistant).
Intraocular surgery requires supplementary optical systems, for example in order to microscopically inspect the fundus or parts of the vitreous body of a human eye, which are close to the fundus. These consist of lenses, which are disposed in front of the main objective at the side of the object.
A supplementary optical system of this kind is described in the brochure "SDI II, BIOM II" of Oculus Optikgeräte GmbH published in 1998, as well as in U.S. Pat. No. 4,856,872. This supplementary optical system comprises a lens (opthalmoscopical lens) to be positioned close to the object to be inspected, and a lens (reduction lens), which is positioned closer to the main objective.
From DE 41 14 646 C2 a solution is known, according to which an ophtalmological attachment for a surgical microscope is accommodated in an attachment housing, which is laterally positionable with respect to the main objective. The attachment comprises an ophtalmoscopical lens, an optical image erecting system and a slideable lens (correcting lens) for focussing.
The image erecting system is needed, because the supplementary optical systems reverse the microscopic image with respect to its height extension and its lateral extension, thereby giving a pseudo-stereoscopic virtual image. This means among other things that the front and the back of depth perception of the intermediate image created by the ophtalmoscopical lens are reversed. However, in order to allow for microsurgical operations, an erected, stereoscopically correct image is required. For this reason, in order to avoid the otherwise resulting pseudo-stereoscopic effect in viewing, a reversal (an exchange) of the two viewing beam paths (reversal of pupils) must occur simultaneously to the required erection of the image. An especially preferred embodiment of such an optical system for erecting images is known as SDI-System (stereoscopic diagonal inverter). A system of this kind is known, for example, from the already mentioned brochure "SDI II, BIOM II" dating from 1998. However, the use of such SDI systems is accompanied by considerable disadvantages for the microscope system or the image quality of the microscope. In particular, adapting the optical beam path of these supplementary systems to that of the stereo microscope has proved to be very cumbersome. Frequently, this results in poor image quality and field clipping, which is caused by insufficient mechanical adaptation of the SDI-system to the microscope. Further, the overall height of such SDI-systems influences the ergonomic overall height of the microscope in a negative way.


A method performed by a physical computing device communicatively coupled to a computer network for creating an aggregate report of a presence of a user of the physical computing device on the network includes periodically searching the network with the physical computing device for content related to the user authored by a source other than the user, the searching being based on a unique set of identifiers associated with the user, dynamically updating the unique set of identifiers based on contextual trends within content returned as a result of the searching, and aggregating content published by the user to the network with the content returned as a result of the searching to form the aggregate report of the presence of the user on the network.

Aspects of the present invention relate in general to the reporting of an individual's presence over a network, and more particularly, to methods and systems for creating and managing a report of an individual's presence over a network.
An individual or organization is said to have a presence on a network when content accessible through the network is publicly attributed to or associated with that individual or organization. For example, an individual may use a network such as the Internet to publish content authored by the individual, such as blog postings, discussion forum postings, social network content, public photos, wiki entries, personal websites, and the like. Any such information that includes the name of the individual authoring the content or publicly references the individual in some other way is part of the presence of that individual on the Internet. In many cases, the network presence of an individual or organization may include third-party content that was not authored by the individual or organization, but still references or otherwise identifies the individual or organization. Examples of such third-party content include, but are not limited to, news publications, public records, profiles on professional or employer-related websites, personal websites or blogs, social network content, public photos, directories, and the like.
It is often the case that content associated with an individual or an organization can affect how others perceive the individual or organization. Accordingly, an individual or organization may wish to ascertain its overall network presence.

This patent is subject to a terminal disclaimer.

Creating an aggregate report of a presence of a user on a network

INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS MACHINES CORPORATION


A facing for an earthwork comprises earth pressure bearing sections 2 adapted to be held rigidly relative to the rearwardly adjacent earth, for example by means of stabilizing elements 3 embedded in the earth, and moveable of the earth 4 resiliently permitting movement of the earth substantially perpendicularly to the plane of the facing whereby earth pressure on the facing panels is reduced by establishment of arching forces between the rigidly held sections 2.

Facings for earthworks are conventionally relatively thick in order to withstand earth pressures, even when the earth is stabilised, for example by inclusion of stabilising members such as reinforcement strips or grids, anchor systems or soil nails. The pressure of the earth on the facing, while often greatly reduced by interaction with stabilising members in the earth, is usually still sufficiently large to require an earth retaining facing comprising concrete panels of some 14-25cm in thickness or other panels of equivalent strength. Such panels are, however, expensive and there is a demand for a modified system using less expensive panels.
We have found that the pressure on the facing is not uniformly distributed but that the areas of the facing close to the points of attachment to stabilising members tend to carry the greater part of the pressure while at more distant locations the pressure is lower. Thus, in a system in which substantially rectangular abutting facing panels are attached to the ends of rows of embedded stabilising elements, the pressure at the centres of the units is significantly lower than that at the periphery where the stabilising members are attached.
This observation appears to be due to the phenomenon of arching within the earth mass. At the present time this phenomenon has not been fully explained and there are at least three theories of its mode of action. (Karl Terghazi, Theoretical Soil Mechanics, Whiley, p66 et seq). In principle, however, in particulate earth, compressive forces at a point are transferred by shear stresses in the earth to more distant points and the forces involved can be shown to follow an arched path within the earth mass. Where, as in the case of panels attached to stabilising members, the earth is rigidly constrained at a number of relatively close adjacent points, the arched lines of force within the earth emanating from adjacent fixed points join to form complete arches within the mass. These arches serve to retain more rearward earth and have the effect of reducing pressure at the facing at locations distant from the fixed points, e.g. at the centres of the facing panels.
Our calculations, as given in greater detail hereinafter, have shown that although arching reduces the earth pressure on the central area of a rigid panel supported between two rigidly held beams, such forces are still large even at parts on the panel at a significant distance from the rigidly held beams. In contrast, where the rigid panel is replaced by an elastic membrane the earth pressure on the elastic surface is greatly reduced even close to the rigidly held beams, although the pressure on the beams is correspondingly increased. Furthermore, the deformation of the elastic membrane is only of the order of a few millimeters, not greatly different from that of a relatively thin conventional concrete panel. In practice, however, deformations of 1-2 cm might be expected.


A radial pulse rocket motor having a nozzle at the aft end includes longitudinally spaced hollow boost and sustain propellant grains in the combustion chamber thereof with an elongated tubular thermal barrier covering substantially the whole of the interior surface of the sustain grain to enable the production of separate boost and sustain pulses. At the forward end of the motor, mounted within a reentrant motor bulkhead position, is a multiple pulse arm-fire device which, when commanded, produces an igniting signal that is transmitted to a boost igniter for igniting the boost grain and a subsequent igniting signal that is transmitted to a sustain igniter for igniting the sustain grain. The sustain igniter is positioned in surrounding relation to the motor forward bulkhead reentrant portion, the multiple pulse arm-fire device, and the forward end of the tubular barrier, and comprises a consumable, molded, polyurethane case having two interlocking tubes with a thin 0.10 inch (2.5 mm.) wide annulus therebetween which contains a thin sheet of igniter propellant wrapped around and bonded to the inner tube. Upon completion of the burning of the boost grain and subsequent initiation of the sustain igniter, the operation of the sustain igniter produces a pressure of flaming gases externally of the forward end of the thermal barrier that is effective to turn the barrier inside out to expose the sustain grain to the flaming gases and to deposit the thermal barrier in the space previously occupied by the boost grain.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to improvements in radial pulse rocket motors having a plurality of solid propellant units therein and incorporating a thermal barrier that enables the ignition of the propellant units to be independent of each other whereby discrete pulses, specifically "boost" and "sustain" pulses are available upon command. The invention relates particularly to an improvement in the igniter for the sustain phase of such motors.
2. Description of the Prior Art
The entire propulsive capacity of a solid propellant rocket motor, is usually spent during the combustion process of one mass of solid propellant grain. This is for the reason that, once a solid propellant grain is ignited, it is very difficult to stop the combustion process until the entire mass of ignited propellant has been consumed.
Burning may be started by standard initiation means, knonw in the art, and may be of the "end" burn type or the "raidal" burn type. End burning is the burning of a tube or rod of propellant grain in a direction parallel to the axis of the tube or rod, and in a direction away from the nozzle of the rocket motor. Radial burning is the radial or outward burning internally of a tube of propellant grain with the total inner surface thereof being ignited.
It has been proposed in the prior art to provide solid propellant rocket motors of both the end burn and radial burn types with an ability to fire more than once, that is, a rocket motor with a "start-stop-restart" capability by providing two or more concentric layers or zones of solid propellant grain in a combustion chamber with a flame inhibiting or thermal barrier separating the layers, the barrier being made of a material that will confine the burning to a single layer or zone but which is rupturable and destructible so that the next adjacent layer may be ignited with the ruptured and destroyed barrier being blown out of the motor nozzle.
Radial burn prior art rocket motor arrangements that may be fired more than once are disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 3,248,875 granted on May 3, 1966 to R. D. Wolcott, U.S. Pat. No. 3,293,855 granted on Dec. 27, 1966 to W. E. Cuttill et al, and U.S. Pat. No. 4,357,795 granted on Nov. 9, 1982 to T. W. Bastian et al. In the Wolcott patent heat insulating metal foil and individually associated electrically activated igniter bands are provided between each of several concentric layers of solid propellant grain for igniting, upon command, and in turn, each of the next adjacent layers. Similarly, the Cuttill et al patent discloses a pyrotechnic and an electrically ignitable film between each of several concentric layers of solid propellant for igniting each of the next adjacent layers, in turn. In the Bastian et al patent, a burn inhibitor layer is provided between each of several tandemly positioned layers of solid propellant grain and a separate igniter is provided for "radial" burn of each of the layers in turn. The Bastian patent also discloses the use of a burn inhibitor layer between each of several concentric layers of solid propellant grain and a separate igniter for each layer at the aft end of the motor for "end" burn of each of the next adjacent layers beginning with a central core.
Other similar prior art arrangements are disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 3,564,845 granted to I. H. Friedman, Jr. et al on Feb. 23, 1971 and U.S. Pat. No. 3,568,448 granted to G. E. Webb, Jr. on Mar. 9, 1971 wherein the inner one of two solid propellant concentric layers that are separated by a flame inhibiting barrier is ignited by an aft end igniter. A rupturable membrane seal and perforated support member assembly is provided to isolate a gas generator from the motor combustion chamber during burning of the inner layer. Activation of a head or forward end igniter activates the gas generator. Presure of the gas produced by the generator ruptures the membrane seal, destroys the flame inhibiting barrier, and causes ignition of the second or outer layer of propellant.
In each of the foregoing prior art patents, the flame inhibiting or thermal barrier is destroyed by being ruptured and blown out of the rocket motor nozzle to enable ignition of the next adjacent propellant layer.
U.S. Pat. No. 3,340,691 granted on Sept. 12, 1697 to G. F. Magnum and U.S. Pat. No. 3,354,647 granted on Nov. 28, 1967 to W. C. Aycock disclose similar arrangements but involve the admission of liquid fuel to the combustion chamber for the destruction of the flame inhibiting barrier and the ignition of the adjacent layer of propellant.
U.S. Pat. No. 3,888,079 granted on Jun. 10, 1975 to W. H. Diesinger discloses a rocket motor having two coaxial combustion chambers, tandemly arranged and each containing a solid propellant charge. A partition or bulkhead is positioned between the two chambers. The partition has closure means for preventing ignition of the second propellant charge during ignition of the first propellant charge and for allowing through flow due to pressure generated by ignition of the second propellant charge.
U.S. application Ser. No. 498,603, filed on May 26, 1983 by M. Fling et al and assigned to the assignee of the present invention, discloses a solid propellant rocket motor which incorporates a plurality of concentrically or tandemly fabricated combustion chambers that are separated by a perforated bulkhead, with each of the chambers containing an individually associated propellant charge and igniter. A pressure responsive membrane positioned in a first one of the chambers closes the perforations in the bulkhead to preclude communication between the chambers when a substantially higher pressure is present in the first one of the chambers than in the second chamber, and allows communication between the chambers when the pressures in the chambers is reversed.
The prior art restartable radial pulse rocket motors utilizing multiple ignition and propellant systems that can be ignited at different intervals to provide more than one pulse, for example, a "boost" and a "sustain" pulse, have a number of problems. On the whole, they are overly complex and require complicated mechanisms and structures that do not interface readily with state-of-the art arm-fire devices, that add undesirably to the weight, bulk or cost of fabrication and installation or assembly and/or detract from the reliability thereof under the low temperatures and vacuum conditions encountered in outer space, particularly after long periods of storage, and that are subject to the possibility of damage resulting from the rupture and destruction of the flame inhibiting or thermal barrier and the subsequent blowing out thereof through the nozzle of the rocket motor.

Radial pulse motor igniter-sustain grain


According to one embodiment, a pattern formation method includes placing a master on a substrate including a concave-convex pattern, performing alignment between the master and the substrate, curing a photosensitive resin applied onto the substrate, with the pattern brought into contact with the resin, and removing the master from the resin. The performing alignment includes measuring amount of misalignment of first marks provided at least three of four corners of the shot region and performing alignment of the corners, after the alignment of the corners, measuring misalignment of a second mark, calculating a target value of amount of movement of the corners so as to minimize the amount of misalignment of the first marks and amount of misalignment of the second mark, and performing alignment between the master and the substrate so that the amount of movement of the corners is made close to the value.

As one of the pattern formation methods for forming a fine pattern, the imprint method has been drawing attention. The imprint method uses a master (mold) provided with the concave-convex shape of a pattern to be transferred. In the imprint method, a photocurable resin is applied onto a substrate to which the pattern is to be transferred. Then, the concave-convex shape of the is brought into contact with this resin. In this state, the resin is cured. Subsequently, the master is removed from the resin. Thus, the concave-convex shape of the master is transferred to the resin. In such a pattern formation method, it is important to improve the accuracy of alignment between the master and the substrate.

Pattern formation method, pattern formation apparatus, and recording medium recorded with alignment program


Aspects of the disclosure relate to a lighting assembly and method for illuminating a vertical planar area, such as a merchandise display. The lighting assembly can comprise two opposing support arms and a lighting bar extending between the two opposing support arms, a circuit board having a plurality of LEDs mounted to the inside of the lighting bar; and a plurality of reflective surfaces located adjacent to the plurality of LEDs, wherein the plurality of reflective surfaces are positioned such that the LEDs project a first light beam in a first direction and a second light beam in a second direction different than the first direction.

In many retail stores it is desired to illuminate the front of product packages on merchandise display shelves to improve the product presentation, shopping environment, and to highlight products to ultimately improve the overall sales of the products.
Typically, this is accomplished with a fluorescent lighting fixture, which is located above a shelving unit and emits light down upon the front of the shelves. However, in most existing installations of this type, much of the light is not used because it is not captured and directed to the front of the shelves. Lack of focusing, specific reflectors, or beam modification results in product on higher shelves being too brightly illuminated and product on lower shelves receiving very little light at all.
Additionally, there are also significant costs with replacing lamps on fluorescent fixtures when they deteriorate or burn out including the costs of new lamps and labor to replace the lamps. In addition, when the lamps are replaced on the scale of a large retail chain, replacement can become environmentally harmful since all fluorescent lamps contain mercury.
In one exemplary aspect of the present invention, more of the available light is directed to the front of products merchandised on a shelf and a higher illuminance per watt of power is output than with existing fluorescent fixtures. In another exemplary aspect of the present invention, a lower cost lighting solution is disclosed that uses less energy, directs and improves the illumination on the product packages, particularly on the lower shelves, and requires lower maintenance costs.

LED lighting assembly and method of lighting for a merchandise display


An image may be divided into multiple portions or sub-images using division lines. To facilitate this process, the division lines may be drawn with user input in a single direction. The image may then be rotated to allow a user to draw lines extending in other directions using the same user input direction. In some instances, rotation may be automatically performed upon drawing of a division line, deletion of a sub-image, receiving a specified user command or type of user input and the like. Additionally or alternatively, upon rotating the image a first time in one direction, a subsequent rotation of the image may be performed in an opposite direction. The first rotation and the subsequent rotation may be of the same rotation amount. If a sub-image is deleted, a remaining sub-image or sub-images may be resized or otherwise modified to fit within the display.

1. Technical Field
The present invention relates to a technology to divide an image into multiple sub-images in response to an operation on a touch panel.
2. Description of the Related Art
A technology in related art is known to divide a screen into two sub-screens with a division line, which, for example, may be a straight path from a start point of a slide operation to an end point thereof, and to display the same image as the one before the division on one of the sub-screens and display a new image on the other sub-screen. The slide operation is an operation in which a user touches a touch panel provided on a display apparatus with his/her finger.

Image division process and display apparatus


A vertically oriented roller oven have an oven housing forming an oven cavity, one or more food product inlet openings, an internal heating portion distinguishably separated by first and second series of centrally disposed vertically aligned and axially displaced rollers and an exit opening each in communication with the oven cavity. First and second backing plates are respectfully positioned opposite each of said first and second series of centrally disposed vertically aligned and axially displaced rollers to frictionally engage and capture a food product and causing the food product to descendingly traverse the internal portion of the oven cavity between the plurality of vertically aligned and axially displaced rollers and correspondingly positioned first and second backing plates. A conveying means is disclosed which includes a continuously linked chain motivated by an electric motor connected to a sprocket mountably affixed to a roller seating bracket and an engagement gear located on an end of at least one vertically aligned and axially displaced roller within said first or second roller series.

U.S. Pat. No. 4,261,257 purports to disclose and claim a "Toasting Apparatus". The invention discusses a toasting apparatus including a housing within which a heating platen is mounted having two opposed heating surfaces. Conveying means are positioned on each side of the heating platen with each conveying means spaced from a respective heating surface defining respective paths for travel of a bun half. Clearly distinguishable characteristics, particularly structural, may be had with respect to the benefits and teachings of the '257 patent and the instant invention. Most particularly and as will be discussed in association with the detail disclosure of the instant invention, the '257 patent lacks disclosure teaching or claim of a chain/gear driven conveyance means whereby a consumable item to be cooked or toasted as it traverses the internal portion of the toaster oven in a heating zone positioned between a backing plate and a series of vertically aligned, centrally disposed rollers. Further distinguishing characteristics clearly show the '257 patent to be absent any teaching disclosure or claim with respect to integrated heating elements contained within a plurality of vertically oriented and aligned rollers providing heat on a first side of a toasted article and an optional backing plate heat source on the opposite side of the food item.
U.S. Pat. No. 5,673,610 purports to disclose and claim an "Apparatus for Conveyorized Toasting of Breads and Like Food Items". The invention discusses an apparatus for conveyorized toasting of sandwich buns and like bread and food items simultaneously on opposite sides comprises a central heated platen with two bun transport conveyors traveling in spaced relation along opposite sides of the platen and with a pair of auxiliary heating elements disposed outwardly of the respective food transport runs of the conveyors in facing relation to the opposite sides of the platen. While the '610 patent purports to claim a simultaneous toasting of crown and heel portions of sandwich buns, bread and similar food items it is clear the '610 patent lacks the art enhancement teachings of the instant invention with respect to a plurality of centrally disposed, vertically aligned gear/chain driven rollers with integrated heating elements interspersed between said rollers and/or within the internal core portion of each roller. Further, the '610 patent would further seem to indicate a limitation with respect to the conveying means in that it lacks the resiliency and reliability of the chain driven mechanism of the instant invention and instead relies upon the contemporary teachings of the field of the art in which belt like conveyance means substantially subject to motivation failure are relied upon and utilized.
Consequently, given the deficiencies of the above noted art and other representative teachings, it is clear what is needed is a vertically oriented roller toaster oven with first and second heating zones disposed and positioned between one or more series of centrally disposed vertically aligned axially displaced rollers and respectfully positioned backing plates. The instant invention meets and exceeds this demand and further enhances the art by disclosing an alternatively positioned uppermost roller pair which may be angularly displaced from those immediately below to provide for ease of entrance with respect to a food item and one or more signaling means allowing for automatic adjustment of time required for food item(s) to traverse the internal portion of the invention. The invention further discloses teaches and claims the conveying means which is embodied as a continuously linked chain motivated by an electric motor and connected to a spur gear which is mountedly affixed to a vertical roller seating bracket and engagement gear located on an end of at least one of the vertically aligned and axially displaced rollers.

Apparatus and method for a chain motivated toaster with vertically aligned rollers


Disclosed is a method and system enabling to remove a noise effectively by establishing types of shocks that may occur possibly and by sensing a shock using the error corresponding to the shock. The present invention includes the steps of reading a data recorded on a disk, detecting an error or errors from the read data using CIRC (cross interleaved Reed-Solomon code), counting a number of the detected errors, and of judging whether a shock is generated or not using the counted number of the errors.

FIG. 1A illustrates a block diagram of a general disk player and FIG. 1B illustrates a block diagram of a disk player having an anti-shock function added thereto.
A constitution of a general disk player is explained by referring to FIG. 1A as follows.
Referring to FIG. 1A, a conventional disk player includes an optical pickup device 100, a RF amplifier 105, an analog/digital converter (ADC) 107, a digital signal processing unit 110, and a control unit 125.
The optical pickup device 100 generates a light source to carry out a function of reading a record signal, and the RF amplifier 100 filters a RF analog signal which is read to input to carry out a shaping function.
The analog/digital converter (ADC) 107 samples the inputted RF signal with a constant speed according to a sample clock outputted from a sample clock generating unit to output to the digital signal processing unit 110.
And, the digital signal processing unit 110 carries out a signal processing on the digital data into a signal form recognizable by the control unit, and outputs the signal-processed data to the control unit 125.
FIG. 1B illustrates a block diagram of a disk player having an anti-shock function added thereto.
Referring to FIG. 1B, a disk player having an anti-shock function according to a related art includes an optical pickup device 100, a RF amplifier 105, an analog/digital converter (ADC) 107, a digital signal processing unit 110, a control unit 125, and a buffer memory 130.
The basic constitution of the disk player has bee explained in detail in FIG. 1A, which is skipped in the following description.
The disk player is very vulnerable to a shock due to its characteristics. When an external shock is impacted on the disk player, data of a disk cannot be read, whereby sound interruption is brought about in case of an audio disk.
Specifically, the external shock brings about severe problems in a portable disk player.
Hence, a disk player equipped with the anti-shock function is demanded.
A basic principle of a disk player equipped with the anti-shock function is explained as follows.
Data previously read from a disk are stored in a memory. When the data cannot be read due to the shock impacted thereon, the data having been stored in the memory are outputted, which is the basic concept.
While the stored data are outputted, the disk player reads the data again to prevent the problem of sound output.
Previously, a shock sensing is achieved by monitoring phase information of a servo system. When the shock is impacted on the disk player, a focus becomes abnormal to release PLL (phase lock loop). Thus, whether a shock occurs or not is sensed by monitoring the focus or PLL.
However, when the shock is sensed by monitoring the servo system, it is easy to sense a big shock. Yet, it is difficult to small shocks impacted continuously. For instance, when a portable disk player is used on jogging, walking, or driving a car, shocks that are not so big are continuously impacted thereon. When such small shocks are impacted continuously, it is unable to sense the shocks through the servo system.
In the related art, when a shock is sensed, an anti-shock function of a disk player is explained in detail as follows.
A buffer memory is provided for attaining a continuous data output when a mechanical shock that temporarily misaligns a read head with a data track on a disk occurs.
It is able to remove the influence that a shock having a limited time duration affects an output by means of reading data from the buffer memory. Namely, as far as a listener of the disk player is concerned, the shock has no influence on the output.
In order to achieve such a result, the data are read from the disk by high speed faster, i.e. twice faster, than that of reading the data from the buffer memory to record in the memory. In this case, as disclosed in EP-A-O 429 139, data are continuously read from a disk by high speed, a reading process is held when a buffer memory is full, and the reading process is resumed when the a prescribed portion of the buffer memory becomes empty.
Moreover, data are read from a disk by the same speed of reading data from a buffer memory for a normal time, the buffer memory is initially filled with the data before an output is initiated, and a reading speed of the data can be increased until the buffer memory is recharged when the buffer becomes empty by interruption of the data reading from the disk due to the head misalignment caused by a mechanical shock.
However, such an anti-shock function puts limitation on preventing the shock according to a capacity of the buffer memory. Namely, if the shock occurs for a period exceeding the capacity of the buffer memory, it is unable to prevent the shock anymore.
Namely, the duration time of the shock enabling to be compensated by the device is restricted by the capacity of the buffer memory. The shock of a compensation-available maximum length coincides with the time taken for reading the entire data inside the buffer memory.
Besides, if there is no sufficient time to recharge the buffer memory between a plurality of shocks, a series of shocks having the shorter duration time may exceed the memory capacity. Namely, as the frequency and number of times of the shocks increase, the buffer memory becomes emptied gradually.
For instance, if the device is applied to a portable disk player carried by a user participating in physical activities such as jogging and the like, continuous shocks may occur. Another example of generating the continuous shocks is that the device is used inside a car or other vehicles.
Thus, it is difficult for the related art to sense the continuous shocks as well as grasp the exact time point of the shock generation. Hence, it is difficult to judge whether to read the data again by deleting a certain amount of the buffer memory.

Method and system for sensing a shock in optical disk device


A method of removing contaminants from an aqueous waste stream comprising feeding a contaminated aqueous liquid to the lower internal space of a feed tank and cooling the liquid in the tank to a temperature which results in precipitation of at least part of the contaminants; withdrawing the precipitated contaminants from the feed tank lower internal space; withdrawing aqueous liquid from the feed tank upper internal space and delivering it to a freezer; cooling the aqueous liquid in the freezer to convert at least part of the liquid to ice to produce an aqueous ice slurry; feeding aqueous ice slurry from the freezer to an aqueous ice slurry receiver; withdrawing aqueous ice slurry from the aqueous ice slurry receiver and recycling some of it to the freezer and some of it to the lower internal space of the feed tank; withdrawing aqueous ice slurry from the aqueous ice slurry receiver and delivering it to a central space of a separator-precipitate vessel; withdrawing aqueous ice slurry from the central space of the separator-precipitate vessel and delivering it to a lower internal space of an ice washer vessel; withdrawing precipitated contaminants from the lower internal space of the separator-precipitate vessel; washing the ice in the washer vessel and removing the washed ice therefrom; and withdrawing cold ice wash water from the washer vessel.. The details of the apparatus used in the method are also disclosed.

Various freeze processes have been developed to separate water from brackish water as well as contaminated aqueous waste streams containing dissolved or suspended salts. See, for example, the U.S. Pat. Nos. of Ashley et al 3,070,969; 3,477,241; 3,501,924; Ganiaris 3,620,034; Johnson 3,664,145 and Ogman 4,091,635.
More recent freeze processes employ a vertical shell and tube freeze exchanger in which an ice slurry is formed. The ice slurry is discharged from the bottom of the freeze exchanger into an ice slurry receiver-crystallizer. The ice slurry is subsequently sent to an ice separator-washer Such apparatus is disclosed in the U.S Pat. Nos. of Engdahl 4,314,455 and Husain et al 4,750,333.
The described apparatus is suitable for freeze concentrating waste water streams having a relatively low concentration of precipitable salts. It is inherent in the freeze concentration process that as the amount of ice formed increases that the concentration of salts in the solution increases, thereby causing them to precipitate. Even though such precipitates carry over with the ice to the washer-separator they can be handled satisfactorily up to a reasonable amount. However, high strength waste water, i.e. waste water that contains a considerable fraction of precipitable salt, is not readily processed in such apparatus because the precipitable salts carry over into the ice separating, washing and melting stage. This adversely affects the product water quality because the precipitable salts that are carried over with the ice into the washing stage and into the melter redissolve into the product water, thereby increasing the salt content of the product water. It is crucial to obtaining product water of acceptable purity for discharge to the environment that the precipitable salts be separated. A need accordingly exists for apparatus and methods for concentrating waste streams having a substantial concentration of contaminants.

Freeze concentration and precipitate removal system

Chicago Bridge & Iron Technical Services Company


New lithographic compositions (e.g., for use as middle layers in trilayer processes) are provided. In one embodiment, the compositions comprise an organo-silicon polymer dispersed or dissolved in a solvent system, and preferably a crosslinking agent and a catalyst. In another embodiment, the organo-silicon polymer is replaced with a polyhedral oligomeric silsesquioxane-containing polymer and/or a polyhedral oligomeric silsesquioxane. In either embodiment, the polymer and/or compound should also include —OH groups for proper cross-linking of the composition. When used as middle layers, these compositions can be applied as very thin films with a very thin layer of photoresist being applied to the top of the middle layer. Thus, the underlying bottom anti-reflective coating is still protected even though the overall stack (i.e., anti-reflective coating plus middle layer plus photoresist) is still thin compared to prior art stacks.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention is broadly concerned with new compositions for use as middle layers in trilayer resist processes. The compositions include an organo-silicon polymer or a polyhedral oligomeric silsesquioxane-containing polymer or compound dissolved in a solvent system.
2. Description of the Prior Art
In order to store ever-increasing amounts of information on a substrate area, the microchip industry continues to move to shorter and shorter wavelengths of light for resist exposures. This trend towards decreasing linewidths leads to high aspect ratio lines, with the thin, tall lines tending to fall over during resist development/rinse steps. For 193-nm exposures, the microchip industry typically uses roughly 270-350 nm of resist on 32-80 nm of bottom anti-reflective coating—so-called unilayer processing. For trilayer applications, photoresist thicknesses (˜150-200 nm) are much less than for unilayer applications, resulting in low aspect ratio lines. The trilayer bottom anti-reflective coating instead is 300-700 nm thick, and the middle layer is 30-215 (preferably 30-60) nm thick. The advantages of the trilayer resist processing include: (a) reduced resist aspect ratios; (b) the ability to use conventional or ultra-thin 193-nm photoresists rather than silicon-containing and hydrophobic (bilayer) resists; (c) minimized interaction of resist with the substrate; (d) optimum thickness control for the imaging, masking, and anti-reflective layer; and (e) improved depth-of-focus (DOF) since the trilayer bottom anti-reflective coatings are designed to be highly planarizing.
The key to trilayer imaging is a robust middle layer offering facile spin-applied processing, acceptable bottom anti-reflective coating/resist adhesion, excellent imageability, and outstanding etch selectivities to both bottom anti-reflective coating and resist. The middle layer must etch much slower than the bottom anti-reflective coating in an oxygen plasma and preferably faster than the photoresist in a fluorinated gas plasma. Prior approaches to the middle layer problem include the use of spin-on-glass, which requires careful attention to surface acidity in order to achieve acceptable adhesive properties.

Thermally curable middle layer comprising polyhedral oligomeric silsesouioxanes for 193-nm trilayer resist process


Apparatus for charging an imaging surface of a photoreceptor. The apparatus forms a magnetic brush on a cylinder spaced apart from and facing the photoreceptor by a magnet disposed in the cylinder. The cylinder and the magnet are rotatable relative to each other so that the magnetic brush moves around the cylinder and comes in contact with the imaging surface of the photoreceptor. An electric bias source is provided to apply an electric bias voltage having a DC voltage component and an AC voltage component between the imaging surface of the photoreceptor and the cylinder, whereby the imaging surface is charged by the magnetic brush under the electric bias voltage.

The present invention relates to a charging device employing a magnetic brush which charges uniformly an image-forming object in an image forming apparatus such as an electrophotographic copying machine or the like.
Heretofore, there has generally been used a corona charging unit for charging an image-forming object such as a photoreceptor drum or the like in an image forming apparatus of an electrophotographic type. In the corona charging unit, high voltage is applied to a discharge wire around which a strong electric field is formed to cause gaseous discharge, and charged ions produced by the gaseous discharge are adsorbed on the image-forming object, thus the image-forming object is charged.
Such conventional corona charging unit employed in an image forming apparatus has an advantage that an image-forming object is not damaged when it is charged because it can be charged without touching mechanically the corona charging unit. However, the corona charging unit is disadvantageous in that there is a risk of electric shock and electric leakage due to high voltage used therein, and ozone produced in gaseous discharge is harmful for the human body and shortens life of the image-forming object. Further, the charged voltage produced by the corona charging unit is unstable because it is highly affected by temperature and humidity, and the corona charging unit requires some time to obtain a stable charging voltage after initial inputting of high voltage, which are serious problems when an image forming apparatus of an electrophotographic type is used as a communication terminal or an information processor.
Many disadvantages of a corona charging method mentioned above are caused by gaseous discharge accompanying the charging.
In this connection, as a charging device capable of charging an image-forming object without requiring gaseous discharge as in the corona charging unit and without giving mechanical damage to the image-forming object, there is disclosed a charging device in Japanese Patent Publication Open to Public Inspection No. 133569/1984 (hereinafter referred to as Japanese Patent O.P.I. Publication) wherein a magnetic brush formed by adherence of magnetic particles on a cylinder holding therein a magnet can brush, for charging, the surface of an image-forming object.
However, even in the case of the charging device disclosed in the aforementioned Japanese Patent O.P.I. Publication No. 133569/1984, it has been impossible to charge an image-forming object uniformly with perfect stability.

Magnetic brush for charging and cleaning an imaging surface


Provided is a line head including: a light emitting device array in which N (N is an integer of 2 or more) light emitting device groups including a plurality of light emitting devices is arranged; an output unit which sequentially outputs driving signals for driving the light emitting devices of the light emitting device groups to the light emitting device groups; and a delay unit which delays input timings when the driving signals output from the output unit are input to the light emitting devices, wherein the delay unit delays the input timings of the 1 to (N−1)th driving signals output from the output unit to the input timings of the Nth driving signals output from the output unit, and allows the light emitting devices of the different light emitting device groups simultaneously to emit light.

1. Technical Field
The present invention relates to a line head, an image forming apparatus and an image forming method.
2. Related Art
In an image forming apparatus using an electrophotographic method, such as a copier or a printer, an exposure unit for exposing the outer surface of a rotating photosensitive body and forming an electrostatic latent image is included. As for such an exposure unit, a line head having a structure in which a plurality of light emitting devices is arranged in a rotation axis direction of the photosensitive body is known (for example, see JP-A-59-38079).
For example, in the line head disclosed in JP-A-59-38079, the plurality of Light Emitting Diodes (LEDs) is arranged in a row and the plurality of LEDs is modularized by a predetermined number. In addition, in such a line head, the plurality of LEDs sequentially is lit up for every module.
In such a line head, since the plurality of LEDs sequentially is lit up for every module, the switching timing of lighting each module should be set in consideration of the rotation velocity (circumferential velocity) of the photosensitive body. A slight error occurs in such switching timing and this error has an adverse influence on the quality of a latent image which finally is obtained. In particular, the influence of such an error on the quality of the latent image which finally is obtained is increased if a plurality of rows of the LEDs arranged in a main scanning direction is arranged in a sub scanning direction.
It is preferable that the number of signal lines for controlling lighting of the LEDs is as small as possible. Accordingly, it is possible to prevent or suppress noise from being mixed from such lines and realize a high-accuracy exposure process.

Line head, image forming apparatus, image forming method


Various surgical instruments and their methods of use are disclosed. The surgical instruments are designed to provide tactile, auditory, and/or visual confirmation to the surgeon that the surgical instrument is being used appropriately and/or fully in accordance with a surgical procedure.

The present invention relates to various surgical instruments and their methods of use.
Some existing drill/depth guides for surgical applications are cumbersome to use. Certain drill/depth guides have mechanisms for altering the drilling depth of the instrument, but frequently such mechanisms are multi-stage or involve cumbersome and inefficient mechanisms. Further, existing drill/depth guides may provide depth-gauge markings for visual indication of the drilling depth, in addition to hard stops in certain cases for preventing further drilling, but these mechanisms are inefficient at allowing a surgeon to definitively confirm a desired drilling depth has been reached. This is especially true for drilling that is conducted in connection with MIS procedures where visibility is low and in connection with the drilling of harder bone.
Therefore, there exists a need for improved surgical instruments and methods to overcome these deficiencies, including improved drill/depth guides.


The present invention refers to a system for the diagnosis of plant anomalies which comprises at least: an acquisition device (1) capable of capturing images in real time of at least one sample of a plant to be diagnosed; a storage unit (2) comprised by a database of digitalized images (7) of samples of plants affected by anomalies and also comprised by a database of technical information (8) related to said anomalies; a human interface device (3) capable of displaying digitalized images of the plant samples; a human control device (4) capable of allowing for an active interaction between a user and the human interface device; and a processing unit (5) operatively associated to the acquisition device (1), to the storage unit (2), to the human interface device (3) and to the human control device (4). This processing unit (5) is configured to run a dedicated computer program (6) capable of: displaying the image of the sample of the plant to be diagnosed and the digitalized image of the sample of the plant filed in the database of images (7) from the storage unit (2) simultaneously in the human interface device (3); automatically providing information of at least, one product and/or method suitable for treating the anomaly diagnosed by means of the human interface device (3); and allowing for the graphic manipulation of the plant images shown in the human interface device (3) by means of the human control device (4).

Normally, plant anomalies are manifested by changes in their morphology, physiology or behavior, and they may have biotic origin when caused by viruses, fungi, bacteria, nematodes, phytoplasmas or viroids, and/or abotic origin when caused by lack of nutrients (ex: mineral shortage) or improper environmental conditions such as high temperatures, soil composition, excessive humidity and/or presence of pollutants.
Anomalies in plants may impair the quality and/or quantity of production in crops. Even currently, in spite of the advances in science and phytopathology, considerable losses happen in the fields, resulting in significant losses to farmers.
In view of that, the diagnosis of plant anomalies and the appropriate treatment thereof by means of control measures are necessary so that these losses may be minimized. In this sense, identifying the problem at a premature stage is very important in order to allow for controlling the anomaly in the beginning of its surge, before it spreads in large scale, avoiding major problems.
However, such diagnosis is a relatively complex issue to farmers, agronomists, scientists, researchers and scholars in general, because a highly specialized technical knowledge is necessary. As a result, many professionals from different fields such as entomologists, pathologists, geneticists, specialists in soil, herbicides, fruit growing, etc are needed to carry out a respective diagnosis. In addition, the variety and amount of known anomalies is very high, to such an extent that manual research in books, magazines and other literatures for consultation requires considerable time and dedication. It is important to highlight that a mistaken diagnosis may lead to actions of control unsuitable for the treatment of anomalies, resulting in additional losses.
In view of that, people have sought after solutions to facilitate the identification of these anomalies, mainly through the study and analysis of their physiological manifestations.
For instance, North-American patent U.S. Pat. No. 5,841,883 describes a device and method capable of providing a diagnosis of plant anomalies through an automated graphic comparison (by computer) between images of the plant to be diagnosed and images of plants affected by anomalies contained in a digital database. In practice, automated comparison is susceptible to mistakes, because the captured images of the plants to be diagnosed must be compatible with the specified conditions and standards of color, brightness, contrast, and be at a predetermined position and angle. Thus, one image that does not meet these conditions and standards may lead the device/method to a mistaken diagnosis, which may result in inadequate treatment and, consequently, major losses to plantations. Moreover, automation requires a high processing capacity, that is, it raises the costs necessary for the implementation of this device/method, making it impossible for small farmers to use it.
North-American patent application US 2002/0021828 describes a system implemented on a webpage (ex: Microsoft Internet Explorer or Mozilla Firefox) which allows for visually comparing pictures of a plant to be diagnosed with pictures of plants affected by anomalies stored in a database. Such pictures are arranged adjacent to one another ("side by side"). Thus, unlike the automated device/method disclosed by document U.S. Pat. No. 5,841,883, comparison must be made by users visually. However, this system does not allow for manipulating and editing images through resources such as enlargement, reduction, notes, cuts, highlight, enhancement, etc—which are sometimes necessary for a more accurate comparative outcome—therefore limiting its usability. In addition to that, the images used for comparison are of static nature, that is, they are pictures which, in many cases, have not been properly taken, preventing a more accurate analysis. In this approach, the document does not specify procedures for capturing the photographic images. In other words, the use of static images also limits the usability of this system.
North-American patent U.S. Pat. No. 6,014,451, corresponding to the Brazilian application PI 9813086-2, also discloses a system for the diagnosis of plant anomalies by visually comparing images of a plant to the diagnosed, captured in real time, with images of plants affected by anomalies stored in a database. This system is different from the ones previously mentioned once it is capable of providing dynamic images (video) in real time and also allowing them to be manipulated and edited. However, this system requires the use of a plurality of proprietary computer programs such as Labview Pro, Adobe Photoshop, Microsoft Access and Microsoft Word, which apart from requiring a high processing capacity of hardware, does not optimize the data flow among its parts, once there is no dedicated computer program to control the main functions of the system. Besides, the costs for purchasing these programs make the implementation of the system expensive. Additionally, the recommendations on treatment for the anomalies are not automatically made, requiring the presence of a specialist able of recommending to users a product/method for treatment through phone calls, e-mails or letters, impairing practicality in general. Furthermore, the system defined in the above identified document requires the installation of expensive and structured remote laboratories, containing microscopes, photographic cameras and equipment for the cultivation of microorganisms close to the plantation site. From the images obtained at these remote laboratories, a central laboratory with specialists analyzes the images/and or additional data collected in the remote laboratories and, from then on, by means of specialists, it diagnoses possible diseases.
As this document dates back to 1998, at that time there was no sufficient technological advancement, in such a way that assembling the central laboratory and a plurality of remote laboratories with all the involved equipment requires costs which are so high that their practical application is unfeasible.
Thus, none of the state of the art documents mentioned above discloses a system/device/method for the diagnosis of plants anomalies by comparing their images, which combines good accuracy of identification/treatment, easy operation and low cost with the use of a reduced amount and variety of equipment, and high performance.


An apparatus and a method for increasing the movement speed of the rail vehicle while carrying out measures for controlling weeds on track systems. A rail vehicle equipped with an apparatus for increasing the movement speed of the rail vehicle while carrying out measures for controlling weeds on track systems.

The control of plants on track systems is essential for safety reasons. In particular, the ballast bed has to be cleared and/or kept free of vegetation. The ballast bed is usually flexible and helps to transmit both static and dynamic loads uniformly to the substructure. The innumerable spaces between the individual stones absorb the enormous weight of travelling trains and the impacts like a buffer.
Plants and the humus held by them can block the interspaces over time, and this can put the safety of the trains at considerable risk. Therefore, growth of all kinds has to be kept away from the track systems for safety reasons.
Plant growth on track systems is usually prevented by the application of herbicides. So-called spray trains are special trains for treating stretches of rail tracks. They serve to apply herbicides so that weeds do not grow on the ballast bed.
The quantity of herbicides applied should be kept as low as possible both for environmental reasons and for cost reasons. Camera systems with a connected image analysis system can be used in order to identify plants in the track bed and to control them in a targeted manner EP1521885B1 discloses, for example, an apparatus for weed control for a rail vehicle, which apparatus comprises a camera which identifies weeds and is connected to a computer which identifies weeds. The described apparatus can be used in order to treat with herbicide only those sections of track in which weed growth has been established by means of the camera and computer. Sections of track which are free of weeds do not have to be treated.
The components which are used for controlling weeds in a spray train usually have a certain inertia. The camera system with a connected image analytics system requires a certain time in order to analyse the images recorded during travelling. Further time is required in order to actuate pumps and valves for applying herbicide. Furthermore, a minimum amount of herbicide has to be applied per unit area in order to achieve the desired effect; the more quickly the train travels, the more quickly this quantity has to be provided and applied as accurately as possible. A high speed of the train can lead to quantities of herbicide which are applied swirling and not reaching where they should reach.
All of this leads to a spray train usually being operated at a low speed of approximately 20 km/h. During the time over which a spray train is located on a section of track, no other train can move on said section at a high speed. A slowly travelling spray train therefore leads to a certain blockage of sections of track.
Proceeding from the described prior art, the objective technical problem was that of reducing the time required for controlling weeds on track systems.


A method and apparatus for reducing noise in optical communication systems is effected by modulating or dithering the laser output frequency at a relatively low rate. The laser may be dithered by applying a low frequency sine wave either to the resistive heater in the phase control section or to the laser's active section directly. By dithering the laser at a low frequency and at a sufficiently high amplitude to cause large optical frequency excursions, the noise caused by multipath interference will decrease without substantially increasing negative dispersion effects.

Community antenna television (CATV) signals used for cable television transmission may be transmitted over optical communication networks, using intensity-modulated analog lightwave signals. Lasers are typically employed to generate the light signals. A CATV signal generally consists of several carrier signals representing different television channels. The analog lightwave systems used for transmitting these CATV signals have stringent carrier-to-noise ratio (CNR) and distortion requirements.
A source of noise referred to as interferometric intensity noise (IIN) can degrade the CNR, thereby compromising system performance. IIN is caused predominantly by multipath interference (MPI), which is interference that results from multiple reflections of the lightwave signal in optical fiber.
In particular, MPI is detrimental to analog lightwave systems because it converts source phase noise to lightwave intensity noise, which increases the system noise level. For a further discussion of MPI, see Judy, "Intensity Noise from Fiber Rayleigh Backscatter and Mechanical Splices," Proc. 15th European Conf. Optical Communications (Gothenburg, Sweden, Sep. 10, 1989). The spectrum of the noise caused by IIN is strongly dependent on the optical spectrum of the modulated laser. Lasers exhibiting relatively broad linewidths produce phase noise that falls within the CATV signal band. Consequently, IIN in systems employing such lasers can degrade signal quality.
Interference noise may also be caused by single reflections of bidirectional light transmission, referred to herein as single reflection noise, which may occur in interactive CATV applications. In bidirectional systems, light travels in both directions along the optical fiber. If light originating at one end of the system is reflected, then the reflected light may interfere with the light originating from the other end of the system. Because of this interference, the optical frequency differences between the light from the two sources are converted to intensity noise. When the light sources' optical frequencies are close this noise may fall within the frequency band of interest, thereby degrading system performance.
MPI noise and single reflection noise within the CATV band may be reduced by distributing the total noise spectrum over a broader frequency range. It is known that by increasing the spectral width of the laser used to transmit the optical signals, the noise concentration due to IIN may be spread over a wide range of frequencies. See Judy, supra. Consequently, broadening the optical spectrum of the transmitting laser reduces the concentration of IIN at the frequencies within the CATV signal band.
In the past, transmission systems using direct intensity-modulated semiconductor lasers relied on the FM efficiency of the lasers, also known as chirp, to broaden the optical spectrum. Darcie, et al, "Fiber-Reflection-Induced Impairments in Lightwave AM-VSB CATV Systems," 9 J. Lightwave Tech. 991 (1991). Chirp is known in the art as the incidental modulation of the light's wavelength or frequency that occurs during direct intensity modulation of a light source. Chirp resulting from direct modulation by an amplitude modulated-vestigial sideband format (AM-VSB) CATV signal can broaden the optical spectral width, thereby reducing the noise caused by MPI.
Not all of the effects of chirp, however, are beneficial. Detrimental effects caused by the interaction of chirp and polarization-mode dispersion (PMD) or chromatic dispersion in the fiber increase as the frequency of the modulation increases. CATV signals are carried at frequencies up to 500 MHz or more. As a result, the use of chirp produced by CATV signals can cause an unacceptable level of signal degradation due to chirp-related impairments. See Phillips, et al, "Non-linear Distortion Generated by Dispersive Transmission of Chirped Intensity-Modulated Signals," 3 IEEE Photonic Tech. Letters 481-83 (1991). This forces the system designer to strike a delicate balance between too much chirp, where dispersion creates problems, and not enough, where multipath interference limits system performance.
An alternative proposal to broaden the optical spectrum is to employ a fast phase modulator in the optical transmission system. See Yariv, et al., "A Reduction of Interferometric Phase-to-Intensity Conversion Noise in Fiber Links by Large Index Phase Modulation of the Optical Beam," 10 J. Lightwave Tech. 978-981 (July 1992). Although this method can lower the noise due to MPI, this method has the disadvantage of requiring the incorporation of a fast phase modulator, which significantly increases the cost of the system.

Method and apparatus for reduction of optical communication system impairments


A remote communication apparatus such as a mobile digital telephone adapted to receive interrogation from time to time with respect to the identification of a user of the apparatus from a network provider and including means to hold an identification module within the apparatus which can provide for that authentication of the user to an external interrogation from time to time, with an appropriate identification module means to receive any interrogation signals and adapted in the case that the identification signals are appropriate for seeking identification of a network providers subscriber identification module, then effecting a direction of such incoming inquiry signals to information being stored whereby the appropriate identification can be provided in reply, and in the event of an interrogation other than from the network provider, then, as appropriate, directing such further interrogation to other memory means the further memory means including either passive memory or memory contained on removable means such as a smart card, a multi-media card or the like.

This invention relates to communication apparatus and methods and in particular to communication methods and devices requiring identity authentication such as cellular mobile phones for interconnection with a network.
The invention will be described with respect to cellular mobile phones but it is not intended that the invention in its broadest sense should be restricted to such devices.
The problem to which this invention is directed relates to a current method by which identification for authentication purposes and subsequent connection to and retention with a network service provider is achieved with respect to cellular mobile phones.
It is conventional that a person requiring the services of a network shall enter into a contract with a network provider who then provides a subscriber identification module which is inserted within a mobile phone and which is thereafter able to be accessed by the network provider to establish that use of the network is authorised and continues to be authorised for access to that network. It is the subscriber identification module which is accessed by the network provider that provides the identification and authentication necessary for charging or other regulatory process as far as a selected network service provider is concerned.
Currently, access to that authentication information is controlled entirely by the network provider who for commercial and contractual reasons will wish to maintain the absolute confidentiality of such information.
However, there could be considerable value to others who provide different services, if a further identification or authentication process could be available through the network or using the similar or same equipment but not subject to approval from the network provider.
For instance, banks, regulatory authorities such as policing personnel, and even those involved in ordinary commerce could all be advantaged by such an ability but currently it would not appear economically feasible or even technically possible given current circumstances in existing technologies.
A first problem is that a mobile phone is only empowered to be connected to a network service provider for full communication services through a subscriber identification module (SIM). This not only carries data but is arranged to also run a program (for instance a GSM connect program) which has embedded information and generates data that is not available to any third party whereby data is communicated back to a service provider upon an appropriate interrogation signal being received. The security of this system is extremely important to the network service provider.
Further, much of the empowering software for the functions of a mobile phone is in the subscriber identification module so that if additional functionality is required (for third party access or etc) this will need to be installed in the SIM which is under the control of the network service provider. As such, the basis of any commercial arrangement is therefore going to be subject to permission and costs applied by the network provider.
A further complexity is the fact that equipment such as a mobile phone is provided by suppliers so that access to the internal circuits to modify these is likely to breach warranties for maintenance of a unit but is also possibly going to trigger security mechanisms which may destroy the circuits if interfered with. Further, many phones are supplied as a part of an ongoing contract and it would be a breach of some of the contract provisions if any unauthorised attempt is made to open the equipment to further make or modify electrical connections.
This leaves the position as seemingly to be strongly in the control of the providers of the networks and the mobile phones.
It is an object of this invention to provide an arrangement which will reduce the above problem.
In one form the invention can be said to reside in a digital mobile phone of a type including means to hold an identification member in electrical communication with its operating system for identification of a user, and a further arrangement adapted such that in the event of identification signals appropriate for seeking identification of a network providers subscriber identification module being received, then there are means effecting a direction of such incoming inquiry signals to information being stored whereby the appropriate identification can be provided in reply, and in the event of an interrogation other than from the network provider, directing such further interrogation to other memory means.
In a further preferred form the invention can be said to reside in a remote communication apparatus adapted to receive or effect interrogation from time to time with respect to the identification of a user of the apparatus and including means to hold a subscriber identification module within the apparatus which can provide for that authentication of the user to an external interrogation, characterised in that there is connected to the electrical contacts in a socket adapted to electrically connect with an appropriate subscriber identification module, intermediary processor means to receive any interrogation signals and adapted in the case that the identification signals are appropriate for seeking identification of a network providers subscriber identification module, then effecting a direction of such incoming interrogation signals to information being stored whereby the appropriate identification can be provided in reply, and in the event of an interrogation other than from the network provider, then as appropriate directing such further interrogation and other signals to other memory and transmission means.
In one embodiment the intermediary processor means may be incorporated within a mobile telephone at the time of manufacture or alternatively the intermediary processor means may be incorporated in an additional arrangement that can be connected to a mobile telephone.
Hence the remote communication apparatus may be further characterised in that the intermediary processor is a processor incorporated in the remote communication apparatus at original manufacture, said processor being the main CPU of the apparatus or alternatively an additional CPU incorporated in the original equipment.
Alternatively the intermediary processor is a processor incorporated in an attachment to the remote communication apparatus.
What is proposed in one embodiment of this invention is an arrangement that will have a take-off connector that will insert into and electrically connect with the available electrical contacts within a socket. Then there is provided the intermediate processor means which is electrically connected to one (or more) subscriber identification modules so that when connected electrically to the electrical connections in the phone act in a way that will act to send interrogation signals provided from the phone by reason of a startup signal or otherwise through to the SIM and transmit replies back from the SIM so that, to the network service provider, the effect is the same as if the SIM is in its appropriate location in the socket. However, this then allows for the processor to add its own functionality to the mobile phone or through this to others while as necessary, maintaining the ongoing connection with and through the network provider.
There is, therefore a piggy backing of existing normal devices and the networks of a cellular mobile phone system in a way that will be without breaching any current warranty or contract provision. Further, it becomes possible to use a transmission mode which in practice is now able to be accessed and controlled by the intermediate processor means in a cellular mobile telephone which is conventionally referred to as a short messaging service (SMS). This may allow for transmissions to occur at charging rates that are somewhat less expensive than voice communications. As such, data can be economically transferred through this arrangement.
In preference the remote communication apparatus is a cellular mobile phone.
In preference the intermediary processor includes a program and data and there is a removable unit reader which may receive removable units with data stored therein which data can be read through the reader and where the program and data of the intermediary processor are adapted to relate to and use such data when appropriate.
In preference, the removable unit reader is a smart card reader.
In an alternative preferred arrangement there are further memory means remote from the apparatus.
In such a case there can be a communication through an infrared link or wireless or wired connection to the apparatus.
In preference, the additional apparatus providing for intelligent routing of an interrogation signal can be attached and integrated with a power supply of the mobile phone.
In preference, there is at least a holder and reader for a further device that is attachable or attached to the mobile phone so that such additional reader or other receiving means can be used to insert for instance an authenticating smart card provided by an alternate supplier.
There may be more than one SIM card socket in the apparatus.
In preference then, the additional apparatus provides what in effect can be referred to as a virtual subscriber identification module by having an active central processing unit with appropriate programming held in appropriate memory so that it will be adapted to receive and appropriately respond in the case of appropriate interrogation signals being received by the network provider.
This can be achieved by providing that the subscriber identification module which is conventionally provided by the network provider can be in electrical contact with the processing unit so that in effect, when the appropriate interrogation signals are detected, the central processing unit will simply switch those signals through to the original subscriber identification module and this then will act in accord with conventional existing techniques.
The advantage of the invention however is that now that there is intelligent switching, and an ability to send different interrogation signals as well, the central processing unit can be programmed to respond to such alternate and different interrogation signals and as appropriate, direct these to an alternative active or passive authentication or identification means.
Active can mean that the authentication or identification means include a computer processor.
The additional identification means are accordingly not subject to any control by the network provider and therefore not subject to either the contractual restraints that might be required or imposed by the network provider, and can be used in addition to the conventional communication link which can still be maintained while the additional interrogation program is being operated.
In preference, such additional apparatus providing for intelligent switching is joined to existing electrical equipment as originally provided by a manufacturer by means which do not in substance alter the original equipment.
Accordingly, there can be in one instance provided circuitry which connects by contact with the original equipment and then through a highly flexible and adhering material, to provide continuing electrical connections to an external location by passing through conventional manufacturing gaps between housing conventionally existing in currently manufactured equipment.
Accordingly, in a number of mobile phones then, use can be made of the battery housing and connections providing for the holding of the battery in position with respect to the phone.
By having an alternate housing which has the appropriate physical interconnections to hold the battery both physically with the remaining housing of the mobile phone, and providing for electrical connections, then additional connections can be made and additional equipment can be included in the housing in addition to the batteries so as to provide for this intelligent switching and further, to provide for receipt of an authentication or identification module.
Such an apparatus can include a smart card reader which then can be provided by any alternate organisation wishing to use this facility and arranging for subscribers to establish a contractual relationship and be able to then in addition authenticate their relationship for different services.
It is well understood that appropriate programming and embedding techniques can be used to maintain continuing confidentiality as far as information on any further authenticating module or medium.
Reference has been made to mobile phones, but as previously explained, it is not intended that the application should be restricted necessarily to mobile phones.
Other equipment does require authentication from time to time for instance decoders for translation of television signals which might be connected by optical cable and otherwise to a signal provider, and such devices also then include an authentication module to ensure that a subscriber has an arrangement to effect payment for the services provided.
In accord with the general concept of this invention then, there would be provided active means to intercept any interrogation signal and to effect a redirection of this in the event that the signals contain information which would appear to the processor not to be for the purpose of interrogating the existing subscriber identification module but directing any interrogation signal to or from the subscriber identification module to a network provider in order to keep the access to the network open and useful.
In a further form the invention can be said to reside in a digital phone network where there is included in communication with the network a mobile digital phone with an arrangement as characterized in any one of the preceding claims.
In a further form the invention can be said to reside in a digital mobile phone of a type including means to hold an identification member in electrical communication with its operating system for identification of a user, and a further arrangement adapted such that in the event of identification signals appropriate for seeking identification of a network providers subscriber identification module being received then there are means effecting a direction of such incoming inquiry signals to information being stored whereby the appropriate identification can be provided in reply, and in the event of an interrogation other than from the network provider, directing such further interrogation to other memory means.
Such an arrangement as has been described has the further advantage that it would not appear to breach any contract that might exist between a user and a network provider. It will at least in most cases be expected to still use the network so that it will improve usage of the network to the advantage of the network provider, and it would not otherwise breach any warranty provisions by interfering with the original equipment being provided by a mobile phone or other apparatus provider.

Communication method and apparatus improvements