For a program that is made up of functions in units, each function is divided into instruction code blocks having a size CS where CS is the instruction cache line size of a target processor and an instruction code block that is Xth counting from the top of each function F is expressed as (F, X). Flow information of nodes that take (F, X) as identification names is extracted from an executable file of the function program. For each identification name, as neighborhood weight of each identification name that differs from that identification name, information for which that the frequency of appearance of each identification name is taken into consideration that belongs to a function that differs from that function in the neighborhood of each appearing node in the flow information is found. Based on said neighborhood weight information, the functions are arranged in the memory space such that the number of conflicts of said instruction cache is reduced.

Computer systems are typically provided with a small-capacity high-speed internal memory (cache) that is separate from an outside memory (main memory). High-speed reading of information is enabled by copying a portion of the information that is stored in the outside memory to the cache and then, when accessing this information, reading from the cache rather than from the outside memory. A cache is faster and more expensive than an outside memory, and the storage capacity of the cache is therefore normally far smaller than an outside memory. A cache includes a plurality of cache lines, and the copying of information from an outside memory to the cache is executed in line units. The memory space of the outside memory is therefore divided by cache line units and the divided memory areas are assigned in order to cache lines. The capacity of the cache is smaller than the capacity of the outside memory, and memory areas of the outside memory are therefore repeatedly assigned to the same cache lines. When the first access is performed to a particular address, the information of this address (data or program) is copied to the corresponding cache line in the cache, and when the next access is performed to the same address, the information is read directly from the cache. However, when programs (=instruction code strings) that are arranged at different addresses of the outside memory are assigned to the same cache line during operation of a program, the necessity arises for copying an instruction code string to the cache each time these instruction code strings are alternately read. Such cases are referred to as "instruction cache conflicts." Frequent occurrence of instruction cache conflicts results in the problem of slower execution of a program. To provide a solution to this problem, arrangement methods are being researched in which instruction code strings that have a high potential of operating in the same time interval are not placed on the same cache lines. Although caches include both instruction caches and data caches, the above-described problem of reading instruction code strings occurs with instruction caches. In addition, although there are typically three types of cache memory mapping methods: the direct scheme, the set-associative scheme, and the full-associative scheme, the above-described problem of cache conflicts is basically the same regardless of which scheme is considered, and the following explanation therefore will be performed on direct mapping by way of example.
To date, as a solution to the problem of instruction cache conflicts, there is a method that focuses on the composition of a program in function units and that thus defines a "function strength" that indicates the number of calls among functions or the number of calls of a specific function call pattern such that functions for which function strength is high (i.e., having a high probability of being read together) are not assigned to the same instruction cache lines. For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a method of finding by means of provisional arrangement, among functions, functions for which the number of executions in a specific pattern is high such as when a plurality of functions are called in a series or are called in a loop. Patent Document 2 discloses a method of, based on a dynamic function flow in which the call order of functions at the time of executing a program made up of a plurality of functions is represented as a time series, generating information of function strength such that information is included regarding the call relations at the times of execution between any function among the functions and all other functions and then, based on the information of function strength, arranging the functions in the memory space to reduce instruction cache conflicts.

Arrangement method of programs to memory space, apparatus, and recording medium


Multiple dimensions of commerce and streaming data are able to be used to provide advanced user profiling and realtime commerce choices. By performing site and experience analytics, video analytics, commerce analytics and user analytics, better commerce choices are able to be presented to the user.

With portable devices, for example, laptop computers, tablet computers and cellular telephones becoming commonplace, access to and consumption of video and television content has become easier than ever before. With the myriad types and genres of content available for consumption, consumers may be inundated with myriad choices to select. In addition to the large number of choices of content, each piece of content typically coincides with advertising from third party companies that want to sell products and/or services to users. These ads may not be welcomed by the user as the ads typically are not of any interest to the user. Additionally, the ads may also not be related to the content that is being consumed.

Utilizing multiple dimensions of commerce and streaming data to provide advanced user profiling and realtime commerce choices


An X-ray detector including a thin film transistor (TFT) substrate and a photo-diode array layer is disclosed. Each thin film transistor in the TFT substrate includes: a substrate; a gate-electrode on the substrate; a gate insulating layer on the gate-electrode; a semiconductor layer on the gate insulating layer, wherein a portion of the semiconductor layer covers the gate-electrode; an etching stop layer covering the semiconductor layer; a source-electrode and a drain-electrode respectively disposed on the etching stop layer, wherein the source-electrode and the drain-electrode are respectively electrically connected to the semiconductor layer through conductive via-holes each having a base portion at the semiconductor layer, and at least one of the projection areas of the base portions vertically projected on the substrate has a non-overlapping region beyond the projection area of the gate-electrode vertically projected on the substrate; and a passivation layer covering the source-electrode and the drain-electrode.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to an X-ray detector and, more particularly, to an X-ray detector with improved thin film transistor layout in which the capacitance value between the data line and the gate line can be reduced by decreasing the overlapping area between the data line and the gate line.
2. Description of Related Art
An X-ray detector is a device configured to detect X-ray digital image and can be applied in digital radiography. Compared to screen-film radiography, digital radiography has various advantages, such as better image quality, simple operation process and direct digital image capture.
FIGS. 1 and 2 show top views of conventional InGaZnO thin film transistors (IGZO TFTs) fabricated by an etching stop process. The thin film transistor shown in FIG. 1 includes a gate electrode 11, a source electrode 12, a drain electrode 13 and an IGZO layer 16. The source electrode 12 and the drain electrode 13 are respectively connected to the IGZO layer 16 through conductive via holes 14, 15. Further, the IGZO layer 16 extends beyond the gate electrode 11 and the conductive via holes 14, 15. Accordingly, in the thin film transistor illustrated in FIG. 1, the overlapping regions of the gate line and the data line contain the areas of both the conductive via holes 14, 15. As for another thin film transistor of FIG. 2 similar to that illustrated in FIG. 1, the width of the IGZO layer 16 is smaller than the width of the gate 11, and the conductive via holes 14, 15 are formed within the peripheral edges of the IGZO layer 16. Likewise, in the thin film transistor of FIG. 2, the overlapping regions of the gate line and the data line contain the areas of both the conductive via holes 14, 15.
For the above conventional pixel layout, the large overlapping areas between the data line and the gate line can cause high capacitance value therebetween and thus induce the increase of noise in signal reading and degradation of image quality.
Accordingly, for the InGaZnO (IGZO) thin film transistor in the X-ray detector, the reduction of capacitance value by decreasing the overlapping areas between data line and gate line is a key point to enhance the image quality of the X-ray detector.


An apparatus and method for connecting solar panels to a roof system surface. The solar panels are at least partially attached to a roofing surface by use of a fastener.

Rising energy costs, a public awareness to become more energy independent and environmentally friendly, and the reduction in the costs associated with solar panels has resulted in both consumers and commercial entities to consider retrofitting existing buildings with solar panels or to design new buildings that include solar panels. For instance, non-commercial and commercial owners and developers are increasingly considering alternative sources of energy to offset continued price increases of energy. As such, solar energy has received increased attention as an alternative renewable, non-polluting energy source to produce electricity as a substitute to other non-renewable energy resources.
One of the more popular means to generate energy for a building is solar power. Solar panels use a photovoltaic system that converts light energy into electricity. Some building structures have solar panels installed on their rooftops to obtain electricity generated from the sun. These solar panels can be installed on many types of roof systems as "stand alone" solar systems. Most solar panels are mechanically attached (e.g., bolts, screws, nails, rivets, etc.) to the top surface of a roof system. Furthermore, such solar panel systems typically require separate support structures that are typically bolted together to form an array of larger solar panels. The mounting arrays for such solar panels can require structural upgrades to the building due to added weight of the support structures and the solar panels. Additionally, these traditional mechanical arrangements for securing the solar panels to the roofing system require the forming of holes in the roof system surface and/or other modifications to the surface of the roof system that can impair the integrity of the roof surface. For instance, multiple penetrations of the roof membrane when installing the multiple solar panels can compromise the water-tightness of the roof system. Consequently, the water resistant or repellant properties of the roof system can be impaired when installing solar panels on a roof system. Furthermore, these mechanical connectors can become rusted and corroded overtime, thus becoming difficult to remove, thereby a) increasing the time and cost associated with the repair of the solar panel and/or b) increasing the incidence of damage to the solar panel, solar panel mounting arrangement and/or roofing system.
One common arrangement to connect solar panels to a roofing system without the need of traditional mechanical fasteners is the use of ballast blocks that are laid on a racking system for the solar panels. However, the use of ballast blocks adds significant weight to a roofing system, thus the use of ballast blocks cannot always be used on building structures when such building structures cannot support such added weight. In addition, the use of ballast blocks cannot be used on sloped roof surfaces, thus limiting the use of such arrangements to flat roofing systems.
Another solar panel attachment arrangement is disclosed in United States Patent Publication Nos. 2008/0245399 and 2008/0245404. A hook and loop connector (e.g., Velcro connector) is used to secure solar panels to a roof surface. Although such a connection arrangement at first appearance may seem appealing, there are many questions concerning whether such a connection arrangement can properly and successfully secure solar roofing panels to a roof surface overtime, especially in wind prone regions or on a sloped roof system.
In view of the current state of solar technology and roof systems, there is a continued need for a solar panel connector that easily, conveniently, and cost effectively connects solar panels to a roof system without damaging the roof system and/or the solar panels, which can be used on a roof systems without the need to modify or structurally enhance the roof system, and which can be used on sloped and non-sloped roof systems.


The present invention relates to a multimode optical fiber including a glass fiber, and a coating member provided on an outer periphery of the glass fiber. The glass fiber extends along a predetermined central axis, and includes at least a core region having a GI-type refractive index profile. The coating member has a refractive index that is higher than a minimum refractive index of the core region. According to this configuration, leakage of a higher-order mode with a large group delay difference to the coating member side is facilitated.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a multimode optical fiber.
2. Related Background Art
It is known that a multimode optical fiber structurally has greater transmission loss in comparison to a single mode optical fiber for use in long-haul optical communication. Meanwhile, a multimode optical fiber is broadly used in short-haul information communication, in a local area network (LAN) for example, because inter-fiber connection and connection with equipment is easy.
With the aim of improving short-haul information communication, technology for reducing the transmission loss of the multimode optical fiber and expansion of the communication band (wider bandwidth) are being researched. Meanwhile, research on a multimode optical fiber having higher physical reliability is hardly being conducted.


The present disclosure provides processes for the preparation of a compound of formula I:

The compound named, [5-(5-chloro-1H-pyrrolo[2,3-b]pyridin-3-ylmethyl)-pyridin-2-yl]-(6-trifluoromethyl-pyridin-3-ylmethyl)-amine, which is also known as pexidartinib, is effective for treating subjects suffering from or at risk of a c-Kit and/or c-Fms and/or Flt3 mediated disease or condition. Suitable compounds, including pexidartinib or a salt thereof, for the treatment of such diseases and conditions are disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 7,893,075, U.S. Publication No. 2014-0037617 and U.S. Publication No. 2013-0274259, the disclosures of all of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.
There remains a need in developing new versatile and facile processes for the efficient preparation of pexidartinib and other similar molecules, especially in an industrial scale.

This patent is subject to a terminal disclaimer.

Synthesis of a compound that modulates kinases

Abstract: or a salt thereof, active on the receptor protein kinases c-Kit and/or c-Fms and/or Flt3. The disclosure also provides compounds and processes for the preparation of the compounds that are synthetic intermediates to the compound of formula I.


A method for producing a compound of the formula:

This application is a 371 of PCT/JP01/06145 filed Jul. 16, 2001.
The present invention relates to production methods of intermediates for 1-substituted-1,2,3-triazole compounds having an inhibitory action on growth factor receptor tyrosine kinases (especially HER2) useful as pharmaceutical agents.
As a production method of an intermediate for a 1-substituted-1,2,3-triazole compound having a tyrosine kinase inhibitory action, for example, there is mentioned a method comprising condensing compound (1) of the following formula and compound (2) of the following formula in the presence of a base in a solvent inert to the reaction (e.g., aromatic hydrocarbons such as benzene, toluene, xylene etc., ethers such as tetrahydrofuran, dioxane etc., ketones such as acetone, 2-butanone etc., halogenated hydrocarbons such as chloroform, dichloromethane etc., N,N-dimethylformamide, dimethyl sulfoxide, and a mixed solvent of these) to give the objective compound (3) (JP-A-11-60571, WO 98/03505):
wherein W1 is a leaving group, R0 is an optionally substituted aromatic heterocyclic group, X1 is an oxygen atom, an optionally oxidized sulfur atom, xe2x80x94C(=O)xe2x80x94or xe2x80x94CH(OH)xe2x80x94, Y1 is CH or N, ml is an integer of 0 to 10, n1 is an integer of 1 to 5, the cyclic group
is an optionally substituted aromatic azole group and the ring A1 may be further substituted.
In addition, as a production method of a 1-alkyl-1,2,3-triazole compound, for example, there is mentioned a method comprising reacting the compound (b2) of the following formula and the compound (b3) of the following formula in the presence or absence of a base (JP-A-5-170763):
wherein R1, R2, R3, R4 and R8 are the same or different and each is a hydrogen atom or a lower alkyl group, R2 and R3 in combination may form, together with the carbon atoms to which they are bonded, a cyclopentane ring or a cyclohexane ring, R5, R6 and R7 are the same or different and each is a hydrogen atom, a halogen atom, a lower alkyl group optionally substituted by halogen atom(s) or a lower alkoxy group optionally substituted by halogen atom(s), Y2 is a halogen atom, a lower alkyl sulfonyloxy group or an aryl sulfonyloxy group, and R9 is a 5 or 6-membered heterocyclic group having 1 to 3 nitrogen atom(s), and wherein a 1H-1,2,4-triazole group is excluded and the heterocyclic group is optionally substituted by 1 to 3, the same or different halogen atom(s), lower alkyl group(s) or lower alkoxy group(s).
The aforementioned conventional production methods pose problems in that they show low reaction selectivity, and therefore, a low yield. A method using a silver salt of 1H-1,2,3-triazole shows fine selectivity but requires expensive starting materials. Therefore, there is a demand for an industrially advantageous production method of an intermediate for a 1-substituted-1,2,3-triazole compound having an inhibitory action on growth factor receptor tyrosine kinases (especially HER2).
As a production method for obtaining a 1,2,3-triazole compound useful as a starting material of pharmaceutical agents or an intermediate for printing, image processing agents, by the use of a hydrazone derivative, there is known, for example, a method comprising reacting compound (c1) of the following formula and compound (c2) under neutral or basic conditions to give compound (3) (JP-A-8-53425):
In the above formulas, R1c is a lower alkyl group optionally substituted by halogen atom(s), a phenyl group wherein benzene ring is optionally substituted by at least one substituent selected from halogen atom, lower alkyl group and lower alkoxy group, a benzyl group wherein benzene ring is optionally substituted by at least one substituent selected from halogen atom, lower alkyl group and lower alkoxy group, a lower alkylamino group wherein alkyl group is optionally substituted by halogen atom, a phenylamino group wherein benzene ring is optionally substituted by at least one substituent selected from halogen atom, lower alkyl group and lower alkoxy group, an ammonium group that forms a salt with an inorganic acid or a carboxyl group that forms a salt with ammonia; X is a halogen atom; R2c and R3c are each a hydrogen atom or a lower alkyl group optionally substituted by halogen atom(s); and R4c is a lower alkyl group optionally substituted by halogen atom(s) or a phenyl group wherein benzene ring is optionally substituted by at least one substituent selected from halogen atom, lower alkyl group and lower alkoxy group.
As a production method of an amine compound such as the above-mentioned compound (c1), there is known a method comprising reacting phthalimide butyryl chloride and chlorobenzene in the presence of anhydrous aluminum chloride, and treating the obtained 4-chloro-4-phthalimide butyrophenone with acetic acid and hydrochloric acid to give 4-chloro-4-aminobutyrophenone hydrochloride [Journal of Medicinal Chemistry (J. Med. Chem.), vol. 9, pp. 945-949 (1966)].
The conventional production method for obtaining the aforementioned compound (c3) showed lower yield from the compound (c1). A conventional production method for obtaining an amine compound, such as compound (c1), poses a problem in that it requires many steps. Therefore, there is a demand for an industrially advantageous production method of an intermediate for a 1-substituted-1,2,3-triazole compound having an inhibitory action on growth factor receptor tyrosine kinase (especially, HER2).
The present inventors have studied various production methods of 1-substituted-1,2,3-triazole derivatives, and first found that a reaction in a secondary or tertiary alcohol in the presence of a base or a reaction in the absence of a base unexpectedly results in the selective production of the objective 1-substituted-1,2,3-triazole derivative in a high yield, and that this production method is fully satisfactory on an industrial scale, based on which they intensively investigated and completed the present invention.
They have also found that a reaction of an alkylamine compound and a hydrazone derivative, followed by a treatment with a base, unexpectedly results in the selective production of the objective 1-substituted-1,2,3-triazole derivative in a high yield, and that this production method is fully satisfactory on an industrial scale, based on which they intensively investigated and completed the present invention.
Further, the present inventors have found that a production method via a protected 4-hydroxymethyloxazole compound as an intermediate unexpectedly results in the production of the objective product in a high yield, and that this production method is fully satisfactory on an industrial scale, based on which they intensively investigated and completed the present invention.
Accordingly, the present invention provides the following.
1. A method for producing a compound of the formula:
wherein
Ra1 and Ra2 are each a hydrogen atom, a substituted hydroxy, a substituted thiol, a substituted amino, an optionally substituted hydrocarbon group, an optionally substituted heterocyclic group or an acyl;
Ra3 is a group of the formula:
xe2x80x83wherein Ra4 and Ra5 are each a hydrogen atom, an optionally substituted hydroxy, an optionally substituted thiol, an optionally substituted amino, an optionally substituted hydrocarbon group, an optionally substituted heterocyclic group or an acyl, or Ra4 and Ra5 in combination form oxo, Ra6 is an optionally substituted aromatic group, and ma is an integer of 0 to 10; or
two or three from Ra1, Ra2 and Ra3 form an optionally substituted ring, together with the adjacent carbon atom; and
Ra7 and Ra8 are each a hydrogen atom, a halogen, an optionally substituted hydroxy, an optionally substituted thiol, an optionally substituted amino, an optionally substituted hydrocarbon group, an optionally substituted heterocyclic group or an acyl,
which method comprises reacting a compound of the formula:
wherein Xa is a leaving group and other symbols are as defined above, or a salt thereof [hereinafter to be also referred briefly to as compound (aII)] and a compound of the formula:
wherein each symbol is as defined above, or a salt thereof,
(1) in a secondary or tertiary alcohol in the presence of a base, or
(2) in the absence of a base.
2. The production method of the aforementioned 1, which comprises reaction in a secondary or tertiary alcohol in the presence of a base.
3. The production method of the aforementioned 1, which comprises reaction in a tertiary alcohol in the presence of a base.
4. The production method of 1 above, wherein Ra1 is a hydrogen atom.
5. The production method of 1 above, wherein Ra1 and Ra2 are each a hydrogen atom.
6. The production method of 1 above, wherein Ra3 is a group of the formula:
wherein each symbol is as defined in the aforementioned 1.
7. The production method of 6 above, wherein Ra4 and Ra5 are each a hydrogen atom.
8. The production method of 6 above, wherein Ra6 is an optionally substituted phenyl.
9. The production method of 6 above, wherein ma is 3.
10. The production method of 1 above, wherein Ra7 and Ra8 are each a hydrogen atom.
11. A salt of a compound of the formula:
12. A compound of the formula:
wherein Xaxe2x80x2 is a halogen atom, OSO2Ra or OCORa wherein Ra is an optionally substituted hydrocarbon group [hereinafter to be referred to as compound (aIIa)].
13. A method for producing compound (aIIa), which comprises reacting a compound of the formula:
wherein Ma is a hydrogen atom, an alkali metal atom or an alkaline earth metal atom [hereinafter to be referred to as compound (aIIxe2x80x2)], and 1) thionyl halide [hereinafter to be referred to as compound (aa)], 2) oxalyl halide [hereinafter to be referred to as compound (ab)], 3) a compound of the formula:
RaSO2Xa or (RaSO2)2O
wherein Ra is an optionally substituted hydrocarbon group and Xa is a leaving group [hereinafter to be referred to as compound (ac)] or 4) a compound of the formula:
RaCOXa or (RaCO)2O
wherein Ra and Xa are as defined above [hereinafter to be referred to as compound (ad)] under basic conditions.
14. A compound of the formula:
or a salt thereof [hereinafter to be also referred to as compound (aIe)].
15. The production method of the aforementioned 1 wherein Ra1, Ra2, Ra7 and Ra8 are each a hydrogen atom and Ra3 is 3-[4-(t-butoxyphenyl)]propyl.
16. A method for producing a compound of the formula:
which comprises reacting a compound of the formula:
wherein Ma is a hydrogen atom, an alkaline metal atom or an alkaline earth metal atom, and 1) thionyl halide, 2) oxalyl halide, 3) a compound of the formula:
RaSO2Xa or (RaSO2)2O
wherein Ra is an optionally substituted hydrocarbon group and Xa is a leaving group or 4) a compound of the formula:
RaCOXa or (RaCO)2O
wherein Ra and Xa are as defined above, under basic conditions to give a compound of the formula:
wherein Xaxe2x80x2 is a halogen atom, OSO2Ra or OCORa wherein Ra is as defined above, and reacting this compound with a compound of the formula:
or a salt thereof, (1) in the presence of a base in a secondary or tertiary alcohol, or
(2) in the absence of a base to give a compound of the formula:
and deprotecting this compound.
17. A method for producing a compound of the formula:
which comprises deprotecting a compound of the formula:
18. A method for producing a compound of the formula:
which comprises deprotecting a compound of the formula:
19. A method for producing a compound of the formula:
wherein Rb1, Rb2 and Rb3 are each a hydrogen atom, an optionally substituted hydroxy, an optionally substituted thiol, an optionally substituted amino, an optionally substituted hydrocarbon group, an optionally substituted heterocyclic group or an acyl, or two or three from Rb1, Rb2 and Rb3 form, together with the adjacent carbon atom, an optionally substituted ring, and Rb4 and Rb5 are each a hydrogen atom, an optionally substituted hydroxy, an optionally substituted thiol, an optionally substituted amino, an optionally substituted hydrocarbon group, an optionally substituted heterocyclic group or an acyl, and Rb6 is an optionally substituted alkyl or an optionally substituted phenyl, or a salt thereof [hereinafter to be also referred to as compound (bI)], which comprises reacting a compound of the formula:
wherein each symbol is as defined above, or a salt thereof [hereinafter to be also referred to as compound (bII)] and a compound of the formula:
wherein Xb1 and Xb2 are each a halogen, and Rb4, Rb5 and Rb6 are as defined above, or a salt thereof, [hereinafter also to be referred to as compound (bIII)] and treating the reaction mixture with a base.
20. The production method of 19 above, wherein Rb1 is a hydrogen atom.
21. The production method of 19 above, wherein Rb1 and Rb2 are each a hydrogen atom.
22. The production method of the aforementioned 19, wherein Rb3 is a group of the formula:
wherein Rb7 and Rb8 are each a hydrogen atom, an optionally substituted hydroxy, an optionally substituted thiol, an optionally substituted amino, an optionally substituted hydrocarbon group, an optionally substituted heterocyclic group or an acyl, or Rb7 and Rb8 in combination form oxo, Rb9 is an optionally substituted aromatic group, and mb is an integer of 0 to 10.
23. The production method of 22 above wherein Rb7 and Rb8 are each a hydrogen atom, Rb9 is an optionally substituted phenyl, and mb is 3.
24. The production method of 23 above wherein Rb1 and Rb2 are each a hydrogen atom.
25. The production method of 19 above wherein Rb4 and Rb5 are each a hydrogen atom.
26. The production method of 19 above wherein Rb6 is a phenyl substituted by alkyl.
27. A method for producing a compound of the formula:
wherein, Rb10 is an optionally substituted amino, an optionally substituted hydrocarbon group, an optionally substituted heterocyclic group or an acyl, Rb11 is a substituent, nb is an integer of 0 to 4, and Rb12 is an optionally substituted alkylene, an optionally substituted alkenylene or an optionally substituted alkynylene, or a salt thereof, which comprises reacting a compound of the formula:
wherein each symbol is as defined above, or a salt thereof [hereinafter to be also referred to as compound (bIV)] and a compound of the formula:
HOOCxe2x80x94Rb12xe2x80x94NH2xe2x80x83xe2x80x83(bV)
wherein Rb12 is as defined above, a salt thereof or a reactive derivative thereof [hereinafter to be also referred to as compound (bV)].
28. A method for producing a compound of the formula:
wherein each symbol is as defined above, or a salt thereof [hereinafter to be also referred to as compound (bVII)], which comprises reacting compound (bIV) and compound (bV), and reducing the obtained compound (bVI) or a salt thereof.
29. A method for producing a compound of the formula:
wherein each symbol is as defined above, or a salt thereof [hereinafter to be also referred to as compound (bVIII)], which comprises reacting compound (bIV) and compound (bV), reducing the obtained compound (bVI) or a salt thereof, reacting the obtained compound (bVII) and compound (bIII), and treating the reaction mixture with a base.
30. The production method of 29 above, wherein Rb4 and Rb5 are each a hydrogen atom, Rb10 is a C1-3 alkyl, Rb12 is a trimethylene and nb is 0.
31. A trifluoromethanesulfonate of a compound of the formula:
wherein Rb12xe2x80x2 is trimethylene and other symbols are as defined in the aforementioned 27.
32. A method for producing a compound of the formula:
wherein Arc is an optionally substituted aromatic group, Rc1 and Rc2 are each a hydrogen atom or a lower alkyl, Rc3 and Rc4 are each a hydrogen atom or a lower alkyl, Yc is C, S or SO and Rc5 is a hydrogen atom, a lower alkyl, an optionally substituted phenyl, an optionally substituted benzyloxy or an optionally substituted benzylamino, or a salt thereof [hereinafter to be also referred to as compound (cIV)], which comprises reacting a reaction mixture of a compound of the formula:
wherein each symbol is as defined above, or a salt thereof [hereinafter to be also referred to as compound (cI)] and a compound of the formula:
wherein Xc1 and Xc2 are each a halogen, and other symbols are as defined above, or a salt thereof [hereinafter to be also referred to as compound (cII)] with a compound of the formula:
wherein Mc is a hydrogen atom or a metal, and other symbols are as defined above, or a salt thereof [hereinafter to be also referred to as compound (cIII)].
33. The production method of 32 above, wherein Arc is 4-trifluoromethylphenyl.
34. The production method of 32 above, wherein Rc1, Rc2, Rc3 and Rc4 are each a hydrogen atom and Rc5 is methyl.
36. A method for producing a compound of the formula:
wherein each symbol is as defined above, or a salt thereof [hereinafter to be also referred to as compound (cVII)], which comprises subjecting compound (cIV) to hydrolysis or catalytic reduction, subjecting the obtained compound of the formula:
wherein each symbol is as defined above, or a salt thereof [hereinafter to be also referred to as compound (cV)] to sulfonylation or halogenation, and reacting the compound with a compound of the formula:
wherein nc is an integer of 1 to 10, or a salt thereof [hereinafter to be also referred to as compound (cVI)].
37. The production method of 36 above, wherein Arc is 4-trifluoromethylphenyl.
38. The production method of 36 above, wherein Rc1, Rc2, Rc3 and Rc4 are each a hydrogen atom, Rc5 is methyl and nc is 4.
39. A method for producing compound (cVII) or a salt thereof, which comprises reacting a reaction mixture of compound (cI) and compound (cII) with compound (cIII), subjecting the resulting compound to hydrolysis or catalytic reduction, subjecting the obtained compound (cV) to sulfonylation or halogenation, and reacting the compound with compound (cVI).
40. The production method of 39 above, wherein Arc is 4-trifluoromethylphenyl.
41. The production method of 39 above, wherein Rc1, Rc2, Rc3 and Rc4 are each a hydrogen atom, Rc5 is methyl and nc is 4.
42. A method for producing a compound of the formula:
wherein each symbol is defined above, or a salt thereof, which comprises subjecting a reaction mixture of a compound of the formula:
wherein each symbol is as defined in the aforementioned 32 or a salt thereof and compound (cII) or a salt thereof to hydrolysis, subjecting the obtained compound of the formula:
wherein each symbol is as defined above or a salt thereof to sulfonylation or halogenation, and reacting the resulting compound with compound (cVI) or a salt thereof.
43. A method for producing compound (cVIIa) or a salt thereof, which comprises reacting a reaction mixture of compound (cIa) or a salt thereof and compound (cII) or a salt thereof with compound (cVI) or a salt thereof.
44. A compound of the formula:
45. A method for producing compound (cVIIa) or a salt thereof, which comprises subjecting the compound (cVa) or a salt thereof to sulfonylation or halogenation, and reacting the resulting compound with compound (cVI) or a salt thereof.
46. 1-[4-[4-[[2-[(E)-2-[4-(Trifluoromethyl)phenyl]ethenyl]-1,3-oxazol-4-yl]methoxy]phenyl]butyl]-1H-1,2,3-triazole.
47. The crystal of the aforementioned 46, having characteristic peaks at diffraction angles of about 6.98, 14.02, 17.56, 21.10 and 24.70 degrees in powder X-ray diffraction.
48. A pharmaceutical composition comprising the crystal of the aforementioned 46.

Method for producing 1-substituted-1,2,3-triazole derivative

Abstract: (2) in the absence of a base is provided. According to this method, a 1-substituted-1,2,3-triazole compound having a tyrosine kinase inhibitory action can be produced efficiently in a high yield at an industrial large scale by a convenient method


The invention comprises a wall or door-mounted container for cleansing wipes having two separate compartments, one for holding readily available packet stacks (or rolls) of dry paper towel wipes of standard size, and one for holding a sealed containers of pre-moistened paper towelette wipes. The latter containers also may be found in retail and wholesale outlets everywhere and comes in generally cylindrical tubs of two or three standard sizes. A slot is provided in the bottom of the first container compartment for permitting egress of the dry paper towels, as is common. A new aperture is provided in the bottom of the second compartment for providing egress to the wet towelettes, in cooperative placement with respect to the cross slit aperture found in the lid of a towelette tub. A one-piece hinged and locked transparent front panel gives ready access to both compartments for instant refilling.

It is common to provide a supply of paper towels in public washrooms for use in drying one's hands after washing. Paper towels also are stored in home dispensers for use in cleaning kitchen and toilet surfaces, and for similar washing and drying applications. There are limitations in the usefulness of dry paper towels, however. In particular, they are not very effective for sanitizing and disinfecting dry surfaces contaminated with bacteria and similar micro-biological agents.
More recently, there have become available containers and packets of pre-moistened paper wipes known as towelettes. These are useful in sanitizing one's hands and environmental surfaces because, in addition to containing water (which, of course, helps dissolve contaminants) such pre-moistened towelettes often contain alcohol or other disinfectants. A limitation in the adoption of such towelettes, particularly with respect to their provision in public rest room facilities, is that the moistening agents are particularly volatile. Therefore, the towelettes must be kept in more or less air tight containers until just prior to use.
Complex mechanisms been proposed for holding paper towels and moistening them just prior to dispensing, or simultaneously therewith. Some of these dispense both wet and dry paper products. A problem with such machinery is that it tends to be hard to fill, delicate, expensive, prone to failure, and subject to vandalism--not to mention that it tends to require the stocking of specialized, hard-to-find papers and chemical wetting agents. By the same token, public rest room facilities often are tended by unskilled individuals who have neither the time nor the training to stock and maintain complex electromechanical apparatus for dispensing both dry towels and wet towelettes. Nor do small businesses, many of which are in out-of-the-way locations, want to have to stock exotic and expensive supplies.
There is a need, therefore, for a wipe dispenser that is capable of supplying dry paper towels and/or pre-moistened paper towelettes which is easy to refill and simple to operate, and which uses off-the-shelf supplies that are readily available throughout the country.
Prior developments in this field may be generally illustrated by reference to the following information disclosure statement:
U.S. Patent Documents U.S. Pat. No. Patentee Issue Date 5,443,084 R. Saleur Aug. 22, 1995 4,017,002 R. Doyle et al. Apr. 12, 1977 Des. 344,830 H. Carter et al. Mar. 1, 1994 4,984,530 V. Dutton Jan. 15, 1991 4,776,649 A. ten Wolde Oct. 11, 1988 Des. 342,635 H. Carter et al. Dec. 28, 1993
U.S. Pat. No. 5,443,084 describes a container having a plurality of compartments for storing separate sets of dry paper towels and the like. Also included is means for moistening one set of dry towels prior to the dispensing thereof.
U.S. Pat. No. 4,984,530 describes another container that stores separate sets of dry towels and has apparatus for wetting one set as it is dispensed.
U.S. Pat. No. 4,017,002 teaches a portable container for storing and dispensing pre-moistened towelettes. This type of prior-art container may be used within the device of the present invention, as discussed below.
The remaining patents are representative of what was found in a search of the art.
It therefore will be appreciated that there continues to be a need for a new and improved wipe dispenser apparatus which addresses the problems of construction, effectiveness and ease of use that are attendant in the prior art. In this respect, the present invention substantially fulfills this need.

Wet towelette and dry towel dispenser apparatus


Disclosed is a method of and apparatus for determining the flare height at which the flare maneuver of an automatic landing procedure is initiated. The method includes the step of generating an adjusted approach sink rate signal, which depends on the ground speed of the aircraft during a landing approach and is compensated for short term deviations from the glideslope angle. The adjusted approach sink rate signal is filtered (first order lag), and the filtered signal is then used to establish: (a) a nominal flare height value when the aircraft sink rate is between two predetermined sink rate values (the aircraft landing approach speed is in a nominal range); (b) a flare height that is above the nominal flare height value and is linearly related to the adjusted approach sink rate of the aircraft when the adjusted approach sink rate exceeds the first predetermined value (relatively high ground speed approach); and (c) a flare height that is less than the nominal flare height value and is linearly related to the magnitude of the adjusted approach sink rate signal when the magnitude of the filtered adjusted approach sink rate signal is less than the second predetermined sink rate magnitude (relatively low ground speed approach). In the disclosed arrangements, provision is made to limit the flare height determined by the invention to maximum and minimum flare height values and provision is made for storing the flare height signal for use by the automatic landing system after the flare maneuver has been initiated.

Various automatic landing systems have become available during the past several years, often being incorporated in the aircraft's autopilot or flight control system. Basically, these automatic landing systems are digital signal processors that execute control laws that cause the aircraft to follow glideslope and localizer signals so that the aircraft approaches the destination runway without manual control by the pilot. When the aircraft reaches a suitable point in its descent, the automatic landing system initiates a flare maneuver to arrest aircraft rate of descent (sink rate) so that the aircraft touches down on the runway at a proper position and at a suitable sink rate. In the past, the point at which the automatic landing system initiates the flare maneuver has been based on the aircraft attaining a predetermined altitude. The flare initiation altitude used in these systems depends on the flight characteristics of the aircraft employing the system and is established to allow the automatic landing system to bring the aircraft to a safe landing in all situations in which the automatic landing system is used (i.e., for all ground speeds, aircraft landing weights, sink rates, etc., that are within the aircraft's automatic landing profile). For example, it has been typical practice to initiate an automatic landing flare maneuver when the aircraft landing gear is 50 or 45 feet above the ground, depending upon the particular aircraft of interest.
Initiating automatic landing flare maneuver at a predetermined altitude has certain disadvantages and drawbacks. For example, when an automatic landing is executed in a tail wind, with a heavily loaded aircraft, and/or is executed at a high-density altitude destination (which refers to the altitude of the destination airport adjusted to reflect ambient temperatures greater than standard atmospheric temperature), the aircraft groundspeed is higher than the nominal ground speed for the automatic landing procedure. This means that the aircraft will have a higher than nominal approach sink rate (i.e., will descend at a rate higher than it would during an approach at a nominal ground speed). To arrest the relatively high sink rate, it may be necessary for the automatic landing system to exert fairly aggressive control of the aircraft during the flare maneuver. Moreover, in situations in which the aircraft sink rate cannot be decreased to a low level, the aircraft may make a relatively hard landing. Although automatic landing systems in current use safely land the aircraft under relatively high ground speed approach conditions, the required flare maneuver and/or resulting hard landing may cause an undue degree of passenger concern, apprehension and discomfort.
Initiating an automatic landing flare maneuver at a predetermined altitude also is somewhat disadvantageous when the aircraft executes the automatic landing procedure at a relatively low ground speed because of head winds or a lightly loaded aircraft. When the aircraft ground speed is relatively low, the aircraft descends along the approach path with a lower than nominal approach sink rate. When this occurs, the automatic landing system may control the aircraft in a manner that results in relatively long flare time causing the aircraft crew and passengers to sometimes experience a "floating" sensation. This may cause the pilot to mistakenly believe that the landing will require more than normal runway distance (i.e., the aircraft will land "long"). Such a perception on the part of the pilot can cause unnecessary pilot concern and increases the possibility that the pilot will unnecessarily assume manual control of the aircraft, even when the landing is being executed under low visibility conditions.
For the above reasons, a need exists for methods and apparatus that initiate automatic landing flare maneuver in a manner that better accommodates higher than nominal and lower than nominal approach speeds (i.e., ground speeds that are within system limits, but higher or lower than optimal).

Method and apparatus for controlling flare engagement height in automatic landing systems


Non-Volatile Memory (NVM) cells include a selection circuit for providing an output based on selecting between an input data signal and an output of a Multiple Time Programmable (MTP) NVM element. The input data signal may be latched by a latch circuit such as a flip-flop first. The selector circuit's output is used to confirm the programming values for the MTP NVM element such that the element can be programmed correctly without losing time by reading the programmed MTP NVM element or reprogramming a misprogrammed element.

Memory devices are electronic devices arranged to store electrical signals. For example, a basic memory element may be a fuse that can either be open or be closed. Open and closed states of the fuse may be used to designate one bit of information corresponding to a value of 1 or 0. A plurality of memory elements can be combined in various arrangements in order to store multiple bits arranged in words or other combinations. Various electronic circuits including semiconductor devices such as transistors are used as memory elements.
Memory elements may be classified in two main categories: volatile and nonvolatile. Volatile memory loses any data as soon as the system is turned off. Thus, it requires constant power to remain viable. Most types of random access memory (RAM) fall into this category. Non-volatile memory does not lose its data when the system or device is turned off. An NVM device may be implemented as a MOS transistor, as a One Time Programmable (OTP) fuse, as a Multiple Time Programmable (MTP) fuse, and the like.
A range of considerations including a purpose of the device, power consumption, size, retention capacity and duration may influence design of non-volatile memory devices. In NVM devices comprising OTP fuses, the elements are programmed destructively (e.g flowing a high current through the fuse such that the fuse transitions into an open state). Programming time for such devices may be long in order to pass enough current to force the fusing/anti-fusing action. Thus, programming time becomes a major expense in device performance.
Furthermore, improper programming is irrecoverable. Therefore, the lack of ability to confirm programming of an NVM device prior to final programming may increase cost of manufacturing such devices and impede their performance.

MTP NVM elements by-passed for programming


There is disclosed a provisioning system for use in a wireless network comprising a group of base stations that communicate with mobile stations. The provisioning system provisions unprovisioned mobile stations and prevents unprovisioned mobile stations from accessing an Internet protocol (IP) data network through the wireless network. The provisioning system comprises a provisioning controller that retrieve provisioning data from a provisioning server associated with the IP data network and causes a first base station to transmit the retrieved provisioning data to a first unprovisioned mobile station in a first traffic channel established between the first base station and the first unprovisioned mobile station. The provisioning system prevents any unprovisioned mobile station from accessing the wireless network except by means of a traffic channel, thereby preventing the unprovisioned mobile station from making an unauthorized access to the Internet via a data call to a base station.

The present invention is directed, in general, to wireless networks and, more specifically, to a system for performing secure over-the-air (OTA) provisioning of cellular phone handsets and other mobile devices.
Reliable predictions indicate that there will be over 300 million cellular telephone customers worldwide by the year 2000. Within the United States, cellular service is offered by cellular service providers, by the regional Bell companies, and by the national long distance operators. The enhanced competition has driven the price of cellular service down to the point where it is affordable to a large segment of the population.
The current generation of cellular phones is used primarily for voice conversations between a subscriber handset (or mobile station) and another party through the wireless network. A smaller number of mobile stations are data devices, such as personal computers (PCs) equipped with cellular/wireless modems. Because the bandwidth for a current generation mobile station is typically limited to a few tens of kilobits per second (Kbps), the applications for the current generation of mobile stations are relatively limited. However, this is expected to change in the next (or third) generation of cellular/wireless technology, sometimes referred to as xe2x80x9c3Gxe2x80x9d wireless/cellular, where a much greater bandwidth will be available to each mobile station (i.e., 125 Kbps or greater). The higher data rates will make Internet applications for mobile stations much more common. For instance, a 3G cell phone (or a PC with a 3G cellular modem) may be used to browse web sites on the Internet, to transmit and receive graphics, to execute streaming audio and/or video applications, and the like. In sum, a much higher percentage of the wireless traffic handled by 3G cellular systems will be Internet protocol (IP) traffic and a lesser percentage will be traditional voice traffic.
In order to make wireless services as convenient and as affordable as possible, wireless service providers frequently sell cellular handsets (or other types of mobile stations) directly to potential subscribers from display booths in supermarkets and department stores. Simple instructions are provided to guide the buyer through the process of activating the cellular handset and signing up for wireless services to become a subscriber. In conventional cellular systems, the handset buyer activates the new handset and signs up for service by dialing xe2x80x9c*228xxxe2x80x9d on the handset keypad in accordance with the handset instructions. The value of xe2x80x9cxxxe2x80x9d varies according to the identity of the wireless service provider that sells the handset.
Although initially unprovisioned, the new handset must, of necessity, have certain minimum radio frequency (RF) communication capabilities that enable the handset to become provisioned. Dialing xe2x80x9c*228xxxe2x80x9d on the handset keypad automatically initiates a special purpose call that connects the handset buyer to an operator. The operator requests certain account information from the buyer, such as personal information, a credit card number, home billing address, and the like. When the account information is collected and the account is set up, the operator instructs the handset buyer to enter several sequences of passwords, code numbers, menu-selected commands, and the like, that enable certain functions in the handset.
This process is frequently referred to as xe2x80x9cservice provisioning.xe2x80x9d Service provisioning may activate in the cellular handset a Number Assignment Module (NAM), which gives the handset a unique phone number for incoming calls and provides a roaming capability by identifying approved wireless carriers. Service provisioning may also activate in the handset a Preferred Roaming List (PRL), which is a list of frequencies/bands owned by each carrier in each geographical region and which may identify preferred and/or prohibited frequencies in each region as well. Service provisioning also activates an authentication code, sometimes referred to as an xe2x80x9cA-key,xe2x80x9d in the cellular handset. The handset uses the A-key to authenticate the handset when the subscriber attempts to access the wireless network.
The wireless network uses a home location register (HLR) to store the A-key, the phone number, the roaming capability information, and other data related to each handset that has been or is being authenticated and provisioned by the wireless network. The HLR is a permanent database used by the wireless service provider to identify/verify a subscriber and store individual subscriber data related to features and services. The subscriber""s wireless service provider uses the HLR data when the subscriber is accessing the wireless network in the subscriber""s home coverage area. Other wireless service providers also use the HLR data (typically accessed via wireline telephone networks) when the subscriber roams outside the subscriber""s home coverage area.
The conventional provisioning process described above has numerous drawbacks. A human operator must talk the user through the process of pressing keys and verifying screen results. This is time consuming and frequently results in errors, particularly with unsophisticated subscribers. Mistakes may go unnoticed initially and the subscriber may become frustrated that the cellular service does not operate as advertised. When the mistake is finally diagnosed, the provisioning process may need to be at least partially re-performed. The human operator also adds labor costs to the provisioning process.
It would be preferable to automate cellular service provisioning to the greatest extent possible in order to reduce labor costs, eliminate errors, and make the process more user-friendly by minimizing or eliminating subscriber interaction. In particular, it would be more convenient to perform at least part of the over-the-air (OTA) cellular service provisioning process by accessing a provisioning server from an unprovisioned handset via an Internet connection. The 3G systems will make OTA service provisioning of handsets easier and more common.
However, OTA service provisioning of a handset presents serious security problems for the wireless service provider, particularly with respect to fraud. The base station that handles the initial set-up data call from an unprovisioned handset may not store the required provisioning data. Instead, base stations typically access provisioning data from one or more provisioning servers within the wireless service provider""s network and which may or may not be accessible by an intranet or by the Internet. Many wireless service providers operate clusters of base stations that are not directly connected to each other, but rather are connected to the local Bell telephone companies and/or to the major long-distance carriers. Without an Internet or intranet connection, each cluster of base stations would require its own provisioning server. Alternatively, a wireless carrier would have to pay the local Bell companies and/or a long distance company additional line fees to connect the base stations to the provisioning server.
Using an Internet connection allows a wireless service provider to consolidate all service provisioning applications and data in a central repository, rather than maintaining at great expense redundant copies of such information among a large number of provisioning servers. However, it is foreseeable that a sophisticated user could use an unprovisioned handset (possibly with some minor modifications) to access a wireless network under the guise of service provisioning and then use the wireless network to access any IP address on the Internet, not just the IP address of the provisioning server. In effect, the user could defraud the wireless service provider by using the unprovisioned handset to surf the Internet for free.
This problem exists for several reasons. First, IP addresses of other services are freely known to the public. Second, conventional wireless networks do not provide a method or an apparatus capable of blocking access to unauthorized IP addresses that is triggered by the network""s knowledge that the mobile is unprovisioned. Third, even if the network provides the mobile with an IP address to be used for provisioning, the mobile must be trusted to use that IP address only.
Therefore, there is a need in the art for improved systems and methods for performing automatic service provisioning of wireless handsets (and other types of mobile stations). In particular, there is a need in the art for systems and methods for performing secure over-the-air provisioning of wireless devices. More particularly, there is a need for systems and methods that are capable of preventing unauthorized persons from using an unprovisioned handset or other type of mobile station to browse the Internet.
To address the above-discussed deficiencies of the prior art, it is a primary object of the present invention to provide, for use in a wireless network comprising a plurality of base stations, each of the base stations capable of communicating with a plurality of mobile stations, a provisioning system capable of provisioning unprovisioned ones of the plurality of mobile stations and preventing the unprovisioned mobile stations from accessing an Internet protocol (IP) data network through the wireless network. In an advantageous embodiment of the present invention, the provisioning system comprises a provisioning controller capable of retrieving provisioning data from a provisioning server associated with the IP data network and causing a first one of the plurality of base stations to transmit the retrieved provisioning data to a first unprovisioned mobile station in a first traffic channel established between the first base station and the first unprovisioned mobile station.
In one embodiment of the present invention, the provisioning controller is capable of converting the retrieved provisioning data from an IP data packet format to a data burst message format suitable for transmission in the first traffic channel.
In another embodiment of the present invention, the provisioning controller is further capable of receiving user-generated provisioning data from the first unprovisioned mobile station in a data burst message transmitted to the first base station in a second traffic channel established between the first base station and the first unprovisioned mobile station.
In still another embodiment of the present invention, the provisioning controller is capable of converting the received user-generated provisioning data from a data burst message format to an IP data packet format suitable for transmission in the IP data network to the provisioning server.
In yet another embodiment of the present invention, the provisioning controller is capable of determining that the unprovisioned mobile station is unprovisioned and, in response to the determination, is capable of establishing a call connection via a public telecommunications network between the first base station and an operator station capable of initiating a provisioning operation that provisions the unprovisioned mobile station.
In a further embodiment of the present invention, the provisioning controller is capable of receiving from the operator station a provisioning enable signal, where the provisioning enable signal causes the provisioning controller to retrieve the provisioning data from the provisioning server.
In a still further embodiment of the present invention, the provisioning controller determines that the unprovisioned mobile station is unprovisioned according to a unique telephone number dialed by a user of the unprovisioned mobile station.
In a yet further embodiment of the present invention, the provisioning system further comprises an authentication controller coupled to the provisioning controller and capable of authenticating the unprovisioned mobile station in the wireless network, wherein the provisioning controller determines that the unprovisioned mobile station is unprovisioned if the authentication controller sends a signal to the provisioning controller indicating that the unprovisioned mobile station failed to properly authenticate.
The foregoing has outlined rather broadly the features and technical advantages of the present invention so that those skilled in the art may better understand the detailed description of the invention that follows. Additional features and advantages of the invention will be described hereinafter that form the subject of the claims of the invention. Those skilled in the art should appreciate that they may readily use the conception and the specific embodiment disclosed as a basis for modifying or designing other structures for carrying out the same purposes of the present invention. Those skilled in the art should also realize that such equivalent constructions do not depart from the spirit and scope of the invention in its broadest form.
Before undertaking the DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION, it may be advantageous to set forth definitions of certain words and phrases used throughout this patent document: the terms xe2x80x9cincludexe2x80x9d and xe2x80x9ccomprise,xe2x80x9d as well as derivatives thereof, mean inclusion without limitation; the term xe2x80x9cor,xe2x80x9d is inclusive, meaning and/or; the phrases xe2x80x9cassociated withxe2x80x9d and xe2x80x9cassociated therewith,xe2x80x9d as well as derivatives thereof, may mean to include, be included within, interconnect with, contain, be contained within, connect to or with, couple to or with, be communicable with, cooperate with, interleave, juxtapose, be proximate to, be bound to or with, have, have a property of, or the like; and the term xe2x80x9ccontrollerxe2x80x9d means any device, system or part thereof that controls at least one operation, such a device may be implemented in hardware, firmware or software, or some combination of at least two of the same. It should be noted that the functionality associated with any particular controller may be centralized or distributed, whether locally or remotely. Definitions for certain words and phrases are provided throughout this patent document, those of ordinary skill in the art should understand that in many, if not most instances, such definitions apply to prior, as well as future uses of such defined words and phrases.

System and method for secure over-the-air provisioning of a mobile station from a provisioning server via a traffic channel


Problems are solved in a conventional traveling structure that can perform only the back and forth movement, circularly back and forth movement, and straight laterally movement, so that every directional movement is desired, and is not suitable for a traveling structure of agricultural equipment desired to be movable in every direction, and also is not enough of a challenge to be a traveling toy. In a traveling structure for traveling by rotating wheels with a driving source such as a motor, the traveling structure comprises a main body, the wheels arranged on every side of the main body, and auxiliary wheels arranged in the wheels rotatably in a direction perpendicular to the rotating direction of the wheels, wherein the auxiliary wheels are protruded from a supporting surface of the wheels.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to traveling structures, and in particular relates to a traveling structure being suitable for use as a radio-controlled traveling toy, robot for searching planets, and cultivator, and being capable of traveling back and forth, straight laterally, and back and forth obliquely, and of revolving about one point.
2. Description of the Related Art
There have been conventional traveling structures of such a kind, such as a structure having a pair of caterpillars like a tank, which travels straight back and forth and circularly moves back and forth by driving the caterpillars with respective driving sources, or revolves about one point by driving one of the caterpillars, and a structure having four wheels like an automobile and traveling straight back and forth or circular moving back and forth by driving the one of back and forth wheels or by driving both the back and forth wheels with respective driving sources.
Since such conventional traveling structures can only travel straight back and forth and circularly move back and forth, or revolve about one point, they tend to be dissatisfied as radio-controlled toys. Then, a traveling structure is recently available, which has caterpillars disposed on both sides and auxiliary wheels attached on the central back surface on either side to be able to rise. The traveling structure (traveling toy) advances by rotating both the caterpillars, revolves about one point by rotating only one caterpillar, and further laterally moves by raising and rotating the auxiliary wheels so as to cancel the grounding by the caterpillars.
Such a traveling structure, however, can perform only the back and forth movement, circularly back and forth movement, and straight laterally movement, so that every directional movement is desired. For example, it is not suitable for a traveling structure of agricultural equipment desired to be movable in every direction, and also it is not enough of a challenge to be a traveling toy.
A traveling structure according to the present invention is to solve the above-mentioned problems, and it is an object of the present invention to provide a traveling structure capable of obliquely traveling as well as the back and forth moving, straight laterally moving, and revolving about one point.
In accordance with a first aspect of the present invention, in a traveling structure for traveling by rotating wheels with a driving source such as a motor, the traveling structure comprises a main body, the wheels arranged on every side of the main body, and auxiliary wheels arranged in the wheels rotatably in a direction perpendicular to the rotating direction of the wheels, wherein the auxiliary wheels are protruded from a supporting surface of the wheels.
In accordance with a second aspect of the present invention, in a traveling structure for traveling by rotating wheels with a driving source such as a motor, the traveling structure comprises a main body, the wheels arranged on every side of the main body, and auxiliary wheels arranged in the wheels rotatably in a direction perpendicular to the rotating direction of the wheels, wherein the auxiliary wheels are protruded from a supporting surface of the wheels, and wherein a suspension effect of absorbing unevenness on a traveling road is imparted to the wheels.
Preferably, the wheels are attached to ends of legs extended from four sides of the main body; at least one pair of the legs comprise two legs; and the structure further comprises a drive member attached to an end of each of the legs, and a reducer gear train accommodated in the driving member, wherein the driving source is accommodated in the drive member, and wherein a driving force is transmitted to each of the wheels via the reducer gear train.
Preferably, the structure further comprises a reducer gear train, wherein the driving source and the reducer gear train are accommodated in each of the legs and a driving force is transmitted to each of the wheels via the reducer gear train; and the drive member comprises a fixing member attached to each of the legs and a movable member rotatably attached to the fixing member, and the driving source and the reducer gear train are accommodated in the movable member while a suspension is interposed between the fixing member and the movable member.
Preferably, each of the legs is longitudinally divided into two parts having a suspension interposed therebetween; and the auxiliary wheels accommodated in each of the wheels are arranged in a single column in a circumferential direction.
Preferably, the auxiliary wheels accommodated in each of the wheels are arranged in a double column, in a staggered configuration, and in a circumferential direction; and the structure is a radio-controlled traveling toy.
According to the present invention, as described above, in a traveling structure for traveling by rotating wheels with a driving source such as a motor, the traveling structure comprises a main body, the wheels arranged on every side of the main body, and auxiliary wheels arranged in the wheels rotatably in a direction perpendicular to the rotating direction of the wheels, wherein the auxiliary wheels are protruded from a supporting surface of the wheels, so that the structure is capable of back and forth, laterally, and obliquely traveling as well as of revolving about one point. Therefore, when being used for a toy, the structure becomes attractive for players by increasing a game fascinating range. When the structure is also used for a vehicle such as a cultivator, the auxiliary wheels securely bite into a soft road, facilitating farming operations, and furthermore, the vehicle can be moved laterally when being stopped, enabling the cultivator to be easily treated.
By imparting the suspension effect to the wheels, the vehicle travels following even the unevenness on a road, so that it may not be stacked, while being able to securely travel in a desired direction because the wheels cannot float on an uneven road.


A wheelchair lift having a pivot and a platform. A rotary position sensor is mounted at the pivot and configured to generate an output signal. A controller is configured to receive the output signal of the rotary position sensor and determine the position of the platform based on the output of the rotary position sensor.

Safety and control systems for vehicle wheelchair lifts are known, and have been employed to ensure the well-being of wheelchair lift users. Safety systems for wheelchair lifts have been proposed that include numerous mechanical, electrical, or electromechanical sensing systems. However, existing sensing systems can be costly and/or difficult to implement. Moreover, current mechanical systems can be hard to adjust and can be time consuming to manufacture.

Wheelchair lift with a rotary sensor used to determine lift position


Embodiments for the present invention provide a CMOS structure and methods for fabrication. In an embodiment of the present invention, a CMOS structure comprises a NFET, formed on a wafer, having a gate stack and a channel. A PFET having a gate stack and a channel is also formed on the wafer. The channel of the PFET and the channel of the NFET include semiconductor material formed on III-V semiconductor material, such that the III-V semiconductor material acts like a buried oxide because of a valence band offset between the semiconductor material and the III-V material. There is a height difference between a terminal of the NFET and a terminal of the PFET. In addition, the gate stack NFET is the same height as the gate stack PFET.

The present disclosure relates generally to the field of semiconductor fabrication, and more particularly to the fabrication of high-performance complementary metal-oxide-semiconductor structure with III-V n-channel field effect transistors and silicon-germanium p-channel field effect transistors on insulator.
As silicon (hereinafter "Si") complementary metal-oxide-semiconductor (hereinafter "CMOS") technology continues to scale down its minimum critical dimension, which is the transistor gate length, it becomes increasingly difficult to enhance device switching speed due to fundamental limitations. New device engineering is indispensable in overcoming difficulties of advanced CMOS and realizing high performance large scale integrations under, for example, the 10 nm gate length regime. In addition to the improvements of gate stacks using metal gate/high k gate dielectrics and the channel electrostatic control using fully-depleted silicon-on-insulator substrates and multi-gate metal-oxide-semiconductor field-effect transistors, new channel material with enhanced carrier transport properties are needed for enhancing the performance of CMOS-based circuits and chips.
III-V n-channel field effect transistors are considered a compelling candidate for extending the device scaling limits of low-power and high-speed CMOS circuits and chips, owing to their enhanced electron transport properties compared to those of Si. Silicon-germanium p-channel field effect transistors are also considered a compelling candidate, owing to their superior hole transport properties compared to those in Si.

Complementary metal-oxide-semiconductor structure with III-V and silicon germanium transistors on insulator

International Business Machines Corporation


An exercise monitoring system which includes an electronic positioning device; a physiological monitor; and a display unit configured for displaying data provided by the electronic positioning device and the physiological monitor.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a monitoring system for use in a variety of physical activities, as well as training and analytical methods for physical activities. The present invention provides monitoring systems having an electronic positioning device and/or a physiological monitor (such as an oximeter or a heart rate monitor) in order to provide information concerning a subject performing a physical activity.
2. Description of Related Art
Throughout the world, more and more people are exercising in order to improve their general health and physical fitness. For the average person, however, a lack of motivation can significantly hinder their efforts. In addition, the natural tendency is to try and achieve the greatest results in the shortest possible time. When typical measurements of physical fitness and progress such as weight loss are monitored, however, expectations often are not met. The result can be a lack of motivation, which in turn leads to a cessation of exercise.
While athletes of all ages are usually able to overcome motivational hurdles, athletes often have difficulty in accurately measuring their progress. Human nature demands instantaneous feedback for motivation and encouragement. In addition, many athletes also do not know how to train effectively for maximal improvement. For example, competitive runners may have difficulty determining whether their pace on a particular day of training is too fast or too slow. While running on a track or treadmill may allow the runner to monitor his or her speed, speed alone is often an inadequate way to monitor optimal training levels.
Currently, there are essentially three methods of providing feedback to individuals engaged in a physical activity. The first, competition, can provide feedback concerning the individual""s past training efforts in a particular physical activity. Competition feedback, however, is provided long after the training regimen has been completed, and therefore only allows for adjustments in subsequent training. In addition, many individuals are only interested in improving their general health and physical fitness, rather than competing against others.
Another method of providing feedback to an individual engaged in a physical activity is heart rate monitoring. Heart rate monitors have become common place in the exercise industry and entire training programs have been developed based upon the data provided by these monitors. Typically, an ECG-type sensor is worn by the individual (such as in a strap which extends about the individual""s chest), and heart rate (in beats per minute) is displayed on a wristwatch type unit. While heart rate monitoring is a useful tool, heart rate data can be difficult to interpret. In addition, many individuals often resort to standardized tables in order to determine target heart rate training zones. Such standardized tables, however, only provide generalized guidelines which may or may not be appropriate for a particular individual or a particular physical activity.
The third feedback technique which may be used by individuals performing a physical activity is lactate monitoring. Lactate is a byproduct of the anaerobic metabolic process by which energy is produced in the body. The amount of lactate present in an individual""s bloodstream provides an indication of their level of exertion. While lactate monitoring can be a valuable tool, it requires drawing blood samples which are analyzed by an expensive, electronic device. Thus, lactate monitoring is invasive, costly, and generally only useful for experienced athletes and their coaches.


A thrombectomy device for removing thrombus from a body lumen comprises an elongated catheter member (2) having a distal part and a proximal part, a thrombus blocking body (5) disposed on the distal part of the catheter member and radially expansible between a contracted orientation and an expanded, thrombus-blocking, orientation, a thrombus capture body (3) disposed on the distal part of the catheter member in an axially spaced-apart relationship to the thrombus blocking body, and radially expansible between a contracted orientation and an expanded, thrombus-capture, orientation, deployment means actuable to deploy and retract the thrombus capture body and thrombus blocking body; and an elongated control arm operably connected to the thrombus capture body. The thrombus capture body is a cage having an inwardly tapering leading end, the elongated control arm is operably connected to the leading end of the cage, and a thrombus extractor or macerator mechanism is disposed within the cage.

Thrombectomy devices employing a thrombus capture body and a thrombus blocking body are known from U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,695,858 and 7,220,269 and comprise an elongated catheter member having a distal part and a proximal part, a thrombus blocking body disposed on the distal part of the catheter member and radially expansible between a contracted orientation and an expanded, thrombus-blocking, orientation, a thrombus capture body disposed on the distal part of the catheter member in an axially spaced-apart relationship to the thrombus blocking body, and radially expansible between a contracted orientation and an expanded, thrombus-capture, orientation having an open leading end for receipt of thrombus, deployment means actuable to deploy and retract the thrombus capture body and thrombus blocking body, and control means operable to provide relative movement between the thrombus capture body and the thrombus blocking body. Specifically, the actuation means of these devices is designed to maintain the thrombus capture body in a stationary position, while moving the thrombus blocking body towards the thrombus capture body. While these devices have shown limited success with removal of short thrombus from blood vessels, they do not adequately remove longer thrombus. This problem is illustrated in Comparative FIGS. 14A and 14B, which shows a blood vessel B containing a long thrombus C, and a device of the prior art located for removal of the thrombus. Actuation of the device causes the blocking member D to move in the direction of arrow E (FIG. 14A), while the thrombus capture body F remains stationary. It can be seen from FIG. 14B that, due to the length of the thrombus C, movement of the thrombus blocking member D does not translate to thrombus being pushed into the capture body F, but rather causes the thrombus C to clog up. US 2011/0202088 describes a similar thrombectomy device to those described above. FIG. 13 of this document describes a device having a distal collapsible collector assembly 412 that in use is pulled towards the proximal collector assembly 416. A problem associated with this device is that the circumferential edge of the collector 412 would catch on any obstacles causing the collector to flare.
US2002/0010487 describes an expansible shearing catheter for thrombus removal. In one embodiment (FIG. 25), the device comprises an expansible occlusion member located distally of the shearing basket that is configured to prevent flow downstream beyond the occlusion member and is located a distance distally of the thrombus. Treatment of the lesion involves pushing the shearing catheter downstream towards and into contact with the thrombus, where the action of the outer basket and inner rotating basket cause the break-up of the thrombus. The use of this embodiment does not involve compression of thrombus between the occlusion body and shearing basket; rather, the occlusion body is located during use a distance from the thrombus and functions to occlude blood flow downstream of the thrombus.
It is an object of the invention to overcome at least one of these problems.


In a split mechanical face seal including means for biasing one split seal face against another, an annular, inwardly radially extending leaf spring, which may also be split, is mounted at an outer diameter thereof to the stationary seal housing. A radially inward end of the spring is received in a notch in the stationary seal ring axially remote from the sealing face. The spring end biases the seal face toward a non-resiliently mounted rotating face and retains the stationary sealing face against rotation. A tool in the form of a U-shaped collar is provided for holding two split ring seal halves for preventing grinding motion at their mating surfaces during installation.

The present invention relates to mechanical split seals for sealing along a shaft.
Many forms of pumps operate in an environment in which a rotating shaft must be sealed around its periphery to prevent fluids from entering into or exiting from a housing. Split seals comprise a plurality of elements surrounding a shaft rather than one solid annular piece. Replacement may be accomplished without having to slide the seal elements off of the shaft or disassembling other apparatus to permit removal of a solid seal. Split seal elements are simply disassembled and removed from around the shaft. There are typical applications in which replacement of a solid seal could take eight to twenty four hours, while replacement of a split seal might take one hour.
Normally two opposing split seal rings are provided. One is stationary (i.e., non-rotating), and the other rotates. Commonly, two halves each subtending 180.degree. constitute each seal ring. In the form of split seal known as a pusher seal, some movement on the part of the non-rotating seal is permitted. Hydraulic pressure during operation urges the non-rotating seal ring toward the rotating ring. Additionally, biasing means provide spring force to press against the non-rotating seal ring. Hence, two functions must be provided to achieve desired operation. The non-rotating seal ring must be retained to be held in place against the rotating seal ring, and the biasing means must be mounted in a stationary assembly.
In prior art embodiments, a pin is used to retain the non-rotating seal ring with respect to a stationary housing. A slot must be machined into the non-rotating sealing ring centered at a particular circumferential position, and another slot must be machined in the stationary housing that will have to be placed in registration with the slot in the non-rotating sealing ring so that the pin can be inserted to achieve its intended function. One common form of biasing means comprises a plurality of coil springs mounted in an angularly displacement from each other, and each mounted in an axial orientation. Machining for proper mounting of these components must be provided for in the design of the seal assembly. Assembly of the components may be complex. A great deal of manipulation of components may be required. Split seals are often formed by cracking a finished seal ring. Relatively fine grained material will lack the interlocking characteristic of a coarser material. Handling such material without damage to the radially extending surfaces that must mate is difficult. Simplified fixturing means have not customarily been utilized.

Antirotational and axial force component in a pusher seal assembly and tool for wear installation


In one general embodiment, a product includes a metal panel having a main portion and a knockout portion formed therein and detachably coupled thereto, wherein the knockout portion includes at least one member insertable in one or more apertures in the main portion for allowing re-coupling the knockout portion to the main portion after detachment therefrom. In another general embodiment, a product includes a metal panel having a main portion and a knockout portion formed therein and detachably coupled thereto, wherein the main portion includes at least one member insertable in one or more apertures in the knockout portion for allowing re-coupling the knockout portion to the main portion after detachment therefrom.

The present invention relates to metal panels and enclosures, and more particularly, this invention relates to creating a replaceable knockout part in a metal panel.
Many electronic system chasses are enabled for numerous configurations. For example, one configuration of a system may have only 1 cable exiting the main chassis enclosure while another configuration may have 2 or more cables exiting the chassis. Also, sometimes an electronic chassis is designed to accommodate more than one type of electronics equipment, such as a computer chassis which is able to accept any of various motherboards and other system components which are designed according to dimensional criteria so that they will fit into standard housings. Furthermore, some components of electronics equipment require access to a portion of the component, such as a video monitor adaptor, which typically will have a video monitor adaptor which is accessible from the exterior of the housing. Each component of this type may have different size requirement for the exterior access.
One method of accommodating a variety of cables or other optional parts from exiting an enclosure is to have removable panels that are fastened onto the main enclosure. However, the number of fasteners that may exist on an enclosure can be large and time consuming to install from a manufacturing standpoint. Therefore, a more cost effective method and system of allowing for removable panels from a main enclosure would be beneficial from a manufacturing standpoint.
As shown in FIG. 1, a cheaper alternative currently being used is a "knockout" panel 102. The knockout panel 102 is held in place to the enclosure 106 with just 2-4 small contact points 104 of metal so that the panel 102 can be easily removed from the main enclosure 106, such as by being twisted back and forth such that the small metal webs 104 connecting the panel 102 to the main enclosure 106 are broken, and the knockout panel 102 can be separated from the rest of the enclosure 106.
However, the disadvantage of this feature is that the knockout panel is permanently removed from the main enclosure once those small metal webs have been broken. Therefore, a solution which can be replaced, but is also cost effective and does not require extra manufacturing assembly time and additional parts cost would be very beneficial.

Replaceable knockout part in a metal panel and systems and methods thereof


A polarized electromagnetic actuator includes a movable armature, a stator, and at least one coil wrapped around the stator. At least one permanent magnet is disposed over the stator. When a current is applied to the at least one coil, the at least one coil is configured to reduce a magnetic flux of at least one permanent magnet in one direction and increase a magnetic flux of at least one permanent magnet in another direction. The movable armature moves in the direction of the increased magnetic flux.

An actuator is a device that converts one form of energy into some type of motion. There are several different types of actuators, including pneumatic, hydraulic, electrical, mechanical, and electromagnetic. An electromagnetic actuator provides mechanical motion in response to an electrical stimulus. The electromagnetic actuator typically includes a coil and a movable armature made of a ferromagnetic material. A magnetic field is produced around the coil when current flows through the coil. The magnetic field applies a force to the armature to move the armature in the direction of the magnetic field.
Some electromagnetic actuators are limited in the type of force that can be applied to an armature. For example, an armature can be pushed but not pulled. Additionally, some electromagnetic actuators may produce a negligible amount of force when a small amount of current is applied to the coil. And in some devices or components, such as in portable electronic devices or components used in portable electronic devices, it can be challenging to construct an electromagnetic actuator that has both a reduced size and an ability to generate a desired amount of force.

Polarized magnetic actuators for haptic response


Provided is a display device including: a flexible substrate; a display unit disposed on the substrate; and a driver integrated circuit (IC) to drive the display unit. The driver IC is divided into separate blocks that are disposed on opposing sides of a bending axis of the substrate.

1. Field
One or more aspects of the present invention relate to display devices, and methods of manufacturing the same.
2. Description of the Related Art
Flexible electronics and flexible display technologies have been developed for use in the manufacturing of display panels, by using flexible plastic substrates. Since a flexible display device has excellent portability and is easily attached to another device, unlike a typical hard-type panel formed on a glass substrate, a flexible display device is likely to suit various new application markets.
In general, a plastic substrate or etched glass is used as a substrate, in order to manufacture a flexible display device. In this case, when a display panel flaps or bends, integrated circuits included in the substrate may be damaged.
In addition, a driver integrated circuit (IC) for driving pixels in a display panel includes a back wrap for constituting a slim module, and the back wrap should not be damaged when bent or folded. That is, when a slim panel module is inserted into a card or paper, the panel module should not to be damaged along its horizontal or vertical bending axis.

Display device and method of manufacturing the same


A method is provided for forming a contact in an integrated circuit by chemical vapor deposition (CVD). In one embodiment, a titanium precursor and a silicon precursor are contacted in the presence of hydrogen, to form titanium silicide. In another embodiment, a titanium precursor contacts silicon to form to form titanium silicide.

Device density in integrated circuits (ICs) is constantly being increased. To enable the increase in density, device dimensions are being reduced. As the dimensions of device contacts get smaller, device contact resistance increases, and device performance is adversely affected. Methods for decreasing device contact resistance in ICs are needed to obtain enhanced device and IC performance.
Device contacts with reduced resistance may be created by forming certain metals on a silicon semiconductor base layer. These metals react with the underlying silicon, for example, to form silicides. Silicide device contacts are desirable because they reduce the native oxide on silicon. The native oxide is undesirable because it increases the contact resistance.
Titanium is preferably used to form silicide device contacts for two reasons. First, titanium silicide has superior gettering qualities. Also, titanium silicide forms low resistance contacts on both polysilicon and single-crystal silicon.
Device contacts are normally formed with the following process. First, a thin layer of titanium is formed on top of the silicon base layer, such as a substrate. The titanium adjoins active regions exposed by contact holes in an isolating layer, such as an oxide, above the silicon base layer. Then, the silicon base layer is annealed. As a result, the titanium reacts with the active regions of silicon to form titanium silicide.
Ultimately, an electrically conductive plug material, such as tungsten, fills the contact hole to facilitate external electrical connection to the contact. However, plug materials, such as tungsten, adhere poorly to titanium silicide. Additionally, to ensure low contact resistivity, aluminum or polysilicon plug materials should not be intermixed with the titanium silicide and underlying silicon base layer. Accordingly, a barrier layer is formed over the titanium silicide to prevent diffusion of the titanium silicide and silicon base layer into the plug material. The barrier layer also causes the plug material to adhere to the IC.
Titanium nitride is a desirable barrier layer because it is an impermeable barrier for silicon, and because the activation energy required for the diffusion of other impurities is very high. Titanium nitride is also chemically and thermodynamically stable, and has a relatively low resistivity. Titanium nitride can be formed on the substrate by (1) evaporating titanium in a nitrogen ambient, (2) reactively sputtering titanium in an argon and nitrogen mixture, (3) sputtering from a titanium nitride target in an inert argon ambient, (4) sputter depositing titanium in an argon ambient, and converting the titanium to titanium nitride subsequently by plasma nitridation, or (5) low pressure chemical vapor deposition (CVD).
The resistance of device contacts can also be adversely increased by the formation of titanium silicide having small step coverage in the contact hole. As device dimensions shrink, the contact holes become relatively deeper and narrower. Also, the walls of the contact holes become steeper, and closer to vertical. As a result, most metal deposition techniques form conductive layers having relatively small step coverage. As a result, a void, or keyhole, forms in the plug material. The void increases contact resistivity and diminishes contact reliability. Hence, IC performance is degraded. Thus, there is a need for forming contacts with reduced resistivity. Specifically, there is a need for a method of forming contacts without voids.

Methods of forming a contact having titanium silicide formed by chemical vapor deposition


Barcode reading devices for creating an easy-to-use experience are provided. In one implementation, a barcode reading apparatus comprises a housing having at least a scan body and an image sensor disposed within the housing. The image sensor is configured to read the barcode. The apparatus further includes a scanning frame and a viewing frame. The scanning frame is formed in a first bottom surface of the scan body and is configured to enable the image sensor to visually detect the barcode when the barcode is placed in a scanning zone at least partially below the scan body. The viewing frame is formed in a first top surface of the scan body and is configured to enable a user to view the barcode through both the viewing frame and scanning frame when the barcode is placed in the scanning zone.

The technology regarding barcodes and barcode readers has advanced significantly over the past couple decades. Conventional barcode readers, or laser scanners, are designed to scan laser beams across a barcode, but are normally only capable of reading barcodes that are printed on a paper-based medium. However, many barcodes can now be displayed on the LCD or LED screens of mobile devices rather than on paper. Therefore, new barcode reading technologies have been developed to account for illuminated barcodes as opposed to the traditional barcodes that merely reflect laser light.
When a customer uses a mobile device, such as a smart phone, to display a barcode, there are some potential issues that may arise in the barcode reading process. For instance, the customer may need to hand the mobile device to a cashier, who may then swipe the mobile device over a scanner. In some circumstances, the customers may not want strangers handling their mobile device, perhaps because of privacy concerns or because of concerns that the cashier may mishandle the mobile device.
In other situations, a customer may turn the screen of the mobile device toward the cashier for scanning. However, other problems may arise in this scenario in which the screen is turned away from the customer. For instance, the screen may accidentally be switched to a different display that does not show the barcode, may be fading to black, or may be automatically turned off without the customer being aware of what is being displayed.
These and other issues may be common when mobile devices are used to display barcodes. Therefore, a need exists for providing a barcode reader that is easy to use and that overcomes the problems mentioned above.