A certificate-based encryption mechanism in which a source client does not access the entire certificate corresponding to a destination client when encrypting an electronic message to be sent to the destination client. Instead, the source client only requests a portion of the certificate from a certificate server. That portion includes encryption information, but may lack some or even all of the self-verification information in the certificate. The certificate server preferably performs any validation of the certificate prior to sending the encryption information to the source client. The certificate need not be separately validated by the source client, especially if the certificate server is trusted by the source client.

1. The Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to secure communications. More particularly, the present invention relates to the use of certificates for encryption of communications.
2. Background and Related Art
Computing and networking technology has transformed the way we work and play. Networks have become so prolific that a simple network-enabled computing system may communicate with any one of millions of other computing systems spread throughout the globe over a conglomeration of networks often referred to as the "Internet". Such computing systems may include desktop, laptop, or tablet personal computers; Personal Digital Assistants (PDAs); telephones; or any other computer or device capable of communicating over a digital network.
In order to communicate over a network, one computing system (referred to herein as a "source computing system" or "source client") constructs or otherwise accesses an electronic message and transmits the electronic message over a network to another computing system (referred to herein as a "destination computing system" or "destination client"). The electronic message may be read by a human user as when the electronic message is an e-mail or instant message, or may be read, instead, by an application running on the receiving computing system. The electronic message may be constructed by an application running on the sending computing system with the possible assistance of a human user.
Although such electronic messaging advantageously allows for computing systems to exchange information and thereby serve their associated users in ways not before known, the electronic messages are subject to interception. Depending on the sensitivity of the content of the electronic message, this could be quite harmful, and even catastrophic in some cases. In order to guard against interception, the electronic messages are often encrypted such that only those having a certain binary sequence (called a "key") may decrypt the electronic message to thereby access the information represented in the electronic message. Efforts are exerted such that hopefully only the receiving computing system has access to the key needed to decrypt the electronic message. Accordingly, any intervening interceptor would only have access to the encrypted form of the electronic message absent extraordinarily extreme efforts.
In symmetric encryption, the same key that is used to encrypt an electronic message may be used to decrypt the electronic message. In asymmetric encryption, a "public key" and a "private key" are associated with a particular computing system. The public key is made known to a wide variety of computing systems while the private key is not disseminated. The private key may be used to decrypt any messages that are encrypted using the public key. The private key is more sensitive than the public key since the receiving computing system should be the only computing system able to decrypt electronic messages intended for that computing system.
In order to facilitate encryption, the sending computing system often accesses an electronic certificate associated with the receiving computing system. FIG. 8 illustrates a data structure of a certificate 800 in accordance with the prior art. The certificate 800 includes validation information 803. The validation information 803 allows a sending computing system to validate that the certificate does indeed correspond to the receiving computing system and that the certificate has not been revoked. An X.509 certificate is one type of certificate that is now in widespread use. The validation information of an X.509 certificate may include, for example, a URL that may be accessed to verify whether or not the certificate does corresponding to the destination computing system. The validation information of an X.509 certificate may also include a certificate revocation list to indicate whether or not the certificate has been revoked.
The certificate 800 also includes certificate identifying information 802 that allows the sending computing system to identify the certificate. For example, an X.509 certificate might include, for example, a key identifier or perhaps the combination of an issuer identifier and a serial number.
The certificate 800 also includes encryption information 801 (e.g., a public key in an X.509 certificate). The encryption information allows the sending computing system to encrypt the electronic message in a manner that may be decrypted by the destination computing system corresponding to the certificate. For example, when the sending computing system encrypts an electronic message using a public key corresponding to the destination computing system, the destination computing system will ideally be the only computing system having the corresponding private key needed to decrypt the electronic message.
There are significant cases when the certificate is used at the point of encryption. For example, conventionally when encrypting e-mail that uses S/MIME, the certificate for the receiving computing system is used at the sending computing system itself in order to aid the sending computing system in performing encryption. MIME (Multipurpose Internet Mail Extensions is a specification for formatting non-ASCII messages so that they can be sent over the Internet. Many e-mail clients now support MIME, which enables them to send and receive graphics, audio, and video files via the Internet mail system. MIME was defined in 1992 by the Internet Engineering Task Force (IETF). S/MIME is a standard that defines a way to encrypt and encode contents of e-mail messages that are conformant to the MIME standard. S/MIME is based on the public-key encryption technology described above. It is expected that S/MIME will be widely implemented, which will make it possible for people to send secure e-mail message to one another, even if they are using different e-mail applications.
There are some potential impediments to widespread adoption and utilization of the certificate-based encryption technology such as that defined by S/MIME, particularly on limited-memory mobile devices. Currently, in order to encrypt a message in certificate-based encryption, the entire certificate is accessed. An X.509 certificate may often be well over 1 kilobyte in size for each certificate. A certificate is conventionally used for each potential recipient of the message. Some messages may have numerous recipients, thereby increasing the amount of memory needed to store the certificates. This could significantly slow performance when working on a mobile device which typically has relatively restricted memory and processor capability.
Furthermore, the sending computing system often acquires the certificates from another computing system over a high latency and/or low bandwidth connection (e.g., a dial-up or wireless connection. In particular, certificates are often stored in centralized repositories or directories for access by e-mail users. The size of a certificate greatly impacts e-mail users who are connected to these repositories over slow network connections. Thus, what would be advantageous is a certificate-based encryption technology that reduces memory, processor, and bandwidth requirements.

System and method for transmitting reduced information from a certificate to perform encryption operations


The system and methods described herein relate to calibrating an electrophotographic (EP) printing process. Calibration patches are monitored before and after transfer and cleaning functions to provide information useful in adjusting an EP process to improve overall print quality. Benefits of the described system and methods include the use of pre-existing hardware currently in use on most EP printing devices to provide improved calibration information that permits accurate control over an EP printing process.

The present disclosure relates to calibrating a printing process, and more particularly, to calibrating a printing process based on multiple interrogations of a calibration patch occurring between various printing functions.
Current electrophotographic (EP) printing processes require calibration in order to maintain acceptable print quality. An EP process generally includes an imaging process and an image transfer process. The imaging process includes placing an image on an intermediate transfer element (e.g., a photoconductor drum or a transfer belt) and developing the image with a marking agent, such as a dry toner. The transfer process generally includes transferring and fusing the image to a print medium such as paper or a transparency. Calibrating an EP printing process helps account for process variations caused by problems such as the deterioration of a photoconductor drum or transfer belt within the EP printing device.
Conventional EP printing devices calibrate the printing process by comparing a measured amount of marking agent from a calibration patch with an expected amount. A calibration patch is typically a square shaped area filled to a certain density or percentage level with a marking agent. The patch is formed or developed on a transfer element (e.g., a photoconductor drum) during an imaging process. A sensor measures the amount of marking agent present on the patch. The measured amount of marking agent is then compared to a known parameter to determine if the calibration patch actually contains the expected density or percentage fill of marking agent.
If the measured amount of marking agent is more or less than expected, the printing process is adjusted to provide an increase or decrease in the amount of marking agent used during the imaging process to compensate for the difference. Thus, the calibration procedure helps to maintain print quality by monitoring the amount of marking agent being used in the imaging portion of the EP printing process.
However, the calibration procedure used in conventional EP printing devices has some disadvantages. One disadvantage is that the current calibration procedure is premised on the assumption that all the marking agent developed on a transfer element (e.g., a photoconductor drum) during an imaging process actually transfers to the print medium during a transfer process. In the described calibration procedure, the density of the calibration patch is measured when the patch is on the transfer element. The patch does not transfer to a print medium, and there is no determination made as to the amount of marking agent that ultimately transfers to the print medium. Thus, the calibration procedure only measures the density or amount of marking agent that is developed on the transfer element. It does not measure the amount of marking agent that actually ends up on the print medium.
The calibration procedure is therefore inaccurate to the extent that the transfer process is imperfect. That is, although the calibration procedure accounts for anomalies up through the imaging process by comparing actual and expected marking agent densities at the transfer element, it does not account for anomalies that may exist in the image transfer process. Current calibration procedures provide no accounting of how much marking agent actually ends up on a print medium. Thus, the overall goal of maintaining print quality may be frustrated by an imprecise image transfer process despite the presence of a properly functioning calibration procedure.
Other disadvantages with current calibration procedures relate to the limited information they provide. For example, the calibration patch is a one-time use item. Once the patch is developed to and measured on the transfer element, the marking agent making up the patch is scraped off the transfer element into a waste hopper by a cleaning blade. In addition to not providing any information about how much marking agent actually transfers to a print medium, current calibration procedures do not provide any information regarding how much marking agent ends up in the waste hopper as waste.
Accordingly, the need exists for a way to calibrate an EP printing process that accounts for the amount of marking agent that actually reaches a print medium and that provides additional beneficial information about the process not currently provided by conventional calibration procedures.
A system and methods gather calibration information both before and after implementing various printing functions in an electrophotographic (EP) printing process. The printing functions are applied to a calibration patch developed on a transfer element within an EP printing device.
In one embodiment, a calibration patch is formed on an intermediate transfer element and measured to determine the density or percentage fill of the marking agent (e.g., dry toner) that makes up the patch. The calibration patch is then transferred to a print medium, and the area of the transfer element on which the patch was formed is measured again. A transferred amount of marking agent is then calculated based on the amounts of marking agent measured both before and after the transfer step.
In another embodiment, after the area of the transfer element on which the patch was formed is measured for the second time, the area is scraped with a cleaning blade to remove marking agent into a waste hopper. The area of the transfer element on which the patch was formed is then measured again. A waste amount of marking agent is then calculated based on the amounts of marking agent measured both before and after the scraping step.

System and methods for calibrating a printing process

Hewlett-Packard Development Company, LP.


The present application relates generally to methods for growth of high quality graphene films. In particular, a method is provided for forming a graphene film using a modified chemical vapor deposition process using an oxygen-containing hydrocarbon liquid precursor. Desirably, the graphene films are a single-layer and have a single grain continuity of at least 1 μm2.

Graphene, which consists of one or more atomic layers of graphite, has attracted a tremendous interest in recent years due to its unique electron mobility and physical properties. The electrical properties of graphene are largely influenced by its grain size and by the atomic structure at the grain boundaries. Such effects are even more pronounced in a two dimensional crystal where minor defects can disrupt the crystal structure.
Existing methods for making graphene generally include exfoliation from highly oriented pyrolytic graphite, desorption of silicon from silicon carbide single crystals, and chemical vapor deposition from gaseous methane/hydrogen mixtures. These methods, however, have numerous limitations and generally fail to produce graphene films that are large in area and also have large single crystal grains. For example, exfoliation limits the size of graphene layers while desorption from silicon carbide forms 2- and 3-layer graphene. Although chemical vapor deposition from gaseous methane/hydrogen mixtures is widely used for large area monolayer graphene, typically only small polycrystalline grains have been reported.
Thus, there exists a need for alternative methods for large-scale synthesis of a graphene monolayer over large areas that is clean and highly ordered, i.e., with large single crystal grains. Moreover, there is a need to reduce defects in the formation of the graphene structure (e.g., heptagonal or pentagonal structures instead of the repeating hexagonal structures) while also increasing the grain size.
Additional aspects will be set forth in part in the description which follows, and in part will be obvious from the description, or may be learned by practice of the aspects described below. The advantages described below will be realized and attained by means of the elements and combinations particularly pointed out in the appended claims. It is to be understood that both the foregoing general description and the following detailed description are exemplary and explanatory only and are not restrictive.

Method for growth of high quality graphene films


A reading apparatus includes a reading unit and a movement-restriction unit that restricts a movement of the reading unit. The reading unit includes a reading portion for reading an image, a holding portion that holds the reading portion. The holding portion has a first surface. The reading unit further includes a sliding portion that moves in contact with the movement-restriction unit. The sliding portion has a second surface facing the first surface. A first region is provided between the first surface of the holding portion and the second surface of the sliding portion so as to form a predetermined gap.

The present invention relates to a reading apparatus that reads an image of a medium, and a composite apparatus including the reading apparatus.
There is known an apparatus such as a composite apparatus having a reading section for reading an image of a medium (i.e., a document). Such an apparatus is disclosed in, for example, Japanese Laid-open Patent Publication No. 2010-136051 (paragraphs 0038 to 0044).
In this regard, there is a demand for enhancing an accuracy of reading when vibration is applied to the reading section.

Reading apparatus and composite apparatus


A multicellular communications system where transmission between a roving subscriber and multiple base station transceivers is maintained throughout the territory. Each mobile subscriber unit has global code seeds for the entire communications system or an updated neighbor list and continuously searches to access available cell base stations while maintaining a communication link with one base station. Candidate cell base stations are interrogated and communicated with. The candidate base station that requires less transmitting energy from the mobile subscriber unit is closely monitored. When the mobile subscriber unit can successfully communicate with less transmit power than currently required by the present base station, the mobile subscriber unit is handed off to the candidate base station transceiver.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates generally to communication systems. More specifically, the invention relates to a system and method for controlling handoff between individual cells for a mobile subscriber in a multicellular communication environment.
2. Description of the Prior Art
Handoff is a general term describing the function of transferring a communication signal for a mobile subscriber from one base station transceiver to another base station transceiver as the subscriber negotiates the cellular territory. There are two general methods of conducting handoff in a cellular communication system, soft and hard handoff. Quality may suffer using either handoff method as the mobile subscriber switches base stations between individual cells.
Hard handoff typically occurs near the boundaries between cells. Through continuous measurements of received signal power from a mobile subscriber, the base station where the subscriber has established communication determines if the power is reduced below a nominal value near the cell boundary. The hard handoff to a candidate cell""s base station occurs instantaneously without disrupting the call in progress. The received power at the candidate cell""s base station is much greater than required to ensure an ideal handoff. The difference between the current cell""s power and the candidate cell""s power significantly reduces capacity by interfering with other users.
A soft handoff occurs throughout a given range of distances from the current and candidate cells"" base stations. In the soft handoff method, the user is connected to both base stations as he travels near the common cell boundary. The decision to switch is made depending upon the reception of the mobile subscriber""s pilot signal. A central switching center decides at what point one of the base stations should be dropped. Shared communication is performed for a finite period of time, during which transmission from the current and candidate cells is required.
In a typical CDMA communication system, the plurality of signals are transmitted within the same frequency band. Frequency reuse not only applies to users in the same cell, but also to those in all other cells. Since the same frequencies are used, the transmitted power levels from the mobile subscriber and the base station must be monitored closely. If power control is not strictly adhered to, the overall transmission interference and the total number of usable channels is adversely affected. Therefore, the number of signals which can be successfully transmitted and received is associated with the total power of all users.
Both soft and hard handoff methods have shortcomings. Hard handoff can potentially suffer from high drop-out rates. The soft handoff method requires a duplication of transmission resources from the current base station and a base station from at least one candidate cell. The mobile subscriber must establish two concurrent communication links, thereby requiring twice the transmission power which would otherwise be required. The increase in transmission power wastes power and air capacity and contributes to total system interference while the handoff is taking place. The power or energy transmitted in a CDMA system by each user must be kept at the minimum necessary to convey information and to minimize interference with the other users. Careful control of transmission power also contributes to extended use of portable devices relying on battery power. Furthermore, diversity combining of the duplicate signals at the central switching center is cumbersome unless the delay from both cell base stations is nearly identical.
Accordingly, there exists a need for an efficient, fast and reliable handoff method.
The present invention relates to a multicellular communication system where transmission between a roving subscriber and multiple base station transceivers is maintained. Each mobile subscriber unit has global code seeds for the entire communications system and continuously searches to access available cell base stations while maintaining a communication link with one base station. Candidate cell base stations interrogate and communicate with the, mobile subscriber unit. The candidate base station that requires the least transmit power from the mobile subscriber unit is closely monitored. When the mobile subscriber unit can successfully communicate with less transmit power than currently required by the current base station, the mobile subscriber unit renders the decision to be handed off to the candidate base station transceiver.
Accordingly, it is an object of the present invention to provide an efficient system and method for handoff between individual cells in a multicellular communications environment.
It is a further object of the invention to provide a system and method permitting the mobile subscriber unit to handoff between cells in a multicellular transmission system with reduced complexity and interference.
Other objects and advantages of the invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art after reading the detailed description of the preferred embodiment.


The present invention provides a method of determining source and receiver static corrections for seismic data that does not depend on user supplied velocity parameters or input models. The method comprises decomposing first break seismic data arrivals into source id terms, receiver id terms, offset terms and average datum correction terms. The source id terms and receiver id terms and offset terms are applied to the seismic data to obtain residual first break times. Average datum correction terms are determined by forming a nonlinear equation for a least-squares fit of the residual first break times as a function of elevation difference. At least one receiver static correction term is determined from the receiver id terms and receiver average datum correction terms. At least one source static correction is determined from said source id terms and source average datum correction terms.

This invention relates to the field of geophysical prospecting and, more particularly, to a method for determining refraction static solutions to apply to seismic data.
In the oil and gas industry, geophysical prospecting techniques are commonly used to aid in the search for and evaluation of subterranean hydrocarbon deposits. Generally, a seismic energy source is used to generate a seismic signal which propagates into the earth and is at least partially reflected by subsurface seismic reflectors (i.e., interfaces between underground formations having different acoustic impedances). The reflections are recorded by seismic detectors located at or near the surface of the earth, in a body of water, or at known depths in boreholes, and the resulting seismic data may be processed to yield information relating to the location of the subsurface reflectors and the physical properties of the subsurface formations.
In the FIG. 1, a cross-sectional view of the earth that includes a weathering layer 10 beneath the earth""s surface E is shown in the vicinity of a subsurface seismic survey. The weathered layer 10 is often referred to the low-velocity-layer or LVL. Seismic energy is imparted into the earth at a shotpoint S, typically at the surface or some suitable depth within the weathering layer 10. The seismic energy travels outwardly from the shotpoint S through the weathering layer 10 and therefrom through an interface I between the weathering layer 10 and deeper subsurface earth formations 16. The seismic energy travels into the earth and portions of the energy are reflected by interfaces, such as one indicated at 14. Reflected energy travels upwardly from the reflectors through the subsurface formations 16 through the weathering layer 10 to a detector or array of detectors indicated schematically at R located at or near the earth""s surface E. The responses of the reflectors are then recorded and processed. It should also be understood that the present invention may be used with marine seismic survey data, as well. The purpose of reflection surveying is to identify subsurface formations or features of interest.
FIG. 1 contains a seismic datum labeled Datum. The seismic datum is an arbitrary reference surface, the reduction to which minimizes local topographic and near-surface effects. Seismic times and velocity determinations are referred to the datum plane (usually, but not necessarily, horizontal and planar) as if sources and geophones had been located on the datum plane and as if no weathered layer or low-velocity layer existed.
However, the low-velocity or weathering layer 10 is not of uniform thickness or elevation and the composition of the materials and their density within the layer varies, as does the seismic velocity within the weathering layer. The lack of uniformity in weathering layer characteristics introduces unwanted effects, anomalies and fluctuations in seismic energy traveltimes. These difference in seismic energy traveltimes can induce severe distortions in seismic images during data processing. These effects are generally referred to as statics, and it is well known in the art that static corrections may be applied to the data to correct for these effects.
FIG. 1 shows an example seismic raypath P1 through P4 traversing the weathered layer 10 and the subsurface earth formation 16. The time seismic energy takes to traverse the weathered layer may be highly variable both in traversing from the source S through the weathered layer 10 along P1 as well as along P2, P3 and returning to the detector R on the surface along P4.
Static corrections are corrections applied to seismic data to compensate for the effects of variations in elevation, near-surface low-velocity-layer weathering thickness, weathering velocity, and/or reference to a datum (See Sheriff, R. E., 2002, Encyclopedic Dictionary of Exploration Geophysics: Soc. of Expl. Geophys., 334-335). The objective is to determine the reflection arrival times that would have been observed if all seismic recording measurements had been made on a flat plane with no weathering or low-velocity material present, equivalent to the situation if the source S and receiver R were positioned at the level of the Datum of FIG. 1. After static corrections are applied, the source S would appear as source Sxe2x80x2 at the elevation of the Datum, and receiver R would appear as Rxe2x80x2 at the elevation of the seismic datum. These corrections are based on uphole data, refraction first-breaks, event smoothing, and sometimes other geophysical methods. The most common convention is that a negative static correction reduces the reflection time. Uphole-based statics involve the direct measurement of vertical traveltimes from a buried source. This is usually the best static-correction method where feasible.
Underlying the concept of conventional static corrections is the assumption that a simple time shift of an entire seismic trace will yield the seismic record that would have been observed if the geophones had been displaced vertically downward (or upward) to the reference Datum, an assumption not strictly true, especially if the surface-to-datum distance is large, and that the velocity of the weathering layer 10 does not change horizontally. Conventional static correction methods are most apt to fail where there are 1) large rapid changes in the topography or base of weathering, 2) horizontal velocity changes below the weathering, thus violating the assumption that the subdatum velocity does not vary significantly, 3) large elevation differences between the datum and the base of the weathering, or 4) inadequate controls on long-wavelength statics. Large sea-floor relief is apt to be associated with horizontal velocity changes that cannot be compensated with static corrections.
In seismic data processing, it is desirable to correct for these statics and eliminate as much as possible the effects of variations in the weathering layer 10 and other statics on the seismic data. It is highly desirable to have the seismic data be in a form as if it had resulted from a survey conducted on a substantially flat plane or datum at a constant elevation in the earth. To compensate for statics, it is necessary to determine the amount of time delay introduced by travel of seismic energy above or below the datum level and then remove the effects of this time delay from the seismic data. In effect, static correction compensates for elevation differences of the source S and detector R from the datum level, for changes in thickness in and along the weathering layer, and for variations in the density and velocity of the weathering layer 10.
If the structure and dynamics of weathering layer anomalies were known, the best way to tackle this problem would be to perform wave-equation datuming or depth migration from the surface through the known structure. However, 3-D prestack depth imaging and datuming are computationally expensive. Therefore, prior art statics applications that assume surface-consistent ray propagation through the near surface weathered layer have remained the main tool to account for near-surface anomalies.
Prior art refraction statics solution algorithms have generally employed a four step procedure. 1) 1) First arrival times of refracted arrivals are determined and properties of the weathered layer (such as weathered layer velocity) are estimated. 2) A trial model of the weathered layer is developed. This model may consist of one or more layers, or for tomographic algorithm approaches, a large number of small cells. 3) An iterative scheme is employed to adjust the model parameters so that they become more consistent, in some optimum sense, with the first arrival timing information and other user specified information. Many iterative schemes have been used to invert for model parameters, for example a generalized linear inversion (GLI) scheme or a tomographic scheme (Hampson, D. and Russell, B., 1984, First-break interpretation using generalized linear inversion, 54th Ann. Internat. Mtg: Soc. of Expl. Geophys., Session:S10.4). 4) Vertical rays are traced through the final version of the model at source and receiver locations to determine the static corrections that can be applied to the seismic data.
These traditional methods have several shortcomings. First, these methods require an accurate model of the weathered layer for good results. Frequently the weathered zones cannot be accurately modeled due to invalid initial assumptions about the zones"" properties or because the model is not well constrained by the first arrival time information. Also, traditional methods require the user to make accurate estimates of certain weathered layer attributes about which little is generally known. Traditional methods do not exploit the statistical independence of the offset term from the other terms employed in the present invention. Finally, traditional methods impose certain conditions or constraints on the model of the weathered layer which may not be consistent with the first arrival time information.
Analyzing the stacking responses of reflection data works better for estimating the short-period part of a statics correction term (so called residual statics), while estimation of the long-period statics correction term using reflection data alone is very unstable and inefficient. Therefore, analysis of refraction data for statics estimation correction solutions to reveal more information about the near surface, and correspondingly about statics, is customary in conventional seismic processing.
One well known prior art method of statics correction generation is the Generalized Reciprocal Method (GRM). The generalized reciprocal method has been widely applied to 2-D data (Palmer, D., 1981, An introduction to the generalized reciprocal method of seismic refraction interpretation: Geophysics, Soc. of Expl. Geophys., 46, 1508-1518). Unfortunately, for 3-D seismic the reciprocal method is difficult to apply due to the lack of reciprocal data. Another prior art method is called the Delay-Time method. The delay-time method assumes a near-surface model of locally flat layers on the scale of offset range. First arrivals were assumed to be the onset of head waves propagating along refracting interfaces of these layers. First arrival pick times are decomposed into delay times and refracting-layer velocities. Delay times are then converted to obtain layer thickness values and velocities assuming a critical angle of incidence on the refracting layers. An example of a delay time method is U.S. Pat. No. 6,424,920 to Osypov. The method uses differential delay times. Different types of refracted waves including head waves and diving waves are inverted. First, traveltime/offset functions for station in the seismic survey are estimated from first-arrival picks. Next, the traveltime/offset functions are transformed into velocity/depth functions to make up a near-surface model. Then, long-period statics are calculated using the derived near-surface model. Finally, short-period statics are estimated by a surface-consistent decomposition of the traveltime residuals.
The delay-time method is also used in other approaches, such as Generalized Linear Inversion (GLI) and head-wave refraction tomography (Hampson, D. and Russell, B., 1984, First-break interpretation using generalized linear inversion, 54th Ann. Internat. Mtg: Soc. of Expl. Geophys., Session:S10.4). In these methods, instead of the two-step inversion via delay times, traveltimes were inverted directly for layer thicknesses and velocities. However, these methods also had to deal with the problem of velocity/depth ambiguity. To address this issue, it was common practice to fix the weathering velocity prior to depth estimation. Incorporation of reflection data for joint inversion with refraction data could at times reduce the velocity/depth ambiguities. Unfortunately, near-surface reflections were very difficult to pick in normal production data.
One of the main problems with prior art refraction static correction methods has been that in areas with complex geology and rough terrains the simple model typically employed is not sufficient to explain important data features or adequately provide for good seismic imaging. Moreover, in order to fit the observed nonlinear move-out of first arrivals the offset range had to be limited or many more layers in the model had to be added. Both approaches made inversion even more unstable, ambiguous, time consuming and not sufficiently accurate.
Prior art solutions for static correction determinations are dependent upon input velocities and/or near-surface models that may be derived or estimated from weathering layers with highly variable velocities. This situation leads to inherent uncertainty whether the velocities are adequate for good statics correction solutions. It would be advantageous to have a method and system for statics correction solutions that did not depend upon user supplied input velocity parameters or models.
The present invention provides a method of determining source and receiver static corrections for seismic data that does not depend on user supplied velocity parameters or input models. The method comprises decomposing first break seismic data arrivals into source id terms, receiver id terms, offset terms and average datum correction terms. The source id terms and receiver id terms and offset terms are applied to the seismic data to obtain residual first break times. Average datum correction terms are determined by forming a nonlinear equation for a least-squares fit of the residual first break times as a function of elevation difference. At least one receiver static correction term is determined from the receiver id terms and receiver average datum correction terms. At least one source static correction is determined from said source id terms and source average datum correction terms.
The seismic data may be all within the same shot profile. The source, receiver offset terms and elevation difference terms may be determined using Gauss-Seidel iterations and discarding outlier values greater than a predetermined threshold. The nonlinear equation may be of the form y=Aexb, where y is residual time, x is the elevation difference from the average elevation, A is a scalar and b is exponent of the nonlinear best fit curve associated with the difference in elevation.


The process for obtaining quinapril hydrochloride (I) comprises the stages of: a) hydrogenolysis of the benzyl ester of quinapril (II) by treatment in an alcoholic solvent, with concentrated hydrochloric acid or a solution of hydrogen chloride in isopropanol, and hydrogenation; b) removal of the solvent; c) addition of toluene to precipitate the quinapril hydrochloride as a toluene solvate; d) treatment of said solvate with a Class 3 solvent which forms a solvate of quinapril hydrochloride from which it can be removed by drying without degrading; and e) drying of the solvate from step d) to yield quinapril hydrochloride (I), an antihypertensive agent.

Quinapril is the common international denomination of the chemical compound named (S)-2-[(S)—N—[(S)-1-(ethoxycarbonyl-3-phenylpropyl]-L-alanyl]-1,2,3,4-tetrahydro-3-isoquinolinecarboxylic acid]. Quinapril and its pharmaceutically acceptable salts are antihypertensive agents which act as angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors.
The first description of quinapril appears in the U.S. Pat. No. 4,344,949, which also describes its preparation starting from the ethyl ester of (S,S)-α-[(1-carboxyethyl)amino] phenylbutanoic acid and from the benzyl or t-butyl ester of (S)-1,2,3,4-tetrahydro-3-isoquinolinecarboxylic acid by peptide condensation with dicyclohexyl-carboimide (DCC) and activation with hydroxibenzotriazole. The benzyl or t-butyl ester of quinapril so obtained is unprotected by catalytic hydrogenation or by treatment with trifluoroacetic acid, being the final isolation of quinapril carried out (at the laboratory scale by preception with ethyl either and by lyophilization of an aqueous solution. The isolation of quinapril is a very delicate procedure, as this product degrades very easily by intramolecular cyclisation to yield a diketopiperazine of formula both in aqueous or organic solution as in the solid state.
The process described in said patent U.S. Pat. No. 4,344,949 presents the drawbacks which are typical of the use of DCC, as the condensations carried out in the presence of DCC yield a fair amount of impurities, with the subsequent reduction in the yield (61%), thus the resulting dicylohexylurea must be separated and, additionally, the carbodiimides are responsible for very severe allergies.
Quinapril hydrochloride is the salt which is usually employed in the manufacture medicinal products which contain quinapril.
The U.S. Pat. No. 4,761,479 mentions that obtaining and purifying quinapril hydrochloride is hindered by its ease in degrading into by-products, essentially the diketopiperazine shown before. Said U.S. Pat. No. 4,761,479 describes a process for obtaining quinapril hydrochloride which comprises unprotecting the t-butyl ester of quinapril with HCl gas in acetic acid, the isolation of the precipitation product after the addition of xylene and vacuum distillation, and the purification of the quinapril hydrochloride by crystallisation with acetonitrile to yield a crystalline solvate of acetonitrile. The solvent of said solvate can be removed, without degradation of the quinapril hydrochloride, by drying in a vacuum oven. However, acetonitrile is a Class 2 solvent, defined by the ICH [International Conference on Harmonisation of Technical Requirements for the Registration of Pharmaceuticals for Human Use] as a "Non-mutagenic carcinogen in animals or possible cause of other irreversible toxicity such as neurotoxicity, teratogenesis or suspect of significant reversible toxicity, and, therefore, its proportion has to be limited". In the case of acetonitrile, the ICH recommends a limit not above 250 ppm (0.025%). This limit is difficult to achieve at the industrial scale due to the little stability of the product.
The Belgian Patent No. BE 892.552 describes another process for the preparation of quinapril hydrochloride starting from (S,S)-α-[(1-carboxyethyl)amino]phenylbutanoic acid by activation with 1,1′-carbonyldiimidazole, which yields an N-carboxyanhydride which reacts in situ, without prior isolation, with the benzyl ester of (S)-1,2,3,4-tetrahydro-3-isoquinolinecarboxylic acid to yield the corresponding benzyl ester of quinapril with a yield of 56%. The resulting quinapril, protected in the form of a benzyl ester, is subsequently hydrogenated in the presence of Pd/C and it is treated with hydrochloric acid to give the quinapril hydrochloride, which is purified by chromatography and lyophilization, at a very low yield (37%). This synthetic route is also mentioned in a generic manner in the Spanish Patent ES 2.004.804, but without giving any specific conditions, nor yields, nor a description of the properties of the products obtained. Specifically, the synthesis of quinapril hydrochloride is not exemplified at all.
In general, all the processes described for obtaining quinapril hydrochloride are characterised by their difficulty or by their low yields. Only the U.S. Pat. No. 4,761,479 describes a process for the industrial isolation and purification of quinapril hydrochloride, starting from the t-butyl ester of quinapril. However, said procedure has the disadvantage of using a carcinogenic solvent (acetonitrile) to obtain the corresponding solvate.
Consequently, there is a need to have a process for obtaining and purifying quinapril hydrochloride, which may be carried out at the industrial scale, and which overcomes the previously mentioned drawbacks. In order to obtain and purify quinapril hydrochloride at a high yield, the invention proposes the precipitation of said product in the form of a toluene solvate. Therefore, one of the objects of the inventon is constituted by a process for obtaining quinapril hydrochloride, which comprises its isolation as the toluene solvate.
On the other hand, the solvates of quinapril hydrochloride, which are useful compounds for the purification of said product, are, in general, products from which it is extremely difficult to remove the solvent without partially degrading the quinapril hydrochloride. The only known solvate of quinapril hydrochloride which can be dried without degradation of the product is the acetonitrile solvate, but said solvate has been obtained with a carcinogenic solvent. In order to overcome these drawbacks, the invention provides solvates of quinapril hydrochloride which can be dried to remove the solvent without degrading the quinapril hydrochloride, and which have been obtained by the use of non-carcinogenic solvents. Therefore, an additional object of the invention is constituted by new solvates of quinapril hydrochloride, of solvents belonging to Class 3, from which it is possible to remove the solvent by drying without degradation of quinapril hydrochloride. Class 3 solvents are defined, according to the ICH, as "Solvents with a low toxic potential to man, not being it necessary to establish an exposure limit based on health criteria. Class 3 solvents have a ADE (Allowable Daily Exposure) equal or greater than 50 mg per day".

Process for obtaining quinapryl hydrochloride and solvates useful for isolating and purifying quinapryl hydrochloride


A device for measuring an optical property of a liquid crystal display is provided. The device has a light source providing a light, a first polarizer pervious to the light, a second polarizer pervious to the light, a detector receiving the light, and a calculating module. The first polarizer and the second polarizer are mounted between the light source and the detector, a first transmittance spectrum is obtained while the liquid crystal display is mounted between the first polarizer and the second polarizer, and a second transmittance spectrum is obtained while the liquid crystal display is mounted between the detector and the first and second polarizers.

There are three main methods for measuring the optical properties of a liquid crystal, such as TN LCD, STN LCD and TN TFT LCD, in the prior arts. (1) The LCD to be detected is mounted between two polarizers each having an absorption-axis angle of 45°, and then a maximum absorption wavelength is obtained by a spectrophotometer or the device like that. Then, the phase shifting value (Δnd) of the liquid crystal display could be obtained from a predetermined equation relating to the maximum absorption wavelength and the Δnd, where the maximum absorption wavelength has a positive correlation with the Δnd. There are some disadvantages in this mentioned method. (a) It is unable to obtain the twist angle of the liquid crystal, i.e. the twist angle is necessary to be a known parameter. (b) It is unable to obtain the respective Δnds for various wavelengths. (c) Since the manufacturing process and the material of the LCD are the determinants of the correlation between the maximum absorption value and the Δnd, it is necessary to find out the respective correlations therebetween. (2) Based on the various twist angles of the liquid crystal, the LCD to be detected is mounted between two polarizers having the specific absorption angles, and then a maximum absorption wavelength is obtained by a spectrophotometer or the device like that. After that, the Δnd of the liquid crystal display could be obtained from a predetermined equation relating to the maximum absorption wavelength and the phase shifting value, where the maximum absorption wavelength has a positive correlation with the Δnd. There are some disadvantages in this mentioned method. (a) It is unable to obtain the twist angle of the liquid crystal i.e. the twist angle is necessary to be a known parameter. (b) It is unable to obtain the respective Δnds for various wavelengths. (c) Since the Δnd is obtained from the predetermined equation, there always exists an error therein. (3) The LCD to be tested is mounted between two polarizers, and a spectrophotometer or the device like that is applied. The absorption angles of the two polarizers are modified by try and error until the transmittance of the maximum absorption wavelength is the closest to zero and the maximum absorption wavelength would not change while rotating the panel. After that, it is able to obtain the twist angle of the crystal liquid, the Δnds after calculations, and then the correlation between the Δnds and the various wavelengths. The disadvantage for this method is the time waste during the try and error process.
As mentioned above, a device and a method for measuring an optical parameter of a liquid crystal display without the disadvantages of the prior arts are desires.

Device and method for measuring optical parameters of liquid crystal display


Systems and methods monitor a workspace for safety purposes using sensors distributed about the workspace. The sensors are registered with respect to each other, and this registration is monitored over time. Occluded space as well as occupied space is identified, and this mapping is frequently updated.

Industrial machinery is often dangerous to humans. Some machinery is dangerous unless it is completely shut down, while other machinery may have a variety of operating states, some of which are hazardous and some of which are not. In some cases, the degree of hazard may depend on the location or distance of the human with respect to the machinery. As a result, many "guarding" approaches have been developed to separate humans and machines and to prevent machinery from causing harm to humans. One very simple and common type of guarding is simply a cage that surrounds the machinery, configured such that opening the door of the cage causes an electrical circuit to place the machinery in a safe state. If the door is placed sufficiently far from the machinery to ensure that the human can't reach it before it shuts down, this ensures that humans can never approach the machinery while it is operating. Of course, this prevents all interaction between human and machine, and severely constrains use of the workspace.
More sophisticated types of guarding may involve, for example, optical sensors. Examples include light curtains that determine if any object has intruded into a region monitored by one or more light emitters and detectors, and 2D LIDAR sensors that use active optical sensing to detect the minimum distance to an obstacle along a series of rays emanating from the sensor, and thus can be configured to detect either proximity or intrusion into pre-configured two-dimensional (2D) zones. More recently, systems have begun to employ 3D depth information using, for example, 3D time-of-flight cameras, 3D LIDAR, and stereo vision cameras. These sensors offer the ability to detect and locate intrusions into the area surrounding industrial machinery in 3D, which has several advantages. For example, a 2D LIDAR system guarding an industrial robot will have to stop the robot when an intrusion is detected well beyond an arm's-length distance away from the robot, because if the intrusion represents a person's legs, that person's arms could be much closer and would be undetectable by the 2D LIDAR. However, a 3D system can allow the robot to continue to operate until the person actually stretches his or her arm towards the robot. This allows a much tighter interlock between the actions of the machine and the actions of the human, which facilitates many applications and saves space on the factory floor, which is always at a premium. Additionally, in complex workcells it can be very difficult to determine a combination of 2D planes that effectively monitors the entire space; 3D sensors properly configured, can alleviate this issue.
Because human safety is at stake, guarding equipment must typically comply with stringent industry standards. These standards may specify failure rates for hardware components and rigorous development practices for both hardware and software components. Standards-compliant systems must ensure that dangerous conditions can be detected with very high probability, that failures of the system itself are detected, and that the system responds to detected failures by transitioning the equipment being controlled to a safe state. Simply keeping humans and machines apart represents a far simpler guarding task than detecting unsafe conditions when humans actively work with machines that can injure them. However, the separation of human and machines is not always optimal for productivity. An example of a potential collaborative application is the installation of a dashboard in a car—the dashboard is heavy and difficult for a human to maneuver but easy for a machine, and attaching it requires a variety of connectors and fasteners that require human dexterity and flexibility to handle correctly. Conventional guarding systems are insufficiently granular in operation to reliably monitor such collaborative environments.
Existing 3D sensor systems offer the possibility of improved granularity in guarding systems. But 3D sensor systems can be difficult to configure as compared with 2D sensor systems. First, specific safety zones must be must be designed and configured for each use case, taking into account the specific hazards posed by the machinery, the motion and trajectory of the machinery, the possible actions of humans in the workspace, the workspace layout, and the location and field of view of each individual sensor. It can be difficult to calculate the optimal shapes of exclusion zones, especially when trying to preserve safety while optimizing floor space and system throughput, where one object may present an occlusion relative to a sensor, and where some objects may be out of range or undetectable to the sensor.
Mistakes in the configuration can result in serious safety hazards, requiring significant overhead in design and testing. All of this work must be completely redone if any changes are made to the workspace. The extra degree of freedom presented by 3D systems results in a much larger set of possible configurations and hazards. Accordingly, a need exists for improved and computationally tractable techniques for monitoring a 3D workspace with high granularity.

Ensuring safe operation of industrial machinery


A cement free refractory mixture contains aluminum oxide, silicon carbide, fumed silica, aluminum metal, an anti-oxidant, reactive alumina, and a carbon-bearing material. The mixture can be formed by conventional techniques to create refractory articles to contain or direct the flow of liquid metals. Refractory articles formed by the mixture do not require firing to achieve an initial cure.

Refractory articles include both pre-formed products and products that are shaped in situ. Pre-formed products include shrouds, tubes, plates, and bricks. Formed products may be used as linings for vessels, tubes or channels, and are often provided as a mixture that may be rammed, gunned, trowelled, sprayed, vibrated or cast in place.
Refractory articles must resist thermal, chemical and mechanical attacks. Thermal attacks include high temperature, often above 1000 C, and thermal shock caused by quickly changing the temperature of the article. Frequently, the application in which the article is used includes or generates damaging chemicals. For example, slag present in steel casting chemically attacks the refractory articles so that articles in contact with slag often include slag-resistant oxides, such as zirconia. Similarly, refractory tubes used in aluminum-killed steels must resist a build-up of alumina that could otherwise clog the tube. Finally, the refractory article must be strong enough to resist mechanical forces, such as compressive, tensile and torsional stresses.
Commonly, refractory articles are formed from a combination of refractory aggregate and a binder. The binder holds the aggregate in place. Both the aggregate and binder can profoundly affect the properties of the article. Common aggregates include silica, zirconia, silicon carbide, alumina, magnesia, spinels, calcined dolomite, chrome magnesite, olivine, forsterite, mullite, kyanite, andalusite, chamotte, carbon, chromite, and their combinations.
Binders have fallen into two broad classes, cementitious and "chemical." Chemical binders include organic and inorganic chemicals, such as phenols, furfural, organic resins, phosphates and silicates. The article must often be fired to activate the chemical and initiate the binder. Cementitious binders include cement or other hydratable ceramic powders, such as calcium aluminate cement or hydratable alumina. They usually do not require heating to activate the binder but do require the addition of water. Water reacts with the cementitious binder to harden the mixture. Water also serves as a dispersing medium for the fine powders. Dry powders have poor flowability and are not suitable for forming refractory articles in the absence of high pressure. Water reduces the viscosity of the mixture, thereby permitting the aggregate/binder mixture to flow. Unfortunately, the presence of water in a refractory article can have disastrous effects, namely cracking of the article when exposed to elevated temperatures and even explosive vaporization at refractory temperatures. An article having a cementitious binder often requires a drying step to eliminate residual water.
A refractory aggregate/binder mixture typically includes at least 70 wt. % aggregate and up to about 15 wt. % cement binder. Water is added to make up the balance of the mixture in a quantity sufficient to produce the desired flow for forming a refractory article. Water can be added directly or as a hydrate. For example, European Patent Application Publication No. 0064863 adds water as an inorganic hydrate that decomposes at elevated temperatures. U.S. Pat. No. 6,284,688 includes water in micro-encapsulated sodium silicate.
The porosity of the article affects the drying speed and the danger of explosive vaporization, in that pores permit water to evaporate or volatilize from the article. Prior art has increased porosity of the mixture by the addition of metal powders. JP 38154/1986 teaches a refractory mixture comprising aggregate, cement and aluminum powder. The aluminum powder reacts with added water to produce hydrogen gas. The bubbling gas forms pores through which drying can occur and steam can be released. The aluminum reaction produces copious amounts of heat that further aid in drying. Problems with aluminum powder include the strong exothermic quality of the reaction, release of inflammable hydrogen gas, formation of microcracks in the article, and limited shelf life of the aluminum powder. In order to control this reactivity, U.S. Pat. No. 5,783,510 and U.S. Pat. No. 6,117,373 teach a monolithic refractory composition comprising refractory aggregate, refractory powder, and reactive metal powder. The refractory powder includes aluminous cement to bond the aggregate, thereby imparting physical strength to an article formed by the composition. The reactive metal includes aluminum, magnesium, silicon and their alloys. The amount of reactive metal is selected to control generation of hydrogen gas and, thereby the porosity. Alternatively, Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No, 190276/1984 teaches the use of fibers to form fine channels through which water can escape. Unfortunately, fibers are difficult to disperse uniformly in the mixture and decrease flowability. The porosity of the article is also increased with deleterious effects on physical properties of the finished article.
Refractory articles may include a chemical, that is, non-cementitious, binder that can eliminate the need for water. Viscosity is typically very high and aggregate/chemical binder mixtures often do not flow well. Chemical binders are typically activated by heating or firing at elevated temperatures, and are used, for example, in dry vibratable mixtures and many pre-formed articles. U.S. Pat. No. 6,846,763 includes granulated bitumen as a binder, along with refractory aggregate, an ignitable metal powder, and oil. Heating the mixture ignites the metal powder, which burns the oil, and melts and cokes the bitumen. The result is a carbon-bonded refractory article. A typical composition includes 70 wt. % aggregate, 6 wt. % silicon, 7 wt. % oil and 13 wt. % bitumen. Although requiring high temperature to form the carbon-bond, the article is substantially water-free. Carbon-bonded articles are not as stable as oxide-bonded articles. Unless held in a reducing atmosphere, carbon-bonded articles are also susceptible to oxidation at elevated temperature.
U.S. Pat. No. 5,366,944 teaches a refractory composition using both low temperature and high temperature binders. Water is not added to the composition. The low temperature binder includes organic binders such as phenolic resins. The high temperature binder includes a metal powder of aluminum, silicon, magnesium, their alloys and mixtures. An article can be formed from the composition and cured at low temperature to activate the low temperature binder. The low temperature binder holds the article together until the article is installed and the high temperature binder activates. The metal binder cannot activate until refractory temperatures are achieved. Advantageously, the metal binder produces an article of higher refractoriness than cement-based binders.
A need exists for a non-cement-based refractory mixture having low water content and low porosity, producing refractory articles with high strength at high temperatures.


A method of automatically adjusting a CRT color monitor screen and a CRT color monitor are provided in which the horizontal position and size in a horizontal frequency of 100 kHz or so are adjusted at an acceptable accuracy thus reducing the overall cost by steps of examining with a comparison circuit 6, a one-shot circuit 7, and a microcomputer 9 whether a location determining pulse overlaps with a synthetic signal or not while shifting the phase of the location determining pulse in relation to a horizontal synchronizing signal HD, detecting the location of picture signal part of a video signal relative to the horizontal synchronizing signal HD from the result of examination, and automatically adjusting the horizontal position and the horizontal size on the screen in accordance with the result of detection.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a method of automatically adjusting a CRT color monitor screen and to a CRT color monitor. More particularly, the present invention relates to a method of automatically adjusting position and size on a CRT color monitor screen in accordance with an unknown input video signal and to a CRT color monitor employing the method.
2. Description of the Prior Art
Such conventional methods of automatically adjusting a CRT color monitor screen are well known and two techniques of them are disclosed in Japanese Patent Laid-open Publications No. HEI5-27689/1993 and No. HEI8-194444/1996.
The technique disclosed in HEI5-27689/1993 has a timer built in a microcomputer assigned for measuring a beginning of a picture signal part of a video signal to perform an automatic screen position adjusting operation.
The technique disclosed in HEI8-194444/1996 permits a measuring circuit with a counter for counting clocks to measure the beginning and an end of the picture signal part of the video signal and uses a result of the measurement in a microcomputer for automatic adjusting of position and size on the screen.
However, in the technique disclosed in HEI5-27689/1993, the timer built in the microcomputer provided for measuring the beginning of the picture signal part is low in the resolution of time. Assuming that the horizontal frequency is 100 kHz, the accuracy of measurement will be declined thus providing a lower accuracy in adjusting the horizontal position.
In the technique disclosed in HEI8-194444/1996, the measuring circuit is operable at a high speed and provides a high accuracy of measurement when the horizontal frequency is 100 kHz or so hence ensuring a higher accuracy in adjusting the horizontal position. The use of the high speed operable measuring circuit will however increase the overall cost.

Method of automatically adjusting a CRT color monitor screen and a CRT color monitor


Mail handling or processing systems are disclosed wherein the entire lot or batch of mail pieces is loaded into a bin for processing. Each mail piece is individually removed by an operator while the computer monitors the weight of the bin and simultaneously produces serial numbers for affixing to each mail piece. In an alternative embodiment a postage meter provides postage imprinting and labelling for each mail piece removed. By monitoring the tare weight difference of the bin prior to and after removal of each mail piece, the mail piece weight is determined from the difference between the two tare weights. The weight of each mail piece is required in order to determine postage cost or mail charges for each mail piece.. After all pieces of mail are removed from the bin, an operator can optionally key the system to produce a postal service form complying with manifest mailing requirements. The computer also produces a manifest including serial numbers and mail charges related to each serial number marked mail piece and a manifest summary.. In an alternate embodiment, the bin is loaded one by one with each mail piece while a computer simultaneously monitors the weight of the bin as each mail piece is added, serial numbers are produced for affixing to each mail piece, and the computer links each serial number with a weight deviation thereby calculating mail charges for each mail piece and storing the information for reproduction in summary form in a mailing manifest.

This invention is generally related to mail processing equipment and more specifically to mail processing equipment which weighs and posts mail or produces a mail and/or parcel manifest for a plurality of weighed mail items.
Automated mail processing equipment which imprints postage costs on envelopes is relatively expensive equipment for purchase by small scale businesses. An inexpensive system which enables efficient posting of mail is needed for applications wherein an operator is available to assist in the processing of variable weight mail pieces.
The United States Postal Service Manifest Mailing System (MMS) permits the postal service to accept and verify mailings containing non-identical weight and/or rate pieces of the same mail class and processing category. The MMS is designed for situations in which postage charges for non-identical mail pieces cannot be adequately verified by weighing, hence normal acceptance procedures are impractical. Generally speaking, the MMS provides a system by which a postage patron can establish a relationship with the United States Postal Service for handling large quantities of mail in a most efficient manner. Other mail or parcel companies, such as United Parcel Service or Federal Express, or the like, can use comparable systems.
A typical manifest mail handling system includes a computer for controlling various pieces of equipment, a weighing device for weighing mail pieces, and assorted mail handling equipment for moving mail items in and out of a weighing station. A typical mail handling procedure involves the following steps for a manifest mail handling system: 1) marking a serial number on the mail piece; 2) weighing the mail piece; and 3) storing in computer memory the weight of the mail piece, the serial number or I.D. number affixed to the mail piece, and the postage required based upon the weight of the mail piece. This procedure is carried out for each mail piece in the lot. Once each piece has been weighed individually, a manifest is prepared by the computer system. The manifest includes the following information for each mail piece: mail piece I.D. or serial number, zone, weight, postage, and cumulative total postage. Additionally, a manifest summary page is created by the computer including the following information: zone, number of pieces per zone, weight, and postage paid. Further, a statement of mailing is prepared by the computer which summarizes the results of the mail piece weighing and categorization process. Examples of such mailing statements are Form 3605 and Form 3602 as specified by the United States Postal Service for permit mailing purposes.
A significant drawback exists with respect to mail weighing systems of the prior art and the system described above relating to the individual weighing of each mail piece. With respect to automatic weighing equipment, three periods of time expire for each piece of mail which is handled. These time periods are: loading time, stabilizing and weighing time, and unloading time. Elimination of one of these time components will result in a substantial savings in a mail processing system designed to post mail or a system designed to weigh mail pieces and produce a manifest of the weighed mail pieces.
An improved mail processing system which reduces or eliminates the loading or unloading time for all mail pieces in a processed lot of mail to be processed will substantially decrease the costs related to the posting of mail pieces or the processing of manifest mailings.

Method and apparatus for a mail processing system


Surgical procedure and surgical instruments include an electrode structure for insertion through tissue superiorly of a subxiphoid incision to a position posterior of an aspect of the sternum and anterior of the pericardium. The electrode structure may be expanded, for example, including an inflatable member to position a number of electrodes of the electrode structure in contact with the pericardium. Alternatively, an electrode structure on an insertion cannula may be retained in contact with the pericardium by the cannula positioned within the dissected tissue. Electrical conductors from the contacting electrodes are routed through the tract of dissected tissue toward the subxiphoid incision for attachment to a generator that is implanted in a subcutaneous pocket near the subxiphoid incision.

Contemporary surgical techniques for installing electrodes on the heart of a patient that is at risk for ventricular fibrillation or bradycardia arrhythmias commonly involves insertion of a wire electrode through the patient's venous system into the heart, and connection of the electrode to an implanted defibrillator or pacemaker. These procedures are commonly performed in a cardiac catheterization lab, under fluoroscopic x-ray guidance. It is desirable to place defibrillator or pacing electrodes in contact with the pericardium of the heart with minimal trauma and simple surgical techniques that can be rapidly implemented, with or without the need for fluoroscopic guidance.

Apparatus for placement of cardiac defibrillator and pacer


A semiconductor device comprises a memory cell array comprising memory cells coupled to word lines and bit lines, a voltage generator suitable for generating a drive voltage to be applied to a selected word line, and a control logic suitable for detecting the number of pulses of a program voltage received from the memory cell array in a program operation, storing bias information corresponding to the detected number of pulses in a register, and controlling a level of the program voltage for a subsequent program operation based on the bias information.

Embodiments of the present invention relate to a semiconductor device and a method for operating the same, and more particularly to a technology for controlling a program operation of a semiconductor device.
Generally, a memory device receives a write command or a read command from a host. Thereafter, a memory controller in the memory device operates to program data in or read out data from a corresponding cell of a memory cell region.
Memory devices are classified as volatile memory devices or non-volatile memory devices according to whether or not data is retained when a power source is cut off. Recently, electronic appliances have been developed to have lower power consumption and smaller sizes. Thus, flash memory devices, which are a type of non-volatile memory device, have been widely used in various electronic appliances.
A memory cell region of a flash memory device includes a plurality of strings. Each string includes select transistors formed at both ends of memory cells coupled in series to each other. Memory cells formed in different strings may be electrically coupled to each other through a word line.
Individual strings are electrically coupled to a page buffer, which is configured to sense data through a bit line. In order to record data in such a memory cell, a program operation and a verification operation are repeatedly performed a predetermined number of times until the data temporarily stored in the page buffer is programmed in the memory cell.
If a program voltage is applied to a control gate of the memory cell, a tunneling phenomenon occurs in a floating gate of the memory cell so that the program operation is carried out. If an erase voltage is applied to a bulk of the memory cell, the tunneling phenomenon occurs in the floating gate of the memory cell so that an erase operation is carried out. For reference, the program voltage is transferred to the memory cell through a corresponding word line.

Semiconductor device and method for operating the same


A pivot hinge assembly for mounting a cabinet to a frame. The assembly includes a first hinge pin bushing adapted to mount to the cabinet and a second hinge pin bushing adapted to mount to the frame. The hinge pin bushings each have a hole formed through it for receiving a pin, and substantially complementary mating surfaces for providing a bearing interface. The pin includes a head and a terminal end. Threads are formed on a portion of the pin which engage with threads in the second hinge pin bushing. A locking mechanism is removably attached to the pin near its terminal end. In one embodiment, the assembly includes a wear strip mounted to either the cabinet or the frame and which provides a low friction bearing surface between the cabinet and the frame.

Over the last few decades, the use of electrical equipment in everyday systems has increased dramatically, replacing many mechanical devices. This use has been prompted, to a large extent by the increased usage of computer systems for controlling everything from data systems to environmental controls.
With the increased growth in the use of electrical equipment has come the increased need to house and protect the equipment, especially from tampering. Yet servicing the equipment is also important, and in many cases drives the design of the equipment housing.
Various rack systems have been produced over the years to store electrical and electronic equipment. The basic deficiency with many of the prior swing or hinged rack storage systems has been the ability to access the system, even when closed, through the hinge. In an attempt to counter this, some systems have moved the hinge internally. One such system is the SR-40-22 swinging rack enclosure sold by Middle Atlantic Products, Inc. The swinging rack includes a wall mounted frame (backpan) and a cabinet or control box hinged to the backpan. Racks or shelves for holding electrical equipment are mounted on either or both the backpan or the control box. The unit is designed such that, when the control box is closed, the electrical equipment is shielded from access.
In this swinging rack design, the hinge is located internal to the unit such that, when the control box is closed, the hinge cannot be accessed, thus protecting the contents from being vandalized. The hinge includes two holes formed in the upper and lower corners on one side of the control box and back panel, and a pin. The hinge is assembled by aligning the holes and inserting the pin from outside the cabinet. To prevent removal, the pin is then locked into place with a cotter pin.
While this swinging rack system provides a secure system for protecting electronic components, it requires two individuals to mount the control box to the backpan, one to hold the control box and the other to align the holes and insert the hinge pin.
A need exists for an improved rack system with a hinged door that is easy to assemble.


Two dimensional profiling of samples, such as integrated circuits containing trenches or lines, is accomplished using contact force atomic force microscopy by controlling the tip position responsive to the real-time measured local slope of the surface in contact with the tip.

The present invention relates to two dimensional profiling using a contact force atomic force microscope (AFM) and specifically relates to profiling sidewalls of lines and trenches in integrated circuits.
There are commercially available atomic force microscopes (AFM) which operate in a contact mode, that is, the tip and the sample are in contact while the tip scans the surface of the sample. One such apparatus is described in the article entitled "Using the Atomic Force Microscope to Measure Submicron Dimensions of Integrated Circuit Devices and Processes" by M. P. Rodgers and K. M. Monahan, SPIE, Vol. 1464 Integrated Circuit Metrology, Inspection and Process Control V, 1991, pages 358-366.
A major advantage of contact mode atomic force microscopes is the simplicity of construction. A major disadvantage of these atomic force microscopes is the inability of the AFM to profile high aspect ratio structures having steep sidewalls. Contact mode AFMs are unable to readily accommodate long and narrow-angle tips or "boot-shaped" tips because of the simple detection system used to measure the tip motion.
The present invention overcomes these disadvantages of two-dimensional profiling of a surface using a contact mode AFM, particularly for profiling sidewalls of steep lines and trenches of integrated circuits. The present invention relies upon the two-dimensional detection of the tip motion for controlling the scanning of the tip over the sample surface. The invention also concerns the optimization of the cantilever and tip dimensions of an atomic force microscope.
Detection of tip motion in one dimension involves the use of tunneling, capacitive, inductive or optical methods. These methods can be modified to permit the measurement of the tip motion in two dimensions.
Two dimensional detection of the tip motion is described in the article entitled "Simultaneous Measurement of Lateral and Normal Forces with an Optical-Beam-Deflection Atomic Force Microscope" by G. Meyer and N. M. Amer, Appl. Phys. Lett. 57 (20), Nov. 12, 1990, pages 2089 to 2091 which is incorporated herein by reference. In the described apparatus, the tip is attached to a spring-like cantilever. Vertical tip motion causes the cantilever to bend in a conventional up/down manner. Lateral tip motion causes the cantilever to twist along its longitudinal axis. A laser beam deflected from the cantilever is detected by a 4-quadrant detector. The vertical tip motion and lateral tip motion is measured from the four detected signals.
Another two dimensional detection arrangement involves the use of piezo-resistive measurement of the cantilever bend. In this arrangement, the cantilever is made of partly doped semiconductor material, such as silicon. The strain induced in the cantilever when the cantilever is bent causes a resultant change in the resistance of the semiconductor material which is then measured. The cantilever is bifurcated in order to provide two independent resistance signals for measuring two dimensional motion of the cantilever. Both bifurcated regions comprise doped semiconductor material regions. Electrical contacts are provided at the respective distal ends of each region and at the center of the cantilever where the regions are joined. These three contacts form two resistor circuits, i.e. each respective region with the center, which are inserted into a bridge circuit. The difference between the two resistances is measured by the bridge. Additionally, the combined series resistance of the two regions is a measure of the overall bending of the cantilever in the vertical direction.
The profiling of vertical surfaces in a substrate using non-contact scanning force microscopy is described in co-pending patent application Ser. No. 07/830,804 assigned to the same assignee as the present invention, which is incorporated herein by reference.

Two dimensional profiling with a contact force atomic force microscope

International Business Machines Corporation


A machine learning (ML) task system trains a neural network model that learns a compressed representation of acquired data and performs a ML task using the compressed representation. The neural network model is trained to generate a compressed representation that balances the objectives of achieving a target codelength and achieving a high accuracy of the output of the performed ML task. During deployment, an encoder portion and a task portion of the neural network model are separately deployed. A first system acquires data, applies the encoder portion to generate a compressed representation, performs an encoding process to generate compressed codes, and transmits the compressed codes. A second system regenerates the compressed representation from the compressed codes and applies the task model to determine the output of a ML task.

Embodiments of the invention generally relate to machine learning tasks, and more specifically to intelligently encoding structures of acquired data that are informative for performing a machine learning task.
Bandwidth availability is often a bottleneck that prevents the delivery of complex data. Limited bandwidth availability precludes the transmission of large datasets, examples of which include data that can be used to perform machine learning tasks. This poses a problem for multi-system environments where the acquiring of data and the machine learning task are performed by separate systems. For example, a first system can be a security camera that captures images and the second system can be a server that performs a facial recognition machine learning algorithm on the captured images. Here, the first system needs to transmit the acquired data to the second system but encounters difficulties due to the bandwidth bottleneck.
One solution is to encode the acquired data as compressed codes for transmission. However, conventional encoders employ hard-coded mechanisms and therefore, poorly compress acquired data that is informative for a particular machine learning task. Conventional encoders struggle to generate compressed codes that 1) can overcome the barrier posed by the bandwidth bottleneck and 2) can be used to accurately determine an output of a machine learning task.

Data compression for machine learning tasks


A method for detecting and identifying items of equipment communicating according to a Modbus communication protocol, connected by means of a first communication network of Ethernet type and by means of at least one second communication network, the first and the second communication network being linked by a communication gateway. A communication controller implementing such a method also is disclosed.

Industrial monitoring/control systems consist of items of equipment that are interconnected with one another by one or more communication networks in order to provide a user with operating data and to allow commands. The evolution of inter-device communication technologies and the steady increase in the number of items of equipment able to be connected is increasing the complexity of such systems. These systems are designed by experts but, for example, when they are implemented on the ground or during use, an engineer responsible for integrating the items of equipment into the installation does not always have complete tools or the necessary skills to exhaustively validate the conformity of the system or identify the origin of a fault. In particular, connecting devices to communication networks is a simple operation in itself, but verifying that all of the devices forming part of the monitoring/control system are effectively correctly connected quickly becomes complex and tedious when the system implements a large number of items of equipment. Using a device for automatically detecting and identifying all of the connected items of equipment increases the productivity of the engineer responsible for integrating the items of equipment and significantly reduces the time necessary to detect an error in the definition of the address of an item of equipment or else the installation of one type of equipment instead of another. Lastly, such a detection and identification device is able to be implemented by personnel having a technical skills level lower than that of an expert.
Patent application US 2009/0287803 A1 describes a system and a method for automatically discovering devices in large-scale monitoring systems. This method performs interrogations in various modes, fragmentary data, data blocks, register addresses, and compares the obtained response with reference values. The interrogation mode is changed when the method does not obtain a correct response.
One drawback of this method is firstly that a discovery time may be extremely lengthy since all of the connected items of equipment are subject to a recognition attempt, and secondly the discovery time is not able to evaluated a priori, and therefore the user is not able to be informed of the time necessary to completely perform the method.
Patent application WO 2013/062604 A1 describes a system for discovering, configuring and managing items of equipment. A first communication protocol is used for a phase of discovering the items of equipment and a second communication protocol is used for a phase of identifying the items of equipment. Such a method does not make it possible to discover items of equipment connected to a second communication network downstream of a communication gateway.

Method for detecting and identifying items of equipment communicating according to a Modbus protocol and communication controller for the implementation of such a method


A humidifier assembly is configured to humidify a pressurized flow of breathable gas from a flow generator of a CPAP unit and includes a base configured to be attached to the flow generator, the base including a recess portion. A water receptacle is configured to be received within the recess portion of the base and includes a floor and a flange around an opening at the top of the water receptacle. A lid is hingedly attached to the base and is configured to pivot between an open position and a closed position. This lid includes a top wall, an outer depending wall, an inner depending wall in the form of a double wall, and an outlet pipe. A lid seal is attached to an underside of the top wall of the lid by way of a tongue and groove structure. A catch is located on the base and configured to lock the lid in the closed position.

This invention relates to breathable gas supply apparatus, and particularly but not exclusively to such apparatus for use in Continuous Positive Airways Pressure (CPAP) treatment of conditions such as Obstructive Sleep Apnea. It will be described herein in its application to CPAP treatment apparatus, but it is to be understood that the features of the invention will have application to other fields of application, such as mechanical ventilation and assisted respiration.

Breathable gas apparatus with humidifier


Concepts for remote storage of data are presented. Once such concept is a system comprising: a primary storage controller; and a secondary storage controller of a remote data storage system. The primary storage controller is configured to determine a service characteristic of data storage to or data retrieval from the remote data storage system and to communicate service performance signals to the secondary storage controller based on the determined service characteristic. The secondary storage controller is configured to receive service performance signals from the primary storage controller, to compare the received service performance signals with a service requirement so as to determine a service comparison result, and to control data storage to or data retrieval from the remote data storage system based on the service comparison result.

The present invention relates generally to the field of data storage, and more particularly to a system and method for the remote storage of data. The present invention also relates to a method for the remote storage of data.
The present invention also relates to a computer program product comprising computer-readable program code that enables a processor of a system, or a number of processors of a network, to implement such a method.
In the field of data storage, 'thin provisioning' is a widely known concept where a storage system does not wholly allocate its advertised capacity. Instead, storage is only allocated when the storage must be used.
Both block systems and file systems implement equivalents of this: file systems are effectively thin provisioned by their nature (since files can only be allocated upon creation), and block systems can have thin provisioning implemented using a forward lookup structure to map allocated ranges to the physical storage medium.
Thin provisioning allows the implementation of advanced space saving techniques, such as compression and deduplication, because only the forward lookup structure need be updated with appropriate details (e.g., whether the forward lookup structure is compressed, or pointing the forward lookup structure for a virtual address to another forward lookup structure entry containing the data in question).
The decoupling of incoming "virtual" addresses (i.e., addresses relevant for forward lookup) and the underlying storage means that two adjacent Input/Output (10) systems can be assigned to two completely different backend (e.g., remote) data storage systems, with completely different IO characteristics.
Copy services are a collection of features which allow storage systems to have, amongst other things, disaster recovery integrated into the IO path. This is achieved via Remote Copy features, by transmitting data to a remote data storage system. However, use of a remote data storage system may experience problems if the remote data storage system and/or the communication link exhibits delays and/or poor performance. This may, in turn, directly impact the primary site which is relying on the remote data storage system. For example, if a sync-buffer fills up due to performance issues, data storage or retrieval to/from the remote data storage system may exhibit delays and/or errors.

International Business Machines Corporation