A method is provided for selecting a stereoscopic pair of images, for example as they are captured by a camera or from an existing collection of captured images. A first image is selected and a cursor overlaid on the first image is aligned with an image feature. The cursor is then shifted by a predetermined amount and a second image is selected such that the cursor is overlaid on the second image and is substantially aligned with the feature.

Three dimensional images as used in most 3D display technologies, e.g. EP 0 602 934, EP 0 656 555, EP 0 708 351, EP 0 726 482, EP 0 829 743 and EP 0 860 728 are formed by two 2D images. These displays direct separate images to either eye so that one eye sees one image and the other eye sees the other image. The Human Visual System (HVS) internally fuses the two images into a 3D image so that a person may sense depth from the displayed images.
In order to make stereoscopic images which may be viewed comfortably, the two images must be well aligned. This can be accomplished either by very accurate placement of the camera before capturing the images or by a post processing stage such as image rectification, for example as disclosed in EP 1 235 439. Image rectification is a method for re-aligning the two images so that they are parallel in three dimensions. This involves reprojecting them onto a common parallel plane by a geometrical transformation. When the images are parallel in this manner, they are considered to be rectilinear. If the images are not rectilinear, then the stereo image will be uncomfortable to view due to vertical disparities, perspective effects, excessive depth, etc, that the HVS cannot reconcile and the 3D effect breaks down.
Image rectification methods usually use powerful computer vision algorithms. However if the initial pair of images are badly aligned, such algorithms will be very slow or may completely fail. If a large amount of rectification is required, then the image quality may suffer when the two images are reprojected. Furthermore, the image overlap between the rectified images may be reduced and less usable image area will be available for the 3D image. Conversely, if the initial image alignment is good, the rectification can be processed much faster and undesirable side effects from image reprojection will be reduced. Therefore, if the two initial images are taken from well aligned positions, then a more comfortable 3D image may be created and a minimal amount of rectification will be required.
2001-230955 discloses a technique which is used in the Pentax Optio 230 digital camera and which provides a user-guided two shot stereo photography mode. In this method, the user takes the first image and is advised to "move the camera to the right". A transparent vertical or horizontal strip of the first image is superimposed on the live image. The user is meant to align the second image to the first image using this strip. However, when this technique is followed, the camera will be rotated relative to its orientation when the first image was taken so that perspective errors are introduced and the two images are not rectilinear, resulting in a 3D image of poor visual quality.
EP1085769 discloses a variable separation dual-head camera that may utilise a method of image rectification such as that disclosed in EP1089573 for determining the amount of separation. This system is based on a priori knowledge of the scene. There is currently no known automated system for providing a recommendation of the separation required for producing 3D images which may be comfortably viewed.
The term "image feature" as used hereinafter is defined to mean anything which appears in an image. This includes, for example, lines, patterns and shading. This term is being used with its conventional meaning in the technical field of vision research.

Method of and apparatus for selecting a stereoscopic pair of images


A method of coding gifts including a set of stickers all with one symbol which are attached to gifts with a card given to the child identifying the symbol and indicating that all gifts with that symbol belong to that child. Clue cards are used to allow the child to locate the identifying card and colored filter decoders are used to uncover the symbol on camouflaged stickers.

This invention involves a method of coding gifts and then apprising the child which code identifies that child's gifts. This invention also involves a method of play to allow the child to seek and determine the particular code or codes that have been placed on that child's gifts.
A young child may understand the gift giving process on holidays long before that child is able to read. In a somewhat other vein, older children are unable to wait for the holiday and are tempted to peek inside those packages with their name on them. For all involved, including the parents, even where the child is older, the opening of the gifts is over too quickly leaving the children and the parents unsatisfied.
In U.S. Pat. No. 2,876,012 to F. J. Allen, Jr., matching games are described using puzzle pieces which are matched to a game board which identifies a prize on a prize list. U.S. Pat. Nos. 2,274,342 to L. D. Ormsby and 2,635,881 to R. B. Cooney describe games, fixtures and word clues on separate pieces of paper. Other games using cards are described in U.S. Pat. Nos. 3,556,528 to James Christopher Spiring; 3,787,050 to Adolph E. Goldfarb; and European Patent Office disclosure number 194-875-A to R. E. Dvorak. U.S. Pat. No. 3,223,421 to P. Hershkowitz describes a color coded game card and U.S. Pat. No. 4,034,987 to George J. Kelly describes a game having position-denoting indicia thereon. A game is described in the 1987 April/May issue of Games Magazine wherein hidden treasure is located using clues in a book and home video.
None of these games or disclosures solve the problems associated with the gift giving process as described above. Further, none of these prior games are directed to that problem nor do they suggest ways of meeting the problems. In addition, none of these games of devices attain the objects of this invention described hereinbelow.


An image forming device includes one or more flexible fingers to simulate a narrow gap baffle and provide a baffle-like support for different document media. These flexible fingers help guide the documents from one subsystem to another, for instance, entering into the decurler nip on the host image forming device decurler assembly. These flexible fingers act as two baffles. For heavy weight documents, the flexible fingers deflect and move out of the way. For medium to light weight documents, the flexible fingers control the document position during its trajectory.

Image forming devices are known. For example, such image forming devices include copiers and printers. In most image forming device designs, documents are typically controlled by baffles and guides. Ideally we want to have a very narrow gap (3-5 mm) between the upper or "decurler entrance" baffle and the lower or "fuser stripper" baffle in order to control the position of the document. The wider the distance between the baffles, the more challenging it is to control the paper.
In applications such as the image forming device Nuvera's fuser assembly, the document is not completely controlled or properly guided into the decurler nip roll.
NOTE: The term "NUVERA" is a trademark of Xerox Corporation, P.O. Box 1600, 800 Long Ridge Road, Stamford, Conn. 06904.
For this particular application, heavy weight documents will travel at a different paper trajectory than light weight documents. As a result, the current design has to be wide enough to accommodate the different paper trajectories. Having a wider entrance aperture or throat, will sacrifice the performance of some documents. For the Nuvera fuser assembly, light medium to light weight documents can bounce around and miss the decurler nip, hitting the roll in an undesired area, thereby creating a paper jam or document defect known as a 51 mm "ding".
The image forming device includes a fuser assembly wherein heavy weight document's trajectory is very predictable. For light weight documents, the document not only has a different trajectory but its path is not as predictable as the heavier document. This path could be affected by document variations such as paper curl (simplex-duplex), image area coverage, paper type, and so forth.
In the past, this problem was addressed by simply relying on the operator to clear the paper jam, and/or restricting paper weight/type machine can reliably feed without defect or paper jam.
Thus, there is a need for the present invention.

Flexible media travel adjusting means and an image forming device including the same


The present invention relates to an antenna for use on a motor vehicle, particularly for cellular radio communication. The antenna comprises an elongate conductor applied to the surface of a vehicle window, the length of the antenna elongate conductor being a minor portion of the length of any peripheral side or edge of the vehicle window. A ground plane is provided along the top edge of the vehicle window, and the top end of the conductor antenna is grounded by virtue of its close proximity to the ground plane.

It is well known to use the conductors of heated windows of motor vehicles as radio receiving and transmitting antennas.
Advantageously, such antennas do not project outside the vehicle and are not therefore susceptible to inadvertent damage or vandalization. Also, mounting holes in the vehicle bodywork can be avoided. Efficient reception can be achieved with such antennas on the usual AM and FM broadcast bands, and efficient transmission can be achieved in the 4 m to 2 m VHF mobile radio band, if necessary with the aid of matching and tuning circuitry.
Cellular mobile radio is now an important means of communication. However, the usual frequency range for this, i.e. 890-960 MHz, corresponds to a mid-band free-space wavelength of 324 mm and it is therefore not appropriate to use the conductors of a vehicle heated window as the antenna. In practice, a short whip antenna mounted on and projecting from the vehicle body is used.


A deflection yoke includes a horizontal deflection coil, a vertical deflection coil, an insulating frame made of an insulating material, a deflection adjusting plate attached to an outer circumferential surface of the insulating frame, and a ferrite core covering at least a part of an outer circumference of the insulating frame. The deflection adjusting plate is fixed to the outer circumferential surface of the insulating frame, under the condition of being surrounded by a high-soft resin material with a hardness of 10 to 60. Because of this, even when the deflection adjusting plate vibrates during driving, the deflection adjusting plate does not directly bump into the insulating frame, so that the noise generated by the deflection yoke can be reduced significantly.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a deflection yoke, which is mounted on a funnel of a cathode-ray tube, for deflecting an electron beam in a horizontal direction and a vertical direction. The present invention also relates to a cathode-ray tube apparatus with the deflection yoke mounted thereon.
2. Description of the Related Art
A schematic configuration of a conventional deflection yoke (for example, see JP4(1992)-308634A) will be described with reference to FIG. 6. In FIG. 6, a Z-axis is a tube axis of a cathode-ray tube on which a deflection yoke 100 is mounted. The cross-sectional shape of the deflection yoke 100 is substantially symmetrical with respect to the Z-axis. Therefore, FIG. 6 shows a partial cross-sectional view of the deflection yoke 100 on one side with respect to the Z-axis.
Reference numeral 11 denotes a saddle-type horizontal deflection coil, 12 denotes a vertical deflection coil wound around a ferrite core 14 in a toroidal shape, and 13 denotes an insulating frame made of resin for insulating the horizontal deflection coil 11 from the vertical deflection coil 12. Reference numeral 20 denotes a plate-shaped deflection adjusting plate made of a magnetic material, for correcting a magnetic field generated by the horizontal deflection coil 11 and the vertical deflection coil 12.
The deflection adjusting plate 20 is attached to be fixed to a predetermined position on an outer circumferential surface of the insulating frame 13 with an acetate tape 29 having a size larger than that of the deflection adjusting plate 20. At this time, one surface of the deflection adjusting plate 20 comes into direct contact with the outer circumferential surface of the insulating frame 13, and the other surface thereof is covered with the acetate tape 29. After the deflection adjusting plate 20 is attached to the outer circumferential surface of the insulating frame 13, an integrated body of the vertical deflection coil 12 and the ferrite core 14 is mounted so as to cover the insulating frame 13. Thereafter, a hot-melt adhesive 25 is injected into a space between the integrated body of the vertical deflection coil 12 and the ferrite core 14, and the insulating frame 13. The ferrite core 14 and the insulating frame 13 are integrated with each other with the hot-melt adhesive 25.
When a deflection current is supplied to the horizontal deflection coil 11 and the vertical deflection coil 12 of the deflection yoke 100, the deflection adjusting plate 20 vibrates in accordance with an alternating magnetic field generated by the horizontal deflection coil 11 and the vertical deflection coil 12.
In the conventional deflection yoke 100 shown in FIG. 6, the hot-melt adhesive 25 is of a quick drying type. Therefore, the hot-melt adhesive 25 is cured before spreading sufficiently to an entire region of the space between the ferrite core 14 and the insulating frame 13. Thus, a gap may be formed between the acetate tape 29 and the hot-melt adhesive 25. In this state, the force of binding the deflection adjusting plate 20 is relatively weak, so that the deflection adjusting plate 20 bumps into the insulating frame 13 and the hot-melt adhesive 25, both of which have a high hardness, due to the vibration of the deflection adjusting plate 20, thereby causing noise.

Deflection yoke and cathode-ray tube apparatus

Matsushita Toshiba Picture Display Co., Ltd.


A process for selectively depositing platinum on a conductive or semiconductive substrate has the steps of: patterning a polyimide layer on the substrate to have exposed areas and unexposed areas; and, at an operating temperature and an operating pressure, flowing a platinum precursor gas over the substrate.

1. Field of the Invention
This invention relates to selective area platinum film deposition on substrates, and more particularly to patterned deposition of platinum films by low pressure CVD methods.
2. Description of the Related Art
To date, processes for selective area metallization on substrates have been developed for a number of metals, including tungsten, aluminum, and copper. These three metals are widely used in the computer chip industry for microelectronic fabrication (VLSI and ULSI fabrication).
It is desired to develop processes for selective area metallization with platinum. Because of its high corrosion resistance, platinum microelectronic devices are desired in applications where great reliability is desired (e.g. medical implants) and in applications exposed to corrosive environments (e.g. chemical plants).
It is also desired to make these processes as simple as possible, and to permit the removal of the masking material without the need to protect the deposited platinum.
SiO.sub.2 patterning for selective metallization is known. To use a SiO.sub.2 pattern to define selected areas for metallization, it is necessary to produce a SiO.sub.2 layer by thermal oxidation or some CVD process. It is then necessary remove the SiO.sub.2 by a selective etching step that does not attack the metal, a complex process.

The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Navy


A retainer assembly includes a bracket, a base, a plate and a security pin. The bracket includes a front section of the bracket that forms apertures configured to each receive a fastener. The base includes a projection. The plate is located between the base and the bracket. The plate forms apertures configured to each receive a fastener. The plate further forms an aperture being configured to receive the projection extending from the base. The plate rotates in the retainer assembly from a first position to a second position. The security pin is securely mounted on the base. The security pin moves from a first position to a second position to inhibit the plate from rotating from its second position back to its first position.

Common outdoor electronic equipment is usually fixed on a pole with a bracket. In one type of system, the brackets are fixed or installed on a pole by bolts and nuts. For example, a first bracket is on one side of a pole and a second bracket is on the other side of the pole, and respective bolts and nuts secure the brackets together and surround the pole. In another type of system, the brackets are fixed or installed by steel band clamps. For example, a bracket has a plurality of openings at a top section and at a bottom section thereof, and the steel band clamps extend through the openings and surround the pole. In these two installation methods, an installer needs to hold the electronic systems in the air, and then lock and fix the brackets on the pole. This can be difficult and time-consuming to install. Furthermore, there are no security or theft-resistant features in the systems to assist in inhibiting or preventing theft of such systems.
The present disclosure is directed to an improved retainer assembly that overcomes the above disadvantages of the existing brackets and installation methods.


The present invention generally relates to intelligent software agents. Agents are interfaced with through user interfaces that are generated according to the agent's intelligence. In one aspect, the interfaces are dynamically and programmatically generated in response to a request from a user desiring to interface with a particular agent. In this way, the interface may be generated in real time according to the applied intelligence of the agent. Interfaces may also be updated periodically and, in this way, be available prior to a user's request.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention generally relates to intelligent agents, and more particularly to the creation and/or configuration of such agents.
2. Description of the Related Art
The automation of tedious and complex tasks has long been a goal of computer science. In this regard, intelligent agents have attracted significant attention in recent years. Generally, an agent is a computer system or software program that supports a user with accomplishment of some task or activity. Intelligent software agents may be characterized as long-running processes that monitor information concerning their environment via events or polling, process that information using procedural or declarative domain knowledge, and then take actions to respond to situations detected in their environment.
Although the theorized potential of agents remains largely untapped, some degree of utility has been achieved. For example, on the Internet an agent is a program that gathers information or performs some other service on a regular schedule and without the immediate presence of a human user. Typically, an agent program, using parameters provided by a user, searches all or some part of the Internet gathering information of interest to the user, and then presents it to the user on a periodic basis. A particular example of an agent is the email service that alerts the user about news on specified topics of interest. A number of similar agents compare shopping prices and bring the results of the comparison back to the user. Other types of agents include specific site watchers that tell users when the site has been updated or look for other events and analyst agents that not only gather but also organize and interpret information.
The creation and subsequent customization of agents is facilitated by toolkits. One such toolkit is IBM's ABLE™ (Agent Building and Learning Environment) toolkit. The toolkit includes one or more panels providing a host of graphical elements and menu options from which a user may select to configure agents. For example, a System Administration agent may need to know the e-mail address of who to contact in the event of a problem, or a Storage Management agent may need to know the minimum amount of free disk space allowed before taking action. Using a toolkit, a user can configure the agents with the needed information in order for the agent to carry out its tasks.
One shortcoming of the state of the art is that the interface through which users (or other entities such as other agents) interact with an agent is static. That is, the same interface is provided to a user each time the agent's interface is invoked. This is true even though the agent's environment may dictate that some elements are not relevant or that some other element not defined for the interface may be more relevant. For example, consider a storage monitoring agent that learns that storage requirements increase during a certain time of day. A customization panel of the user interface for the storage monitoring agent would preferably ask a user for permission to temporarily move disk space from another partition during the peak storage use period, and the allow the user to specify an amount of storage to move. However, because agent user interfaces are statically defined, such options are not provided to the user unless the options are part of the interfaces original static definition. No mechanism to dynamically apply an agent's intelligence to an interface exists.
Therefore, there is a need for a mechanism to dynamically apply an agent's intelligence to an interface for the agent.

Mechanism for intelligent user interface presentation of a software agent

International Business Machines Corporation


An Improved Facial Rejuvenation Device and Method. The device is small and portable. The device further has an ergonomic nozzle shape defined by a housing having a suction bore defined by a throttle positioned within it. The throttle may perform its throttling action by adjusting the diameter of the suction bore formed within the housing. The method employs the unique device to create a localized suction force to the skin in the vicinity of a previously-applied medicinal formulation. The device further may have a housing defined by a conical outer shape terminating in a sealing ring at its tip.

1. Field of the Invention
This invention relates generally to skin care and, more specifically, to an Improved Facial Rejuvenation Device and Method
2. Description of Related Art
The skin care industry has undergone explosive growth in recent years. Daily, additional lotions, treatments and devices arrive on the market that are touted to reduce the effects of age and harsh environmental conditions on a person's skin. A somewhat recent approach has been to apply a localized vacuum source against a user's skin in order to remove the upper layer(s) of dead skin (the sebum) and other debris. A portable device now available for such application is provided in FIG. 1.
FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a conventional portable suction device 10. the device 10 is defined by a somewhat ergonomic handle 12, from which extends a head 14. The head 14 is defined by a neck 16 that tapers down in diameter to a rim 18. A suction port stem 20 extends from the head 14 in the center portion of the rim 18; the gap between the suction port stem 20 and the rim 18 being defined here as an annular ring 24. Near the distal end of the stem 20 is a gasket 22, such as a conventional "O" ring.
The handle 12 is defined by an "on-off" switch 26, and a removable cover 28 which encases the batteries used to power the electric motor contained within the device 10 for creating the suction. To operate the device 10, the user need simply turn on the switch 26; the motor will drive a small internal pump (not shown), which will create a vacuum at the opening in the suction port stem 20. The stem 20 is intended to permit the user to attach and detach a variety of brushes or tips for creating a suction against the user's (or patient's) skin.
There are at least two deficiencies with this prior device 10: (1) it fails to address the need for having adjustability in the level of vacuum being applied to the skin; and (2) it fails to provide an ergonomic tip attachment that can be used to massage the skin, rather than simply to remove dead or dying skin.
Ito I and Ito II, U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,319,211 and 6,468,235 both attempt to address the need for a variable vacuum source. The Ito devices both couple a battery-operated suction-developing device with a detachable nozzle (similar to FIG. 1 in their basic design); the alleged novelty in these devices is related to their ability to regulate the vacuum power. The Ito devices recite the addition of a "regulator" for regulating the pump characteristics such that the suction created by the pump can be varied. The purpose articulated for regulating the vacuum is to enable the device to be removed more easily from the user's face, and to thereby prevent the creation of purplish marks on the skin.
While the Ito's both disclose a device for regulating the suction created at the tips of the devices, neither does so in a manner that is cost-effective or ergonomic. Furthermore, the Ito disclosures fail to address the application of localized suction to the skin as a massaging technique that further prepares the dermis and subcutaneous tissue to improve the subcutaneous delivery of medicinal formulation. What is needed, therefore, is a device and method that modifies a conventional suction device such that the suction strength is adjustable and to provide an improved delivery system for topical applications of skin rejuvenating formulations.


Techniques are described for emulating inter-processor communications between multiple instruction processors. The techniques provide inter-processor message accounting and error detection. A system, for example, includes software executing within an emulation environment provided by a computing system. The emulation software emulates an instruction processor having an interface to receive inter-processor messages. During emulation the emulated instruction processor calculates an actual count of the inter-processor messages received during emulation. A compiler executing on the computing system compiles test software to output an instruction stream for execution by the emulated instruction processor. The compiler calculates an expected count of inter-processor messages that the emulated instruction processor is expected to receive during emulation. Emulation control software executing on the computing system generates a report that presents the expected count of the inter-processor messages and the actual count of the inter-processor messages.

A computer system typically involves multiple components working in cooperation to perform a task. For example, a computer system may include one or more co-operating instruction processors. The instruction processors may be supported by components such as communication busses, cache memories, shared and dedicated memories, input/output (I/O) devices, interface hardware, and the like.
The process of designing and ensuring proper functionality of these constituent components, i.e., the development process, is often involved and time consuming. In addition, the demand for computer systems of increasing complexity, such as computer systems that incorporate an increasing number of co-operating instruction processors, further increases the time and resources required to design and ensure the proper functionality of components.
In order to expedite the design process, emulation tools are often used to assist in testing the functionality of a component or system being designed. During this process, one or more emulation modules are often developed to interface with and test the functionality of the components being designed. For example, a designer currently developing a memory architecture may use an emulation module to mimic the functionality of an associated instruction processor. The emulated instruction processor may be used, for example, to interact with the memory architecture being developed in a manner that conforms to that of an actual instruction processor in order to test the operation of the memory architecture. As the processor itself may also not yet be fully implemented, the use of an emulated instruction processor allows the development of the actual instruction processor and the memory architecture to proceed concurrently. In this manner, the development period needed to complete the overall computer system may be compressed.
A designer may develop an emulation module for a particular component by utilizing an editor or other software application to describe the functionality of the component in accordance with a hardware description language (HDL). Examples of widely-used HDLs include the Very high-speed integrated circuits Hardware Description Language (VHDL) and Verilog™, which is described in the IEEE Verilog 1364-2000 standard. These languages support syntaxes that appear similar to software programming languages, such as C++ and Java, and allow the designer to define and simulate components using high-level code by describing the structure and behavior of components.
While the use of emulation can greatly aid in the development of the computer system, emulation modules may require extended functionality and resources to properly aid the design of computer systems of increasing complexity. For example, an emulated instruction processor may require extended functionality and resources to account for the growing complexity associated with the incorporation of multiple co-operating instruction processors.
As one example, extended functionality and resources may be required to accurately emulate inter-processor messaging. In a multi-processor computing system, the instruction processors may be coupled via a dedicated communication bus. The co-operating instruction processors exchange inter-processor messages to assist in the execution of computing tasks. More specifically, the instruction processors may exchange messages to properly synchronize parallel execution of instruction streams to more efficiently complete a common task, ensure cache coherency, offload tasks between processors, control access to shared resources, and the like. Different types of inter-processor messages, such as directed and broadcast message types, may be used. More particularly, a source instruction processor may send a direct message to a specific destination instruction processor via a common communication bus. In contrast, the source instruction processor may send a broadcast message to multiple instruction processors connected to the common communication bus. Improper inter-processor messaging may compromise the efficient nature of co-operating processors, or even cause computing errors or system failures. Thus, techniques for accurately emulating inter-processor messaging functions may aid in the design and development of multi-processor computing systems.

Instruction processor emulation having inter-processor messaging accounting


An optical fiber connector includes a main body and a fixing element. The main body includes a front surface and a rear surface opposite to the front surface. An extending portion extends from the rear surface. The main body defines at least one receiving hole and at least one receiving recess aligned with the at least one receiving hole. The extending portion defines a first receiving space communicating with the at least one receiving recess. The fixing element is located on the extending portion and defines a second receiving space corresponding to the first receiving space.

1. Technical Field
The present disclosure relates to optical fiber connectors, and particularly to an optical fiber connector preventing damage of optical fibers of an optical fiber cable.
2. Description of the Related Art
Optical fiber cables generally include a plastic layer and a number of optical fibers received within the plastic layer. A portion of the optical fibers are exposed from the optical fiber cable and are received in an optical fiber connector. However, as the portion of the optical fibers covered by the plastic layer is not received in the optical fiber connector, a portion of the optical fibers adjacent to the plastic layer is exposed to the air. Thus, the optical fibers are easily damaged.
Therefore, it is desirable to provide an optical fiber connector to overcome the limitations described.


A rotary combustion engine construction includes an engine block (20) defining a cylindrical inner space (22) in which a toothed ring portion is integrally attached with the engine block (20), and a cylindrical block (40) rotatably and snugly fitted in the cylindrical inner space (22) of the engine block (20). A number of spark plugs (30) are installed on the engine block (20) at angular intervals. The cylindrical block (40) defines a number of cylinder bores (48a) therein along a circumferential portion thereof to each receive a piston (60) which is pivotally attached with a connecting rod (50) which is pivotally connected with a crank (52) which is coaxially and fixedly connected with a pinion (80) meshing with the toothed ring portion (20a) formed with the engine block (20), so that the piston (60) may conduct reciprocal movement along the respective cylinder bore (48a) and thus the pinion (80) may be driven into rotation that allows the cylindrical block (20) together with an output axle (100) to rotate with respect to the engine block (20) to supply a rotation mechanical power output.

The present invention relates to a rotary combustion engine construction, and more particularly to a rotary combustion engine construction that can be fabricated in a small size and/or light weight for saving fuel without compromising the structural strength.
During the history of the automotive engines, many proposals have been made to replace the conventional reciprocating motion of a piston with a rotary motion of a piston. It was not until the late 1950s that rotary piston engine theory began to be successfully translated into practice, as exemplified by the Wankel engine. Even so the only company now making a production Wankel engined car is the Japanese manufacturer of Mazda cars, although engines operating on the Wankel principle may be found in other transportation and industrial applications. Although the Wankel engine has the claimed advantages that it occupies less space and offers a reduction in weight relative to its power output, it compromises the combustion efficiency due to the moving combustion space of this type of engine lacking compactness.
Another type of rotary engine is the gas-turbine engine, which has been successfully fitted in airplanes, helicopters, and electric generating systems. As to this type of engine, it operates mostly at a constant speed, so that it does not perform well in automotive vehicles. One reason for this unsuitable performance is a noticeable delay in acceleration after the driver has depressed the throttle. Also, the power-turbine section, which gets very hot and runs at a very high speed, is made of expensive materials. This makes the gas-turbine engine cost much more than a comparable piston engine in the fabrication, and as a result there is no gas-turbine commercially available.
In view of the foregoing, the applicant has invented a rotary combustion engine construction, which has the advantage of space and/or weight reduction without compromising the combustion efficiency as existing in the Wankel engine.


This invention relates generally to infant activity centers, and more particularly to a portable infant playground.

This invention relates generally to infant activity centers, and more particularly to a portable infant playground.
Activity centers provide infants with many developmental benefits. This is true even if an infant cannot physically interact with the activity center. In such cases, infants can receive audio and visual stimulation through various stimulation events that can be set in motion either manually or automatically. Additional visual stimulation are provided through proper selection of fabric, both along the cross pieces and the base and sides. Proper selection of additional items to hang from the cross members further adds to the infant's visual stimulation while in the playground. The present playground is designed so as to be placed either on the floor or any other safe and secure locations that provides both solid support underneath and which would not allow the infant to fall to the ground. The present invention does NOT propose to be a safety item that precludes it's improper placement, which improper placement, places the infant in danger.
As the infant develops, the infant will increase his (or her) physical interaction with the activity center. This physical interaction further encourages the development of physical attributes such as hand-eye coordination, range of motion, etc. Most conventional activity centers are designed to encourage interaction with the infant's hands. Here, effective activity-center designs enable infants to interact with the activity center with minimal directed hand coordination. More recent activity center designs have now begun to incorporate interactive elements that interact with an infant's feet. These types of activity centers require that the infant kick the event initiating means. The resultant events include visual and auditory events to further stimulate the infant. These infant activity centers provide an interaction that does not grow along with the child. Indeed, the activity centers of the art are of the "one size fits all" paradigm in which all children are assumed to be within a standard set of parameters, such as height. However, this limitation makes the activity center at the proper height for the child for a minimal period of time. These and other limitations of activity centers in the art are overcome by the portable playground of the present invention.


Provided is a storage device capable of increasing its life cycle and operating method thereof. The storage device includes a nonvolatile memory device that stores data and a controller that controls the nonvolatile memory device. The controller receive can modify a write time-out value of the nonvolatile memory device in accordance with predetermined conditions, such as request from a host or exceeding of a predefined life cycle.

1. Field
Embodiments relate to a storage device and operating method thereof, and more particularly to a storage device capable of increasing its life cycle and operating method thereof.
2. Description of the Related Art
In recent years, storage devices are being used in various manners. For example, the storage device may be used as a memory card, such as an SD (Secure Digital) card, an MMC (Multi-Media Card), an xD (eXtreme Digital) card, a CF (Compact Flash) card, an SM (Smart Media) card, a memory stick, and so on. In addition, the storage device may also be used as a SSD (solid state drive).
A storage device has a time-out value that is a predefined value or a value that can be defined later. To write data, the storage device should execute a write operation within a range of a time-out value. In other words, if the write operation takes longer to execute than the time-out value, the write operation being executed may be treated as a failure or error.

Storage device capable of increasing its life cycle and operating method thereof


A method for manufacturing a transfer member suitable for use in an image forming system. A liquid polymer is applied to an internal surface of a rotating drum, spun flat, and cured in place. Additional components of the belt are applied to the rotating mold to form a multi-layered transfer member.

The present invention relates to a method of forming a transfer member in an image forming system. More particularly, this invention relates to a method of manufacturing seamless multilayered transfuse belts for use in the imaging forming system.
In a standard image forming process, a charged latent image is generated by directing an array of charged particles from a print cartridge towards an imaging member. Toner is attracted to the charged latent image on the surface of the imaging member to form a toned image. After the toned image is developed on the imaging member, it is transferred, either directly to paper or to another type of print substrate, or indirectly with a transfer member. To permanently fuse toner onto a print substrate, it is usually necessary to elevate the temperature of the toner to a point at which the constituents of the toner coalesce and become sticky. This heating causes the toner to flow into the fibers of the print substrate. Thereafter, as the toner cools, solidification of the toner causes it to firmly bond to the print substrate. After transfer and fusion of the final image, the residual toner is cleaned from the imaging member (and the transfer member if used).
An example of a prior method of manufacturing a transfer member, such as a seamless belt, for an image forming system is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,409,557, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. In this method, the seamless belt is formed by spraying a coating solution onto a reinforcing member. A thin uniform layer is built up on the reinforcing member by repeated spray passes. After the desired thickness is obtained, the belt is dried, and released from the reinforcing member upon cooling to room temperature.
Other conventional seamless transfer belts are fabricated using compression-type molding. This manufacturing process involves casting rubber onto a mold, applying a heat-shrink wrap, and curing the belt in an autoclave.
There are significant disadvantages to these types of transfer member manufacturing techniques. Using a spray-coating process or a compression molding process, it is difficult to produce a belt having-a-precise and uniform thickness. Before the belt can be used in an image forming system, it is necessary to grind both the spray-coated and the compression molded belt to have the necessary thickness uniformity. This requires precise, complex and expensive post finishing operations to be performed on the belt. Without these operations, the image quality is compromised.
The present invention provides an improved method of manufacturing seamless belts for an image forming system. This method produces a seamless multi-layered belt having a precise and uniform thickness.
According to one aspect of the invention, the belt is formed by dispensing liquid polymer onto an internal surface of a rotating mold and curing the liquid polymer in situ while the mold still rotates. The present invention includes alternate methods of forming the belt using a liquid polymer in a rotating mold. In one embodiment, the belt is formed by applying a conductive layer to the rotating mold, followed by a liquid polymer layer and a fabric backing. In an alternate embodiment, the belt is formed through a reverse method, and then inverted.
Both embodiments provide a simplified method of manufacture while producing a superior end product. This invention constructs seamless belts that are usable when they are cast, without the need for post-finishing operations to achieve the essential thickness requirements.
In one embodiment of the invention, a transfer member suitable for use in an image forming system is manufactured by applying liquid polymer to a rotating mold and curing the liquid polymer.
According to an alternate embodiment, a transfer member is formed by dispensing a conductive coating to an internal surface of a rotating mold, followed by an application of a first liquid polymer coating to the mold. The conductive coating and the first liquid polymer coating are cured to an intermediate stage. A second liquid polymer coating is applied to the cured liquid polymer, followed by application of a support material to form a stacked structure. A heavy elastomeric liner, which either does not bond to the liquid polymer or has a release agent on its surface, is inserted into the mold and the stacked structure is cured to a final stage while the mold is rotating. The elastomeric liner and the stacked structure (the transfer member) are removed from the mold.
In yet another embodiment, a transfer member is formed by first dispensing a thin coating of liquid polymer to an internal surface of a rotating mold, followed by application of a support material. A heavy elastomeric liner, which does not adhere to the curing rubber, is optionally inserted in the mold. The liquid polymer and the support material are cured to an intermediate stage while the mold rotates. A second liquid polymer coating is applied to the rotating mold, and a conductive coating is applied to the second liquid polymer coating to form a stacked structure. The stacked structure is cured to a final stage, removed from the mold and inverted.


A stamped screen according to the invention has at least one fastening element integral with the screen and is fastened to the associated component without further accessories at the same time as it is inserted into place.

1. Field of the Invention
The invention is directed to a stamped screen for an electrical circuit, having improved fastening means integral with the screen.
2. Description of the Prior Art
DE 198 58 231 A1 has disclosed a stamped screen, which is inserted into a housing cover and is fastened to the housing cover by means of ultrasonic welding or warm caulking of positioning pins provided for this purpose. This means that in addition to inserting the stamped screen into the housing cover, another manufacturing step is required, namely the ultrasonic welding or the warm caulking and the devices required for them.

Stamped grid comprising a fastening element


A power tool including a power base and a tool head. The power base includes a trigger and a motor such that the trigger actuatable to drive the motor. The tool head is driven by the motor, and includes a lockout mechanism that inhibits actuation of the trigger in a locked. The lockout mechanism is manually rotatable from the locked position to an unlocked position in which the trigger is actuatable to drive the motor.

The present invention relates to a power tool system including a handle, or power base, and a tool head attachable to the power base. More specifically, the present invention relates to a lockout mechanism for preventing unintended actuation of a trigger for the power base.
Power tools utilize rotation of a motor to provide useful torque for operation such as drilling, driving fasteners, and the like. The motor drives the tool head and is actuated by a trigger located on the power base. Typically, the motor is not actuatable while the power tool is unassembled (i.e., when the tool head is not coupled to the power base) because a trigger lockout mechanism prevents the trigger from being depressible. However, upon engagement of the tool head with the power base, the trigger lockout mechanism is automatically unlocked. As a result, the user does not have control over whether or not the trigger remains locked because as long as the power tool is assembled the trigger lockout mechanism is unlocked.

Techtronic Power Tools Technology Limited


An hydraulic based system for mechanically braked motor vehicles of the type that move brake rods with two ends, the distal end mechanically coupled to a motor vehicle braking device at the wheel of the motor vehicle and the proximal end mechanically coupled to a mechanical brake system structure of the motor vehicle. The system includes a hydraulic cylinder inserted into or at an end of each of the brake rods, to translate motion of the mechanical brake system structure to hydraulic force that then moves the distal portion of the brake rod located between the cylinder and the braking device, and a hydraulic fluid distribution system fluidly interconnecting all of the cylinders.

There are two inherent problems with mechanical brakes on automobiles and other motor vehicles that are addressed herein. First, it is nearly impossible to maintain an equal adjustment at each of the four wheels. This results in one wheel locking before the rest, causing the vehicle to skid erratically. The second problem is that the brakes apply equal force to both the front and rear wheels. It is well understood that most of the braking force should be applied to the front wheels.

Hydraulic brake system for mechanically braked motor vehicles


In an optical sensor device employing an amorphous silicon photodiode, an external amplifier IC and the like are required due to low current capacity of the sensor element in order to improve the load driving capacity. It leads to increase in cost and mounting space of the optical sensor device. In addition, noise may easily superimpose since the photodiode and the amplifier IC are connected to each other over a printed circuit board. According to the invention, an amorphous silicon photodiode and an amplifier configured by a thin film transistor are formed integrally over a substrate so that the load driving capacity is improved while reducing cost and mounting space. Superimposing noise can be also reduced.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to an optical sensor device, and particularly to an optical sensor device configured by a thin film semiconductor element. Further, the invention relates to an electronic apparatus using the optical sensor device.
2. Description of the Related Art
In recent years, cellular phones have been widely used with the advance of telecommunication technology. In future, transmission of moving images and transmission of a larger volume of information are expected. In addition, through reduction in weight of personal computers, those adapted for mobile communication have been produced. Information terminals called PDAs originated in electronic notebooks have also been produced in large quantities and widely used. With the development of display devices, the majority of portable information devices is equipped with a flat panel display.
In such a display device, brightness of the periphery thereof is detected so as to control the display luminance. The suitable display luminance obtained by detecting the peripheral brightness enables power reduction. An optical sensor device for controlling luminance is applied to cellular phones, personal computers, and the like. (e.g., Patent Document 1).
Meanwhile, an optical sensor device is used for the convergence control in a display device having a projector. In the convergence control, an image is controlled so as not to cause the deviation of respective images of each color of RGB. Each image position of RGB is detected to dispose the image at an appropriate position by using an optical sensor. (e.g., Patent Document 2).
These optical sensor devices adopt an amorphous silicon photodiode. Compared to a single crystal silicon photodiode, an amorphous silicon photodiode is less sensitive to the light on the long wavelength side, namely in the infrared region. Respective sensitive characteristics of the amorphous silicon photodiode and the single crystal silicon photodiode are shown in FIG. 13. The amorphous silicon photodiode is less sensitive to the light in the region except the visible light region, which is similar to the human visual sensitivity. On the other hand, the single crystal silicon photodiode is much sensitive even to the light in the infrared region. Therefore, the single crystal silicon photodiode reacts differently from the visual sensitivity in the case where there is some infrared light. This is why the optical sensor device using the amorphous silicon photodiode is suitable for this case.
The above-described optical sensor device configured by the amorphous silicon photodiode has the following problem. As for an amorphous silicon photodiode, output current thereof is smaller than that of a single crystal silicon photodiode while the light sensitivity is close to the human visual sensitivity as mentioned above. Thus, it is difficult for the amorphous silicon photodiode to drive another circuit directly. The optical sensor device is, consequently, configured by the combination of an amorphous silicon photodiode 502, an external amplifier circuit 501, and a feedback resistor 503 so that output current of the amorphous silicon photodiode 502 is converted into voltage by the feedback resistor 503, which is then outputted from an output terminal 504 as a voltage output.                [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2003-60744        [Patent Document 2] Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2003-47017

Optical sensor device and electronic apparatus with an amplifier circuit and dual level shift circuit

Semiconductor Energy Laboratory Co., Ltd.


An operation device includes a connecting member mounted on and moved with a working device of a tenoner. A positioning mechanism is mounted on and moved with the connecting member and includes a tube mounted on the connecting member and adapted to be fixed at various positions, an elastic member and a shaft retained in a hollow of the tube. The shaft includes an end extended outside of the tube and a roller mounted on the end and engaged with a guiding member. The elastic member is disposed between the tube and the shaft and selectively depressed such that the elastic member enables the shaft to movably engage with an undulated edge of the guiding member in a quick and accurate manner.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to an operation device and, in particular, to a device that facilitates a user to quickly and accurately displace a working device of a tenoner to manufacture a tenon and/or mortise during the working process.
2. Description of the Related Art
U.S. Pat. No. 6,929,042 entitled "SEMI-AUTOMATIC MORTISING MACHINE"shows a mortising machine including a support bar, a working device utilized to manufacture a tenon and/or a mortise in a workpiece, and a guide device movably mounted thereon for directing the working device to cut the workpiece. The support bar includes a plurality of protuberances collectively defining an undulated edge. The guide device includes a molding bar mounted thereon. The guide device can move the molding bar along the undulated edge of the support bar. Thus, the working device can cut tenons and/or mortises in the workpiece according to the profile of the undulated edge. Further, the molding bar includes a second end formed with a locking groove, and a thread rod has a bolt head selectively locked in the locking groove. When the bolt head is disengaged from the locking groove, the molding bar can be adjusted with respect to the support bar in order to vary a distance therebetween. A problem is that it is difficult to move the molding bar along the undulated edge quickly and accurately and to vary the distance between the molding bar and the support bar.
The present invention is, therefore, intended to obviate or at least alleviate the problems encountered in the prior art.

Operation device for quick and accurate control of working device of tenoner


In a connector having a group of contacts arrayed at narrow pitches on a base member, a contact fixture device is formed separately from the base member forming a connector body. The contact fixture device is provided with retaining claws adapted to secure the fixture device to the base member. The contact fixture device is further provided with a presser portion disposed across a group of seat elements of the group of contacts. The presser portion is laid across the group of seat elements to urge the group of seat elements against a surface of the base member when the fixture device is secured to the base member with the retaining claws. In this manner, the group of contacts can be arrayed on the base member.

1. Field of the Invention
This invention relates to a connector having a number of contacts arrayed at narrow pitches on a base member, and particularly to an array structure of a group of contacts on the base member.
2. Brief Description of the Prior Art
The conventional mount-to-contact type IC socket as represented by Japanese Utility Model Publication No. Hei 2-31790 has a structure in which each contact has a horizontal U-shaped contact element, an upper U-curved element of the horizontal U-shaped contact element is formed as a contact element on which a terminal of an IC is to be mounted for contact, and a lower U-curved element thereof is formed as a seat element received on an upper surface of a base member. For each of the contact elements, a male terminal extending downward from the seat element is preliminarily pressingly fitted in an implanting hole formed in the base member, and a press-fit claw disposed at a basal portion of the male terminal is caused to bite into an inner wall of the implanting hole thereby providing an array structure of a plurality of contacts arranged at narrow pitches on the base member.
In recent years, as the manufacturing technique progresses, IC's are increased in pole number and miniaturized. Therefore, IC's of narrow pitches, in which IC terminals are arranged at 0.2 mm pitches or at similar pitches, are commercially available. Therefore, sockets which are suitable for such IC's are demanded. Especially, a group of contacts arrayed on a socket are required to be implanted at narrow pitches so as to correspond to the narrow pitches of the IC terminals. This naturally follows that the pitches of the implanting holes of the contacts are required to be reduced, and the sizes of the contacts are required to be more and more miniaturized.
However, the conventional structure, in which contact implanting holes are preliminarily formed in a base member and male terminals of contacts are press fitted therein, has the following problems. By reason of the reduced pitches of the contact implanting holes, the thickness of a wall between adjacent contact implanting holes becomes extremely thin, and is therefore difficult to shape. Even if shaping is possible, a wall having a thickness sufficient to bear the press-fit of a press-fit claw is unobtainable. On the contrary, the male terminals become thinner and thinner as the miniaturization of contacts progresses and a sufficient amount of projection of the press-fit claw is difficult to obtain. As a result, it is difficult to provide a claw which is sufficiently strong to bear the press-fit.


A prosthetic heart valve having a stent, a plurality of leaflets positioned within the stent, and a suspension assembly coupled to the leaflets and the stent. The suspension assembly includes a central support structure that is spaced from the plurality of leaflets in the direction of blood flow. A plurality of elongate suspension members are secured to the central support structure, and at least one elongate suspension member is secured to each leaflet of the valve, thereby providing mechanical reinforcement for the leaflets.

The human heart contains four valves: the tricuspid valve, the pulmonic valve, the mitral valve and the aortic valve. Proper functioning of each of these valves is essential to good health. A variety of pathologies, such as congenital defects, endocarditis, and rheumatic fever, can lead to dysfunction of one or more heart valves and, ultimately, to heart failure. Recent statistics show that each year, in the United States alone, valvular heart disease is responsible for nearly 20,000 deaths and is a contributing factor in approximately 42,000 deaths.
Surgical replacement of a diseased human heart valve with a prosthetic valve was first performed successfully in 1960. The procedure is now common, with approximately 300,000 patients worldwide undergoing heart valve replacement surgery each year. For the vast majority of patients, open heart surgical valve procedures provide an established form of therapy with reasonable risk and are proven to have long-term benefits.
The first practical experiment utilizing a minimally invasive, transcatheter heart valve (THV) was reported in 1992. Investigators fabricated a stent-mounted bioprosthetic valve and implanted it via balloon catheter, which demonstrated the feasibility of percutaneous implantation. The use of a stent-mounted bioprosthesis for pulmonic valve replacement was pioneered in 2000. Using a bovine jugular vein valve mounted within a stent, the first in-human percutaneous implantations of artificial valves in children with right ventricle to pulmonary prosthetic conduits were performed. This achievement clearly marked the beginning of the era of percutaneous valve replacement therapy in patients. The first in-human percutaneous aortic valve replacement was reported in 2002 on a 57-year-old man with inoperable critical aortic stenosis. Recently, in November 2011, U.S. FDA approved the Edwards SAPIEN transcatheter valve for use in the U.S. market.
Currently, transcatheter valve replacement holds promise for a large number of patients who otherwise have limited or no treatment options. However, it also poses various challenges due to its unique disease treatment mechanism. The transcatheter valve technique relies at least partially upon a frictional type of engagement between an expanded stent structure and the native tissue to maintain the position of the transcatheter valve for its normal function. The transcatheter valve stent can become partially embedded in the valve tissue during radial expansion. Improper host-implant interactions can lead to various dangerous events for the patient. For instance, excessive radial force from transcatheter aortic valve stent expansion may cause injury to the aorta, while insufficient force may lead to paravalvular leakage and device migration.
For patients with valve stenosis, heavy calcium deposition on the valve leaflets and on the valve root can also cause a distortion of transcatheter valve geometries, resulting in a valve of an elliptical shape instead of a nominal circular shape. Recent studies indicate that transcatheter aortic valve frames often do not reach their nominal designed dimensions but instead undergo asymmetric or non-circular expansion. An elliptical transcatheter valve configuration can result in negative clinical consequences, such as affecting leaflet coaptation, which can cause valve regurgitation. Furthermore, without proper leaflet apposition, uneven distribution of stress on the leaflets may affect a valve's long-term performance and durability.
Currently, transcatheter aortic valve replacement is not recommended for bicuspid aortic valve (BAV) patients because of the elliptical shape of the BAV and a high possibility of paravalvular leak caused by the gap between a circular transcatheter valve and an elliptical BAV shape. Recently, it has been found that a distorted, elliptical transcatheter aortic valve induces a significant increase in the leaflet peak stresses (143% at the eccentricity of 0.68) and strains (59% at the eccentricity of 0.68) compared with the nominal circular TAV under the same boundary/loading conditions.
An artificial heart valve that employs a leaflet design, whether a transcatheter heart valve or a surgical bioprosthetic heart valve, is susceptible to wear and tear of the leaflet material, due to normal valve cycling over prolonged periods of time. Studies have shown that the regions of tearing of bioprosthetic heart valve correlate with the regions of high tensile and bending stresses acting on the leaflets during opening and closing. Stress concentrations within the cusp can either directly accelerate tissue structural fatigue damage, or initiate calcification by causing structural disintegration, enabling multiple pathways of calcification that can lead to valve failure.
Thus, what is needed in the art is a prosthetic valve device that reduces leaflet stress and accommodates elliptical deformation of the transcatheter valve after implantation.


An image compression coding apparatus which can obtain coded data with minimum coding distortion within an allowable compression ratio range while minimizing a deterioration in the performance of a system, and a control method for the apparatus.

Currently, many digital imaging devices incorporate compression coding processing functions for still images. So-called digital cameras and the like are typical among these digital imaging devices. A digital color copying machine is one of the digital imaging devices incorporating compression coding processing functions.
In a digital color copying machine, the original reading unit incorporates a compression coding processing function for read original image data in order to reduce the amount of data transferred from the original reading unit to the printing unit when the read original image data is transferred. The printing unit incorporates a decompression/decoding processing function for compression-coded original image data.
The data amount of the coded original image data generated by the compression coding processing unit provided on the output stage of the original reading unit can be reduced to about one-severalth to one-ten-oddth of the data amount of the original image data before compression coding processing, i.e., the original image data that has only been read.
With regard to a reduction degree for the data amount of original image data before a coded original image data is compression-coded, i.e., an allowable compression ratio upper limit, a value at which it is not easy to visually recognize coding distortion from reconstructed image data obtained by decompression/decoding processing is set as an allowable upper limit.
An allowable lower limit of the above compression ratios is uniquely determined by various system parameters in the system, such as the maximum data amount of original image data that can be read by the original reading unit per unit time and the maximum data transfer amount of compression-coded original image data when they are transferred from the original reading unit to the printing unit.
Even if allowable compression ratio upper and lower limits are set in this manner, it is not easy to perform compression coding processing such that the compression ratios for all original image data supplied fall within that range. This is because even if compression coding processing is performed by using identical coding parameters represented by quantization tables, the data amounts of the resultant coded original image data vary depending on the original image data. In other words, read original image data vary in compression ratio for each original.
This is because every read original image data differs in deviation in terms of spatial frequency and its degree, and various techniques for minimizing the redundancy of compression-coded image data are used in compression coding processing for such original image data, including runlength coding for transform coefficients whose values are 0 and entropy coding using variable-length codes.
In order to perform compression coding processing such that compression ratios for all original image data fall within the range between the allowable upper limit and the allowable lower limit, coding parameters to be applied to the respective data to be compression-coded, i.e., the respective original image data to be supplied, must be adaptively changed.
To perform compression coding processing at a constant compression ratio, coding control called information amount control or code amount control must be implemented. Practical methods of implementing the above information amount control are roughly classified into two known methods: a feedforward method and feedback method.
In the feedforward method, before compression coding processing, a dynamic range, power, and various statistical information are calculated from original image data input as data to be compression-coded, and an optimal coding parameter is predicted on the basis of the calculated values. Thereafter, actual compression coding processing is performed by using the obtained coding parameter. In contrast to this, in the feedback method, after an optimal coding parameter is predicted from the actually measured coded data amount obtained by performing trial compression coding processing, final compression coding processing is performed by using the obtained coding parameter.
Of these methods, the feedback method of predicting an optimal coding parameter from the actually measured value of the coded data amount obtained by trial compression coding processing can obtain a predictive value of a coding parameter for the generation of a coded data amount with higher precision than in the feedforward method, because the feedback method directly uses an actually obtained coded data amount for the calculation of a predictive value. Theoretically, however, this feedback method takes more time overhead spent for trial compression coding processing.
In contrast to this, a trial algorithm can be repeatedly applied a finite number of times to a system which can tolerate an increase in processing time due to the repetition of compression coding processing for one original image data until a coded data is obtained at a target compression ratio, i.e., a system that is not required to have very high real-time operability and performance (e.g., Japanese Patent Publication No. 8-32037).
In general, however, a digital imaging device such as a digital camera or digital color copying machine is required to have high real-time operability and performance. It is therefore important for the device to minimize the time overhead spent for trial compression coding processing for the prediction of an optimal coding parameter. In addition, sufficiently high prediction precision is required for the device.
It is readily anticipated that the prediction precision of an optimal coding parameter in information amount control using the feedback method can be effectively improved by performing trial compression coding processing by using many different coding parameters a plural number of times and increasing the number of combinations of the coding parameters and the actually measured values of coded data amounts that are actually obtained.
In order to minimize the time overhead, this device needs to have arithmetic circuits or processing circuits equal in number to coding parameters used for trial compression coding processing, and some contrivance is required to, for example, perform trial compression coding processing at high speed by operating these circuits in parallel. Several techniques have been proposed to solve such a problem. As one of the techniques, a technique associated with parallel circuit architectures is known (e.g., "60 to 140 Mbps Compliant HDTV Codec" (Video Information, January 1992, p. 51 to 58).
According to the above reference, for example, an optimal coding parameter, i.e., an optimal quantization table, can be obtained by performing curve approximation on the basis of N coded data amounts obtained from a compression coding apparatus having N quantization circuits and N generated code amount measurement circuits by using N quantization tables as a plurality of coding parameters.
A technique of suppressing an increase in circuit size with a similar arrangement has also been proposed (for example, Japanese Patent No. 2523953). According to this reference, three quantization circuits are provided to concurrently perform quantizing operations using five quantization tables in trial compression coding processing, thereby calculating five coded data amount values.
Assume that one image data is to be compression-coded. In this case, in moving image compression coding using a coding scheme capable of sequentially proceeding with compression coding processing while adaptively changing a coding parameter, and more specifically, a scaling value for a quantization table, an algorithm for sequentially correcting a coding parameter in an image compression coding apparatus can be used (see, for example, Japanese Patent No. 2897563).
According to Japanese Patent No. 2897563, in trial compression coding processing, the data amount of coded data obtained by quantization using a specific quantization scaling value is calculated on a block basis. The data amount of M coded data which is expected to be obtained by using M quantization scale values is predicted on the basis of the calculated data amount. This apparatus proceeds with compression coding processing while sequentially correcting the actually used quantization scaling value on the basis of the difference between the target coded data amount calculated from the M predictive values and the cumulative value of the data amounts of coded data which have been actually output up to the current time point, i.e., a prediction error.
There is also disclosed a technique used in an electronic camera apparatus (see, for example, Japanese Patent No. 3038022) in which in order to prevent the amount of coded data that are actually generated from exceeding an allowable upper limit against prediction, when the data amount of coded data actually obtained by quantization and variable-length coding using the quantization step value derived from the coded data amount obtained in trial compression coding processing exceeds the data amount assigned on a block basis, the variable-length coding for the corresponding block is aborted (significant transform coefficient information is discarded).
The above conventional techniques in information amount control using the feedback method are common in that an optimal coding parameter and a coded data amount predictive value to be generated by the coding parameter are derived on the basis of one or a plurality of actually measured coded data amounts obtained by trial compression coding processing.
In the JPEG coding scheme currently widely used as a general still image compression coding scheme, only one combination of values in a quantization step value matrix, i.e., a quantization table, which is one of the most representative coding parameters is commonly applied to all the blocks constituting one data to be compression-coded.
Provided that a still image compression coding scheme like the one described above with a limitation being imposed on the degree of freedom of coding parameters is used, the above algorithm for sequentially correcting a coding parameter cannot be used in any of the above conventional techniques.
According to the above algorithm disclosed in Japanese Patent No. 3038022, when the data amount of a coded data exceeds a data amount assigned per block, the variable-length coding for the block is aborted. Even if, therefore, the data amount of the final coded data obtained upon completion of compression coding processing for all the blocks constituting image data does not exceed an allowable upper limit, even a significant transform coefficient that need not be discarded is discarded. As a consequence, local variations in compression coding distortion occur in a reconstructed image obtained by decompression/decoding processing, and hence it is not preferable to apply such compression coding processing to a digital imaging device.
According to the above description, when a still image compression coding scheme with a limitation being imposed on the degree of freedom of coding parameters, such as the JPEG coding scheme, is to be used for a digital imaging device, it is optimal that compression coding operations are simultaneously performed by using different coding parameters by increasing the number of parallel operations within an allowable circuit size range, and one of the resultant coded data which exhibits the least coding distortion within an allowable compression ratio range is output. However, as the number of parallel operations increases, the overhead in transferring and storing coded data in a memory through a transmission path increases, resulting in a deterioration in system performance.
There is also available a method of determining a new coding parameter at the time point a coded data exceeds a compression ratio range and redoing compression coding processing from the start of data to be coded instead of increasing the number of parallel operations. However, the time spent for this redoing, i.e., re-coding processing, directly leads to a deterioration in system performance.

Image compression coding apparatus and control method therefor


For the purpose of constructing a transversal gradient coil, formed by a conductor, for producing a target field distribution with a prescribed current in a magnetic resonance imaging system, a series of points defining the locations of the coil conductor on a carrier are identified by placing a grid mesh network of elementary saddle coils over the carrier, calculating the magnetic field of these elementary saddle coils and defining a number of ampere-turns for each elementary saddle coil with a fit algorithm on the basis of the target field distribution. The discrete conductor position points are then identified by integration which, in combination, define the path of the coil conductor on the carrier.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention is directed to a method for constructing a transversal gradient coil of the type employed in a nuclear magnetic resonance tomography apparatus.
2. Description of the Prior Art
As is known, a topical resolution of the nuclear magnetic resonance signals in a magnetic resonance tomography apparatus ensues by superimposing a magnetic field gradient on a uniform, static basic field on the order of magnitude of 1 T. The principles of such imaging are explained, for example, in the article "NMR Imaging Techniques and Applications: A Review", Bottomley, Review of Scientific Instrumentation, Vol. 53, No. 9, September 1982, pages 1319-1337. For obtaining a topical resolution in three dimensions, magnetic field gradients in three directions, preferably disposed perpendicularly relative to each other, must be generated. Conventional arrangements of transversal and axial gradient coils in a magnetic resonance imaging apparatus are shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, wherein a Cartesian coordinate system with axes respectively extending in the x, y, z directions is schematically shown to illustrate the directions of the respective gradients.
The conventional arrangement of transversal gradient coils shown in FIG. 1 is for generating a magnetic field gradient G.sub.y in y-direction. The gradient coils 2 are in the form of saddle coils, which are secured on a carrying cylinder 1. A substantially constant magnetic field gradient G.sub.y is generated in y-direction within a spherical examination volume 11 as a result of the conductor sections 2a. Due to their size and distance from the examination volume, the return conductors generate only slight magnetic field components in the examination volume 11, and these slight contributions are thus usually not considered in the design of the gradient coil.
The gradient coils for the generating the magnetic field gradient g.sub.x in the x-direction are constructed identical to the gradient coils 2 for the G.sub.y magnetic field gradient, but are rotated 90.degree. in azimuthal direction on the carrying cylinder 1. For clarity, the coils for generating the G.sub.x gradient are not shown in FIG. 1.
Axial gradient coils 3 for generating a magnetic field gradient G.sub.z in the z-direction are schematically shown in FIG. 2. The coils 3 are annular and are symmetrically disposed relative to the center of the examination volume 11. Because the two individual coils 3a and 3b have current flowing through them in opposite directions, as indicated in FIG. 2, they generate a magnetic field in the z-direction.
High demands are made on the linearity of the gradient fields in order to avoid image distortions. These high demands cannot be satisfied with the simple, schematically illustrated conductor structures shown in FIGS. 1 and 2. In particular, the transversal gradient coils for respectively generating the G.sub.x and G.sub.y gradients are complex in terms of design, and are the subject of the gradient coil construction method disclosed herein.
There are basically two procedures for designing gradient coils, namely the analytical projection method and the numerical projection method.
The analytical projection method inherently has the problem that the desired, linear field path, in its strictly mathematical form, results in solutions which cannot be technologically achieved, making the introduction of "relaxing" or "forgiving" boundary conditions necessary. Arbitrary error terms are attached to the algorithm with respect to degree, order and amplitude, which generally do not represent an optimum with respect to structures which can be physically or technologically achieved.
The numerical projection technique has the advantage that, on the basis of suitable mathematical organization methods (for example, least squares fit in the simplest case), deviations which are minimized only in their amplitude, but not with respect to the degree and to the order of the disturbance, are derived in addition to the desired field course. Because the projection already takes the physical nature of the arrangement into consideration, a "natural error spectrum" will be derived.
Due to the large parameter space, however, numerical methods are generally limited to simple coil geometries (for example, saddle coils).
A more complex coil geometry is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 4,456,881. The coil area is therein is subdivided into a plurality of surface elements. A current density vector is defined in each of these elements such that the current density distribution resulting therefrom generates the desired target field with a maximally permissible error amplitude. Because this method does not take the continuity condition into consideration, the coils calculated in this manner lack respective conductor returns. These are therefore attached to the outermost end of the coil, without taking their influence on the gradient field into consideration. A field error results therefrom, which constitutes a disadvantage of this known method.

Method for constructing a transversal gradient coil in a magnetic resonance imaging system


A catalyst composition suitable for effecting simultaneous hydrodesulphurisation and hydrodemetallisation of sulphur and metals containing feedstocks which shows a high hydrodesulphurisation activity, a high hydrodemetallisation activity, and a long life is disclosed.. The catalyst includes: a) a support, at least 90 wt. % of which includes alumina, which alumina has an R value of from 0.08 to 0.30, the R value being defined as the ratio between the integrated intensity of the X-ray diffraction peak at 2 .theta.=32.degree. and the integrated intensity of the X-ray diffraction peak at 2 .theta.=46.degree., b) from 2 to 8 wt. % of a Group VIB metal component, calculated as metal, c) from 0.5 to 2.5 wt. % of a Group VIII metal component, calculated as metal; and d) a pore size distribution as determined by nitrogen adsorption satisfying the following requirements: (i) a pore volume of from 0.5 to 1.0 ml/g, (ii) an average pore diameter of from 18 to 30 nm, and (iii) of the pore volume of pores with a diameter below 60 nm at least 40% is present in pores within a range of the average pore diameter .+-.5 nm.. A process for use of this catalyst and for its preparation is also disclosed.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a hydroprocessing catalyst, more particularly, to a catalyst suitable for effecting simultaneous hydrodesulphurisation and hydrodemetallisation of sulphur- and metals-containing feedstocks. The invention further relates to a process for the use of this catalyst, and to a process for the preparation thereof.
2. Description of the Related Art
One of the steps in the preparation of ready-for-use products from heavy oil fractions is the complete or partial removal of impurities. Heavy feedstocks, such as feeds based on atmospheric residual oils, vacuum residual oils, tar sand oils, and shale oils generally contain sulphur components and metallic components. These impurities can be removed by contacting the feedstock with a hydroprocessing catalyst at elevated temperature and pressure in the presence of hydrogen. This will cause the sulphur compound to be converted to H.sub.2 S, while the metals precipitate on the catalyst particles.
The catalysts which are to effect this combined hydrodesulphurisation and hydrodemetallisation have to satisfy quite stringent requirements. On the one hand, the hydrodesulphurisation and hydrodemetallisation activity of the catalyst should be high, while on the other, the catalyst should have a long life. It has proven difficult to find a catalyst which satisfies all three demands simultaneously. This is so because these demands are inconsistent among themselves. For example, if one improves the hydrodesulphurisation activity by increasing the metals content of the catalyst, it turns out that this measure is accompanied by a shorter catalyst life.
Alternatively, if one increases the average pore diameter of the catalyst to increase its hydrodemetallisation activity, the resulting lower surface area will lead to decreased hydrodesulphurisation activity.
In the literature, several hydroprocessing catalysts have been proposed to effect simultaneous hydrodesulphurisation and hydrodemetallisation of hydrocarbon feeds, all of which have tried to find the optimum combination of hydrodesulphurisation activity, hydrodemetallisation activity, and catalyst life.
U.S. Pat. No. 4,588,709 has tried to solve this problem by preparing the catalyst by way of a specific double impregnation procedure.
U.S. Pat. No. 3,931,052 describes a catalyst for simultaneous hydrodesulphurisation and hydrodemetallisation with a relatively low surface area, the support of which preferably consists of delta- and/or theta-alumina.
U.S. Pat. No. 5,223,472 describes a catalyst for the simultaneous hydrodesulphurisation and hydrodemetallisation of hydrocarbon feeds, the support of which comprises at least 10 wt. % of delta-alumina and the balance gamma-alumina. However, it appears that none of these catalysts satisfies all the requirements of high hydrodesulphurisation activity, high hydrodemetallisation activity, and a long life. Hence, there is still need for a catalyst composition which combines high hydrodesulphurisation activity with high hydrodemetallisation activity and a long life.

Hydroprocessing catalyst and use thereof


The image formation system of the invention provides a compact apparatus for viewing indicia on a planar mirror-like (specular) substrate, such as a semiconductor wafer. The invention is particularly effective in viewing indicia that require either brightfield or high-angle darkfield illumination. These and other benefits of the invention are provided in part by providing selective directional focusing and defocusing of the reflected image of the illumination elements that illuminate the indicia, while providing substantial focusing of the image of the indicia at high contrast. In the case of high-angle darkfield illumination, directionally selective focusing maximizes useful darkfield area by minimizing interference between the reflected image of the illumination sources and the image of the indicia, while the contrast of the image of the indicia is maximized.

Silicon wafers are commonly marked with serial numbers, bar codes, or other indicia for identifying and tracking wafers throughout the process steps of semiconductor device fabrication. Typically, the indicia are created by forming small surface disruptions in an otherwise uniformly flat and reflective (mirror-like or specular) surface of the wafer. These surface disruptions can be formed using a high intensity laser light, or a diamond scribe, for example, to selectively remove or redistribute the material that forms the reflective surface of the wafer, thereby producing small pits in the surface having, for example, a cup-shaped cross-section.
To access the identification and tracking information represented by the indicia, a machine vision system can be used to acquire and analyze an image of the indicia. Image acquisition includes the step of image formation, i.e., forming an image of the indicia on, for example, an image sensor, such as a CCD array in a CCD camera. The CCD array then provides a signal representing the indicia that is digitally processed to determine the information represented by the indicia.
In practice, the step of forming an image of the indicia can be complicated by the presence of irregularities on the wafer surface, or by changes in surface characteristics resulting from the various deposition steps involved in the semiconductor manufacturing process. In fact, known image formation schemes do not provide adequate performance in certain important situations wherein the indicia have been degraded by process steps, resulting in indicia reading errors. Moreover, existing imaging systems are experiencing further difficulties detecting the newer "soft marks". To form a readable image of indicia on the surface of a semiconductor wafer throughout a series of semiconductor process steps, the readability of the output image produced by the image formation system must be unaffected by the consequent changes in the appearance of the indicia.
Known systems for detecting indicia formed in the surface of a semiconductor wafer include a light source for illuminating the surface of the wafer, and a camera that has a lens system with an adjustable circular aperture stop for forming images on an imaging device, such as a CCD array. In such systems, some fraction of the light rays transmitted towards the portion of the wafer surface bearing the indicia are reflected by the wafer surface, and are then received by the camera to form an image of the indicia.
To adapt to the changes in the appearance of the indicia due to the sequence of processing steps, it is known to condition, modulate, shape or otherwise control the transmitted light, i.e., the light rays transmitted towards the portion of the wafer surface bearing the indicia.
For example, it is known to selectively block a portion of the transmitted light, i.e., the set of all light rays emitted by the light source, before the transmitted light impinges upon the wafer surface. In particular, Wilt et al., U. S. Pat. Nos. 5,231,536, and 5,469,294 teach an illumination system for recognition of indicia on a reflective substrate having a plurality of light sources, and a plurality of opaque masks and/or baffles that stop selected light rays emitted by the light sources from reaching the reflective substrate.
Other methods of controlling transmitted light before it reaches the surface of a mirror-like substrate include collimating the light, such that only light rays characterized by substantially similar angle of incidence impinge upon the surface of the substrate. Light can be substantially collimated by placing the light source at a great distance from the surface of the substrate, or by use of light collimating optics. Also, controlling the angle of incidence of the transmitted light in other ways can be employed.
However, these and other known systems for imaging indicia on a mirror-like substrate tend to be large, expensive to manufacture, and difficult to integrate into existing equipment, such as wafer probers, and other semiconductor device manufacturing equipment. They also tend to be too heavy to mount on existing robot arm assemblies.

Image formation apparatus for viewing indicia on a planar specular substrate


Particular techniques for improving the scalability of concurrent programs (e.g., lock-based applications) may be effective in some environments and for some workloads, but not others. The systems described herein may automatically choose appropriate ones of these techniques to apply when executing lock-based applications at runtime, based on observations of the application in the current environment and with the current workload. In one example, two techniques for improving lock scalability (e.g., transactional lock elision using hardware transactional memory, and optimistic software techniques) may be integrated together. A lightweight runtime library built for this purpose may adapt its approach to managing concurrency by dynamically selecting one or more of these techniques (at different times) during execution of a given application. In this Adaptive Lock Elision approach, the techniques may be selected (based on pluggable policies) at runtime to achieve good performance on different platforms and for different workloads.

1. Field of the Disclosure
This disclosure relates generally to synchronization mechanisms for use in concurrent programming, and more particularly to systems and methods for implementing adaptive lock elision.
2. Description of the Related Art
Over the past decade, the focus of the computing industry has shifted from making faster computing cores to building systems with more cores per processor chip and more processor chips per system. To continue to benefit from advances in technology, therefore, applications must be able to exploit increasing numbers of cores concurrently. Constructing scalable applications that can do so is increasingly challenging as the number of cores grows, and this is exacerbated by other issues, such as the increasing latency gap between "local" and "remote" resources such as caches and memory.
In response to these growing challenges, researchers have sought techniques to support effective development of scalable concurrent programs, including techniques for improving lock scalability. While a number of such techniques have proved useful in some contexts, they are typically well-suited to particular use cases and workloads, but are ineffective in improving scalability (or even harm scalability) for other use cases. Furthermore, some techniques (e.g., transactional lock elision) depend on specific hardware support that is not available on all target platforms, while others use software techniques that may be difficult or impossible to apply to some problems.
Exacerbating the problem further, software is often required to target a variety of hardware platforms, system sizes and system configurations. Developers who hope to select and tune the best strategies and mechanisms for each context often find that these choices depend on the workload, which can change over time even for a given application on a given platform. It is difficult and expensive to build and maintain variants that are optimized for a variety of environments and workloads. Therefore, developers are often forced to optimize for a small number of "most important" configurations, at the cost of significantly degraded performance in other contexts.
Transactional Memory (TM) is a promising concurrency control technology that aids programmers writing parallel programs to perform correct data sharing between concurrent computations (which commonly manifest as "threads"). Transactional memory is widely considered to be the most promising avenue for addressing issues encountered in concurrent programming and execution. Using transactional memory, programmers may specify what should be done atomically, rather than how this atomicity should be achieved. The transactional memory implementation may then be responsible for guaranteeing the atomicity, largely relieving programmers of the complexity, tradeoffs, and software engineering problems typically associated with concurrent programming and execution. In general, transactional memory may be implemented in hardware, with the hardware transactional memory (HTM) directly ensuring that a transaction is atomic, or as software transactional memory (STM) that provides the "illusion" that a transaction is atomic, even though in fact it is executed in smaller atomic steps by underlying hardware. HTM solutions are generally faster than STM ones, but so-called "best-effort" HTM implementations may not be guaranteed to be able to commit any particular transaction. Recently developed Hybrid Transactional Memory (HyTM) implementations may allow transactions to be executed using hardware transactional memory if it is available (and when it is effective), or using software transactional memory otherwise.

Systems and methods for adaptive integration of hardware and software lock elision techniques