In forming an image without clutters indicative of a dynamic state of an echo source containing a harmonic contrast agent based on the Doppler shift of a ultrasonic echo, the variance T of the velocity of the echo source is evaluated based on the Doppler shift, and the signal strength of the image is adjusted depending on the value of variance.

The present invention relates to an image forming method and apparatus and a ultrasonic imaging apparatus, and particularly to an image forming method and apparatus for forming an image of a dynamic state based on the Doppler shift of a ultrasonic echo, and to a ultrasonic imaging apparatus which is equipped with t he image forming apparatus.
Ultrasonic imaging of a dynamic state of the blood flow is based on the use of the Doppler shift of a ultrasonic echo created by small particles, such as red blood cells, included in blood. The produced image is displayed as a color Doppler image.
If it is needed to raise the magnitude, of echo for the blood portion, a ultrasonic contrast agent is put in blood. The ultrasonic contrast agent is a liquid including numerous fine bubbles having a diameter of around several xcexcm. Such contrast agent, in which fine bubbles produce an echo including the harmonics of the transmitted ultrasonic wave, is called harmonic contrast agent.
Due to the Doppler shift of a ultrasonic echo of body tissues in motion, Doppler signals which are unrelated to blood, i.e., clutters, emerge. A ultrasonic echo of body tissues further includes harmonic components due to the nonlinearity of ultrasonic transmission, and therefore clutters also emerge in the harmonic region.
Clutter""s attributable to body tissues are featured to have a large power and a small velocity as compared with blood-caused signals, and this fact is utilized to separate clutters from blood-caused signals thereby to diminish the clutters. However, this scheme is not sufficient to remove clutters completely.
It is an object of the present invention is to accomplish an image forming method and apparatus capable of producing an image of dynamic state without clutters and a ultrasonic imaging apparatus which is equipped with the image forming apparatus.
Before describing a means of solving the problem, the characteristics of a ultrasonic echo which a harmonic contrast agent produces will be explained. The harmonic contrast agent is featured to have its Doppler shift exhibiting the LOC (Loss of Correlation) phenomenon, besides the creation of a harmonic echo of the transmitted ultrasonic wave.
The velocity evaluated based on the Doppler shift having the LOC phenomenon has an extremely large variance, and it can be distinguished clearly from clutters which are generally small in variance. The present invention utilizes such characteristics of the Doppler shift of the harmonic contrast agent.
(1) The invention at a first viewpoint intending to solve the above-mentioned problem resides in an image forming method which forms an image indicative of a dynamic state of an echo source containing a harmonic contrast agent based on the Doppler shift of a ultrasonic echo, and is characterized by evaluating the variance of the velocity of the echo source based on the Doppler shift, and adjusting the signal strength of the image depending on the value of variance.
The invention at this viewpoint is designed to adjust the signal strength of the image depending on the value of the variance of velocity of the echo source, and in consequence it is possible to prevent clutter elements which are generally small in variance from appearing in the image. It is also possible to emphasize the dynamic state image of the harmonic contrast agent which is generally large in variance.
(2) The invention at other viewpoint intending to solve the above-mentioned problem resides in an image forming method which forms an image indicative of a dynamic state of an echo source containing a harmonic contrast agent based on the Doppler shift of a ultrasonic echo, and is characterized by evaluating the variance of the velocity of the echo source based on the Doppler shift, and minimizing the signal strength of the image when the variance is smaller than a predetermined value.
The invention at this viewpoint is designed to minimize the signal strength of the image when the variance of the velocity of the echo source is smaller than a predetermined value, and in consequence it is possible to prevent clutter elements which are generally small in variance from appearing in the image.
(3) The invention at other viewpoint intending to solve the above-mentioned problem resides in an image forming method which forms an image indicative of a dynamic state of an echo source containing a harmonic contrast agent based on the Doppler shift of a ultrasonic echo, and is characterized by evaluating the variance of the velocity of the echo source based on the Doppler shift, and multiplying a gain, which is given as a function of the variance, to the signal strength of the image.
The invention at this viewpoint,is designed to multiply a gain, which is given as a function of the variance, to the signal strength of the image, and in consequence it is possible to prevent clutter elements which are generally small in variance from appearing in the image. It is also possible to emphasize the dynamic state image of the harmonic contrast agent which is generally large in variance.
(4) The invention at other viewpoint intending to solve the above-mentioned problem resides in an image forming method which forms an image indicative of a dynamic state of an echo source containing a harmonic contrast agent based on the Doppler shift of a ultrasonic echo, and is characterized by evaluating the variance of the velocity of the echo source based on the Doppler shift, evaluating the power of a signal having the Doppler shift, and multiplying a gain, which is given as a function of the variance and power, to the signal strength of the image.
The invention at this viewpoint is designed to multiply a gain, which is given as a function of the variance and power to the signal strength of the image, and in consequence it is possible to prevent clutter elements which are generally small in variance and large in power from appearing in the image. It is also possible to emphasize the dynamic state image of the harmonic contrast agent which is generally large in variance and small in power.
(5) The invention at other viewpoint intending to solve the above-mentioned problem resides in an image forming method of any one of the items (1) through (4), which is characterized in that the dynamic state is the velocity.
The invention at this viewpoint is capable of producing a velocity image which is rid of clutters.
(6) The invention at other viewpoint intending to solve the above-mentioned problem resides in an image forming method of any one of the items (1) through (4), which is characterized in that the dynamic state is the variance of velocity.
The invention at this viewpoint is capable of producing a variance image which is rid of clutters.
(7) The invention at other viewpoint intending to solve the above-mentioned problem resides in an image forming method of any one of the items (1) through (4), which is characterized in that the dynamic state is the combination of the velocity and variance.
The invention at this viewpoint is capable of producing a velocity/variance combination image which is rid of clutters.
(8) The invention at other viewpoint intending to solve the above-mentioned problem resides in an image forming method of any one of the items (1) through (4), which is characterized in that the dynamic state is the power of a signal having the Doppler shift.
The invention at this viewpoint is capable of producing a power image which is rid of clutters.
(9) The invention at other viewpoint intending to solve the above-mentioned problem resides in an image forming method of any one of the items (1) through (4), which is characterized in that the dynamic state is the combination of the power of a signal having the Doppler shift and the variance of velocity.
The invention at this viewpoint is capable of producing a power/variance combination image which is rid of clutters.
(10) The invention at other viewpoint intending to solve the above-mentioned problem resides in an image forming method which forms an image indicative of a dynamic state of an echo source containing a harmonic contrast agent based on the Doppler shift of a ultrasonic echo, and is characterized by evaluating the variance of the velocity of the echo source based on the Doppler shift, and forming the image based on a signal which is given as a function of the variance.
The invention at this viewpoint is designed to form an image based on a signal which is given as a function of the variance, and in consequence it is possible to prevent clutter elements which are generally small in variance from appearing in the image. It is also possible to emphasize the dynamic state image of the harmonic contrast agent which is generally large in variance.
(11) The invention at other viewpoint intending to solve the above-mentioned problem resides in an image forming method which forms an image, indicative of a dynamic state of an echo source containing a harmonic contrast agent based on the Doppler shift of a ultrasonic echo, and is characterized by evaluating the variance of the velocity of the echo source based on the Doppler shift, evaluating the power of a signal having the Doppler shift, and forming the image based on a signal which is given as a function of the variance and power.
The invention at this viewpoint is designed to form an image based on a signal which is given as a function of the variance and power, and in consequence it is possible to prevent clutter elements which are generally small in variance and large in power from appearing in the image. It is also possible to emphasize the dynamic state image of the harmonic contrast agent which is generally large in variance and small in power.
(12) The invention at other viewpoint intending to solve the above-mentioned problem resides in an image forming apparatus which forms an image indicative of a dynamic state of an echo source containing a harmonic contrast agent based on the Doppler shift of a ultrasonic echo, and is characterized by comprising a variance calculation means which evaluates the variance of the velocity of the echo source based on the Doppler shift, and a signal strength adjusting means which adjusts the signal strength of the image depending on the value of variance.
The invention at this viewpoint is designed so that the signal strength adjusting means adjusts the signal strength of the image depending on the value of the variance of velocity of the echo source, and in consequence it is possible to prevent clutter elements which are generally small in variance from appearing in the image. It is also possible to emphasize the dynamic state image of the harmonic contrast agent which is generally large in variance.
(13) The invention at other viewpoint intending to solve the above-mentioned problem resides in an image forming apparatus which forms an image indicative of a dynamic state of an echo source containing a harmonic contrast agent based on the Doppler shift of a ultrasonic echo, and is characterized by comprising a variance calculation means which evaluates the variance of the velocity of the echo source based on the Doppler shift, and a signal strength adjusting means which minimizes the signal strength of the image when the variance is smaller than a predetermined value.
The present invention at this viewpoint is designed so that the signal strength adjusting means minimizes the signal strength of the image when the variance of the velocity of the echo source is smaller than a predetermined value, and in consequence it is possible to prevent clutter elements which are generally small in variance from appearing in the image.
(14) The invention at other viewpoint intending to solve the above-mentioned problem resides in an image forming apparatus which forms an image indicative of a dynamic state of an echo source containing a harmonic contrast agent based on the Doppler shift of a ultrasonic echo, and is characterized by comprising a variance calculation means which evaluates the variance of the velocity of the echo source based on the Doppler shift, and a signal strength adjusting means which multiplies a gain, which is given as a function of the variance, to the signal strength of the image.
The invention at this viewpoint is designed so that the signal strength adjusting means multiplies a gain, which is given as a function of the variance, to the signal strength of the image, and in consequence it is possible to prevent clutter elements which are generally small in variance from appearing in the image. It is also possible to emphasize the dynamic state image of the harmonic contrast agent which is generally large in variance.
(15) The invention at other viewpoint intending to solve the above-mentioned problem resides in an image forming apparatus which forms an image indicative of a dynamic state of an echo source containing a harmonic contrast agent based on the Doppler shift of a ultrasonic echo, and is characterized by comprising a variance calculation means which evaluates the variance of the velocity of the echo source based on the Doppler shift, a power calculation means which evaluates the power of a signal having the Doppler shift, and a signal strength adjusting means which multiplies a gain, which is given as a function of the variance and power, to the signal strength of the image.
The invention at this viewpoint is designed so that the signal strength adjusting means multiplies a gain, which is given as a function of the variance and power, to the signal strength of the image, and in consequence it is possible to prevent clutter elements which are generally small in variance and large in power from appearing in the image. It is also possible to emphasize the dynamic state image of the harmonic contrast agent which is generally large in variance and small in power.
(16) The invention at other viewpoint intending to solve the above-mentioned problem resides in an image forming apparatus of any one of the items (12) through (15), which is characterized in that the dynamic state is the velocity.
The invention at this viewpoint is capable of producing a velocity image which is rid of clutters.
(17) The invention at other viewpoint intending to solve the above-mentioned problem resides in an image forming apparatus of any one of the items (12) through (15), which is characterized in that the dynamic state is the variance of velocity.
The invention at this viewpoint is capable of producing a velocity image which is rid of clutters.
(18) The invention at other viewpoint intending to solve the above-mentioned problem resides in an image forming apparatus of any one of the items (12) through (15), which is characterized in that the dynamic state is the combination of the velocity and variance.
The invention at this viewpoint is capable of producing a velocity/variance combination image which is rid of clutters.
(19) The invention at other viewpoint intending to solve the above-mentioned problem resides in an image forming apparatus of any one of the items (12) through (15), which is characterized in that the dynamic state is the power of a signal having the Doppler shift.
The invention at this viewpoint is capable of producing a power image which is rid of clutters.
(20) The invention at other viewpoint intending to solve the above-mentioned problem resides in an image forming apparatus of any one of the items (13) through (16), which is characterized in that the dynamic state is the combination of the power of a signal having the Doppler shift and the variance of velocity.
The invention at this viewpoint is capable of producing a power/variance combination image which is rid of clutters.
(21) The invention at other viewpoint intending to solve the above-mentioned problem.resides in an image forming apparatus which forms an image indicative of a dynamic state of an echo source containing a harmonic contrast agent based on the Doppler shift of a ultrasonic echo, and is characterized by comprising a variance calculation means which evaluates the variance of the velocity of the echo source based on the Doppler shift, and an image forming means which forms the image based on a signal which is given as a function of the variance.
The invention at this viewpoint is designed so that the image forming means forms an image based on a signal which is given as a function of the variance, and in consequence it is possible to prevent clutter elements which are generally small in variance from appearing in the image. It is also possible to emphasize the dynamic state image of the harmonic contrast agent which is generally large in variance.
(22) The invention at other viewpoint intending to solve the above-mentioned problem resides in an image forming apparatus which forms an image indicative of a dynamic state of an echo source containing a harmonic contrast agent based on the Doppler shift of a ultrasonic echo, and is characterized by comprising a variance calculation means which evaluates the variance of the velocity of the echo source based on the Doppler shift, a power calculation means which evaluates the power of a signal having the Doppler shift, and an image forming means which forms the image based on a signal which is given as a function of the variance and power.
The invention at this viewpoint is designed so that the image forming means forms an image based on a signal which is given as a function of the variance and power, and in consequence it is possible to prevent clutter elements which are generally small in variance and large in power from appearing in the image. It is also possible, to emphasize the dynamic state image of the harmonic contrast agent which is generally large in variance and small in power.
(23) The invention at other viewpoint intending to solve the above-mentioned problem resides in a ultrasonic imaging apparatus which transmits a ultrasonic wave, receives an echo thereof, and forms an image indicative of a dynamic state of an echo source containing a harmonic contrast agent based on the Doppler shift of the ultrasonic echo, and is characterized by comprising a variance calculation means which evaluates the variance of the velocity of the echo source based on the Doppler shift, and a signal strength adjusting means which adjusts the signal strength of the image depending on the value of variance.
The inventions at this viewpoint is designed so that the signal strength adjusting means adjusts the signal strength of the image depending on the value of the variance of velocity of the echo source, and in consequence it is possible to prevent clutter elements which are generally small in variance from appearing in the image. It is also possible to emphasize the dynamic state image of the harmonic contrast agent which is generally large in variance.
(24) The invention at other viewpoint intending to solve the above-mentioned problem resides in a ultrasonic imaging apparatus which transmits a ultrasonic wave, receives an echo thereof, and forms an image indicative of a dynamic state of an echo source containing a harmonic contrast agent based on the Doppler shift of the ultrasonic echo, and is characterized by comprising a variance calculation means which evaluates the variance of the velocity of the echo source based on the Doppler shift, and a signal strength adjusting means which minimizes the signal strength of the image when the variance is smaller than a predetermined value.
The invention at this viewpoint is designed so that the signal strength adjusting means minimizes the signal strength of the image when the variance is smaller than a predetermined value, and in consequence it is possible to prevent clutter elements which are generally small in variance from appearing in the image.
(25) The invention at other viewpoint intending to solve the above-mentioned problem resides in a ultrasonic imaging apparatus which transmits a ultrasonic wave, receives an echo thereof, and forms an image indicative of a dynamic state of an echo source containing a harmonic contrast agent based on the Doppler shift of the ultrasonic echo, and is characterized by comprising a variance calculation means which evaluates the variance of the velocity of the echo source based on the Doppler shift, and a signal, strength adjusting means which multiplies a gain, which is given as a function of the variance, to the signal strength of the image.
The invention at this viewpoint is designed so that the signal strength adjusting means multiplies a gain, which is given as a function of the variance, to the signal strength of the image, and in consequence it is possible to prevent clutter elements which are generally small in variance from appearing in the image it is also possible to emphasize the dynamic state image of the harmonic contrast agent which is generally large in variance.
(26) The invention at other viewpoint intending to solve the above-mentioned problem resides in a ultrasonic imaging apparatus which transmits a ultrasonic wave, receives an echo thereof, and forms an image indicative of a dynamic state of an echo source containing a harmonic contrast agent based on the Doppler shift of the ultrasonic echo, and is characterized by comprising a variance calculation means which evaluates the variance of the velocity of the echo source based on the Doppler shift, a power calculation means which evaluates the power of a signal having the Doppler shift, and a signal strength adjusting means which multiplies a gain, which is given as a function of the variance and power, to the signal strength of the image.
The invention at this viewpoint is designed so that the signal strength adjusting means multiplies a gain, which is given as a function of the variance and power, to the signal strength of the image, and in consequence it is possible to prevent clutter elements which are generally small in variance and large in power from appearing in the image. It is also possible to emphasize the dynamic state image of the harmonic contrast agent which is generally large in variance and small in power.
(27) The invention at other viewpoint intending to solve the above-mentioned problem resides in a ultrasonic imaging apparatus of any one of the items (23) through (26), which is characterized in that the dynamic state is the velocity.
The invention,at this viewpoint is capable of producing a velocity image which is rid of clutters.
(28) The invention at other viewpoint intending to solve the above-mentioned problem resides in a ultrasonic imaging apparatus of any one of the items (23) through (26), which is characterized in that the dynamic state is the variance of velocity.
The invention at this viewpoint is capable of producing a variance image which is rid of clutters.
(29) The invention at other viewpoint intending to solve the above-mentioned problem resides in a ultrasonic imaging apparatus of any one of the items (23) through (26), which is characterized in that the dynamic state is the combination of the velocity and variance.
The invention at this viewpoint is capable of producing a velocity/variance combination image which is rid of clutters.
(30) The invention at other viewpoint intending to solve the above-mentioned problem resides in a ultrasonic imaging apparatus of any one of the items (23) through (26), which is characterized in that the dynamic state is the power of a signal having the Doppler shift.
The invention at this viewpoint is capable of producing a power image which is rid of clutters.
(31) The invention at other viewpoint intending to solve the above-mentioned problem resides in a ultrasonic imaging apparatus of any one of the items (23) through (26) which is characterized in that the dynamic state is the combination of the power of a signal having the Doppler shift and the variance of velocity.
The invention at this viewpoint is capable of producing a power/variance combination image which is rid of clutters.
(32) The invention at other viewpoint intending to solve the above-mentioned problem resides in a ultrasonic imaging apparatus which transmits a ultrasonic wave, receives an echo thereof, and forms an image indicative of a dynamic state of an echo source containing a harmonic contrast agent based on the Doppler shift of the ultrasonic echo, and is characterized by comprising a variance calculation means which evaluates the variance of the velocity of the echo source based on the Doppler shift, and an image, forming means which forms the image based on a signal which is given as a function of the variance.
The invention, at this viewpoint is designed so that the image forming means forms an image based on a signal which is given as a function of the variance, and in consequence it is possible to prevent clutter elements which are generally small in variance from appearing in the image. It is also possible to emphasize the dynamic state image of the harmonic contrast agent which is generally large in variance.
(33) The invention at other viewpoint intending to solve the above-mentioned problem resides in a ultrasonic imaging apparatus which transmits a ultrasonic wave, receives an echo thereof, and forms an image indicative of a dynamic state of an echo source containing a harmonic contrast agent based on the Doppler shift of the ultrasonic echo, and is characterized by comprising a variance calculation means which evaluates the variance of the velocity of the echo source based on the Doppler shift, a power calculation means which evaluates the power of a signal having the Doppler shift, and an image forming means which forms the image based on a signal which is given as a function of the variance and power.
The invention at this viewpoint is designed so that the image forming means forms an image based on a signal which is given as a function of the variance and power, and in consequence it is possible to prevent clutter elements which are generally small in variance and large in power from appearing in the image. It is also possible to emphasize the dynamic state image of the harmonic contrast agent which is generally large in variance and small in power.
Therefore, the present invention can accomplish an image forming method and apparatus capable of producing a dynamic state image without clutters and a ultrasonic imaging apparatus which is equipped with the image forming apparatus.
Further objects and advantages of the present invention will be apparent from the following description of the preferred embodiments of the invention as illustrated in the accompanying invention.

Image forming method and apparatus, and ultrasonic imaging apparatus

GE Medical Systems Global Technology Company, LLC


Provided are a flash memory device and a method of driving the same for reading set information and stably storing the read set information in a latch. The method of driving the flash memory device includes applying power to the flash memory device, which includes a memory cell array for storing set information used to set an operating environment of the flash memory device. An initial read operation of the memory cell array is performed to read the set information. The set information read in the initial read operation is stored in a latch. It is determined whether the set information is normally stored in the latch based on set data input to the latch and set data output from the latch.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a flash memory device, and more particularly, to a flash memory device and a method of driving the same in which reliability of set information is determined in an initial read operation.
2. Description of the Related Art
A flash memory device is a nonvolatile memory device capable of electrically erasing and storing data. The flash memory device has power consumption lower than that of a recording medium based on a magnetic disk memory, and an access time as fast as a hard disk of the magnetic disk memory.
The flash memory device may be classified as a NOR type or a NAND type according to the state of connection of cells and bit lines. In a NOR type flash memory device, at least two cell transistors are connected in parallel with a single bit line. The NOR type flash memory device stores data using channel hot electrons and erases data using Fowler-Nordheim (F-N) tunneling. A NAND type flash memory device has at least two cell transistors serially connected to a single bit line. The NAND type flash memory device stores and erases data using F-N tunneling. The NOR type flash memory device has a high operating speed, although the NOR type flash memory device cannot be highly integrated due to high current consumption. The NAND type flash memory device has an advantage in terms of high integration because the NAND type flash memory device uses a cell current lower than that of the NOR type flash memory device.
FIG. 1A is a circuit diagram of memory cells included in a conventional NAND type flash memory device. Referring to FIG. 1A, the conventional NAND type flash memory device includes memory cells M11, M12, M13 and M14, multiple wordlines WL11, WL12, WL13 and WL14, select transistors ST1 and ST2, and a bit line BL. The memory cells M11, M12, M13 and M14 and the select transistors ST1 and ST2 form a string and are connected in series between the bit line BL and a ground voltage VSS. The conventional NAND type flash memory device programs all the memory cells connected to a single wordline at a time because the conventional NAND type flash memory device uses a low cell current.
FIG. 1B is a circuit diagram of memory cells M21 through M26 included in a conventional NOR type flash memory device. Referring to FIG. 1B, the memory cells M21 through M26 are connected between bit lines BL1 and BL2 and a source line CSL. The conventional NOR type flash memory device programs a predetermined number of memory cells through a one-time programming operation because the programming of the conventional NOR type flash device involves high current consumption.
Set information required for a memory operation must be included in a memory device. An electrical fuse (E-fuse) method is a method that stores information in a memory cell, reads the information when a memory chip is operated and turns on/off a corresponding switch to transmit the information. The information stored based on the E-fuse method includes DC trim information, option information, repair information and bad block information for operation of the memory chip. This information is previously stored when a specific region of memory cells is tested.
When power is applied to the memory chip, the set information is read and stored in a latch, and a corresponding switch is turned on/off using the information stored in the latch. As such, various DC levels are set using the information required for the memory operation and column defects and block defects are repaired using the information.
However, DC trim information cannot be used while the set information is read because reading the set information stored based on an E-fuse method includes reading various information items required for the operation of a chip. That is, when power is applied to the flash memory device to read the set information, a DC level, set as a default value, is used to read the set information. Accordingly, the set information is read without using the DC trim information, and thus an error may be generated in the read data, which can result in an error in the set information stored in a latch included in the chip. Furthermore, when the operation of the flash memory device is set using the set information stored in the latch, the operation can be set incorrectly. Therefore, reading information stored based on an E-fuse method and storing the read information in a latch is not reliable.

Flash memory device and method for driving the same


The described aspects include methods and apparatus for communicating control information in a carrier aggregation configuration that uses multiple radio access technologies (RAT). A first resource assignment related to a first carrier corresponding to a first RAT can be received, as well as, a second resource assignment related to a second carrier corresponding to a second RAT. The first carrier and the second carrier are aggregated for communicating data in a wireless network. In addition, resources can be determined for communicating first RAT control data for the first RAT over an uplink carrier based at least in part on the first resource assignment. Second RAT control data can then also be communicated in containers and/or using timing for control data of the first RAT over at least a portion of the resources.

Field
The following description relates generally to wireless network communications, and more particularly to carrier aggregation.
Background
Wireless communication systems are widely deployed to provide various types of communication content such as, for example, voice, data, and so on. Typical wireless communication systems may be multiple-access systems capable of supporting communication with multiple users by sharing available system resources (e.g., bandwidth, transmit power, . . . ). Examples of such multiple-access systems may include code division multiple access (CDMA) systems, time division multiple access (TDMA) systems, frequency division multiple access (FDMA) systems, orthogonal frequency division multiple access (OFDMA) systems, and the like. Additionally, the systems can conform to specifications such as third generation partnership project (3GPP) (e.g., 3GPP LTE (Long Term Evolution)/LTE-Advanced), ultra mobile broadband (UMB), evolution data optimized (EV-DO), etc.
Generally, wireless multiple-access communication systems may simultaneously support communication for multiple mobile user equipment (UE). Each UE may communicate with one or more evolved Node B (eNB) via transmissions on forward and reverse links. The forward link (or downlink) refers to the communication link from eNB to UE, and the reverse link (or uplink) refers to the communication link from UE to eNB. Further, communications between UE and eNB may be established via single-input single-output (SISO) systems, multiple-input single-output (MISO) systems, multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) systems, and so forth.
UEs can communicate with eNBs using one or more radio access technologies (RAT), such as LTE, high speed packet access (HSPA), universal mobile telecommunication system (UMTS), and/or similar technologies or variants thereof. Some UEs can switch among RATs when communicating with given base stations to achieve diversity in network operability. In addition, carrier aggregation (CA) is developing to allow a UE to communicate with one or more eNBs over one or more component carriers (CC). This can improve throughput at the UE and/or allow the UE to receive multiple simultaneous services from various nodes. In one CA scheme, a UE can establish carriers with multiple serving cells, and can have a primary CC (PCC) with an eNB or related cell, which can be referred to as the primary cell (PCell), and one or more secondary CCs (SCC) with the same or other eNBs or cells, which can be referred to as secondary cells (SCell). The PCC or PCell can be used for communicating control data related to all CCs.

Method and apparatus for aggregating carriers of multiple radio access technologies


Provided are a tool for supporting open computing language (OpenCL) application software development for an embedded system and a supporting method thereof. The tool in conjunction with a target system includes a project management unit configured to separate and store OpenCL application software constituted of a host program and a kernel program into a host source code corresponding to the host program and a kernel source code corresponding to the kernel program, and manage a tool-chain corresponding to an OpenCL platform of the target system, and a builder configured to determine a compile type of the kernel source code and determine whether the kernel source code is built in response to the compile type. Accordingly, it is possible to rapidly provide a tool for supporting OpenCL application software development that can develop OpenCL application software for an embedded system.

1. Technical Field
Example embodiments of the present invention relate in general to a tool for effectively supporting open computing language (OpenCL) application software development and more specifically to a tool composition for supporting OpenCL application software development for an embedded system and a supporting method thereof.
2. Related Art
In recent years, with popularization of multi-core or many-core processors for improving computing performance, there has been a growing interest in software technology development for utilizing the computer system.
Open computing language (OpenCL) is one of computing standard frameworks for providing parallel computing based on multi-core or many-core processors. Here, OpenCL may be constituted of an OpenCL language, an application programming interface (API), a library, and a runtime system.
The OpenCL language that is a new parallel programming language provided by OpenCL standard makes it easy to create high-performance computing software having high efficiency and portability. That is, the OpenCL language is a latest programming language that supports heterogeneous multi-core-based parallel computing.
Meanwhile, OpenCL application software may include a host program written in C and C++ and a kernel program written in C99-based OpenCL language.
The host program performs the OpenCL application software, and performs control and data transmission between the host program and the kernel program using an OpenCL API. The kernel program is a program that performs actual computation.
Here, a typical tool for supporting OpenCL application software development requires an OpenCL software development kit (SDK) that includes OpenCL library and toolkit for developing the OpenCL application software. Specifically, core manufacturers may provide their own OpenCL SDKs developed for supporting their specific cores to developers, the developers may select and install an OpenCL SDK suitable for their development systems, and therefore an OpenCL application software development environment may be prepared.
An existing tool for supporting the OpenCL application software development is not just for a dedicated tool for the OpenCL application software development.
Accordingly, the developer has to manually and directly change and set an OpenCL development environment so that a general OpenCL development environment can allow OpenCL application software development.
In addition, the existing tool for supporting the OpenCL application software development supports only a local desktop environment, and therefore embedded system developers requiring a remote embedded development environment cannot use a general tool for supporting OpenCL application software development.
Meanwhile, with respect to a build method of a kernel source code of the kernel program of the OpenCL application software, an OpenCL development environment for an embedded system and an OpenCL development environment for a desktop should be considered differently.
Specifically, a binary code of the kernel source code may be built using an online compiler or an offline compiler.
The offline compiler is a dedicated offline compiler for an OpenCL language. Specifically, offline compilation using the offline compiler is a method of generating a binary code corresponding to a kernel source code by compiling the kernel source code before executing a host program, in other words, before executing a binary code corresponding to a source code of the host program.
Online compilation using the online compiler is a method of generating a binary code of a kernel source code written in an OpenCL language at the time of calling the binary code of the host program.
In this instance, in case of an environment of supporting desktop OpenCL application software development, offline compilers for compiling a binary code of a host program a kernel source code of a kernel program are all provided in a desktop, and therefore the environment is not significantly affected by a type of the compiler.
However, in case of an environment for supporting OpenCL application software development for an embedded system, a host system that develops OpenCL application software using a device for supporting OpenCL application software development and a target system that actually performs the OpenCL application software are separated from each other. Accordingly, a binary code of a kernel program to be transmitted to the target system may differ depending on a type of a compiler and the target system to which the binary code is to be applied.
Specifically, in case of the online compilation, the binary code of the host program and the source code of the kernel program should be transmitted to the target system.
On the other hand, in case of the offline compilation, the binary codes of the host program and the kernel program should be transmitted to the target system.
However, an existing device for supporting OpenCL application software development does not consider these points, and therefore cannot support a convenient and rapid OpenCL application software development environment. As a result, it is difficult for developers to perform OpenCL application development for an embedded system in a general OpenCL development environment.

Tool composition for supporting openCL application software development for embedded system and method thereof

ELECTRONICS AND TELECOMMUNICATIONS RESEARCH INSTITUTE


An exercise machine in the form of a stationary rigid metal construction is provided, which includes a support frame having an axle. The axle is provided on the outer side of levers. The levers are pivotally mounted on the uprights of the support frame. Limiters for limiting the movement of a weight are in the form of transverse connections between the levers and are installed on both sides of the axle. A load guide is provided between the limiters and is in the form of a bent rod having two rectilinear portions and an arc. A limiter of lever position is in the form of a U-shaped frame and is affixed to the levers. A bench is mounted on the support frame.

From the prior art, there are known exercise devices for training and development of main muscle groups by adolescents and adults exercising on out-of-door sports grounds.
There is known a stationary exercise device, comprising: an immobile frame formed by vertical posts connected to each other in upper and lower parts of a base; a seat for an exercising person; a handle; and an assembly for creating a counteracting force responsible for producing a load, said assembly comprising a lever with a movable fixing device located thereon and with a plurality of holes, wherein two hinge mounts are provided on both ends of the lever. By one of these mounts, the lower end of the lever is connected to a base of the frame, while the other mount connects the handle to the lever. To the lower part of the lever, one end of a wire rope is fixedly connected, which rope runs along the lever and passes through a roller of the movable fixing device and through a pulley wheel fixed on the upper part of the frame. A weight is fixed to the opposing end of the wire rope (see patent for utility model RU 85093 U1, Int. C1. A63B21/00, A63B23/00).
The drawbacks of this prior art device consist in low reliability and complicated adjusting of the load due to employment of the rope-and-pulley system.
There is known also a professional exercise device BODY-SOLID LVBP <<Horizontal bench press>> (see bluefrog-spb.ru/katalog), which is formed as a structure having a wide base. This structure comprises: a support frame having an axle and formed by two vertical posts; levers fixed to the axle of the frame and supplied with handles; a bench mounted on the frame; and guide members fixed to the outer sides of the levers with an appropriate number of weight elements mounted on the guide members in order to apply a desired load to the handles of the levers. Additional weight elements for adjusting the load are located on rods provided on side surfaces of the posts comprised by the support frame. To prevent inadvertent shifts of the weight elements during transportation, the guide members and rods are supplied with two locks.
The drawback of this prior art exercise device consists in that, in order to adjust the load applied to the levers, it is necessary to take off or to load some weight elements, wherein such adjustment of the load shall be performed at two sides of the exercise device.
Another drawback is constituted by necessity of fixing the weight elements, mounted on both sides, with the locks, which increases the time necessary for adjustment of the load and, therefore, decreases the time available for exercising. Moreover, there exists a possibility of dropping one or more of weight elements in the course of removing or installing them, which is disadvantageous for safety of the exercising person.
The technical solution which is closest to the invention in regard to its technical effect and an attained result is constituted by an exercise device, comprising: a support frame including an axle and posts; a weight; a guide member for the weight formed as a lever along which the weight can be shifted and fixed in the required position; and the lever having a handle. Both the guide member and the lever are pivotally mounted on the axle in the upper part of the support frame. The device further comprises a limiter of the lowermost position of the guide member and a movement limiter for the weight. Both levers are fixedly connected to each other and are located at one side of the axle (see. patent for utility model RU 62338 U1, Int. C1. A63B21/00). This exercise device may be employed in open out-of-door areas; however, it is not free from certain drawbacks.
Indeed, the closest prior art exercise device comprises the limiter which limits a downwards movement of the levers and determines their lowermost position. However, no limiter to limit an uppermost position of the levers is provided in the structure of the device. Therefore, overturning of the lever bearing the weight may take place if it is lifted by an exercising person up to a certain position. If, in result, a center of gravity of the weight passes over the axle of the support frame to be located to the left of this axle, a self-induced overturning of the lever with the weight can follow, which may result in hurting an exercising person. Another disadvantage consists in inability of adjusting the load applied to the handle of the lever as a known percentage ratio of the employed weight, so that the exercising person is unable to perform the adjustment of the load easily and quickly.


Compositions and methods for the improvement of gastrointestinal absorption and systemic utilization of nutrients and nutritional supplements, wherein the compositions comprise a minimum of 98% of pure alkaloid piperine. The method comprises oral, topical, or parenteral administration of the compositions of the invention. A new process for the extraction and purification of piperine is also disclosed.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a method for enhancing the bioavailability of nutritional compounds. The present invention also relates to compositions for such enhancement.
The fifty percent increase in life expectancy of Americans from 1930 to 1980 can, in part, be attributed to the improvement in nutrition in the United States during that period. However, the situation today remains far from ideal, since six out of ten of the leading causes of death in this county, including heart attack, cancer, cirrhosis of the liver, and diabetes, are linked to diet. It becomes increasingly obvious that many of those diseases could be prevented with a well balanced diet and efficient nutritional supplementation with certain vitamins and minerals.
The problem is particularly severe in older Americans. Approximately 30 percent of older Americans do not get the dietary requirements of all the essential nutrients. The hazards of food-drug interactions in depleting essential nutrients are well recognized. It is unavoidable that old age calls for increased use of medications. For example, use of certain antibiotics decreases absorption of calcium and iron, while EDTA chelation therapy decreases absorption of zinc, iron, copper, and magnesium.
In addition, many foods which increase the risk of cancer and cardiovascular disease have to be eliminated from the diet, which further depletes the sources of essential nutrients. For example, excellent sources of vitamin B and vitamin D, such as red meat, liver, egg yolk, cheese and dairy products, are often limited because of their high cholesterol content.
Limited menu also causes a depletion of essential amino acids, such as tryptophan, which is important precursor of neurotransmitters, and may play a role in the prevention of brain deterioration with aging.
The availability of essential nutrients is further compromised by poor gastrointestinal absorption.
The traditional way to offset insufficient nutrient supplementation, insufficient gastrointestinal absorption and insufficient metabolic utilization of essential nutrients is to administer large doses of compensating materials, such as vitamin and mineral supplements.
The present invention provides an alternative method for improving nutritional status by increasing the bioavailability of various nutritional materials.
The bioavailability of nutrients is also relevant to animal health as well as human health. Thus, the compositions and methods of the invention are also intended to be used in veterinary practice.
2. Description of Related Art
Documents describing ayurvedic medicine dating from the period between the seventh century B.C. and the sixth century A.D. describe "trikatu". Trikatu is a Sanskrit word meaning three acrids, and refers to a combination of black pepper (Piper nigrum Linn.), long pepper (Piper longum Linn.) and ginger (Zingiber officinale Rosc.). In traditional ayurvedic medicine these drugs are essential ingredients of many prescriptions and formulations used for a wide range of diseases. Experimental evidence shows that the use of "trikatu", and its constituents individually as well as collectively, enhances the bioavailability of a number of drugs. In those studies carried out in animals as well as human volunteers, it was noted that the active component responsible for the increase in bioavailability of various drugs was piperine.
Piperine, or mixtures containing piperine, have been shown to increase the bioavailability, blood levels and efficacy of a number of drugs including ingredients of vasaka leaves (Bose, K. G., (1928) Pharmacopeia India, Bose Laboratories, Calcutta), vasicine (Atal et al., Journal of Ethnopharmacology, 4, 229-233 (1981)), sparteine (Atal et al., ibid), sulfadiazine (Atal et al., ibid), rifampicin (Zutshi, U. et al. (1984) Journal of the Association of Physicians of India, 33, 223-224), phenytoin (Bano et al., Planta Medica, 1987, pp. 568-569), pentobarbitone (Majumdar, A. N. et al. (1990), Indian Journal of Experimental Biology, 28, 486-487), theophylline (Bano et al., Eur. J. Clin. Pharmacol. (1991) 41:615-617) and propranolol (ibid).
The effect of piperine on the bioavailability of propranolol has been studied. The chronic oral administration of the anti-hypertensive agent propranolol is frequently rendered difficult due to the fact that steady therapeutic levels of this drug are not achieved or maintained. In addition, large doses are needed to be administered for efficacy and this frequently causes side-effects. Piperine has been shown to enhance the bioavailability of this drug. Propranolol administered with piperine shows a significant increase in plasma levels of the drug, presumably due to decrease in metabolism by the liver.
Similar results have been obtained with piperine and vasicine, theophylline, and phenytoin. Piperine has also been added in multi-drug formulations for the treatment of tuberculosis and leprosy. A formulation containing rifampicin, pyrazinamide and isoniazid has been tested in human volunteers (Indian Patent No. 1232/DEL/89). For most drugs, the comparative levels and peak concentration of the drugs in the presence of piperine were higher. The applicability of these results to the development of anti-tuberculosis and anti-leprosy formulations, which are presently cost prohibitive in developing countries, is apparent. Bioavailability enhancement helps to lower dosage levels and shorten the treatment course.
In summary, all of these examples clearly illustrate the role of piperine as a drug bioavailability enhancer. The combination of piperine with tested drugs is effective primarily due to higher plasma concentration and a longer stay of the drugs in the body. The reduced dose of highly toxic drugs and their enhanced efficacy is obviously desirable.
The effective bioenhancing dose of piperine for drug compounds varies, but the prior art studies indicate that a dose of approximately 10% (wt/wt) of the active drug could be regarded as an appropriate bioenhancing dose for most drugs.
There are two plausible explanations of the role that piperine may have in drug bioavailability: a) non-specific mechanisms promoting rapid absorption of drugs and nutrients, e.g., increased blood supply to the gastrointestinal tract, decreased hydrochloric acid secretion which prevents breakdown of some drugs, increased emulsifying content of the gut, increased enzymes like gamma-glutamyl transpeptidase which participate in active and passive transport of nutrients to the intestinal cells, and b) non-specific mechanisms inhibiting enzymes participating in biotransformation of drugs, preventing their inactivation and elimination. See: Annamalai, A. R., Manavalan, R. (1990) Effects of `Trikatu` and its individual components and piperine on gastrointestinal tracts: Trikatu--a bioavailable enhancer. Ind. Drugs 27(12); pp. 595-604; Johri, R. K. et al. (1992) Piperine-mediated changes in the permeability of rat intestinal epithelial cells. Bioch. Pharmacol. 43; pp. 1401-1407; Atal, C. K. et al. (1985) Biochemical basis of enhanced drug availability by piperine: Evidence that piperine is a potent inhibitor of drug metabolism. J. Pharmacol. Exp. Therap. 232; pp. 258-262; and Singh, J. et al. (1986) Piperine-mediated inhibition of glucuronidation activity in intestine: evidence that piperine lowers the endogenous UDP-glucuronic acid content. J. Pharmacol. Exp. Therap. 2236; pp.448-493.
Most drugs co-administered with piperine are probably more bioavailable as a result of both of the mechanisms, i.e., increased absorption from the gut and the slow down of biotransformation, inactivation and elimination from the system. The latter mechanism is probably the most important in sustaining the elevated blood levels of the drug, and making it more bioavailable to the tissue. Although a rapid absorption to the blood stream may account for increased blood levels of the drug, it is the inhibition of drug biotransforming enzymes with piperine that makes a drug stay in the body longer, in higher quantities, which makes it more effective.
Based on available literature data, it seems that piperine in a daily dose of at least 20 mg per person operates through inhibiting enzymes that would otherwise biotransform and speed up elimination of many drugs (Zutshi, U. et al. (1989) A process for the preparation of pharmaceutical combination with enhanced activity for treatment of tuberculosis and leprosy. Indian Patent No. 1231/Del/89; Zutshi et al. (1984) Influence of piperine on rifampicin blood levels in patients of pulmonary tuberculosis. J. Assoc. Phys. Ind. 33; pp. 223-224; Ban, C. K. et al. (1991) The effect of piperine on the bioavailability and pharmacokinetics of propranolol and theophylline in healthy volunteers. European J. Clin. Pharm. 41; pp. 615-618 and Bano, G. et al. (1978) The effect of piperine on the pharmacokinetics of phenytoin in healthy volunteers. Planta Medica 53; pp. 568-570).
Interestingly, the dose of piperine that inhibits the biotransforming enzymes operates regardless of whether it is administered concurrently with the drug. This point can be illustrated by experiments with theophylline and phenytoin, where 20 mg of piperine was administered for seven days prior to the administration of either drug [Ban, C. K. et al. (1991) The effect of piperine on the bioavailability and pharmacokinetics of propranolol and theophylline in healthy volunteers. European J. Clin. Pharm. 41; pp. 615-618 and Bano, G. et al. (1978) The effect of piperine on the pharmacokinetics of phenytoin in healthy volunteers. Planta Medica 53; pp. 568-570]. Since that regimen resulted in increased blood levels of the administered drugs, and dramatically prolonged the elimination time, the plausible explanation is that the prior administration of piperine inhibited drug biotransforming enzymes. In fact, this seems to be the only explanation for the increased bioavailability, since piperine administered separately from the drug could not possibly affect gastrointestinal events leading to its rapid absorption.
Another interesting observation is that doses of piperine below what is considered effective in inhibiting the biotransforming enzymes, may still be sufficient to enhance the rapid absorption of a drug from the gut. This phenomenon can be illustrated by the co-administration of piperine with the anti-hypertensive drug propranolol (Zutshi, U. et al. (1989) A process for the preparation of pharmaceutical combination with enhanced activity for treatment of tuberculosis and leprosy. Indian Patent No. 1231/Del/89).
Propranolol when administered with piperine showed a significant increase in blood levels. The maximum blood concentration of the drug increased two fold with piperine. Importantly, despite dramatically improving the bioavailability of propranolol, piperine, as used in a 3 mg dose, did not affect the elimination rate of the drug.
In an experimental design distinct from previous studies, the anti-asthmatic drug theophylline and the anti-epileptic drug phenytoin were tested (Ban, C. K. et al. (1991) The effect of piperine on the bioavailability and pharmacokinetics of propranolol and theophylline in healthy volunteers. European J. Clin. Pharm. 41; pp. 615-618 and Bano, G. et al. (1978) The effect of piperine on the pharmacokinetics of phenytoin in healthy volunteers. Planta Medica 53; pp. 568-570). The study was done on six healthy volunteers. The participants were pretreated with 20 mg of piperine daily for seven days before receiving 150 mg of theophylline or 300 mg of phenytoin.
The maximum concentration of theophylline was 1.5 times higher in subjects pretreated with piperine. Importantly, the elimination rate of the drug was significantly slowed down with piperine pretreatment.
Phenytoin blood concentration rose more rapidly in the group pretreated with piperine than in the group receiving the drug alone. The pretreated group attained maximum concentration of the drug in shorter time and in significantly higher concentrations. The pretreatment with piperine resulted in significantly slower elimination of the drug.
The prior art discussed above clearly illustrates the role of piperine as a bioavailability enhancer, and the importance of its effective dose on the overall mechanism of enhanced bioavailability.
In the case of propranolol, the co-administration with only 3 mg of piperine resulted in doubling its blood levels, but without slowing down the drug elimination rate. Thus, it may be inferred that, in a small dose, piperine may not inhibit the biotransforming enzymes or affect the elimination rate of a drug. Rather, it may operate through enhancement of gastrointestinal events leading to rapid absorption mechanisms.

Use of piperine as a bioavailability enhancer


The application pertains to a method for an Ethernet power sourcing equipment to provide electric power to one or more Ethernet powered devices. A controlling apparatus determines a power supply mode of the Ethernet power sourcing equipment, and determines high-power Ethernet powered device(s) and low-power Ethernet powered device(s) among the Ethernet powered devices. The controlling apparatus sets a power supply priority for each of the Ethernet powered devices. In one power supply mode, the power supply priority of a high-power Ethernet powered device is same as or lower than the lowest priority of the low-power Ethernet powered device(s). When a new Ethernet powered device is connected to the Ethernet power sourcing equipment, the controlling apparatus determines whether to supply electric power to the new Ethernet powered device according to its power supply priority.

Power over Ethernet (PoE) devices are classified into Ethernet power sourcing equipments and Ethernet powered devices. An Ethernet power sourcing equipment supplies power to an Ethernet powered device through an Ethernet cable. Generally, an Ethernet power sourcing equipment can provide a single Ethernet powered device with a maximum power of 30 watts (W). In recent years, as a cloud technology develops, increasing types of devices, such as cloud terminals, high definition cameras, and notebook computers, can be supported by remote power supply applications. Power requirements of these devices may be greater than 30 W, and may even reach 60 W or 90 W. After such a high-power Ethernet powered device is connected to a power over Ethernet system, the Ethernet power sourcing equipment may be overloaded, or the use of multiple low-power Ethernet powered devices may be affected.

Power over ethernet method, apparatus, device, and system


An interactive pre-set and adjustable behavior modification device suitable for encouraging modification of various behaviors, such as reduced or increased food intake, tobacco use, and alcohol consumption for example, having a plurality of parameters from which a user may selectably choose and adjust a program or accept the default program. The device monitors, and if selected by a user, adjusts, any behavior sequence which includes behavior actions and behavior intervals. If a preset program is selected and the default used, no record of any behavior action or interval is maintained. All other programs selected are recorded and automatically adjusted for the next behavior sequence. A display on the device shows the user what has been selected and the operation of the program. It has a multiple output signals alerting a user of when to begin the next behavior action; when the pre-determined number of behavior actions has been attained; when the pre-determined number of behavior actions is being exceeded; and a special alert signal. The device is configured to accept, and modify automatically or manually, a user's intended goal and the rate at which the user desires to attain the goal. In relation to goal and rate, it is configured to accept and modify the user's physical condition at the start of each program which, when so entered, re-evaluates the progress and adjusts related programs accordingly.

This invention relates generally to the field of behavior modification and more particularly, but not by way of limitation, to an improved method and device for modifying the behavior of individuals, specifically to provide a flexible, option-filled, method for the individual to select which operational mode best suits his particular needs in modifying that behavior.
For clarity of description, dietary behavior and its modification, such as to achieve weight loss, will be described in detail, though it is to be understood that the novel modification process of the present invention is adaptable for dealing with any undesirable behavior patterns such as, but not be limited to, eating, smoking, consumption of alcohol, and addictive drug use.
The Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA) recently published the results of a long-term study ("Increasing Prevalence of Overweight Among U.S. Adults", The National Health and Nutrition Examination Surveys, 1960 to 1991, Kuczmarski, et. al., JAMA, Jul. 20, 1994--Vol. 272 No. 3, Pg. 205-211) documenting a dramatic 8% increase in the prevalence of overweight adults 20 years of age and older in the last decade. The most recent 1991 data from that study indicates that 33.4% of U.S. adults were estimated to be overweight. Based on 1990 Census data, about 60 million people fall into this category. This study noted an increase of an average of about 8 pounds per adult over the 1980's. These studies consider "overweight" as approximately 124% of the desirable weight for men and 120% of the desirable weight for women. There are many other persons who, though not overweight according to this criteria, are concerned about losing weight or maintaining current desired weight. Losing and maintaining a desired weight has been a major concern and challenge to a majority of people in this health-conscious society.
To this challenge, many commercial weight-loss regimens have appeared in the marketplace. Some of the more familiar include (1) eating plans which offer prepared meals, which are purchased from the plan provider, and are designed to limit the caloric intake of participants. These plans require strict adherence to the regimen; (2) drug-based weight loss products, which are intended to curb the appetite and typically include high doses of caffeine or other stimulants which may have major, possibly toxic or adverse, side effects; (3) diet supplements which, when taken, operate as a meal substitute and ostensibly provide needed nutrients while also curbing one's appetite; and (4) quick-fix fad type menus or crash diets which are designed to restrict an eater's intake for a specified period of time and offer quick weight loss as the result. The problems with these regimens are that they are often costly, restrictive, painful, conspicuous (particularly when in use), exploitative, difficult to use, or lack flexibility.
The fact that there are so many approaches to weight control is a testament to the general futility and temporary nature of these plans. The resulting weight loss is generally only temporary. In the absence of some significant and permanent change in behavior, which was what put the individual in his overweight condition in the first place, the individual will generally lapse into his prior familiar routine and re-gain the weight so painfully lost. Though some plans are successful for some people, no one plan has been found to yield success for all.
Behaviorists continue to study eating habits of people in an effort to determine how best to handle and treat the obese and overweight. What the studies have found is that heavy people not only eat too much, they eat too fast. As a result, they are not as quickly satiated as those who eat more slowly, in an evenly paced manner. To help the overweight lose weight, behaviorists believe that attenuating the eating speed of the overweight will lead to a chain of actions which ultimately will lead those overweight individuals to satiate more quickly than before and thereby consume less. Less food consumed will result in weight loss. For example, see Weight Control, The Behavioral Strategies, Michael D. Lebow, John Wiley & Sons: New York (1981), p. 132-139; "Eating Behavior in Obese and Normal Weight 11-Year-Old Children", International Journal of Obesity (1992), Vol. 16, p. 355-360, Barkeling, et. al.; "Relationship Between Eating Rates and Obesity", Journal of Consulting and Clinical Psychology (1975), Vol. 42, No. 2, p. 123-125, Gaul, et. al.). Generally, it has been found that overweight individuals, by eating faster, take more bites or mouthfuls than non-overweight individuals. This has lead to the popularization of the rubric "bite counting" with its underlying presumption that, if a person bites less, they will eat less. Bite counting, without a rhythm (pace) to the sequential bites, does little to alter the eating habits of fast eaters and nothing to satiate them during a meal. In fact, it can be counter-productive leading only to a final bite count realization after ingestion of a large meal and nothing more. Also, bite counting is quite difficult to maintain in a social setting, during conversation, and without some assistance to tally the bites.
Though the tests described in the articles mentioned above are not conclusive, they tend to lean favorably toward the conclusion that eating too fast can lead to delayed satiability which, in turn, leads to eating more for satiation. In other words, the simple truth to weight gain or loss is, the less one eats, the more weight one loses and the more one eats, the more weight one gains. There is an direct relationship between quantity eaten and weight gained or lost. Bite counting, without pace alteration, does little to alter one's lifelong eating behavior and, consequently, will not result in the desired weight control, be it loss or maintenance.
Some relevant prior art patents which have addressed weight control include U.S. Pat. No. 5,398,688 issued to Laniado for METHOD, SYSTEM, AND INSTRUMENT FOR MONITORING FOOD INTAKE, U.S. Pat. No. 5,233,520 issued to Kretsch for METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR MEASUREMENT OF INTAKE OF FOODS, NUTRIENTS, AND OTHER FOOD COMPONENTS IN THE DIET, U.S. Pat. No. 4,652,241 issued to McCarty for PLANNING AND CONTROL SYSTEM FOR REGULATING FOOD CONSUMPTION, and U.S. Pat. No. 4,218,611 issued to Cannon for METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR CONTROLLING EATING BEHAVIOR. Though well conceived, well-intended, and, in some cases, positive results have been achieved, none of these prior art methods and devices have been found to significantly alter one's eating behavior in such a manner as to permit the dieter virtually unlimited control of his daily dietary routine and still lose or maintain a desired weight.
The method described in the Laniado patent attempts to limit a dieter's daily food intake by clinically monitoring the dieter over a period of time, establishing and measuring a physiological variable to generate a relationship between that variable and that of the dieter's rate and/or amount of food ingested, calculating a maximum eating time to ingest a pre-determined amount of food, and providing a indicator, such as an alarm, to the dieter to stop eating when the eating time has lapsed. Though intended to limit food intake, the cause and effect of this method could easily be to force the dieter to eat faster rather than slower in order to finish before the alarm sounds. The Laniado patent does not address the overall issue of satiability and behavior modification as they relate to one another. Though this method scientifically determines a quantity and duration for ingestion, it does not address the critical components of eating habits, particularly the pacing of one's eating. This method also is not supported by literature on satiation, such as "The Role of the Gut in Regulating Food Intake in Man" Nicholas Read, Stephen French, and Karen Cunningham, Nutrition Reviews, Vol. 52 No. 1, January 1994, where it is shown that the subject will achieve ". . . satiety 35 minutes before any lipid was evident in circulation."
The method disclosed in the Kretsch patent provides an interactive computerized dietary measurement system which measures weight, nutrient value, and dietary component of all food items stored in the computer system data base. It is used to collect, process, and summarize all dietary information for the dieter so that the dieter may maintain a proper nutritional dietary regimen. Like the other prior art patents, this method fails to account for eating behaviors and their modifications. While it may be an excellent information source for a food's nutrient value, it will not alter one's method of eating food.
The system of the McCarty patent is a daily planner which includes a listing of a dieter's daily pre-determined intake and permits the dieter to manipulate any individual food group/item to any pre-selected meal time. The dieter can eat all the foods selected for that day in any sequence preferred. He must select the regimen, consult the regimen, and adhere to the pre-set regimen. This prior art patent merely directs a person to eat no more than is allowed by the plan and does nothing to alter eating behavior. These patents teach regimens that are particularly difficult to apply in restaurants and social situations with unusual foods.
The method and apparatus taught by the Cannon patent focuses on altering a dieter's eating behavior by having the dieter pre-select the number of bites or mouthfuls to be taken during a given meal, taking each bite as the apparatus is activated by the user to indicate that a bite is being taken, chewing each bite to a pre-set pre-determined cadence signal emitted by the apparatus, the chew signal, and taking the next bite when a completed-bite signal is generated after a pre-set number of chew signals have been generated. By this method, if the dieter has not finished chewing his bite when the bite signal is activated for the next bite, the dieter ostensibly has taken too large a bite portion and must reduce the next portion accordingly. The pre-set bite amount is established by the dieter after evaluating his prior eating habits, namely bite counts, per meal over a period of time such as three to seven days. After the average has been established for each meal, one bite count is subtracted when using the apparatus. As each bite is taken, the dieter must manually activate a bite counter by pressing a key on the apparatus which then visibly increments and displays the bite count while the key remains depressed. For as long as the key is depressed, the chew signal and bite signal remain deactivated. These signals begin anew after the key is released. Manual operation also provides a modicum of exercise behavior. When the counter displays the pre-set bite count, the dieter should stop eating.
The dieter is accorded 25 chews for each bite. Each chew is 0.20 seconds in duration with a 0.65 second non-chew period resulting in 0.85 seconds between chews. The duration of the chew can be up to 0.50 seconds with a 0.65 second non-chew period or 1.15 seconds between chews. Total time between bites, therefore, can range from 21.25 seconds to 37.50 seconds. The method is chew-oriented with no deviation for chew times (i.e., chew and non-chew period) other than that which is ascribed above. Intervals between bites is as indicated. There is no teaching to vary the chew pace, or the bite pace, any more than the deviation ascribed above, nor is there any means to effect such variation. There is no means associated with this apparatus which facilitates a pause between bites. Moreover, chew counting is more onerous than the previously described bite counting.
Most importantly, vesting control of the chew and bite signals in the dieter through manual operation while eating, depressing, and releasing the key undermines the entire process of attempting to change behavior. Sequential bites, the bite pace, will not be constant but will rely on the dexterity, speed, and, most importantly, the will of the dieter to activate and restart the chew/bite sequence. If the dieter does nothing when the bite signal activates or if the dieter acts to deactivate all signals, the process to change behavior is virtually aborted. Any benefits to be derived from use of the Cannon apparatus because of the dieter's unlimited control are negated.
Though suited for the intended purpose, this prior art patent lacks flexibility and automation, and is too rigid, regimented, and is too conspicuous. It directly teaches the dieter to be rigidly consistent (i.e.; to eat in the same place everyday; to use the same standard settings and utensils, always to use the same settings and utensils even for food normally eaten without utensils, and to eat without distraction or interruption). The apparatus is taught to be visible, to psychologically underscore for the user the importance for strict adherence to its signals, and to be manually operated. These features of visibility and manual operation enhance the significance and importance of the eating behavior and are alleged to facilitate its modification, but, in the process, deprive the invention of flexibility. It also does not possess any other features or options that an individual user may select which, in the user's opinion, are best suited to his needs for behavior modification.
In summary, this prior art patent cannot accommodate the lifestyles of the majority of people in today's fast-paced society; those with a need for an easy-to-use but flexible weight control system. It purports to control rather than modify behavior. Moreover, the key operation which abates all signals while depressed and continues the bite signal until depressed fails to provide that degree of automation necessary to overcome the dieter's temptations and to modify behavior. Manual operation, which is key to this apparatus, undermines its usefulness. A device without that degree of control, which is more automated, and which provides for greater flexibility will provide the greatest benefit to the user.
Though not related directly to dietary consumption, U.S. Pat. No. 4,853,854 issued to Behar describes a behavior modification device suited primarily to modifying addictive behavior, smoking in this case, and to assisting a user in withdrawal therefrom but which may be suited to modify other undesirable forms of behavior. The device contains a microprocessor which generates a personalized withdrawal program suited to the user for the user's addictive habit. The microprocessor is programmed in read-only memory with the specific control program for a particular addictive habit. When activated the device establishes a baseline phase for the modification process. Each time the user engages in a behavior sequence (such as smoking a cigarette), he informs the device which records the time of the behavior sequence occurrence. After an initial baseline phase of several days, a withdrawal regimen is personalized for the user. The device thereupon signals to the user when he may engage in that behavior sequence and its quantity or dosage.
The Behar apparatus is not multi-user oriented and focuses on when to engage in a behavior sequence and it dictates the quantity (i.e. how many cigarettes). It is not flexible, except that it may adjust a withdrawal regimen based on a user engaging in behavior sequences not signaled. It does not accord a variety of processes from which a user may default, select, or have automatically selected. Most importantly, it does not focus on the primary behavior modification facet, that of pacing the behavior actions which comprise the behavior sequence (i.e., the rate at which the user would "puff" the cigarette) as does the present invention.
What most people want is a way to easily integrate weight reduction and control in their lives with few changes, with significant flexibility to accommodate to their lifestyles, and as effortlessly as possible. They want an easy-to-use behavior modification system. They also want the flexibility to go out for dinner with others, to eat from the same menu, to eat the same foods, all the while eating less in the process. Above all, they would like to avoid the use of drugs in their selected weight control regimen. They commonly don't want to publicly draw attention to their dietary efforts. They generally don't want, or find it difficult, to exercise more; if they exercise at all. Given these realities, the best approach for weight control must focus on reduction in the amount of food to be consumed as effortlessly, flexibly, and inconspicuously as possible.
What the public desires and which the prior art patents and publications have failed to provide is to enable a user to control the quantity or intake of food without invoking the strict discipline of a fad diet, supplements or substitutes, exotic foods, or an expensive eating plan, and for such quantity to be controlled while permitting an individual to eat normally, that is, the normal menu items, anywhere, at any time. What also is needed if for such quantity of food intake to be controlled, unobtrusively and as inconspicuously as possible, and for such quantity of food intake to be controlled while further according the individual a high degree of flexibility in his daily dietary pursuits. The method and exemplary apparatus of the present invention satisfies these long-felt and long recognized needs of the public

Method and device for modifying behavior


A system and method of determining a quality ranking of user traffic directed from at least one traffic producer Web site to a traffic consumer Web site. A reference for the traffic consumer is established on a Web site of the traffic producer. The reference includes a link from the traffic producer to a traffic quality intermediary and a unique identifier to identify the traffic consumer. The traffic quality intermediary receives user traffic data associated with the user traffic directed from the traffic producer and determines a quality ranking of the user traffic based upon the user traffic data.

The advent of the Internet has resulted in an incredible amount of information accessible to any computing device connected to this vast global communication network. In addition to allowing access to this information, the Internet provides a means for communicating and conducting business from any location with a connected computer. The Internet does not have geographic boundaries and is not limited to a particular language or type of computer software/equipment. This allows users from all over the world to search, communicate and transact business.
The World Wide Web (abbreviated as "WWW" and often referred to as "the Web") is a distributed, multimedia, hypertext system. It allows users access to information on the Internet using the HyperText Transfer Protocol (HTTP) to transmit information, browsers to present this information to Web users who search or surf the Web and Web servers to retrieve the information and serve it to the browsers.
HTTP is one of the three components of the Web protocol and is a set of rules and parameters for computers to communicate over the Web. The HyperText Markup Language (HTML) and Universal Resource Locators (URL's) are the other two components of the original Web protocol. HTTP defines how information should be formatted and transmitted and also describes how browsers and Web servers communicate between one another. The HTTP standard continues to evolve and offer new capabilities in information exchange over the Web.
Information is transferred over the Web in the form of Web documents (also referred to as "Web resources" or "Web pages"). A Web page is a document created using the HyperText Markup Language (HTML) and has a unique address on the Web referenced by its URL. Web pages often contain hypertext or hyperlinks that provides a user with the ability to click on the hyperlinked text or graphics and immediately be transferred to the unique destination associated with the hyperlink. Web pages may contain multimedia elements such as text, sound, graphics and videos. While HTML is the original markup language in the Web protocol that defines the Web, other markup languages have been and are being developed for communicating over the Web. HTML is thus an evolving computer language describing how Web pages should be formatted and displayed on a user's screen.
A URL is a unique address for a specific resource or destination on the Internet and consists of the name of the protocol used to retrieve a document and the address of the computer or computers containing the Web page. It may also contain the name of a Web document itself.
Browsers, such as Microsoft Internet Explorer™ and Netscape Navigator™, are referred to as Web clients and communicate with Web servers via HTTP to request Web documents from the Web, format received Web pages and ultimately display them to the Internet users on their computer screen.
Web servers are computers running Web server programs, which handle requests from users on the Web to retrieve information referenced at a specific URL on the Web. After receiving the request, the Web server returns HTML formatted Web documents back to the requestor.
Web pages may contain HyperText URL links, or hyperlinks, to other Web pages or may themselves be presented to the user in a form of specially formatted text or graphics. When a user clicks on a hyperlink, a browser immediately requests and displays the Web page referenced in the link. This process is commonly known as hyperlinking.
One or more Web pages located in the same address on the Internet constitute a Web site. A main Web page of a Web site is typically referred to as the home page and can be configured to be accessed without specific mention of the full file name. For example, the Web site for IBM™ has the home page address of http://www.ibm.com. The home page address actually includes a specific file name such as index.html but, as in IBM's case, when a standard default name is set up, users do not have to enter the full file name. Web sites are owned and maintained by individuals, companies or organizations.
With a wealth of information available on the Internet opportunities for transacting business have opened up and continue to grow. Increasing numbers of Internet users have Web sites where information, products and services are searched for, bought and sold. The vastness of the information available on the Web has made it necessary to find ways of allowing Web users (Web surfers) to find Web sites that may be of interest to them.
Search engines, directories, portals and other resources are examples of Web sites created to assist Internet users in locating desired information on the Web. Such resources search for and collect links to Web sites and then store those links based on sets of keywords that may be relevant to the Web sites. One of the ways Web users may locate a needed Web site is by conducting a search on one of these search resources. A search is conducted by entering keywords through a search engines' or directories' Web site, obtaining a list of links to the relevant Web pages that were found in the keyword search, selecting a link by clicking on any of the links, and being redirected to a Web site whose link was clicked. A Web user may also navigate directly to a desired Web page, without the use of a search resource, by typing a URL into the address field of a browser.
The process of a Web user accessing a Web site is referred to as a "Web site visit." The result of one or more Web users visiting a Web site by clicking a link on another Web site is user traffic between the Web sites. A high number of distinct Web users navigating from one Web site to another is referred to as "high user traffic."
While some Web users visit or browse Web sites merely looking for information, some Web users visiting a Web site of an online company may choose to conduct business with that Web site. Generally, online businesses are interested in obtaining high user traffic because it is often believed that higher user traffic leads to higher sales and increased revenues.
Online companies that, by virtue of their business model, encourage Web users to navigate from their Web site(s) to other Web sites are referred to as "traffic producers." Online companies that seek to attract Web users are called "traffic consumers." An online book store is an example of a traffic consumer because it seeks to attract Web users. An Internet directory is an example of a traffic producer, because its business is to redirect Web site visitors to other Web sites such as an online bookstore. Millions of Web sites produce and/or consume user traffic every day.
FIG. 2 illustrates a typical Web user traffic flow environment with traffic consumers 210 receiving user traffic 214 from traffic producers 212. Traffic consumers 210 are the business Web sites of specific businesses promoting and/or selling products and/or services over the Internet. Examples of traffic consumers 210 illustrated in FIG. 2 are a gift Web site, an insurance reseller Web site and an online bookstore Web site. This is meant to be exemplary and not exhaustive of the many traffic consumers that exist on the Internet Web.
Traffic producer Web sites 212 are search engines, search portals, Internet directories or other Web sites from which user traffic is directed to a traffic consumer 210. Some traffic producers 212 actually play a dual role by attracting Web users 214 through a general or industry specific portal and then redirecting those same Web users 214 to other traffic producers 212 with more specific content. In that scenario, the traffic producer 212 with more specific content becomes a traffic consumer before switching its role to a traffic producer. Similarly, some traffic consumers 210 play a dual role of receiving traffic, but also redirecting user traffic to other traffic consumers 210.
Traffic consumers use various advertising techniques to obtain user traffic. Web-based advertisements come in various forms and include as examples, banners, pop-ups, paid references/listings and prominent placements on the traffic producers Web sites. Links to the traffic consumer that placed the advertisement are typically embedded in the advertisements. Web users are redirected to the traffic consumer Web site after clicking on an advertisement. Traffic consumers use various payment techniques to compensate traffic producers for placement of the advertisements and use of their Web site resources. Featuring of advertisements is one of the common ways for traffic producers to earn revenue. Traffic consumers are interested in having their advertisement appear on multiple traffic producers' Web sites to increase their exposure to Web users.
One method of Internet advertising for traffic consumers is the Pay Per Click (PPC) business model. In this model, a traffic consumer creates an advertising listing consisting of a title, description, link, and set of keywords corresponding to its Web site's focus. The traffic consumer submits the listing to the PPC search engine and selects a bid amount for each keyword. The PPC search engine features the listing for that traffic consumer along with the listings of other traffic consumers in the order of the bid amount each has selected in the results Web page when Web user searches for the bidded keyword. The higher the bid, the better the placement position of the traffic consumer's hyperlinked listing compared to the other listings with the same keywords. A Web user may click on any of the displayed listings and would get redirected to the Web site of the appropriate traffic consumer. Once a Web user clicks on a listing, the amount equal to the bidded amount for the keyword is deducted from traffic consumer's account and applied to the PPC search engine account. PPC search engines may also feature a traffic consumer's listings on the sites of its affiliate traffic producers producing even greater exposure for the traffic consumer. An example of a PPC business model is described in U.S. Pat. No. 6,269,361 to Davis, et al.
For advertising models that generate revenue for the traffic producer based on the number of users that select the advertisement, there is a clear monetary benefit for traffic producers to send as much user traffic as possible to traffic consumers. For this reason, some traffic producers may use dishonest means to generate user traffic from the traffic producer's Web site to the traffic consumer's Web site. For example, a traffic producer may offer a reward to a Web user for clicking on a traffic consumer's listing repeatedly, initiate a Web site visit on the Web users' behalf or even use a computer program to simulate Web users clicking on the traffic consumer's listing. While there is no business benefit to this type of incentified and fictitious user traffic, advertising fees would still be due from the traffic consumer. Thus, there is no guarantee that each unique Web site visit from a traffic producer will deliver the same business value to the traffic consumer. In general, each traffic producer generates user traffic of different quality from the perspective of the traffic consumer.
There exist a number of software systems, which try to measure the business value of the user traffic by comparing the amount of new business to the amount invested. This measurement is also known as Return on Investment (ROI) figure. Web users are tracked throughout their visit on the traffic consumer's Web site and the amount of money spent by them to purchase products or services is correlated to the amount spent to get them to visit the Web site.
While useful in some industries, this measurement does not have much value in other industries with long selling cycles such as the automotive industry. Web users may visit a traffic consumer's Web site as a result of advertising but may come back months later to actually make a purchase. It would be nearly impossible to correlate them to the original visitors who came months earlier. Traffic consumers using ROI analysis may spend months analyzing their Web site visitors without arriving at a clear understanding of which traffic producers have been sending them the best user traffic. Another shortcoming of ROI analysis is that it is focused on analyzing user behavior on the traffic consumer's Web site and cannot address the issue of evaluating the user online activity pattern on the traffic producer's Web sites.
Even though ROI and other measurements are useful for some online businesses, advanced programming capabilities or third party analytical software as well as long data collection periods are necessary to collect enough data for analysis to be successful. Many traffic consumers may not have the benefit of both.
No known system or method exists to assist a traffic consumer in quantifying the quality of user traffic received from a specific traffic producer. Merely knowing from which site user traffic is generated does not provide information regarding the quality of that traffic to a business-it does not quantify the likelihood that the user traffic is human generated, comes from Web users interested in the traffic consumer's wares and is relevant to the traffic consumer's line of business. With this user traffic quality information currently lacking in existing systems, a traffic consumer does not have the ability to adequately assess where to advertise, the type of advertising to place and how much to pay for the advertising.

System and method for ranking the quality of internet traffic directed from one web site to another


An evaporated fuel processing device that includes a fuel tank; a vapor passage through which evaporated fuel generated from a fuel in the fuel tank flows; a closing valve configured to open and close the vapor passage; a concentration sensor configured to detect a concentration of the evaporated fuel in the vapor passage downstream of the closing valve; and a controller. When the closing valve moves toward an open side in the closed state, the controller may specify a valve-opening-start position of the closing valve based on a concentration detected by the concentration sensor, wherein the valve-opening-start position is a position where the closing valve transitions from the closed state to the opened state.

Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2011-256778 describes an evaporated fuel processing device. The evaporated fuel processing device of Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2011-256778 includes a fuel tank, a vapor passage through which evaporated fuel generated from fuel in the fuel tank flows, a closing valve (control valve) configured to open and close the vapor passage, and a controller. The closing valve of Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2011-256778 has a dead zone range in which a flow of the evaporated fuel is not allowed even when the opening degree is increased in an open direction from an initial position, and a communicating range in which the flow of the evaporated fuel is allowed when the opening degree is increased from the opening degree in the dead zone range. The controller of Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2011-256778 determines whether the dead zone range and communicating range have been switched in the control valve based on an internal pressure of the fuel tank.


An ink contains a pigment dispersed with polymer, a surfactant, a water-soluble organic solvent, and water. The mass ratio of a content of the pigment to a content of the polymer in the ink is more than 3. The surfactant includes a fluorinated surfactant which is represented by Formula (1) and which has an HLB of 11 or less as determined by a Griffin method. The water-soluble organic solvent includes at least one selected from specific Group A. The total content of the water-soluble organic solvents of the Group-A in the ink is larger than the total content of water-soluble organic solvents other than the water-soluble organic solvents of Group A in the ink.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to an ink, an ink cartridge containing the ink, and an image-recording method using the ink.
2. Description of the Related Art
Hitherto, an ink containing a pigment (hereinafter referred to as "polymer-dispersed pigment"), dispersed with polymer, serving as a colorant has been used in an image-recording method for the purpose of increasing the abrasion resistance of images. However, the ink containing the polymer-dispersed pigment has a problem that the optical density of images is low, although the abrasion resistance of images is relatively high. Therefore, attempts have been made to increase the optical density of images in such a way that the evaporation of water is facilitated by reducing the amount of water in the ink containing the polymer-dispersed pigment and the aggregation of pigment on paper is accelerated as disclosed in Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2003-226827 (hereinafter referred to as the patent document). The patent document discloses ink containing the polymer-dispersed pigment and various organic agents such as a humectant and a penetrant.

Ink, ink cartridge, and image-recording method