An “Image Segmenter” provides a variational energy formulation for segmentation of natural objects from images. In general, the Image Segmenter operates by adopting Gaussian mixture models (GMM) to capture the appearance variation of objects in one or more images. A global image data likelihood potential is then computed and combined with local region potentials to obtain a robust and accurate estimation of pixel foreground and background distributions. Iterative minimization of a “global-local energy function” is then accomplished by evolution of a foreground/background boundary curve by level set, and estimation of a foreground/background model by fixed-point iteration, termed “quasi-semi-supervised EM.” In various embodiments, this process is further improved by providing general object shape information for use in rectifying objects segmented from the image.

1. Technical Field
The invention is related to image segmentation, and in particular, to a technique for identifying and extracting objects of interest in images through a minimization of global-local energy with respect to a global image data likelihood potential.
2. Related Art
Automatic extraction or segmentation of objects of interest from arbitrary still images as a function of foreground/background separation is a fundamental problem in computer vision. A number of conventional schemes have attempted to address this problem.
For example, one popular approach is to formulate the segmentation problem as an energy minimization problem. This general approach can be roughly categorized into one of two general categories: variational energy minimization, which usually involves solving a partial differential equation (PDE), and graph energy minimization which minimizes an energy functional using conventional graph-cut algorithms.
Image segmentation as a function of variational energy minimization is typically based on the conventional concept of "active contours." In general, the energy functionals of such techniques are usually formulated on region boundary curves and/or over regions partitioned by the boundary curves. Unfortunately, in practice, energy functionals based purely on image gradient information often get stuck in local optima, especially when there are many spurious edges in the image. As a result, image segmentation is either degraded, or fails completely. On the other hand, conventional techniques which use intensity, color and texture distributions of the image pixels over the regions to formulate the energy functional can largely overcome this problem.
Consequently, better energy formulations can be achieved by combining the edge information and the feature distribution of the image pixels. The minimization of this type of variational energy has evolved from the traditional finite difference method (FDM) and the traditional finite element method (FEM) to the more advanced "level-set" methods used in a several conventional image segmentation techniques.
A large amount of work has been done on the implementation of conventional level-set methods to reduce the computation involved during the evolution of the implicit level-set surface so as to increase the efficiency of such techniques. Conventional examples of such techniques include "narrow-band level-set" methods, methods involving level-set without re-initialization, and methods involving fast level-set implementation without the necessity of solving PDEs. In general, each of these more efficient level-set algorithms takes advantage of the property of the signed distance function, which is usually adopted as implicit level-set functions for use in solving the image segmentation problem.
Alternately, formulating the problem of image segmentation as an energy minimization (or a posterior distribution maximization) to be solved by graph cut is justified by the Markov Random Field (MRF) theory. A number of conventional graph-cut image segmentation techniques have been proposed in recent years to provide for object extraction from images.
For example, one such conventional technique involves interactive object extraction. A related technique, referred to as the "iterative Grab-cut system," adopts an efficient min-cut/max-flow algorithm to minimize the energy function. This min-cut/max-flow algorithm is guaranteed to find the global optimal for certain types of energy functions which satisfy the property that they are functions of binary variables, submodular, and can be written as the sum of terms involving at most three variables at a time. For energy functions with multi-label variables, approximate solutions can be obtained by applying conventional algorithms which utilize a sequence of binary moves such as alpha-expansion, alpha-beta swap and k-jumps, etc. Although there are efficient polynomial time algorithms for min-cut/max-flow algorithms, the types of energy functions that can be minimized by these algorithms are generally limited. Examples of more general but less efficient conventional algorithms, which can sample from arbitrary posterior distributions and thus can minimize a more general set of energy functions, include the "Swendsen-Wang cut" and the "generalized m-way Swendsen-Wang cut."
In general, both the variational energy minimization approach and the graph energy minimization approach share the same basic methodology: formulating an objective energy function and solving the resulting optimization problem. The basic differences between the two techniques involve the different optimization strategies adopted by each technique. For example, variational energy minimization based techniques can typically be converted to a PDE and solved by FDM, FEM and level-set, while the graph energy minimization based techniques can be solved by any of a number of min-cut/max-flow algorithms, including the aforementioned Swendsen-Wang cut. The particular type of optimization scheme that is best suited for a particular technique is usually determined by the type of objective function involved. Further, the objective function is also a main factor determining the quality of the segmentation results.

Segmentation of objects by minimizing global-local variational energy


A multifunction speaker comprises a frame made of an insulation material and having a terminal supporting portion, a pair of supporting springs are partly embedded in the frame. A magnetic circuit is resiliently supported in the frame by the springs, a diaphragm is secured to the frame, a coil is secured to the diaphragm, an upper metal protector and a lower metal protector are set on the frame. The upper and lower protectors are secured to each other so as to shield the frame except the terminal supporting portion of the frame, a pair of terminals are provided on the terminal supporting portion, each of the terminals is connected to an end of the coil, and a ground terminal is provided on the terminal supporting portion and is connected to either of the upper and lower protectors.

The present invention relates to a multifunction speaker used in a mobile transmission instrument such as a portable telephone, PDA (Personal Digital Assistant) and video game device. The multifunction speaker is provided with a vibrating function device for informing a user when a calling signal is applied.
A conventional mobile transmission instrument such as a portable telephone and PDA is generally adapted to change the calling operation thereof from generating buzzer sounds and melodies to vibrating a case of the instrument without producing sounds for informing the user of a calling signal. In order to achieve that kind of operation, a small speaker for generating sounds and a vibrating device in which an eccentric weight is vibrated by the rotation of a small motor are provided separately in a mobile transmission instrument. However, incorporating both the speaker and the vibrating device in the instrument is disadvantageous in rendering the instrument compact and inexpensive. Thus, there has been provided a multifunction speaker capable of generating both the sounds and the vibration within a single device such as that described in FIG. 1 and paragraphs 0016 to 0019 of Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open 2001-225010.
FIG. 8 is a plan view of that kind of conventional multifunction speaker 101 mentioned above, FIG. 9 is a sectional view taken along a line IX-IX of FIG. 8, and FIG. 10 is a bottom view of the multifunction speaker 101.
Referring to FIGS. 8 and 9, the multifunction speaker 101 comprises a substantially cylindrical molded frame 102 having cylindrical portion 102a. A part of the periphery of the cylindrical portion 102a is extended to form a terminal supporting portion 102b. The cylindrical molded frame 102 has an upper stepped portion 102c. An upper first supporting spring plate 103 is mounted on a stepped portion 102c of the cylindrical portion 102a and a lower second spring plate 104 is attached on an underside 102d of the frame 102. Each of the spring plates 103 and 104 comprises an annular inner portion, annular outer portion, and a plurality of arcuate arms connecting the inner and outer portions.
On the lower second spring plate 104, there is mounted a pole piece 105 made of a magnetic material and having a center pole 105a and a flange 105b. An annular magnet 106 is securely mounted on the flange 105b and an annular top plate 107 made of a magnetic material is securely mounted on the annular magnet 106 thereby forming a magnetic circuit 112. The inner periphery of the spring plate 103 abuts on the outer edge of the top plate 107 thereby to support the top plate 107. Accordingly, the magnetic circuit 112 is resiliently supported in the frame 102 by the first and second spring plates 103 and 104.
A plastic diaphragm 108 is mounted on the upper stepped portion 102c of the frame 102 and held by a ring 110 having an L shape in section. A cylindrical coil 111 which is secured to a lower part of the diaphragm 108 is inserted in a magnetic gap G formed between the inner periphery of the top plate 107 and the outer periphery of the center pole 105a.
A positive terminal 113 and a negative terminal 114 each having a U-shaped section are inserted in respective slits formed in the terminal supporting portion 102b of the frame 102. Each of the positive and negative terminals 113 and 114 is bent after being inserted in the slit. Both ends of the positive and negative terminals 113 and 114 have an overlapped portion, respectively. Hence a pair of external terminals are formed. Ends 111a of the cylindrical coil 111 are connected to the terminals by solders. A resin 116 is applied to protect the solders 115.
The multifunction speaker 101 further has a disk shaped metallic first protector 117, the periphery of which is embedded in the ring 110. The first protector 117 has a plurality of sound emanating holes 117a. A disk shaped metallic second protector 118 is mounted on the lower portion of the frame 102 interposing the second spring plate 104 and an annular spacer 120. The second protector 118 has a plurality of vents 118a as shown in FIG. 10.
In operation, when a driving signal of audio frequency is applied to the cylindrical coil 111, the cylindrical coil 111 generates an exciting force which interferes with the magnetism of the magnet 106. Accordingly, the diaphragm 108 is vibrated due to the attraction in the magnetic circuit 112 to generate sounds. When the frequency of the applied signal is low, while no sound is generated from the diaphragm 108, since the magnetic circuit 112 is resiliently supported in the frame 102, the relative position of the coil 111 to the magnetic circuit 112 changes, so that the magnetic circuit 112 is vibrated. The vibration is transmitted to the frame 102 causing a case in which the multifunction speaker 101 is housed to resonate. As a result, when the multifunction speaker 101 is adopted in a small instrument such as a video game device and telephone, the user is able to feel the vibration at the fingertip or other parts of the body with which the case is in contact. Hence the production of both the sound and vibration becomes possible with only one speaker.
However, in the conventional multifunction speaker, since the side periphery of the frame is not covered by a protector, external electromagnetic waves and electric field have an influence on the operation of the magnetic circuit, causing electromagnetic noises which affect the performance of the speaker. Furthermore, in the case of a conventional multifunction speaker being used in a portable telephone for example, the caused electromagnetic noises also affect the external instrument, the portable telephone here.


Systems, methods, apparatuses, and arrangements enable information to be communicated across a link using different types of signaling. For example, a first type of information is communicated across a bus using a first type of signaling while a second type of information is communicated across the bus using a second type of signaling. By way of example but not limitation, in certain implementation(s) a system including a transmitting unit and a receiving unit are connected by a multi-line bus. The transmitting unit transmits data signals over the multi-line bus using differential signaling and transmits control signals over the multi-line bus using single-ended signaling. The receiving unit interprets signals received in a differential signaling format via the multi-line bus as data signals and interprets signals received in a single-ended signaling format via the multi-line bus as control signals.

Electronic devices such as televisions, camcorders, personal digital assistants (PDAs), mobile telephones, computers, etc. play increasingly important roles in our work, family, and recreational lives. These electronic devices are constructed using solid-state components, including multiple integrated circuits (ICs). Each IC typically includes logic elements such as operational elements, memory elements, etc. that are used to internally process data and perform other tasks/functions. Usually, logic elements for each IC are formed on a "die" of silicon or other semiconductor material. The IC is then surrounded by plastic or a similar material to create an IC package. Extending from the IC die through the IC packaging are input/output (I/O) pins that enable communication between the logic elements of the IC and the external world. Multiple ICs that work together in an electronic device are interconnected using one or more busses to which the I/O pins of individual ICs are connected.
Generally, the greater the number and types of features that are provided by an IC, the more I/O pins that are required for providing such features at any given throughput. In other words, the number of I/O pins on an IC limits the number of signals that can be input to or output from the IC at any given instant. It can therefore be beneficial to have many I/O pins for an IC. However, each of these I/O pins occupies a finite amount of "real estate" on the IC packaging. Consequently, for a given IC packaging size, there are a finite number of I/O pins that may be included and, potentially, a limited amount of features that may be provided at a given throughput. In other words, the physical size of an IC can limit its performance to the extent that the corresponding number of I/O pins is limited.
From a pin count perspective, it may therefore appear to be advantageous to increase the size of the IC die and packaging in order to maximize pin count to accommodate all desired features. However, the cost of the IC, especially of the IC die, increases dramatically as the size of the die increases. Also, the ability to construct compact electronic devices is hindered when the size of the overall IC packaging is increased. Hence, there is a conflict between (i) reducing the size and cost of an IC and (ii) adding functionality thereto that is I/O dependent due to pin count limitations. This conflict between pin count demands and performance goals is exacerbated with ICs that employ differential signaling because two I/O pins are usually used to communicate one signal.

Method and apparatus for communicating information using different signaling types


An interior vehicle trim panel includes a panel body having a front face and an under face. The under face has a tear seam to allow an airbag to exit the panel body when the airbag is deployed. The tear seam defines an airbag door. A sheet of hinge material attached to the under face of the airbag door of the panel body. An airbag collar is attached to the under face of the panel body about the airbag door. An airbag housing is attached to the airbag collar, such that a portion of the sheet of hinge material is secured between the airbag collar and the airbag housing, thereby forming an interior vehicle trim panel.

Incorporation of airbags into vehicles has created many design challenges for automotive designers. It is desirable to incorporate an airbag into an instrument panel in front of the vehicle passenger seat. When incorporating an airbag into an instrument panel it is necessary to provide an airbag cover portion in the instrument panel that will reliably and safely tear, such that the passenger is protected. To this end, a tear seam has generally been provided in the airbag cover portion of an instrument panel to insure that the airbag will safely deploy.
Vehicle designers prefer to have a continuous surface on the front face of the instrument panel whenever possible, so they would prefer to avoid having a tear seam in the instrument panel. Thus, recently there has been an effort to achieve a "seamless" design wherein there is no indication on the front face of the instrument panel that the airbag is behind the instrument panel. To achieve this design, tear seams or tear strips provided in the instrument panel are only provided on the under face, and not on the front face of the instrument panel.
The instrument panel must perform the utilitarian function of breaking apart along its tear seam to allow the air bag to exit through the airbag cover portion of the instrument panel when deployed. Additionally, the airbag cover portion of the instrument panel must not break apart, especially during cold deployment, so as to present projectile(s) which may injure an occupant of the motor vehicle.
Thus, it is desirable to provide an improved airbag support assembly for an airbag. Preferably, such an improved airbag support assembly would permit a reduction in the occurrence of undesirable projectiles during deployment of the airbag.

Airbag support assembly for a vehicle instrument panel


Techniques are disclosed for rendering graphics objects in a scene file. A first pixel is selected from a plurality of pixels that are associated with an image frame. A set of graphics objects that intersect with the first pixel is identified. For each graphics objects in the first set of graphics objects. a set of light sources that illuminates the respective graphics object at the first pixel is identified, and, for each light source in the set of light sources, an entry is stored in a first table that includes references to the first pixel, the respective graphics object, and the respective light source.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to the field of computer animation and, in particular, to efficient feedback-based illumination and scatter culling.
2. Description of the Related Art
Production of animated films often include complex geometric detail which give rise to very long render times for each rendered image frame. During a typical render, a small portion of a three-dimensional (3D) scene file description is visible in the final rendered image, as defined by the position and direction of a virtual camera that is directed at the 3D scene file. The scene file includes the set of graphics objects and light sources included in a 3D space.
Because only a small portion of a 3D scene file is visible in any given shot, a significant amount of render time may be spent on computing illumination of graphics objects by light sources that have minimal or no effect on the final rendered image. For example, a given shot of an animated film could use only a subset of the lights set up by sequence lighting, also referred to herein as master lighting, where master lighting defines all of the light sources used in a particular 3D scene file. Depending on the position and direction of the virtual camera, many lights defined during master lighting could be removed from a particular shot, where those light sources have little or no contribution to the visible surfaces in that shot. In one approach, such light sources may be manually removed from the scene file, and the scene file may be re-rendered to see if the removed light source had a negative impact on the final rendered image. However, removing light sources manually involves human interaction, which is tedious and not cost effective.
Likewise, a significant amount of render time may be spent in generating point cloud files associated with subsurface scatter effects that are not used by the final render. Subsurface scatter occurs where an object that is not directly visible in an image frame, nevertheless contributes to the rendered image. For example, one object may be covered by another object which is transparent or translucent. Objects not seen in an image frame may be removed via techniques involving hidden surface removal. Such techniques are typically insufficient, in that hidden surface removal does not account for subsurface scatter effects, where objects that are not visible in the rendered image frame, nevertheless contribute to one or more pixels in the rendered image frame. Removing hidden surfaces without accounting for subsurface scatter effects results in visual errors in the rendered image frame. As a result, render time is spent generating point cloud images for objects that have little or no visible impact on the final scene.

Efficient feedback-based illumination and scatter culling


A method of interconnecting and an interconnect is provided to connect a first component and a second component of an integrated circuit. The interconnect includes a plurality of Carbon Nanotubes (CNTs), which provide a conducting path between the first component and the second component. The interconnect further includes a passivation layer to fill the gaps between adjacent CNTs. A method of producing Anisotropic Conductive Film (ACF) and an ACF is provided. The ACF includes a plurality of CNTs, which provide a conducting path between a first side of the ACF and a second side of the ACF. The sides of the ACF can also include a conductive curable adhesive layer. In an embodiment, the conductive curable adhesive layer can incorporate a B-stage cross-linkable polymer and silver particles.

The embodiments of the present invention relate to the field of integrated circuit devices, and more particularly to the field of fabrication of an interconnect and to the field of producing Anisotropic Conductive Film (ACF).
In an integrated circuit device, one component is attached to another component using an interconnect. The interconnect provides a conductive path to connect the two components of the integrated circuit device. Examples of the components include a Silicon (Si) die, a substrate, and a board.
Conventional interconnect technologies involves the use of metallic bumps or a conductive film to provide the conductive path. In the case of metallic bumps, as the size of the components decreases, the bump size needs to be decreased. The reduced bump size results in a higher current density. This results in increased resistance and electromigration. Further, in the case of conductive films, the conductive path is not continuous and, hence, the current-carrying capability is less.

Microelectronic package interconnect and method of fabrication thereof


The present invention is used in an image-recording apparatus wherein a substantially uniform layer of triboelectrically charged thermoplastic toner particles is deposited onto an imaging member. The toner particles are imagewise heated such that the heated toner particles are thermally tacked to the imaging member. The imaging member is then contacted with a mass of magnetic carrier particles to attract nonheated toner particles to the carrier particles, thereby removing nonheated toner particles from the imaging member and ladening the carrier particles with the removed toner particles. In accordance with the invention, upon using the carrier particles to attract and remove toner from the imaging member, the toner-laden carrier particles are mixed with a supply of carrier particles in which the average number of toner particles per carrier particle is lower than that of said toner-laden carrier particles. This produces a mixture of carrier particles in which the average amount of toner attracted to each carrier particle is substantially lower than that of the toner-laden carrier particles. This mixture is then subjected to a detoning step in which essentially all of the toner on each carrier particle is removed prior to the carrier particles being contacted to the imaging member again.

1. Technical Field of the Invention
The present invention relates generally to the field of image recording apparatus and, more specifically, to an improved method and apparatus by which toner particles are removed from an imaging member.
2. Background Art
The cross-referenced application discloses a method and apparatus for producing images on an imaging member. Such apparatus utilizes a moving imaging member onto which a substantially uniform layer of thermoplastic toner particles is deposited. The toner particles are imagewise heated by a scanning, intensity-modulated laser beam which lightly tacks the heated toner particles to the imaging member. Those toner particles which are not tacked to the imaging member (i.e. the nonheated toner particles) are removed from the imaging member by an electrically biased magnetic brush utilizing magnetic carrier particles. The remaining toner defines an image on the imaging member.
The toner-removing magnetic brush includes a nonmagnetic shell having a magnetic core disposed therein. The core is composed of a series of magnetic strips of alternating polarity. Relative movement is provided between the shell and core, and an electrical bias is applied to the shell. Magnetic carrier particles are applied to the shell and remain there due to their attraction to the magnetic core. When the imaging member is contacted by the carrier particles, the nonheated toner particles are attracted to the carrier particles and are thereby removed from the imaging member.
In the above imaging process, it will be appreciated that a large quantity of toner particles must be removed from the imaging member in a short period of time in order to efficiently create images. In fact, more toner is sometimes removed from the imaging member than is left behind to form the image. To prevent the toner-removing magnetic brush from quickly loading-up with toner particles and thereby rendering the brush ineffective as a toner removing device, a biased roller (referred to as a "detoning" roller) can be arranged to contact the brush "nap" downstream of the nip between the brush and imaging member. Such a roller is electrically biased to strip toner from the carrier particles and thereby allow the denuded carrier particles to be used again to remove toner from the imaging member. The toner on the detone roller is removed by, for example, a skive and is either recycled or discarded. While such a toner removing system can operate effectively at slow speeds, it does not lend itself to high speed imaging. This is because such large amounts of toner particles become attached to the carrier particles that it is very difficult for the detoning roller to remove all the toner from the carrier when images are being created at high speed.

Recording apparatus with magnetic brush removal of non-tacked toner


Methods, systems, and apparatus, including computer programs encoded on a computer storage medium, are described for scheduling tasks of ML workloads. A system receives requests to perform the workloads and determines, based on the requests, resource requirements to perform the workloads. The system includes multiple hosts and each host includes multiple accelerators. The system determines a quantity of hosts assigned to execute tasks of the workload based on the resource requirement and the accelerators for each host. For each host in the quantity of hosts, the system generates a task specification based on a memory access topology of the host. The specification specifies the task to be executed at the host using resources of the host that include the multiple accelerators. The system provides the task specifications to the hosts and performs the workloads when each host executes assigned tasks specified in the task specifications for the host.

This specification generally relates to scheduling tasks of computing workloads and allocating resources used to perform the tasks of the computing workloads.
Distributed computing systems generally include various resources such as central processing units (CPUs), storage components, and image/speech processing accelerators, video transcoding accelerators or neural network processors (e.g., machine-learning (ML) accelerators). These resources can interact to process tasks of an example computing workload, such as a workload for training a ML system or an inference workload for classifying an image or generating a transcription for speech recognition.
Existing schemes for processing workloads regularly require accessing memory and exchanging data communications between computing resources or groups of resources in a distributed system that are non-local (or remote) relative to each other. Such non-local memory access operations and data communications are often bandwidth intensive, which can lead to performance bottlenecks in a computing cluster when a host's bandwidth for cross-socket (e.g., remote) operations is limited.

Task scheduling for machine-learning workloads


An apparatus for locating a defect in a scan chain by recording the last bit position in a serial data stream at which a certain data state is observed during a test comprising a plurality of patterns.

Digital logic consists of combinational logic functions and sequential logic functions. In combinational logic functions, the digital output(s) is determined by the present data state of its input data signals. Any change in an input data state of combinational logic function results in an immediate change in the function's output data state. Examples of these combinational logic functions are AND gates (a TRUE state on ALL inputs results in a TRUE state on the output), OR gates (a TRUE state on ANY input results in a TRUE state on the output), and Multiplexers (the output state is derived from one of a set of inputs that is selected from another set of inputs). Sequential logic functions differ in that the output data state (Q) can maintain a data state that is dependent on the input data states that were applied in the past. The most commonly used sequential function in logic designs is the flipflop. The flipflop's output data (Q) state changes only when there is a positive transition on its input clock (C) signal. At the time of this transition, the output data (Q) state changes to the state on its input data (D) signal. After the clock signal transition, the output (Q) maintains its state regardless of the data input data state. Each clock transition is referred to as a data cycle. Normally these data cycles occur at regularly scheduled intervals which represent the effective data rate of the circuit. Normal operation of the circuit will typically involve millions of data cycles.
To add testability to a circuit, flipflops are modified to facilitate the setting and reading of their data states using a data path that is independent of the functional combinational logic. This is referred to as Design For Test (DFT). FIG. 1 depicts a circuit element consisting of four (4) flipflops with the combinational logic enclosed in a "black box" for simplicity. FIG. 2 depicts the same circuit with a scan chain implemented. This implementation involves adding a signal multiplexer in the data input (D) of each flipflop. A single control signal called Scan Enable is added to control the selection of these multiplexers. When the Scan Enable signal is low, the circuit works as normal, meaning the data input to the flipflops comes from the combinational logic. When scan enable is set to a "1" state, the input of each flipflop is connected to the output of another flipflop. The data input to the first flipflop in this scan chain is brought out to an external pin of the device. Likewise the data output of the last flipflop in the chain are brought out to an external pin (Scan Out of the device. FIG. 3 depicts how this implementation facilitates the shifting in of a test pattern on the Scan In pin to every flipflop in the circuit. After the test pattern is shifted in, the Scan Enable signal is brought low for one cycle and the data outputs of the combinational logic resulting from the shifted in test pattern is captured in the flip-flops. The Scan Enable signal is then brought back high and the captured data results are shifted out of the Scan Out pin and compared against expected results by the tester. Any operational defect in the combinational logic will cause one or more bits of the data output sequence to differ from the expected results.
Building upon the illustration of the principle discussed above, a typical IC design might implement thousands of flipflops in each scan chain, and employ multiple scan chains across the IC. Also there are commonly several thousand different scan patterns applied in a test (a single pattern refers to the complete set of sequential data that is shifted into each flipflop, requiring that each pattern contain one unique data state for each flip-flop in the design). This results in an extremely large volume of test data that is applied to and tested for during the testing of a complex IC. Moreover the multiple scan chains within a device will rarely if ever have exactly identical length so a test pattern will frequently have don't cares.
The role of IC test may to verify that an IC is free of any manufacturing defects. During the execution of a test pattern, if a data state is detected that is different then the expected data state, it may be economical to terminate the test and categorize the IC as defective. However it may be desirable to capture all failing data states in all patterns for the purpose of subsequently diagnosing the failures to determine which combinational logic element caused the fault. This diagnosis is normally done by a separate software program that analyzes the results captured by the automatic test equipment. The automatic test equipment must also be able to record the required information required to perform this post analysis process. FIG. 4 illustrates a chip with multiple scan chains. FIG. 5 depicts a conventional tester that facilitates this. A Data Pattern Memory is loaded with the test patterns to be applied to the IC, plus the data pattern expected to be read out of the IC. A tester may have a selectable modes either to terminate the test whenever an error occurs (an output data state differs from the expected data state), or to complete the entire pattern set and record all of the errors that were observed. To accomplish this, a tester would have a Data Capture Memory. This memory records the data cycle count and the output pin an error is observed on. Another mode of the Data Capture Memory is to record the actual states read from the IC outputs.
A single fault in the combinational logic may create several thousand errors to be potentially recorded in a data capture memory. As an example consider an IC design that has 20,000 flipflops in each scan chain, and applies 10,000 patterns. A single combinational logic fault might cause 10 flipflops to fail in 25% of the patterns. This would result in 25,000 failures being recorded in the Data Capture Memory. While non-trivial, this data can be managed to a reasonable degree and "datalogged" to a file for post processing to determine the location of the combinational logic fault.
However, a fault that exists in a scan chain path itself creates a significantly different diagnosis problem. FIG. 6 depicts the same example IC described before but with a "Short" at the input of the multiplexor going into flipflop #602. This defect will cause all scan in data to be "stuck-at" a "0" state in flipflops #601 and #602. This defect has two repercussions, 1) the test pattern applied to the combinational logic is invalid, and 2) upon scanning out, the blockage causes the inability to observe any data captured in flip-flop #603. The result is a tremendous number of fails.
This defect can be isolated by the following method. Consider an example device that has 30 flipflops and a defect exists that causes a "stuck-at" state of "0" at the input to flipflop #16. When applying the set of test patterns to the device, the "capture" events will capture non-deterministic data states from the combinations in all flipflops (the data is non-deterministic because of the invalid test pattern data after flipflop #15). The non-deterministic "0" and "1" data states captured in flipflops #1-15 will be observed when shifting out the data, but all captured data after flipflop #15 will be read as "0" data states. By observing at what cycle location in the output data stream that data stops transitioning between "1"'s and "0"'s and becomes a constant data state one could estimate at which flipflop the fault exists. FIG. 7 depicts an example of the data out pattern that might be observed in this example. Note that multiple patterns must be applied to determine the fault location since the non-deterministic data state in the observable flipflops might contain "0" data states. The estimate is not accurate until pattern #7 in the example. By executing a large number of patterns a higher degree of confidence is obtained. The disadvantage in this method is the large amount of data that must be recorded in the tester's data capture memory and analyzed. In the example where there are 20,000 flipflops in a chain, and 1000 patterns applied, 2,000,000 data states are captured and analyzed.
Thus it can be appreciated that what is needed is a way of determining a location of a fault in a scan chain without capturing, recording and analyzing millions of test failure data values.

Apparatus for locating a defect in a scan chain while testing digital logic


A proximity sensor based on a closed field circuit. The circuit comprises a ring oscillator using a symmetrical array of plates that creates an oscillating displacement current. The displacement current varies as a function of the proximity of objects to the plate array. Preferably the plates are in the form of a group of three pair of symmetric plates having a common center, arranged in a hexagonal pattern with opposing plates linked as a pair. The sensor produces logic level pulses suitable for interfacing with a computer or process controller. The proximity sensor can be incorporated into a load cell, a differential pressure gauge, or a device for measuring the consistency of a characteristic of a material where a variation in the consistency causes the dielectric constant of the material to change.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to proximity sensors. More particularly, the present invention relates to "closed field", capacitive proximity sensors for measuring force, displacement and pressure.
2. Discussion of Background
Many techniques currently exist for detecting the presence of solid objects or liquids in specified locations, for measuring small displacements or forces acting upon them, and for measuring absolute or differential pressures in gases or liquids. For compatibility with modern display and control devices, nearly all transducers now manufactured to sense these quantities are electronic or electrical in nature.
The majority of force transducers employ strain gauges: arrays of matched resistors, typically made of metallic foil, and so configured that mechanical strain causes the resistance of certain of these resistors to increase relative to that of others. Typically, a strain gauge is attached to a solid body of elastic material, such as steel, which bends or otherwise deforms in response to the applied force, so that strain in the support is transferred to the gauge and produces the electrical output.
Similarly, gas pressure and mechanical displacement may be measured by means of thinner, elastic elements, such as diaphragms, to which strain gauges are attached. Flexing in response to gas pressure, or to a change in mechanical shape resulting from relative movement between objects bridged by the elastic element, transfers strain to the gauge and produces the output.
Strain gauges have represented the technology of choice for many years, since they are easily made, usually inexpensive, and give outputs which are approximately linear with respect to the amount of strain which is present. However, the output of such a device is typically a very small fraction of the applied driving voltage, is very sensitive to driving-voltage fluctuations, and appears at a fairly high impedance of several hundred to a few thousand ohms; these disadvantages make strain gauges difficult to use in remote or electrically-noisy locations.
Several other sensing methods also exist, and are widely used in detecting the presence of objects or, in some cases, in measuring mechanical displacement. Typically, a steady or fluctuating electromagnetic field is set up and its interaction with the immediate environment, including nearby materials, is observed. While most methods are limited to sensing materials with high electrical conductivity, magnetic permeability or optical reflectance, electric fields at moderate to high frequencies can be used to sense a wide variety of materials through the changes in the magnitude of displacement current flowing into or out of the sensing field, resulting from varying capacitance. Such a sensing field is usually projected by a flat metal plate which faces the object or location to be sensed. For instance, an array of small metal-plated areas on the back of a sheet of glass, and connected to appropriate circuitry, is often used as a convenient, long-lasting and easily-cleaned control panel for a microwave oven or other kitchen appliance.
Typically, capacitive sensing uses an "open" sensing field: one which provides no inherent return path for the displacement current flowing between the sensing field and the object to be detected. For proper functioning, therefore, an adequate return path must be provided by electrically-conductive materials or distributed capacitance in the environment. Operation is thus quite dependent on factors over which the user may have little or no control. High levels of electrical or magnetic noise may also enter the open sensing field from the environment, causing interference and "false positive" readings.
Were it not for the weakness resulting from the open nature of the sensing field, capacitive proximity sensing would be readily adaptable to the vast majority of position, proximity, strain, displacement and pressure sensing applications.

The United States of America as represented by the United States Department of Energy


The apparatus has an evaluated value calculating means 102 for calculating the complexity of the object shape and the complexity of the modeling structure of the object CAD data input by the CAD data inputting means 101; a searching means 104 for searching the reference CAD data in the reference CAD data base 103 in accordance with the condition of said complexity; an evaluated value calculating means 106 for calculating the complexity of the object shape and the complexity of the modeling structure based on the searched reference CAD data; and a displaying means 105 for evaluated values obtained by the means 102 and the means 106 on the graphic representation defining its horizontal axis for the complexity of the object shape and its vertical axis for the complexity of the modeling structure. It will be appreciated that the man-hour for evaluating large amount of various models can be reduced by means of not using a CAD system.

The present invention relates to a technology for estimating the reusability of the three-dimensional CAD (Computer-Aided Design) data. In addition, the present invention relates to a technology for estimating the modeling skill of the CAD system operator.
When generating the CAD data of the design object using the three-dimensional CAD system, there are several modeling methods to be applied to an identical design shape. In case of generating the CAD data for the design shape shown in FIG. 16, several variations for the modeling method are described. As one of the methods for generating the CAD data of the design shape shown in the figure, as shown in FIG. 17, (a) the cross-section is defined as a closed geometric figure, and this closed geometric figure is made rotate in the center line at first, and next (b) the design shape is generated by removing the bolt hole by subtraction operation. As another method, as shown in FIG. 18, the same design shape can be generated by means that (a) the cylinder corresponding to the flange is defined, (b) the cylinder on the axis is defined and a unified body is defined by add operation of the flange and this axial cylinder, (c) a hole is removed by subtraction operation, and (d) the bolt hole is removed by subtraction operation.
As described above, there are alternative modeling methods for generating the CAD data for an identical design shape, and the difference in thee modeling methods has influence on the easiness for modifying the model. For example, in case of modifying the circular shape of the hole shown in FIG. 16 to a rectangular hole, the closed geometric figure shown in FIG. 17 (a) should be modified in the modeling method in FIG. 17. On the other hand, in the modeling method in FIG. 18, the target figure shown in FIG. 19 can be obtained only by removing the hole at Step (c) with the rectangular cylinder to be used for subtraction operation instead of using the circular cylinder.
There arise many design modifications in the design process for the actual products. In the design process, the easiness in modifying the model may contribute to the design productivity. In addition, in applying the existing components to new products, it may contribute to the design productivity that the components to be applied properly are retrieved and their three-dimensional CAD data can be modified. However, as shown in FIGS. 17 and 18, the modification complexity and its man-hour depends upon the modeling methods very much. The man-hour for the overall modeling process can be reduced by generating the CAD data by the modeling method with its modification complexity being lower.
The selection of the modeling method for the CAD data depends upon the skill of the CAD system operators. The operator having a higher skill can select such a modeling method as being adequate for reusing the CAD data and generate the model which can be easy for modification. However, the operator having a lower skill may have an inclination to select such a modeling method as shown in FIG. 17 and thus, may generate the model which may be difficult for reuse.
In the prior art, major methods for estimating the modeling method trace the modeling history and the feature structure of the model by using the CAD system. As for the estimation system using computers, there is such as method for estimating whether the selected method is compliance with the exceptional conditions for modeling and users' criteria by verifying the predefined check items individually or verifying their combinations.
In the method in which the modeling history and its feature structure are estimated manually by the operator with the CAD system, it is required to read in the individual CAD data into the CAD system and their feature structure should be estimated. In case that the design object includes complex shapes and the large volume of CAD data is estimated, there is such a problem that the man-hour for estimation work becomes too large.
And furthermore, in the estimation systems in which the predetermined items are verified, as only the check items related directly to the exceptional conditions and the modeling criteria can be estimated, there is such a problem that the applicable models and the supported check items are limited.

CAD data evaluation method and evaluation apparatus


Apparatus and processes to allow voice messages to be individually and/or separately secured by a caller for playback only by an intended person or persons. The voice messages are separately secured with security information contained in a header associated with each voice message. The caller may be authorized to secure a voice message either by inputting a pre-determined authorization security code using their keypad, or based on call related information received with respect to the incoming call. The user, upon attempt to access a separately secured voice message, is prompted for input of an appropriate authorized security code to allow the access to proceed. Without proper access, a user is allowed to access (e.g., playback, delete, etc.) only non-secured voice messages.

1. Field of the Invention
This invention relates generally to voice messaging systems. More particularly, it relates to a telephone answering device capable of receiving and storing separately secured voice messages from a calling party and of allowing a particular user or other designated party to access the separately secured voice messages.
2. Background of Related Art
Voice messaging systems in general, and telephone answering devices (i.e., answering machines) in particular, are useful devices for the home or office. For instance, a conventional telephone answering device operates on a single telephone line and answers an incoming call to an unused (i.e., on-hook) telephone after a desired number of rings. In response to an incoming call, a telephone answering device causes a telephone line to enter an off-hook condition, then plays an outgoing greeting message to the calling party. After the outgoing greeting message, the calling party typically may leave a voice message on the telephone answering device. At a later time, the voice message is replayed by the user, either local to the telephone answering device or via remote connection from another telephone.
FIG. 7 illustrates a conventional telephone answering device capable of answering an incoming call on a telephone line. In FIG. 7, a telephone answering device 11 is connected to a telephone company central office 13 via a telephone line 15. A telephone line interface (TLI) 17 in the telephone answering device 11 provides the conventional isolation, DC and AC impedance as required by telephone company standards. The telephone line interface 17 also provides a ring detect signal to a controller 19. The controller 19 may be any suitable processor, e.g., microprocessor, microcontroller, or digital signal processor (DSP). The ring detect signal indicates to the controller 19 the ringing of an incoming telephone call on the telephone line 15.
After a desired number of ring signals, the telephone answering device 11 causes the telephone line interface 17 to place the telephone line in an off-hook state, and instructs a voice recorder/playback audio module 21 to play an outgoing greeting message over the telephone line 15 to the calling party. Upon completion of the outgoing greeting message, the calling party may leave a voice message in voice message memory 23 under the control of the controller 19. A keypad 25 allows the user to select various modes of operation, including the playback of voice messages.
The conventional telephone answering device 11 illustrated in FIG. 7 further includes a call related information (e.g., Calling Identity Delivery (Caller ID)) detector/receiver 27 to detect and receive from a central office call related information, e.g., the telephone number and/or household name of a calling party. The call related information may be displayed on a display 29.
By using Caller ID or other call related information data service, the user of the conventional telephone answering device 11 can determine the name and/or telephone number of the calling party either before the incoming call is answered, and/or when an associated voice message is played back. Basic call related information services such as Caller ID typically transmit call related information from the local telephone company to the called party while the called party's phone is in a hung-up or on-hook state, e.g., between the first and second rings.
Oftentimes, it is important or necessary for the calling party to leave a private voice message for a particular user of a voice messaging system or other designated party. Conventional voice messaging systems provide separate voice mailboxes, typically each at a different extension. The calling party inputs a particular extension number relating to a particular voice mailbox, and is given the opportunity to record a voice message for storage in the designated voice mailbox.
However, in conventional voice messaging systems, all messages left in any one particular voice mailbox are accessible by all users of that particular voice mailbox. Unfortunately, a conventional multi-user voice messaging system does not prevent an otherwise unauthorized user to playback and listen to any particular voice message in any one voice mailbox.
Accordingly, there exists a need for a telephone answering device which prevents unauthorized playback of private voice messages.


A method for testing overclock frequency of VGA includes the following steps. Step A is to receive a new clock parameter of a GPU and a new memory clock parameter, which determine the operation of the VGA. Step B is to make use of the clock parameter of the GPU and the memory clock parameter received from step A to set up the VGA through a software approach so that the VGA is operating with the clock parameters. Step C is to call three dimensional application program interfaces so that the VGA within the pre-defined time limit can execute to show a three dimensional picture in a window and output the three dimensional picture to the display connected to the VGA and executing the lighting instruction, create mesh instruction, object rotation instruction, spherical warp instruction and 3D immediate mode instruction so as to normally display the three dimensional picture. Step D is to determine whether the three dimensional picture has been normally shown on the display, the clock parameters from Step A being accepted in case of being true and an original clock parameter of the GPU and an original memory clock parameter being restored in case being not true.

Usually, overclock frequency software offered by manufactures of conventional VGA (Video Graphics Adapter) or by program developers of VGA only provides warning message of risk value range for high frequency. Actually, in order to know if the VGA can work normally in an environment of high frequency assigned by the user, it is a unique test way that three dimensional gaming software is loaded in to see the stability of VGA under such high frequency. However, it is very possible for the VGA working under so high frequency to occur overclock frequency failure and result in computer shut down. And, even more, important data in the gaming software may become lost.
When the VGA is set at a certain operating frequency, three dimensional performance test software (3D Mark) can be adopted to carry out the test. But the test way is considerably time consumption and the computer may be shut down due to the VGA incapable of enduring the burden during testing. Meanwhile, output test results of the 3D performance test software generally are graphs or data, which are hard to be understood by ordinary users. Further, the cost of 3D performance test software is extremely high so that it is also a cost burden to the ordinary users.

Test method for VGA with overclock frequency and a VGA system thereof


A flexible tube and pump dispenser for lotions and the like including a flexible plastic tube having a first end and a second end. The tube includes an integral rigid finish at one end which has a radial flange and a radially inwardly extending wall. The flange has an opening therethrough. A pump dispenser having a plunger and an axial body extends through the opening in the sealing flange of the finish. The axial body of the pump dispenser has a flange engaging the flange of the finish. The flange on the body is held in position engaging the wall on the finish.

In the U.S. Pat. No. 5,632,951, incorporated herein by reference, a method is disclosed of making a flexible plastic tube which comprises injection molding a finish having an opening, extruding a tube integrally with the finish by relative movement of the finish with respect to an extruded orifice while continuing continuously extruding the tube, closing a blow mold about the extruded tube, blowing the tube into an integral container body having a closed bottom, opening the mold to provide an integral flexible tube with a finish thereon. Thereafter the method consists of decorating the body with indicia, cutting the closed end of the tube leaving an open-ended tube at the end opposite the finish, and applying a closure to the finish. A closure is applied either before or after cutting the bottom from the container. Preferably, the closure is applied to the finish after decorating and before cutting the closed end. Subsequently, the tube is filled through the open end and the open end is sealed. The step of decorating includes rotating the tube about the longitudinal axis of the tube while engaging the finish and bottom. The step of decorating preferably comprises rotating the container relative to a silk screen printing device. The step of injection molding and extrusion molding preferably comprises injecting and extruding linear low density polyethylene may be used.
Among the objective of the present invention are to provide a flexible tube made in accordance with the aforementioned method which includes a pump dispenser; wherein the pump dispenser is assembled to the plastic tube after it has been formed; wherein when the tube is formed with a finish for receiving the pump dispenser; wherein one from this pump dispenser is assembled through the open end of the tube; wherein in another form the pump dispenser is assembled on the finish from above; wherein the pump actuator can be made with a different color from the tube.
In accordance with the invention, the flexible tube with an integral finish includes a transverse wall having an opening for receiving the body of a pump dispenser. In one form the pump dispenser is inserted in the tube through the open end of the tube before the tube is filled and a flange on the pump dispenser is attached to the underside of the transverse wall of the finish, preferably by welding as by ultrasonic welding or spin welding. In another form, the flange is attached to the upper side of the transverse wall of the finish. In another form, a collar is provided which has an outer annular wall, an integral inner annular wall spaced from said outer wall and an integral radial wall extending inwardly from the inner wall. The outer wall of the collar and the finish are mounted on the finish. The pump dispenser extends through the opening in the finish and a flange on the pump body extends through the opening in the finish and a flange on the pump body extends between the transverse wall of the collar and the transverse wall of the finish. A sealing member is preferably interposed between the flange on the pump dispenser and transverse wall of the finish.

Flexible tube with pump dispenser and method of making


Tax refunds are provided via a money transfer service. Merely by way of example, a taxpayer (or a tax preparer) might provide to the IRS an account number at a bank, as a target for a direct deposit refund related to a tax return. In an aspect, the account number might have a specific format that informs the bank that the refund is to be processed by the money transfer service, and in another aspect, the account number might include data that identifies the taxpayer to the money transfer service.

In recent years, the Internal Revenue Service ("IRS"), as well as many state tax authorities, have offered to provide tax refunds by direct deposit service. This service has several advantages for taxpayers. Chief among those advantages is the speed with which the refund is received. Additionally, direct deposit provides enhanced convenience for the taxpayer, since the taxpayer does not need undertake the cumbersome process of receiving a paper check, taking the paper check to a bank or other financial institution, and depositing the check.
Moreover, for an unbanked taxpayer (i.e., a taxpayer who has no deposit account with any financial institution), direct deposit traditionally has not been an option. In an attempt to remedy this disparity, some tax preparers and financial institutions offer alternative products, such as refund advances. Typically, however, these products are accompanied by exorbitant fees and burdensome procedures. Moreover, many taxpayers would prefer to have a tax preparer's fee deducted from the refund proceeds, rather than paying this fee in advance. IRS regulations, however, prohibit direct deposits of a refund to any account not titled in the name of the taxpayer. Hence, even if the taxpayer had a bank account into which a refund could be deposited directly, there was no ability to segregate a portion of the funds into another account to satisfy preparer fees. To avoid this limitation, a taxpayer was forced to undertake even more burdensome procedures, such as giving the tax preparer power of attorney in order to allow the preparer's fee to be deducted from the refund proceeds.
Recently, the IRS has introduced a more flexible system, in which a taxpayer can designate multiple accounts (on IRS Form 8888) into which a tax refund should be deposited, and the amount that should be deposited into each account. It is anticipated that many state tax authorities will follow this practice as well. Conveniently, this would seem to provide an opportunity to allow a taxpayer to have the bulk of the refund paid into his or her personal account, with some fee paid (out of the refund amount) separately to the tax preparer's account. However, IRS regulations specify (and Form 8888 specifically states) that each of the accounts must be in the taxpayer's name. Hence, in order to take advantage of the new Form 8888 to pay a preparer's fee, a taxpayer would have to establish a separate account, in the taxpayer's name, for the preparer, and then provide the preparer with some form of power of attorney to access the account. This is no more desirable than prior arrangements.
Hence, there is a need for a facility to allow a taxpayer (and especially an unbanked taxpayer) to receive a tax refund in expeditious fashion. Further, it would be helpful if such a facility also allowed for tax preparer fees (and/or any other necessary fees) to be deducted in a convenient manner from the refund proceeds, to allow the taxpayer to avoid the dilemma of either having to pay for tax preparation service before receiving the refund or undertaking the burden and expense of obtaining a refund advance.


The invention relates to a therapeutic drug for pancreatitis which comprises a compound of the following general formula I! or a salt thereof, or a solvate thereof. ##STR1## In the above formula, R.sup.1 and R.sup.2 may be the same or different and each represents hydrogen, alkyl which may be substituted, aralkyl, arylalkenyl, or aryl, or R.sup.1 and R.sup.2 taken together with the adjacent N atom, i.e. in the form of NR.sup.1 R.sup.2, represent a 4- through 8-membered cyclic amino group, which cyclic amino group may contain nitrogen, oxygen, or sulfur as a ring member in addition to the above-mentioned N atom and may be further substituted.

Pancreatitis is classified mainly into acute pancreatitis caused by autodigestion due to intracellular activation of the digestive enzymes produced in the exocrine pancreas and chronic pancreatitis which, by fibrosis, progresses to irreversible functional failure of the pancreas. The etiology of pancreatitis remains to be fully elucidated as yet. The therapeutic approach to acute pancreatitis consists of, to start with, conservative therapies such as removal of causes, pancreatic protection, arrest of pancreatic autodigestion, and removal of pain. Referring to pharmacotherapy, arrest of pancreatic autodigestion is sought by the administration of proteolytic enzyme inhibitors such as gabexate mesylate, camostat mesylate, nafamostat mesylate, urinastatin, and aprotinin. The treatment of chronic pancreatitis consists of therapies analogous to that of acute pancreatitis in relapsing episodes involving abdominal pain and prohibition of alcohol intake and restriction of fat-rich food in remissions. The protease inhibitors in use today for the pharmacotherapy of pancreatitis are only effective in relieving some of the symptoms of pancreatitis and have various side effects, thus being not clinically satisfactory enough.
Meanwhile, the list of therapeutic drugs for pancreatitis under development today includes several compounds such as loxiglumide, which is a cholecystokinin antagonist, and FK480, which is a protease inhibitor. Furthermore, it has been reported that the antiulcer compound irsogladine maleate 2,4-diamino-6-(2,5-dichlorophenyl)-1,3,5-triazine maleate!, which is structurally akin to the compound of the invention, proved efficacious in an animal model of cerulein (hereinafter referred to briefly as Cn)-induced acute pancreatitis (the Proceedings of the 36th Congress of The Japanese Society of Gastroenterology, p.266).
The inventors of the present invention discovered that the 2-amino-4-substituted amino-6-(2,5-dichlorophenyl)-1,3,5-triazine derivative according to the invention has antihepatitis activity, thus being a compound of value as a therapeutic drug for hepatitis, and already filed a patent application (WO96/04914).


A method improves a search in a hierarchical structure by focusing the search to selected regions within the structure. The method defines one or more region-sets and uses the region-set(s) as either a filter for the results of a key-word search or an integrated part of a search engine to increase the efficiency of the search engine. The method also provides for dynamic creation of new region-sets from existing region-sets using a prescribed set of operators.

The present invention is directed to focusing searches in hierarchical structures. More specifically, the present invention is directed to using region-sets in conjunction with keyword searches to focus those searches in hierarchical structures such as the World Wide Web.
With the proliferation of electronic information sources it has been necessary to provide searching capabilities to enable users to hunt for information of interest in large collections of electronic documents. It is well known to provide search engines for searching for pages of unstructured text on the World Wide Web, referred to herein as unstructured documents. Examples of such search engines include AltaVista, Lycos and others. These search engines do an effective job of finding many possible matches based on keywords provided by the user. However, the number of matches is often quite large and it is difficult to locate those few documents of particular interest within such a collection of matching documents.
Many of the search engines provide web directories, for example Yahoo (http://www.yahoo.com/) and Infoseek (http://www.infoseek.com) seek to address this problem of too many matches by providing topic-based hierarchical directories that allow users to navigate the topic/sub-topic hierarchy and pose keyword-based queries to locate documents classified under any specific topic of interest. While such directories are useful to locate a few matching documents, their utility is restricted. First, the act of classifying a rapidly growing collection of documents into specific topics is a human/computationally intensive task. Additionally, navigating the topic/sub-topic hierarchy is a very inflexible mechanism of focusing the search and does not allow users to pose keyword-based queries to locate documents classified into multiple topics. As a consequence of these two limitations, the documents that can be located using the web directories may not include a number of existing documents that would be of interest to the user.
It would be advantageous if a mechanism was provided for focusing web searches by augmenting keyword-based searches. In particular, it would be beneficial if a mechanism was provided that enabled the user to specify regions of the hierarchical structure as being of interest whereby the keyword-based search to be undertaken takes these region definitions into account.

Method for using region-sets to focus searches in hierarchical structures


A tool for lifting hot or unaccessible lids or covers with handles is described. The apparatus consists of a handle with a hook that pivots and a stabilizing member. The hook attached to the pivot also can have a stabilizing member attached thereto. The hook and stabilizing member provide a snug contact with the lid when lifting the lid vertically without deviation from the horizontal plane. A hook proximal or attached to the stabilizing member can engage the handle of the lid while the stabilizing member attached to the pivotal member snugly contacts the lid providing a method of lifting the lid so that it deviates from the horizontal plane without loosing stability.

When cooking with a Dutch oven or other cooking container that requires fuel to cover the lid, it is frequently necessary to remove the lid to monitor the cooking process without allowing the coals and ash to spill onto the cooking contents in the container.
Previous to this invention, many devices such as pliers, the claw of a hammer, garden implements, such as hoes, pitch forks, shovels, or their handles have been used to position and lift tops and lids from Dutch ovens. There have also been other devices developed for lifting lids off of pots which usually consist of a hook or other means for engaging the lid handle prior to removal. Specific tools for removing the lids of Dutch ovens include hooking devices and gripping devices. Some of these devices have extended handles which distance the user from the heating material on the lid. However, no device provides an adequate solution for stabilizing the lid while it is being removed from the pot. Some tools for lifting lids have utilized an added member, such as a peg, in proximity to the hook or grasping means, as an additional point of contact in order to stabilize the lid or cover as it is being lifted. These tools fail to limit the rotary lateral movement of the lid when it is raised, thereby allowing ashes to contaminate the food.
U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,071,182 and 5,183,304 describe a device for lifting Dutch oven lids which includes two elongated rods conjoined together, one rod being slidably adjustable in relation to the other. Both rods have handles for grasping by the user. The handles are attached or formed at the upper end of the rods. One rod has a stabilizing means formed at the lower end of the rod, opposite the handle, which contacts the lid of the Dutch oven during the removal process. The other rod has an arcuately shaped hook for engaging the handle of the lid, formed at the end of the rod opposite to the grasping means. The two rods are connected by means that permit the second rod to slide relative to the first thereby allowing the grasping means to engage the handle of the lid while the stabilizing means on the first rod is held in contact with the lid. This particular device requires a gripping motion and flexion of the user's wrist which makes it difficult to lift the lid without deviating from the horizontal plane. This often results in the material on the lid being spilled into the contents of the Dutch oven.


The investment casting method uses the lost wax method and involves using a model to form a wax piece in the desired shape such as the shape of the snap element or the shape of two hinge halves, making a tree out of a multitude of the wax pieces, adding slurry and heating to create hard material having spaces shaped like the wax parts and then pouring molten casting material into the spaces in a vacuum environment.

There is a particular kind of jewelry called bangles, which can be described as bracelets made of a ring of metal such as gold or gold plated alloy. Bangles generally consist of two ornamental roughly identical semi-circular gold-plated metallic rings. The rings snap together at one end and are hinged together at another end by means of a hinge or joint. The snap element opens and closes and snaps together at one end of each semi-circular ring.


A security device is provided for use on pegboard type hooks. The device includes a housing with a lock mechanism which releasably locks with the tines of a latch to securely grip the rod of the pegboard hook. A simple key-operated camming cylinder is manually operated to release the latch so that merchandise products carried on hook can be removed. The latch can be inserted into the housing and relocked on the hook without using the key.

1. Field of the Invention
This invention relates to merchandise display apparatus of the type in which products are carried on hooks attached to pegboards or other supports. Pegboard and hook assemblies of this type are typically used in retail stores and supermarkets for providing an attractive display of relatively small merchandise products. The products are usually packaged on card stock punched with holes for mounting on the hooks.
While pegboard type racks provide a uniform and attractive display for enhancing sales, the products are subject to shoplifting and pilfering. The relatively small size products typically displayed on pegboard racks can be easily removed and pilfered. This can result in considerable monetary loss to the retailer, especially where the products are expensive.
2. Background Art
The prior art efforts to minimize pilferage from pegboard type displays have resulted in relatively complicated locking mechanisms which are expensive and cumbersome to use. Among this prior art is U.S. Pat. No. 5,027,622 which provides a key-operated lock that holds a cover plate in place about a pegboard rod. A special key must be carried by the store clerk both to open and close the device. U.S. Pat. No. 3,655,061 provides an anti-theft device for a pegboard hook, but it requires a special design for the product packaging, which is undesirably expensive and limits its range of use. U.S. Pat. No. 1,022,980 provides a locking device for use with a clothes hanger, but requires a special key for both opening and closing the device. U.S. Pat. No. 1,206,769 shows another key-operated locking arrangement in which a special key is required for both opening and closing.
The need has therefore been recognized for a new and improved security device for displaying merchandise products on pegboard type hooks which is relatively simple in construction, inexpensive to manufacture, can be easily unlocked with a simple key and can be repidly relocked on the hook without the need for a key.

Security device for merchandise display hooks


Disclosed is an image-based approach for device localization. In particular, a mobile device may capture image(s) of a vehicle that is substantially proximate to the mobile device. Based on the image(s), the mobile device may (i) determine parameter(s) associated with the vehicle, and (ii) determine or obtain a location of the vehicle in accordance with the determined parameter(s). Additionally, the mobile device may use the image(s) as basis for determining a relative location indicating where the mobile device is located relative to the vehicle. Based on the location of the vehicle and on the relative location of the mobile device, the mobile device may then determine a location of the mobile device.

High accuracy and real-time localization of devices could provide for numerous benefits, such as by enabling reliable tracking of assets and/or navigation through indoor and outdoor environments, among other possibilities. Such benefits may be realized through the development of location-based system(s) and associated service(s) that may collectively provide solution(s) to various location-related challenge(s) and use case(s).
Pedestrian navigation, especially in urban environments, relies upon receiving precise real-time location data. In practice, navigation is often accomplished using Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) technology, such as a global positioning system (GPS) that may provide a real-time location with a 95% confidence interval of 7.8 meters, for instance. However, in certain urban environments, reflection or obstruction of GPS signals by tall buildings and other structures can further increase this error, such that a determined location may be off by as much as 30 meters (known as multipath error). Thus, GNSS-based localization may not always be reliable.
One approach for improving localization may involve use of local device sensors, such as inertial measurement units (IMUs). Such sensors can increase accuracy of localization by taking into account device movement and may also have the additional benefit of providing information about device orientation. Unfortunately, however, these sensors may drift and thus still not help obtain sufficiently accurate location and/or orientation data for a sufficient duration of time. Moreover, sensor fusion algorithms that tend to rely on such sensors typically also rely on GNSS for accurate initial location and/or heading, but GNSS may not always be reliable as noted.
Yet another approach for improving localization involves visual-based localization. Specifically, visual-based localization methods have been contemplated as an alternative and/or a supplement to GNSS navigation in some environments due to the ability of visual-based localization methods to achieve high accuracy of localization. Current visual localization methods rely on a database of geo-tagged visual features, thereby requiring a visual survey of area(s) of interest before localization can be done. As such, an obvious barrier to ubiquitous implementation of visual-based localization methods is scalability, especially on a global scale, as an incredibly large database would be required to store data on a large number of geo-tagged visual features. Thus, existing visual-based localization methods also may not always be scalable and/or reliable.
Given the various deficiencies of existing device localization techniques, it becomes apparent that there is a widely recognized need for alternative and/or additional localization solution(s) and technologies.

Image-based approach for device localization based on a vehicle location


Stress in a substance is measured by utilizing the transfer characteristics of elastic waves, such that elastic waves input to a substance are displaced by the stress load within the substance. Waves input to the substance and output therefrom by transmission or reflection are compared by fast fourier transform analysis, obtaining a wave attenuation factor quantifying the magnitude of stress in the substance.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates generally to a method for measuring stress magnitude distributed, more particularly, it relates to a method for quantitative measurement of stress in a substance which is formed of materials such as metal or resin, without damaging the substance.
2. Description of the Background Art
Generally external stress, such as tensile, shear, cleavage and peeling stress, and internal stress frequently occur in substances formed using adhesion techniques, particularly using thermal adhesion techniques. As for measuring these stresses, several methods are well known in the art. For example, in a substance formed of metals, X-Ray irradiation to the substance has been applied for measuring stress utilizing the properties of displacement of a reflection grading which is caused by uniform strain when crystals of the tested substance are subjected the stress. On the other hand, electrical measurement has also been applied utilizing the properties of the slight change of electrical resistance of an attached strain gauge when the tested substance is subjected the strain. In a substance formed of resins, the cracking properties of solvents have been utilized for measuring stress. A solvent is infused into the stressed substance then the time necessary for the generation of cracking and the size of cracks are analyzed. On the other hand, treatments such as applying a predetermined surface stress to a substance by curving it at predetermined angle are performed. Then a solvent is dropped on the curved substance. The cracking generation caused by this predetermined stress is compared to that of sample of the substance having an unknown quantity of stress. Other methods utilizing of cracking properties of the solvent have also been applied, however, all these methods estimate the stress relatively by cracking occurrence when various solvents contact with a substance having an unknown quantity of stress.
However, the methods as mentioned above require predetermined sizes of test pieces, therefore local stress measurement or estimation of actual parts, products or materials can not be accomplished easily. Additionally, measurement becomes very complicated so the time consumed in measurement becomes excessive. On the other hand, as measurements utilizing the cracking properties of solvents are essentially measurements of the breaking point of the substance relative a particular solvent, measurement of stress without breaking the tested substance can not be accomplished. Furthermore, the stress values obtained by the cracking methods as above yield results of relative estimation having only diagrammatic accuracy in the detection of stress magnitude, giving values such as high, medium and low, therefore, accurate quantification of stress is not possible.


Methods for characterizing elasticity of vaginal tissue are provided. A transvaginal probe is used to deform vaginal tissue during examination. The probe is equipped with pressure sensors and a motion tracking sensor. Stress and strain data is recorded during examination. Elasticity of vaginal tissue is then characterized by calculating a stress gradient defined as a ratio of stress over strain for each point of measurement. Vaginal tactile image may also be compiled to include a family of surfaces representing locations of measurement points at predefined constant levels of stress. Pelvic organ abnormality condition may be detected if the stress gradient is below either a predetermined threshold or a normal stress gradient obtained from clinical data.

The present invention generally relates to objective characterization methods for female pelvic tissues. Specifically, the invention describes methods for characterizing vaginal tissue elasticity and detection of a pelvic organ abnormality. For the purposes of this description, the terms "pelvic organ abnormality", "pelvic floor abnormality" and "vaginal abnormality" are used interchangeably.
Various stages of pelvic organ abnormality including a pelvic organ prolapse (POP) are highly prevalent affecting at least 50% of women in the US during their lifetimes. Some loss of utero-vaginal support occurs in most adult women. POP is the extreme case of descent of the apex of the vagina or cervix (or vaginal vault after hysterectomy), anterior vaginal wall, and/or posterior vaginal wall. As abnormality progresses, pelvic organs can become displaced and even protrude outside the vaginal canal. POP is the leading indication for hysterectomy in postmenopausal women and accounts for 15-18% of procedures in all age-groups [Kesharvarz H, Hillis S D, Kieke B A, Marchbanks P A. Hysterectomy surveillance—United States 1994-1999. MMWR Surveill Summ 2002; 51 (5505):1-8]. Beyond the physical impact of POP, women with progressing pelvic organ abnormality score poorer on both generic and condition specific quality-of-life scales [Jelovsek J E, Barber M D. Women seeking treatment for advanced pelvic organ abnormality have decreased body image and quality of life. Am J Obstet Gynecol. 2006; 194: 1455-61.]. In addition, about one third of sexually active women with POP report that their condition interferes with sexual function [Barber M D, Visco A G, Wyman, et al. Sexual function in women with urinary incontinence and pelvic organ abnormality. Obstet Gynecol. 2002; 99:281-9.].
Clinical diagnosis of vaginal abnormalities and ultimately POP involves taking a medical history and performing a manual physical examination when a physician inspects the urogenital areas and rectum for masses and indication of reduced muscle tone. The physician instructs the patient to cough, bear down or perform a Valsalva maneuver (a forceful attempt at exhalation with the mouth and nose closed) to see if and how far the vagina descends as the result of the additional abdominal pressure [Shagam J Y. Pelvic organ prolapse. Radiol Technol. 2006; 77(5):389-400].
While physical examination helps the clinician describe the extent of pelvic floor prolapse, it does not help in discerning the initial stage of abnormality development from the normal condition. Digital palpation does not provide quantitative tissue characterization to compare with normal elasticity of vaginal walls. It has poor sensitivity and is highly subjective.
Changes in the elasticity of the vaginal walls, connective support tissues, and muscles are significant factors in the development of POP. The high incidence of POP dictates the need for new effective methods of objective vaginal tissue characterization and early abnormality detection.

Methods for characterizing vaginal tissue elasticity