A non-zero dispersion shifted optical waveguide fiber having a high threshold for stimulated Brillouin scattering is disclosed.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to high SBS threshold optical fibers. More preferably, the present invention relates to high SBS threshold non-zero dispersion shifted optical fibers, or NZDS fibers, or NZ-DSF's.
2. Technical Background
Stimulated Brillouin Scattering (SBS) is a dominant nonlinear penalty in many optical transmission systems. In many systems, the launching of large power to optical fiber while maintaining high signal to noise ratio (SNR) is desirable. However, as the launch power or signal power of an incident signal launched into an optical fiber increases, the launch power may exceed a certain threshold power and part of the signal power gets reflected due to SBS as a reflected signal. An undesirably large amount of the signal power can thus be reflected back toward the transmitter due to SBS. In addition, the scattering process increases the noise level at the signal wavelength. The combination of decrease in signal power and increase in the noise both lower the SNR and lead to performance degradation.
At finite temperatures, thermal excitations occur in glasses similar to phonons in crystals, and the interaction of these vibrational modes with low intensity signal light produces spontaneous Brillouin scattering. An intense optical field generates pressure or sound waves through electrostriction due to the beating of intense incident and spontaneous reflected light giving rise to pressure or acoustic waves. The change in pressure causes material density to change, thereby resulting in refractive index fluctuations. The net result is that an intense electrical field component of the optical wave generates pressure or sound waves which cause density fluctuations. The acoustic wave changes the refractive index and enhances the reflected light amplitude through Bragg diffraction. Above the SBS threshold of an optical fiber, the number of stimulated photons is very high, resulting in a strong reflected field which limits the optical power that is transmitted and which reduces the SNR.


An operational amplifier with a broad applicable band and little disturbing noise which is capable of preventing oscillation even when used in connection with a negative feedback path. The operational amplifier amplifies a difference between two input voltage signals to a non-inverting input terminal and an inverting input terminal and outputs the amplified difference to an output terminal. The operational amplifier includes an input voltage/current conversion stage which outputs, to the non-inverting input terminal and the inverting input terminal, a current signal having a difference current component in accordance with the difference between the two input voltage signals; a current amplification stage which performs current amplification on the current signal outputted from the input voltage/current conversion stage; and an output buffer stage which converts, into a voltage signal, the output current signal from the current amplification stage and applies the voltage signal to the output terminal.

1. Field of the Invention
The invention relates to an operational amplifier, and is applicable to, for example, an operational amplifier applicable to a preamplifier, a premain amp, and the like in an audio system.
2. Description of the Background Art
A conventional IC-compatible operational amplifier is mentioned in Reference 1 ("Semiconductor Introductory Course 2 Semiconductor circuit II by program learning", written and edited by Vocational Training Development Textbook Committee, and published by KOSAIDO PUBLISHING, PP. 179-181.) The configuration of the operational amplifier mentioned in Reference 1 is basic configuration that is adopted in 072-series operational amplifiers sold by various companies.
The operational amplifier mentioned in Reference 1 has: as shown in FIG. 4, a differential amplifier that converts into a current signal a difference voltage (input voltage) between an input potential to a non-inverting input terminal (+ input terminal) and an input potential to an inverting input terminal (− input terminal); an emitter follower that converts, into a voltage signal, the current signal obtained by the conversion; a grounded-emitter amplifier that amplifies the output voltage from the emitter follower; and a power amplifier that outputs, to an output terminal, the output voltage signal from the grounded-emitter amplifier.
However, the conventional operational amplifier suffers from the following problems.
First, the conventional operational amplifier has a large number of transistors suffering from a problem with the parasitic capacity between a base and a collector (Miller effect), thus resulting in a narrow band applicable to the operational amplifier.
Secondly, due to the presence of a large number of transistors suffering from the Miller effect problem, the maximum phase rotation of an output signal with respect to an input in the operational amplifier exceeds 180 degrees, thus causing a risk of oscillation in application of this operational amplifier with an additional negative feedback path.
Thirdly, due to the presence of a large number of transistors suffering from the Miller effect problem, large disturbing noise is generated.


A linear time counter for calculating a tape running amount on the basis of a reel rotation number, comprises a reel rotation pulse detection mechanism for detecting the number of reel rotation pulses or reel rotation pulse edges, and a count and calculation processing portion for adding or subtracting values of tape running times t to calculate an accumulated value of the tape running times, wherein when any of the supply reel and the take-up reel rotates by one interval of the reel rotation pulses or reel rotation pulse edges, the number of reel rotation pulses or reel rotation pulse edges counted by the other reel is assumed as n, and the above-mentioned running time t obtained by converting a running amount of the tape to a running time at the time of a constant speed running is expressed as follows: EQU t=(1+n-K.vertline.1-n.vertline.)/M. where K is a constant determined by the tape thickness, the tape length, and the radius of the reel hubs, and M is a constant determined by the sum of reel rotation pulses and reel rotation pulse edges of the supply reel and the take-up reel with respect to a fixed tape running amount at the central portion of the length of the tape.

This invention relates to a linear time counter indicating a tape running amount.
Mathematical means for calculating a reel rotational angle to precisely determine a tape running amount on the basis of the calculated value, and approximation means for approximating a tape running time from the reel rotation number are known.
The mathematical means will be first described.
In the schematic diagram showing the tape winding relationship of FIG. 1, when it is assumed that a tape T moves by the length L from a supply reel 11 having a radius r.sub.L of the tape roll W.sub.L to a take-up reel 12 having a radius r.sub.R of the tape roll W.sub.R, and at that time the supply side reel 11 rotates by an angle .theta..sub.L and the takeup reel 12 rotates by an angle .theta..sub.R, the length L is expressed by the following relationships. EQU L=r.sub.L .theta..sub.L ( 1) EQU L=r.sub.R .theta..sub.R ( 2)
where the units of .theta..sub.L and .theta..sub.R are radian. Since the sum of the areas of the wound tape and the areas of the hubs of the supply reel 11 and the take-up reel 12 is always constant, the following relationship holds: EQU r.sub.L.sup.2 +r.sub.R.sup.2 =k (k is constant) (3)
In this case, k is given by the following equation: EQU k=(tape thickness.times.tape length+areas of the both hubs)/.pi.
In the case of C-60 of a normal or chrome tape, since the tape width is 18 .mu.m, the tape length is 90 mm, and the hub diameter is 22 mm, k is equal to 757.7. Further, in the case of C-60 of a metal tape, since the tape thickness is 16 .mu.m, k is equal to 700.4.
From the equations (1), (2) and (3), the following relationship is provided: EQU (L/.theta..sub.L).sup.2 +(L/.theta..sub.R).sup.2 =k
From this equation, L is determined as follows: ##EQU1##
Accordingly, if rotational angles of the supply and take-up reels 11 and 12 within a certain time are measured, it is possible to determine the length L of the tape which has been moved within that time from these rotational angles. Further, if L is divided by the tape running speed at a constant speed, the running amount can be converted to time. It is to be noted that rotational angles .theta..sub.L and .theta..sub.R of the reels can be determined by the reel rotation pulse used in the auto stop.
The approximation means is disclosed in the Japanese Patent Publication No. 13994/83, and this approximation means will now be described.
FIG. 2 is a diagram showing the relationship between a tape running amount and reel rotation number. This figure indicates that according as a tape running amount increases, the rotation number N.sub.R of the take-up reel 12 decreases, and the rotation number N.sub.L of the supply reel 11 increases.
If the reel rotation number per a fixed tape running amount is fixed at any position of the tape, it is possible to determine with ease a tape running amount from the rotation number of the reel. In accordance with the graphical representation at that time, a straight line in parallel to the horizontal axis is provided. In view of this, the approximation means serves to process the graph of FIG. 2 so that it is in correspondence with a straight line in parallel to the horizontal axis, thus to determine a tape running amount.
FIG. 3 is an explanatory view of the approximation means wherein the sum (N.sub.L +N.sub.R) of N.sub.L and N.sub.R and the difference .vertline.N.sub.L -N.sub.R .vertline. therebetween are represented by curves, respectively. In accordance with this figure, it is seen that both the sum of N.sub.L and N.sub.R and the difference therebetween are represented by the curves the left and right halves of which are symmetrical to each other and in which the middle portions are lowered. When the difference is subtracted from the sum, the curve approximate to the straight line of the rotation number M shown in this figure is provided. Namely, the rotation number M is expressed as follows: EQU M.perspectiveto.N.sub.L +N.sub.R -K.vertline.N.sub.L -N.sub.R .vertline.(5)
Namely, the value Obtained by subtracting the difference from the sum of the rotation numbers of the reel can be considered to be approximate to the straight line M. In the above equation, K indicates a ratio between ((N.sub.L +N.sub.R)-M) and (.vertline.N.sub.L -N.sub.R.vertline.). In order to allow the accumulated error over the entire tape length to be small, the area ratio between S1 and S2 of FIG. 3 is used as the value of K.
Namely, since the rotation number M is the sum of the rotation number of the supply reel 11 and that of the take-up reel 12 with respect to a fixed tape running amount at the central portion (at which the rotation number on the supply reel 11 and that on the take-up reel 12 become the same) of the length of the tape, the rotation number of the supply reel 11 and that of the take-up reel 12 can be replaced by the rotation number at the central portion of the tape from the above-mentioned equation (5).
Accordingly, when it is assumed that a fixed tape running amount initially set is 47.6 mm/sec, and the rotation number of the supply reel 11 and that of the take-up reel 12 within a fixed time are represented by N.sub.L1 and N.sub.R1, respectively, the tape running amount L1 is expressed as follows: EQU L1=47.6.times.(N.sub.L1 +N.sub.R1 -K.vertline.N.sub.L1 -N.sub.R1 .vertline.)/M
This tape running amount L1 in terms of the running time t at the time of a constant speed (47.6 mm/sec) is rewritten as follows: EQU t=L1/47.6=(N.sub.L1 +N.sub.R1 -K.vertline.N.sub.L1 -N.sub.R1 .vertline.)/M (6)
Attention is first drawn to the processing by the mathematical means. Since only .sqroot.k can be dealt as a constant as indicated by the above-mentioned equation (4), the remaining parts must be determined by calculation. However, that calculation is a complicated calculation including multiplication, second power and root. 4 bit microcomputers frequently used in cassette decks, etc. at present have no multiplicative instruction, and other 4 bit microcomputers hardly have such an instruction. In addition, instructions for second power, root and division are required. Further, when attention is drawn to the tape running amount at the time of fast forwarding and rewinding, the calculation therefor must be conducted in 5 msec. Such 4 bit microcomputers are hardly able to carry out this calculation while conducting other processing.
On the other hand, in the case of the approximation means, as indicated by the equation (6), the equation to be dealt is more simple than the equation (4) to be dealt by the mathematical means. However, generally at present, detection of the rotation of the reel is carried out by the combination of an eight-pole magnet and a Hall IC. To determine the rotation number, a procedure must be taken to count a time required for one revolution (actually, time required for 1/8 rotation.times.8) to take an inverse number thereof. In the case where such a procedure is taken, the above-mentioned equation (6) is rewritten as follows: EQU t=(1/t.sub.L +1/t.sub.R -K.vertline.1/t.sub.L -1/t.sub.R .vertline.)/M (7)
Also in the case of the approximation means, complicated calculation is required. In the above equation (7), t.sub.L is a time required for one rotation of the supply reel 11, t.sub.R is a time required for one rotation of the take-up reel 12, and K is the above-mentioned constant.
In addition, in order to calculate the accumulated value of the running times, these times t must be repeatedly calculated many times. As a result, the processing increasingly becomes complicated.
As stated above, in both the cases of the above-mentioned mathematical means and approximation means, complicated calculation is required. Thus, the burden on the 4 bit microcomputer would be large.

Linear time counter indicating tape running amount


A new method of advertising where the advertising information is presented visually (displayed) on the screen of the computer system, and/or in auditory way (as a sound) on the sound system of a computer system, a software program based on the said method, and a hardware peripheral card using the said method and program.

1. Field of the Invention
The invention herein relates to advertising in computer systems, and to Basic Input/Output System (BIOS).
2. Description of Related Art
Currently the mass market computers have a motherboard which contains a memory chip which stores a small program which initializes the computer after turning the power on. The program is called BIOS, and the memory chip storing permanently this program—BIOS chip.
After powering on the system the BIOS program displays a text or an image on the screen of a computer, and the user can enter a menu and by using the keyboard, change some parameters. Then an operating system is loaded and executed—in a process called booting.
There are a number of companies makers of the BIOS program, providing the BIOS program to a large number of motherboard manufacturers. These manufacturers often want to distinguish themselves from one another and often display a text or a graphics screen with information on themselves with some of the—company logo, web site, product name, model number . . . etc.
In this way the manufacturer of the motherboard is distinguishing and advertising its own products.
The motherboards of computer system have the way of attaching additional hardware—peripheral cards which increase the capabilities of the computer system. Some of these peripheral cards can have its own memory chip where a program—peripheral BIOS can be permanently stored.
The motherboard BIOS through the process of executing, does a search for, and if it finds—calls the peripheral BIOS and executes the stored program.
The peripheral BIOS, when executing, normally displays only the name of the company manufacturer, and model number, in addition to some technical parameters of the peripheral card which can be adjusted through user interaction.
The motherboard BIOS program together with the peripheral BIOS program is running/executing on the computer system normally for a period of as little as 1 s and as much as 30 s or more, before loading and executing an operating system stored on the computer system.
The execution can be stopped, and then allowed to continue, by pushing a particular key on a keyboard or a combination of keys.
The time between:
from power on to booting an operating system,
or from shut down and reboot of already loaded operating system, to booting again of an operating system,
is currently not utilized for providing information other than the manufacturer's or for adjusting technical parameters on the motherboard or the peripheral.
This time can be used to display simple advertising messages in text or graphics on the computer screen, or in sound on the sound system of the computer equipped with it.

Method for advertising using the BIOS of a peripheral card, a software program based on the said method, and a hardware peripheral card using the said method and program

Abstract: The information is presented after powering on of the computer and before booting an operating system, or after rebooting the operating system and before the next boot. The computer system contains a motherboard, to which is attached a peripheral card, which includes a memory chip, which includes peripheral BIOS. The said peripheral BIOS includes advertising information and advertising related program. The peripheral BIOS program executes the advertising related program, which then presents the stored advertising information visually and/or in auditory way.


A method and apparatus (200) for embedding a watermark in an information signal bit-stream are described. The method comprises receiving a portion of an information signal bit-stream (MPEG2). A first copy of the received portion is stored in a first buffer (220). A second copy of the received portion is watermarked, and the resulting watermarked signal stored in a second buffer (240). At predetermined intervals, a check is performed to determine if the bit-rate of the received portion has been changed by being watermarked. If the check determines the bit-rate has changed, the first copy of the received portion from the first buffer is output. Otherwise the watermarked signal from the second buffer is output.

Watermarking of information signals is a technique for the transmission of additional data along with the signal. For instance, watermarking techniques can be used to embed copy write and copy control information into video signals.
U.S. Pat. No. 5,809,139 describes a digital watermarking method and apparatus for the watermarking of a digital video signal in a compressed form. To allow the system to be used with transmission channels having strict bit-rate constraints, the system also includes bit-stream control to prevent an increase in the bit-rate of the video signal. For each transform coefficient of the video signal, it is determined whether more bits will be necessary to encode a watermarked version of the coefficient than an un-watermarked coefficient. If more bits are required to transmit a watermark coefficient, then the un-watermarked coefficient is output. Such a method can be used to watermark a MPEG2 video Elementary Stream (E.S.).
Equally, a method described in WO 02/060182, by which a watermark is embedded by selectively discarding the smallest quantized DCT (Distribute Cosine Transform) coefficients, can be used to provide a watermarked signal that is either the same bit-rate as, or a lower bit-rate than, the original signal. This lower bit-rate can be raised back to the original bit-rate by accumulating a relatively large amount of data sufficient to form one or more packets, and stuffing the packet(s) with zero bits.
However, such methods are not appropriate for watermarking information bit-streams that are defined on the system level, for instance a Transport Stream (T.S.), as for instance used in Digital Video Broadcasting (DVB), or a Program Stream (P.S.), as for instance used in Digital Versatile Disk (DVD).
In T.S. and P.S., bit-rate control is more difficult because the elementary stream information is interrupted at random places by other data, such as other video stream(s), audio steam(s), system data, and timing data. In order to prevent distortion of the resulting video signal, it is important that the bit-rate control is such that the position of the start code in the compressed video stream does not change upon the watermarling applied. Equivalently, it is desirable that the number of bits between start codes does not change due to the watermark being applied to the signal. For instance, in MPEG a change of the number of bits between start codes would result in system timing errors and/or result in buffer over or under flow upon decoding of the bit-stream.
It is an aim of embodiments of the present invention to provide methods and apparatus suitable for applying a watermark to an information bit-stream without changing the bit-rate of the information signal.
It is a further aim of embodiments of the present invention to provide methods and apparatus for watermarking a Program Stream or a Transport Stream such that the position of start codes in the bit-stream does not change.


A method of modeling may include obtaining an input file defining a first geometry, establishing a control related to the first geometry, adjusting the control, and using a thin plate spline transform to adjust the first geometry to a second geometry based on the control.

Rapid prototyping involves a process of depositing material in layers to build three-dimensional objects. In the case of jewelry manufacturing, the deposited material may be wax and the rapid prototyping process may be used to build wax models. The wax models may be used in a lost wax process to create a metal piece of jewelry such as a ring, for example. The use of rapid prototyping to create wax models for jewelry is described in a series of U.S. Patent Applications entitled "Method for Digital Manufacturing of Jewelry Items" with the following application serial numbers and filing dates: 61/308,245 filed on Feb. 25, 2010; Ser. No. 13/035,742 filed on Feb. 25, 2011; and 61/694,546 filed on Aug. 29, 2012. These applications are hereby incorporated by reference herein in their entireties.
The rapid prototyping process relies on a computer model that a rapid prototyping machine may transform into a physical wax model by growing it (i.e., printing it on a substrate in a series of layers). The creation of the computer model, or portions thereof, may be performed in several ways, but other approaches are needed.

Modeling using thin plate spline technology


An optical semiconductor device comprising an emitted beam branching section (61) which branches an emitted light beam from a laser device (51), a reflected light beam branching section (71) which branches a reflected light beam from an information recording medium (3) into light beams different from each other in focused state, servo signal sensing photodetectors (43, 45) which receive the branched reflected light beam in a defocused state, a first diffraction grating provided in the emitted light beam branching section for diffracting the reflected light beam having passed through the reflected light beam flux branching section, and a signal sensing photodetector (47) which receives the reflected light beam diffracted by the first diffraction grating.

The following description will depict a configuration and principle of operation of a conventional optical semiconductor device used in an optical information processing device, which has a function of detecting reproduction signals and various kinds of servo signals, while referring to FIG. 10. A light beam emitted from a semiconductor laser element 101 as a light source is diffracted in a Y direction as viewed in the figure by a three-beam generating diffraction grating element 102, so that a zeroth order light of the same becomes a main beam while the first order lights (±1) become sub beams. These three beams obtained by division are focused on an information recording medium 106 by an objective lens 105 and reflected by the information recording medium 106, and then enter a hologram element 103.
The hologram element 103 is a diffraction grating composed of gratings, each in a curved line form. A reflected light beam from the information recording medium 106 is divided by the hologram element 103, where the +1-order diffracted light 107A is subjected to a converging effect, while the −1-order diffracted light 107B is subjected to a diverging effect, and they are guided to photodetector elements 104A and 104B, respectively. The +1-order diffracted light 107A incident on the photodetector element 104A is focused before a light-receiving surface thereof, whereas the −1-order diffracted light 107B incident on the photodetector element 104B is focused behind a light-receiving surface thereof.
Reproduction signals and focus error signals are detected from a main beam among the reflected light beams having been guided to the photodetector elements 104A and 104B, while tracking error signals are detected from sub beams among the same. Focus servo is performed so that the +1-order diffracted light 107A and the −1-order diffracted light 107B resulting from the division by the hologram element 103 have light spots of substantially the same size on the photodetector elements. Tracking servo is performed so that sub beams have equal quantities of light. The position of the objective lens is controlled by those servos, whereby an appropriate action of the optical semiconductor device as an optical information processing device can be achieved.
In the foregoing conventional optical semiconductor device, the same photodetector elements 104A and 104B are used for detecting reproduction signals and focus error signals. Since the ±1-order diffracted light having been subjected to the converging and diverging effects, respectively, at the hologram element 103 have to be received in a defocused state by the photodetector elements 104A and 104B, the photodetector elements 104A and 104B must have large light-receiving areas, approximately 30000 μm2 each. In the case where the photodetector elements have large light-receiving areas, electric capacitances associated with the photodetector elements increase, thereby impairing the quick responsiveness significantly. This particularly has been a significant problem when CD-ROMs, DVD-ROMs, etc. are reproduced at a high speed, for instance, at several tens of times the normal speed. Furthermore, there has been the following problem as well: in the case where the photodetector element for detecting reproduction signals has a large light-receiving area, stray light components incident thereon (external light, unnecessary reflection) increase, thereby decreasing the signal-to-noise ratio (hereinafter referred to as S/N ratio) of the reproduction signals.

Optical element with diffraction grating, semiconductor device, and optical information recording device employing the same

Matsushita Electric Industrial Co., Ltd.


A system creates a desired current level within a traffic signal. A power supply unit receives an external power signal and transforms the power signal to a lamp current. A pulse generator monitors the value of the lamp current and automatically adjust the power usage of the current sink circuit to maintained a predefined current amplitude. A current pulser generates square current pulses at a frequency based at least in part on the frequency of the lamp current. A current sink superimposes the rectangular current pulse onto the lamp current and outputs a combined power signal to the alternating current power line.

The present exemplary embodiments relate to traffic signals. It finds particular application in conjunction with utilizing light emitting diodes with traffic signals. One particular application for such an LED traffic signal is interfacing with control systems previously utilized with incandescent traffic signals, and it will be described with particular reference thereto. However, it is to be appreciated that the present exemplary embodiment is also amenable to other like applications.
Traffic signals are employed to regulate motorists and pedestrians via various commands. These commands are provided by various illuminated elements with particular colors and/or shapes that are each associated with an instruction. Elements are conventionally illuminated via incandescent bulbs which use heat caused by an electrical current to emit light. When electrical current passes through a filament (e.g., tungsten), it causes the filament to heat to the point that it glows and gives off light. Such illumination can be covered with a colored lens and/or template to provide a meaningful instruction that can be viewed in a variety of external lighting conditions.
The filament is a resistive element in the incandescent bulb circuit. The amount of current drawn by the filament is proportional to its impedance. This impedance value increases as the temperature of the filament increases. Thus, a conventional lamp has a larger initial current draw which drops in proportion to the increase in the filament impedance. This variation in current draw is known and a predetermined range can be utilized to monitor the lamp operation. As such, a lamp failure condition can be identified based on the amount of current drawn by the filament. In one example, the filament fails (e.g., breaks) causing the impedance approaches an infinite value and the current value decreases to almost zero. If the current drawn is outside of the predetermined range, a responsive action can be initiated by a current monitor or other control system.
Current monitors detect the failure of traffic signal lamps by monitoring the current drawn by the lamps. A current lower than a predetermined threshold is interpreted as a lamp failure by the current monitor. LED signals draw significantly less current than traditional incandescent signals for which current monitors were originally developed. Some current monitors therefore interpret functional LED signals as having failed. LED traffic signals require a dedicated electronics circuitry to prevent current monitors from detecting current loss in installations where such monitors are used.
Unlike the incandescent-based lamps, which use a single large bulb, the LED-based lamps consist of an array of LED elements, arranged in various patterns. When viewed from a distance, the array appears as a continuous light source. LED-based lamps have numerous advantages over incandescent lamps, such as greater energy efficiency and a longer lifetime between replacements than conventional signals. Some of the longer lifetime results since a plurality of LEDs are employed, wherein a light can be utilized even if some of the LEDs in the array have failed.
What are needed are systems and methods to utilize LED signals that seamlessly interface with conventional traffic signal monitoring systems.

Current shaping of an LED signal for interfacing with traffic control equipment


An apparatus and method for generating test files for design verification of a simulated integrated circuit design such as a cache memory circuit, that involve steps of creating a series of functions, updating a data integrity buffer after each function is created, creating a series of integrity check functions from the data in the data integrity buffer, and writing the series of functions and the series of integrity check functions to a test file. This file can be compiled if necessary and executed by a software or hardware simulator.

Modern integrated circuits may have millions of transistors or "gates" created on monolithic substrates of silicon. These circuits, perhaps two tenths of an inch square, are quite complex in their internal organization. This complexity makes it difficult to test whether they are functioning properly in accordance with their design, and also whether the design itself was without errors. Early testing of the design on integrated circuit simulators is quite important, since the cost of having to correct a flawed design after the integrated circuit is already being manufactured can be extremely high.
For this reason, integrated circuit designs are put through a rigorous design testing process before the circuits are manufactured. This process is called "design verification" and it is performed in software or hardware simulators that are configured to imitate the operation of the integrated circuit.
Each succeeding generation of integrated circuits poses new design verification problems. Following Moore's law, design complexity is doubling every 12-18 months, which causes design verification complexity to increase at an exponential rate. In addition, competitive pressures increasingly demand shorter time to market. The combination of these forces has caused an ever worsening "verification crisis".
Simulation-based functional verification is by far the most popular method of functional verification today, and is widely used within the digital design industry as a method for finding defects within designs. A wide variety of products are available in the market to support simulation-based verification methodologies. However, a fundamental problem with conventional simulation-based verification approaches is that they are slow and often do not uncover all design errors due to the unavoidable shallowness of the tests and the limited time available to run simulations.
One such limitation that is of particular concern for the testing of cache memory devices is the inability to determine design errors resulting in corrupted data in cache memory locations and the effect on subsequent cache memory operations.
For example, one common cache memory test is to write data to a cache memory location, to read back the contents of the memory location, and to compare the actual results of the read with the intended results. In this test, the results that are read back should be the same as the intended result, i.e. the number that was originally written to the memory location. This test will uncover simple apparent errors in the design, but it may not identify other, deeper design errors.
Some deeper design errors that may cause corruption of data stored in cache memory locations may not appear immediately, but only after a predetermined number or sequence or type of cache memory operations.
To uncover such errors, it would be beneficial to test a cache memory device by (1) writing data to a cache memory location, (2) performing many cache memory operations that should have no effect on that written-to cache memory location, and then (3) reading back the contents of the written-to cache memory location and comparing it with the data originally stored.
It would also be beneficial to have a program that would automatically generate a variety of cache memory operations in no predetermined order, while keeping track of all cache memory write functions and cache memory contents.
It would also be desirable to have a test system that would write data to a memory location with a first function, apply several other second functions that (according to the design of the cache memory device) do not affect that memory location, and then follow up with a third function that checks the memory location to see whether the second functions erroneously changed the value of the memory location.
It would also be desirable to have a test settings file containing test parameters to select whether data verification should be performed or not.

Method and apparatus for creating integrated circuit simulator test source files


Disclosed are methods and systems for generating display pixel data so as to reduce latency when rendering a representation of a graphic on a display, such as for augmented-reality applications. The method comprises: receiving a set of display pixel coordinate-pairs at the graphics processing unit; applying a transform matrix to the set of display pixel coordinate-pairs to obtain a set of graphic pixel coordinate-pairs, the transform matrix calculated using orientation data received from an external reference; retrieving a set of graphic pixel data associated with the set of graphic pixel coordinate-pairs; and, determining a set of display pixel data based on the retrieved set of graphic pixel data.

Augmented-reality systems can be used in connection with certain electronic devices. For example, digital images can be superimposed over an environment shown on a display of an electronic device in order to provide additional information to a viewer. The digital images can be related to the objects in the environment by location or content, for example.
Electronic devices can use sensor data to identify features of the objects in the environment in order to provide an augmented-reality display. Augmented-reality is a process wherein a live view of a physical, real world environment (which may be obtained via the camera, for example) may be augmented by computer generated images.
Like reference numerals are used in the drawings to denote like elements and features.

Reducing latency in an augmented-reality display


A method of measuring an analyte, comprising a step of measuring a detectable substance by using a reaction system including a formation reaction of the detectable substance based on a chemical reaction of the analyte contained in a sample, wherein a layered inorganic compound is caused to exist in the reaction system including the formation reaction of the detectable substance, whereby high-sensitivity measurement is made possible, the detectable substance can be stabilized to improve accuracy of the measurement, a rate of a chemical reaction is increased to enable quick measurement, and high-sensitivity measurement is made possible even in a reaction system which forms an insoluble substance. Also, it can be provided an analytical testing piece for measuring an analyte, by measuring a detectable substance by using a reaction system including a formation reaction of the detectable substance based on a chemical reaction of the analyte contained in a sample, wherein the testing piece comprises at least one test portion having a detection portion for detecting the detectable substance and contains a layered inorganic compound at least in the test portion, whereby diffusion and elution of a dyestuff or the like is prevented, more sensitive and accurate simple analysis is made possible, and easy handling is possible.

Methods of detecting and determining an analyte which is contained in a sample, for example, a bio-component in the body fluid such as urine and blood, a trace amount of a substance existent in food, medicine, or natural environment, an industrial chemical substance, a trace amount of a substance contained in waste, or the like include ones for measuring a detectable substance such as a dyestuff formed by a reaction system in which the analyte is involved.
One of the methods is, for example, a method comprising subjecting hydrogen peroxide formed by the chemical reaction of the analyte and a reactive color coupler (dyestuff precursor) to an oxidation-reduction reaction in the presence of peroxidase (POD) and determining the formed dyestuff compound by colorimetry. This method is frequently used in clinical diagnosis and the like because of its simplicity. Another one of the methods is a method of measuring an analyte based on an electrochemical reaction for reducing/oxidizing with an electrode the oxidized/reduced form of an electron carrier (mediator) formed by an oxidation-reduction reaction between the electron carrier and the analyte caused by an enzyme or the like.
However, in the above conventional methods, as measurement sensitivity is not sufficiently high when the amount of the analyte is very small, a highly accurate measurement result cannot be obtained. Therefore, the development of a highly accurate measuring method having improved measurement sensitivity has been desired.
Further, since measurement takes long as a reaction takes time, or it takes time for a detection reaction to reach a termination, a rating method for carrying out quantitative determination from a reaction rate has such a problem that the accuracy of quantitative determination is low. To cope with this, to increase the reaction rate, the reaction system is heated, or the concentration of a reagent for the reaction is increased. However, in the method for heating the reaction system, a heat source is required for heating and analysis is thereby complicated. When the formed substance is thermally instable, detection is difficult and this means cannot be employed. The method for increasing the concentration of the reagent is not practical because it leads to a rise in the background of detection and an increase in the cost of analysis. There is also a method for adding a catalyst to increase the reaction rate. However, since there are many detection reactions for which preferred catalysts are unknown yet, this method is not practical as well. As described above, most of the conventional methods are still unsatisfactory and a novel method which enables quick measurement by increasing the reaction rate more simply has been eagerly desired.
When a reaction which forms a substance insoluble in a reaction solvent is included in the reaction system which forms a detectable substance, there is such inconvenience as enumerated below and called in question.
(1) In measurement in which optical detection is carried out using a liquid reagent, for example, in a batch type automatic biochemical test apparatus, when a dyestuff formed by a reaction is insoluble in a solvent, it separates out and adheres to the wall of a measurement cell to shield incident light or transmitted light or cause the pollution of a dispensing nozzle, and abnormality in absorption coefficient, diffusion or light shielding by agglomeration, thereby making measurement difficult.(2) Similarly, in measurement in which optical detection is carried out using a liquid reagent, when an insoluble by-product is formed, it adheres to the wall of a measurement cell to shield incident light or transmitted light or cause the pollution of a dispensing nozzle, and diffusion or light shielding by agglomeration, thereby making measurement difficult.(3) In measurement in which a dyestuff formed by a reaction caused by dropping onto or infiltrating a sample to be measured into a testing piece is optically detected, when the formed dyestuff is insoluble in a sample solvent, the dyestuff deposits on the substrate of the testing piece nonuniformly, or the agglomeration of the dyestuff occurs, thereby deteriorating measurement accuracy.(4) In electrode measurement using a liquid reagent, for example, in a batch type automatic biochemical test apparatus, when an insoluble by-product is formed, the pollution of an electrode is caused by covering the surface of the electrode with the insoluble deposit, thereby reducing biochemical response and deteriorating measurement accuracy.
The difference between the words "insoluble" and "hardly soluble" indicates a difference in the degree of insolubility in a solvent. In the present invention, the word "insoluble" may be interchanged by "hardly soluble" in the following description.
Particularly, when the formed detectable substance is insoluble in a reaction solvent, reaction rate may be reduced, or measurement sensitivity may be lowered because the reaction system which forms the detectable substance is not uniform and the reaction does not proceed quickly in the prior art method. For example, in the reaction system using an enzyme, the reaction product may deposit near the enzyme or impede the reaction.
Therefore, a measuring method using a reaction which forms a by-product insoluble in a reaction solvent in which the reaction is carried out has rarely been employed. Accordingly, it has been necessary to select a reaction which does not form an insoluble product as a detection system or to develop a new detection reaction system by synthetic chemical means so that the product becomes soluble in a reaction solvent. However, these circumstances have limited a reaction system used. Meanwhile, much time and labor have been required for the research and development of a reaction system which forms only a soluble substance. Further, it has been necessary to add a surfactant for solubilizing, emulsifying or dispersing the product. However, the addition of a surfactant is disadvantageous from the view point of measurement cost and may produce an adverse effect such as interruption of a reaction. Therefore, it cannot be said that it is a perfect solution. Then, a novel method which solves this problem easily and enables measurement in the presence of an insoluble product has been ardently desired.
The method of measuring an analyte using a reaction system which forms hydrogen peroxide as described above is an important measuring method as there are many reactions which form hydrogen peroxide as a substance produced by oxidation. However, accurate measurement has not always been easy in the prior art methods for the following reasons. That is, in these measuring methods, the amount or concentration of a detectable substance such as a dyestuff compound must have a quantitative correlation with a specific substance such as hydrogen peroxide in some cases. However, an oxidation-reduction system in colorimetry is affected by the strong oxidizing activity of excessive hydrogen peroxide or the strong reducing activity of ascorbic acid or the like contained in a biological sample, and the above detectable substance such as a dyestuff compound decomposes, whereby a measurement error may be produced.
For example, in these measuring methods, when an excessive amount of hydrogen peroxide is temporarily formed from an analyte such as glucose by an oxidase such as glucose oxidase, a reaction between the formed dyestuff and hydrogen peroxide occurs in addition to a reaction between a dyestuff precursor and hydrogen peroxide. As a result, the formed dyestuff is decomposed by hydrogen peroxide as soon as it is formed and discolored.
When an enzyme such as peroxidase for producing active oxygen species such as a superoxide having high reactivity from hydrogen peroxide, or transition metal ions and a complex thereof exerting a similar function are existent in a sample, the active oxygen species react with the formed dyestuff, decomposes and discolors it. This interference has affected measurement adversely. When a reaction which forms a detectable substance such as a dyestuff is carried out while it is exposed to the air, the formed dyestuff may be oxidized by oxygen contained in the air or oxygen dissolved in a reaction solution, decomposed and discolored.
Therefore, various attempts have been made such as the research of a dyestuff precursor which provides a stable substance which is hardly decomposed and the addition of various stabilizers but these are still unsatisfactory.
Reducing substances such as ascorbic acid, uric acid and bilirubin contained in a biological sample have a great influence on an oxidation-reduction reaction. Particularly, how to measure an analyte accurately in the presence of ascorbic acid has been a significant theme in the field of clinical analysis for long time. Various interference suppression means such as selective decomposition with an enzyme, decomposition by the addition of periodic acid, oxidation decomposition with iron-ethylene diamine tetraacetate chelate, and selective separation with a semipermeable membrane have been tried in addition to the research of the above-described dyestuff precursor and the like (see Yoshihide Ohta, Yutaka Ogawa, Rinsho Kensa, 34 (4), 502-504 (1990); Japanese Patent Publication No. 1-41223(1989); Japanese Patent Publication No. 2-4861(1990); Japanese Patent Publication No. 4-18630(1992); Japanese Patent Application Laid-open No. 5-95797(1993); and Japanese Patent Application Laid-open No. 7-155196(1995)).
There are further methods of measuring a specific analyte by forming a dyestuff (for example, an azo dyestuff) having quantitative relationship with the specific analyte by various known reactions other than the oxidation-reduction reaction (for example, condensation reactions such as an acid-base reaction and the coupling reaction of a diazonium salt, a complex forming reaction and the like) and optically determining the formed dyestuff. These methods are important measuring methods detailed in Bunseki Kagaku Binran (ed. by the Japan Society for Analytical Chemistry), for example. However, some of the thus formed dyestuffs may be an instable compound which is decomposed by oxygen in the atmosphere, an oxidizing or reducing substance contained in a sample, hydrogen ions or bases contained in the sample, light or the like. To measure this substance, for example, quick operation is required, or operation must be carried out in an atmosphere substituted by nitrogen or light shaded environment. Otherwise, an error may be given to measurement.
Methods using an electron carrier (mediator) include one in which an analyte is measured with high sensitivity by carrying out an enzyme reaction for a predetermined time to oxidize/reduce the electron carrier during that time, thereby accumulating the oxidized/reduced form of the electron carrier, and reducing/oxidizing the accumulated oxidized/reduced form of the electron carrier with an electrode after the predetermined time to produce great electrochemical response. Conventionally, the accumulated oxidized/reduced form of the electron carrier has been subjected to a decomposition reaction such as reduction/oxidation by a reducing substance or oxidizing substance which is coexistent with the accumulated oxidized/reduced form of the electron carrier, whereby an error may be given to measurement.
When the detectable substance is stable without being decomposed, the quantitative relationship is ensured at the time of measurement and a more excellent S/B ratio (signal-to-background ratio) can be obtained by carrying out time integration, whereby the accuracy of analysis can be improved and sensitivity can be increased. Therefore, to develop a reaction system which forms a detectable substance which is stable and can be measured easily, many efforts have been made so far. Various reagents which have been developed so far as reaction substances which form such a stable detectable substance are listed in many handbooks, Bunseki Kagaku Binran, for example.
However, the research of a reaction system which forms such a stable substance takes much time and labor, and efforts are still being made to search for a reaction system which forms a detectable substance which is always stable and can be measured easily. Therefore, even in currently used measurement methods, there are many cases where an instable substance which is decomposed by pH, moisture content, coexistent substance such as an oxidizing/reducing substance, light or the like must be measured as the detectable substance.
An analytical testing piece, used to examine and analyze a component contained in a liquid sample such as urine, for measuring an analyte by measuring a detectable substance such as a formed dyestuff based on the chemical reaction of the analyte contained in a sample, generally comprises a test portion which is a functional portion for carrying out a series of analytical processes such as the absorption, diffusion, reaction, detection and the like of the liquid sample and a support portion for supporting the test portion, and further has a sensor, sample solution suction apparatus and the like as required. The above test portion comprises layers or areas for carrying out various functions. Generally speaking, the test portion comprises a sample suction portion for sucking the sample and introducing it thereinto; a diffusion and infiltration portion for diffusing and infiltrating the sample uniformly in the test portion; a reagent portion containing a reagent which reacts with the analyte contained in the sample; a reaction portion where a reaction such as a detection reaction occurs; a developing portion for separating a component contained in the sample, a dyestuff formed by the detection reaction or the like by a chromatography-like function such as adsorption or distribution; a time control portion for adjusting the proceeding of a reaction making use of a time during which the sample moves; a holding portion for trapping or removing a component contained in the sample, formed dyestuff or the like by an adsorption function; a detection portion for detecting a dyestuff or the like by reflectance, transmission/absorption or fluorescence; an absorbing portion for absorbing excess of a sample solution, added washing solution and developing solution to prevent a back flow, and the like.
In an actual testing piece, these portions having the above functions are not always existent independently. For example, like litmus paper in which the detection portion is the same as the sample suction portion, the reagent portion and the reaction portion, there is a case where one portion has multiple functions.
For example, there are single-layered and multi-layered testing pieces which comprise a diffusion layer which also serves as a sample suction layer, a detection layer which also serves as a reagent layer and a reaction layer, or comprise a detection layer independent from a reaction layer which also serves as a reagent layer. Most of them are bonded to a base by an adhesive layer. There is a testing piece which has a developing layer or a holding layer having a function to remove an interfering component between a reaction layer and a detection layer. There is also a testing piece in which a diffusion layer also serves as a developing layer and is in contact with a reagent layer by an adhesive layer. When detection is carried out by measuring reflectance, a reflection layer may be formed before or after a detection layer. The sample is dropped onto the diffusion layer which also serves as the sample suction layer and diffused uniformly to dissolve a reagent contained in the reagent layer, whereby a reaction proceeds. Thus, for example, a dyestuff is produced from a dyestuff precursor. When the reagent layer and the reaction layer also serve as the detection layer, the dyestuff is directly measured. However, when an independent detection layer is provided, the produced dyestuff or the like further infiltrates and moves into the detection layer and is measured at that point (see H. G. Curme, et al., Clinical Chemistry, 24 (8), 1335-1342 (1978); B. Walter, Analytical Chemistry, 55 (4), 498A (1983); Asaji Kondo, Bunseki, 1984 (7), 534; Asaji Kondo, Bunseki, 1986 (6), 387; Bunseki Kagaku Binran, p.8 (edited by the Japan Society for Analytical Chemistry: fourth revised edition, Maruzen (1991); and Japanese Patent Application Laid-open No. 6-213886(1994) (Masao Kitajima et al.)).
There is also a testing piece which comprises an infiltration portion of a developing solution at an end of the testing piece on a small piece of filter paper; a sample suction portion adjacent to the infiltration portion; a reaction portion which also serves as a reagent portion (having an enzyme immobilized thereto) near the center of the testing piece; and a detection portion which also serves as a reagent portion (having a dyestuff precursor or the like immobilized thereto), a reaction portion and a holding portion after the reaction portion and makes use of the plane movement of the sample or the like. In this case, after the sample is dropped onto the sample suction portion, the developing solution is infiltrated from the end of the testing piece to move the sample by a capillary action, the sample reacts with the enzyme in the reaction portion which also serves as the first reagent portion (having the enzyme immobilized thereto) to produce hydrogen peroxide which is then moved by the developing solution to color the dyestuff precursor or the like in the detection portion which also serves as the second reagent portion (having the dyestuff precursor or the like immobilized thereto), the reaction portion and the holding portion, and adsorb and hold the produced dyestuff or the like (detectable substance). Since the hydrogen peroxide moves along with the movement of the developing solution and a coloration reaction occurs along with the movement, when the amount of the analyte increases, the length of coloration expands, whereby the substance can be measured. (see M. P. Allen, et al., Clinical Chemistry, 36 (9), 1591-1597 (1990); D. Noble, Analytical Chemistry, 65 (23), 1037A (1993).)
This testing piece is used in a urine test, a biochemical test, an immunochromatography test and the like. In an example of a testing piece for immunochromatography, when one end of filter paper having an antibody immobilized thereto (it can be said that the entire surface thereof serves as a reagent portion, a reaction portion, a developing portion, a holding portion and a detection portion) is immersed in a developing solution prepared by mixing a sample containing an antigen (analyte) and an enzyme-linked antigen as a reagent to develop with a color developing solution which is a second reagent (containing a dyestuff precursor), a portion containing the enzyme-linked antigen which has been developed and captured is colored like a belt. The length of the colored belt is proportional to the amount of the antigen contained in the sample. (see R. F. Zuk, et al., Clinical Chemistry, 31 (7), 1144-1150 (1985).)
As another example of a testing piece for immunochromatography, there is a testing piece which comprises a reagent portion (first antibody immobilized colored latex) which also serves as a sample suction portion at one end on a small piece of a membrane filter, a reagent portion (second antibody which recognizes the same antigen as that of the first antibody but is different in epitope) which also serves as a developing portion near the center, a developing portion and further a detection portion which also serves as a reagent portion (anti-first antibody antibody) and a holding portion. When a sample is dropped onto the sample suction portion, an antigen-antibody reaction between an antigen (analyte) and the first antibody occurs, an immuno-complex directly moves along with the movement of the sample, and a sandwich reaction between the immuno-complex and the second antibody occurs in the reagent portion which also serves as a developing portion. However, excess of the first antibody which does not form an immuno-complex passes through the developing portion along with the movement of the sample and is captured in the detection portion which also serves as the reagent portion (anti-first antibody antibody) and the holding portion. The analyte can be measured by measuring the coloration of the colored latex (containing a dyestuff as a detectable substance) to which the first antibody is immobilized. (see I. W. Davidson, Analytical Proceedings, 29, 459 (1992).)
However, in the above testing pieces, a dyestuff or the like produced by a reaction with a component to be analyzed has solubility in a sample solution, reaction solution or the like in many cases with the result of such inconvenience as the elution of the dyestuff or the like into a bulk solution, a back flush to the diffusion layer, and the adhesion of the dyestuff or the like to the adjacent test portion in multi-item test paper having a plurality of test portions. Due to the movement of the dyestuff or the like toward the edge of the test portion by drying, there occurs such a phenomenon that the concentration of a center portion becomes low and that of a peripheral portion becomes high.
Such an inconvenient phenomenon that deteriorates measurement sensitivity, precision and accuracy is particularly marked in urine test paper or the like which is immersed in a sample solution for measurement but is very common irrespective of the type of sample.
Meanwhile, there have been proposed a method for preventing the elution of a reagent by covering a test portion (Japanese Patent Application Laid-open No. 2-38861(1990)), a method for preventing liquid junction between adjacent test portions by causing the test portions composed of a porous structure (such as a porous layer or a porous film) having high absorptivity to uniformly absorb a sample (Japanese Patent Application Laid-open No. 2-6541(1990)), a method for selecting a reaction for forming an insoluble dyestuff, a method for capturing a formed dyestuff using an insoluble and hydrophobic binder (fixing agent) (Japanese Patent Application Laid-open No. 7-181174(1995)), a method for increasing the distance between adjacent test portions in the multi-item test paper, a method for controlling and adjusting immersion time, a method for controlling time so that measurement is carried out before diffusion, and the like. However, covering a test portion or preparing a porous structure by a precipitation-solidification method makes a test paper production process complicated. When a reaction for forming an insoluble dyestuff is selected, a product inhibition of enzyme activity occurs. A testing piece prepared by using a hydrophobic polymer as a binder has such a defect that the absorptivity of an aqueous sample solution deteriorates. A multi-item testing piece has such a defect that when the distance between adjacent test portions is increased, a larger area is required or it is disadvantageous for the movement of the sensor as a single sensor moves through a plurality of test portions to measure reflected light. The other methods have respective problems to be solved. For example, the method for controlling immersion time is troublesome in an urine test, the method for controlling time is not easy because of the relationship between control time and reaction time. Satisfactory solutions to these problems are yet to be found.
A method for measuring an analyte from electrochemical response at the time of oxidation-reduction using the above electron carrier (mediator), a method for measuring ions as an analyte by measuring the potential of a membrane upon the movement of a complex compound formed by using a ligand (ionophore) which is coordinately bonded or ion bonded to a specific ion in a liquid film electrode, and the like are known as important measuring methods. Generally speaking, in an electrode composed of an oxidized/reduced form of an electron carrier or a complex compound, the elution or diffusion of the electron carrier or ligand is prevented by adding the electron carrier or ligand to an insoluble polymer, and the electron carrier or ligand is held near the surface of the electrode so that electrons can move quickly at the same time. Since the movement of a substance in a polymer is limited, a reaction between an analyte contained in the sample or an intermediate substance produced from the analyte and the electron carrier or ligand contained in the insoluble polymer is interrupted. A satisfactory solution to this fundamental problem is yet to be found as well.

This patent is subject to a terminal disclaimer.

Method for measuring substance and testing piece


A system for enhanced customer experience workflows, comprising a workflow integration server configured to receive at least a plurality of customer interaction information, and configured to produce at least a plurality of interaction workflow events based at least in part on at least a portion of the customer interaction information, and configured to transmit at least a portion of the interaction workflow events via a network; wherein at least a portion of the customer interaction information is received from a customer interaction system, and at least a portion of the interaction workflow events are produced automatically, and at least a portion of the customer interaction information is received while an interaction is in progress, and at least a portion of the workflow events are produced and transmitted while the interaction is in progress.

Field of the Art
The disclosure relates to the field of customer interaction, and more particularly to the field of automating enhanced workflows based on customer interaction.
Discussion of the State of the Art
In customer interaction management, it is common for businesses to wish to implement analysis and influencing operations for various use cases, expediting customer requests and identifying metrics and areas of improvement through operational analysis. However, various approaches in the art require a great deal of custom configuration resulting in a high cost to implement, and tend to be very customer-specific causing migration issues and additional configuration needs.
What is needed, is a means to lower the cost to provide viable use case analysis and influencing from a given stream of events, and to operate on those events to produce non-customer-specific workflows and analysis thereof to optimize operations while improving customer experience.

System and method for enhanced customer experience workflow


An image processing apparatus for compressing and decompressing image data is disclosed that is capable of image processing with a small memory area. The image processing apparatus includes a compression unit to compress the image data to a predetermined compression format; an omission secondary compression unit to omit a portion of the compressed image data given by the compression unit, divide the compressed image data into blocks having predetermined block sizes, and perform secondary compression to generate omission secondary compression image data; a data recovery unit to recover the omission secondary compression image data into the compressed image data; an image rotation unit to rotate the compressed image data decompressed by the data decompression unit according to the block sizes; a block storage unit to store the rotated compressed image data in units of the block sizes; and a data decompression unit to decompress the compressed image data stored in the block storage unit according to predetermined conditions.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to an image processing apparatus and an image processing method, and particularly, to an image processing apparatus and an image processing method capable of image processing with a small memory area.
2. Description of the Related Art
In the related art, there exist image processing apparatuses which appropriately process image data transmitted from upper level devices such as a computer or a scanner, and output the image data to an image output device. For example, Japanese Laid-Open Patent Application No. 11-227263 (below, referred to as "reference 1") discloses a technique in this field.
Below, descriptions are made of an image processing apparatus in the related art.
FIG. 1 is a block diagram exemplifying a configuration of an image processing apparatus in the related art.
As an example, in FIG. 1, a printer system is used as the image processing apparatus in the related art. In addition, in the following descriptions, bitmap image data are used as an example of the image data subject to image processing.
As shown in FIG. 1, an image processing apparatus 100 includes a computer 101 functioning as an upper-level device, a printer controller 102 serving as a control unit, and a printer engine 103 serving as an image output unit.
The computer 101 includes an image data input unit 111, a data compression unit 112, and a transmission memory 113.
The image data input unit 111 receives the bitmap image data from image data stored in a memory (not illustrated) of the computer 101, or image data stored in other devices connected through wireless or cable communication networks such as telephone lines or LAN (Local Area Network) cables. In addition, the image data input unit 111 outputs the received bitmap image data to the data compression unit 112.
The data compression unit 112 compresses the received image data to form image data of a format supported by a printer driver, and outputs the compressed image data to the transmission memory 113.
The transmission memory 113 stores the compressed image data and outputs a preset amount of the compressed image data to the printer controller 102 at preset timings.
The printer controller 102 includes a reception memory 121, a data decompression unit 122, a frame memory 123, an image processing unit 124, and a line memory 125. The printer controller 102 receives the compressed image data from the computer 101, and stores the compressed image data in the reception memory 121.
The data decompression unit 122 decompresses the image data received from the reception memory 121 and generates the bitmap image data, and outputs the decompressed bitmap image data to the frame memory 123.
The frame memory 123 stores an amount of the bitmap image data equivalent to one frame (one picture), and outputs the stored bitmap image data to the image processing unit 124.
The image processing unit 124 performs color correction, color transformation, dither processing, edge processing, and other image processing on the bitmap image data, and outputs the processed image data to the line memory 125.
The line memory 125 outputs the image data to the printer engine 103, for example, by means of FIFO (First-In First-Out).
The printer engine 103 generates and outputs printing images from the image data received from the printer controller 102.
It should be noted that processes in the printer system 100 as shown in FIG. 1 are for generating monochromatic images. When generating color images, for example, with a color printer, it is necessary to generate CMYK images, that is, Cyan (C), Magenta (M), Yellow (Y), Black (K) images. For this purpose, usually, it is required to repeat the above-described processes four times. In this case, the speed of generating a color image is reduced to one-fourth of that for forming a monochromatic color.
In order to realize a high-speed color printer having high speed for printing color images, a tandem-type printer engine was proposed. The tandem-type printer engine has four image generation units and can generate CMYK four color images at the same time. With the tandem-type printer engine, the speed of generating a color image is the same as that of generating a monochromatic color.
Below, a printer controller adapted to support the tandem-type printer engine is described.
FIG. 2 is a block diagram exemplifying a configuration of a printer controller for a tandem-type operation.
As shown in FIG. 2, a printer controller 202 includes a reception memory 221, a data decompression unit 222, a frame memory 223, image processing units 224-1 to 224-4, and line memories 225-1 to 225-4.
The printer controller 202 receives the compressed image data from the computer 101, and stores the compressed image data in the reception memory 221.
The data decompression unit 222 decompresses the image data received from the reception memory 221 and generates the bitmap image data, and outputs the decompressed bitmap image data to the frame memory 223.
The image processing units 224-1 to 224-4 carry out color correction, color transformation, dither processing, edge processing, and other image processing on the bitmap image data for the four colors, respectively, output the processed image data to the printer engine 103 through the corresponding line memories 225-1 to 225-4. Usually, the line memories 225-1 to 225-4 for different colors have different capacities.
FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of a tandem-type printer engine.
As shown in FIG. 3, a tandem-type printer engine 301 includes exposure units 311-1 through 311-4, photosensitive drums 312-1 through 312-4, developing units 313-1 through 313-4, and an intermediate transfer 314. In the tandem-type printer engine 301, the exposure units 311-1 through 311-4 expose corresponding printing colors, for example, CMYK, on the photosensitive drums 312-1 through 312-4 to form electrostatic latent images thereon; the developing units 313-1 through 313-4 develop the respective latent images to form monochromatic images of the CMYK printing colors on the photosensitive drums 312-1 through 312-4, respectively; these monochromatic images are superposed on the intermediate transfer 314 and are transferred to a recoding medium 315 to form a color image thereon.
However, as shown in FIG. 3, in a tandem-type printer, the timings of operating the exposure units 311-1 through 311-4 change depending on intervals between the CMYK photosensitive drums 312-1 through 312-4. Due to this, the color handled at a later timing produces a larger amount of data, and requires a line memory of a larger capacity. Therefore, in order to maintain the high printing speed when using the tandem type printer, the hardware resources and the memory capacity need be increased fourfold, and thus, the cost of the whole image processing apparatus increases.

Image processing apparatus and image processing method


An OLED display device which can sense a current of each pixel at high speed by a simple structure in order to compensate for luminance non-uniformity and a pixel current sensing method thereof are discussed. The OLED display device includes a display panel including pixels, each including a light emitting element and a pixel circuit for independently driving the light emitting element, a data driver for driving a data line connected to the pixel circuit using a data voltage, floating one of the data line, a reference line for supplying a reference voltage to the pixel circuit, and a power line for supplying a power to the pixel circuit to use the floated line as a current sensing line, sensing a voltage corresponding to a pixel current of the pixel circuit flowing to the current sensing line, and outputting the sensing voltage, in a sensing mode.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to an Active Matrix Organic Light Emitting Diode (AMOLED) display device, and more particularly, to an AMOLED display device which can sense a current of each pixel at high speed by a simple structure in order to compensate for a luminance deviation between pixels and a pixel current sensing method thereof.
2. Discussion of the Related Art
An AMOLED display device is a self-luminous element in which an organic light emitting layer emits light by recombination of electrons and holes and is expected to be used as a future generation display device due to high luminescence, a low driving voltage, and ultra thin thickness.
Each of a plurality of pixels constituting the AMOLED display device includes an Organic Light Emitting Diode (OLED) comprised of an organic light emitting layer between an anode and a cathode and a pixel circuit for independently driving the OLED. The pixel circuit mainly includes a switching Thin Film Transistor (TFT), a capacitor, and a driving TFT. The switching TFT charges a voltage corresponding to a data signal to a capacitor in response to a scan pulse and the driving TFT adjusts the amount of light emission of the OLED by controlling the magnitude of current supplied to the OLED according to the magnitude of the voltage charged in the capacitor. The amount of light emission of the OLED is proportional to current supplied from the driving TFT.
However, in the OLED display device, there is a characteristic difference in a threshold voltage Vth and mobility of the driving TFT between pixels due to a process deviation etc. and thus the amount of current for driving the OLED varies. As a result, a luminance deviation occurs between pixels. Generally, an initially generated characteristic difference of a driving TFT results in spots or patterns on a screen and a characteristic difference caused by degradation of the driving TFT produced while the OLED is driven reduces the lifespan of an AMOLED display panel or generates a residual image.
To solve such a problem, for example, U.S. Pat. No. 7,838,825 discloses a data compensation method for compensating for input data according to a result obtained by sensing a current of each pixel. However, the above patent in which a method for sensing a current flowing to a power line (VDD or VSS) of a panel while lighting up each pixel is used delays a current sensing time due to a parasitic capacitor existing in parallel to the power line when resolution is increased, thereby making it difficult to perform high-speed current sensing.
In addition, although currents of a plurality of pixels can simultaneously sense at high speed using a plurality of current sensing circuits, circuit size is increased and therefore such a method is not practical. Due to this, the above patent can compensate for an initially generated characteristic deviation between driving TFTs by sensing the deviation in a test process prior to product shipment. However, it is difficult to sense and compensate for a characteristic deviation due to degradation of the driving TFT generated while the OLED is driven after product shipment.

Organic light emitting diode display device for pixel current sensing in the sensing mode and pixel current sensing method thereof


The invention is directed to purified and isolated novel human IL-1 epsilon polypeptides, the nucleic acids encoding such polypeptides, processes for production of recombinant forms of such polypeptides, antibodies generated against these polypeptides, the use of such polypeptides in cellular and immune reactions, the use of such polypeptides in screening for agonists or antagonists of IL-1 epsilon activity, and kits comprising such polypeptides.

1. Field of the Invention
The invention is directed to purified and isolated novel human IL-1 epsilon polypeptides, the nucleic acids encoding such polypeptides, processes for production of recombinant forms of such polypeptides, antibodies generated against these polypeptides, the use of such polypeptides in cellular and immune reactions, the use of such polypeptides in screening for agonists or antagonists of IL-1 epsilon activity, and kits comprising such polypeptides.
2. Description of Related Art
Interleukin-1 (IL-1) is a member of a large group of cytokines whose primary function is to mediate immune and inflammatory responses. There are five known IL-1 family members which include IL-1 alpha, IL-1 beta, IL-1 receptor antagonist (IL-1), IL-1 delta (as disclosed in PCT US/99/00514), and IL-18 (previously known as IGIF and sometimes IL-1 gamma). IL-1 that is secreted by macrophages is actually a mixture of mostly IL-1 beta and some IL-1 alpha (Abbas et al., 1994). IL-1 alpha and IL-1 beta, which are first produced as 33 kD precursors that lack a signal sequence, are further processed by proteolytic cleavage to produce secreted active forms, each about 17 kD. Additionally, the 33 kD precursor of IL-1 alpha is also active. Both forms of IL-1 are the products of two different genes located on chromosome 2. Although the two forms are less than 30 percent homologous to each other, they both bind to the same receptors and have similar activities.
IL-1ra, a biologically inactive form of IL-1, is structurally homologous to IL-1 and binds to the same receptors. Additionally, IL-1ra is produced with a signal sequence which allows for efficient secretion into the extracellular region where it competitively competes with IL-1 (Abbas et al., 1994).
The IL-1 family ligands bind to two IL-1 receptors that are members of the Ig superfamily. IL-1 receptors include the 80 kDa type I receptor (IL-1RI) and a 68 kDa type II receptor (IL-1RII). The ligands also bind to a soluble proteolytic fragment of IL-1RII (sIL-1RII) (Colotta et al., Science 261 (5120):472-75, 1993).
The major source of IL-1 is the activated macrophage or mononuclear phagocyte. Other cells that produce IL-1 include epithelial and endothelial cells (Abbas et al., 1994). IL-1 secretion from macrophages occurs after the macrophage encounters and ingests gram-negative bacteria. Such bacteria contain lipopolysaccharide (LPS) molecules, also known as endotoxin, in the bacterial cell wall. LPS molecules are the active components that stimulate macrophages to produce tumor necrosis factor (TNF) and IL-1. In this case, IL-1 is produced in response to LPS and TNF production. At low concentrations, LPS stimulates macrophages and activates B-cells and other host responses needed to eliminate the bacterial infection; however, at high concentrations, LPS can cause severe tissue damage, shock, and even death.
The biological functions of IL-1 include activating vascular endothelial cells and lymphocytes, local tissue destruction, and fever (Janeway et al., 1996). At low levels, IL-1 stimulates macrophages and vascular endothelial cells to produce IL-6, upregulates molecules on the surface of vascular endothelial cells to increase leukocyte adhesion, and indirectly activates inflammatory leukocytes by stimulating mononuclear phagocytes and other cells to produce certain chemokines that activate inflammatory leukocytes. These IL-1 functions are crucial during low level microbial infections. However, if the microbial infection escalates, IL-1 acts systemically by inducing fever, stimulating mononuclear phagocytes to produce IL-1 and IL-6, increasing the production of serum proteins from hepatocytes, and activating the coagulation system. It is also known that IL-1 does not cause hemorrhagic necrosis of tumors or suppress bone marrow stem cell division. Nevertheless, IL-1 is lethal to humans at high concentrations.
Given the important function of IL-1, there is a need in the art for additional members of the IL-1 ligand family. In addition, in view of the continuing interest in protein research and the immune system, the discovery, identification, and roles of new proteins, such as human IL-1 epsilon and its receptors, are at the forefront of modem molecular biology and biochemistry. Despite the growing body of knowledge, there is still a need in the art for the identity and function of proteins involved in cellular and immune responses.

Methods of treating inflammatory and/or autoimmune disease


Methods and apparatus for controlling the downhill running of a vehicle judge, based on a running resistance of the vehicle, whether a shift-down operation should be carried out or whether a clutch for transmitting power from drive wheels to an engine should be connected. It is judged whether a driver is requesting deceleration by comparing possible acceleration .alpha.s with actual acceleration .alpha.R. A shift-down operation is executed or a clutch connection is carried out only when it is judged that the shift-down operation should be executed or the clutch connection should be carried out and it is judged that the driver is requesting deceleration. Thus, the shift-down operation control is only carried out when the driver intends to decelerate.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a method of controlling the downhill running of a vehicle and an apparatus therefor. More specifically, the invention relates to technology for improving the shift-down operation control and for improving the engine brake operation control during the downhill running.
2. Related Art of the Invention
In the speed control operation of an automatic transmission of vehicles, there has generally been employed a system for determining a transmission gear ratio (or speed-change gear) by making a reference to a speed-change map in which has been set in with the transmission gear ratios (or speed-change gears) depending upon the opening degree of the throttle valve and the vehicle speed. However, the mechanism for determining the transmission gear ratio (speed-change gear) has been constituted without at all taking into consideration the changes in the running resistance such as changes of the inclination and the like. In running uphill, for example, an unnecessary shift-up operation is executed by separating the foot away from the accelerator pedal at the time when the vehicle enters into a corner. When running downhill, the gear of the highest speed is selected, which no longer makes it possible to apply the engine brake causing the foot brake to bear an increased burden.
Therefore, a variety of methods have heretofore been proposed for changing the speed-change schedule depending upon the inclination (running resistance). According to the method disclosed in, for example, Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 5-231522, the downhill running state is detected based upon a detection signal from an inclination (acceleration) sensor. Besides, when it is detected that the accelerator pedal has not been depressed, the shift-down operation is executed to effectively apply the engine brake during the downhill running.
According to the method disclosed in the above Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 5-231522, however, the shift-down operation is executed by taking into consideration only the downhill inclination and the fully closed state of the throttle valve. In the following cases, therefore, the driver feels the driving uncomfortable and the operation is carried out involving an uncomfortable feeling.
For example, when running a long straight downhill, the driver may wish to continue the coasting using the gear of the highest speed (e.g., fourth speed) without shifting down the gear. With the above-mentioned conventional transmission, however, the shift-down operation is forcibly executed without reflecting the intention of the driver. Therefore, the driver feels uncomfortable. Alternatively, the driver must depress the accelerator pedal if he intends to drive his car as he likes. The driver feels uncomfortable to a considerable degree if he is forced to depress the accelerator pedal in the downhill running. Besides, such an operation interrupts the control for cutting the fuel during the deceleration running, which is detrimental to fuel efficiency and exhaust performance.

Method of controlling the downhill running of a vehicle and apparatus therefor


A paper output unit for an ink-jet printer includes: a feed roller for feeding individual sheet of print media into the printer in which the feed roller first rotates in a reverse direction to align a top edge of each individual sheet of print media along a surface before each feeding of the individual sheet of print media into the printer, and then rotates in a forward paper transport direction to feed the individual sheet of print media into the printer for printing; a delivery roller for ejecting the individual sheet of print media led from the feed roller and transported along the paper transport direction in a paper path between the feed roller and the delivery roller upon completion of printing of the individual sheet of print media; a transmission roller for controlling rotation of the feed roller and the delivery roller; a friction star wheel for applying a pushing force to the individual sheet of print media as the individual sheet of print media is being conveyed to the delivery roller so as to prevent the individual sheet of print media from slipping off the delivery roller; and a delivery roller shifting unit for shifting the delivery roller away from the friction star wheel each time the feed roller rotates in the reverse direction.

1. Technical Field
The present invention relates to a paper output unit for an ink-jet printer, and more particularly, relates to a paper jam-free output apparatus for an inkjet printer for preventing paper jams that may occur due to the reverse rotation of a paper drive mechanism which feeds the next paper when the current paper on which printing is completed has not been output yet to a top output tray.
2. Related Art
Conventional ink-jet printers typically include a paper feeding unit for feeding each individual sheet of paper into the printer, a paper conveyance unit for conveying or transport each sheet of paper fed from the paper feeding unit through a print zone for printing, a print unit for printing images on the sheet of paper as the sheet of paper is transported through the print zone during a print cycle, and a paper output unit for delivering the sheet of paper on which printing is completed through the print unit to an output tray generally placed outside of the printer. Exemplary configurations of such an ink-jet printer are disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,595,380 for Sheet Media Handling System For Aligned Insertion Of Single Sheet Medium issued to McCue, Jr. et al., U.S. Pat. No. 5,291,227 for Ink Jet Printer Having Improved Paper Transport Mechanism issued to Suzuki, U.S. Pat. No. 5,216,442 for Moving Platen Architecture For An Ink Jet Printer issued to Parks et al., U.S. Pat. No. 5,152,622 for Printer With Improved Anti-Skew Mechanisms issued to Rasmussen et al., and U.S. Pat. No. 5,121,139 for Compact Ink Jet Printer Having A Drum Drive Mechanism issued to Burke.
Generally, each sheet of paper is delivered to the paper transport unit from the paper feeding unit. A paper feed roller first rotates in a reversed, clockwise direction so as to align the sheet of paper for proper conveyance through the print zone for printing. When the sheet of paper is aligned for proper conveyance, the paper feed roller then rotates in a forward, counter-clockwise direction so as to convey the sheet of paper through the print zone for printing. As the paper is being printed, a delivery roller of the paper output unit rotates to deliver the paper to the output tray. Simultaneous to the delivery of the printed paper, the paper feed roller also reverses its rotation so as to align a next sheet of paper for printing. As the paper feed roller begins to rotate in a reversed, clockwise direction, however, the tail end of paper as output by the paper output unit is often held back between the delivery roller and the friction star wheel, thus resulting in a paper jam.
One solution to this problem as I have recently observed is to install a paper output hook assembly having a delivery hook and gear in which the delivery hook is used to rotate in a paper output direction for pulling the paper that has been lightly caught between the delivery roller and the friction star wheel for complete delivery when the paper feed roller begins to rotate in a reversed, clockwise direction. However, this solution requires an especially constructed driving mechanism for the paper output hook assembly, and consumes valuable time for paper delivery which causes time delay and creates noise due to the operation of the paper output hook assembly. Moreover, a separate gear for operating the delivery hook and other complex parts and motors are necessarily required which increases the production costs and decreases the production yield.


A method and apparatus for mapping a cellular bit stream to a wireline modem waveform is disclosed. A received cellular bit stream is applied to convolutional decoder to decode class I speech bits within each bit frame of the cellular bit stream. The decoder speech bits are appended to the bit frame from which the decoded bits came, and a 40 bit frame marker is attached to each bit frame. This modified bit frame is transmitted at 20 mS intervals to a wireline modem to achieve a 19.2 KB/S bit rate. The line modem maps the signal onto a waveform and transmit the signal to a PSTN network.

1. Technical Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to cellular radio communications, and more particularly, to a method and apparatus for converting between a cellular bit stream and a wireline modem waveform.
2. Description of Related Art
Wireline networks are currently defining new services based upon Integrated Service Digital Network's (ISDN's) flexible standards for delivering direct digital interfaces for subscribers in a variety of bit rates. These variety of bit rates cannot be directly mapped to wireless services without an as yet undefined compression technique because of the premium placed on efficient radio spectrum utilization.
One proposed method of providing maximum flexibility for future mapping between wireline waveforms and cellular bit streams involves defining a transparent mode in which all data bits of, for example, the IS54 format totaling 13 KB/S are mapped to a PSTN subscriber using a suitable wireline modem waveform for greater than 13 KB/S, for example, 19.2 KB/S. The IS54 channel and speech coding and decoding could be remotely located at the mobile switching center (MSC) or even a private address branch exchange (PABX).
However, this method only involves mapping "hard" bit (class I speech bit) decisions from the IS54 signal. By mapping only "hard" bit decisions from IS54 to wireline, the "soft" bit information that is valuable in performing an alternative error correction decoding for data would be discarded. The "soft" bit information is accessible only in the vicinity of the base station receiver's demodulator, unless the bit rate between the receiver and the wireline is increased substantially to preserve the soft information. This suggests that channel decoding of the convolutionally coded speech bits should be performed at the transceiver for both voice and data nodes in order to benefit from the "soft" bit information to achieve best performance. Thus, a method for converting between a cellular bit stream and a wireline modem waveform is needed which preserve the benefits of "soft" error correction decoding for both voice and data.

Method and apparatus for mapping between cellular bit streams and wireline waveforms


A system for securing a key in a vehicle is provided. The system comprises: a cable for connecting to a vehicular component, wherein the cable comprises a first end and a second end; a lock for locking the first end of the cable and the second end of the cable; a key holder for holding a key, wherein the key holder comprises a connector for connecting to the cable; and an alarm system connector for connecting the cable to a vehicular alarm system.

1. Technical Field
The present invention relates to vehicle security, and more particularly, to a system for securing a key in a vehicle for use at an automobile dealership.
2. Discussion of the Related Art
Automobile dealerships typically have tens or hundreds of vehicles in inventory at any given time. Vehicles within the inventory are constantly being test driven by potential customers or relocated by dealership staff. In order to have a vehicle test driven or moved to another location at the dealership, a salesperson or another employee of the dealership must have access to the key for the vehicle they desire to move. This is typically accomplished by storing a set of keys in a secure location at the dealership. This, however, can be somewhat cumbersome, in that time is consumed when searching for the vehicle's key and logging the removal or return of the key. In addition, this process can lead to keys being misplaced or lost thus creating further time-consuming obstacles.
It is understood that a vehicle's key can simply be placed in the vehicle and then the vehicle can be locked using its pre-loaded security system. Although this may seem convenient, the failure to lock the vehicle after use, with an un-secured key therein is a vulnerability of such a system. This may occur, for example, when a shared controller for use with a pre-loaded security system accidentally disarms a vehicle's pre-loaded security system. Thus, a thief may gain unabated access to the vehicle. In addition, the knowledge that vehicles are in a dealership lot with unsecured keys therein may be too tempting for a potential thief to resist.
The shared controller, which is capable of controlling most of the pre-loaded security systems in a dealership lot, has yet another vulnerability in that it may be copied or stolen by a thief. Thus, enabling a thief with access to almost any vehicle on the dealership lot. Therefore, a need exists for a system for securing a key in a vehicle for use at an automobile dealership.


[Problem]

A cushion pad used for, for example, a seat and a chair such as furniture equipped with transportation means such as a vehicle, a ship, and an aircraft requires reduction in thickness to ensure the indoor space and reduce the mass of the transportation means. Reduction in thickness of the cushion pad causes a bottom-hitting feeling (feeling of contact with the bottom) so as to cause poor seating comfort. Accordingly, Patent Literature 1 discloses the technology that sets the difference between the whole density and the core density of the cushion pad to 5 kg/m3 or less to reduce the bottom-hitting feeling.

Abstract: [Problem]

Abstract: To provide a cushion pad that reduces the bottom-hitting feeling.

Abstract: [Solution]

Abstract: In a support portion, the ratio of the hardness of a bottom surface layer including the bottom surface to the hardness of a seating layer including the seating surface is set to 1.0 to 1.1. The hardness of the seating layer is set to be identical to the hardness of the bottom surface layer or slightly smaller than the hardness of the bottom surface layer. This allows reducing the increase in reactive force by the bottom surface layer while supporting the load of the seated person by the bottom surface layer. This allows reducing the bottom-hitting feeling.


Provided herein are methods for introducing fluorine atom onto a biomolecule comprising: (i) providing a linker comprising a thiol-reactive terminus and an azido/alkyne-reactive terminus; (ii) reacting the thiol-reactive terminus of the linker with a biomolecule comprising at least one thiol group or a reactive derivative thereof; and (iii) subsequently reacting the azido/alkyne-reactive terminus of the linker with a fluorine-substituted azide or alkyne respectively. Also provided are compositions and method of synthesis of bifunctional linkers and bioconjugates as well as radio-diagnostic agents comprising fluorine-labeled biomolecules.

Methods to introduce fluorine atoms, particularly radioactive fluorine atoms onto biomolecules comprising amino acid residues are of considerable interest. However, since radioactive fluorine atoms, such as 18F, have a relatively short lifetime of about 110 minutes, time-efficient methods are required to introduce radiofluorine onto biomolecules.
There is a continuing need for efficient and site-specific methods for introducing fluorine atom(s) including radioactive fluorine atom(s) onto biomolecules.