An apparatus, method and vending system mixes a dry product mix with liquid to produce a mixed beverage. The apparatus includes a product canister containing the dry product mix. The product canister includes a dispensing mechanism that dispensed a portion of the mix through an outlet. During dispensing, a plurality of agitators positioned within the product canister and in contact with the product mix displaces the product mix, thereby keeping the product mix loose and lifted and resulting in a more evenly distributed product mix feed for dispensing through the outlet.

Many consumers purchase hot beverages from vending machines. These vending machines often contain a variety of coffee and chocolate drinks as well as other hot drinks. Often, specialty drinks such as lattes, cappuccinos or espressos are served in the vending machines.
Some prior art vending machines mix a dry beverage mix and hot water in a cup located in a general receiving area by adding the hot water to the dry mix and allowing the agitation from the pouring action of the hot fluid to dissolve the mixture into the fluid. While this usually dissolves simple soluble mixes, the pouring action is insufficient to thoroughly dissolve a more complex mix, thereby leaving a residue of mix at the bottom of the cup. Additionally, this method does not provide for a frothing action to produce a creme that is common to such drinks as lattes, cappuccinos or espressos.
Other prior art vending machines mix the dry beverage mix and the hot water within the vending machine. These machines provide some sort of mixing chamber in the vending machine to aid in ensuring that the mix is properly dissolved into solution. However, these previous mixing apparatuses have been unable to provide a sufficient froth that might compare to such beverages obtained from a conventional coffee vending merchant. Specifically, the prior art used a smooth mixing chamber and a stirring mechanism such as an impeller to stir the mix. However, this method also failed to provide the agitation sufficient to produce a suitable froth or creme.
In some of these beverage dispensing machines, the dry beverage mix is held within a product container or canister. Traditionally, such a dry mix product container used to dispense dry mixes or products, such as coffee, premix (e.g., chocolate, cappuccino, French vanilla, or other dry products) utilizes a single mixing wheel agitator to keep the product loose and lifted. However, in such containers, the product gram throw is not consistent as the level of product in the product container is reduced.
Prior art vending machines are typically designed to operate within a specific input operating voltage (or range). The two most common input voltages are 120 VAC and 230 VAC. In most cases, this does not present a problem, however when the vending machine requires hot water and utilizes a hot water tank therein, problems arise. Notably, the vending machine must be manufactured with a hot water heater element operable for the desired input voltage. Thus, in these cases, two fairly different machines are manufactured under different model or part numbers. This disadvantageously only allows a given vending machine to be utilized for a specific input voltage. As a result, multiple models of the same machine are manufactured for each input voltage range, and when manufactured to one input voltage, additional extensive modifications are usually necessary to convert the vending machine to utilize another input voltage.
When different cup sizes are available for dispensing of beverages from a beverage vending apparatus, prior art selection processes and user interfaces have generally required that the customer input the desired size of the cup. This complicates the customer selection process and can cause and additional problems when a customer inputs one size of cup to the vending apparatus, but places a smaller size cup in the receiving area (overflow and spillage). Furthermore, if multiple cup sizes are desired, this requires additional input means, such as additional user interface buttons and logic.
Accordingly, there are needed improved methods, systems and apparatus for mixing a dry product mix and liquid within a vending machine or beverage dispenser to produce a mixed liquid having an improved and suitable froth or creme. Also, there is needed an improved dry product container and dispensing method for dispensing the dry product that increases product gram throw consistency during dispensing. Additional manufacturing efficiencies and vending machines are needed to allow a particular vending machine to operate using one of multiple common input operating voltages with little or no modification necessary when a particular one of the input voltages will be used. Further, there is needed a customer selection process, method and vending apparatus that automatically detects a size of a cup desired to receive the dispensed beverage for simplifying the selection process and reducing potential problems associated with manual customer inputting of a cup size to the vending apparatus.

Product canister dispensing apparatus and method therefor


A synchronization scheme for a digital communications system wherein customer data is connected to a synchronous communications network utilizes auxiliary symbols to provide frame synchronization. Each such auxiliary symbol lies outside of a conventional symbol constellation and is only used to represent framing information. Variations of the customer data rate relative to an expected rate are compensated for by the use of stuff and delete bits in each frame. These bits can be either customer data bits or ancillary bits depending on the direction of this variation. Advantageously, the auxiliary symbols also provide a determination of whether the stuff and delete bits in any frame are customer data or ancillary bits.

In certain data communications applications, a customer supplies data bits to a modem connected to a subscriber loop of a synchronous communications network. The modem "bundles" the customer's data bits and "ancillary bits" into symbols which are transported through the subscriber loop. The ancillary bits are bits which provide a variety of functions, such as error-monitoring, control of remote equipment, etc., and also include dummy bits, i.e., bits which are inserted into an otherwise unfilled bit position to maintain the operation of communications equipment and then are discarded in the receiver. At the remote end of the loop, another modem unbundles the symbols back into customer data and ancillary bits, the latter being extracted prior to delivery of the customer bits to one or more customer-designated destinations.
To extract the ancillary bits from a bit stream of customer and ancillary bits, the bit stream is formatted into frames. Each frame includes a combination of customer and ancillary bits with each customer and ancillary bit inserted into a predefined bit position in a frame. To delineate one frame from another, each frame is identified by a framing bit, and the sequence of such bits in a succession of frames forms a predefined pattern of bit values. At the receiver, this pattern is detected and then the customer and ancillary bits are identified and processed.
One problem in data communications relates to acquiring frame synchronization or "framing". While a variety of framing schemes are known, they generally operate upon the detection of predetermined bit patterns extending over a succession of frames. As a result, acquiring framing requires a time interval extending over multiple frames. In certain data applications, this time interval is too long.
Another problem in data applications is that the customer's data rate may vary about some nominal expected rate. This problem exists in certain High-Rate Digital Subscriber Line (HDSL) applications, where the customer's data clock is "free-running" and, therefore, may vary from a nominal data rate expected by communications equipment connected to the subscriber loop and hereinafter referred to as the expected rate. As a result, at any particular time, the customer may be supplying more or less digital data per unit time than is nominally expected. To compensate for the overflow or underflow of customer data per unit time relative to that which is expected, one solution has been to incorporate "stuff" and "delete" bits into each frame.
The stuff and delete bits are inserted into predetermined additional bit positions in each frame and are either customer data bits or ancillary bits depending on the variation of the customer's data rate relative to the expected rate. More specifically, in the absence of such variation, i.e., the customer data rate equals the expected rate, a stuff bit is an ancillary bit. However, if the customer data rate exceeds the expected rate, then the stuff bits are customer bits. Similarly, each delete bit is a customer bit when the customer data rate equals the expected rate but is an ancillary bit when the customer data rate is less than the expected rate. Since stuff and delete bits must be delivered to the customer when they are customer bits and must be extracted from the bit stream delivered to the customer when they are ancillary bits, a mechanism for identifying whether the stuff and delete bits in each frame are customer or ancillary bits must be provided.
While the use of stuff and delete bits has provided a satisfactory solution to the problem of asynchronous customer and line clocks, there are problems in correctly identifying whether the stuff and delete bits are customer or ancillary bits in noisy communications channels.
In light of the foregoing, it would be extremely desirable if a technique could be devised which could provide rapid framing and robust stuff and delete bit identification in noisy communications channels.

Synchronization scheme for a digital communications system


A traffic information analyzing system comprising (a) a receiver adapted to receive signals from police and other sources; (b) a location tracking receiver adapted to convert locations into coordinate and directional information so it may be tracked and stored and analyzed; (c) a user interface allowing a user to input information into the system corresponding to locations where a user considers that a received signal is undesired, the user interface also adapted to output information including an alarm or warning message to a user; and (d) a processing unit adapted to receive inputs from the receiver and location tracking system, the processing unit also adapted to receive and relay data with respect to the user interface, the processing unit also being able to determine and register the location of undesired signals whereby the processing unit informs the system when an undesirable signal is detected.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a traffic information analyzer system and more particularly pertains to discriminating between signals from police sources and signals from other sources.
2. Description of the Prior Art
The use of signal receivers of known designs and configurations are known in the prior art. More specifically, signal receivers previously devised and utilized for the purpose of discerning signals are known to consist basically of familiar, expected and obvious structural configurations, notwithstanding the myriad of designs encompassed by the crowded prior art which has been developed for the fulfillment of countless objectives and requirements.
By way of example, U.S. Pat. No. 5,977,884 to Ross discloses a radar detector responsive to vehicle speed. Additionally, Japaneese Patent Number JP09027096 to Shinichi discloses a speed excess alarming device. The subject matter of these patents is incorporated herein by reference.
While these devices fulfill their respective, particular objectives and requirements, the aforementioned patents do not describe a traffic information analyzer system that allows for discriminating between signals from police sources and signals from other sources.
In this respect, the traffic information analyzer system according to the present invention substantially departs from the conventional concepts and designs of the prior art, and in doing so provides an apparatus primarily developed for the purpose of discriminating between signals from police sources and signals from other sources.
Therefore, it can be appreciated that there exists a continuing need for a traffic information analyzer system which can be used for discriminating between signals from police sources and signals from other sources. In this regard, the present invention substantially fulfills this need.
In view of the foregoing disadvantages inherent in the known types of signal receivers now present in the prior art, the present invention provides an improved traffic information analyzer system. As such, the general purpose of the present invention, which will be described subsequently in greater detail, is to provide a traffic information analyzer system and method which has all the advantages of the prior art and none of the disadvantages.
To attain this, the present invention essentially comprises a traffic information analyzer system and method adapted to discriminate between signals from police sources and signals from other sources comprising, in combination, a microwave receiver adapted to receive and analyze signals from microwave sources including means to demodulate the detected signals. Such signals adapted to be demodulated include amplitude modulation, frequency modulation, phase modulation and other analog and digital modulation schemes. The microwave receiver also includes output means to the detected signals. The system also includes an optical receiver adapted to receive and analyze signals from optical sources including means to demodulate the detected signals. Such signals adapted to be demodulated include amplitude modulation, frequency modulation, phase modulation and other analog and digital modulation schemes. The optical receiver also includes an output means to relay the detected signals. The system also includes a location and direction tracking receiver selected from the class of location and direction tracking receivers including G.P.S. and LORAN. The location and direction tracking receiver is adapted to convert locations into coordinate and directional information so it may be tracked, stored, and analyzed. The location and direction tracking receiver also includes an output means to relay the coordinate and directional information. The system also includes a load data base interface allowing the system to input and update stored data and information from external sources including data and information such as maps and data of the locations where predetermined extraneous signals are located as well as a predetermined maximum speed for mapped areas. The load data base interface also includes output means to relay the data and information. The system also includes a speed determining input means adapted to determine the speed at which a vehicle equipped with the system is traveling. The speed determining input means is of the class of speed determining input means including speedometers and G.P.S. trackers. The speed determining input means also includes an output to relay speed information. The system also includes a user interface including an output means adapted to allow a user to input information into the system corresponding to a location where a user considers that a received reading is from an extraneous source and also adapted to allow a user to input information into the system corresponding to a location where a user considers that special driving care is required. The user interface also includes a visual display and speaker adapted to generate information to a user in response to a received signal and an alarm to inform a user that a signal from a police source has been detected and also that a location requiring special care is being approached. The user interface also has means to display an alarm signal and means to signify the perception of an extraneous signal. Lastly, the system includes a processing and storage unit adapted to receive inputs from the microwave receiver, optical receiver, location tracking receiver, load data base interface and speed determining input means. The processing and storage unit is also adapted to receive and relay data with the user interface. The processing and storage unit is also adapted to analyze received signals to determine which received signals are within and not within the allocated band widths of governmental guidelines. The processing and storage unit is also adapted to determine and register data relating to the location and frequency and number and strength of extraneous signals with the extraneous signal data adapted to be collected when a user activates the user interface to record the extraneous signal data after a user interprets the received signal to be an undesired signal from one or more of the receivers and with the processor and storage unit recalling loaded extraneous signal data from the processor and storage unit. The processing and storage unit is also adapted to delete registered data relating to extraneous signals when a user activates the user interface to delete such previously registered data. The processor and storage unit is also adapted to inform, and where appropriate ignore, the system from notifying a user that an extraneous signal at a prerecorded frequency is detected at its associated location where such a signal was decided to be extraneous either by a user or preloaded data. The processing unit is also adapted to determine the number of signals at a specific location and the frequencies of the detected signals as well as the strength and frequency thereof. The processor and storage unit is further adapted to disengage or alter the alarm when a user is traveling at a speed under a predetermined maximum speed.
There has thus been outlined, rather broadly, the more important features of the invention in order that the detailed description thereof that follows may be better understood and in order that the present contribution to the art may be better appreciated. There are, of course, additional features of the invention that will be described hereinafter and which will form the subject matter of the claims attached.
In this respect, before explaining at least one embodiment of the invention in detail, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited in its application to the details of construction and to the arrangements of the components set forth in the following description or illustrated in the drawings. The invention is capable of other embodiments and of being practiced and carried out in various ways. Also, it is to be understood that the phraseology and terminology employed herein are for the purpose of descriptions and should not be regarded as limiting.
As such, those skilled in the art will appreciate that the conception, upon which this disclosure is based, may readily be utilized as a basis for the designing of other structures, methods and systems for carrying out the several purposes of the present invention. It is important, therefore, that the claims be regarded as including such equivalent constructions insofar as they do not depart from the spirit and scope of the present invention.
It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a traffic information analyzer system which has all of the advantages of the prior art and none of the disadvantages.
It is another object of the present invention to provide a traffic information analyzer system which may be easily and efficiently manufactured, marketed and used.
It is further object of the present invention to provide a traffic information analyzer system which is of durable and reliable constructions.
Even still another object of the present invention is to provide a traffic information analyzer system and more particularly pertains to discriminating between signals from police sources and signals from other sources.
Lastly, it is an object of the present invention to provide a traffic information analyzing system comprising (a) a receiver adapted to receive signals from police and other sources; (b) a location tracking receiver adapted to convert locations into coordinate and directional information so it may be tracked and stored and analyzed; (c) a user interface allowing a user to input information into the system corresponding to locations where a user considers that a received signal is from an extraneous source, the user interface also adapted to output information including an a message to a user; and (d) a processing unit adapted to receive inputs from the receiver and location tracking system, the processing unit also adapted to receive and relay data with respect to the user interface, the processing unit also being able to determine and register the location of an extraneous signal whereby the processing unit disables or alters the message when an extraneous signal is detected.
These together with other objects of the invention, along with the various features of novelty which characterize the invention, are pointed out with particularity in the claims annexed to and forming a part of this disclosure. For a better understanding of the invention, its operating advantages and the specific objects attained by its uses, reference should be had to the accompanying drawings and descriptive matter in which there are illustrated preferred embodiments of the invention.


A roller conveyor in an as such known manner includes a plurality of driven rollers disposed in two parallel tracks. With each driven roller a drive motor is associated. From a first voltage source a first set of the driven rollers is supplied, wherein a second voltage source is provided, from which a further set of the driven rollers is supplied. This arrangement offers a high degree of redundancy in the event of the failure of individual components of the roller drive, thereby guaranteeing an emergency operation in such a situation.

Roller conveyors are used to transport goods carriers such as e.g. pallets. In the automobile industry they are often used to transfer vehicle bodies or parts of vehicle bodies between individual processing stations. The vehicle bodies are in said case fastened on so-called skids. This term is used for transport racks that have two mutually parallel skid runners. During the conveying operation the skid runners rest on rollers of the roller conveyor, which are disposed successively in conveying direction along two tracks. When the rollers are set in rotation, the skid with the vehicle body fastened thereon is fed in conveying direction, wherein it is sufficient to provide only some of the rollers with a rotary drive.
The roller conveyors of the initially described type, such as are currently known from the market, have only a single common voltage source for all of the driven rollers. If this voltage source fails or some other fault arises in the drive train, the article being conveyed comes to a standstill and has to be removed possibly laboriously by hand. In the event of failure of a single driven roller, transport is no longer possible over a considerable section corresponding to a roller conveyor module, this generally leading likewise to an interruption of conveying on the roller conveyor.
The present invention is provided to solve these and other problems.


A synthetic procedure for the synthesis of diamino difurfuryl compounds via a one-step, low-temperature reaction that does not require additional steps for the protection of the amino functionalities in the reactant or the deprotection of the amino functionalities in an intermediate product to give the final product is disclosed. The importance of acid concentration, reaction temperature, and reaction time to the one step method are disclosed.

1. Field of the Invention
This invention relates generally to the preparation of difurfuryl diamines. In particular, the invention relates to an improved chemical synthesis from biomass of furan-based diamino compounds having the following general formula: ##STR1## where R.sup.1 and R.sup.2 =H, CH.sub.3, CH.sub.3 CH.sub.2, Furan, di-Hydrofuran, and mixtures thereof, or in principle any of a number of other groups or mixture of groups
R.sup.3 =Primarily H, but in principle could consist of CH.sub.3, CH.sub.3 CH.sub.2, or any number of other possible groups or mixture of groups.
2. Description of the Prior Art
Compounds used in the production of polymers have traditionally been synthesized from petroleum-based products. However, declining petroleum reserves, accompanied by the increasing price of petrochemicals, have resulted in a search for alternative sources of chemical feedstocks which are both economical and efficient. It is well known that furan compounds may be generated in almost unlimited quantities from renewable resources, including maize, oat husks, and corn cobs. Other renewable resources, such as hardwoods, also may be potential sources of furan compounds.
The principal utility of the furan compounds produced via the one step method disclosed would be for the production of polymeric compounds. In particular, the compounds would be utilized for adhesives and polyurethane production. The compounds have potential as thermoset adhesives for use with wood composite materials and could also be utilized for the synthesis of condensation polymers from difunctional monomers.
The prior art clearly indicates that to condense carbonyl-containing compounds with furfurylamine, the amino function must be protected during the reaction. The formamide derivative proved to be the most effective. Thus, synthesis of the diamino difurfuryl compounds by the method known to those skilled in the art requires several independent reaction steps including the blocking of the amino group in the original reactant and deblocking of the amino groups to yield the final diamine. This leads to a reaction scheme that is both complex and inefficient.
Cawse et al. [Makromol. Chem. 185:697-707(1984)], in their article titled "Polymers from renewable sources, 1: Diamines and diisocyanates containing difurylalkane moieties," dislose the preparation of furan-based diisocyanates and diamines as potential polymers for polyamide and polyurethane production. The starting materials were methyl furoate and furfurylaine. A one-step reaction scheme was explored in the article. However, this reaction scheme gave only low yields of an undesired Mannich type product together with other products presumed to be homologous oligomers. It is unclear exactly how this reaction was practiced in the prior art since it was not effective and was thus not reported in detail.
Still et al., U.S. Pat. No. 4,496,751, disclose difunctional furan derivatives. To produce the furan derivatives, the amino functionalities are protected by various compounds prior to coupling with the carbonyl compound.
Leon et al, U.S. Pat. No. 2,681,917, disclose a method for the preparation of condensation compounds having two furanic cycles. The method involves reacting a mixture containing substantially two moles of methyl-2-furan and one mole of a reaction component under acid or mineral acid conditions. The reaction component is chosen from the group consisting of aldehydes and ketones having monovalent substituent members. Leon et al is limited to methyl furans which are comparatively easy to condense and are notably different from diamines.

One step method for the preparation of difurfuryl diamines

The United States Department of Agriculture as represented by the Secretary of Agriculture


A molecular spiral-type vacuum pumping stage comprises a smooth surfaces rotor disk cooperating with a stator body. The stator body comprises a plurality of spiral channels on at least one surface facing the rotor disk. The cross-section area (σ) of these channels are reduced from the center to the outer periphery of the stator body so that the condition is satisfied according to which the internal channel speed, i.e. the product of the channel cross-section area and half the rotor velocity normal to the aforesaid area, is constant throughout the channels. Due to this arrangement, it is possible to avoid the risk of internal compression or re-expansions, this limiting the power losses. The present invention also refers to a vacuum pump comprising at least one pumping stage as described above.

Molecular drag pumping stages produce pumping action by momentum transfer from a fast-moving surface (moving at speed comparable to thermal speed of the molecules) directly to gas molecules. Generally, these pumping stages comprise a rotor and a stator cooperating with each other and defining a pumping channel therebetween. Collisions of gas molecules in the pumping channel with the rotor rotating at a very high speed cause gas in the channel to be pumped from the inlet to the outlet of the channel itself.
With reference to FIG. 1, between 1920-1930 Karl Manne Georg Siegbahn developed a molecular pumping device 10, wherein the pumping action is obtained through the cooperation of a rotor disk 20 having smooth surfaces integral with a rotating shaft 30 with a pair of stator bodies 40, 50, each facing a rotor disk surface and provided with a corresponding spiral-shaped groove 60 open towards the respective surface of the rotor disk and defining therewith a corresponding pumping channel.
The Siegbahn patent GB 332,879 discloses an arrangement of the above-mentioned kind. The gas to be pumped, entering through an inlet 70 at the outer periphery of each pumping groove, flows in both spiral channels in centripetal direction, i.e. from the outer periphery towards the center of the pumping grooves, as indicated by arrows CP. In this case two spiral pumping channels in parallel are to be considered; the gas flows in both channels in centripetal direction.
According to Siegbahn, in order to control the resistance of the gas pumped through the spiral channels 60, the cross-section area of these channels is reduced from the outer periphery of the stator bodies towards their center, in accordance with the reduction of the tangential speed of the disk, in the direction of the gas flow.
U.S. Pat. No. 6,394,747 (M. Hablanian) discloses a vacuum pump having reduced overall size and weight utilizing for this purposes a pair of Siegbahn-type pumping stages connected in series rather than in parallel.
According to U.S. Pat. No. 6,394,747 disclosure, a rotor disk having smooth surfaces is placed between a first stator disk and a second stator disk. Each stator disk is provided with a spiral groove open towards the respective surface of the rotor disk and defining therewith a corresponding pumping channel. At the beginning, the gas to be pumped flows between the first stator disk and the rotor disk in centrifugal direction, from the center to the outer periphery of the rotor disk, and then between the second stator disk and the rotor disk in centripetal direction, i.e. from the outer periphery to the center of the rotor disk.
The cross-section area of the groove defining the pumping channel in the first stator disk, where the gas flows in centrifugal direction, is reduced from the center to the outer periphery, while the cross-section area of the groove defining the channel in the second stator disk, where the gas flows in centripetal direction, is reduced from the outer periphery to the center. In this way the cross-section area of the grooves is always reduced in the direction of the flow and in this way, the U.S. Pat. No. 6,394,747 aims at optimizing both the pumping speed and the compression ratio.
In known Siegbahn-type pumping stage, having the above-mentioned geometric configuration generates the risk of internal compressions and successive re-expansions and corresponding power losses, especially in applications with important flow rates. Therefore, the main object of the present invention is to provide a spiral pumping stage for vacuum pump, which allows to overcome the above-mentioned drawback and to reduce power losses, especially when several stages are connected in series. This and other objects are achieved by a spiral pumping stage as claimed in the appended claims.

Spiral pumping stage and vacuum pump incorporating such pumping stage


An apparatus and method for extracting an object of interest from an image using image matting are disclosed herein. The apparatus for extracting an object of interest from an image using image matting includes a saliency map generation unit, a trimap generation unit, and an alpha map generation unit. The saliency map generation unit generates a saliency map corresponding to an object of interest inside an input image using a color space probability distribution corresponding to the input image. The trimap generation unit generates meta-trimaps using filters, and generates a trimap by clustering the meta-trimaps. The alpha map generation unit generates an alpha map using the trimap and a matting Laplacian matrix, and extracts the object of interest based on image matting using the alpha map and the input image.

1. Technical Field
An embodiment of the present invention relates generally to a technology for extracting an object of interest from an image and, more particularly, to a technology for extracting an object of interest from an image using a saliency map, a trimap, and an alpha map.
2. Description of the Related Art
Technology for automatically segmenting and extracting an object inside image content is an issue that is considered to be of great importance in the field of computer vision. Technology for automatically segmenting and extracting an object inside image content corresponds to a core module for performing application services, such as object-of-interest image segmentation, object recognition, object annotation, adaptive image compression, image retrieval, image-based content creation (e.g., image synthesis and non-realistic rendering). However, a corresponding problem is an intrinsically ill-posed problem, and requires additional constraint conditions in order to obtain a stable solution (i.e., a precisely segmented and extracted object-of-interest region). The additional constraint conditions are provided in the form of the input of preliminary information by a user (e.g., the user labeling of pixels having clear information) or in the form of the random assumption of a color model (e.g., a linear color model, a Gaussian mixture model, or the like).
In particular, an object extraction method for the object recognition, object annotation and image search of the aforementioned application services tends to chiefly depend on a conventional method of performing detection by scanning rectangular sliding windows. This method presents a difficulty in providing accurate spatial support for an object of interest (i.e., a subregion including a target object). That is, in order to provide accurate spatial support for an object and guarantee the high performance of related application services, an object of interest, not an approximate region of interest, needs to be precisely extracted.
Furthermore, there is a need for an improved method for automation because it is practically impossible for a user to set each constraint in many application services using a variety of large-scale images.
Most image segmentation and abstraction technologies correspond to region grouping based on an image color distribution. These image segmentation and abstraction technologies have a limitation in that they have different region group labels (i.e., the indices of subregions distinguished by exclusive labels) even within a specific object of interest, and have a problem in that they obtain coarse segmentation results attributable to the inaccuracy of an edge between different regions that are spatially close to each other.
Furthermore, in accurate image object extraction, an object is precisely extracted by probabilistically calculating a transparency (opacity or alpha matte) value between a specific object region and other regions using a method called image matting. However, this has a limitation in that preliminary information (i.e., a preliminary information map in which foreground and background labels are specified for some pixels inside an image in a trimap or scramble form) is required simultaneously with the input of an original image (chiefly by a user).
Korean Patent No. 1384627 discloses a technology for rapidly segmenting an object, including a flower, in an image using a probability distribution estimation algorithm.
However, Korean Patent No. 1384627 has a disadvantage in that a spatial distribution for color that can more precisely be segmented is not used in the segmentation of an object inside an image.
Therefore, in light of the recent explosive spread of 3D content, there is a need for a technology that is capable of precisely and automatically extracting an object of interest from an image.

Apparatus and method for extracting object of interest from image using image matting based on global contrast

Electronics and Telecommunications Research Institute


A Method and Apparatus for Reduction of Communications Media Energy Consumption have been disclosed. Media energy consumption can be reduced by mapping a periodic data pattern in data to an alternate data pattern that consumes less energy when the alternate pattern is transmitted on the communications media in place of the original data pattern. The detection of the original selected patterns and the choice of replacement patterns may be made automatically or according to the transmission state (for example, idle or alarm).

The total annual global electricity consumption by the telecom industry has been estimated at 164 billion kWh. In the USA alone, the Verizon 2006 network consumes 8.9 TWh, 0.24% of the USA's total energy consumption. This presents a problem.
Many data protocols send high energy patterns when there is no data to transmit. For example, the HDLC (High-Level Data Link Control) protocol used in the Ethernet MAC (Media Access Control) layer uses the pattern 01111110 to indicate idle periods between frames of data. This decreases average energy efficiency because more energy is used to transmit idle patterns than data patterns. Networks transport data with low link utilization, 80% idle is not unusual. True zeroes cannot be used during idle periods because transition to and from loss of signal states is generally integrated over periods of between 10 and 255 UI with 1 UI having a period of 488 us in E1 mode and 648 ns in T1 mode. This LOS (Loss Of Signal) detection and clearing delay is too long and would disrupt normal transmission. This presents a problem.
Previous efforts at lowering power include powering down the transmitter for a link during idle periods and deferring transmission to lengthen idle periods and make the average efficiency higher, however, they do not deal with maintaining synchronization over the link or dealing with non-idle-state periodic high energy data patterns such as idle data generated remotely and being transported by the link. This presents a problem.
Another previous effort is with ADSL2 and ADSL2+ in which states L2 and L3 were conceived to offer degraded performance but lower power states together with a method for switching between them. This presents a problem.
Thus there is a need for a technical solution to this technical problem that does not conceive any degradation of transmission performance.

Method and apparatus for reduction of communications media energy consumption


Embodiment relate to a lamp driving device and a liquid crystal display device having the same. The embodiments include a plurality of lamps having first and second electrodes, an inverter substrate supplying a high voltage alternating current to at least one of the first and second electrodes of the lamps, a plurality of capacitors connected to the first and second electrodes of the lamps, and a board capacitor connected to at least one of the capacitors.

Generally, a liquid crystal display (LCD) device gradually expands its application area thanks to its characteristics of lightweight, a slim profile, and low power consumption. With this trend, the LCD is used for office automation apparatus and audio/video apparatus.
The LCD device displays a desired image on a screen by controlling a light transmittance and an image signals applied to a plurality of switching devices arranged in a matrix type.
Since the LCD device is not a self-emission type display device, the LCD device requires a light source such as a backlight. A cold cathode fluorescent lamp (CCFL) is used as the light source used in the backlight.
The CCFL uses electron emission phenomenon caused by applying a strong electric field on a surface of a cold cathode, and it is suitable for realizing an LCD device with low heat generation, high brightness, long lifetime, full color, etc. The CCFL is classified into a light guide type, a direct light type, a reflective plate type, and so forth, and an appropriate typed one is employed depending on an LCD device. Ne, Ar, Hg, etc is used as a gas filled inside the CCFL.
As a lamp driving method used in the LCD device, two methods are being widely used, of which one is a method in which one lamp is driven by one transformer, and the other is a method in which a plurality of lamps are driven by one transformer.
When using a plurality of lamps, the temperature of the lamp increases as the operational time of the lamp increases. In this case, temperature gradients of lamps disposed at an upper portion are different from those disposed at a lower portion, which leads to temperature difference among the lamps. Accordingly, an impedance of the lamp changes so that the magnitude of current flowing through each of the lamps becomes different. That is, as the temperature of the lamp increases, gases filled inside the lamps actively move. This causes the impedance of the lamp to be lowered, and the current flowing into the lamps to be increased.
Consequently, a difference among the currents flowing through the lamps occurs inevitably, that is, there is current offset, causing the brightness of light emitted from the entire lamps to be non-uniform.

Lamp driving device and liquid crystal display device having the same


A loudspeaker that measures the impulse response of a listening area is described. The loudspeaker may output sounds corresponding to a segment of an audio signal. The sounds are sensed by a listening device proximate to a listener and transmitted to the loudspeaker. The loudspeaker includes an adaptive filter that estimates the impulse response of the listening area based on the signal segment. An error unit analyzes the estimated impulse response together with the sensed audio signal received from the listening device to determine the accuracy of the estimate. New estimates may be generated by the adaptive filter until an accuracy level is achieved for the signal segment. A processor may utilize one or more estimated impulse responses corresponding to various signal segments that cover a defined frequency spectrum for adjusting the audio signal to compensate for the impulse response of the listening area. Other embodiments are also described.

Loudspeakers and loudspeaker systems (hereinafter "loudspeakers") allow for the reproduction of sound in a listening environment or area. For example, a set of loudspeakers may be placed in a listening area and driven by an audio source to emit sound at a listener situated at a location within the listening area. The construction of the listening area and the organization of objects (e.g., people and furniture) within the listening area create complex absorption/reflective properties for sound waves. As a result of these absorption/reflective properties, "sweet spots" are created within the listening area that provide an enhanced listening experience while leaving a poor listening experience for other areas of the listening area.
Audio systems have been developed that measure the impulse response of the listening area and adjust audio signals based on this determined impulse response to improve the experience of a listener at a particular location in the listening area. However, these systems rely on known test signals that must be played in a prescribed fashion. Accordingly, the determined impulse response of the listening area is difficult to obtain.

Adaptive room equalization using a speaker and a handheld listening device


Method and system for a network for receiving and sending network packets is provided. The system includes a host processor that executes an operating system for a host system and at least one application that runs in a context that is different from a context of the operating system; and a network adapter with a hardware device that can run a network protocol stack, wherein the application can access the network adapter directly via an application specific interface layer without using the operating system and the application designates a named memory buffer for a network connection and when data is received by the network adapter for the network connection, then the network adapter passes the received data directly to the designated named buffer.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to network systems, and more particularly, to offloading host system tasks for managing network related operations.
2. Background of the Invention
Computer networks are commonly used today in various applications. Computer networks typically use a layered protocol structure to manage network traffic. One common model that is typically used is the ISO model that includes a physical layer, a data link layer that includes a MAC layer, a network layer and others.
Data received and sent to a network often needs to be processed by various network protocol layers before the data is made available to an application that requested the information. Typically, a network stack places data that is received from the network in a receive buffer, which are allocated by the network layer. The receive buffers are then passed between plural protocol layers until the appropriate application that requested the data is notified that the requested data is available.
Expensive and tedious copying of data commonly takes place before the application gets the data and is undesirable.
Therefore there is a need for a system and method for processing network data without multiple copy operations.

Method and system for processing network data


A system and method are provided for determining whether a vendor-neutral electronic display conforms to a standard. A vendor-neutral software product installed on a computer causes a portion of an electronic display to produce a first test output, the computer being coupled to the electronic display. A vendor-neutral portable device coupled to the computer captures a light characteristic of the first test output. A determination is made whether the captured light characteristic conforms to a standard.

Modern human society includes a wide variety of environments in which humans must process large amounts of complex information, often under time-sensitive deadlines. Various mechanisms have been developed to collect, synthesize, and convey complex information to humans in a manner that facilitates communication and understanding. For example, color-coding and/or shading have long been an effective mechanism to convey information to improve understanding.
Additionally, certain technological advances have naturally developed shading techniques as an organic aspect of the technology. For example, x-ray images inherently include gradations of shade, which skilled technicians use to gather information relating to medical conditions, material composition, internal construction, and a wide variety of other purposes.
Advances in display technology have allowed for applications that can process x-ray images (and other analog images) as digital images. Such images are often processed as a monochromatic image. However, current display devices that can process these images with the appropriate clarity and precision are often cost-prohibitive. Similarly, common cost-effective display equipment cannot display the number of different monochrome shades necessary to support the proper resolution of the image.
Moreover, in applications requiring certain minimum resolution and other display capabilities, industry standards have arisen to help end-users determine whether a particular display meets the end-user's display requirements. For example, one such standard is the Digital Imaging and Communications in Medicine (DICOM) standard for handling, storing, printing, and transmitting information in medical imaging. The National Electrical Manufacturers Association (NEMA) created the DICOM standard in part to insure that diagnostic images appear the same, whether viewed via print, film, or electronic display.
But even with an industry standard to guide end-users in selecting appropriate display equipment, the industry standard only informs the end-user that a particular brand and/or model of display equipment is theoretically capable of displaying images that conform to the industry standard. Defects in manufacturing, problems in manufacturer's product testing, and wear-and-tear over time can all degrade performance to the extent that a particular display device no longer conforms to the desired industry standard.
Current systems and methods to determine whether a particular display device conforms to a given industry standard suffer from various drawbacks. For example, typical cost-effective measures are frequently insufficiently accurate to meet the needs of end-users seeking conformity to complex standards. Moreover, while measures do exist that meet the diagnostic needs of end-users seeking conformity to complex standards, such measures are typically cost-prohibitive and/or biased in favor of one or more manufacturers.

Testing electronic displays for conformity to a standard

Abstract: A meter comprises a plurality of photodiodes; a custom processor coupled to the plurality of diodes; and a USB link coupled to the custom processor and able to couple to a computer. The computer couples to an electronic display and includes a vendor-neutral software product that is able to cause a portion of the electronic display to produce a first test output. The plurality of photodiodes is able to capture a light characteristic of the first test output. The custom processor is able to determine whether the captured light characteristic conforms to a standard.


In a method for optimizing music using an electronic device, music genres and optimization parameters of each of the music genres are preset. The method classifies songs stored in a storage device of the electronic device according to the music genres. When a song is playing using a music player of the electronic device, a music genre of the song is determined. The method further optimizes the song using an equalizer of the music player according to the optimization parameters corresponding to the determined music genre.

1. Technical Field
Embodiments of the present disclosure relate to data optimization technology, and particularly to an electronic device and method for optimizing music using the electronic device.
2. Description of Related Art
When a user is playing music using a music player in an electronic device, an equalizer of the music player may be utilized to alter the frequency response of the music player, and make certain instruments or voices more prominent, or enhance particular aspects of an instrument's tone. For example, the user may select one kind of music genres (e.g., jazz, blue, or rock) provided by the equalizer to play a specified song, however, this selection has to be manually done. That is, the equalizer cannot determine the music genres for songs to be played. Therefore, an efficient method for optimizing music using the electronic device is desired.

Electronic device and method for optimizing music


A model train car uses an improved coupling mechanism that permits close coupling of adjacent cars in a model train, while also providing a rotational operating range that permits operation of the train with tighter model track curves. The coupling mechanism operates to extend a coupling bar from the model car when the train turns to the right or left, providing clearance for further rotation of the bar. The mechanism further provides for elastic portions of the model car housing, which give way to the rotating coupling bar as the bar rotates towards its outer limits.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to model vehicles, such as model trains, and more particularly, to a coupling mechanism for a model train or other model vehicle.
2. Description of Related Art
Various model trains and vehicles are known in the art, which model an actual or imaginary train or vehicle at a reduced scale. Many model trains include a model locomotive driven by an engine. The locomotive is constructed to run on a model railway track. Various types of model tracks may be provided for different kinds of trains. For many trains, a hobbyist may obtain short segments or sections of pre-assembled model track. Track sections may include, for example, straight sections, curve sections having various radii, switches, and junctions. The track sections may be assembled and combined in various ways to construct a model track layout. Various model cars without engines are also available, which may be connected in various ways with one or more model locomotives to form trains.
Model train cars may be coupled together to form a model train using various coupling mechanisms. For instance, drawbar connectors, c-shaped connectors (knuckle couplers), and ball and hitch connectors may be used to connect adjacent train cars together. Some such couplings are generally reliable and easy to couple and decouple. Some obtain higher levels of realism than others. Notwithstanding their advantages, however, couplings for model train cars may be subject to certain disadvantages. In conventional coupling arrangements, the movement of the coupling member in both directions may be limited by the outer structure of the train car. For example, when a train encounters a curve in a model track, the coupling member associated with that train car moves in the direction of the curve. If the radius of the curve is too small, the coupling member may come into contact with the structure of its connected train car. In other words, the range of travel of the coupling member is physically limited by the rigid structure of the train car. A greater range of rotation may be achieved by increasing the length of the coupling drawbar, but this may cause the train cars to be coupled too far away from one another, lending to unrealistic appearance to the train as a whole.
The turning radius of the train may therefore be limited by the coupling member. Model train hobbyists may therefore be limited in their selection of track, and may not be able to construct layouts having curves that have a desired tightness in radius. Large-radius curves, in turn, may disadvantageously require a larger number of track sections to construct, and may cause a track layout to occupy more space than desired. In addition, the constraints imposed by prior-art coupling mechanisms may increase the chance of derailment of the train car, particularly when the train is moving at a relatively high speed.
Accordingly, a need exists for a model train with an improved coupling mechanism that overcomes these and other limitations of the prior art.

Model train with improved coupling mechanism


A laser levelling apparatus includes a platform, a base assembly, a body assembly, a head assembly and a laser assembly. The body assembly is rotatable about a body axis relative to the base assembly, the head assembly is rotatably supported by the body and rotatable about a head assembly axis transverse to the body axis and the laser assembly supported by the head assembly and rotatable about a laser assembly axis which is transverse the head assembly axis. The laser assembly has a laser diode and focusing elements and laser collimator the laser beam with the laser assembly. The head assembly is mounted between a first shaft end mounted at a first position of the body and a second shaft end mounted at the second position of the body opposed to the first position. A head assembly collimator is used to adjust the axis of rotation of the head assembly. A base assembly leveller is used to adjust the level of the base relative to the platform in at least two transverse directions. The base leveller, laser collimator and head assembly collimator together and head assembly collimator together provide for collimator of the beam along three orthogonal axes.

Laser levelling and setting apparatus as well as other optical based apparatus such as automatic levels and theodolites are typically used in the surveying, building and construction industries to measure angles and inclination, for marking out, or to align walls and ceilings, for example.
Laser levelling apparatus in particular are used to generate reference lines, for example, by sweeping a laser beam in a plane and either observing a reflection line on a surface, or alternatively using electronic detectors to detect the beam. Known devices typically project a vertical laser beam into a 45° rotating prism which then reflects a horizontal sweeping beam. With these devices the beam is generally only rotated in a single plane, which is normally horizontal. With some devices it is possible to change from a horizontal to a vertical plane however this usually requires disassembling the laser head from the body and reassemble in an alternative configuration.
Still other devices allow for tilting of the laser to thereby create an angled beam for applications such as defining slopes and the like. However the tilt angle of such devices is normally restricted because the positioning of the laser head on the body results in the periphery of the body blocking the laser at certain angles. Thus these apparatus suffer from the drawback of lack of range of movement of the laser beam and are therefore restricted to use in relatively simple marking out tasks.
Some other known apparatus do allow the laser beam to be projected down through the centre of the apparatus so that the apparatus can be used to give a plumb line and to accurately align the apparatus over a style marking a specific reference point on a work site. Subsequently, apparatus have been developed which have two or three axes of rotation of a laser head but do not allow the laser to be projected down the centre of the apparatus. These apparatus do however provide an increase in the degree of movement but with that increase in movement comes problems with accuracy of movement of the laser. In U.S. Pat. No. 4,988,192 to Knittel, a laser levelling apparatus of the above type is disclosed. In that apparatus a laser diode is housed in a laser head which is in turn supported on a body. The laser head contains a laser as well as a prism for reflecting the laser beam at 90 degrees. The body is rotatable about a vertical axis and the laser head is in turn rotatable about a horizontal axis. The laser head itself is also rotatable about a third axis which is transverse to the direction of the laser beam projected from the head. Rather than rotating a prism to sweep the laser beam, the laser head is rotated. In this case the laser head contains a optical quality prism and a laser source and therefore the weight contained in the laser head exerts a significant load on the drive means used to rotate the head to sweep the laser. In addition the uneven distribution of weight may result in stability problems with the apparatus.
A further problem with many of the known apparatus is that a single instrument cannot be used to perform all of the end functions required by the end user, and in those instruments that do allow more than one function, it is usually necessary to 'set up' the instrument between different functions.


An apparatus and method is disclosed for obtaining and measuring constituents in a sample of body fluid. The apparatus includes a member which is sized to penetrate into at least the dermal layer of skin to collect a sample of body fluid located within the dermal layer.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to an apparatus for testing body fluid constituents. More particularly, the present invention pertains to an apparatus for collecting body fluid for testing.
2. Description of the Art
The prior art has long been seeking procedures for testing and determining the level of blood constituents. Particularly, a great deal of attention has been spent on the development of techniques for measuring blood glucose.
Historically, blood glucose and other bodily analyte measurements were, and remain, invasive. Such measurements are generally made by withdrawing a blood sample and measuring the desired analyte within the blood or plasma. Blood samples can be withdrawn by inserting a needle into a major artery or, more commonly, a vein. A syringe or other device is used to provide any necessary suction and collect the blood sample. Needles used for this sampling technique must be long enough to pass through the skin, subcutaneous tissue, and blood vessel wall. The needle must also have a sufficient diameter to allow timely collection of the blood sample without causing hemolysis of the blood. Minimal diameter to meet these criteria is generally 20 gauge or larger diameter. Such direct vascular blood sampling has several limitations, including pain, hematoma and other bleeding complications, and infection. In addition, due to the vascular damage resulting from the needle puncture, sampling could not be repeated on a routine basis. Finally, it is extremely difficult for patients to perform a direct vascular puncture on themselves.
The other common technique for collecting a blood sample is to cut or lance the skin and the subcutaneous tissue, including the small, underlying blood vessels, to produce a localized bleeding on the body surface. A lancet, knife, or other cutting device is required. The blood on the body surface can then be collected into a small tube or other container. The fingertip is the most frequently used site to collect blood in this method due to the large number of small blood vessels located in the region. One method is shown in U.S. Pat. No. 4,637,403. This sampling method also suffers from several major disadvantages, including pain and the potential for infection and other problems associated with repeated sampling for a confined area. Pain is a major disadvantage since the fingertip has a large concentration of nerve endings. Also, there is a limited body surface area from which to take these samples and measurement on a high frequency basis.
Because the prior art invasive techniques are painful, patients frequently avoid having blood glucose measured. For diabetics, the failure to measure blood glucose on a prescribed basis can be very dangerous. Also, the invasive techniques, which would result in lancing blood vessels, create an enhanced risk for disease transmission.
Attempts have been made to develop glucose and other analyte sensors for implantation in the human body. Implanted glucose sensors would be primarily to control insulin infusion pumps or provide continuous, chronic monitoring. Development of a permanently implanted or long-term, chronic implanted sensor has been unsuccessful. Attempts to develop short-term implantable sensors (up to 2–3 days) have also met with very limited success. Most implantable sensors are based on measuring various products from chemical reactions between agent(s) located on or within the sensor and the desired analyte. Implanted glucose sensors have typically used the glucose oxidase reaction to measure the amount of glucose, as described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,108,819. Such implantable glucose sensors have been intended for insertion through the epidermis and dermis to the subcutaneous tissue. An alternative location previously described for chronic sensor implant is the peritoneal cavity. All such implanted sensors require direct or telemetered connection to a measurement instrument, usually located external the body.
All implanted sensors are faced with several major problems. First, all foreign materials, including materials incorporated into a glucose sensor, produce unwanted body reactions. Such reactions include the formation of fibrotic tissue around the sensor which alters the sensor's contact with normal body fluids and analytes, such as glucose. The body's natural defense mechanism may also have a direct "poisoning" effect upon the sensor's operation by interfering with the chemical reactions required by chemical-based sensors. As with any implanted object, implanted sensors may also initiate other bodily reactions including inflammation, pain, tissue necrosis, infection, and other unwanted reactions.
Implanted sensors require certain chemicals and chemical reactions to determine the level of analyte in the surrounding medium. These chemical reactions are the source of the other major problem facing any implantable sensor. Chemically-based sensors require products to be consumed and other products to be produced as part of the sensor's normal operations. Therefore, the sensors can quickly be depleted of the chemical agents required to sustain the desired chemical reactions. Secondly, by-products are given off as a result of the basic chemical reaction. These by-products often "poison" the sensor or cause other unwanted tissue reactivity. Because of these severe limitations, implanted sensors are not practical. Finally, such implanted sensors are painful to implant and are a source of infection.
By withdrawing the body fluid containing the glucose or other analyte and making the measurement outside the body, these aforementioned sensor based problems can be avoided. Specifically, there is no concern about the chronic tissue response to the foreign sensor material or the limited operational life of the sensor due to the consumption of reaction agents or the production of unwanted by-products from that reaction.
In view of the risk associated with invasive techniques, the prior art has sought to develop non-invasive blood glucose measurement techniques. An example of such is shown in U.S. Pat. No. 4,882,492 to Schlager. Schlager teaches a non-invasive near-infrared measurement of blood. Schlager is particularly directed to the measurement of blood glucose levels. The Schlager patent recognizes that certain wavelengths of light in the near-infrared spectrum are absorbed by glucose. Modulated light is directed against a tissue (shown as an earlobe). The light is either passed through the tissue or impinged on a skin surface. The light is spectrally modified in response to the amount of analyte (for example, glucose) in the blood and tissue. The spectrally modified light is split with one beam passed through a correlation cell. The other beam is passed through a reference cell. The intensity of the beams passing through the correlation cell and the reference cell are compared to calculate a glucose concentration in the sample. Other non-invasive blood glucose methods are shown in U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,805,623, 4,655,225, 4,014,321 and 3,958,560.
One drawback of prior art non-invasive systems is that by passing the infrared light through a complex medium (such as an earlobe) very complex data is generated. Algorithms must be developed to manipulate the data in order to attempt to provide reliable indications of blood glucose measurements. Also, such devices may require exact placement of the measuring device (e.g., precise placement on a patient's finger or near an earlobe) to minimize measurement error. Such devices may also be difficult to calibrate. To date, the prior art has not developed commercially available non-invasive methods which provide accurate data.
In addition to the foregoing, applicants' assignee is the owner of various patents pertaining to blood glucose measurement. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 5,179,951 to Knudson dated Jan. 19, 1993 teaches an invasive blood glucose measurement where infrared light is passed through a sample of blood by use of an implanted catheter. Similarly, U.S. Pat. No. 5,079,421 teaches such a system.
U.S. Pat. No. 5,146,091 teaches a non-invasive blood glucose measurement utilizing FTIR (Fourier Transform Infrared) techniques to determine blood glucose levels and U.S. Pat. No. 5,115,133 which directs infrared light to the eardrum. As indicated in the aforementioned commonly assigned patents, the testing wavelength includes a glucose sensitive wavelength of about 500 to about 4,000 wave numbers (cm−1). Preferably, the glucose absorbable wavelength is about 1,040 wave numbers.
It is an object of the present invention to provide an enhanced technique for collecting a sample fluid and for measuring fluid constituents in the sample.

This patent is subject to a terminal disclaimer.

Interstitial fluid collection and constituent measurement


Fast focusing methods and devices for multi-spectral imaging are disclosed. The method comprising selecting one of a plurality of imaging channel as a reference channel, adjusting rotation positions of a stepper motor, calculating focus measures corresponding to all rotation positions of the stepper motor, and obtaining a first distribution curve; in each of the other imaging channels, selecting at least three rotation positions of the stepper motor, matching focus measures at the selected rotation positions with the first distribution curve to obtain a second distribution curve and a offset value between the first distribution curve and the second distribution curve, and calculating a clear focusing position of the imaging channel to be focused according to the offset value; performing a fine-tuning focusing, and thereby obtaining a more precise clear focusing position. A fast focusing for multi-spectral imaging and obtain clear multi-spectral images is obtained.

Spectral analysis is an important research method in natural science. Spectroscopy technology can detect physical structures, chemical compositions, and other indicators of detected objects. Spectral analysis is based on point measurement, image measurement is based on changes of spatial characteristics, and each of the two methods has its own advantages and disadvantages. Therefore, it can be said that spectral imaging technology is an inevitable result caused by development of spectral analysis technology and image analysis technology, and is a product of a perfect combination of the two technologies. Spectral imaging technology has not only the spectral resolution function but also the spatial resolution function to distinguish the image position. By spectral imaging technology, not only qualitative and quantitative analysis of a detected object but also positioning analysis of the detected object can be performed.
Multi-spectral imaging technology integrates images and spectrums, and can not only obtain geometry information of an imaging target but also identify spectral characteristics difference of the imaged target. Spectral characteristics of targets, false targets, and backgrounds are different, and have different spectral brightness in different spectral channels. Multi-spectral imaging can enhance a contrast between a target and a background, and thus can effectively suppress background noise, distinguish true targets and false targets, and improve system target identification ability. Multi-spectral imaging technology has already been widely used in various fields, such as aeronautical and aerospace remote sensing, land resources survey, forest fire prevention, environmental monitoring, marine applications, agricultural yield estimation, and so on.
Multi-spectral imaging technology uses a group of optical filters to divide the visible spectrum into at least five spectral bands, and each of the spectral bands corresponds to one channel. A target object is imaged in these channels respectively, and monochrome images of all the channels are combined together to form a multi-spectral image. Therefore, this technology is also widely used in the fields of scene simulation, natural light spectrum restoration, and spectral color measurement, and so on.
Optical filters and imaging lenses used in multi-spectral imaging have different refractive indexes in different spectral bands, which results in differences between equivalent focal lengths for imaging in these spectral bands. Therefore, only if each of these spectral bands is focused independently, can clear multi-spectral images be formed.
Conventional focusing devices can be divided into two categories.
(1) Focusing devices use specific mechanical devices to drive stepper motors to adjust distances between different lenses or distances between lenses and camera photoelectric detectors, and thereby achieve the focusing function. This type of focusing devices is widely used in ordinary cameras.
(2) Focusing devices use specific mechanical devices to maintain distances between lenses and cameras and adjust distances between cameras and photographed objects, and thereby achieve the focusing function. This type of focusing devices is generally used in microscopes.
In multi-spectral imaging, focusing devices of the category (1) can be adopted. However, multi-spectral imaging has many spectral bands, and when each of the spectral bands is accurately focused, conventional focusing methods have low efficiency. Therefore, a fast focusing method and a corresponding focusing device for multi-spectral imaging need to be developed, so that multi-spectral focusing can be achieved efficiently and clear multi-spectral images can be obtained.

Fast focusing method and device for multi-spectral imaging

THE HONG KONG RESEARCH INSTITUTE OF TEXTILES AND APPAREL LIMITED


The present invention relates generally to any plating solution and methods for monitoring its performance. More specifically, the present invention relates to plating bath and methods for monitoring its plating functionality based on chemometric analysis of voltammetric data obtained for these baths. More particularly, the method of the present invention relates to application of numerous chemometric techniques to describe quantitatively plating bath functionality in order to maintain its proper performance.

Sources of Improper Performance of Plating Bath
A typical plating bath solution comprises a combination of several different chemical constituents. The specific constituents vary depending upon the type of plating bath. The concentration levels of the constituents are important determinants of the quality of the resultant plating deposit. The characteristics of the plating deposit, including tensile strength, ductility, solderability, uniformity, brightness and resistance to thermal shock, depend on concentrations of constituents. Should the constituents fall outside of required concentration ranges, however, the bath may fail to satisfactorily perform its plating function. It is therefore important that deliberately added constituent concentrations are regularly and accurately monitored. Current techniques for plating bath components analysis, recently reviewed by Wikiel et al. [1], do not employ reliable calibration methods employing multivariate data analysis capable of detecting outliers.
Unfortunately, most organic additives undergo degradation reactions, which lead not only to the depletion of their concentration but also to the introduction of degradation products in the plating bath. These degradation products accumulate and some of them impede the performance of plating bath. The degradation of polyoxyethylene-based surfactants (like the carrier in a copper plating bath) was discussed by Donbrow [2]. Possible degradation processes of brightener and carrier for copper plating baths were suggested by Dietz [3]. He concluded that the dosing logic for carrier based on the charge that flown through the plating solution cannot be correlated with carrier depletion. Dietz listed several contaminants that interfere with the brightener function: foreign metal contaminants, wetting agents from upstream cleaning operations, pre-plate microetchants, and materials leaching out of photoresists. Another possible foreign contamination are remains of hydrogen peroxide used for plating tank leaching and/or carbon treatment cycles.
None of the current techniques for plating bath components analysis, reviewed by Wikiel et al. [1], deal with bath contamination at all, assuming performance of plating bath being equal to the freshly prepared plating solution.
The only existing method of checking the plating bath performance based on the visual examination of the deposit is Hull cell test that cannot be performed with in-tank electrochemical sensors. Two different sets of equipment must therefore be maintained in order to perform constituent analysis and contamination detection, as those two factors determine proper performance of the plating bath. No integrated measurement system is available which is capable of measuring constituent concentrations and of detecting bath contamination. Additionally, the major drawback of the Hull cell test is its capability to detect bath contamination only after the plating performance is already impeded. There is no existing technique for early detection of plating bath contamination that would enable execution of proper counter measurements before the plating performance is affected by the presence of contaminants.
Early detection of bath malfunctioning is crucial to avoid losses especially in the electronic industry where the cost of silicon wafers plated with defects may be sometimes measured in hundreds of thousands dollars. Recently implemented to the semiconductor manufacturing copper damascene plating process is especially sensitive to any unexpected perturbation. This includes not only any deviation from a very tight process specification, but also an extremely difficult to control accumulation of organic additive breakdown products. A complex structure on wafer surface (consisting of sub-micrometer size features—vias and trenches) has to be filled-in with copper with no defects, during the deposition step. The ability of the copper plating bath to fill-in this kind of small feature depends very much on the ratio of the organic additives—suppressors and accelerators. The mechanism of curvature enhanced accelerator coverage was proposed to explained superfilling properties of the electrolyte [4-7]. A pronounced hysteresis is observed in the copper voltammogram taken for the solution with such superfilling properties. But it is well known that the breakdown products of the accelerator can display either acceleration and/or suppression effect, while breakdown products of suppressors will be showing suppression effects of various strength. Thus the performance of a plating bath can be impeded severely because of such additional, and not controlled by any means, effects. Plating problems can be observed in solution with accumulated breakdown products, even when the deliberately added components of plating bath, measured by any analytical method, are within the specification range. Thus, even the accurate analysis of all of the target components may be not enough for the good performance of a plating bath.
The harmful effect of accumulated degradation products will be very dependent on the process specification and the size of features to be plated. Certain level of breakdown products can be fully acceptable for plating 0.25-micron features, while the same amount can produce defective parts when plating 0.13-micron or smaller gaps. In order to keep good bath performance, a renovation process called bleed-and-feed was introduced into the plating practice for semiconductor manufacturing. Every certain amount of time, a portion of the plating solution is removed from the tank and replaced with a freshly-prepared, contamination-free plating bath. This process is done without any analytical control. Thus, very often this procedure is performed unnecessarily, causing a total waste of still good (and also expensive) plating solution.
There is no simple and straightforward analytical method to evaluate the effect of degradation products of organic additives. So it is apparent that there presently is a need for a fast and inexpensive method capable of monitoring bath performance and/or early detection of plating problems.

Method and apparatus for real time monitoring of electroplating bath performance and early fault detection


Embodiments of the invention provide a method of determining a storage lifetime of a wafer in a storage environment, the storage environment corresponding to an environment having a first value of temperature and a first value of relative humidity, the wafer having a pre-test value of a first contamination parameter, including the steps of: subjecting the wafer to a test environment for a test period, the test environment includes an environment having a second value of temperature and a second value of relative humidity; subsequently, inspecting the wafer thereby to determine a post-test value of a second contamination parameter, wherein the second value of relative humidity is greater than 30% and the second value of wafer temperature is greater than 30° C.

Integrated circuits typically comprise a large number of active and passive electronic devices formed on a single semiconductor wafer. Electrical connections (or 'bonds') between the wafer and external electrodes of (say) a wafer package are typically made by bonding 'bondwires' to 'bondpads' provided on the wafer.
The problem exists that the surface of a bondpad can become contaminated. If the amount of contamination exceeds a critical value, bonds formed between a bondwire and a bondpad may be unreliable and susceptible to breakage. In some cases, if the amount of contamination is excessive, it may be difficult to form a bond between a bondwire and a bondpad.
Bondpads are typically formed from a metallic material such as aluminum. Contamination of the surface of an aluminum bondpad by fluorine (F) can result in the formation of aluminum-fluoride-oxide (AlxFyOz) due to reaction between fluorine, aluminum, oxygen and moisture over time. During storage of the wafer, the amount of AlxFyOz, can increase until the formation of reliable bonds to a bondpad is no longer possible.
It is known to attempt to determine a shelf lifetime of a wafer provided with bondpads in order to reduce a failure rate of packaged integrated circuits by performing a 'shelf lifetime test'. The shelf lifetime of a wafer is the length of time for which the wafer may be stored under suitable, predetermined storage conditions before its condition is no longer acceptable for subsequent IC fabrication.
Knowledge of the shelf lifetime is important because it enables IC manufacturers to reduce the number of IC devices of inferior quality. It also enables wafer suppliers to provide a warranty or guidance to a manufacturer in respect of the shelf lifetime of a wafer.
The traditional 'shelf lifetime test' involves the steps of placing a wafer from a given batch of wafers in a wafer box that has a small amount of deionised (DI) water in a lower portion of the box. The wafer box is closed and stored at room temperature for a predetermined period of time. The selected wafer is known as the 'test wafer'.
The test wafer is inspected after a test period corresponding to an effective storage period under normal storage conditions of one year (or any other required period of time) from the date of fabrication of the bondpads. An amount of contamination on the bondpads of the test wafer is determined; this determination may be made by reference to one or more bondpads of the test wafer.
If the bondpads of the test wafer are found to have a contamination level below a critical contamination level for bond formation, the batch of wafers from which the test wafer was taken may be considered suitable for storage for a predetermined time, for example one year from the date of fabrication of the bondpads as discussed above.
If the bondpads of the test wafer are found to have a contamination level equal to or above the critical contamination level for bond formation, measures may be taken to reject the batch of wafers from which the test wafer was taken. Such wafers might then be discarded, or subjected to a cleaning process before subsequent bond formation.
Empirical results suggest that, in order to simulate a storage period of 1 year under normal storage conditions by means of the test described above, a period of testing of from about 23 to about 198 days is required. This period is calculated assuming that the wafer is stored at a temperature of 22° C. in an environment having a relative humidity of 75%.
The test period of 23 to about 198 days is excessive in the context of IC fabrication. The requirement to perform a shelf lifetime test on a test wafer of a batch of wafers before shipping the batch to a customer introduces a significant delay in the delivery of the batch.
Furthermore, the results of the traditional test are found to be unrepeatable in a reliable manner. This introduces a level of uncertainty in the determination whether a given batch of wafers may be warrantied as suitable for being stored for a give period of time.

Method for performing a shelf lifetime acceleration test


A method and system are disclosed for authenticating on-line updates to listings maintained by a network-based directory service. An exemplary method for authenticating updates submitted on-line includes: (1) receiving an on-line update for a listing; (2) receiving origination information associated with a telephone call initiated by a user of a phone line corresponding to the listing; and (3) detecting a match between the origination information and at least a portion of the listing to authenticate the update. In one embodiment of the present invention, the origination information is a telephone number common to both the phone line from which the user is calling and the listing.

It is known in the art to operate a network-based directory service--i.e., an on-line "white pages" which can be accessed via a client application, such as a world-wide-web ("WWW") browser. Such directories contain approximately 100 million residential and business listings. These listings typically include name, address and telephone number information, together with business category information for non-residential listings. The operator of the directory service usually obtains the data for these listings from a data provider.
Users of the directory service are presently able to add, remove, and change (i.e., update) their listings on-line. To effect an on-line update, a user is required to provide the directory service, at the time of the update, with an e-mail address to which the service can thereafter send a message confirming the update. Once the user provides an e-mail address, the directory service will generate a new record for the listing in accordance with the update request. However, this method of update authentication is not entirely satisfactory, and indeed, is prone to fraud because e-mail addresses are (1) ephemeral, (2) not easily traced to an individual owner, and (3) not necessarily associated with the listing being updated. As such, fraudulent updates can easily be effected by users other than the owner of the listing.
Therefore, a method and system are needed to provide owners of directory listings with an opportunity to go on-line and update information corresponding to their listings in a manner that is efficient, error free, and resistant to fraud.

Method and system for collecting and authenticating updates to a network-based directory service


An electrode active material for non-aqueous secondary batteries containing a compound represented by formula (1) is a material that is less likely to dissolve in an electrolyte during charge and discharge, and that exhibits an excellent discharge capacity and excellent charge-and-discharge cycle characteristics: the compound represented by formula (1)

Non-aqueous secondary batteries, such as lithium-ion secondary batteries, are used in a variety of electric power sources. Studies have been conducted on applications of non-aqueous secondary batteries in electric vehicles, and there is demand for safer battery materials with a higher energy density. Currently, lithium secondary batteries utilize an inorganic material containing a rare heavy metal, such as lithium cobalt oxide (LiCoO2), for the cathode material (cathode active material) and a carbon material, such as graphite, for the anode material. In particular, such inorganic materials containing a rare heavy metal used in cathodes are resource-constrained, and there are also concerns about their environmental impact.
Organic materials with redox activity have attracted attention as a rare metal-free, more environment-friendly material. One of such potential materials is 1,4-benzoquinones, which are known to undergo two-electron-transfer redox reaction:
However, due to their high sublimation tendency, 1,4-benzoquinones are not easily formed into an electrode.
Cycle characteristics are already known to improve when condensation occurs at redox sites, and a known example is the charge and discharge behavior of pentacenetetrone (e.g., PTL 1). A naphthazarin dilithium salt that, in view of these findings, has an expanded conjugated system of a 1,4-benzoquinone, and that is in the form of a lithium salt:
exhibits a low sublimation tendency, and is capable of undergoing a 4-electron-transfer redox reaction, with its stoichiometric capacity being 530 mAh/g, which is higher than the stoichiometric capacity of 1,4-benzoquinones of 496 mAh/g. However, the actually obtainable capacity is about half the stoichiometric value, and the cycle characteristics are also insufficient.

Electrode active material for nonaqueous secondary batteries, and nonaqueous secondary battery using same

Abstract: wherein Y1 and Y2 are identical or different and represent an oxygen atom, a sulfur atom, or a selenium atom, R1 to R8 are identical or different and represent an oxygen atom or a group represented by —OLi, R9 to R12 are identical or different and represent a hydrogen atom or an organic group, and bonds that are each represented by a solid line and a dashed line indicate a single bond or a double bond.

National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology


A method, system, and computer-readable medium for enabling the segmented recovery of Basic Input Output System (“BIOS”) program code in a computer system is provided. A system is provided that includes a recovery program for recovering BIOS code in the computer system. The recovery program retrieves split program files, each containing a portion of BIOS code, from storage media, such as floppy diskettes, and combines the program files into a single BIOS image file utilized by the computer system to recover the BIOS.

Some computer systems have a firmware BIOS containing basic routines which are accessed to boot the computer as well as to initialize and interface hardware with operating system software. In many modern computer systems, the BIOS code is stored as groups of memory "blocks" in a re-programmable memory device typically known as a "flash" part. A flash part is a type of non-volatile random access memory ("NVRAM") allowing existing BIOS code to be easily updated or replaced by using software to erase and program the flash part. Many flash parts include a hardware protected memory block of a fixed size called a "boot block" which cannot be erased when the hardware protection is engaged. The boot block in a flash part may store program code for starting a computer system as well as self-contained program code for recovering the BIOS to the flash part from a user-supplied BIOS "image file" which, for older computer systems, is typically stored on a floppy disk. The image file contains a copy of the BIOS code which is accessed by the boot block recovery code in the event the BIOS code in the flash part becomes corrupted or is unintentionally erased.
In recent years the size of the typical BIOS code stored in the flash parts of modern computer systems has increased beyond the storage capacity of a conventional floppy disk in order to support added features such as language modules (for providing foreign language support) and graphic images which may be displayed to a user during the computer startup sequence. This increase in the size of the BIOS code has resulted in a corresponding increase in the size of the image file needed to recover the BIOS, which is also beyond the capacity of a floppy disk. As a result, modern BIOS images are limited to larger media for storage. Furthermore, as support for new features is added to computer systems, the size of the BIOS code will continue to increase, thus further limiting the availability of media for storing BIOS image files needed for recovery.
It is with respect to these considerations and others that the present invention has been made.

Method, system, and computer-readable medium for enabling multi-segmented recovery of basic input output system program code in a computer system