The present invention is directed to the transdermal administration of a drug together with a suitable amount of an acyl lactylate permeation enhancer. The invention includes a transdermal drug delivery device comprising a matrix adapted to be placed in drug- and- permeation enhancer-transmitting relation with a skin site. The matrix contains sufficient amounts of an acyl lactylate permeation enhancer and drug, in combination, to continuously administer drug to the systemic circulation of a patient at a therapeutically effective rate. The invention is also directed to compositions and methods for transdermal administration of a drug together with an acyl lactylate permeation enhancer, alone or in combination with other enhancers.

Acyl lactylates are represented by the general structure: R--CO--(OCH CH.sub.3 CO).sub.n --OH where R is a straight or branched alkyl or aryl group consisting of 3 to 20 carbons and n=1 to 10. Acyl lactylates have been used in the food industry as dough conditioners and softeners and as oil-in-water emulsifiers in nondairy compositions such as coffee whiteners and vegetable oil based whipped toppings. They have also been used as emulsifiers in analgesic stick compositions and in conjunction with other co-emulsifiers to produce an emulsion base for cosmetic or pharmaceutical compositions. Typically, acyl lactylates are commercially available as a salt form for use in cosmetic formulations. The salt form is not effective as a permeation enhancer.
Other uses of acyl lactylates include their use as antimicrobial or antibacterial agents, and as a protectant against hair loss or in topical compositions for inducing, maintaining, or increasing hair growth. In general, permeation enhancers that are not normally toxic at the concentrations employed in cosmetic or medical compositions may exhibit toxic effects at the higher concentrations required to produce adequate permeation enhancement. Accordingly, acyl lactylates have not been used as a permeation enhancer alone or in combination with other permeation enhancing agents in order to increase the permeability of a body surface or membrane to a drug or active agent to transdermally deliver the drug or agent to the systemic circulation of a patient.
U.S. Pat. No. 4,184,978, incorporated herein in its entirety by reference, describes stable oil-in-water emulsion systems for use in cosmetics, toiletries, and pharmaceuticals. Acyl lactylates are disclosed as suitable emulsifiers.
U.S. Pat. No. 4,301,820, incorporated herein in its entirety by reference, describes a composition comprising at least one fatty acid lactylate and/or glycolate as a humectant compound in permanent waving compositions.
U.S. Pat. No. 4,702,916, incorporated herein in its entirety by reference, describes the use of acyl lactylates as emulsifiers in analgesic gel stick compositions.
U.S. Pat. No. 5,124,354, incorporated herein in its entirety by reference, describes a special protein tyrosine kinase inhibitor and a cosmetically acceptable vehicle. Surface active agents, including acyl lactylates, are disclosed as penetration enhancers that improve delivery of the composition to its site of action in the immediate environment of the hair follicle close to the dermal papilla.
European Patent Application 0 573 253 incorporated herein in its entirety by reference describes an anti-bacterial cosmetic composition for topical application to the skin and/or hair comprising C.sub.6 -C.sub.12 acyl lactylate or a derivative thereof as an anti-bacterial substance. The composition is especially beneficial in the treatment of unwanted hair loss.
European Patent Application 0 572 271 incorporated herein in its entirety by reference describes the use of acyl lactylates as preservatives in topical cosmetic compositions for prevention of the growth of undesired microorganisms in the skin or hair.
The transdermal route of parenteral delivery of drugs provides many advantages, and transdermal systems for delivering a wide variety of drugs or other beneficial agents are described in U.S. Pat. Nos. 3,598,122; 3,598,123; 3,731,683; 3,797,494; 4,286,592; 4,314,557; 4,379,454; 4,435,180; 4,559,222; 4,568,343; 4,573,999; 4,588,580; 4,645,502; 4,704,282; 4,816,258; 4,849,226; 4,908,027; 4,943,435; and 5,004,610, for example, all of which are incorporated herein by reference. In many cases, drugs which would appear to be ideal candidates for transdermal delivery are found to have such low permeability through intact skin that they cannot be delivered in therapeutically effective amounts from reasonably sized devices.
In an effort to increase skin permeability so that drugs can be delivered in therapeutically effective amounts, it has been proposed to pretreat the skin with various chemicals or to concurrently deliver the drug in the presence of a permeation enhancer. Various materials have been suggested for this, as described in U.S. Pat. Nos. 3,472,931; 3,527,864; 3,896,238; 3,903,256; 3,952,099; 4,046,886; 4,130,643; 4,130,667; 4,299,826; 4,335,115; 4,343,798; 4,379,454; 4,405,616; 4,746,515; 4,788,062; 4,820,720; 4,863,738; 4,863,970; and 5,378,730; British Pat. No. 1,011,949; and Idson, "Percutaneous Absorption," J. Pharm. Sci. (1975) 64:901-924.
To be considered useful, a permeation enhancer should have the ability to enhance the permeability of the skin for at least one and preferably a significant number of drugs. More importantly, it should be able to enhance the skin permeability such that the drug delivery rate from a reasonably sized system (preferably 5-50 cm.sup.2) is at therapeutically effective levels. Additionally, the enhancer when applied to the skin surface, should be non-toxic, non-irritating on prolonged exposure and under occlusion, and non-sensitizing on repeated exposure. Preferably, it should be odorless and capable of delivering drugs without producing burning or tingling sensations.

Skin permeation enhancer compositions using acyl lactylates


A method of assembly of an evaporation assembly module. The evaporation assembly module comprises an evaporation element, a pipe having at least one fluid outlet and configured for wetting at least a portion of the evaporation element by passing fluid through the fluid outlet, and a support structure configured for holding the evaporation element in a suspended position. The method includes connecting the pipe to the evaporation element and subsequently suspending the pipe and the connected evaporation element to the support structure, in a suspended position.

Evaporation assemblies can be used in outdoor ponds where wastewater is stored and where evaporation is needed to concentrate the waste for further treatment. These ponds present an environmental challenge, as leakage from such ponds can lead to serious groundwater contamination. The requirements of environmental authorities regarding the quality of lining of such ponds are becoming more stringent and therefore the costs thereof tend to increase. For these reasons, there exists a need to reduce the number and size of such evaporation ponds by increasing the rate of evaporation therefrom.
Increasing the evaporation from ponds is also advantageous in the production of solid products like salts and minerals.
Known means of increasing evaporation from ponds of the above specified kinds include the use of spray nozzles to force the pond water into the air as a spray.

Evaporation assembly module, elements and method of construction thereof


Media for videophone communication, media for communication navigation, media for i-mode packet communication, and media for handling video data as streaming data are linked to a server so that the server can receive data from the media of each type. A user of data of different types of communication specifications performs communication by using an information terminal (e.g., in a vehicle) so as to simultaneously capture data of the different types from the server. The server converts the data of the different types into data in accordance with a single (e.g., H.323 or H.324) communication protocol, and adds codes to each type of data. The type of data is re-divided depending on a predetermined data amount for each data item, and numbers are sequentially added to the divided data segments. The divided data segments are rearranged and transmitted. The user performs a reverse process to restore the original data for use as an output.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a multimedia information providing method in which various types of data having different data formats can be captured in parallel for a user in cases such as videophone communication, capturing and displaying of Internet information and video data, and capturing of map data for navigation, and to an apparatus for implementing the method.
2. Description of the Related Art
With recent advances in communication technology, enhanced performance of information processors, and the supply of products including the processors at inexpensive prices, various types of information are able to be received in homes or offices. In particular, with recent widespread use and technological progress of cellular phones, in addition to a simple telephone function, the cellular phone has had various types of multimedia transmitting and receiving functions such as a simplified Internet receiving function, a mail transmitting/receiving function, a function in which moving pictures are captured through the Internet and are displayed, a function in which audio data compressed by MP3 or the like is captured and provided for listening, and a videophone function in which, by using a built-in camera, simplified moving pictures are mutually transmitted and received with sound. These functions can easily be used by a user. Also, in offices, various types of multimedia are used, such as widespread use of videoconferencing, data sharing by intranet, and information transmission and reception by e-mail.
The widespread use of cellular phones and an increased amount of various types of communication data indicate that not only a widely-used, known frequency-division-multiple-access method which simply assigns a frequency to each user, but also even a time-division-multiple-access method which performs time division on a single frequency has limitations. In order that more people may be users, there is a code-division-multiple-access (CDMA) method which assigns a spread code to each user. The CDMA method has already been studied in a plurality of countries, and is used in some countries. Also, in Japan, "Wide-band CDMA (W-CDMA)" has been developed for cellular phones. Internationally, the creation of a world standard method plan is in process in the International Telecommunication Union. Since this method enables high speed communication, it is expected that the method as a type of CDMA may mainly be used.
In addition, in recent years, navigation devices have widely been used in vehicles, and in these devices, a large amount of information such as map information and information of various facilities such as restaurants and amusement facilities can be recorded in information recording media such as digital versatile disks (DVDs), along with images. This enables a user to display a desired map in accordance with the movement of the position of the user's vehicle and to drive the vehicle along a guidance path displayed by the navigation device. In this guidance, the user is guided through right and left turns and intersections by using enlarged screens and audio guidance, so that the user can easily and safely drive the vehicle to a destination. Also, by retrieving peripheral facilities, information of stopovers and restaurants can be obtained.
This type of navigation device has also had a communication function. Accordingly, by connecting a cellular phone to the navigation device, various types of driving-related information can be received from an information providing center. Moreover, various types of information can be captured such as the reception of video and audio data, including reception from various Internet sites. In particular, unlike the cellular phone, the navigation device is large in size and has a larger high-definition screen and a relatively high-performance information processor. Thus, it is expected that the navigation device will be essential as an in-vehicle multimedia terminal in the future.
As described above, in a navigation device, the large amount of data stored in a DVD or the like must generally be updated according to necessity because, among the data, map data and facility information are modified year by year. For updating, an upgrade version of the DVD (DVD-ROM) must continually be purchased, and a maintenance fee is also needed. In addition, since a navigation device is expensive, a navigation device having similar level functions is also demanded. In one solution, it is possible that, by using widely-used, known communication technology and a cellular phone, as described above, and disclosing the map and facility information recorded in the DVD, the data can be updated as required, and it is possible that detailed information and video and audio can be distributed. Actually, part of the solution is practiced.
By using the above data distribution method, the user can perform the activities of downloading and displaying a desired map on the screen, setting a destination, transmitting the destination to an information center with present-position data based on a global positioning system, requesting the information center to compute a guidance path, driving the vehicle along the path, and requesting the information center to transmit the map data required for traveling. In addition to this type of system, it is possible that various other types can be implemented. These systems are generically called a "communication navigation system".
As described above, particularly based on the widespread use of cellular phones and advances in communication technology, it is possible that various types of common communication systems can be used. One of them is a circuit-switching videophone communication system as shown in FIG. 10A. FIG. 10A shows a case in which person A who possesses a portable information terminal 51 having a videophone function formed by a video camera 50 and a communication function is communicating with person B as the wife of person A who is using a cellular phone 54 having a videophone function using a video camera 52. In this case, a communication network 55 employing a W-CDMA method that is expected to be widely used in the future is used, and communication is established by 64-kbps circuit switching.
In addition, as FIG. 10B shows, circuit-switching video delivery is possible. In this video delivery, a W-CDMA communication network 55 similar to that shown in FIG. 10A is used, a content provider 56 is connected to a video delivery server 57 by a cable, and the video delivery server 57 is connected to the W-CDMA communication network 55 by a cable. In response to a video delivery request from a cellular phone 58 linked to the W-CDMA communication network 55, the video delivery server 57 receives pictures provided by the content provider 56. FIG. 10B also shows a case in which a baseball broadcast from the content provider 56 is audiovisually provided to a user by using the cellular phone 58.
As FIG. 11A shows, data communication using the i-mode service as a simplified cellular-phone Internet function, which is becoming popular, has functions similar to those in the case using the Internet, and it is possible that more information can be delivered at higher speed. In the case in FIG. 1A, a content provider 56 linked to an Internet network 60 can deliver various types of multimedia information including video and sound which are stored in an information holder by the Internet network 60, and an i-mode center 61 connected to the Internet network 60 can convert the multimedia information into cellular phone data and can transmit the cellular phone data to a cellular phone 62 through a W-CDMA network 55. In this case, catalog data of a new car which is stored in the content provider 56 is transmitted with video in response to a request from the cellular phone 62.
Moreover, FIG. 11B shows a case in which audio communication between a W-CDMA network 55 and a cellular phone 63 is established and data communication related thereto is also performed. It is expected, as a usage form in the future, that this type of demand will be made in many cases. In these cases, the audio communication is performed by circuit switching, and the data communication is performed by packet switching. Thus, in a common usage form in the future, two links are used to perform the two types of communication.
In the cases shown in FIGS. 10A and 10B, and 11A and 11B, the original functions of the cellular phone are used to perform various types of communication so that various types of information are captured. This is not limited to the cellular phone, but also applies to a navigation device connected to the cellular phone, as described above. Specifically, in FIG. 10A, by using a navigation device having a communication function instead of the portable information terminal 51, connecting a video camera in a predetermined position in the vehicle to the navigation device, and using a hands-free unit or the like, the driver can easily use the navigation device. In addition, reception of delivered video as shown in FIG. 10B, reception of provided multimedia information as shown in FIG. 11A, and communication using two links are similarly possible.
By using the W-CDMA network, which is expected to be widely used in the future, information devices, such as cellular phones, navigation devices, and portable information terminals, can obtain types of multimedia information at any time, as required. This is not limited to mobile devices of the above types. Also, in the case of displaying various types of information on a television screen in an ordinary home by using an ordinary telephone line, a similar function can be used.
In addition, inexpensive flat rates of communication will become widely used, and it is expected that a continuous-link type of usage form will be widely used in which a link to a desired party will be made as required, with connection to a communication network maintained, and in which information capture from a videophone and the Internet can be performed, and data is continuously captured and is displayed as required. Even when a metered rate system is employed in which downloading of specified information is charged depending on the used amount, multimedia information can become very inexpensively used, and widespread use of this usage form is expected.
In the above delivery of multimedia information, for videophone circuit switching as shown in FIG. 10A, the H.324 specifications for real-time multimedia communication is used to perform communication, and when packet switching is used to perform videophone communication, H.323 is used. Also, the HTTP specifications are used to perform i-mode packet-switching data capturing and capturing of streaming information that is audiovisually provided while being downloaded. For downloading and using a map, etc., by using a communication navigation device, the WinSock specifications are used.
As described above, types of multimedia information differ in delivery standard and specification, that is, their protocols differ. Accordingly, for example, in order that the multimedia information may be delivered to a cellular phone or a navigation device, the device must have a function of handling data in accordance with each communication standard and specification. An information delivery server of the related art can only deliver requested data in accordance with a predetermined protocol in response to a request from a client. The client cannot receive and display information from the server which is based on a protocol that the client does not support.
Also, in communication through a server among a plurality of clients, as it is impossible to establish a link between a circuit-switching videophone and a packet-switching videophone, communication is impossible unless the corresponding functions and protocols of the clients match.
In a case in which an information terminal has a function of handling all the types of multimedia information, a built-in information processor must receive the multimedia information by using high speed multi-task processing to switch protocols. For this purpose, a high performance central processing unit (CPU) must be used because a common CPU cannot simultaneously receive real-time data, such as audio and video, and picture data and Web data on the Internet.
FIG. 12 shows a case in which a navigation device having a receiving function adapted for a plurality of protocols is of a communication navigation type that downloads and uses map data. The navigation device uses packet-switching information service by using an i-mode browser in accordance with HTTP. When receiving a circuit-switching real-time videophone call in accordance with H.324 during the i-mode service, the navigation device cannot display the call. A person who sends the call is supplied with information indicating that the other party's device is communicating with another. The person must call again later.
After that, the navigation device in FIG. 12 uses subsequent WinSock communication to capture data of communication navigation for data transmission and reception, and receives streaming video and audio delivered in accordance with HTTP after capturing the data. FIG. 12 also shows a state in which, by using the navigation device, a baseball game broadcast is audiovisually received in the form shown in FIG. 10B. While the navigation device is receiving the data of the broadcast, a state as described above that is unable to receive the videophone call from the wife continues. For each type of multimedia information, the information terminal simply performs processing by switching the protocols in response to a user's information-capturing request. This causes a problem in that the types of multimedia information cannot simultaneously be displayed.

Multimedia information providing method and apparatus


The metadata journal service records changes to an information system through client devices that send changes made to objects for recording in a server. A client calls the server when a metadata event is raised. A metadata event may be raised when an object is modified, created, or deleted. The client sends the object identifier of object involved in the metadata event to the server, along with schema objects and operations associated with the object. The server generates a unique key for the metadata event, and stores the objects along with their associated schema objects and operations in the metadata journal. The journal may be searched and queried to provide metadata analysis, such as lineage or impact analysis for an object in the system.

Metadata can be defined as "data about data." It is essentially information which describes physical data structures, origins of data, and technical and business rules applied to data during various forms of transformation and movement, for example. A metadata journal provides a service for capturing and recording events which impact metadata and data in a warehouse.
Traditional approaches to metadata management have concentrated on metadata models stored in repositories. These repositories are abstract descriptions of a system which, when browsed or queried, can help the user in understanding the deployed system which it describes.
Metadata management systems built around metadata models and repositories have had a number of problems. In particular, the value of the system largely depends on the extent to which it really describes the deployed system. This can be affected by a number of factors including whether the model was created from the deployed system or vice versa, the detail the model captures about the deployed system, how changes in the deployed system are synchronized with the model, and how the relationship between the deployed system and the model is described and maintained.
In many systems, changes occur which are not captured in the repository, whether for technical or operational reasons. Every such change decreases the correspondence between the model and the deployed system and thus decreases the value of the metadata repository.
In view of the foregoing, there is a need for systems and methods that overcome the limitations of model based metadata solutions.

Metadata journal for information technology systems


Methods and devices for treating nasal airways are provided. Such devices and methods may improve airflow through an internal and/or external nasal valve, and comprise the use of mechanical re-shaping, energy application and other treatments to modify the shape, structure, and/or air flow characteristics of an internal nasal valve, an external nasal valve or other nasal airways.

1. Field of the Invention
This application relates generally to the field of medical devices and treatments, and in particular to systems, devices and methods for treating structures within the nose and upper airway to reduce resistance to airflow and/or change the pressure level in the nose, nasal cavities, and/or and nasal passages and improve airflow and/or the feeling and effects of nasal obstruction during breathing.
2. Description of the Related Art
During respiration, the anatomy, shape, tissue composition and properties of the human airway produce airflow resistance. The nose is responsible for almost two thirds of this resistance. Most of this resistance occurs in the anterior part of the nose, known as the internal nasal valve, which acts as a flow-limiter. The external nasal valve structure also causes resistance to nasal airflow. Effective physiological normal respiration occurs at a range of airflow resistance. However, excessive resistance to airflow can result in abnormalities of respiration which can significantly affect a patient's quality of life.
Inadequate nasal airflow can result from a number of conditions causing an inadequate cross sectional area of the nasal airway in the absence of any collapse or movement of the cartilages and soft tissues of the nasal airway. These include deviation of the nasal septum, turbinate enlargement, mucosal swelling, excessive mucous production, nasal valve insufficiency, narrowing or collapse. No matter what the cause of inadequate nasal airflow, the nasal valve area is still the site of significant nasal airflow resistance. In more extreme cases, nasal valve dysfunction is a prevalent medical condition. Nasal valve collapse is often due to weakness or malformation of cartilage structures of the nose.
Cartilage is an avascular tissue composed of a specialized matrix of collagens, proteoglycans, and non-collagen proteins, in which chondrocytes constitute the unique cellular component. Cartilage is specialized connective tissue found in various locations throughout the body. Cartilage basically consists of two components: water and a framework of structural macromolecules (matrix) that give the tissue its form and function. The matrix is highly organized and composed of collagens, proteoglycans and noncollagenous proteins.
The interaction of water and the macromolecular framework give the tissue its mechanical properties and thus its function. Up to 65%-80% of the wet weight of cartilage consists of water, the rest is matrix, mainly collagens and proteoglycans. Chondrocytes are specialized cells that produce and maintain the extracellular matrix (ECM) of cartilage. The ECM makes up most of the tissue, where dense, covalently-linked heterotypic collagen fibrils interact with a number of other specialized matrix components.
The nasal valve was originally described by Mink in 1903. It is divided into external and internal portions. The external nasal valve is the external nasal opening formed by the columella at the base of the septum, the nasal floor, and the nasal rim (the lower region of the nasal wall, also known as the caudal border of the lower lateral cartilage). The nasalis muscle dilates the external nasal valve portion during inspiration.
The internal nasal valve, which accounts for the larger part of the nasal resistance, is located in the area of transition between the skin and respiratory epithelium. The internal nasal valve area is formed by the nasal septum, the caudal border of the upper lateral cartilage (ULC), the head of the inferior turbinate, and the pyriform aperture and the tissues that surround it.
The angle formed between the caudal border of the ULC and the nasal septum is normally between about 10°-15° as illustrated in FIG. 1. The internal nasal valve is usually the narrowest part of the nasal airway and is responsible for more than two thirds of the resistance produced by the nose.
In 1894, Franke performed nasal-flow experiments in models and cadavers and found that whirl formation occurred near the head of the turbinate during calm breathing. Mink in 1903 developed this concept further in 1920, suggesting that the greatest area of resistance was in the limen nasi or the union of the lobular cartilage and ULCs. In 1940, Uddstromer found that 70% of the resistance of the nose was produced in the internal nasal valve area and the remaining 30% was due to the nasal fossa. Van Dishoeck further investigated the mechanisms of the nasal valve in 1942, and in 1970, Bridger and Proctor wrote about a "flow-limiting segment" that included the limen nasi and the pyriform aperture. In 1972, Bachman and Legler found the pyriform aperture to have the smallest cross-sectional area of the nasal airway. In 1983, Haight and Cole continued the study of Bridger and Proctor and demonstrated that the maximal nasal resistance was localized near the pyriform aperture and depended on engorgement of the head of the inferior turbinate. A description of the nasal valve and its functions are more fully described in Cole, "The Four Components of the Nasal Valve", American Journal of Rhinology, Vol. 17, No. 2, pp. 107-110 (2003). See also, Cole, "Biophysics of Nasal Air Flow: A Review", American Journal of Rhinology, Vol. 14, No. 4, pp. 245-249 (2000).
Because ventilation involves pressure changes, the nasal airways must be stable both at rest and under the negative pressures created during quiet and forced inspiration. Proper airflow through the nasal airway depends on satisfactory structural stability (and/or resistance to conformational change resulting from pressure changes) of the upper and lower lateral cartilages and soft tissues respectively. Satisfactory skeletal stability is present when the upper and lower lateral cartilages have sufficient structural stability to resist conformational changes resulting from air pressure changes. When either the skeletal or the soft tissue component is congenitally deficient or has been compromised by surgery or trauma, the patient experiences a conformation change of the valves during inspiration, with resultant change in the airflow and/or pressure in the nasal airway. Normally, the upper lateral cartilages move, change shape, partially collapse and/or change nasal airway pressure with all ventilatory flow rates. Thus, even normal nasal valves are affected by respiration. However, a patient with dynamic nasal valve dysfunction may have a nasal airway walls that inadequately resist the pressure changes and restrict airflow even during normal nasal breathing.
Inadequate nasal valve structural strength, stiffness or conformation can be a consequence of previous surgery, trauma, aging, or primary weakness of the upper lateral cartilage and is often symptomatic and debilitating. As many as 13% of the patients with chronic nasal obstruction have some degree of nasal valve collapse. Of these patients, 88% have unilateral collapse.
Poor nasal breathing and/or nasal congestion has profound effects on a person's health and quality of life, which can be measured by validated questionnaires such as the NOSE score, as described in Stewart M G, Witsell D L, Smith T L, Weaver E M, Yueh B, Hannley M T. Development and validation of the Nasal Obstruction Symptom Evaluation (NOSE) scale. Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg 2004; 130:157-63.
Causes of inadequate nasal airflow and the structure of the nasal valve inadequacy can be clinically detected by direct visualization (preferably with minimal disturbance so as not to alter the structure by visualizing) or endoscopic examination. Alternatively, CT, MRI, ultrasound or other non-invasive imaging technologies may be employed. One method of evaluating the potential improvement in nasal airflow from widening the nasal valve area nasal valve obstruction is the cottle test, which involves gently pulling the skin of a patient's cheek laterally away from the nose with two fingers, thereby opening the internal nasal valve.
Existing methods of correcting nasal valve inadequacy include surgically repositioning the upper lateral cartilage or adding structural grafts to support the lateral wall of the nose. Surgical structural enhancement of the valve can include the use of cartilage grafts and grafts made from a number of materials. The most frequent methods surgically correct internal nasal valve collapse and involve the use of spreader grafts placed between the upper lateral cartilage and septum. Alternately, stents, spreaders or other devices may be implanted to reposition the ULC. Invasive surgical and implant solutions carry substantial risk and discomfort.
External (non-implanted) nasal dilators which are placed temporarily and removed by the patient are also available. Such external devices are possibly placed on the outside surface of the nose such as the "Breathe Right" strips as shown for example in U.S. Pat. No. 5,533,499 to Johnson or similar devices taught by U.S. Pat. No. 7,114,495 to Lockwood. Other devices may be temporarily placed in the nasal cavity (but not implanted in the nose), such as those taught in U.S. Pat. No. 7,055,523 to Brown, and U.S. Pat. No. 6,978,781 to Jordan. However, such devices can be uncomfortable, unsightly, and require the patient to remove and replace the device on a periodic basis. These devices can cause skin irritation.
Poor nasal airflow can also occur in people with a structurally normal nasal and/or nasal valve anatomy, as well as a normal nasal passage cross-sectional area. The strength, structure and resistance to collapse of the nasal passage can also be normal in people with poor nasal airflow. People can have poor nasal airflow from other causes, including deviated septum, allergic rhinitis, non-allergic rhinitis, turbinate hyperplasia, nasal tip ptosis, and nasal polyposis. Whatever the cause, the tissues of the nasal valves are intimately involved in nasal airflow and nasal airflow inadequacy. Thus, there remains an unmet need in the art for non-invasive and minimally invasive methods and devices to improve nasal airflow.

This patent is subject to a terminal disclaimer.

Methods and devices to treat nasal airways


A low noise block feedhorn system includes a waveguide antenna for receiving RF signals. The transition element is a waveguide to coaxial line probe assembly which includes a high conductivity probe and a low loss dielectric sleeve. The dielectric sleeve has a ring spacer at its top and probe spacer at the bottom to provide an air gap between the dielectric sleeve and the probe. The dielectric sleeve concentrates the RF field next to the probe and the air gap reduces the field intensity of the probe surface. Thus, a proper impedance match between the waveguide and the probe with less conducting losses is provided. A low noise block downconverter has its preamplifier connected by its input impedance matching network to the coaxial cable. By replacing the coaxial cable with a coaxial transformer as a second transition element the network can be eliminated and the preamplifier connected directly to the coaxial transformer for a further improvement in loss.

This invention relates to communication microwave devices having high frequency electromagnetic energy waveguides connected to low noise amplifiers and more particularly to an improved low noise block feedhorn system including a low loss electromagnetic energy matching probe for coupling electromagnetic energy received by a waveguide type feedhorn to a low noise amplifier for signal processing.
In the past, low noise block feedhorn systems have included feedhorns to receive microwave energy. A section of waveguide has been used as the feedhorn. The waveguide is a metal pipe having a predetermined cross section usually rectangular or circular specifically designed to guide or conduct high frequency electromagnetic waves through its interior. The waveguide has a metal rod that projects into, but is insulated from the waveguide for coupling the received waves to an external circuit for signal processing. This metal rod is known as a "probe".
Thick probes, capped probes, and dielectric loaded probes or combinations of these probes have been used for matching the waveguide to the probe. Matching is connecting two circuits or parts together in such a way that their impedances (opposition to current flow) are equal or are equalized by a coupling device, so as to give maximum transfer of energy. To obtain maximum power transfer from the waveguide to the probe, a significant portion of electromagnetic energy must be in the vicinity of the probe. The thick probes, capped probes, and dielectric loaded probes are effective means for increasing the electromagnetic waves (RF power) surrounding the probe. A problem attends their use; the tangential components of the magnetic field around the probes induce energy (RF currents) on the probe, which cause conducting losses in the probe.
Further, in the use of thick probes and capped probes, the RF currents also increase with increase in the conducting probe's surface areas. The larger the conducting probe surface areas, the higher the conducting probe losses. To decrease the surface area, the dielectric coated probe was developed. However, the dielectric coating increases the concentration of the RF energy field surrounding the probe; the result is also higher conduction losses in the probe.
Higher conducting losses on the probe represent higher noise temperature in a satellite communication system. The noise temperature is the temperature at which the thermal noise power of a passive system per unit bandwidth is equal to the noise at the actual terminals. Noise is an undesired electric disturbance that tends to interfere with normal reception or processing of a desired signal. For example, it produces the small black or white spots over the entire image area of a television set.
Further, in known communication devices, after transitioning (passing microwave energy from one medium to another, e.g. air or vacuum into the inner metal conductor of a coaxial cable) from the waveguide's probe to a coaxial transmission line, a second transition between the coaxial line and a microstrip amplifier circuit (active element) has also been required. The input matching network between the probe and the microstrip amplifier circuit (the first field effect transistor (FET)) is the dominant passive loss contributor to the amplifier circuit.


A method of generating a planogram for a retail display. The method includes selecting a merchandise item having a merchandise identifier; selecting a fixture associated with the merchandise item, the fixture having a fixture identifier; determining a display location for the fixture or for the merchandise item, the display location being one of a plurality of display locations of a merchandise display structure, the merchandise display structure being configured to receive the fixture and to display the merchandise item; generating a marker code based on the merchandise identifier and the fixture identifier, the marker code identifying the merchandise item and the fixture; and generating a planogram data file, the planogram data file including data corresponding to the marker code and the display location, the marker code identifying the merchandise and fixture.

The retail industry uses a process called planogramming for creating and communicating the design of a merchandise layout within a given category to be replicated at multiple retail locations. Typically created by corporate management or other centralized decision-makers, a planogram is an illustration, drawing, or instructions showing where products should be placed on pegboard or other display background surfaces. It also details what fixtures, shelves, hooks, or other product display holding equivalents are used for displaying these products.
Retailers use planogramming to direct and influence consumers' purchases by creating merchandise displays that are well organized and visually appealing. The goal of planogramming is to increase sales and profits. Planogramming both improves the customer's shopping experience and influences customer behavior to encourage trade-up and impulse purchases. For retail corporate management, the planogram is utilized as an information conveyance tool with the goal of ensuring that merchandise in their retail locations is set for display exactly as planned at the corporate headquarters. For employees in these retail locations, the planogram is used as a specific instruction for setting up the merchandise displays.
Planogramming is one of the more costly payroll functions in retail. Planograms are typically created at the corporate level, usually in corporate planogram rooms, by highly paid Senior Buyers, Corporate Planners, Divisional and Senior V.P.s. Their time is invested to make sure every item in their stores is displayed in a manner that maximizes its sales potential. Management undertakes this expensive enterprise with the expectation that the optimal merchandise display they approved will be replicated in each of their stores exactly as created in their corporate headquarters.
In current practice, once the planogram is approved by management, a UPC code is attached to each merchandise item displayed. These UPC codes are then scanned using a hand held bar code reader to record the merchandise in the planogram. Next, peg holes are counted to establish the placement of fixtures and merchandise within the display pegboard and reflected in the planogram. This information is detailed in a paper document of the planogram, which is then distributed to stores for implementation. FIGS. 1A and 1B depict the traditional paper planograms received by individual retail stores.
Store employees use the paper planogram document to physically set the merchandise display. These merchandise displays are typically set when stores are closed, by hourly employees working late into the night, using methods that typically involve manually counting peg holes to determine fixture and merchandise placement, in an effort to recreate the planogram layout determined by corporate. Thus, display setting using traditional paper planograms is time-consuming and costly.
Further, the existing process used by retailers for setting planograms leaves much room for error in recreating the merchandise display in the store. An error in the placement of one fixture when setting the planogram can make the entire planogram incorrect. Many times this error is not realized until the employee is near the end of setting the planogram, at which time the employee discovers that merchandise to be displayed will not fit in the available area remaining. To correct the error, the employee must strip merchandise and fixtures already set and reset them in their proper locations. This setting and re-setting of the planogram adds additional time, increasing labor costs for the retailer.
Therefore, there is a need for an efficient, precise system for setting fixtures and merchandise in retail locations based on planograms that are set in a location other than the retail location.


A specific color-adjusting stage adjusts data of an inputted color with respect to a specific color. A total color-adjusting stage adjusts the data of the inputted color with respect to a total color. The specific color-adjusting stage and the total color-adjusting stage are provided in parallel. A composing unit composes linearly an output of the specific color-adjusting stage and an output of the total color-adjusting stage. When a degree that the total color-adjusting stage adjusts the data of the inputted color increases, then a degree that the specific color-adjusting stage adjusts the data of the inputted color decreases, and vice versa.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a color-adjusting apparatus that adjusts color data for a color reproduction device, such as a TV apparatus, a mobile terminal, a computer display, and a color printer, and arts related thereto. More particularly, the present invention relates to a technique that adjusts a specific color and a total color of an inputted image.
In this specification, all kinds of physical quantity indicating how a color is bright, such as lightness, value, luminance, and so on, is generically called "brightness". Similarly, all kinds of physical quantity indicating how a color looks vivid, such as chromaticity, saturation, and so on, is generically called "chroma". Note that a color is a three-dimensional vector in a color space, basically.
2. Description of the Related Art
For example, a user of the TV apparatus can adjust a chroma phase and a chroma level of analog video signals reproduced thereby, utilizing a conventional color-adjusting apparatus mounted therein. Furthermore, the user can adjust a total color of the TV apparatus to his/her favorite color, changing a level of brightness of the analog video signals.
Adjusting the total color is effective, when difference of conditions, such as lighting environment, color characteristics of a camera and/or a display device, should be absorbed to perform transparent reproduction, and when chroma should be increased to reproduce colors more vividly. Once the total color has been adjusted suitably, the user may be almost satisfied with a result of the color reproduction. In this specification, a "total" color is a color that is an object of the total color adjustment.
Meanwhile, it is known that a "memory color", such as skin color, sky blue, grass green, and so on, which is well retained in human memory, differs from a color of the real thing corresponding thereto. In the so-called "preferred color reproduction" (for example, in reproduction of the "memory color"), it is insufficient to perform the total color adjustment merely. Furthermore, it is necessary to be able to adjust a current color to the "memory color", individually. In this specification, a "specific" color is a color that is an object of the specific color adjustment.
A document 1 (published Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. H05-300531) discloses a color-adjusting method that adjusts a specific color region individually, by designating the specific color.
A document 2 (published Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. H06-78320) discloses a color-adjusting apparatus. The color-adjusting apparatus sets a weighting coefficient, according to difference between an inputted chroma value and a pre-selected reference chroma value. The color-adjusting apparatus then adjusts a particular subject of a color in a chroma plane, whose coordinates are hue components and chroma components, based on the weighting coefficient.
Furthermore, a document 3 (published Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. H10-198795) discloses a color-adjusting apparatus. The color-adjusting apparatus of the document 3 calculates a color approximation degree hx that indicates an approximation degree of the current hue to a designated hue.
The color-adjusting apparatus of the document 3 adjust a color of (R, G, B) to output a color of (R′, G′, B′), according to the following formula.(R′, G′, B′)=(R, G, B)+hx*(a1, a2, a3),where a1, a2, and a3 are vector-adjusting coefficients for R, G and B, respectively.
Referring to the documents 1, 2 and 3, a color-adjusting apparatus that adjusts both of the specific color and the total color may be constructed as shown in FIG. 13.
In FIG. 13, a total color-adjusting unit 1 performs the total color adjustment of data of an inputted color, and outputs a result vector of the total color adjustment to a composing unit 6 and a specific color-weighting coefficient-calculating unit 3. Thanks to the total color adjustment, the difference of conditions, such as lighting environment, color characteristics of a camera and/or a display device, has been absorbed.
A specific color-adjusting stage 2, which is provided next to the total color-adjusting unit 1, comprises the following elements. The specific color-weighting coefficient-calculating unit 3 calculates a weighting coefficient k with respect to a specific color, such as skin color, and so on.
A specific color-adjusting vector-outputting unit 4 outputs, to a multiplying unit 5, data of an adjusting vector δ with respect to the specific color. The multiplying unit 5 multiplies the adjusting vector δ by a scalar of the weighting coefficient k to output data of a weighted vector to the composing unit 6.
The composing unit 6 inputs the data of the result vector of the total color adjustment from the total color-adjusting unit 1, and inputs the data of the weighted vector from the multiplying unit 5.
The composing unit 6 adds the result vector and the weighted vector, and outputs data of an added vector. In short, first, the total color adjustment is made; secondly, the specific color adjustment is made. That is, with respect to the specific color, adjustments are duplicated.
It is assumed that the data of the inputted color has chroma components, each of which has 8-bit data length (256 scales in total). Furthermore, it is assumed that the chroma components should be multiplied by a factor of "1.2", generally, and further that a chroma component of the specific color should not be changed.
In this case, the total color-adjusting unit 1 multiplies the chroma components of the inputted color by the factor of "1.2", and outputs data of a result vector. The specific color-adjusting vector-outputting unit 4 and/or the multiplying unit 5 multiplies, by a factor of "1/1.2", the chroma component of the specific color, the chroma component being included in the data of the result vector. That is, with respect to the specific color, duplication of adjustments cannot be avoided.
In digital image processing, since each of coordinates of the inputted color is quantized, quantization errors may occur in some cases. For example, choose an original value of "99", multiplied by a factor of "1.2", and multiplied by a factor of "1/1.2"; the result is "98", which does not equal the original value. Also, after the duplicated adjustment, in many cases, a quantization error may occur, thereby the chroma component of the specific color may be changed, contrary to expectations.
Furthermore, in the digital image processing, a clip of a value may occur in some cases. When data has 8-bit length, a value of the data cannot be 256 or more. For example, choose an original value of "250", multiplied by a factor of "1.2"; the result is not "300" but "255", because a clip of the value has occurred. In addition, the result of "255" multiplied by a factor of "1/1.2" is "212", which does not equal the original value.
In a case where the color-adjusting apparatus should adjust both of the specific color and the total color, since the adjustments must be duplicated according to the prior arts, quality of an inputted image is deteriorated very easily, caused by the quantization error and/or the clip of a value, and so on.
Meanwhile, it is assumed that brightness and/or chroma with respect to the specific color should not be changed, and further that hue of the specific color should be changed to more preferable one. In this case, since the total color-adjusting unit 1 has adjusted the total color before adjustment of the specific color, whole conversion loses linearity, and handling thereof is very difficult.

Apparatus and method for adjusting inputted color concerning total and specific colors

Matsushita Electric Industrial Co., Ltd.


A polarity protection circuit for a battery booster device is provided. According to an exemplary embodiment, the polarity protection circuit is comprised of solid-state devices. Preferably no mechanical or electro-mechanical devices, such as solenoids are included in the polarity protection circuit. The polarity protection circuit is electrically connected to the battery to be charged and to the boosting battery. The polarity protection circuit prevents current flow between the batteries unless proper polarity is achieved.

It is well known that when an engine of an automobile is not able to be started due to insufficient electric power, a battery of the automobile can be jump started by power from a battery of another automobile or from a battery in a booster device to thereby start the engine.
To boost the battery of the automobile which is of insufficient electric power by power from another battery, the two batteries must be connected through a pair of electric wires. For example, the positive terminal of the depleted battery should be connected to the positive terminal of the boosting battery. The negative terminals of the two batteries should be connected in a corresponding manner.
Making this connection, however, can be very dangerous if the batteries are connected incorrectly. A battery has a small internal resistance, and there is a voltage difference between a battery with sufficient electric power and a battery with insufficient electric power. Current will thus flow between the two batteries as soon as a connection is made. When the two batteries are connected correctly, which means that terminals of corresponding polarities are connected respectively as described above, a large current passes through the electric wires. When the two batteries are connected erroneously, a current which passes through the electric wires is 10 to 20 times larger than the current existing on the electric wires when the batteries are correctly connected. Additionally, incorrect connection may result in one or both of the batteries being short-circuited. Under such conditions, one or both of the batteries may be damaged, and in some cases, an explosion, fire and damage to the vehicle or to a person may result.
Thus, there is a need for a device, which can be used to ensure that the connection of the two batteries is made correctly and in a safe manner. The device should minimize any risk resulting from incorrect connection between the two batteries and from a short-circuit of one or both of the batteries.
The failure of an engine of an automobile to start due to insufficient electric power, in addition to being due to a battery with insufficient power, may also be due to a bad alternator that has failed to replenish the charge on an otherwise good battery. With a bad alternator, even if the battery is replaced, the new battery does not accumulate electric charge, and its charge is soon drained out again. A bad alternator needs to be replaced in order to prevent recurring low battery problems. Detecting a bad alternator, however, is not an easy task to an inexperienced person.
Also, other simple tasks such as checking the air pressure of a tire, checking for freon gas leakage, and inflating a tire to a proper pressure can often be difficult to those without the necessary experience and know-how. It would also be convenient to know the state of the charge of the jump starter battery itself, as well as the state of charge the depleted battery before and after a jump start.
There is therefore a need for a self-contained jump starter system that can be used as a jump starter, tester, and diagnostic system for a vehicle to assist in performing vehicle diagnostics and minor vehicle repairs. There is also a need for a portable, self-contained jump starter system of the above type that is rugged, has a minimum number of components, is user friendly to people who are not experienced with automobiles, provides self-testing and vehicle diagnostics, and is relatively inexpensive so as to be affordable by a large number of consumers.

Microprocessor controlled booster apparatus with polarity protection


A system and method of producing a reference graph for use in selecting the proper radiation levels for use during radiation therapy. Using the radiation treatment plan, a physician can then create a dose volume histogram. The dose volume histogram is used to create a risk map for selected tissue. Data from one or more databases is then accessed and overlaid onto the risk map to create a reference graph. The data from the selected databases contains historical data of past radiation levels used during prior radiation therapies. Furthermore, the historical data can contain instances of adverse reactions due to high radiation levels. The physician can view the reference graph to determine if the radiation being used on a patient is either overly aggressive or overly safe in all areas of affected tissue.

1. Field of the Invention
In general, the present invention relates to systems and methods that enable medical personnel to select the proper radiation dosage for the particular needs of a patient. More particularly, the present invention relates to software applications that graphically plot acceptable radiation dose ranges.
2. Prior Art Description
There are many medical conditions that can be treated with radiation therapy. However, one of the most important applications of radiation therapy is its use in treating cancer inside the body. If cancer cells can be located within the human body, then those cancer cells can be targeted with beams of radiation. The radiation carries enough energy to kill the cancer cells as the radiation impinges upon the cancer cells. In this manner, cancer cells can be killed deep within tissue masses without the need for surgery.
The radiation beams begin at different physical points. Each individual radiation beam has a low dose that is insufficient to damage cells by itself. In this manner, the beams of radiation can reach the cancer cells without damaging healthy tissue along the path. The multiple beams of radiation all converge at the point of the cancer cells. The combined dose from the multiple beams of radiation then becomes sufficient to kill the cancer cells.
A problem associated with radiation therapy is that the level of radiation increases as the beams of radiation approach the treatment area. Consequently, the tissue surrounding the tumor is subjected to significant levels of radiation. Likewise, the tissue along each path of the radiation beams is also subjected to some radiation dose.
No two cancers are alike. Each cancer patient has cancer cells that are unique in location and mass to that patient. As such, the best way to direct beams of radiation onto cancer cells has become a complicated science. Physicians and dosimetrists must determine where to position the beams of radiation during radiation therapy in order to have the maximum effect on the cancer cells and the minimal effect on surrounding healthy tissue. Doctors and dosimetrists also try to avoid radiation dose to critical organ tissue, provided that tissue is healthy.
In the prior art, the manner in which a physician or dosimetrist plans a course of radiation therapy is a three step process. In the first step, the physician pinpoints the exact location of the cancer cells to be targeted. This is traditionally done using three-dimensional body imaging equipment, such as an MRI scan, a CAT scan, a PET scan or the like. Once the physician locates the target cancer cells, the dosimetrist develops a treatment plan and a dose volume histogram (DVH). The development of the dose volume histogram is the second step. The physician utilizes the dose volume histograms to evaluate the dose distribution of tissue in and around the targeted cancer cells. The dosimetrist can alter the dose, position, and direction of the various radiation beams to develop a plan that will kill the targeted cancer cells, yet minimize dose to surrounding tissue, especially critical organ tissue. In the last step, the radiation equipment is programmed to the settings developed using the treatment plan. The equipment is then ready for use on the patient.
In the prior art, the total dose of radiation is divided into a number of fractional doses, to be delivered on a daily or weekly basis. The number of fractions is defined as the number of partial treatments the patient will receive. The maximum tolerated total dose is a nonlinear function of the number of fractions. When the number of fractions is large, like 25 or 40, a higher total dose can be used than if the number of fractions is small like 1 or 5. Conversely, a large dose per fraction can obliterate certain tumors, but then the number of fractions would need to be small. Part of the problem associated with prior art techniques is that a systematic way of visualizing treatment outcomes as a function of the number of fractions is needed.
Furthermore, such prior art techniques do not have facility to overlay information from historical treatment outcomes onto the current treatment plan to help evaluate the risk associated with the dose to critical structures.
A need therefore exists for a system and method that can assist a physician and dosimetrist in optimizing the radiation therapy dose distribution to maximize effectiveness while minimizing collateral radiation dosage. A need also exists for a system and method that can actively inform a physician and/or dosimetrist that the settings selected for the radiation therapy surpass safe levels for any region of healthy tissue along the various radiation beam paths. These needs are met by the present invention as described and claimed below.

System and method for evaluating acceptable dosage ranges for radiation treatments of body tissue


A method for reducing the lapse rate of a first insurance policy comprises the step of offering to sell a rider to said first insurance policy, said rider comprising benefit features, said benefit features configured such that the combination of said rider and said first insurance policy has a higher switching cost than the switching cost of said first insurance policy alone and said rider is constructively attached to said first insurance policy, whereby said step of offering to sell is at least in part performed by technological means. The first insurance policy may be a homeowner's policy. The rider may be a pet health insurance rider.

One of the factors that increases the cost of certain types of insurance coverage is voluntary lapse of a first insurance policy by the policy owner. An insurance company incurs a certain sales and start up expense when it sells a new policy. This expense is typically recovered, or amortized, in subsequent premium payments. If a policy owner lapses his policy before the initial sales and start up expense is recovered, then the insurance company may lose money on that policy.
Insurance companies measure lapse rates and factor the expected losses into their pricing. If an insurance company can lower its lapse rate, then it can potentially reduce its premiums for certain types of insurance policies.
Insurance policies that may have a lower cost impact in pricing due to lower lapse rates include homeowner's, auto, mortgage, and life insurance.
Known methods for reducing lapse rates include offering discounts upon renewal of a first insurance policy and increasing the attention paid by an insurance agent to an owner of a first insurance policy.
There is a long felt need, however, for additional effective means for reducing lapse rates of certain insurance coverages.

Method and apparatus for bundling insurance coverages in order to gain a pricing advantage


Improved responsiveness and reduced latency of media playback on a media player is achieved by dynamic adjustment of storage parameters for the jitter buffer in the media player. Decreasing the size of the jitter buffer to a smaller constant value may provide acceptable, starvation-free playback in many cases. Playback of more demanding files requiring more buffered data for decode are addressed by dynamic adjustment of the jitter buffer parameters. An algorithmic or heuristic process is used to dynamically set the size of the jitter buffer before and during media playback. The jitter buffer size and/or preroll duration may be adjusted based upon the quality of playback experience. If playback starves, the jitter buffer size, starvation threshold, and/or preroll duration is increased before rebuffering and resuming playback. If the jitter buffer remains above a defined threshold for a given period of time, the jitter buffer size and/or preroll duration may be decreased, improving the responsiveness of startup and seek and trick mode operations.

Networked digital media players maintain a jitter buffer in order to smooth over network irregularities and ensure that their media decoders never starve. With some complex media formats, the media decoders may allocate up to 12 or more seconds of buffered data for some media files in order to guard against starvation. This jitter buffer "preroll" allocation is often set by the content creator as part of the decoding information in the media format. Buffering this quantity of data over the network before commencing playback increases playback latency dramatically and is thus not preferred from a consumer standpoint. Further, when performing a transport control operations, such as a seek command, the latency of the media player is compounded by the preroll allocation as well as the need to process (e.g., play or flush) any data remaining in the jitter buffer.

Dynamic buffer settings for media playback


A new and distinct cultivar of Alstroemeria plant named Monaco, characterized by its distinctive red purple with darker reddish-purple areas outer petals, and distinguished by the off-white, yellow, and purple coloring with dark purple streaking which increase in length and width from the attachment point of the two top inner petals.

The present invention comprises a new and distinct cultivar of Alstroemeria plant referred to by the cultivar name Monaco. Monaco was originated from a hybridization program in Roelofarendsveen, The Netherlands in 1985. The female parent was cultivar number 40, an unnamed cultivar of our own selection. The male parent was No. 0 pink, a hybrid derived from own breeding. Each of the parent plants were proprietary, and have not been released or marketed, and are maintained strictly for use in the breeding program. Monaco was discovered and selected as one flowering plant within the progeny of the stated parentage by me on Jul. 12, 1985 in a controlled environment in Roelofarendsveen, The Netherlands. The first asexual reproduction of Monaco was accomplished when vegative cuttings were taken from initial selection on Nov. 6, 1985 in a controlled environment in Roelofarendsveen in The Netherlands. Horticultural examination of selected units initiated in November 1985 has demonstrated that the combination of characteristics as herein disclosed for Monaco are firmly fixed and retained through generations of asexual reproduction. The following observations, measurements and comparisons describe plants grown in Roelofarendsveen, The Netherlands under greenhouse conditions which approximate those generally used in commercial practice. The following traits have been repeatedly observed and are determined to be basic characteristics of Monaco, which in combination distinguish this Alstroemeria from its parents and all other varieties of which I am aware:
1. The outer petals have a distinctive red purple color with darker red-purple areas in the center of the outer petal body. PA0 2. The inside portion of the two top inner petals is off-white, has a yellow spot in the center, and the most upper portion is purple similar to the color in the outer petals. PA0 3. Dark purple streaks of increasing length and width with increasing distance from the attachment point of the two top inner petals.


A first image signal representing a radiation image of an object is obtained by exposing a stimulable phosphor sheet, on which the radiation image has been stored, to stimulating rays, which cause the stimulable phosphor sheet to emit light in proportion to the amount of energy stored thereon during its exposure to radiation, the emitted light being detected. A second image signal representing the radiation image is thereafter obtained by again exposing the stimulable phosphor sheet to stimulating rays, the light emitted by the stimulable phosphor sheet being detected. Read-out conditions, under which the second image signal is to be obtained, and/or image processing conditions, under which the second image signal having been obtained is to be image processed, are adjusted on the basis of the first image signal. A storage device stores information representing a standard pattern of radiation images. A signal transforming device transforms the first image signal representing the radiation image into a transformed image signal representing the radiation image, which has been transformed into the standard pattern. A condition adjuster is provided with a neural network, which receives the transformed image signal and feeds out information representing the read-out conditions and/or the image processing conditions.

1. Field of the Invention
This invention relates to a method and apparatus for adjusting read-out conditions and/or image processing conditions for a radiation image, wherein read-out conditions, under which a radiation image is to be read out, and/or image processing conditions, under which an image signal representing the radiation image is to be processed, are adjusted on the basis of the image signal representing the radiation image. This invention also relates to a radiation image read-out apparatus for reading out a radiation image from a recording medium, such as a stimulable phosphor sheet, on which the radiation image of an object has been stored, and an image signal representing the radiation image is thereby obtained. This invention further relates to a radiation image analyzing apparatus, wherein characteristic measures representing characteristics of a radiation image, such as read-out conditions under which the radiation image is to be read out, image processing conditions under which the image signal representing the radiation image is to be processed, and the portion of an object the image of which was recorded, are found from an image signal representing the radiation image. This invention still further relates to a radiation image analyzing method, wherein a subdivision pattern of radiation images, the shape and location of an irradiation field, an orientation in which the object was placed when the image of the object was recorded, and/or a portion of an object the image of which was recorded is determined from an image signal representing a radiation image, and a radiation image analyzing apparatus for generating characteristic measures representing the results of the determination.
2. Description of the Prior Art
Techniques for reading out a recorded radiation image in order to obtain an image signal, carrying out appropriate image processing on the image signal, and then reproducing a visible image by use of the processed image signal have heretofore been known in various fields. For example, as disclosed in Japanese Patent Publication No. 61(1986)-5193, an X-ray image is recorded on an X-ray film having a small gamma value chosen according to the type of image processing to be carried out, the X-ray image is read out from the X-ray film and converted into an electric signal (image signal), and the image signal is processed and then used for reproducing the X-ray image as a visible image on a copy photograph, or the like. In this manner, a visible image having good image quality with high contrast, high sharpness, high graininess, or the like can be reproduced.
Also, when certain kinds of phosphors are exposed to radiation such as X-rays, .alpha.-rays, .beta.-rays, .gamma.-rays, cathode rays or ultraviolet-rays, they store part of the energy of the radiation. Then, when the phosphor which has been exposed to the radiation is exposed to stimulating rays such as visible light, light is emitted by the phosphor in proportion to the amount of energy stored thereon during its exposure to the radiation. A phosphor exhibiting such properties is referred to as a stimulable phosphor.
As disclosed in U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,258,264, 4,276,473, 4,315,318, 4,387,428, and Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 56(1981)-11395, it has been proposed to use stimulable phosphors in radiation image recording and reproducing systems. Specifically, a sheet provided with a layer of the stimulable phosphor (hereinafter referred to as a stimulable phosphor sheet) is first exposed to radiation which has passed through an object, such as the human body. A radiation image of the object is thereby stored on the stimulable phosphor sheet. The stimulable phosphor sheet is then scanned with stimulating rays, such as a laser beam, which cause it to emit light in proportion to the amount of energy stored thereon during its exposure to the radiation. The light emitted by the stimulable phosphor sheet, upon stimulation thereof, is photoelectrically detected and converted into an electric image signal. The image signal is then used during the reproduction of the radiation image of the object as a visible image on a recording material such as photographic film, on a display device such as a cathode ray tube (CRT) display device, or the like.
Radiation image recording and reproducing systems which use stimulable phosphor sheets are advantageous over conventional radiography using silver halide photographic materials, in that images can be recorded even when the energy intensity of the radiation to which the stimulable phosphor sheet is exposed varies over a wide range. More specifically, since the amount of light which the stimulable phosphor sheet emits when being stimulated varies over a wide range and is proportional to the amount of energy stored thereon during its exposure to the radiation, it is possible to obtain an image having a desirable density regardless of the energy intensity of the radiation to which the stimulable phosphor sheet was exposed. In order to obtain the desired image density, an appropriate read-out gain is set when the emitted light is being detected and converted into an electric signal to be used in the reproduction of a visible image on a recording material, such as photographic film, or on a display device, such as a CRT display device.
In order for an image signal to be detected accurately, certain factors which affect the image signal must be set in accordance with the dose of radiation delivered to the stimulable phosphor sheet and the like. Novel radiation image recording and reproducing systems which accurately detect an image signal have been proposed. The proposed radiation image recording and reproducing systems are constituted such that a preliminary read-out operation (hereinafter simply referred to as the "preliminary readout") is carried out in order approximately to ascertain the radiation image stored on the stimulable phosphor sheet. In the preliminary readout, the stimulable phosphor sheet is scanned with a light beam having a comparatively low energy level, and a preliminary read-out image signal obtained during the preliminary readout is analyzed. Thereafter, a final read-out operation (hereinafter simply referred to as the "final readout") is carried out to obtain the image signal, which is to be used during the reproduction of a visible image. In the final readout, the stimulable phosphor sheet is scanned with a light beam having an energy level higher than the energy level of the light beam used in the preliminary readout, and the radiation image is read out with the factors affecting the image signal adjusted to appropriate values on the basis of the results of an analysis of the preliminary read-out image signal.
The term "read-out conditions" as used hereinafter means a group of various factors, which are adjustable and which affect the relationship between the amount of light emitted by the stimulable phosphor sheet during image readout and the output of a read-out means. For example, the term "read-out conditions" may refer to a read-out gain and a scale factor which define the relationship between the input to the read-out means and the output therefrom, or to the power of the stimulating rays used when the radiation image is read out.
The term "energy level of a light beam" as used herein means the level of energy of the light beam to which the stimulable phosphor sheet is exposed per unit area. In cases where the energy of the light emitted by the stimulable phosphor sheet depends on the wavelength of the irradiated light beam, i.e. the sensitivity of the stimulable phosphor sheet to the irradiated light beam depends upon the wavelength of the irradiated light beam, the term "energy level of a light beam" means the weighted energy level which is calculated by weighting the energy level of the light beam, to which the stimulable phosphor sheet is exposed per unit area, with the sensitivity of the stimulable phosphor sheet to the wavelength. In order to change the energy level of a light beam, light beams of different wavelengths may be used, the intensity of the light beam produced by a laser beam source or the like may be changed, or the intensity of the light beam may be changed by moving an ND filter or the like into and out of the optical path of the light beam. Alternatively, the diameter of the light beam may be changed in order to alter the scanning density, or the speed at which the stimulable phosphor sheet is scanned with the light beam may be changed.
Regardless of whether the preliminary readout is or is not carried out, it has also been proposed to analyze the image signal (including the preliminary read-out image signal) obtained and to adjust the image processing conditions, which are to be used when the image signal is processed, on the basis of the results of an analysis of the image signal. The term "image processing conditions" as used herein means a group of various factors, which are adjustable and set when an image signal is subjected to processing, which affect the gradation, sensitivity, or the like, of a visible image reproduced from the image signal. The proposed method is applicable to cases where an image signal is obtained from a radiation image recorded on a recording medium such as conventional X-ray film, as well as to systems using stimulable phosphor sheets.
As disclosed in, for example, Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication Nos. 60(1985)-185944 and 61(1986)-280163, operations for calculating the values of the read-out conditions for the final readout and/or the image processing conditions are carried out by a group of algorithms which analyze an image signal (or a preliminary read-out image signal). A large number of image signals detected from a large number of radiation images are statistically processed. The algorithms which calculate the read-out conditions for the final readout and/or the image processing conditions are designed on the basis of the results obtained from this processing.
In general, the algorithms which have heretofore been employed are designed such that a probability density function of an image signal is created, and characteristic values are found from the probability density function. The characteristic values include, for example, the maximum value of the image signal, the minimum value of the image signal, or the value of the image signal at which the probability density function is maximum, i.e. the value which occurs most frequently. The read-out conditions for the final readout and/or the image processing conditions are determined on the basis of the characteristic values.
Methods for determining the read-out conditions for the final readout and/or the image processing conditions on the basis of the results of an analysis of the probability density function of an image signal can be classified into the following:
(1) a method as disclosed in Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 60(1985)-156055 wherein both the maximum value and the minimum value in the range resulting in a reproduced visible image containing the necessary image information are determined from a probability density function of an image signal, and, for example, the read-out conditions for the final readout are set such that, during the final readout, the image information represented by values of the emitted light signal falling within the range of the maximum value to the minimum value is detected accurately,
(2) a method as disclosed in Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 60(1985)-185944 wherein only the maximum value is determined from a probability density function of an image signal, a value obtained by subtracting a predetermined value from the maximum value is taken as the minimum value, and the range between the maximum value and the minimum value is taken as the range resulting in a visible image containing the necessary image information,
(3) a method as disclosed in Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 61(1986)-280163 wherein only the minimum value is determined from a probability density function of an image signal, a value obtained by adding a predetermined value to the minimum value is taken as the maximum value, and the range between the minimum value and the maximum value is taken as the range resulting in a visible image containing the necessary image information,
(4) a method as proposed in Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 63(1988)-233658 wherein a difference probability density function is used,
(5) a method as disclosed in Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 61(1986)-170730 wherein a cumulative probability density function is used, and
(6) a method as proposed in Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 63(1988)-262141 wherein a probability density function is divided into a plurality of small regions by using a discrimination standard.
The range of an image signal resulting in a visible image containing the necessary image information is determined with one of various methods, and the read-out conditions for the final readout and/or the image processing conditions are set with respect to said range.
Recently, a method for utilizing a neural network, which is quite different from the algorithms described above, have been proposed.
Such a neural network is provided with a learning function by back propagation method. Specifically, when information (an instructor signal), which represents whether an output signal obtained when an input signal is given is or is not correct, is fed into the neural network, the weight of connections between units in the neural network (i.e. the weight of synapse connections) is corrected. By repeating the learning of the neural network, the probability that a correct answer will be obtained in response to a new input signal can be kept high. (Such functions are described in, for example, "Learning representations by back-propagating errors" by D. E. Rumelhart, G. E. Hinton and R. J. Williams, Nature, 323-9,533-356, 1986a; "Back-propagation" by Hideki Aso, Computrol, No. 24, pp. 53-60; and "Neural Computer" by Kazuyuki Aihara, the publishing bureau of Tokyo Denki University).
The neural network is also applicable when the read-out conditions for the final readout and/or the image processing conditions are to be adjusted. By feeding an image signal, or the like, into the neural network, outputs representing the values of the read-out conditions for the final readout and/or the image processing conditions can be obtained from the neural network.
When the neural network is utilized to adjust the read-out conditions for the final readout and/or the image processing conditions, by repeating the learning of the neural network, the read-out conditions for the final readout and/or the image processing conditions appropriate for a specific radiation image can be determined. However, in a single system for processing X-ray images of, for example, the shoulder of a human body, various types of image signals are obtained which represent various radiation images, such as the images of the right shoulder and the left shoulder (reversed images), an enlarged image and a reduced image, an erect image and a side image and an inverted image, and images shifted from each other. In order for a neural network to be constructed which can determine the read-out conditions for the final readout and/or the image processing conditions appropriate for each of various such images, a very large number of units should be incorporated in the neural network. Also, a storage means should be used which has a very large capacity for storing information representing the weight of connections between units in the neural network. Additionally, the learning of the neural network should be repeated very many times.

Method and apparatus for adjusting read-out conditions and/or image processing conditions for radiation images, radiation image read-out apparatus, and radiation image analyzing method and apparatus


A memory array having memory cells and methods of forming the same. The memory array may have a buried digit line formed in a first horizontal planar volume, a word line formed in a second horizontal planar volume above the first horizontal planar volume and storage devices formed on top of the vertical access devices, such as finFETs, in a third horizontal planar volume above the second horizontal planar volume. The memory array may have a 4F2 architecture, wherein each memory cell includes two vertical access devices, each coupled to a single storage device.

1. Field of Invention
Embodiments of the invention relate generally to semiconductor devices, and more specifically, in certain embodiments, to memory devices.
2. Description of Related Art
Integrated circuit designers often desire to increase the level of integration or density of elements within an integrated circuit by reducing the size of the individual elements and by reducing the separation distance between neighboring elements. In addition, integrated circuit designers often desire to design architectures that are not only compact, but offer performance advantages, as well as simplified designs.
A relatively common integrated circuit device is a memory device. A memory device may include a memory array having a number memory cells arranged in a grid pattern. One type of memory cell is a dynamic random access memory (DRAM). In the simplest design configuration, a DRAM cell includes one access device, such as a transistor, and one memory storage structure, such as a capacitor. Other DRAM cells having more elements than a single access device and single storage device may be utilized to provide desired functionality, but having complex/increased structures. Modern applications for semiconductor devices can utilize vast numbers of DRAM unit cells, arranged in an array of rows and columns. The DRAM cells are electrically accessible through digit lines and word lines arranged throughout along the rows and columns of the array.
It may be desirable to design DRAM cells that have small feature sizes, as well as optimized performance. As feature sizes and dimensions between memory elements, and the word lines and digit lines that connect those memory elements is reduced, pattern noise may increase and other electrical performance may decrease. It would therefore be desirable to develop new semiconductor device constructions that can be utilized in semiconductor applications, such as DRAM structures.

Memory having buried digit lines and methods of making the same


A security monitoring system is disclosed which is adapted for use with a component having a service processor. The system may use a device configured to communicate with the component. A network may be used which is dedicated to communicating with the service processor for routing only data concerning performance or health of the component. The device may also use at least one subsystem for analyzing the data concerning health or performance of the component to determine if a security threat has affected operation of the component.

The statements in this section merely provide background information related to the present disclosure and may not constitute prior art.
Cyber security is an area of increasing focus and importance for both governments as well as private industry. Hackers are becoming increasingly creative, and on occasion are believed to even be funded by governments and terrorist organizations. Annual losses from cyber attacks to business and governments are presently estimated to approach one trillion dollars. With increasing frequency, governments and private industries are being targeted for attack. Often, attacks may not be identified for months or even years after significant damage has been done to computers and/or other network or infrastructure equipment.
Present day cyber security tools like virus scanners and network traffic monitors are designed to run on the production network (sometimes referred to as a "main" network) of a facility. As such, they themselves are sometimes the object of cyber attacks. If an attacker compromises the network, or even a single component, whether that be an information technology (IT) device or an infrastructure device (e.g., air conditioning unit, power distribution unit, etc.), the potential arises for that compromised component to distribute the virus to other components that it is in contact with. As another example, consider a server that has been hacked. The sources of data used by antivirus software that are present on the server may also then be compromised. Alternatively, the virus scanner itself may have been hacked. In either case, from that point on the virus scanner software cannot be relied upon to give accurate data about attacks. Similarly, other commonly used network components such as routers can also be hacked. And once compromised, router based network monitoring (e.g., of IP addresses) cannot be fully relied upon to produce accurate data on potential cyber attacks.

Cyber security monitoring system and method for data center components


Gas flow from multiple gas sources into a sample chamber of a beam system is controlled by a cycling valve for each gas source, with the gas pressure in the sample chamber being determined by the relative time that the valve is opened and the upstream pressure at the valve. A gas valve positioned inside the vacuum chamber allows rapid response in shutting off a gas. In some preferred embodiments, a precursor gas is supplied from a solid or liquid material in a container that remains outside the vacuum system while in use and which is readily connected or disconnected to the gas injection system without significant leakage.

Beam systems, such as electron beam systems, ion beam systems, laser beam systems, cluster beam system, and neutral particle beam systems, are used to create features on a surface by etching or deposition. Beam-induced deposition processes use a precursor gas that reacts in the presence of the beam to deposit material on the surface in areas where the beam impacts. For example, a gaseous organometallic compound, such as tungsten hexcarbonyl, is provided near the sample and is adsorbed onto the surface. The organometallic compound decomposes in the presence of a charged particle beam, such as an ion beam or an electron beam, to form a metal that remains on the surface and a volatile organic compound that is removed by a vacuum pump. Etching processes use a precursor gas that reacts with the surface of the work piece to form a volatile compound. For example, iodine can be used to etch a silicon wafer. The iodine reacts in the presence of the beam to form a volatile silicon iodine compound, which leaves the sample surface and is removed by the vacuum pump.
Precursor gases are introduced into the vacuum by a "gas injection system" or "GIS." Gas injection systems typically include a gas source and a gas director, such as a needle or funnel, that is positioned near the sample and directs the gas toward the work piece. A precursor gas that is generated from a material that is solid or liquid at room temperature is typically supplied from a crucible within the vacuum chamber. The flow of gas is generated by heating the solid or liquid to increase its vapor pressure, causing gas to flow through the gas director and into the vacuum chamber. For example, tungsten hexacarbonyl is a solid at room temperature and is typically heated to about 55° C. or 60° C. to raise its vapor pressure to cause a suitable flow into a vacuum chamber.
One prior art system is described, for example in, U.S. Pat. No. 5,435,850 to Jorgen Rasmussen for a "Gas Injection System." The gas injection system of Rasmussen includes a crucible in which a solid or liquid source material is stored. The crucible is positioned within the vacuum chamber. The crucible is heated to increase the vapor pressure of the source material, and the gas from the source material then flows to the sample. The gas flow is regulated by the amount of heat supplied to the crucible and by positioning a plunger within a valve to control the size of the valve opening. The limited crucible capacity requires frequent refilling of the crucible in many applications. The dangerous nature of some of the precursor chemicals necessitates special safety equipment during refilling, which equipment may not be readily available in the field. Such systems also require realignment after each refill so that the needle is pointing toward the impact point of the charged particle beam. Controlling the temperature and the valve opening provides a limited ability to control the pressure within the sample chamber of the charged particle beam system.
Another type of gas injection system is described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,851,413 to Casella for a "Gas Delivery Systems for Particle Beam Processing." In the systems of Casella, the precursor is stored outside the vacuum chamber, and flows through a conduit into a gas concentrator near the sample. Systems that store the precursor gas outside the vacuum chamber typically include a valve, such as a stepper-motor-controlled diaphragm valve, to control the gas flow.
Control of pressure of the precursor gas in the charged particle beam sample chamber is limited in prior art systems because the pressure is controlled only by the controlling the temperature of the gas source or the degree of opening of the diaphragm valve. A vacuum pump is continually removing gas from the sample chamber, and so the pressure in the equilibrium chamber is reached when the gas flow in is equal to the gas flow out. Apertures are required in the input gas path to restrict the flow so that a low pressure can be maintained in the sample chamber. Such apertures, however, increase the time required to bring the sample chamber up to the desired operating pressure.
FIG. 1 shows a typical prior art diaphragm valve 100 used in a gas injection system. Valve 100 includes a valve body 102 and an actuator, such as a stepper motor 104 or a pneumatic valve that controls the position of a valve stem 106 that positions a diaphragm 108 over a seat 110 at an opening in a supply pipe 112. When the valve stem 106 presses the diaphragm against the opening in seat 110, no gas flows through the opening. When the valve stem moves away from the opening, as shown in FIG. 1, the diaphragm allows gas to flow into the valve from supply pipe 112 and out of the valve through outlet pipe 114. Pressure is measured at exit of gas system and then correlated using a calibration table to feed back to control system.
The diaphragm valve is operated in a partially open position, with the flow dependent on the degree of opening and the upstream gas pressure. Once the degree of opening that provides the desired chamber pressure is determined, the valve typically remains in that position, unless the pressure in the chamber needs adjustment. The flow control is coarse and the position of the valve stem is not highly correlated to a flow rate. That is, a valve setting that provides a first sample pressure chamber on the first system will not necessarily provide the same pressure on a second system. In such processes, it is preferably to maintain a desired ratio between process gases. It can be difficult to maintain the desired ratio when control of each component is inexact.
US Pat. Pub. No. 2009/0223451 describes a system for delivering precursor gases to a beam instrument. The system uses a carrier gas to dilute and carry the precursor gases from one or more crucibles though a single main line to a needle and into the sample vacuum chamber. Flow of the carrier gas and the gas from each crucible is controlled in part by controlling the duty cycle of a pneumatic valve. Part of each crucible and the main line are in a gas envelope that opens to the sample vacuum chamber. Use of a single main line leaves precursor gas in the main line when the crucible valve is closed, thereby requiring a purging procedure for the main line, which takes time and wastes precursor gas.

Gas delivery for beam processing systems