The present invention relates to an authentication method using small-sized commitments and systems thereof.

Many zero-knowledge identification protocols are known. Among others, the four following protocols may be cited:
1) The Fiat-Shamir protocol described in: A. Fiat and A. Shamir, "Howe to prove yourself: Practical solutions to identification and signature problems", published in Advances in Cryptology; Proceedings of Crypto '86, Lecture Notes in Computer Science, vol. 263, Springer-Verlag, Berlin, 1987, pp. 186–194;
2) The Guillou-Quisquater protocol described in: L. C. Guillou and J. J. Quisquater, "A practical zero-knowledge protocol fitted to security microprocessors minimizing both transmission and memory", published in Advances in Cryptology: Proceedings of Eurocrypt '88, Lecture Notes in Computer Science, vol. 330, Springer-Verlag, Berlin, 1988, pp. 123–128;
3) The Schnorr protocol described in: C. P. Schnorr, "Efficient identification and signatures for smart cards", published in Advances in Cryptology: Proceedings of Crypto '89, Lecture Notes in Computer Science, vol. 435, Springer-Verlag, Berlin, 1987, pp. 239–252;
4) The Girault protocol described in French patent application FR-A-2 716 058.
In general, most zero-knowledge authentication protocols are performed in 4 stages. In order to simplify matters, it will be supposed that the authenticating entity, called B, already knows all the public parameters that are characteristic of the entity to be authenticated, called A, in other words its identity, public key, etc. The four stages are then as follows:
Stage 1:
A provides B with at least one commitment c consisting either of a parameter x chosen at random by A or of a pseudo-random function h of parameter x and, if appropriate, the message to be authenticated or signed: c=h (x, [M]), (the notation [M] signifies that M is optional).
Stage 2:
B selects a parameter e called "question" at random and transmits e to A.
Stage 3: A provides B with a response y, which is coherent with question e, commitment c and public key v of A.
Stage 4: B computes x from elements y, e and v, i.e. x=φ(y, e, v) then checks that: c=h(φ(v, e, y), [M]).
In certain protocols there are one or two additional exchanges between A and B. For message signatures, the two initial exchanges are eliminated and parameter e is selected equal to c: A only computes successively c, e (i.e. c) and y.
The number u of questions that can be selected by B is linked directly to the security level of the protocol on which the probability of success of an imposter (i.e. an entity C that makes a fraudulent attempt to pretend to be A) is dependent. The security level, which is called p, is characterized by a parameter k according to the relation p=1−2−k. In other words, imposters have only one chance in 2k of carrying out their imposture successfully. It may be proved that if the protocol is based on a difficult mathematical problem and if the commitments are of sufficient length then the length of u must be equal to k bits. In other words, the question must be selected from the set {0, . . . , 2k−1} (including limiters).
In the background art k is equal to 32 bits, which gives only one chance in four billion of an imposture being successful. In applications where identification failure can have very damaging consequences, such as prosecution, the length may be reduced to several bits.
None of the above-mentioned protocols can be implemented in the basic version in high-requirement applications, such as those described above, because the computing operations required cannot be performed by a smart card that is not equipped with a cryptographic coprocessor.
A first optimization, introduced by Fiat and Shamir, concerns the number of bits exchanged between the two entities. Said optimization consists in using a hash function in the computing operation of the commitment. The optimization itself does not reduce the number of computing operations performed by the authenticated entity because the commitment continues to be computed by the optimization.
In order to reduce the number of computing operations a particular procedure, called a pre-computation mode, must be used that consists in computing in advance the parameters, called pre-commitments, that are included in the computing operation of the commitments. The commitments can also be computed by a server with greater computing power and then stored in the smart card of the entity to be authenticated. When the electronic transaction actually takes place the smart card has only rudimentary computing operations to perform. This operating procedure is disclosed in French patent application FR-A-2 716 058 cited above. Each pre-commitment is used for one transaction only. When all the pre-commitments have been consumed by the card it is necessary to compute new ones and store them in the card (recharging operation).
Since the data memory of an inexpensive smart card rarely exceeds 8 Kbytes, it is difficult to imagine dedicating more than 1 Kbyte to storing pre-commitments alone. It is therefore necessary to reduce the size of said pre-commitments to a minimum in order to perform a maximum number of transactions between two recharges.
In all these authentication methods a computing operation capacity may be defined that is the maximum number of computing operations that the implemented means can perform in a reasonable time. As the computing operations are binary the capacity may be expressed as a power of 2, for example 2N where N is an integer. The number is not determined with great accuracy but is defined to within a few units. For example, at present integer N is of the order of approximately 80, in other words with only the means available the capacity is 280, i.e. a maximum of approximately 280 operations may be performed in a reasonable time.
In the basic version of the method described in French patent application FR-A-2 716 058 cited above, the size of the pre-commitments or the commitments themselves is approximately 2N bits where number N is equal to approximately 80. The size of a pre-commitment is therefore approximately 160 bits (it is 128 bits in the document cited above where N is taken as 64). Fifty commitments can therefore be stored in a 1-Kbyte memory, which is relatively few.
In another French patent application FR-A-2 752 122 an authentication method is described that reduces the number of bits to be transmitted or stored. The size of the pre-commitments or commitments can be reduced to a little more than N bits, i.e. approximately 88 if N=80, which enables more than 90 pre-commitments to be stored in a 1-Kbyte memory and to reduce the bits transmitted to 18% when the protocol is performed.
Unfortunately, this gain remains insufficient for many applications, particularly for the electronic wallet. Many transactions may only concern very small amounts, such as for public transport, parking meters, local telecommunications, etc., and the user must be able to perform transactions until the credit runs out without being limited by any other consideration. In this context, a minimum 150 to 200 transactions without recharge would appear to be required, which the known methods do not allow.
The aim of the present invention is precisely to further reduce the size of the pre-commitments and, optionally, the commitments themselves. According to the invention the number of bits can be reduced to approximately 48 which enables 170 pre-commitments to be stored in a 1-Kbyte memory. In certain applications the size may be even smaller and, for example, be reduced to 32 bits which enables 256 pre-commitments to be stored.
The invention therefore enables quick performance of an algorithm of identification or authentication of a message or signature of a message in an inexpensive smart card for applications such as electronic wallets or future generation telephone cards.

Authentication and signature method for messages using reduced size of binary units of information content and corresponding systems

Abstract: According to the invention the size of the commitment is reduced but the time the entity to be authenticated takes to respond to the authenticating entity is checked and said time is required to be lower than a certain value. The security level is maintained.

Abstract: Application to methods of authentication (of entities or messages) or message signature.


Disclosed embodiments include a network device having a split network stack that includes a physical (PHY) layer associated with first and second media access control (MAC) protocol sublayers, a processing device, and memory storing instructions that, when executed by the processing device, cause the processing device to select a route through the split network stack that includes one of the first and second MAC protocol sublayers but not the other one of the first and second MAC protocol sublayers.

Utilities are increasingly using networked meters to reduce meter-reading costs and to monitor user consumption in real-time. Networking applications such as power line communications (PLC) typically use the TCP/IP (transmission control protocol/internet protocol) stack architecture. The conventional MAC (medium access control) layer is part of a network protocol layer that controls the access to a communications channel. In conventional network architectures, each protocol stack is associated with a single network. The conventional MAC layer is normally assigned a unique address to identify itself in various communications within the network. The conventional MAC layer includes a protocol stack that can communicate with resources within the network using the assigned address. However, such conventional network protocols are not well suited for communications over different networks using different protocols.

This patent is subject to a terminal disclaimer.


Disclosed are devices, systems and methods for monitoring electrophysiological function from anatomical structures, including gastric slow-waves in high resolution electrogastrograms. In some aspects, a device includes an electrophysiological sensor structured to include an array of electrodes spatially arranged on a substrate and operable to acquire electrophysiological signals to obtain time-series data, the electrodes spaced about an anatomical structure on the subject's body with at least one electrode placed with reference to an anatomical landmark and other electrodes of the electrode array each placed at a spatial distance from another of the surface electrodes; and a data processing unit to process spatially resolved time-series data based on the electrophysiological signals to determine wave propagation parameters including direction and/or speed for each time point of interest of the acquired electrophysiological signals, in which the wave propagation parameters are associated with a physiological function of the anatomical structure of the subject's body.

Various existing clinical tools to diagnose most gastrointestinal (GI) diseases are invasive or require radiation. Endoscopy is a common GI diagnostic procedure, where a catheter is inserted through the mouth, down the esophagus and into the stomach. This technique can be used to detect visual abnormalities (e.g., inflammation, obstruction) or take a biopsy for analysis. However, endoscopy cannot assess GI function.
Existing tests that assess GI function include the gastric emptying test or manometry procedure. For example, gastric emptying tests typically measure how quickly the stomach empties a radioactively labeled meal, in which the percentage of the meal remaining in the stomach is imaged and recorded for an extended period (e.g., 4 hours in some instances). Gastric emptying tests can assess limited functional abnormalities of the GI system, such as dumping syndrome (i.e., stomach emptying too quickly) or gastroparesis (i.e., delayed stomach emptying with no obstruction). However, implementations for this test suffer from drawbacks such as poor repeatability, inconclusivity (e.g., if the patient vomits during the test), and required use of radioactive materials. Another example of a GI test to assess GI function is a manometry procedure, which is an invasive technique involving a catheter placed either through the mouth/nose or anus, and pressure sensors placed along the catheter to measure the physical contractions in the GI system. Due to the difficulties associated with administering the manometry procedure and interpreting the test results, this test tends to be less available due to a small number of skilled gastroenterologists.
Electrophysiology is a method of characterizing various body functions using electrodes to measure an electrical signal associated with a physiological function. Examples of electrophysiological measurements include an electrocardiogram (ECG) to characterize cardiac functions and an electroencephalogram (EEG) to characterize brain function. For GI measurements, electrogastrography is a noninvasive technique for recording gastric myoelectric activity (e.g., also referred to as gut electrophysiology) using electrodes placed cutaneously on the abdominal surface overlaying the stomach. Cutaneous electrogastrography provides an indirect representation of the electrical activity of the anatomical structures of the GI system. Due to its relative simplicity and safety, cutaneous electrogastrography is considered an attractive modality.
However, electrogastrogram (EGG) measurements are not widely used, which may be attributed to its poor correlation with gastric emptying tests, antroduodenal manometry, and the actual disease status, along with inconsistent results, poor signal quality, etc. Moreover, a high exclusion rate of patients have resulted from unpredictable results due to motion artifacts or other unknown factors. As such, despite the attractive qualities of EGG like simplicity and noninvasiveness, the use of EGG remains limited in clinical practice for assessing gastric disorders. Advancements in EGG technology are required to produce reliable, non-invasive systems and protocols for measuring gastrointestinal physiology that would allow for widespread adoption.

Devices, system and methods for monitoring physiological functions from surface electrophysiological sensors

THE REGENTS OF THE UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA


A method of transportation, comprising advertising to obtain customers to text or e-mail requests for transportation and receiving requests by text messaging for a ride from potential customers for transportation is disclosed. Responding to potential customers is by way of a response comprising ride information. Such ride information is also sent to a driver.

Traditionally, taxis are hailed while they are moving on streets, or at so-called taxi stations. Such stations may be formally provided by the municipality, or they may be de facto taxi stations, such as the fronts of prominent hotels.
A dispatch system lends significant economies to the above. More particularly, with dispatch systems, automobiles, such as taxis, are provided with two-way radios which allow the dispatcher to contact them and provide them with fares which are matched to their location.


An adjustable handle, fabricated of plastic and/or wood and/or metal and/or porcelain or other materials, facilitates the adjustment of the handle to align the ends of the handles with fastening screw holes set apart in various widths on cabinets, drawers, and doors. The adjustable handle increases the utility due to the incremental infinite adjustability of the width between the ends of the handle to align with fastening screw holes of various widths by means of a new engineering design. The adjustable handle is made of three pieces which are designed to slide together by means of the insertion of each of two of the pieces into a separate opposite side of the third piece of the handle, the third piece being hollowed out and minusculely tapered to snugly receive each one of the first mentioned two pieces.

Field of Invention.
The field of art of the invention is handle and pull devices found under PTO Class 16 Subclass 125.
The invention, hereinafter called "adjustable cabinet handle", relates to a significant improvement in the structure and design of cabinet, drawer, and door handles fabricated to facilitate the adjustment of the invented adjustable cabinet handle to align the ends of the invented adjustable cabinet handles with fastening screw holes set apart in various widths on cabinet, drawers, and doors.
The invented adjustable cabinet handle increases the utility of a cabinet handle so fabricated due to the incremental infinite adjustability of the width between the ends of the cabinet handle to align with fastening screw holes of various widths by means of a new, innovative, and unobvious use of existing materials and engineering design in a combination which does not presently exist.
Preliminary research of patents issued has identified the existence of the following prior art which applies to this invention.
______________________________________ Prior Art Patents Patent No. Inventor(s) Item Issue Date ______________________________________ 1,832,409 Mueller Battery Carrier November 1931 2,175,632 Maga Handle October 1939 2,672,103 Hohmes Safety Crash Handle March 1954 239,262 Long Handle August l925 ______________________________________
The invention is specific to the above cited prior art. In the patent search for this application, no other prior art was identified which incorporated the specific improvements and engineering design specified herein to improve the above cited prior art.
Analysis of the invented structure and design of the prior art uncovered the following facts:
1. Although parts of the design of the invented adjustable cabinet handle have been in existence in the cited prior art for a great number of years, individuals expert and particularly knowledgeable in the field of cabinet, drawer, and door handle design, manufacturing, and sales have not produced or designed an adjustable handle of the design of the invented adjustable cabinet handle, therefore, it can be stated that the subject matter of this application is not obvious to a person of ordinary skill in the art if those individuals who are expert in the art have not conceived the adjustable cabinet handle apparatus described herein.
2. Each of the prior art handle designs have inherent deficiencies which are solved by the invented adjustable cabinet handle design. Specifically:
a. The handle structure and design shown in the above cited prior art of Maga does not provide the greater range of adjustment in width as is allowed by the invented adjustable cabinet handle due to the adjustment allowed by the Maga design being limited to the width of the socket blocks on the end of a ridged handle body thereby making handles fabricated following the Maga design less able to be aligned with fastening screw holes of various widths and therefore less useful and valuable than the invented adjustable cabinet handle. PA1 b. The handle structure and design shown in the above cited prior art of Hohmes does not provide for the ridged fixing in place of the parts of the handle and requires more parts to accomplish adjustment of the handle than is provided for in the invented adjustable cabinet handle as the Hohmes design is focused on proving a vehicular safety handle which: a) can move and bend to fit various curves in vehicle mounting surfaces and b) can accommodate high stress automobile accident forces and therefore addressing these requirements results in the Hohmes design incorporating more parts than the invented adjustable cabinet handle to accomplish the adjustment and stress force accommodations. PA1 c. The handle structure and design shown in the above cited prior art of Mueller does not allow the Mueller handle to be adjusted in width to align with fastening screw holes of various widths as can be accomplished with the invented adjustable cabinet handle. PA1 d. The handle structure and design shown in the above cited prior art of Long is not as operationally functional as the invented adjustable cabinet handle and requires more parts to accomplish adjustability and is limited in adjustability due to the limited adjustment increments possible due to the fixed widths of each and the total number of adjustment spacers used to spread the handle ends to various widths whereas the invented adjustable cabinet handles can be adjusted in an infinite incremental range to exactly align with the width of fastening screw holes.
The limited adjustment in the width of the handle ends in the Maga design renders the Maga design much less functional than the invented adjustable cabinet handle and therefore not as applicable or practical as the invented flexible cabinet handle for use as variable cabinet, drawer, and door handles.
This abundance of parts and lack of rigidity in the Hohmes design renders the Hohmes design less functional and more complicated to assemble and more costly to manufacture than the invented adjustable cabinet handle and therefore not as applicable or practical as the invented adjustable cabinet handle for use as variable cabinet, drawer, and door handles.
This lack of adjustability in width in the Mueller design renders the Mueller design non applicable to the variation in screw hole width problem solved by the invented adjustable cabinet handle and therefore not applicable to uses of the invented adjustable cabinet handle.
The requirement of more parts and the limited adjustability in width in the Long design renders the Long design non applicable to the variation in the screw hole width problem solved by the invented adjustable cabinet handle and therefore not as functional or utilitarian as the invented adjustable cabinet handle.


A handheld sanding device according to the present invention includes: a power generation unit configured to generate rotating force for sanding operation; a power transmission unit configured to be coupled to the power generation unit, and to transmit the rotating force generated by the power generation unit; a sanding unit configured to be rotated by the rotating force, transmitted through the power transmission unit, in order to sand a sanding target surface; and a shaft coupling unit configured to connect the power transmission unit and the sanding unit to each other so that the sanding unit is freely inclined based on the power transmission unit, thereby improving the close contact between the sanding target surface and the sanding unit while making it easy to carry and also preventing the sanding target surface from being eccentrically worn during sanding operation.

Generally, hand grinders that are easy to transport and carry are efficiently and beneficially used in small-sized grinding and machining operations, a material cutting operation, etc. for various materials in various types of industrial fields under various working environments.
A conventional grinder related to the above technology is configured in such a manner that a rotating shaft is supported on a body by a bearing, a commutator and an armature are coupled to the rotating shaft, a brush and a field magnet are attached to the inner circumference of the body of an electric motor opposite the commutator and the armature, the rotating shaft is connected to a grinder shaft configured to fasten a grinder, and a cover is disposed on one side circumference in order to prevent the scattering of the grinder.
According to the grinder, when power is applied to the electric motor, the armature rotates and drives the grinder integrated therewith, and the contact surface of an object can be ground by the contact with the object when the grinder is driven.
However, the conventional grinder is problematic in that a user must adjust the inclination with respect to the contact surface in response to the contact surface with the object and the eccentric wear of the contact surface occurs due to a load applied to the contact surface.


A display device includes a display panel, first and second gate drivers and a data driver. The display panel includes pixel regions respectively having first, second and third pixels. The first pixel is coupled to first, second gate lines and a data line. The second gate line is adjacent to the first gate line. The second pixel is coupled to the first gate line and a first data line. The third pixel is coupled to the first gate line and a second data line. The first gate driver provides the first gate line with a first gate driving signal, and the second gate driver provides the second gate line with a second gate driving signal. The data driver provides first and second data lines with image signal. The display quality of the display device may be enhanced and the number of the data lines may be reduced.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a display device, and more specifically to a display device in which a display quality is enhanced and a number of data lines is reduced.
2. Description of the Related Art
A liquid crystal display (LCD) device includes a liquid crystal display panel for displaying an image. The liquid crystal display panel includes a display region, a first peripheral region, a second peripheral region and a third peripheral region.
The first peripheral region includes a plurality of gate lines extended in a first direction and a plurality of data lines extended in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction. A thin film transistor (TFT) is connected to a gate line and a data line, respectively.
The number of the gate lines and the number of the data lines increase according as the area of the liquid crystal display panel increases. The liquid crystal display device employs a structure in which a first gate driver and a second gate driver is disposed in the first and second peripheral regions, respectively according as the number of the gate lines increases.
The first gate driver sequentially outputs a plurality of first gate driving signals to odd numbered gate lines, and the second gate driver sequentially outputs a plurality of second gate driving signals to even numbered gate lines.
A delay of the gate driving signals output to the gate lines may be prevented because the first and second gate drivers are disposed in the first and second peripheral regions, respectively.
A data driver chip for providing the data lines with an image signal is mounted on the third peripheral region. The data lines are connected to the data driver chip. According as the number of the data lines increases, a load of the data driver chip increase and the image signal is delayed to be output to the data lines. The delay phenomenon of the signals may deteriorate the display quality of the liquid crystal display device.


A femoral head trial adaptor for converting a shell trial to a head trial includes a barrel member having an outer surface and an inner surface defining a cavity for receiving a femoral neck trial. A circumferential flange portion is located on the outer surface of the barrel member. A resilient connecting member disposed on the circumferential flange has a nominal first diameter compressible to a smaller second diameter in response to a force and returnable to the first diameter in the absence of the force for securing the trial adaptor to a shell trial. The flange may be located at a predetermined position along the outer surface of the barrel member so as to simulate a neck trial of a given length.

A successful hip replacement or arthroplasty procedure results, in part, from selection of prosthetic joint components that are dimensioned and positioned to closely approximate or replicate the geometry and functional characteristics of a natural, healthy hip joint. Typically, the component selection process includes a pre-operative analysis of joint images. The component selection process also includes temporary fixation of one or more provisional components to a bone or bones of interest prior to permanent fixation of the prosthetic joint. The provisional components are intended to mimic certain aspects of the permanent prosthetic joint in order for a surgeon to validate measurements and to test or "tryout" several different component sizes and configurations. Hence, provisional components are aptly known as "trials."
In a known procedure, a trial for a hip femoral component is used in the following manner. The proximal end of a femur is resectioned and the medullary canal of the femur is reamed. A broach is inserted into the resectioned proximal end of the femur to provide a cavity within the bone dimensioned and contoured to receive a femoral stem. Prior to removing the broach, a trial neck or trunnion and trial head can be secured to the broach to simulate a complete femoral stem. Normally, several neck and head trials of varying lengths and geometries are successively joined to the broach in an attempt to determine an appropriate neck length and overall femoral stem length. Once these lengths have been determined, the trial neck and head are removed from the broach and the broach is removed from the femur. Subsequently, a femoral stem of the appropriate length is selected for insertion into the cavity defined by the broach using techniques known to those skilled in the art.
Two types of femoral prostheses are typically suitable for hip arthroplasty procedures. One type is a bipolar prosthesis. In general, a bipolar hip prosthesis includes a shell having an external surface which articulates with the acetabulum and an internal surface which articulates with the spherical head member of a prosthetic femoral component. The other type of prosthesis is often referred to as a unipolar endoprosthesis in which the prosthetic femoral component includes a spherical head member which is large enough to articulate directly with the acetabulum.
U.S. Pat. No. 5,156,626 describes a procedure used to implant a bipolar hip prosthesis utilizing a four piece trial reduction system. This system includes a femoral broach trial, a neck portion attached to the broach, a head trial attached to the neck, and a shell for receiving the head trial and fitting within the acetabulum of a patient. The trial procedure using these four pieces can be at times cumbersome for the physician because the head can tend to dislocate and move out of the shell when the physician is attempting to place the trial into position. In addition, the trial system requires the use of numerous parts that must be selected and mated in various combinations.
Unipolar trial systems used in implanting unipolar hips typically comprise a broach, neck, and head trial. Unipolar trial counterpart pieces could be used in some situations to perform the trial reduction of bipolar hip implants because one of the primary interests in performing a trial reduction in both bipolar and unipolar implant procedures is to determine device fit (i.e., shell or head) in the acetabulum. Also, in many cases, the range of motion of the bipolar implant can be approximated with a unipolar trial.

Bipolar-unipolar adaptor for a head trial


Systems and methods for sharing terrain data among one or more machines include a communications system associated with the one or more machines in electronic communication with each other and to a communications system associated with a remote location. The terrain data may be determined from information received from satellite positioning systems. New information comprising alterations to a worksite by one or more machines may be stored as a snippet. Collected snippets may be combined to form a data block which is sent to one or more identified machines. A bitmap, corresponding to each snippet, is sent to the one or more identified machines in order to locate the new information in the data block. Using the new information, the one or more identified machines may update a composite model of the worksite located at each of the one or more identified machines.

Geography-altering machines such as bulldozers, wheel loaders, and other earth moving equipment, may alter a landscape of a worksite in accordance with a predetermined plan. The predetermined plan may specify certain dimensions of the worksite and the geography-altering machines may alter the landscape in accordance with the predetermined plan.
Each machine may have an on-board communications system, an on-board computer, and a memory including a database. The on-board communications system may send and/or receive data associated with the work being performed by the machine. The on-board computer may display information regarding the landscape of the worksite and work being performed by the particular machine. The memory, including the database, may be electronically coupled to the on-board computer. The on-board communications system may electronically communicate with a communication system at a remote location so that when the worksite is geographically altered by the machine, a composite model of the worksite located at the remote location may be updated.
The composite model typically represents a topography of the worksite as one or more machines alter the landscape of the worksite. Typically, in order for each machine to store and update the composite model, large amounts of data must be exchanged between the machines and the office. In addition, the data should be transmitted often so that the composite model at each machine is kept current. Thus, due to the large amount of data required for the composite model and the frequency such data is to be transmitted, the composite model is not available to the multiple machines in a near real-time manner. Therefore, when multiple machines are operating to alter the landscape of a section of land, for example, operators of the machines may not have an accurate depiction of their collective work. Rather, a viewable composite model available to each machine operator typically only reflects changes to the landscape made by that machine.
U.S. Pat. No. 5,646,844 to Gudat et al. discloses a system in which information regarding the composite model is made available to all machines operating on the worksite in a real-time basis. The machines may share a common, dynamically-updated database that stores updated terrain data or, alternatively, each machine may contain its own dynamically-updated database. Terrain data (or information) may include types of data associated with a worksite to determine a status of a project at the worksite. For example, terrain data may include elevation data, coverage data, compaction data, or material type. A terrain cell, associated with the terrain data, may also include an indication of time. The indication of time is used to determine if a received terrain cell is newer than current terrain data in the database. The database is updated only if the incoming data is newer.
Gudat et al. discloses calculating a position of the machines and alterations to the worksite by each machine based on raw Global Positioning System (GPS) positions received by a GPS sensor located on each machine. Raw GPS positions are coordinates transmitted from multiple GPS satellites, typically four (4) GPS satellites, that represent x, y, z positions and time (t). The raw GPS positions may be used by each machine's computer processor to determine specific terrain data associated with that machine and thus the work performed by that machine on the worksite. In order to calculate the terrain data, the machine takes into account particular characteristics of the machine, such as the type of machine (bulldozer, compactor, excavator, etc.), width and length of the implement (e.g. a blade), the distance of the GPS sensor to the implement or ground, and possibly other parameters inherent to the type of machine.
In the system of Gudat et al., raw GPS positions of one machine (e.g., a sending machine) are shared with other machines (e.g., receiving machines) on the worksite. The receiving machines use the received raw GPS positions of the sending machine to calculate specific terrain data associated with the sending machine and update a composite model with each of the receiving machines based on specific terrain data of the sending machine. In order to accomplish such updating, however, the receiving machines are required to store information concerning the particular characteristics of the sending machine (e.g., type of machine, width and of the blade, the distance of the GPS sensor of the sending machine to the ground, etc.). Thus, the receiving machines re-calculate the terrain data upon the initial receipt of the raw GPS positions. The process is repeated for all the machines at the worksite by continuously sending raw GPS positions of each machine to the other machines of the worksite. Such re-calculations are inefficient. Moreover, because each of the machines on a particular worksite are required to store the particular characteristics of all the other machines in order to compute the specific terrain data attributed to those machines, considerable processing time and effort is required to update the composite model at each machine. Further, the transmission of raw GPS positions may become voluminous because the raw GPS positions are sent regardless of whether any work on the worksite has been conducted by a particular machine. Accordingly, information may be transmitted unnecessarily between machines (i.e., raw GPS positions may be transmitted between machines even though no updating of the composite model is required).
Also, delays in processing the GPS data may introduce errors. For example, if processing occurs every five seconds, there may be deviations between the terrain data derived from raw GPS positions from a machine and the actual terrain data of the worksite.
The disclosed system is directed at overcoming one or more of the shortcomings in the existing technology.

System and method for sharing terrain data among multiple machines

Caterpillar Trimble Control Technologies, LLC


A puzzle toy device having a plurality of "C"-shaped elements assembled together orthogonally, in three equal groups, to form a cubic structure. Each of the elements is provided with an opening therein to permit another element to pass therethrough. One of the groups of elements are formed together with their respective openings in alignment, while the other two groups of elements are assembled together with their openings alternating with respect to one another. A central link, in the group normal to the aligned openings is provided as a keyway which permits that element, and then subsequent elements to be backed off, thus providing a solution to the puzzle.

Many hand-manipulated puzzles exist in the prior art that comprise self-contained elements formed of substantially rigid material of uniform cross-section in varying configurations. Moreover, many puzzle devices exist in the art that provide a user with tactile and visual stimulation, while providing a challenging puzzle that gives the user hours of entertainment.
For example, U.S. Pat. No. 5,413,519, issued to Simon discloses an interconnected ring toy comprising a plurality of interconnected rings, each ring being interconnected to every other ring, such that movement is restricted. As another example, U.S. Pat. No. 3,885,793 issued to Vaughn provides a puzzle formed of self-contained elements from rigid wire-like material that are interlocked together by hand manipulation.


A method for removing lice eggs from the hair of an infested human or animal using a nit-visualizing composition. The composition involves the use of certain dyes which have an affinity to the surface of nits, to thereby enable a second individual to more easily see and remove the eggs during a combing or other removal process. To effectuate this purpose, a colored material is dispersed within a water- or alcohol-based solvent and, in one embodiment, a liquefied propellant as well. The composition is applied to the hair of the infested human or animal, and then removed after drying by a process of brushing or washing. However, the colored material which adsorbs to the chitinous exoskeleton and binding cement of the lice eggs remains on the nits, thereby facilitating visual identification and removal of the lice eggs from hair.

Lice infestation of the human body is an enduring problem of the ages, with reference being made to these pests throughout recorded history. As noted by Cardin, et al., in U.S. Pat. No. 5,292,504, the spread of typhus has been attributed to lice, decimating both armies and navies of the 15th through 18th centuries. Even today lice present a source of serious health problems worldwide. Not only do lice carry a variety of bacteria on their outer surfaces, but in their fecal matter as well. Lice transmit bacteria to the human host through puncture wounds inflicted during feeding. U.S. Pat. No. 5,547,665 issued to Upton reveals that lice infestation can cause such ailments as staphylococcal skin infections, typhus, trench fever and relapsing fever.
The human lice genus includes head-, body-, and pubic lice, each of which has specific characteristics in their habitat and feeding. Lice are capable of spreading rapidly. A fertilized female lays about six to eight eggs every 24 hours. It has been estimated that a single female louse and her daughters could have 112,778 offspring in a period of 48 days. The present invention is of primary use in the elimination of the eggs (nits) of head lice.
The head louse (pediculus humanus capitis) clings to the hair shaft when feeding, mating and laying eggs. Removal of nits is particularly difficult, as each nit is cemented to a shaft of hair by a glycoprotein glue, acting as a binding cement. Lice eggs themselves are covered by a chitinous sheath which surrounds both the nit and the attached hair shaft. Thus, removal of nits requires separation from individual shafts of hair.
Various methods and compositions for the removal of head lice from hair are known. Certainly, the manual removal of lice through the use of a fine-toothed comb or tweezers has been employed for years. In addition, a number of insecticides (known in this application as pediculicides) have been developed for killing lice, thereby substantially alleviating reproduction. Pediculicides, such as lindane and various pyrethrins, have been used in conjunction with shampoos for killing and rinsing out lice. However, as noted by Upton in U.S. Pat. No. 5,547,665, the use of these methods and compositions is not entirely effective in controlling head lice, as some lice often survive the treatment. Indeed, the National Pediculosis Association has reported that 20 to 80 percent of nits survive initial pediculicide treatment, resulting in reinfestation.
Pyrethrum, permethrin and lindane pesticides, the only FDA approved pesticides for lice, all work as central nervous system (CNS) toxins on lice. Their effectiveness depends on their ability to reach the functioning CNS of lice. Unfortunately, lice eggs do not develop a functioning CNS until they are between three and four days old, during an average incubation period of approximately ten days. As a result, only 60% to 70% of eggs treated can be killed upon application of one of these pesticides. The only absolutely certain method for eliminating a lice infestation is the removal of all remaining eggs after treatment.
Adding to the difficulty of removing nits is their virtually microscopic size, and the fact that the color of their keratinous shell tends to blend into the subject's hair and scalp background. Thus, nits can be extremely difficult not only to remove, but even to locate.
In recent years several compositions have been developed which are claimed to swell the nit around the hair shaft in order to facilitate removal by combing. One such patent is U.S. Pat. No. 4,927,813 issued to Bernstein. This patent employs the noxious agent formic acid in a pharmaceutically--acceptable carrier applied to a patient's hair and scalp for a period of time sufficient to effect swelling. This application is followed by washing and rinsing in order to remove the detached nits. The distributors of one such commercial product, containing 8% formic acid, has reported that five minutes of combing after treatment has led to a 93.5% removal of nits. While impressive, the remaining 6.5% nits remain viable and could potentially reproduce rapidly and reinfest the subject.
A more recent patent, U.S. Pat. No. 5,547,665 issued to Upton discloses a water-based enzyme composition which causes swelling and/or biodegrading of the complex organic cement that binds nits to hair in order to facilitate their removal. Whether or not this enzyme composition is completely effective in causing swelling of all nits, it is still contemplated that the loosened nits would be physically removed from the host following application of the enzyme, by a process of combing or nit-picking. Thus, these inventions do not completely remove the difficulty in locating and extracting nits from the subject's hair.
U.S. Pat. No. 5,658,750, issued to Sheftel, discloses methods for detecting louse infestations and monitoring the course and effectiveness of pediculicide treatments. This involves removal of hair samples containing nits or suspected nits themselves and subjecting the removed materials to a vital indicator to provide a visual, colorimetric indication of their viability. In one embodiment, the degree of color change of the isolated material indicates the degree of cell viability, and in another embodiment, a color is preferentially taken up by either live or dead cells in contrast to the other. This method, however, will only characterize the viability of those nits that are removed with excised hair samples, from which only conjecture can be made about the viability of the remaining nits. Further, without removal of copious hair samples from many different parts of the head, the method leaves considerable doubt about the potential for reinfestation.
It should also be noted that the prior art, even in disclosing methods of killing head lice, does not solve the historical problem of manually removing even dead lice or nits. It is self evident that the continuing presence of large numbers of even dead nits can be emotionally distressing to both the patient and his or her family. Further, the process of manually removing nits is tedious, time consuming, and potentially even painful.
Other methods have been produced to aid in the removal of head lice. Typical of the art are those devices disclosed in the following U.S. Patents:
______________________________________ U.S. Pat. No. Inventor(s) Issue Date ______________________________________ 4,439,427 Bernstein March 27, 1984 5,292,504 Cardin, et al. March 8, 1994 5,380,756 Andrews, et al. January 10, 1995 5,681,859 James, et al. October 28, 1997 ______________________________________
Again, these devices in no way facilitate the visible detection of nits so as to ease the process of physical removal.
The present invention results from efforts to devise some means to ensure the complete removal of nits from hair, whether pretreated by pediculicide or not, in order to reduce to a small probability that such nits will remain undetected on the scalp or hair and subsequently reinfest the patient. While pretreatment of the scalp with an agent that loosens nits from the hair shaft may facilitate their removal by subsequent combing, where the comb must contact each such nit-bearing hair shaft, it is obvious that without such contact the nit will most likely remain on the hair. This fact lead to our search for agents which can preferentially target the nits and in some manner enable them to be visually discerned against the subject's hair and scalp background. With this accomplished, the comber could individually detect and efficiently remove each of the nits.
The desired agents must have a specific affinity for the chitinous, poly (N-Acetyl-D-Glucosamine) shell of the nit and/or the binding cement, and less so for the keratinous, protein hair shaft, in order to provide the differentiation. Additionally, the desired agents should be readily visible at the low concentrations in which they would be present on the tiny nit surface, following some suitable method of application. A further requirement would be their dermal and respiratory safety, at the concentrations at which they would be applied to the subject in some suitable solubilizing and/or suspending medium. The resulting invention, described below, satisfies these needs and provides additional advantages which shall become apparent.
Objects of the Invention
It is, therefore, an object of the present invention to provide compositions which can be applied to the subject to enable nits on hair to be better visualized in order to facilitate the removal process.
It is a further object of the present invention to identify those visualants which have high perceptibility at low concentrations, and which are characterized by an affinity to nit surfaces and/or the binding cement, so that they may be seen against the background of the patient's scalp and a diversity of hair colorations.
It is an additional object of the present invention to identify compositions which are safe to humans and have sufficient solubilities and safe solvents to enable them to be applied to humans without harm.
In addition, it is an object of the present invention to provide safe compositions which serve as visualants for nits, but which can easily be rinsed from the hair and scalp of the subject so as to avoid the embarrassment of an unwanted coloration.
It is a further object of the present invention to provide a method for the removal of nits which involves the easy and safe application of compositions which serve as visualants for nits so as to facilitate their removal.
It is finally an object of the present invention to augment the success of nit-softening agents designed for nit removal by enabling nits to be seen by an individual attempting to complete their physical removal and, therefore, greatly minimize the probability of reinfestation.


The present disclosure discloses a method, apparatus and system for transmitting multimedia data. After accessing to a multimedia conference room, a client encodes multimedia data to be transmitted, and transmits the encoded multimedia data to a multi-point control unit. The client receives a multimedia data packet sent by the multi-point control unit. The multimedia data packet is obtained by the multi-point control unit via encapsulating multimedia data sent by at least one client in the multimedia conference room. The client decodes the multimedia data packet, composes multimedia data obtained after decoding the multimedia data packet, and displays the composed multimedia data.

In a multimedia data transmission system, two or more users or groups at different places send multimedia data such as sound, video and documents to each other through transmission lines and multimedia devices, so as to achieve immediate and interactive communication, and thus a conference may be implemented.
FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram illustrating a conventional multimedia data transmission system. As shown in FIG. 1, the system includes a Multi-point Control Unit (MCU) and clients. The MCU communicates with the clients by using a private network. The MCU includes a multi-point controller and a multi-point media processor. The multi-point controller may be a multimedia conference server. The multimedia conference server may provide users with a plurality of virtual multimedia conference rooms. A user may select or create a multimedia conference room via the client. After accessing to the multimedia conference room, the user may interact with other users accessing to this multimedia conference room with multimedia data.
The multimedia data transmission system mainly involves singling transmission, singling control among server systems and multimedia data transmission. The signaling transmission is used in interaction between the multi-point controller and the clients. The signaling control among server systems is used in interaction between the multi-point controller and the multi-point media processor. The multimedia data transmission is used in interaction between the multi-point media processor and the clients. When a user wants to access to the multimedia data transmission system, the user interacts with the multi-point controller via the client through signaling interaction between the client and the multi-point controller, the multi-point controller interacts with the multi-point media processor through signaling control between the multi-point controller and the multi-point media processor, and the user is accessed to the multimedia conference room of the multimedia data transmission system according to a result of interaction between the multi-point controller and the multi-point media processor, and thus sharing of multimedia data may be performed.
FIG. 2 is a schematic flowchart illustrating a conventional method for transmitting multimedia data based on FIG. 1. As shown in FIG. 2, the method includes processing as follows.
At 201, a client sends a multi-point controller a multimedia call signaling and establishes a call connection.
The client may access to a multimedia data transmission system in a login mode or in a registration mode. If the login mode is selected, the multimedia call signaling includes information such as a user number, a user password and identification of a multimedia conference room and the like. If the registration mode is selected, the multimedia call signaling may not include any information.
The multimedia conference room may be an audio conference room, a video conference room or a data conference room.
By using the multimedia call signaling, the client and the multi-point controller may perform processing, such as call establishment, call processing, call warning, call connection and call release.
At 202, the multi-point controller and a multi-point media processor establish an accessing channel between the client and the multimedia conference room through signaling control among server systems.
If the login mode is selected, the multi-point controller performs authentication for a user. After the user passes the authentication, the multi-point controller interacts with the multi-point media processor through the signaling control among the server systems, allocates transmission bandwidth to the user, configures an input channel and an output channel, obtains a multimedia conference room corresponding to the identification of the multimedia conference room from the multi-point media processor, and establishes an accessing channel between the user and the multimedia conference room. If the registration mode is selected, the multi-point controller obtains multimedia conference rooms from the multi-point media processor, displays the obtained multimedia conference rooms to the client, so that the user may select a desired multimedia conference room or create a new multimedia conference room and perform registration. After the user's registration succeeds, the multi-point controller allocates transmission bandwidth to the user, configures an input channel and an output channel, and establishes an accessing channel between the user and the multimedia conference room. When a new multimedia conference room is created, the multi-point controller creates a mixer, for example, a multi-picture mixer, a sound mixer, for the user, and adds the input channel and the output channel.
At 203, the multi-point controller returns a multimedia call signaling response to the client.
At 204, the client accesses to the multimedia conference room, encodes multimedia data, and sends the encoded multimedia data to the multi-point media processor.
After determining to share the multimedia data, such as video data, with other members of the multimedia conference room, the user obtains video image information via the client, performs processing such as encoding and compressing for the video image information, and transmits the processed video image information to the multi-point media processor.
Real-time Transport Protocol (RTP) and Real-time Control Protocol (RTCP) may be used in transmission of the multimedia data between the multi-point media processor and the client.
At 205, the multi-point media processor receives the multimedia data sent by each client, decodes the multimedia data, and composes each decoded multimedia data.
In a multimedia conference room, for example, a video conference room, each member needs to know the video information of other members in real time, the multi-point media processor decodes the multimedia data sent by each client, and composes each decoded multimedia data to include the multimedia data of each client in the composed multimedia data.
At 206, the multi-point media processor encodes the composed multimedia data, and then sends it to each client for displaying.
The multi-point media processor encodes the composed multimedia data, and then sends the encoded multimedia data to each client in the multimedia conference room by means of broadcasting. The client receives the encoded multimedia data, decompresses and decodes the received encoded multimedia data, and displays the multimedia data. Thus, the user may obtain the multimedia data of other users in real time, and thus the multimedia data is shared among users.
Further, the multi-point media processor may reduce network packet loss by using a strategy of retransmitting lost packets, so as to ensure the reliability of the multimedia data transmission.
As can be seen, in the conventional multimedia data transmission system, the multi-point media processor is required to perform the processing of decompressing, decoding, compressing, encoding and the like for the received multimedia data such as audio and video data stream. Since a large number of clients are accessed to the multi-point media processor, there is a high requirement for the data processing performance of the multi-point media processor. Since high cost is needed to improve the data processing performance of the multi-point media processor, the use cost of the multimedia data transmission system is increased.

Method, apparatus and system for transmitting multimedia data

TENCENT TECHNOLOGY (SHENZHEN) COMPANY LIMITED


A positioning device for fixing an interface card on a computer casing without using screws, is composed of a vertical wall board of a computer casing, which is provided with long through-holes; fixing seats, which are connected on an interface of the vertical wall board, and are provided with shaft holes and one movable groove; elastic members, which are provided with shaft holes and spring leaves, and are emplaced into the movable grooves; a shaft, which is connected on the fixing seats and the elastic members; and an interface card is provided with a cover, with an end of the cover being provided with an outer board. When the elastic member is subjected to force to rotate, the spring leaf will be abutted on the outer board. When the elastic member rotates reversely, the spring leaf will be escaped from the outer board, and the cover and the interface card can be removed from the vertical wall board simultaneously.

a) Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a positioning device for fixing an interface card on a computer casing without using screws, and more particularly to a positioning device wherein a side board surface of a computer casing is provided with a rotatable elastic member, an inner side of which is provided with a spring leaf that can lock and position a metal cover of an interface card at a vertical board surface of the side board surface, such that the interface card can be fixed on the computer casing horizontally without using screws.
b) Description of the Prior Art
As functions of existing computers are increasing, an interior of a computer casing is inserted with interface cards to enhance the functions of the computer. Referring to FIG. 8, it shows an exploded view of a prior art, wherein a side of an interface card A is connected with an L-shape metal cover B, an end of which is bended by 90° with a positioning plate B1 having a U-shape groove B2; a screw C is screwed into the U-shape groove B2 and a screw-hole D1 of a computer casing D; and an insertion end B3 of the cover B is inserted into a positioning hole D2 of the computer casing D, such that the interface card A can be fixed on the computer casing D. However, the following shortcoming is available upon assembling the interface card A on the computer casing D:
At each time when the interface card A is assembled on or disassemble from the computer casing D, a screw driver has to be used to loosen or tighten the screw C, which is very time consuming in operation, and the screw driver is necessary.
Accordingly, how to eliminate the screwing method described above, and to quickly lock the interface card A on or disassemble the interface card A from the computer casing D, is a technical issue to be pursued by the present invention.

Positioning device for fixing an interface card on a computer casing without using screws


A subscriber link to a central office which employs data compression, forward error correction, and advanced modulation techniques and to connect subscribers to multiple communications networks to provide an array of services. A device provides normal telephone service in the event of an equipment failure. At the subscriber end, a server called an intelligent services director (ISD) provides multiple independent connections for telephones which ordinarily connect to multiple access virtual circuits generated on the subscriber link over a twisted pair. A device called a facilities management platform (FMP) at the central office end of the link, among other things, provides interfacing of the subscriber link to various networks including a digital subscriber loop (DLC) and packet switched networks. Ordinarily telephones connected to the ISD require power and correctly functioning modems and controllers in the ISD and the FMP to have access to the outside world. A fail-safe mechanism, however allows at least one chosen phone to function in the event of a failure. The chosen phone must be capable of pulse or DTMF dialing. The connection through which it operate can be switched directly to the twisted pair media connecting to the FMP. At the FMP, the twisted pair is switched to tie the connection directly to a line card of the DLC. Alternatively, the ISD contains an interface to a specialize phone designed for the ISD environment. The interface provides the appearance to the DLC of a regular POT.

As deregulation of the telephone industry continues and as companies prepare to enter the local telephone access market, there is a need to offer new and innovative services that distinguish common carriers from their competitors. This cannot be accomplished without introducing new local access network architectures that will be able to support these new and innovative services.
Conventionally, customer premises telephone and/or data connections contain splitters for separating analog voice calls from other data services such as Ethernet transported over digital subscriber line (DSL) modems. Voice band data and voice signals are sent through a communications switch in a central or local office to an interexchange carrier or Internet service provider. DSL data is sent through a digital subscriber loop asynchronous mode (DSLAM) switch which may include a router. The DSLAM switch connects many lines and routes the digital data to a telephone company's digital switch.
A major problem with this configuration is that interexchange carriers attempting to penetrate the local telephone company's territory must lease trunk lines from the local telephone company switch to the interexchange company's network for digital traffic. Furthermore, the Internet service provider must least a modem from the local phone company in the DSLAM switch and route its data through the local phone company's digital switch. Thus, the local phone company leases and/or provides a significant amount of equipment, driving up the cost of entry for any other company trying to provide local telephone services and making it difficult for the interexchange companies to differentiate their services. Furthermore, since DSL modem technology is not standardized, in order to ensure compatibility, the DSL modem provided by the local telephone company must also be provided to the end user in the customer premises equipment (CPE). Additionally, since the network is not completely controlled by the interexchange companies, it is difficult to for the interexchange companies to provide data at committed rates. Any performance improvements implemented by the interexchange companies may not be realized by their customers, because the capabilities of the local telephone company equipment may or may not meet their performance needs. Thus, it is difficult for the interexhange companies to convince potential customers to switch to their equipment or to use their services. These factors ensure the continued market presence of the local telephone company.
As part of this system there is a need for improved architectures, services and equipment utilized to allow the interexchange companies to offer more products and services to customers. DSL technology, one type of communication system that can use conventional twisted pair wiring, for which a large infrastructure is in place, holds the promise of providing high bandwidth communication into any telephone subscriber's home or business. However, such high throughput subscriber links require properly functioning systems at both ends of the subscriber link. The possibility of a power outage or equipment failure is always present. The prior art does not adequately address the problem of providing backup service for such high speed links.

Circuit to provide backup telephone service for a multiple service access system using a twisted pair


Compositions and methods are disclosed for providing a pet food feeding system or packaged product containing multiple formulations meeting a number of parameters in order to offer diversified ingredients and varied flavors to a pet with minimized digestive stress due to dietary changes.

To avoid upsetting the pet's digestive system, pet owners tend to stick with one particular type of food, whether it is a formulation, a brand, or a format (wet, dry, raw, etc.). Pet owners are reluctant to try, or are even advised against trying, other formulations, even if made by the same brand, which may contain different kinds of ingredients for fear of possible digestive problems caused by dietary change. A single formula diet has a limited number of ingredients and flavors or flavor profiles, which may affect the long term palatability and enjoyment of the food for the pet. If a food is not palatable to the pet, or it becomes unpalatable over time due to boredom with the food or flavor, nutritional deficiencies can occur as the amount of food consumed by the pet is less than the amount necessary to provide all of the nutritional requirements. Rotational pet food formulas currently available for sale in the market, focus on changing one or two or three main protein or carbohydrate supplying ingredients (typically less than 35% of the formula weight) and do not introduce a large percentage of ingredient diversity. Limiting ingredient diversity among rotational formulation is one way to reduce the potential for digestive upset compared with providing high ingredient diversity among rotational formulations which tends to have a higher potential for digestive upset. Therefore, those rotational pet food formulas, currently in market with limited ingredient diversity, do not provide a solution to offer pets a high degree of diversified ingredients variable both in the number and the formula weight percentage of ingredients while concomitantly avoiding digestive stresses that would result from diet change of diverse formulations as frequent as every meal, every day or every other day. The typical digestive problems in pets associated with diet changes may include vomiting, diarrhea, loose stool, constipation, flatulence, or any combination thereof.
Diet plays an important role in pets' general health and in preventing development of nutrition-related diseases. Therefore, it is important to develop a better method and a better dietary system that enables a pet owner to provide basic nutrition or to improve the diet and psychological well-being and maintain a pet's general health by feeding different formulations having diversified ingredients, mouth-feel textures, and varied flavors, and to conveniently switch between any number of these different formulations at a rate of choice with minimized concern of causing digestive problems to the animal.


The present invention relates to a 5th-generation (5G) or pre-5G communication system to be provided in order to support a higher data transmission rate than a beyond 4th-generation (4G) communication system such as long term evolution (LTE). The present invention relates to a signal transmission method of a radio frequency (RF) processing device, the method comprising the steps of: generating a pulse signal including a control signal and a clock signal for obtaining synchronization with another RF processing device, which is connected through an interface; and transmitting, to the another RF processing device, at least one from among the pulse signal, a RF signal for communication with a base station, and a power signal for supplying power to the another RF processing device, wherein the clock signal and the control signal are assigned to different time units, and the pulse signal, the RF signal and the power signal are signals of different frequency bands.

In order to meet the demand for wireless data traffic soring since the fourth-generation (4G) communication system came to the market, there are ongoing efforts to develop enhanced fifth-generation (5G) communication systems or pre-5G communication systems. For the reasons, the 5G communication system or pre-5G communication system is called the beyond 4G network communication system or post LTE system.
For higher data transmit rates, 5G communication systems are considered to be implemented on millimeter wave (mmWave) bands, such as, e.g., a 60 GHz band. To mitigate pathloss on the ultra-high frequency band and increase the reach of radio waves, the following techniques are taken into account for the 5G communication system: beamforming, massive multi-input multi-output (MIMO), full dimensional MIMO (FD-MIMO), array antenna, analog beamforming, and large scale antenna.
Also being developed are various technologies for the 5G communication system to have an enhanced network, such as evolved or advanced small cell, cloud radio access network (cloud RAN), ultra-dense network, device-to-device (D2D) communication, wireless backhaul, moving network, cooperative communication, coordinated multi-point (CoMP), and interference cancellation.
Other techniques being developed for 5G system are among hybrid frequency shift keying (FSK) and quadrature amplitude modulation (QAM) (FQAM) and sliding window superposition coding (SWSC), as advanced coding modulation (ACM) schemes, and filter bank multi-carrier (FBMC), non-orthogonal multiple access (NOMA), and sparse code multiple access (SCMA), as advanced access techniques.
The demand for high-speed data transmission through wireless cellular communication is in a continuous increasing trend. Adopting carrier aggregation in legacy 4G long-term evolution (LTE) wireless communication system enables data communication to be carried out at a speed theoretically up to 100 Mbps, which allows ubiquitous high-speed communication.
Recently, more demand exists for Gbps or higher, ultra-high speed data communication for the purpose of cloud computing or ultra-high definition (UHD) video data transmission, leading to the development of techniques to support Gbps or higher data transmission in next-generation communication.
The current cellular band, i.e., 5 GHz or lower band, has saturated. Thus, there is no other choice but to use the mmWave band, which has not been used for legacy cellular communication, in order to support 5 Gbps or higher wideband communication. The mmWave band, by its high-frequency nature, requires that the system be implemented in quite a different fashion than in the legacy cellular communication scheme. Thus, a new different method from the legacy one should be conceived in light of the optimization of the overall system.
Meanwhile, a wireless communication unit (e.g., a radio frequency integrated circuit (RFIC) for mmWave band communication purposes) is placed in a few separate units in the terminal due to mountability issues. In this case, it is critical to use a minimum number of cables (or transmission lines) to enable transmission and reception of various signals (e.g., direct-current (DC) power signals, clock signals, control signals, and radio frequency (RF)/intermediate frequency (IF) signals) between the multiple wireless communication units. According to the conventional art, such a method has been used that the signals are divided by a frequency division scheme and are then subject to transmission and reception.
In such case, however, the frequency selector to divide each signal based on frequency becomes complicated in design. In other words, if the number of signals to be transmitted through the cables increases in the frequency selector which is materially related to a design considering inter-signal interference, the design difficulty and complexity would grow exponentially.
Further, clock signals, which should inevitably be transmitted and reach generally a few tends or a few hundreds of MHz, cause the frequency selector to be bulkier than mmWave signals would. Moreover, upon differentiating the clock signals, phase variations in the clock signals may increase jitter. Thus, a need exists for an approach for enabling more efficient signal transmission and reception between the multiple wireless communication units.
Meanwhile, the above-described information is provided only as background information for a better understanding of the present invention. No determinations and claims are made as to whether what has been described in this section may be applicable as the prior art related to the present invention.

Signal transmitting/receiving method and apparatus


In one example, a system for a preventing unauthorized access to operational aircraft data is provided. The system includes a server configured to be positioned on an aircraft. The server configured to communicate with a portable electronic device and a plurality of aircraft systems, wherein the server is configured to unidirectionally communicate with the plurality of aircraft systems, wherein the server is configured to receive avionic operational data from the plurality of aircraft systems. The server is further configured to implement security measures to prevent unauthorized electronic devices from accessing the avionic operational data produced by the plurality of aircraft systems. The server is further configured to control dissemination of avionic operational data to electronic devices.

Aircraft operators and pilots use avionic operational data and operational communication to improve the efficiency of aircraft fleet operations. Typically, during the flight of an airplane, aircraft systems produce avionic operational data that is available for display to a pilot on cockpit displays and communicated as airborne operational communications (AOC) to a fleet control center over existing aerospace networks like an aircraft communications addressing and reporting system (ACARS) network. However, while operators are able to define AOC using configurable databases, the access of avionic operational data for the AOC is limited by ACARS datalink communication. For example, ACARS is an ASCII network and the transmission and receipt of the avionic operational data over a network like ACARS is restricted in bandwidth and as to types of messaging, format, size, and capabilities. Further, access to the avionic operational data is limited to cockpit instrumentation.

System for preventing unauthorized access to operational aircraft data


An electrical box includes a housing having at least one aperture formed in an exterior surface thereof for providing access to a hollow interior of the electrical box. A cover formed from a resilient material is configured to extend over and conceal the at least one aperture. The cover includes one of an opening or a scored portion for creating an opening formed in an outer surface of the cover. The opening is configured to receive an electrical wire and portions of the cover forming the opening are configured to resiliently constrict about the electrical wire to prevent a flow of fluid through the opening and to secure a position of the electrical wire within the opening.

Electrical boxes are employed in a wide variety of applications as a means of providing a junction point for electrical wiring. Some common non-limiting applications of electrical boxes include switches, power receptacles, and fuse panels in building structures. Electrical boxes may also be used in a variety of other applications requiring junction points for electrical wiring such as automotive, aeronautical, and industrial applications, for example.
Generally, an electrical box is mounted in a desired location on a structure. Electrical wire is then routed throughout the structure to the electrical box. The electrical wire is typically passed through an aperture formed in an outer wall of the electrical box, where it is connected with an electrical device within the electrical box such as a switch, an outlet, or a fuse.
To facilitate the introduction of the electrical wire to the interior of the electrical box, the outer walls of electrical boxes typically contain at least one, and often several, of the apertures therein. These apertures vary in size and shape depending on the type of electrical box being used, but are typically larger in size than a cross-sectional area of the electrical wire being passed therethrough in order to allow easy insertion of the electrical wire. While oversized apertures are desirable as a means of maximizing installation efficiency, the oversized apertures also have the negative impact of leaving the interior of the electrical box exposed to the outside environment. This exposure allows air surrounding the electrical box to pass through the electrical box and enter into the building structure, thereby reducing thermal efficiency of the building structure. The oversized apertures also have the negative effect of permitting moisture and other contaminants to enter the electrical box, thereby accelerating the degradation of electrical connections within the electrical box or otherwise adversely affecting the electrical box.
Knockouts are one means of minimizing exposure of the interior of the electrical box to the outside environment. Knockouts are typically rigid obstructions within the aperture that can be removed or "knocked out" as needed to make additional apertures available for use. Knockouts are effective in preventing air, moisture, and contaminants from entering virgin apertures, but provide no protection once the knockout is removed and an electrical wire is inserted. Furthermore, the knockouts cannot be replaced if the electrical wire is removed from the electrical box at a later time because such knockouts are typically configured to be disposable as they do not include a means for being reinserted and secured within the apertures of the electrical box.
Another means of limiting exposure inside electrical boxes is to place a foam cover over the aperture. When an electrical wire is inserted into an aperture, an opening is formed in the foam cover similar in size to the cross section of the inserted electrical wire. The opening provides some protection from the outside environment so long as the electrical wire remains inserted in the electrical box, although due to the nature of the foam materials used, some leakage around the electrical wire does occur. However, upon removal of the electrical wire from the electrical box, the opening remains open, leaving the interior of the electrical box exposed to the exterior environment. Such foam covers also tend to rip easily, thereby creating additional pathways for air to enter the electrical box having the foam cover. Furthermore, due to the inelastic nature of foam, such foam covers tend to provide a loose fit that may also provide additional pathways between the electrical box and the foam cover for air to enter the electrical box.
In addition to undesired exposure to the environment, oversized apertures do not sufficiently secure inserted electrical wires within the box. Thus, once a wire is inserted through the oversized aperture, it must be held in place until being connected to the electrical device. This can be excessively cumbersome for a user as the user may have to secure a position of each of the electrical box, the wire, and electrical device relative to each other to more easily couple the wire to the electrical device.
One solution to this deficiency in the art has been the use of adjustable cable clamps installed in the oversized apertures. While effective, cable clamps can be cumbersome, requiring the clamp to be loosened and tightened whenever an electrical wire is inserted or removed. Cable clamps may also contribute to air entering the electrical box as such cable clamps often provide a rigid opening surrounding the wire that has a slightly larger cross-sectional area than the wire. Additionally, the cable clamp is an auxiliary apparatus that must be installed into each aperture as necessary.
Another solution to secure the electrical wire within the electrical box has been to include a clutching feature in the aperture. As the electrical wire is inserted through the aperture, the clutching feature opens inwardly, remaining in contact with the exterior of the electrical wire. When force is applied to remove the electrical wire from the electrical box, the clutching feature tightens against the electrical wire, preventing removal. While the clutching feature is effective in securing the electrical wire without auxiliary clamps, it prevents easy removal of the electrical wire when desired.
It is therefore desirable to produce a means for sealing peripheral apertures of an electrical box prior to and during insertion of an electrical wire, as well as after removal of the electrical wire, while removably securing the electrical wire within the aperture.


A semiconductor memory (26) having a plurality of memory cells (25), the semiconductor memory (26) having a substrate (1), at least one wordline (2) and first (3) and second lines (4). Each memory cell (25) of the plurality of memory cells (25) includes a fin (15) of semiconductor material, the fin (15) having a top surface (5), first (6) and second (7) opposing sidewalls and first (8) and second (9) opposing ends. The fin (15) extends along a first direction (X). Each memory cell (25) also includes a charge-trapping layer (11) disposed on the first (6) and second (7) sidewalls of said fin (15), a patterned first insulating layer (10) disposed on the top surface (5) of the fin (15), wherein the first insulating layer (10) abuts the top surface (5) of the fin (15) and the charge-trapping layer (11). Each memory cell (25) also includes a first doping region (12) coupled to the first end (8) of said fin (15) and a second doping region (13) coupled to the second end (9) of the fin (15).

Flash memory devices are widely used as non-volatile memory elements. Flash memories can be classified into a stacked gate flash cell type and a SONOS (polysilicon-oxy nitride-oxide-semiconductor) flash cell type. The stacked gate flash cell type has a stack structure including a floating gate, source, drain, a channel region disposed between the source and the drain, and a control gate. The SONOS flash cell type comprises a gate dielectric including an ONO-stack and a gate disposed thereon.
The basic principle of storing information in the stacked gate flash cell type is that a turn-on voltage VTH of the control gate can be shifted by depositing charges locally in the floating gate. Typically, the charges are deposited in the floating gate by applying a voltage potential to the gate and to the drain and thereby inducing tunnelling of hot carriers from the channel region through the tunnelling oxide film into the floating gate. Since the floating gate is electrically floating, the carriers are trapped in the floating gate. However, defects in the tunnelling oxide underneath the conductive floating gate may cause leakage of the device.
In comparison to the stacked gate flash cell type, a charge-trapping layer is used in the SONOS flash cell type to confine the carriers between the gate and the channel. A charge-trapping layer may, for example, comprise silicon nitride. The charge-trapping layer includes traps, effecting that the charges are not evenly distributed in the charge-trapping layer, but that the charges are localized in a certain region of the charge-trapping layer. Therefore, the SONOS flash cell type is less sensitive to defects in the tunneling oxide layer.
For achieving higher integration, the gate length of the SONOS flash cell type needs to be reduced. With decreasing gate length the performance of the SONOS flash cell is adversely affected by short channel effects that may cause malfunction of the SONOS flash cell. Therefore, the scaling properties of the conventional SONOS flash cell type is limited. What is desired is a non-volatile memory cell type with improved scaling properties.

Semiconductor memory device with channel regions along sidewalls of fins


A zoom lens comprises, in order from the image end to the object end, a negative power first lens group, a positive power second lens group, a positive power third lens group and a positive power fourth lens group. The first, second and third lens groups are axially movable in predetermined relation relative to one another and relative to the fourth lens group which is stationary to focus and vary the focal length of the zoom lens. The zoom lens satisfies at least the following condition: EQU 1.6<D.sub.34w /F.sub.w <2.8. where D.sub.34w is the axial air distance the third and fourth lens groups of the zoom lens at the wide angle end position and F.sub.w is the focal length of the overall zoom lens at the wide angle end position.

1. Field of the Invention
This invention relates to a zoom lens, and, more particularly, to a zoom lens for a projection zoom lens for a projection type of display apparatus.
2. Description of Related Art
In recent years, attention is directed to a projection type of display apparatus which has a liquid crystal display (LCD) device. A color image formed on the LCD device is magnified and projected onto a screen remote from the LCD device by means of a projection lens.
FIG. 1 schematically shows a practical structure of a video projector.
Referring to FIG. 1, three primary colors into which light rays 1a emanating from a light source 1 are separated by means of color separation prisms 2 and 4 and directed to liquid crystal display (LCD) devices 5, 6 and 7 on which images are displayed, respectively. Light rays la separated by the color separation prisms 2 and 4 are turned at right angles by reflection mirrors 3 and 9, respectively. Light rays 1 a transmitting through the liquid crystal display (LCD) devices 5, 6 and 7 and bearing three mono-color images are composed as a color image by means of color composing prisms 8 and 10 and then, magnified and projected by means of a projection lens 11 onto a screen (not shown) remote from the zoom lens 11.
Because the light rays 1a emanates at a certain divergent angle from the light source 1, and hence marginal light rays incident on each picture elements of the LCD devices 5-7 have large angles of incidence, in order for general LCD devices to prevent or significantly reduce unevenness in contrast and/or quantitative distribution of light, it is usual to use a micro lens array on a side of incidence of the LCD device so as to place micro lenses corresponding in position to picture elements of the LCD device.
In projection type display apparatuses, such as video projectors, which use an LCD device provided with a micro lens array, because a projection lens encounters aggravation of aperture efficiency if causing vignetting, the projection lens have to meet a demand for suitable performance as a telecentric optical system with respect to light rays on the side of the LCD device.
Typically, telecentric projection lenses suitable for projection type display apparatuses comprise three lens groups, two of which on the image end are axially movable relative to each other and relative to the third lens group. Such an telecentric projection lens is known from, for example, Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No.7-13077. This telecentric projection lens shows a great change rate of spherical aberration during zooming and is still in need of a high degree of design freedom with respect to aberration correction.


This feature of the present invention comprises a method and apparatus that provides a regulated power supply for in-cylinder ionization detection by harvesting the excess ignition coil leakage and magnetizing energy immediately following the turn off of the ignition coil IGBT. It uses an additional energy storage capacitor which replaces a first capacitor as the primary energy storage device. Thus, this feature of the present invention uses a two step method for charging the ionization detection circuit, as opposed to just one stage. The second capacitor is charged first, typically up to 400 Volts DC, and is then used as a reservoir to charge the first capacitor.

1. Technical Field
This invention is related to the field of automobile ignition diagnosis systems. More particularly, it is related to the field of using an ionization signal from an ionization detection circuit to monitor ignition parameters and diagnose engine performance.
2. Discussion
The prior art includes a variety of conventional methods for detecting and using ionization current in a combustion chamber of an internal combustion engine. However, each of the various conventional systems suffers from a great variety of deficiencies. For example, prior art ionization current detection circuits are generally too slow and generate a current signal with low signal-to-noise ratio.
The ionization current of an internal combustion engine can be used for diagnosing engine misfire, knock, ignition timing and duration, etc. Through sophisticated signal conditioning processing, the individual cylinder combustion properties can also be obtained. Therefore, the engine combustion process can be precisely monitored and controlled in closed loop. To detect in-cylinder ions generated during the combustion process, a DC bias voltage needs to be applied between the spark plug gap. There are two ways to generate the DC bias: conventional DC power supply (large electronics) and capacitor charges by primary or secondary flyback voltage (high voltage capacitor). Both approaches present disadvantages due to the size of DC power supply and reliability of high voltage capacitors.

Device to provide a regulated power supply for in-cylinder ionization detection by using the ignition coli fly back energy and two-stage regulation


An automobile theft deterrent system for providing still video images and continuously recorded video images of activities within the automobile and scenes external to the automobile. The system has a front video camera mounted in the front portion of the automobile, preferably against the rear surface of the rearview mirror, and an overhead video camera mounted on the automobile interior top surface, preferably adjacent to the overhead light. The front video camera points in the forward direction to outside of the automobile. The overhead video camera points downwardly from behind the one way mirror surface of the rear view mirror to view activities within the automobile. The images from both cameras are transmitted to a hand-held receiver device held by the automobile owner. The receiver has a viewing screen which enables the owner to view the images from the camera.

This invention relates to an automobile theft deterrent system. More particularly, the invention relates to a theft deterrent system for use with an automobile in which video cameras are strategically mounted within the automobile for recording activity within and around said automobile. The recording information is transmitted to a receiver device held by the owner for viewing of same.
The rate of automobile theft has unfortunately increased over the past decade. In an attempt to combat these thefts, many cars are equipped with audible alarms that serve to signal the automobile owner and others in the immediate area to the possible unlawful entry into the automobile. However, it has become very common to hear such alarms causing the alarms to often go unnoticed and undetected. Thus, it is very difficult to recover the car or the thief thereof. Because of the high rate of unsolved automobile thefts, the recording of activities surrounding and within the car can assist law enforcement officials in tracking the stolen car and apprehending the thief.
Thus, there exists a need for a theft deterrent system comprising a series of cameras which will provide still images and continuously recorded video images of scenes inside and external to the automobile for aiding in the recovery of stolen cars. The system may be easily installed in an automobile and serve to transmit information from the car to a hand-held receiver device. The receiver device may be held by the owner of the automobile or positioned in any location outside of the car.
In addition, there exists a need for effective monitoring of the rear portions of the automobile interior while driving. Children can get themselves into a great deal of trouble while a parent is driving just a few feet away. The present invention can allow the user/driver to effectively monitor children seated rearwardly within the automobile, to ensure their safety.
While the units currently available above may be suitable for the particular purpose employed, or for general use, they would not be as suitable for the purposes of the present invention as disclosed hereafter.