An image and sound reproduction system which can perform reproduction while replacing a predetermined portion of a background image with another still picture is provided. Still picture synthesizing means combines an arbitrary first still picture with plural second still pictures serving as a background, and synthesis and reproduction controlling means controls the still picture synthesizing means, whereby the first still picture is combined with the plural second still pictures in accordance with position information for combining the first still picture with the second still pictures. The synthetic images are sequentially reproduced. In this case, the position of a partial region (dummy object) of a dummy still picture serving as a reference is determined, and a synthesizing position of a part (user object) of the first still picture is determined in accordance with the position coordinates of the dummy still picture.

1. Field of the Invention
The invention relates to an image and sound reproduction system which, when a predetermined portion of a background image is to be combined with a part of or the whole of another arbitrary still picture, can easily perform various kinds of reproductions in accordance with graphic interactive data (hereinafter, referred to as GI data), such as that a part of or the whole of the arbitrary still picture is sequentially reproduced while changing the contents by synthesis or replacement, and that a combination of a part of or the whole of the arbitrary still picture is repeatedly reproduced while changing the combination.
GI data are control data indicating information such as the kind and the synthesizing position of a still picture or an object in a still picture, a size, horizontal inversion, vertical inversion, longitudinal inversion, an angle, rotation, and distortion on two-dimensional coordinates or three-dimensional coordinates, and a motion in which these motions are combined with each other.
2. Description of Prior Art
Conventionally, a part of a background image is replaced with another image by the so-called chromakey technique in which an image of an object that is taken with setting the background blue is combined with the background image. In this technique, no control data relating to a motion change of the object is used. Therefore, the technique has a drawback in that it is difficult to, after an image of an object is taken or after an object is combined with a background picture, produce a synthetic image in which the shape, the state, the illumination, the sound, or the like of the imaged object is changed.
In a computer graphics (hereinafter, referred to as CG) technique, a control such as that using so-called motion capture is performed in which motions of predetermined portions of an objective are measured directly or indirectly by sensors and the objective in the CG is controlled by the motion information of the predetermined portions of the objective.
However, such a CG is not provided with means for producing a control signal relating to a motion of an object which changes in linking relationships with frames of a background image that has been already taken, means for selecting and changing a still picture to be combined, controlling means for correlating identification numbers of continuous still pictures serving as a background when the still pictures are to be combined with another still picture or an object which is externally captured, with position information or corrected position information which describes the place where an arbitrary user image other than the background is to be combined, or means for storing control data relating to such information. Therefore, the CG has a drawback in that, after an image of an object is taken or after a synthetic image of an object and a background image is obtained by synthesis or the like, it is difficult to produce a synthetic image by replacing the object of the background image with another object image in which the kind, the size, the brightness, or the voice or sound of the object is selectively changed in accordance with the motion of the object, or superimposing the images.
When a three-dimensional CG due to polygon data is used as a background image, the number of coordinates of polygons is so large that the data processing is complicated and requires a prolonged time period. In order to control such a three-dimensional CG so as to be rendered as a two-dimensional image, therefore, a dedicated hardware which functions as high-speed and dedicated image calculating and generating means is necessary, thereby producing problems such as that the cost is increased, that the image reproduction rate, the number of polygons, the image quality, and the like are restricted, and that the development period is prolonged. When control data relating to the motion of an object in a moving picture image which has been once reproduced is stored and output, there arise drawback such as that the image reproduction rate, the number of polygons, the image quality, and the like are further restricted. In this case, neither means for selectively inputting a user object which is to be combined, nor information for selection exists, and hence a synthetic moving picture cannot be replaced with another one, only by replacement of a photo by the user.
As described above, in the prior art, means for realizing partial replacement of a background image file requires a very sophisticated technique and dedicated hardware, and is expensive. That is, a moving picture file of the prior art fails to, for each frame, have GI data which is motion selection information correlating information for controlling a still picture that is an objective of synthesis or replacement of a background image, with an identification number of a still picture to be combined. Therefore, it is not easy to combine or replace a still picture that is an objective of synthesis or replacement, with another arbitrary still picture. In a model in which a still picture serving as a material of synthesis or replacement, or an object segmented from a part of a still picture is represented by three-dimensional coordinates, there is a problem in that the amount of data is so large that the system is very complicated.
In other words, in a background image in the prior art, each frame of the image consists of data which have been processed as frame data. Consequently, there is no means for changing data in each frame, and post processing of such an image is hardly performed.
This will be described more plainly. In a movie software, only actors or actresses play. As far as a movie is taken on the basis of actual images, a usual person cannot appear in the movie unless the person is in the site of taking the movie. Furthermore, it is impossible to change the cast after a movie is taken. A person can enjoy oneself with freely deforming an image of the face synthesized by a CG or the like. However, there is no means for automatically adding such a deformed image into images which are previously completed, such as a movie. Therefore, a still picture must be separately produced for each frame, and the still pictures must be manually combined with a background moving picture, such as a movie. In this way, the user cannot easily enjoy such synthesis.
It is an object of the invention to provide an image and sound reproduction system in which a predetermined portion of a background image can be replaced with another still picture, and a still picture can be controlled in accordance with GI data indicating the position, motion of the predetermined portion of the background image, and the like, and in which the replacement and control of the still picture can be realized easily and economically.
Specifically, the object of the invention is to provide easily and economically an image and sound reproduction system in which a new moving picture using the same background can be easily obtained by replacing only the face or the body of the user with that of a person appearing in a background image, a new moving picture can be easily produced by replacing only a background image with another one even when the same user image is used, and image reproduction is enabled while easily selecting the story in accordance with the kind and the number of user images.
In order to solve the problems, the image and sound reproduction system of the invention comprises the following means:
(1) still picture synthesizing means for combining an arbitrary first still picture with plural second still pictures serving as a background; and synthesis and reproduction controlling means for, in accordance with position information for combining the first still picture with the second still pictures or selection information for selecting one from the one or more arbitrary first still pictures, controlling the still picture synthesizing means so as to combine the first still picture with the second still pictures, and sequentially reproduce synthetic images;
(2) means for performing reproduction with, by using the position information or the selection information, combinedly using means for capturing the first still picture and an arbitrary n-th (n is an arbitrary integer) still picture other than the first still picture;
(3) means for performing reproduction with, by using the position information or the selection information, combinedly using means for capturing plural arbitrary m-th (m is an arbitrary integer) still picture other than the second still pictures;
(4) synthesis and reproduction controlling means for setting plural dummy objects in the second or m-th still pictures serving as a background, and controlling the still picture synthesizing means in accordance with position information assigned to the dummy objects, so as to combine the first still picture or the n-th still picture with plural still pictures or the plural m-th still pictures, and sequentially reproduce synthetic images;
(5) user object extracting means for setting a partial region (hereinafter, referred to as dummy object) of a dummy still picture serving as a reference, and for extracting a part (hereinafter, referred to as user object) of the first still picture corresponding to arbitrary position coordinates of the dummy object; edge detecting means for detecting an edge of the user object extracted by the user object extracting means; and correcting means for calculating position correction information which correlates arbitrary pixel coordinates of the edge detected by the edge detecting means with pixel coordinates of the first dummy object corresponding to the arbitrary pixel coordinates, and for, on the basis of the position correction information, correcting the position information for combining the first still picture with the second still pictures or the n-th still pictures;
(6) synthesizing means for setting a partial region (hereinafter, referred to as unit object) of the first dummy object or an arbitrary L-th dummy object other than the user object, and for combining the unit object with an image of the user object;
(7) correlating means for assigning an identification number to the first still picture or an object in the first still picture, and for correlating deformation information of the first still picture or the object in the first still picture with the position information describing a place where synthesis is to be performed, the deformation information including a size, horizontal inversion, vertical inversion, longitudinal inversion, an angle, rotation, and distortion on two-dimensional coordinates or three-dimensional coordinates, and combinations of the above;
(8) means for decomposing a moving picture file into a continuous still picture file, and for respectively assigning identification numbers to still pictures as plural m-th still pictures other than the first still picture;
(9) moving picture/sound separating means for separating sound information from a moving picture in a moving picture file containing sound; and moving picture/sound synthesizing means for combining images which are synthesized and reproduced by image processing with the sound information separated from the moving picture file into one moving picture and sound file;
(10) means for capturing an external sound; and moving picture/sound synthesizing means for combining the captured external sound information, images which are synthesized and reproduced by image processing, and sound information separated from the moving picture file into one moving picture and sound file;
(11) means for capturing the first still picture, and means for masking a part of the captured first still picture;
(12) means for setting plural shapes of a still picture mask;
(13) means for displaying plural masked still pictures which are masked by the means of (12); and means for selecting an arbitrary masked still picture from the plural masked still pictures;
(14) means for displaying a masked still picture; and means for, while a user observes the masked still picture, adequately adjusting and determining a capturing position, an expression, or the like of the user;
(15) model converting means for correlating the first still picture with a standard model configured by three-dimensional coordinates; two-dimensional image generating means for generating a two-dimensional image which is obtained by observing a model at an arbitrary, the model being obtained as a result of model conversion by the model converting means; and synthesizing means for combining the two-dimensional image as the plural first still pictures with plural background still pictures;
(16) displaying means for displaying the image taken by imaging means, the displaying means being separate from the imaging means; and means for moving the displaying means together with an object;
(17) means for selecting motion data, i.e., position information or selection information to be correlated, in accordance with the number and the kind of the first still pictures;
(18) arbitrary reproduction enabling means; and means for, in response to enabling information by the reproduction enabling means, starting sequential reproduction of arbitrary synthetic images;
(19) means for selecting arbitrary plural sets of position information correlated with an arbitrary n-th still picture, and for reproducing the n-th still picture and the plural m-th background still pictures, with combining a sequence of the reproduction, or means for repeating the reproduction;
(20) recording means for recording a background image into a first layer of a disk, and for classifying and recording the position information or the deformation information of the still picture or an object in the still picture, into a second layer, the deformation information including a size, horizontal inversion, vertical inversion, longitudinal inversion, an angle, rotation, and distortion on two-dimensional coordinates or three-dimensional coordinates, and combinations of the above, or reproducing means for sequentially reproducing the recorded first layer, on the basis of information recorded in the second layer;
(21) means for printing out an arbitrary still picture in the obtained synthetic images;
(22) means for handling a synthesized still picture as one of the second or m-th still pictures; and
(23) means for handling a synthesized moving picture as one moving picture file.
The synthesizing means may use any one of methods such as that in which a new object to be replaced is superimposed on an original object to be replaced in a moving picture, that in which no original object to be replaced in a moving picture that originally serves as a background exists and synthesis is performed by superimposing a new object to be replaced thereon, and that in which, even when an original object to be replaced in a moving picture that originally serves as a background exists, the object is replaced with a new object to be replaced.
Plural original objects to be replaced in a background image may be used, and plural new objects to be replaced may be used.
By using position information and deformation information of a new object to be replaced, an original object may be arbitrarily replaced with an n-th new object other than the new object to be replaced. The expression of xe2x80x9cn-thxe2x80x9d means an n-th (n is a positive integer) new object of a number of new objects. Similarly, the expression of xe2x80x9cm-thxe2x80x9d means an m-th (m is a positive integer) image group of image groups of different kinds in a series of background image groups.
Next, the functions of the configurations of (1) to (23) will be described.
According to the configuration of (1), the synthesizing position of an arbitrary still picture in a background still picture can be freely set in accordance with position information. When the synthetic images are sequentially reproduced, therefore, the arbitrary still picture is moved, and hence the pictures can be reproduced just as a synthetic moving picture in which the arbitrary still picture moves as the movement of plural still pictures of the background. With respect to position information of number P of the first still pictures which are sequentially reproduced, (P+1)-th position information is a correction corresponding to a movement of the object in the first still picture. Therefore, the configuration has an effect that position information can be easily set. For portrait photos of the same user, when a photo of the face directed to the front, and that of the obliquely directed face are selected, the photos can be instantly reproduced as a synthetic moving picture in which the face of the user looks like moving.
According to the configuration of (2), even for the same position information, a synthetic moving picture of the face of a different user can be instantly reproduced only by replacement with a portrait photo of a second user other than the face of a first user, and without changing position information.
According to the configuration of (3), synthetic moving pictures of a different background can be instantly reproduced only by replacing a background still picture with a different still picture, and without replacement of a series of face directions and expressions of the same user. Furthermore, an entirely different synthetic moving picture of a photo of the face of the same user or another kind, for example, an automobile can be instantly reproduced without changing position information.
According to the configuration of (4), for example, a photo of Mr. A which is a user object can be subjected to synthesis while selecting the position of an arbitrary dummy object in the background.
According to the configuration of (5), in the case where an image of the face of a user is to be taken, even when the position of the face of the user is caused to be deviated from the position of a predetermined dummy object by camera shake or the like, it is possible to correct the synthesizing position so as not to be deviated.
According to the configuration of (6), the mouth portion of a dummy object, or that of an arbitrary user object may be used as a dummy object. Even when there is only one photo of a certain user, the mouth portion of the dummy object can be used as the mouth portion of the user, thereby providing motion to only one image of the mouth portion of the user so that the user looks like speaking. Therefore, labor of taking plural photos can be eliminated.
According to the configuration of (7), even when there is only one photo of a user, still pictures which are previously prepared by deforming the image of the photo by the size, horizontal inversion, vertical inversion, longitudinal inversion, an angle, rotation, and distortion on two-dimensional coordinates or three-dimensional coordinates, and combinations of the above can be sequentially reproduced. Therefore, the motion and expression of the user can be provided with abundant changes.
According to the configuration of (8), since identification numbers are assigned to still pictures of a moving picture, position information of synthesis can be correlated with all of arbitrary still pictures, so that one scene of a moving picture of the same background can be repeatedly used or an arbitrary background can be used in different scenarios.
According to the configuration of (9), sound information contained in a moving picture file serving as a background can be used as it is after synthesis, or can be rewritten at one time for each file, together with other sound information. Since the processing can be performed in the unit of one file, instructions for sequentially continuously reproducing information can be given by one reproduction command, so that labor of repeatedly inputting a reproduction command can be eliminated.
According to the configuration of (10), Arbitrary sound which is captured by the user can be reproduced in place of sound contained in the original moving picture file, together with an image.
According to the configuration of (11), when an image of the face of the user is to be taken, an image of the face only can be taken while hiding the body, or an image can be combined or replaced by using a favorite portion only.
According to the configuration of (12), even in the case of shapes to be combined which are largely different from each other, such as images of the face of the user at various angles or an arbitrary automobile, the same effect as (11) above can be attained by preparing plural masks.
According to the configuration of (13), synthesis using the most favorite image of the face among the plural images taken by using plural masks in (12) above is enabled, or synthetic moving pictures in which different masking states or expressions of the user are used in the same background can be instantly seen with switching over the pictures. When an image of the face of the user is to be taken, the imaging can be performed while checking the displayed masking state. Therefore, the imaging can be performed at a favorite position or without deviating from a preset position of a dummy object, and labor of correcting the position after the imaging can be omitted.
According to the configuration of (14), a still picture of an instant or position at which a favorite expression of the user is obtained by pressing the shutter by the user at an arbitrary instant, or that of an automobile or the like of an instant at which the most favorite illumination or reflection state is attained can be used in synthesis.
According to the configuration of (15), labor of taking plural photos of the user can be omitted. Furthermore, complex deformation can be made by moving coordinates of a three-dimensional model, so that variations of a synthetic moving picture are increased. A method may be employed in which a three-dimensional model of a shape of a face or mouth portion of an object to be replaced is converted into a two-dimensional model, the information of the obtained two-dimensional image is output as an shape of the mouth portion of a new object to be replaced, and the information of the two-dimensional image is selectively displayed as a selected signal of the new object to be replaced. This method has an advantages that the object can be selectively displayed at plural angles, and that it is not required to perform the imaging at plural angles. The conversion from a three-dimensional model to a two-dimensional image is realized by a process which is called rendering and in which a three-dimensional model having coordinates in three axes such as the depth, the height, and the width is seen from a camera point at the coordinate origin and the image on the camera is converted as a model having coordinate data in two axes or two dimensions of the height and the width.
According to the configuration of (16), even when the user is directed to the front, the user can check a change of the expression and position in profile of the user. Therefore, imaging of a favorite profile or at appropriate synthesizing position is enabled, and therefore there arises no case where distasteful photos are taken and the imaging is repeatedly performed.
According to the configuration of (17), when an angry or crying face in expressions of the user is set as the kind of the first still picture, position information or selection information of a story corresponding to the selected face is selected, so that, in the case of an angry still picture, a synthetic moving picture of an angry story is produced, and, in the case of a crying still picture, a still picture of a crying story is reproduced. Furthermore, it is possible to determine whether deformation processing is necessary or not. When the first still pictures are small in number and the number of variations of the expressions of the face is small, for example, there may arise necessity for producing various expressions of the face by using modification information. By contrast, when the first still pictures are large in number, modification information may be unnecessary. When deformation processing is not required, the process rate can be increased.
According to the configuration of (18), the system may be provided with a function such as that, when a certain point is attained in a game or the like, reproduction is started.
According to the configuration of (19), plural different movies can be synthesized by using portraits of the same user, or a laughing story using a crying face and a crying story using a laughing face may be synthesized so that fun due to the unbalance can be created.
According to the configuration of (20), a player which reproduces only the first layer can be differentiated from a player which can reproduce also the second layer. Even when the first and second layers are recorded on the same disk, therefore, a user who uses the second layer can be charged in a manner different from a user who uses only the first layer. Furthermore, it is not required to prepare plural recording disks, and hence labor in operations by the user can be eliminated, and the kinds of disks are not increased, thereby reducing the cost.
According to the configuration of (21), in the case where an obtained synthetic moving picture is to be provided as a souvenir, when the user does not have a reproducing machine, one or plural favorite scenes or plural continuous scenes can be provided as a souvenir.
According to the configuration of (22) or (23), plural first still pictures can be used in one moving picture file.
As described above, according to the image and sound reproduction system of the invention, position information, deformation information, and information of motion and the like of a predetermined portion of a moving picture which is to be combined or replaced with another still picture are reproduced or captured from the outside. Therefore, even a usual user who has no special knowledge can reproduce an arbitrary synthetic image in which an arbitrary still picture is controlled, only by selecting a photo. In an imaging process for capturing a still picture required for the reproduction, position correction information, mask selecting means, or a dedicated jig can be used, thereby enabling the user to capture a still picture easily, accurately, and economically. Furthermore, a substantial reproduction system for an arbitrary synthetic image can be configured which can be enjoyed with using an external sound, or unlimitedly combining plural synthetic images with one another in linking relationships with a quiz, a game, or the like.

Matsushita Electric Industrial Co., Ltd.


A handle assembly for a portable electronic device includes a handle attached to the electronic device and a trigger projecting from the handle. A replaceable trigger switch is selectively, mechanically retained by the handle, allowing simple replacement of the switch. In a first embodiment, the switch is located within a rechargeable battery pack, and the battery pack is removably retained within the handle. In a second embodiment, the replaceable trigger switch is retained within a trigger frame, and the trigger frame is removably retained within the handle.

Most hand-held electrical devices having a handle grip use a trigger switch to activate the device. Hand-held tools having electric motors, or "power tools," for example, use large trigger switches to activate the tool's motor. These trigger switches provide desirable tactile feedback to a user: i.e., the force needed to actuate the switch is greater prior to switch closure, with a sharp drop-off in force after switch closure providing tactile feedback to the user that the switch has been activated.
These trigger switches generally have a limited useful life. The life of most power tools is based on the life of their motors. The life of these motors is less than that of the switches. Therefore, trigger switch failure in power tools is relatively infrequent.
Electrical devices with few or no moving parts, i.e., "electronic devices," however, often have a life greater than that of power tools. Hand-held electronic devices using trigger switches should use switches having a lifetime at least equal to that of the electronic device. For example, a bar code scanning device will typically be activated approximately 2,000,000 times or more during the device's lifetime. A switch capable of over 2,000,000 actuations is therefore necessary. These long life switches, however, have a relatively flat force versus actuation distance curve, and thus provide poor tactile feedback. Users are unsure whether they have activated the switch after depressing the trigger. Switches having desirable tactility such as those used in power tools typically have a life of approximately 200,000 actuations.
If these desirable tactility switches are used in bar code devices, the switches must frequently be replaced. Most electronic devices incorporate the trigger switch within the device. Therefore, when the switch fails, the device must be serviced. This service results in downtime of the device and the expense of repair, and also requires a user to purchase additional devices to compensate for this downtime. Overall, switch failure in electronic devices results in increased costs, decreased efficiency and loss in productivity.

Replaceable trigger switch for battery operated device


The solid-state imaging device includes a semiconductor layer, an electrode, a wiring layer, a plurality of filters, an input terminal, and a voltage generation circuit. The voltage generation circuit generates a first voltage and a second voltage. The plurality of filters include a first filter and a second filter. The light transmittance of the first filter has a peak in a wavelength range corresponding to blue. The light transmittance of the second filter has a peak at a wavelength of 450 nm or more, and in the second filter, the transmittance of light having a wavelength of 450 nm or less is greater than the minimum value of the transmission of light having a wavelength longer than 450 nm. The first voltage and the second voltage are selectively applied to the electrode.

Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a solid-state imaging device and an endoscope system.
Description of Related Art
A technology which enables observation of blood vessels in a mucosal surface layer using narrowband light having a wavelength of about 410 nm has been disclosed as shown in Japanese Unexamined Patent Application, First Publication No. 2012-170639. It is possible to obtain images in which blood vessels are emphasized by irradiating blood vessels with narrowband light which is easily absorbed by hemoglobin in the blood. Three-color images and narrowband-light images are obtained, for example, using a solid-state imaging device (an image sensor) in which pixels corresponding to visible light of three colors, red (R), green (G), and blue (B), are arranged.
The arrangement of color filters in pixels in the solid-state imaging device which can obtain three-color images is, for example, a Bayer pattern. FIG. 14 shows a unit array F10 of color filters constituting a Bayer pattern. As shown in FIG. 14, the unit array F10 has one red color filter Fr10, two green color filters Fg10, and one blue color filter Fb10. The unit array F10 shown in FIG. 14 is arranged two-dimensionally in the solid-state imaging device.
FIG. 15 shows the spectral transmission characteristics of color filters of three colors. In the graphs shown in FIG. 15, the horizontal axis represents the wavelength and the vertical axis represents the transmittance of the color filters. The graph Gr20 shows the spectral transmission characteristics of the red color filter. The graph Gg20 shows the spectral transmission characteristics of the green color filter. The graph Gb20 shows the spectral transmission characteristics of the blue color filter. The red color filter has a transmittance peak PKr20 at a wavelength near 610 nm corresponding to a red wavelength. The green color filter has a transmittance peak PKg20 at a wavelength near 540 nm corresponding to a green wavelength. The blue color filter has a transmittance peak PKb20 at a wavelength near 450 nm corresponding to a blue wavelength.
The transmittance of the blue color filter is high at 410 nm which is a wavelength of narrowband light. On the other hand, the transmittance of each of the red and green color filters is low at 410 nm. Therefore, narrowband light is likely to be detected only at pixels having blue color filters and is unlikely to be detected at pixels having red and green color filters.
The resolution of narrowband light images is low because narrowband light is unlikely to be detected at pixels having red and green color filters. In order to improve the resolution of narrowband light images, it is desirable that each of the red and green color filters have transparency to the wavelength of narrowband light. However, when a subject is irradiated with white light, red, green, and narrowband light are detected at pixels, thereby lowering the color resolution of color images. Therefore, it is conceivable to use red color filters having a steep peak transmittance at the wavelength of narrowband light. Similarly, it is conceivable to use green color filters having a steep peak transmittance at the wavelength of narrowband light.
FIG. 16 shows the spectral transmission characteristics of a green color filter having a steep peak transmittance at the wavelength of narrowband light. In the graph Gg21 shown in FIG. 16, the horizontal axis represents the wavelength and the vertical axis represents the transmittance of the color filter. The color filter has a transmittance peak PKg21 at a wavelength near 540 nm corresponding to a green wavelength. The color filter also has a transmittance peak PKg22 at a wavelength near 410 nm corresponding to the wavelength of narrowband light.
When a subject is irradiated with narrowband light, the narrowband light passes through the color filter due to the spectral transmission characteristics thereof near the peak PKg22. Therefore, the pixel can detect the narrowband light. On the other hand, when the subject is irradiated with white light, green light passes through the color filter due to the spectral transmission characteristics thereof near the peak PKg21. Therefore, the pixel can detect the green light. When the subject is irradiated with white light, narrowband light also passes through the color filter. Deterioration of the color resolution of color images is suppressed since a range of wavelengths having transparency near the peak PKg22 is narrow.

Solid-state imaging device and endoscope system


A cartridge assembly for propelling a subscaliber penetrator through a gun tube which has a portion of the propellant charge contained in an annular cavity surrounding the sabot is disclosed. The annular cavity is defined by the scoop shaped front bourrelet, the aft bourrelet which has three radially extending support posts and bore riding shoes, and a combustible tubular case extension over the aft bourrelet extending forward to the front bourrelet. The assemlby includes cartridge case having a multistrand ignition system having a plurality of flexible combustible ignition strand. The strands extend through the propellant charge in the case and extend between the posts of the aft bourrelet into the annular cavity to simultaneously ignite the propellant charge contained therein with the portion of the charge in the cartridge case.

1. Field of the Invention
This invention generally relates to large caliber ammunition and more particularly to armor penetrating, fin stabilized discarding sabot (APFSDS) projectile cartridges.
2. Discussion of the Related Art
A large caliber APFSDS cartridge typically has a combustible case attached to a saboted long rod penetrator. The sabot has a front bore riding support or bourrelet and a rear bore riding support or bourrelet. The case is attached to the aft bourrelet on the sabot. The aft bourrelet is a solid cylindrical portion that forms a closure on the case mouth, thus retaining the propellant in the case. The front bourrelet is spaced from the case mouth and includes a scoop to catch onrushing air upon projectile exit from the gun tube. The scoop shaped front bourrelet permits onrushing air to separate the segments of the sabot from the fin stabilized long rod penetrator. The Propelling gases push against the aft face of the aft bourrelet to Push the projectile through the tube. When such a cartridge is inserted in the gun chamber, there is a toroidal void formed between the front and aft bourrelets and the inside surface of the gun tube. This void conventionally serves no useful function.
U.S. Pat. No. 4,964,342, issued to Schleicher on Oct. 23, 1990, discloses a sabot arrangement for an APFSDS projectile having front and aft bourrelets which has passages through the aft bourrelet. The passages through the aft bourrelet permit propelling gases to act upon the rear face of the front bourrelet to pull the saboted Projectile through the gun tube.
U.S. Pat. No. 4,974,517, issued to Kraft et al on Dec. 4, 1990, discloses an APFSDS round with passages through the aft bourrelet connecting the space between the bourrelets with the propellant case. A combustible, or thin rupturable barrier separates the propellant in the case from the passage into the void between the bourrelets.
U S. Pat. No. 4,936,220, issued to Burns et al on Jun. 6, 1990, discloses a saboted projectile having a scoop front bourrelet and a cylindrical rear bourrelet with a tubular sleeve between them made of a combustible material. Several plugged through bores through the aft bourrelet connect the toroidal cavity between the bourrelets with the rear face of the aft bourrelet. A portion of the propelling charge is contained within the toroidal cavity. This portion of the charge is sequentially ignited after ignition of the main charge by an igniter mounted in an unsealable blowout plug in the through bore or a delay charge/seal positioned in each of the through bores. The concept here is to sustain the pressure Peak as the propelled projectile moves through the gun tube by providing a delayed ignition of an additional charge.


Mesophase pitch that has a softening point of no more than 250.degree. C., a pyridine-insolubles content of no more than 50% and a n-heptane solubles content of 3-10%, with the n-heptane solubles experiencing a weight loss of no more than 15% at 450.degree. C. as measured by thermogravimetry is produced by polymerizing a condensed polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon or a substance containing it in the presence of HF and BF.sub.3. This mesophase pitch is suppressed satisfactorily in its tendency to smoke during spinning and, additionally, it has a low enough softening point to exhibit outstanding spinnability. Hence, the pitch allows for high-volume spinning to be performed continuously for a prolonged time without causing extensive fouling of the surface of spinning nozzles.

This invention relates to pitch for use in the manufacture of high-performance carbon fibers and a process for the production of said pitch. More particularly, the invention relates to mesophase pitch of a type that is produced by polymerizing condensed polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons or substances containing them in the presence of HF/BF.sub.3 and which is reduced in the tendency to smoke during the spinning.
Processes for producing mesophase pitch by polymerizing condensed polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons or substances containing them in the presence HF/BF.sub.3 are described in U.S. Pat. No. 4,789,455 and U.S. Pat. No. 4,891,126. U.S. Pat. No. 4,891,126 also teaches mesophase pitch that is produced by polymerizing naphthalene, anthracene, phenanthrene, pyrene and other skeleton containing condensed polycyclic hydrocarbons in the presence of HF/BF.sub.3. U.S. Pat. No. 5,182,010 discloses mesophase pitch that is produced by polymerizing naphthalene derivatives such as methylnaphthalene that have at least one methyl group. The mesophase pitch of the kinds described in these prior patents is drawing increasing attention as a precursor of inexpensive carbon artifacts since it does not require complicated steps in polymerization.
The mesophase pitch is also used as a precursor of high-performance carbon fibers and in this case it is important that the pitch (1) be homogeneous in the absence of gels and (2) contain the least amounts of light substances which will either foul spinning nozzles due to smoking during spinning or cause structural defects. To meet these requirements, light components are distilled off the pitch. Since the light components to be removed have boiling points of about 500.degree.-700.degree. C. at atmospheric pressure, the operation of their removal must inevitably be performed under high-temperature conditions. As a result, a pyrolytic reaction occurs to cause an unwanted reaction for the generation of light components, making it difficult to achieve complete removal of the light components from the pitch; additionally, a reaction for conversion to heavy substances also occurs due to thermal polymerization and not only are formed by product gels but also the softening point of the pitch will increase abnormally, presenting considerable difficulty in using it as a precursor of high-performance carbon fibers.

Pitch with reduced tendency to smoke during spinning and a process for the production of said pitch


A hammock which comprises a bed having an entrance slit, situated in the same vertical plane as its longitudinal axis of symmetry and located on one side of its center of symmetry. The bed is provided with a self closing feature for the entrance slit. This feature is located at the mid point of the bed's short side, where the entrance slit begins. The bed has a bundle of gathered folds, situated at both its ends. The bundle is made of each short side of a rectangular sheet which forms the bed. A ridge line goes through each opposite bundle of gathered folds, where it is connected to each suspending rope.

For camping and other recreational activities, different hammocks have been developed to provide shelter from insects, ground dwelling creatures and inclement weather. Being suspended above the ground, hammocks provide a more comfortable, dry, warm and clean surface than do tents.
Existing hammocks are entered by climbing over one side. This is difficult and sometimes dangerous, because the hammock is out of balance when a person enters it. The potential occupant pushes down one of the higher sides of the hammock, as low as possible, towards its longitudinal axis of symmetry, to allow his access. As soon as the occupant sits down and his weight comes off of his feet, the hammock swings back into its original position, tumbling the occupant backwards, without always remaining inside the hammock.
The entrance in an enclosed hammock which is usually between the bed and insect net, is normally closed by a zipper. The zipper is tensioned and is easily damaged, if it is not fully opened before entry. If the zipper is damaged, the hammock can no longer provide protection from insects, it is known also that a zipper in an enclosed hammock is its most vulnerable feature.
In known hammock designs, wherein each suspending rope is attached to the hammock through a sewn sleeve at each end, all of the occupant's weight is transmitted to the stitches of the sewn sleeve. If one or several stitches are overloaded, they can fail and the entire stitching can unravel under the weight of the occupant. If the stitching is stronger than the fabric fibres, concentration of tension at one point could cause the material to fail, starting a tear which would open quickly and and not stop until the occupant reaches the ground.
Hammock sag until now had to be adjusted by trial and error, by adjusting the suspending ropes during joining to their anchors. If the suspending ropes at each end of the hammock are so attached that too much slack is present, the resulting sag will also be increased. In this situation, the occupant will be bent, and hence in an uncomfortable position. If the suspending ropes at each end of the hammock are pulled too tightly the sag will be reduced too much. In this situation trying to climb into the hammock is difficult and dangerous.
Hammocks of rectangular and trapezoidal shape are known. They allow a relatively restricted movement of occupant's arms and hands and they do not comply with the requirement that in the middle of the hammock, where the
occupant is wider, the hammock must be wider as well.
Attempts have been made to address and solve the existing concerns.
But it is apparent that up to the present time, there remain important shortcomings in hammocks.
Thus, U.S. Pat. No. 5038428, dated Aug. 13, 1991, granted to Shur for a "Hammock having a pillow and incision" discloses a pillow and a slit added to an otherwise conventional hammock. The pillow is mounted atop the hammock, adjacent to the longitudinal edge mid-length of the hammock, so that the transverse axis of symmetry of hammock bisects the pillow. The incision has a predetermined longitudinal extent and is also positioned mid-length of the slit are on opposite sides of the longitudinal axis of symmetry of the hammock. A first individual standing in the incision may massage a second recumbent individual, whose head is supported by a pillow and whose feet may extend below the hammock or may rest atop the hammock on opposite sides of the first individual.
The disclosed hammock is not designed for general use, but for a very specific one. The central location of the incision on one side of the longitudinal axis of symmetry of the hammock, does not allow a proper entry of an occupant.
U.S. Pat. No. 4,686,720 dated Aug. 18, 1987, granted to Nowell for a "Covered hammock", discloses a hammock comprising a lower support which is sewn to an upper cover. The lower support is cut in a trapezoidal shape and the wide part is intended to accommodate occupant's head and shoulders, the narrower lateral end being slightly gathered. A strip of fabric is sewn to the gathered fabric. The strip as well as the material of the lower fabric support, at the wide end, is folded over twice, sewn down and grommets are placed at intervals in the folded strip.
A first shortcoming of the above invention resides in the fact that the trapezoidal form of the lower support does not satisfy the occupant's requirement to have a sense of space in the middle of the hammock and to allow the free movement of his arms and hands. A second shortcoming resides in the fact that the end attachments uses sewn fabric.
U.S. Pat. No. 4,001,902, dated Jan. 11, 1977, granted to Haii et al. for a "Suspended bed and shelter" discloses a combination comprising a hammock, an insulated sleeping bag and a tent. The hammock consists of a cloth of rectangular shape with a pocket, loop or similar device, at each end, to accommodate a spreader bar of rigid material, such as wood or light metal. Attached at two or more points to each spreader bat is a stringing assembly of approximately 4" to 5" in length which leads to a single point, such as a metal ring, which, in turn, is attached by a rope to a tree. The tent is held in position over the hammock and sleeping bag by a separate ridge line attached to the same trees.
As can be seen, the manner of attaching the combination bed and shelter, by using a pocket or loop at the end of the hammock, a spreader bar and a stringing assembly, is complicated. The attachment is composed of too many features and it is possible to have a weak link in it which could compromise the whole attachment assembly. With respect to the ridge line, besides the fact that it does not participate in the sag adjustments, is joined separately to the trees.


A nontoxic antifouling system is provided at ambient conditions on a subste which has a solid release layer bonded to a solid bonding layer which in turn is bonded to said substrate. The release layer has excellent release property and is bonded to the bonding layer. The bonding layer contains a component which is believed to react with the same or a similar component in the release layer to enhance the desired bond therebetween. The bonding layer is tougher than the release layer but its release property is inferior to that of the release layer.

Ship bottoms, buoys, fishing nets, and other structures submerged in seawater such as marine antifouling sheets and cooling water intake or discharge pipes are infested with organisms such as barnacles, tube worms and algae that attach to the surface of these structures and cause various troubles. It is routine practice to prevent the attachment of these marine fouling organisms by coating the surfaces of the aforementioned items with antifouling paints.
Organotins, and in particular tributyltins, have been the premier method of providing marine antifouling performance to organic paints. With the recent restrictions on the use of these toxic coatings in many countries, the boat and ship owners have fallen back to the technically inferior but less toxic copper oxide based coatings. The life of copper oxide based coatings rarely exceed 2 years in normal fouling conditions while the self-polishing tributyltinmethacrylate copolymers often exceeded 5 years. Also, coatings prepared from tributyltins can be pigmented in bright colors which had appeal for many boat and ship owners. Therefore, a dissatisfaction existed wherever the organotins were banned because copper oxide based coatings did not satisfy the needs of the boat and ship owners and operators.
Fouling control coatings based on silicone elastomers, such as polydimethylsiloxanes, have been known since the early 1970's. For instance, silicone-based formulations are disclosed in U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,025,693; 4,080,190; 4,227,929; and others. Also, Japanese patent application 96830/76 discloses an antifouling paint that uses a mixture of a silicone oil and an oligomer-like silicone rubber having terminal hydroxyl groups.
Silicones are based on polymers comprised of a backbone of silicon-oxygen-silicon atoms linked together. They are thus different chemically from organic materials which are mostly based on polymers composed of a backbone of carbon-to-carbon atoms linked together. It is this difference--the silicon-oxygen linkage--which accounts for the unique properties of silicones. The silicone bond linkage is similar to bond linkage found in other high temperature resistant materials such as quartz, glass and sand; hence the outstanding high temperature properties of room temperature vulcanizing (RTV) silicone rubber. This chemical makeup also accounts for the general inertness of RTV silicone rubber toward many deteriorating influences such as ozone, chemicals, weathering and radiation.

The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Navy


A series of surfactant systems is prepared at varying electrolyte concentrations, each system being mixed with oil to be displaced or its equivalent and allowed to equilibrate to determine the salinity at which the microemulsion phase has approximately equal volumes of oil and water; thereafter additional series of such surfactant systems are prepared utilizing different cosurfactants; thereafter the resulting surfactant systems are used at their optimal salinity (i.e., the salinity at which approximately equal volumes of oil and water are taken up into the microemulsion phase) to recover oil from test cores and the resulting oil recovery plotted versus the salinity to give the unique salinity at which maximum oil recovery is obtained for the particular oil-surfactant combination.

This invention relates to a surfactant system for recovery of oil from a subterranean reservoir.
It has long been known that the primary recovery of oil from a subterranean formation leaves a substantial amount of the oil still in the formation. This has led to the use of what is commonly referred to as secondary recovery or waterflooding wherein a fluid such as brine is injected into a well to force the oil from the pores of the reservoir toward a recovery well. However, this technique also leaves substantial amounts of oil in the reservoir, so-called residual oil, because of the capillary retention of the oil. Accordingly, surfactant systems have been employed either in place of the secondary recovery or more generally in a tertiary recovery process. One particularly suitable type of surfactant system is that which results in the in situ formation of a microemulsion which is immiscible with the oil it is displacing. Such microemulsion systems are very effective in removing residual oil.
The surfactant systems employed to produce microemulsion type oil recovery basically contain at least three separate ingredients, brine, a surfactant and a cosurfactant. It is disclosed in Glinsmann, U.S. Pat. No. 4,125,156, issued Nov. 14, 1978, how to systematically optimize a system so as to give a combination of surfactant, cosurfactant, and brine which produce low interfacial tension which is associated with good oil recovery. Since these values are obtained as disclosed in said Glinsmann patent by plotting oil recovery, interfacial tension and volume fraction of equilibrated phases versus salinity, the salinity at which minimum interfacial tension is achieved has been considered the optimum (optimal) salinity. However, the minimum interfacial tension does not necessarily correlate exactly with maximum oil recovery. Also, different systems with theoretically similar characteristics exhibit drastically different results in practical applications in test cores or actual use.

Oil recovery method using unique salinity for oil recovery surfactant system


A device and method for holding a substrate, e.g., a semiconductor wafer, during a process, e.g., a liquid meniscus process, the substrate having a first side and a second side. The device includes one or more holding components, e.g., fingers, configured to contact a second side of the substrate without significantly contacting the first side of the substrate. At least one of the holding components may be configured to be moved during the process so as to prevent the at least one holding components from effecting the process, e.g., contacting the liquid meniscus. Such an arrangement may be employed when the substrate includes a top side having at least one structure or feature thereon, it being desirable that the holding components avoid contact with the structures or features during the process.

There are a great variety of chucks that are conventionally known, including so-called "non-contact" chucks. Generally, a non-contact chuck makes little or no mechanical contact with a first, e.g., a non-process, surface of a substrate to be held. A popular type of non-contact chuck is the so-called Bernoulli type.
Such chucks operate to lift a substrate, e.g., which may include and is often referred to herein as a wafer, above a surface by introducing a current of gas underneath and most often rotate the wafer simultaneously. Such chucks operate with a second, e.g., process, side facing upwards. This may be a poor arrangement in situations where face-down applications call for holding the wafer with its side to be processed facing down.
There are other conventional non-contact types of chucks that can operate facing down, but these suffer from instability and often draw chemicals and/or contaminants onto the second or backside, e.g., non-process side, of the substrate.

Device and method for holding a substrate


An electric switch unit, in particular for the control of air conditioning units in automotive vehicles. The switch unit includes pushbuttons whose symbols are illuminated by light which is guided from a central source of light through a light-guiding member. The light-guiding member is composed of interconnected light-guiding bars to which projections are molded. From the projections the light exits toward the pushbuttons. The front faces of the projections are concavely curved, and as a result a uniform illumination of the symbol areas is provided. The light-guiding bars are furnished with totally reflecting surfaces, and as a result the total quantity of light incident upon them is reflected into the projections. The quantities of light exiting from each projection are equal. Due to the arrangement of a focusing lens at the transition of the light from the source of light to the light-guiding bars, a parallel beam of light is emitted into the latter.

1. Field of Invention
This invention is generally related to an electric switch unit. More specifically, this invention is related to an electric switch unit for controlling air conditioning units in automotive vehicles.
2. Description of the Prior Art
A switch unit of this kind is known from the German patent application published without examination (1st publication), No. DE 38 27 090 A1. The described switch unit is comprised of a plurality of control elements to which the light is directed from a central source of light through a light-guiding member. In order to make sure that the light illuminates the symbol area of the control elements, pushbuttons for example, the light-guiding member is furnished with light-guiding bars and with projections which are associated with the individual control elements and through whose front faces the light exits and illuminates the indicating bezels of the individual pushbuttons. In order to prevent stray light from leaving from the light-guiding member and invading the spaces in between the individual control elements, an intermediate plate is provided which covers the relevant ranges of the light-guiding member. The light which leaves the front faces of said projections forms a so-called search illumination of the electric switch unit. The symbols in the indicating bezels of the control elements are to be recognized by an operator, so that the specific function of the electric switch unit is selected, for example by actuating the pushbutton. It is important that the indicating bezels/symbol areas of the control elements are illuminated in a uniform manner. In the described switch unit the light-guiding member is configured such that a hollow cylinder for the accommodation of a central source of light is formed between two light-guiding bars. Starting from this light source the light is guided through the light-guiding bars and through the projections molded to them to the control elements. The receptacle of the central light source is shaped as a hollow cylinder. Therefore, stray fields come about at the surfaces of light entry into the light-guiding bars, as a result whereof part of the quantity of light originating from the source of light is not at all emitted into anyone of the light-guiding bars. Beyond this, the stray fields coming about will lead to the creation of parasitic light which must be cancelled by countermeasures; for example by covering the light-guiding member using an intermediate plate, as described above.
Another light-guiding element is known from the German patent application published without examination (1st publication), No. 31 23 369 A1, which presents at its one side a plurality of reflecting surfaces at which the entering light rays are deviated in such a way that rays of identical intensity leave at the light exit surface. The reflecting surface is arched and consists of a plurality of individual deviating surfaces.
From the printed and examined patent application DE AS 28 25 833 a switch pushbutton is known for uniform illumination of the indicating area independently of the position of the illuminating light emitting diode. A body of transparent material is provided which has the shape of a truncated pyramid and whose convexly arched surface faces the light emitting diode. The pyramid body constitutes a self-contained component part which is inserted into the key button. Where indicating areas of a plurality of key buttons are to be illuminated, then such a pyramid body will be required for each single key button.
From the German patent application published without examination (1st publication), No. DE 32 37 589 A1, another illuminated key button is known in which the recognizability of the symbols positioned at the button is improved in that the light of a comparatively weak light source is directed on a partial range of the key surface only. For this purpose a frosted glass plate contained in the key surface is illuminated with a converging light beam with the aid of a focusing lens. It is of essential importance that the light is directed onto the frosted glass plate as a focused beam. To this end, the focal length of the focusing lens is sized such that a converging beam of light is produced. Similarly as in the above-described design it will be necessary also in this instance that each button is furnished with such an arrangement.

Electric switch unit for the control of air conditioning units in automotive vehicles


An improved dual flush valve assembly adapted for connection with a toilet tank provides a partial or full flush of water. The assembly comprises two actuating lever arms and three chains depending from the levers for connection with two flap valves. The flap valves are mounted on a hollow body having a hollow adapter for connection with a discharge pipe in a bottom wall of the tank. The adapter includes a plurality of resilient finger-like members which engage an interior of the discharge pipe. The assembly produces substantial savings in water consumption.

This invention relates to an improved dual flush valve assembly for a toilet tank. More particularly, the invention relates to a valve assembly, the construction of which includes a hollow body provided with a pair of pivotally mounted lever arms actuating a pair of valves adapted for causing a partial or full discharge of water from the tank through an opening in the bottom wall thereof.
As is well known, a severe water shortage exists in the United States, particularly in the State of California, due to continued statewide draught. As a result, mandatory water conservation programs have been established in many areas, such programs including penalties assessed for excessive water usage. Although various measures attempting to utilize water more efficiently and thus reduce its overall consumption have been suggested, the total amount of water used still remains much too high. Moreover, it is projected that water shortage may become more acute in the future.
In an attempt to at least partially alleviate this situation, certain water-saving devices for toilet tanks have been proposed and described in the patent literature. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 2,731,647 to Groth et al. describes a dual type flush valve device comprising a pair of vertically disposed valves actuated by a handle movable in clockwise and counterclockwise directions. U.S. Pat. No. 3,375,531 to Lake discloses a device having a pair of transversely disposed valves, each valve connected to a separate flush handle. U.S. Pat. No. 3,758,893 to Smolinski teaches a toilet flush system for providing light or heavy flushes by twisting a selector clockwise or pressing it inwardly. U.S. Pat. No. 3,768,103 to Robluson describes a toilet flush valve assembly comprising a pair of valves mounted on an upstanding straight length water discharge pipe also functioning as an overflow pipe. U.S. Pat. No. 3,795,016 to Eastman teaches a toilet water tank having two valves operable by two actuator arms, each arm coupled with a separate handle. U.S. Pat. No. 3,918,105 to Young describes two inlets in a toilet tank which are closable by hydraulically operated lids. U.S. Pat. No. 4,042,982 to Contreras discloses a toilet flush valve assembly having two intersecting conduits, each connected with a valve assembly which prevents cross-flow of water from one conduit through the other conduit. U.S. Pat. No. 4,096,591 to Awis teaches a dual flush valve system operable by a flush handle rotatable in opposite directions. U.S. Pat. No. 4,110,850 to Tadei describes a flush valve assembly having a pair of valves actuated by two separate handles. U.S. Pat. No. 4,122,564 to Addicks et al. shows a dual flush valve system operated by a handle rotatable in clockwise and counterclockwise directions. U.S. Pat. No. 4,504,984 to Burns describes a two-stage toilet flush valve assembly comprising a single flush lever connected to both valves; and U.S. Pat. No. 4,829,605 to Agostino discloses a system having two valves and two arms connected to two separate handles.
While the aforementioned patents disclose the general concept of various toilet flush mechanisms having different structures, the valve assembly of the present invention provides a new approach to the structure thereof which offers certain advantages over the prior art devices.


A burial chamber apparatus and method of use provides for whole body burial of one or more persons, with a remaining burial chamber to receive cremated remains of multiple related descendents and/or others persons, when said persons meet a predetermined criterion set out by the buyer of the apparatus and/or burial plot.

The field of the invention is the burial of human remains, and more specifically an apparatus and method that allow for the adjacent burial of cremated remains of multiple persons via a burial vault that is capable of interment of one or more whole bodies.
There is a limited amount of space in existing cemeteries that are surrounded by urban and suburban developments. The desire by consumers or buyer family members to be buried in close proximity to relatives, or where living relatives dwell is an innate human desire that is becoming more expensive due to the imbalance of supply and demand.
Cremation has become a more common practice due to its lower costs, but leaves relatives of the deceased with the issue of placement or disposal of ashes. To date, there have been limited opportunities to memorialize the resting place of cremated remains with traditionally buried remains in a way that assures a common memorial location for several generations of a family.
Cemeteries face increasing costs if they can purchase adjacent land, as well as the uncertain future costs to develop and maintain this land.
Accordingly, it would be advantageous to provide a method of burial that meets the needs of consumers, allowing for close burial of related persons in existing cemeteries close to where they already live, yet at the same time provides a long-term revenue stream for cemeteries after existing plots are sold.
The above and other objects, effects, features, and advantages of the present invention will become more apparent from the following description of the embodiments thereof taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.


An auto-focusing method and a digital image processing apparatus using the same are disclosed. The auto-focusing method includes: setting a reference noise level if an illuminance of a photographing area is larger than a predetermined reference value, and setting a variable noise level that varies according to the illuminance of photographing area if the illuminance of photographing area is smaller than or equal to the predetermined reference value; calculating a focus value of each position of the focus lens while driving the focus lens within the predetermined lens-driving range in the unit of a step and selecting a maximum focus value of the predetermined lens-driving range among the calculated focus values, wherein in the calculating of the focus value, the noise level is subtracted from a pixel data that is larger than the noise level and the result of subtracting is used as the pixel data to calculate the focus value.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to an auto-focusing method and a digital image processing apparatus using the same, and more particularly to an auto-focusing method that drives a focus lens to a final focus position through performing an auto-focusing function within a predetermined lens-driving range in response to a photographing signal, and a digital image processing apparatus using the same.
2. Description of the Related Art
An auto-focusing method for a digital camera was disclosed in U.S. Patent Publication No. 20040130650, entitled "METHOD OF AUTOMATICALLY FOCUSING USING A QUADRATIC FUNCTION IN CAMERA," by the same applicant of the present invention. According to the auto-focusing method disclosed, the focus lens is controlled to be a target focus position through performing an auto-focusing function within a predetermined lens-driving range in response to a photographing signal inputted from a user in the auto-focusing mode.
Hereinafter, the conventional auto-focusing method will be briefly described.
At first, focus values are calculated at each position of the focus lens while the focus lens is driven in the unit of a step within a lens-driving range. The focus value of each focus lens position is calculated by adding different values between adjacent pixel data.
Then, the maximum focus value within the lens-driving range is selected from the calculated focus values, and the focus lens is driven to the position of maximum focus value. In order to quickly find the maximum focus value within the predetermined lens-driving range, a variation ratio between adjacent focus values is used.
If an illuminance in a photographing area is extremely low, the variation ratio between adjacent focus values is low too because it varies according to the illuminance of the photographing characteristics. That is, if the illuminance of photographing area is low, the accuracy is degraded and the speed of auto-focusing is reduced. Therefore, the auto-focusing cannot be accurately performed in a photographing area with low illuminance according to the conventional auto-focusing method for digital image processing apparatus.

Auto-focusing method using variable noise level and digital image processing apparatus using the same


The present invention provides a method for evaluating lithographic characteristics of a lithographic composition containing a copolymer for lithography without actually preparing the composition. The method comprises the steps of: dissolving the copolymer for lithography in a solvent to prepare a test solution; separating a gel-like substance from the test solution; determining a rate of change of a composition ratio, wherein the rate of change of the composition ratio rate refers to a ratio of a difference obtained by subtracting a composition ratio of constitutional units in the copolymer for lithography from a composition ratio of constitutional units in a gel-like substance to the composition ratio of the constitutional units in the copolymer for lithography.

In fabrication of semiconductor elements and liquid crystal elements, techniques of forming a finer pattern by lithography have progressed rapidly in recent years. One of the techniques is, for example, use of use of irradiation light having a shorter wavelength.
More recently, a lithographic technique using a KrF eximer laser (wavelength: 248 nm) has been introduced. For further shortening a wavelength of radiation, lithographic techniques using an ArF eximer laser (wavelength: 193 nm) and EUV eximer laser (wavelength: 13 nm) have been studied.
As a resist composition suitably used for forming a finer pattern and shortening the wavelength of irradiation light, for example, a so-called chemical amplification-type resist composition has been proposed. Such a composition includes a polymer and a photoacid generator. The polymer is alkali-soluble when an acid-removable group is removed by action of an acid. Furthermore, development and improvement of such a resist are ongoing.
An acrylate polymer transparent to 193 nm light has attracted attention as a polymer for a chemically-amplified resist used in ArF eximer laser lithography.
For example, Patent Document 1 describes a resist copolymer that is produced from monomers of: (A) a (meth)acrylic acid ester where an alicyclic hydrocarbon group containing a lactone ring is ester-linked; (B) a (meth)acrylic acid ester where a group capable of leaving with an acid is ester-linked; and (C) a (meth)acrylic acid ester where a hydrocarbon group containing a polar substituent or an oxygen-containing heterocyclic group is ester-linked.
For these resist compositions containing a resist copolymer, an important property is the ability to form a good pattern. Such a resist copolymer is generally evaluated through measurements of development characteristics and the like in a prepared resist composition.
A method described in Patent Documents 2 and 3 comprises dissolving a resin containing a resist copolymer in a resist solvent, measuring a dynamic light scattering of the solution, and using the resultant specific parameter to estimate degrees of generation of development defects, variation of pattern dimensions (LER), and in-liquid generation of a foreign substance in a resist composition prepared with the resin.

Copolymer for lithography and method for evaluating the same


A composition which includes a salt of metformin and the use of the composition for treatment of or use in prediabetes, diabetes, lowering triglycerides and/or other conditions in mammals.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to salts of poly unsaturated fatty acids with biguanides.
2. Technical Background
Diabetes mellitus has become pandemic and according to a forecast by the World Health Organization, there will be a sharp increase in the number of diabetic patients by the year 2030. This is an ominous forecast, because managing the long-term complications of diabetes, which include nephropathy, neuropathy, retinopathy, and cardiovascular complications, will have a serious impact on public health budgets. The hallmark of diabetes is chronically elevated blood glucose levels. It is also known that abnormally elevated glucose levels have an adverse impact on glutathione levels in key diabetic tissues. Furthermore, increased oxidative stress and increased production of reactive oxygen species are implicated under hyperglycemic conditions.
In spite of the early discovery of insulin and its subsequent widespread use in the treatment of diabetes, and the later discovery of and use of sulfonylureas, and thiazolidenediones, such as troglitazone, rosiglitazone or pioglitazone, as oral hypoglycemic agents, the treatment of diabetes remains less than satisfactory.
The use of insulin requires multiple daily doses, usually by self-injection. Determination of the proper dosage of insulin requires frequent estimations of the sugar in urine or blood. Treatment of non-insulin dependent diabetes mellitus (type 2 diabetes, NIDDM) usually consists of a combination of diet, exercise, oral hypoglycemic agents, e.g., thiazolidenediones, and, in more severe cases, insulin. However, the clinically available hypoglycemic agents can either have side effects limiting their use, or an agent may not be effective with a particular patient. In the case of insulin dependent diabetes mellitus (Type I), insulin administration usually constitutes the primary course of therapy.
The biguanide metformin is a known compound approved by the U.S. Food & Drug Administration for the therapeutic treatment of diabetes. The compound and its preparation and use are disclosed, for example, in U.S. Pat. No. 3,174,901. Metformin is orally effective in the treatment of type 2 diabetes. Metformin (N,N-dimethylimidodicarbonimidic diamide) is a biguanide, anti-hyperglycemic agent currently marketed in the United States in the form of its hydrochloride salt 1,1-dimethylbiguanide hydrochloride (Formula 1a).

Metformin hydrochloride can be purchased commercially and can also be prepared, for example, as disclosed in J. Chem. Soc., 1922, 121, 1790.
U.S. Pat. No. 7,973,073 B2 (Mylari) describes use of metformin R−(+) lipoate as being useful for treating diabetes or diabetic complications.
U.S. Patent Publication 2005/0165102 describes complexes of drugs (metformin being mentioned) with transport moieties (fatty acids being mentioned) to enhance absorption and control delivery of the drugs being used. Among the fatty acid complexing agents mentioned are caprate, laurate, palmitate and oleate.
U.S. Patent Publication 2005/0182029 describes metformin salts of lipophilic acid salts (fatty acids being mentioned), their pharmaceutical formulations, and methods of administering the metformin salts for the treatment of hyperglycemia.
According to United Kingdom Perspective Diabetes Study (UKPDS) (Clarke et al. Diabetologia, 2005, 48, 868-877), metformin therapy was cost-saving and increased quality-adjusted life expectancy. In the UKPDS, overweight and obese patients randomized to initial therapy with metformin experienced significant reductions in myocardial infarction and diabetes-related deaths. Metformin does not promote weight gain and has beneficial effects on several cardiovascular risk factors. Accordingly, metformin is widely regarded as the drug of choice for most patients with Type 2 diabetes.
Prediabetes is a syndrome. Many patients with type 2 diabetes and with a prediabetic condition known as metabolic syndrome suffer from a variety of lipid disorders including elevated triglycerides. The body uses triglycerides to store fat but high (>200 mg/dl) and very high (>500 mg/dl) triglycerides are associated with atherosclerosis which increases the patients risk of heart attack and stroke.
Incipient diabetes with impaired glucose tolerance is another prediabetic condition. Overall, type 2 diabetes and incipient diabetes with impaired glucose tolerance, are intimately intertwined with obesity, hyperlipidemia, including hypertriglyceridemia, and cardiovascular complications including arrhythmia, cardiomyopathy, myocardial infarction, stroke and heart failure. Clinically, pre-diabetes means that blood sugar level is higher than normal, but it's not yet increased enough to be classified as type 2 diabetes. Still, without intervention, prediabetes is likely to become type 2 diabetes over time
Also diabetic patients have impaired circulation which manifests itself in the slow healing of wounds in the foot and lower leg and puts the patient at risk for amputation.
Elevated triglycerides may be lowered by diet and exercise. Niacin and omega-3 fatty acids, commonly known as fish oil, are frequently used in the management of hypertriglyceridemia. Omega-3 fatty acids are unsaturated carboxylic acids which have a terminal double bond three carbons from the methyl terminus, the 3 position. Omega-3 fatty acids are commonly extracted from oily fish like salmon, mackerel and menhaden. They are also extracted from other marine sources like squid and krill. Omega-3 fatty acids are commercially available. The omega-3 fatty acids most commonly extracted from fish are eicosapentaenoic acid and docosahexaenoic acid. These compounds have been shown to have beneficial effects in treating obesity, arrhythmia, and myocardial infarction and have the structures:
eicosapentaenoic acid

and docosahexaenoic acid:

Resolvins are a special class of polyhydroxylated omega-3 fatty acids which possess potent antinflammatory and immunoregulatory actions. These biological actions of resolvins arc thought to play a significant role in cardiovascular and diabetic conditions.

This patent is subject to a terminal disclaimer.


An apparatus and method for rasterizing a primitive in a graphics system is disclosed in one example of the invention as including scanning a first row of tiles, one tile at a time, starting from a first point and scanning in a first direction. Immediately after scanning the first row of tiles, the method includes moving from the first point to a second point in an orthogonal direction relative to the first row. Immediately after moving from the first point to the second point, the method includes scanning a second row of tiles, one tile at a time, starting from the second point and scanning in the first direction. By scanning rows in the same direction immediately prior to and after moving from one row to another, cache utilization is improved.

This invention relates to three-dimensional (3D) graphics systems and more particularly to apparatus and methods for improving the efficiency of tile-based rasterization.
Rasterization is the process of taking a primitive (e.g., a triangle, line, point, polygon, etc.), described in vector format, and converting it to a raster image made up of pixels or dots. This raster image may then be provided to an output device such as a visual display or printer. Rasterization is currently the most widely used technique for generating real-time 3D computer graphics. This is primarily due to its high speed compared to other rendering techniques. Rasterization techniques must normally provide immediate response to user input in real-time applications and provide frame rates of at least twenty frames per second.
Currently, scanline rasterization is one of the most commonly used rasterization techniques. In this technique, the rasterizer converts a primitive to pixels one horizontal row, or scanline, at a time. In particular, this technique involves rasterizing a primitive into a frame buffer by "filling" the polygon one horizontal line at a time. This is typically performed by calculating runs or "spans" of pixels formed by the intersection of a scanline with the edges of the primitive. This technique typically requires a great deal of redundant computation, since each edge is checked for intersections with each successive scanline. To make scanline rasterization more efficient, optimization techniques such as active edge lists or tables have been introduced to track primitive edges that intersect with a scanline. This method, while much more efficient, is more complicated and thus more difficult to optimize.
An alternative technique to scanline rasterization is tiled-based rasterization. In this technique, a primitive is rasterized one block of pixels (i.e., one tile) at a time rather than one scanline at a time. A block or tile of pixels may include, for example a 4-by-4 block of sixteen pixels. Starting with an initial tile, valid pixels are determined for the tile. Once this tile is complete, the next tile is evaluated. This rasterization technique typically walks in a linear fashion, one tile at a time, horizontally from one edge of a primitive to the opposite edge. Upon reaching an edge, the next row of tiles either up or down from the previous row of tiles will be scanned. Each row of tiles will typically be evaluated in the same direction and sequence as the previous row. Unfortunately, this method for evaluating rows of tiles is not as efficient as it could be because it does not utilize cache memory effectively. In particular, this method for evaluating tiles reduces cache hits and breaks the cache utilization more than is necessary.
In view of the foregoing, what are needed are apparatus and methods for improving the efficiency of tile-based rasterization. More specifically, apparatus and methods are needed to improve cache utilization and thereby increase the frequency of cache hits when performing tile-based rasterization. Further needed are improved apparatus and methods for evaluating pixels within each tile when performing tile-based rasterization, thereby eliminating or reducing wasted cycles. Such apparatus and methods are disclosed and claimed herein.


A method and host computing device that restricts access by one or more applications to a configurable hardware logic device over a bus. At least a portion of the configurable hardware logic device is reconfigured. A determination is made when unplug and plug events have been generated by the configurable hardware logic device. The unplug and plug events are generated without disconnecting power supplied to the configurable hardware logic device. The configurable hardware logic device is re-enumerated on the bus when the determining indicates the unplug and plug events have been generated by the configurable hardware logic device.

Configurable hardware logic devices, such as field programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), for example, are increasingly used to execute functionality for host computing devices. Configurable hardware logic devices often require reloading to change the configuration of the devices to perform different functionality. Some configurable hardware logic devices support partial reloading, allowing the configurable hardware logic device to remain on the bus during reconfiguration.
However, in many cases, the configurable hardware logic device interface with a processor of the host device is significantly changed by the reconfiguration. In these cases, registers, bus numbers, interrupts, and/or address space, for example, must be changed, requiring a re-enumeration of the configurable hardware logic device on the bus by the operating system.
Accordingly, in cases in which the functionality of a configurable hardware logic device is significantly changed requiring re-enumeration, the host computing device must perform a reboot. When the host computing device powers back up in the reboot, the operating system will re-enumerate the configurable hardware logic device on the bus. Unfortunately, the rebooting of the host computing device can result in a significant disruption to the performance of the host computing device for users and/or other networked devices.
Additionally, a bus attached to the configurable hardware logic device cannot be used to send the new configuration to the configurable hardware logic device in these cases. Instead, the configurable hardware logic device must be reconfigured during power up of the host computing device. For example, the new configuration can be loaded into non-volatile memory, such as an EEPROM, which is used to load the new configuration when the host computing device powers up. Since new configurations can be fairly large, this method for reloading the configurable hardware logic device takes a significant amount of time, in addition to the time required to reboot the host computing device, which is undesirable.

Methods for configurable hardware logic device reloading and devices thereof


An extendible working machine has a rotation/drive section, a working section, and a rod section which connects the rotation/drive section and the working section, transmits rotational force to the working section, and can be extended and retracted. The rod section has a tube body which can be extended and retracted, and also has a shaft body which extends in the axial direction within the tube body and which can be extended and retracted together with the tube body. The shaft body has a pipe shaft which is supported within the inner tube in a rotatable manner. Helical grooves are formed in the surface of the drive shaft. The drive shaft is connected to the pipe shaft so the pipe shaft can move in the axial direction along the outer surface of the drive shaft and so the rotation of the drive shaft is transmitted to the pipe shaft.

A working device conventionally used for trimming branches at high elevations has a working, section of a pole saw, etc. on the end of an extendible rod section and a drive section on the rear end of the rod section (See Patent Literatures 1 and 2). Various kinds of such working devices are available for kinds of operations. In the structure of such a working device, working sections and drive sections are optionally selected and replaced on a rod section according to the kind of operation.


A new Poinsettia plant named ‘EURZ0009’ particularly distinguished by an intense dark red bract color, medium-large sized inflorescences with a large set of pronounced cyathia, compact vigor and a tight plant habit.

The present invention comprises a new Poinsettia, botanically known as Euphorbia pulcherrima, and hereinafter referred to by the variety name 'EURZ0009'.
'EURZ0009' is a product of a planned breeding program. The new cultivar has intense dark red bract color, medium-large inflorescences with a large set of pronounced cyathia compact vigor and a tight plant habit.
'EURZ0009' originates from a hybridization in a controlled breeding program made in September 2012 in a greenhouse in Enkhuizen, The Netherlands. The female parent was a plant of E. pulcherrima parentage, identified as 'SYEP22866' and described in U.S. Plant Pat. No. 22,554 with smaller bracts and more branches when compared to 'EURZ0009'.
The male parent was a plant of E. pulcherrima parentage, identified as 'NPCW10158' and described in U.S. Plant Pat. No. 22,580 with a more round compact plant shape when compared to 'EURZ0009'.
These plants were multiplied separately and examined during next fall-winter flowering for uniformity and stability of the new combination of characteristics.
The first act of asexual reproduction of 'EURZ0009' had been accomplished when shoot tip cuttings were used from the initial selection in late July 2013, rooted and cultivated.
More cuttings were used from the selected plant from July through December 2013 and grafted onto rootstocks of the variety 'Maren', in order to improve the branching ability. Shoot tip cuttings from successfully grafted stems were used in the summer of summer of 2014. They were rooted and cultivated as branched plants for a small trial in the fall and winter of 2014.
Horticultural examinations of plants grown from cuttings of the plant started in the fall to winter of 2014. Examinations continuing thereafter on a larger scale, have demonstrated that the combination of characteristics as herein disclosed for 'EURZ0009' are firmly fixed and are retained through successive generations of asexual reproduction.


The classification system of a network device includes a cache in which a mapping between predefined characteristics of TCP/IP packets and associated actions are stored in response to the first “Frequent Flyer” packet in of a session. Selected characteristics from subsequent received packets of that session are correlated with the predefined characteristics and the stored actions are applied to the received packets if the selected characteristics and the predefined characteristics match, thus reducing the processing required for subsequent packets. The packets selected for caching may be data packets. For mismatched characteristics, the full packet search of the classification system is used to determine the action to apply to the received packet.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to communications networks in general and, in particular, to enhancing the data management capabilities of devices connected to said network.
2. Prior Art
The description which follows presupposes knowledge of network data communications and switches, network processors, adapters, routers, etc. as used in such communications networks. In particular, the description presupposes familiarity with the OSI model of network architecture which divides network operation into layers. A typical architecture based upon the OSI model of network architecture which divides network operation into layers. A typical architecture based upon the OSI model extends from Layer 1 (also sometimes identified as "L1") being the physical pathway or media through which signals are passed upwards through Layers 2, 3, 4 and so forth to Layer 7, the last mentioned being the layer of applications programming running on a computer system linked to the network. In this document, mention of L1, L2 and so forth is intended to refer to the corresponding layer of a network architecture. The disclosure also presupposes a fundamental understanding of bit strings known as packets and frames in such network communication.
A general model for a communications network may include one or more private networks coupled via a firewall or similar structure to a public network such as the World Wide Web (WWW) better known as the Internet. Communications between devices connected to the network, hereafter called network devices, may occur solely within the private network or through the firewall via the Internet to remote private networks.
In order to exchange information between network devices and to manage the network some type of protocol is required. The protocol could be characterized as a set of rules that govern access to the network and in some cases are used to keep the network in operable condition. Even though there are some standard protocols, such as ethernet, token ring, etc. that can be used on private networks for the most part private network may use any protocol management wishes to use. The only possible restriction is that network devices, on the private network, must be cognizant of the protocol or else the network devices will not be able to operate or communicate satisfactorily.
Because of the lack of uniformity on private protocols further discussion is limited to the public protocol which is used on the internet. The public protocol is referred to as TCP (Transmission Control Protocol)/IP (Internet Protocol). This is a well known protocol which is used to communicate over the internet.
One measure of performance for network devices, such as network processors, running IP routing applications is based upon the number of packets processed or classified within a set time interval such as one second. This in turn can be influenced by the type of classification that is required. For the purpose of routing packets in a network classification may be grouped as Layer 2 (L2), Layer 3 (L3), Layer 4 (L4) and above. The computational requirements for each of the layers increases from L2 to L4 and above.
For example, L2 classification may be as simple as finding a Media Access Control (MAC) table match. This procedure would require comparing a MAC Source Address (SA) or MAC Destination Address (DA) packet with addresses in a table. A more general approach is to use a Full Match Algorithm, such as the one disclosed in application Ser. No. 09/543,531 for L2 classification tasks.
L3 classifications can be used for routing and other L3 functions. L3 classification, if used for routing purposes, requires finding the longest prefix match between information in a packet and information in a database. A Longest Prefix Match Algorithm is used for L3 classification. The Longest Prefix Match Algorithm is more complex than the Full Match Algorithm and, therefore, requires more computational time.
L4 classification includes complex functions such as enforcement of filter rules with possible complex interceding ranges etc. This type of classification usually requires complex algorithm which use relatively long time interval to process a packet. The time interval to process a packet even increases for lookups or classification above L4. Processing above L4 classification is referred to as deep packet processing.
In view of the above, the throughput (number of packets processed per second) of a network device, such as a network processor, depends on the type of lookups or classifications carried out by the device. As a consequence, the computational resources of network processors are stressed when L3 and higher lookups are required. In addition, network processors are often required to carry out lookups with millions of packets per second which further stress the computational resources. With the resources of network processors being stressed, the likelihood of them being able to meet throughput requirements and at the same time process L3 and above lookups appears relatively low.

Caching lookups based upon TCP traffic flow characteristics

International Business Machines Corporation