A system for the compression and decompression of image files is provided. A library of basic waveforms is produced by applying selected digital initialization codes to a chaotic system. Each basic waveform is in one-to-one correspondence with an initialization code. A weighted sum of selected basic waveforms is used to approximate each slice of an image. The basic waveforms are then discarded and only the weighting factors and the corresponding initialization codes are stored in a compressed image file. When the compressed image file is decompressed for playback, the stored initialization codes are stripped out and applied to a similar chaotic system to regenerate the basic waveforms, which are recombined according to the stored weighting factors to produce an approximation of the original image slice.

In general, a chaotic system is a dynamical system which has no periodicity and the final state of which depends so sensitively on the system's precise initial state that its time-dependent path is, in effect, long-term unpredictable even though it is deterministic.
One approach to chaotic communication, Short, et al., Method and Apparatus for Secure Digital Chaotic Communication, U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/436,910 ("Short I"), describes a chaotic system controlled by a transmitter/encoder and an identical chaotic system controlled by a receiver/decoder. Communication is divided into two steps: initialization and transmission. The initialization step uses a series of controls to drive the identical chaotic systems in the transmitter/encoder and receiver/decoder into the same periodic state. This is achieved by repeatedly sending a digital initialization code to each chaotic system, driving each of them onto a known periodic orbit and stabilizing the otherwise unstable periodic orbit. The necessary initialization code contains less than 16 bits of information. The transmission step then uses a similar series of controls to steer the trajectories of the periodic orbits to regions of space that are labeled 0 and 1, corresponding to the plain text of a digital message.
Short, et al., Method and Apparatus for Compressed Chaotic Music Synthesis, U.S. Pat. No. 6,137,045 ("Short II"), describes the use of such an initialization step to produce and stabilize known periodic orbits on chaotic systems, which orbits are then converted into sounds that approximate traditional music notes. By sending a digital initialization code to a chaotic system, a periodic waveform can be produced that has a rich harmonic structure and sounds musical. The one-dimensional, periodic waveform needed for music applications is achieved by taking the x-, y-, or z-component (or a combination of them) of the periodic orbit over time as the chaotic system evolves. The periodic waveform represents an analog version of a sound, and by sampling the amplitude of the waveform over time, e.g., using audio standard PCM 16, one can produce a digital version of the sound. The harmonic structures of the periodic waveforms are sufficiently varied that they sound like a variety of musical instruments.
Short, Method and Apparatus for the Compression And Decompression of Audio Files, U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/597,101 ("Short III") describes the creation of a library of basic waveforms associated with a chaotic system by applying selected digital initialization codes to the chaotic system. Each initialization code is in one-to-one correspondence with a specific basic waveform, allowing the use of the corresponding initialization code to represent the basic waveform. The basic waveforms are then used to approximate a section of audio file.
The basic waveforms that are most closely related to the section of audio file are selected, and a weighted sum of the selected basic waveforms is used to approximate the section of audio file. Once a weighted sum is produced that approximates the section of audio file to a specified degree of accuracy, the basic waveforms can be discarded and only the weighting factors; the corresponding initialization codes; and certain frequency information are stored in a compressed audio file. The compressed audio file may also contain other implementation-dependent information, e.g. header information defining sampling rates, format, etc. When the compressed audio file is decompressed for playback, the initialization codes are stripped out and used to regenerate the basic waveforms, which are recombined according to the weighting factors in the compressed audio file to reproduce an approximation of the original section of audio file.
The present invention is a system for compression and decompression of image files. An image file may exist in any one of a number of commercially available formats, e.g. grayscale format, "yuv" format, "rgb" format, or any of a number of other formats in general use. In the grayscale format, the gray level is the sole variable, and each image in the image file represents a 2-dimensional matrix in which each position carries information about the gray level, which is just the degree of darkness on a scale of a fixed number of possible shades of gray, scaling from white to black. In the "rgb" format, every position in the 2-dimensional matrix carries information about the red level, green level and blue level, which is just the degree of intensity on the color scale. In the "yuv" format, one of the dimensions is a gray scale level, and the remaining two dimensions represent color levels.
The primary feature that separates an image file from time series data produced in an audio file is that the data in an image file comes in disconnected "slices," where the term slice denotes a single vertical or horizontal scan line on an analog screen or a single vertical or horizontal line of pixels in a digital image. For example, if the digital image is 1280×1024 pixels, there are 1280 rows, or slices, of 1024 pixels. Thus, the maximum slice length is externally imposed in an image application, and compression can be done on a slice of maximum length or on any portion thereof.
The first step in image file compression is to decompose an image first into slices of maximum length or any portion therof desired. The process is simplest to picture in the grayscale format, where the two-dimensional pixel matrix just has a single entry (the grayscale level) at each position in the matrix. In the "rgb" format, for example, it is best to picture the data in 3 separate two-dimensional pixel matrices. Each two-dimensional matrix would contain just the color level for a single color Forming a slice from one of the matrices is simply a matter of extracting a single row or column at a time. The data on each slice is either the gray level at each position on the slice if it is in grayscale format; the red level, green level or blue level at each position on the slice if it is in "rgb" format; or the gray level, first color level, or second color level in the "yuv" format.
The slice data differs from the time series data in an audio file in one important respect. Audio file data tends to be almost periodic on short time scales and oscillates around a zero. The slice data, which is a color level, often shows a definite trend, either increasing or decreasing over an extended span of pixels. It does not necessarily appear oscillatory and does not necessarily have the short-term periodic structure of chaotic waveforms. The solution to this problem can be achieved by taking the slice data and removing the trend line from the data to produce a detrended image slice. In the cases where there is a discontinuity in the trend of the data across the slice, one can break the slice up into a small number of shorter slices and remove the trend from the shorter slices. In one embodiment, the trend line may be replaced by a spline curve fit to the data or any other simple functional approximation of the large scale trends in the data. In another embodiment, the data on the slice is considered to be a one-dimensional collection of ordered data points, and a best-fit least squares regression line is calculated to fit the data. This best-fit line is the trend line, and once it is subtracted from the data, the residual difference, or detrended image slice, formed by subtracting the trend line from the image slice is oscillatory in nature. Trend line information describing the trend line is stored. The detrended image slice is now suitable for compression onto chaotic waveforms, following a procedure described below similar to that described in Short III.
In summary, a library of basic waveforms associated with a chaotic system is produced, by applying selected digital initialization codes to the chaotic system. The basic waveforms that can be produced with 16-bit initialization codes range from simple cases that resemble the sum of a few sine waves with an associated frequency spectrum containing only two or three harmonics, to extremely complex waveforms in which the number of significant harmonics is greater than 100. Importantly, the initialization codes are 16 bits regardless of whether the basic waveforms are simple or complex. By contrast, in a linear approach, one would expect the number of bits necessary to produce a waveform to be proportional to the number of harmonics in the waveform. The number of harmonics present in the waveforms is directly tied to the complexity of the structure, and it is generally true that if there are many harmonics in a waveform, there is more fine structure present in the waveform. This makes it possible to match the rapid variation often present in the detrended image slices and, further, since the spectral content of any sharp edges in a detrended image slice requires a high number of harmonics to reproduce the sharp edge, the fact that the chaotic waveforms have high harmonic content means that they are naturally suited to image reproduction. Equally importantly, each initialization code is in one-to-one correspondence with a specific basic waveform, allowing the use of the corresponding initialization code to represent the basic waveform. Then basic waveforms selected from the library are used to approximate a detrended image slice.
The basic waveforms that are most closely related to the detrended image slice are selected, and all the selected basic waveforms and the detrended image slice are transformed to a proper frequency range. Then, a weighted sum of the selected basic waveforms is used to approximate the detrended image slice. Once a weighted sum is produced that approximates the detrended image slice to a specified degree of accuracy, the basic waveforms can be discarded. Only the corresponding initialization codes; the weighting factors, the trend line information, and certain phase and frequency information described below are stored in a compressed image file. Once the detrended image slices from all the slices of an image file have been compressed, the processing can advance to the next image in the image file. The compressed image file may also contain other implementation-dependent information, e.g. header information defining aspect ratios, trend line specifications (e.g. slope and intercept) format, etc. When the compressed image file is decompressed for playback, the initialization codes are stripped out and used to regenerate the basic waveforms, which are transformed to the proper frequency range and recombined according to the weighting factors in the compressed image file to reproduce the detrended image slice. The trend line information is then read from the compressed image file and the trend across the original slice is then regenerated and added back to the detrended image slice. This reproduces an approximation of the original image slice.
The compressed image file can be transmitted, or stored for later transmission, to an identical chaotic system for decompression at a remote location. In practice, the remote location does not need the compression part of the system and would only use the decompression part of the system if playback of the image file is all that is desired.
A further degree of compression is often possible and desirable. After finding a suitable weighted sum of basic waveforms, the weighted sum can be examined and any waveforms that contribute less to the overall approximation than a specified threshold can be eliminated. When such waveforms are identified, the corresponding initialization codes can be removed from the compressed image file. Also, because the compression may be done on sequences of image, it is possible to look at the basic waveforms and the corresponding initialization codes to determine if there is a predictable pattern to the changes from image to image in the sequence . If such patterns are detected, further compression of the compressed image file can be achieved by storing only the requisite initialization code and information about the pattern of changes for subsequent images.
It is an object of the present invention to create compressed image files for distribution over the Internet. Compression ratios at better than 50-to-1 may be possible, which will allow for the transmission of image files over the Internet with greatly improved download speed. Compression of grayscale images is the most problematic application for image compression because the human eye is extremely sensitive to variations in light/dark levels. Consequently, in standard compression of grayscale image files, the data is either uncompressed, compressed at a ratio of 2:1 or compressed at a higher level with the realization that the image will be greatly degraded. Using the chaotic compression technique, it has been possible to compress 8-bit grayscale images by approximately 10:1, which would translate to approximately 20:1 for 16-bit grayscale images.
It is yet another object of the present invention to create compressed image files that are encrypted. For example, image files compressed with the present invention are naturally encrypted in accordance with Short I. In order to be able to decompress properly a compressed image file, it is necessary to have the proper chaotic decompressor. These decompressors can be distributed freely or to a group of registered users, thus allowing for some control over the distribution and reproduction of the compressed image files. Even greater control of the uses of the compressed image files can be achieved by incorporating a secondary layer of a secure chaotic distribution channel, using the technology described in Short I, to encode the digital bits of the compressed image files before transmitting them to a user. Since registered users can be given unique chaotic decoders, it will be possible to place a "security wrapper" around the compressed image files, so that only a registered user will be able to access it. It will also be possible to structure the security wrapper so that a movie file can be played a given number of times after paying a fee.

Method and apparatus for the compression and decompression of image files using a chaotic system


Technologies suitable for on-wafer testing in the ubiquitous computing era are disclosed. Among the inventive features disclosed are: 1) clustering of wafer test probe landing area sites for parallel test sequencing; 2) on wafer test wiring that runs along the wafer's scribe regions; 3) on-wafer test wiring that can be scribed and yet thwart the spread of contamination into the product die; 4) an RFID tag design that allows for on-wafer testing without imposing substantial semiconductor surface area penalty; 5) an RFID tag design that includes built-in self test (BIST) circuitry for the RFID tag's non-volatile memory.

"Moore's law" essentially describes the fundamental relationship between technological progress in the semiconductor arts and its commercial applications. According to one version of Moore's law, continually reduced transistor size (approximately a 60% critical dimension reduction every 18 months) and continually increased wafer size has resulted in the persistent decline of semiconductor integrated circuit "per unit cost". The history of the computing industry over the past 35-40 years serve as a proof of Moore's law in which shipped volume continually expands while per unit cost continually falls.
Over the course of the 1960s, 1970s and into the 1980s, the growth of the industry depended on low volume, highly expensive mainframe computers that were only affordable to large organizations such as major corporations and government institutions. From the 1980s through the 1990s the primary growth market of the industry shifted into higher volume but less expensive personal computers targeted for most desktops (home or office) in the industrialized world.
Currently, in the mid 2000s, another shift is underway in which the growth of the industry is expected to depend (often wirelessly) on commodity-like computing systems that are shipped in extraordinarily high volumes and are priced at extraordinarily low prices. This new era, referred to by some as the "ubiquitous computing" era, is expected to transfer the focus of new uses for computing intelligence from approximately every person (as with the personal computer) to potentially almost any object.
Traditional perspectives are therefore being challenged that computing system intelligence is too expensive to implement in certain "cost sensitive" applications. Examples include, to list just a few, smart electricity meters that transmit a home's electricity usage to a utility company, smart refrigerators that can download the identity of its contents to its owner's personal digital assistant while the owner is shopping in the grocery store; and, smart automobile dashboards that can track a car's GPS location and dynamically provide correct driving instructions to a specific destination.
Another "ubiquitous computing" application is Radio Frequency IDentification (RFID) tags. An RFID tag is a semiconductor chip that can positively respond to a wireless signal that inquires into the RFID tag's existence. RFID tags are expected to be applied at least to automated inventory management and distribution systems. As an example, after affixing an RFID tag to a pallet, the pallet will be able to wirelessly identify itself so as to enable the ability to track its whereabouts or manage its logistical transportation in an automated fashion.
RFID tags, like other solutions for the ubiquitous computing era, are sensitive to costs of production. Here, the less expensive an RFID tag, the easier it is to justify the expense of distributing RFID tags amongst goods that are warehoused and/or transported. In order to improve the cost structure of an RFID tag, its cost of manufacturing must be understood.
RFID tags, being semiconductor chips, are manufactured on wafers each containing many discrete RFID tag chips. If the RFID tag chips from a same wafer are not functionally tested for the first time until after they have been diced from the wafer and individually packaged, the expense of packaging the portion of chips that ultimately fail their functional test is pure economic waste. Therefore it behooves the RFID tag manufacturer to eliminate this waste through "on wafer" functional testing.
On wafer functional testing is the functional testing of semiconductor chips that have not yet been diced into individual chips from their corresponding wafer. FIG. 1a shows a traditional wafer 100 that has been organized into multiple identical patterns, each consisting of geometric data present on a mask set, or "reticle". (Though the term "reticle" literally applies to the tooling used to pattern the wafer, herein we shall use the term to signify the portion of a wafer uniquely fabricated from this pattern, for expediency.) A single reticle 101 has been shaded in FIG. 1a. Each reticle typically contains multiple semiconductor chips (often identically designed). Breaking down the design of the wafer as a whole into an array of reticles allows for "step-and-repeat" processes that are applied to the wafer during the manufacture of its semiconductor chips (e.g., photolithography).
Referring to FIG. 1b, when the chips on the semiconductor wafer 100 are ready to be tested, a tester 103 applies and receives test signals through a wafer test probe 102. A wafer test probe 102 is a special fixture that is designed to land on specific "landing pads" that have been manufactured on the wafer 100 for the purpose of receiving and/or sending test signals from/to the tester 103 to/from the wafer 100. Based on the results observed by the tester 103 in response to the signals applied by the tester 103, the tester identifies defective chips. The defective chips are identified as scrap, and, as a consequence, any packaging and further testing costs associated with their production is avoided.


Non-limiting examples described herein relate to representation of intelligent object movement. Examples described herein replace pre-canned object movement actions and provide new data transformations that better emphasize context related to object movement. An action for placement of a data object may be received. Non-limiting examples of actions comprise a movement of a data object or an object insertion of one or more data objects. The action is analyzed using an object movement data model that evaluates a context for placement of the data object. Insertion characteristics are applied to the data object based on analysis by the object movement data model. A movement of the data object is surfaced, through a user interface, based on the applied insertion characteristics. An exemplary surfaced movement presents a motion animation of the data object from an initial position within the digital canvas to a resting position within the digital canvas.

In real life, object movement may vary on an object to object basis due to positioning, force, size/mass, gravity, friction, etc. For instance, a piece of paper may fall to the ground very differently from a textbook. However, present applications/services are not configured to surface object movement actions that are contextually relevant for a processing state of the application/service. Thus, processing devices and application/services can be improved from a processing standpoint, for example, where operational efficiency and usability of applications/services can be improved through contextual data processing.


A data receiver for near field communication (NFC) includes an analog receiving unit and a digital processing unit. The analog receiving unit is configured to output one of received first data and modified received second data, according to an operation mode, the modified received second data being in-phase data and quadrature-phase data generated based on the received second data. The digital processing unit is configured to, determine a sampling characteristic of a first channel based on a first offset value, determine a sampling characteristic of a second channel based on a second offset value, detect a communication protocol of the received first data based on the first and second channels, and decode and store the received first data based on the detected communication protocol of the first data.

1. Technical Field
Example embodiments relate generally to a wireless communication technology, and more particularly to a data receiver and a wireless communication system including the data receiver.
2. Description of the Related Art
Recently, near filed communication (NFC), which is a type of wireless communication technology, has been extensively used. A wireless communication system employing the NFC can perform both data writing and data reading functions. In addition, since the communication distance is short, the wireless communication system employing the NFC may ensure high security and may be implemented at low cost. A data receiver for NFC may receive various types of data according to a communication protocol, and thus technologies to effectively detect the type of data received in the data receiver for NFC have been developed.
The conventional data receiver for NFC samples received data and detects communication protocols by using a single channel in a card mode. In this case, the waveforms of the received data may be distorted. Therefore, the conventional data receiver for NFC may erroneously detect the communication protocols of the received data based on the distorted waveforms and the data receiving performance may be degraded. For this reason, a method of detecting the communication protocol by varying the sampling characteristic of single channel has been suggested, but this method has the problem in that the detection speed is reduced.

Data receiver for near field communication and wireless communication system including the same


The invention relates to a video camera system comprising a mobile video camera 1 and a base station 2. The camera 1 comprises means of acquiring images and means of radio transmission of the acquired images. The base station 2 comprises means of radio reception for receiving the acquired images. The system comprises evaluation means AGC, MER, BER and 500 for evaluating the quality of the transmission between the camera 1 and the base station 2, and display means 506 to 509 for displaying information QR relating to the quality of transmission.

1. Field of the Invention
The invention relates to a wireless video camera, and more respectively to cameras and systems of cameras intended to supply live images.
2. Related Art
Professional video cameras serve to film an image sequence so as to replay it generally on a television. Some video cameras are intended to supply live images. The expression "supply live images" should be understood to mean broadcast images to the antenna while the camera is capturing the images. This type of video camera is generally intended for multi-camera professional use.
To be able to supply live images, the most prevalent camera system is a camera linked to a camera control component by way of a triaxial cable better known as a triax. The camera control component allows remote monitoring of most of the parameters of the camera so as in particular to be able to inter-calibrate the cameras during picture shots. The use of a cable yields mobile cameras whose movements are limited by the cable. Operators sometimes have to ensure passage of the cable during displacements of the camera.
It is moreover known to resort to wireless systems in order to circumvent the limitations engendered by the cable. Analog transmission systems are known. A drawback of analog systems is the use of wide bandwidths at high frequencies which necessitate the pointing of the reception antenna. In order to tailor or control the parameters of the cameras, it is known to resort to a return path of much higher frequency and a much narrower spectrum. Should there be an obstacle in the transmission path or should the reception antenna be pointed wrongly, noise appears on the image received by the control component. When the producer reckons that the noise is too great he does not select the camera.
Wireless video cameras using digital transmission are currently offered by camera manufacturers. Various transmission systems are possible. However, all digital transmission systems comprise the use of an error correcting code in order to circumvent the noise-related degradations of the transmission channel. The noise of the channel depends on numerous parameters relating to the environment in which the camera is deployed and relating to the distance between the camera and the antenna of a base station. Worst situation operating conditions are defined so as to have an approximation of the corresponding maximum noise in order to determine which corrector code should be used. Whatever the estimation of the maximum noise of the channel and the corrector code used, there is always a moment at which the camera is in a critical operating situation and when the number of errors to be corrected exceeds the permitted error correction threshold. When the error correction ratio is exceeded, it results in an abrupt loss of image which cannot be anticipated by the producer. Such a problem is especially detrimental to the use of such cameras for supply live images.


Techniques are presented herein to enable a first device participating in a conference session to adapt its displayed content being shared from a second device that has a larger display and can therefore display a larger area of content than the first device is capable of displaying. The first device has a first display and displays a portion of content being displayed on a second display of the second device that is being shared with the first device during an online conference session. The first device detects when a first change has occurred in the content that is outside of the portion displayed on the first display. A graphical element is displayed on the first display, the graphical element indicating that the first change has occurred in the content outside of the portion being displayed on the first device.

Certain conference applications seek to offer "in-person" meeting experiences over a network. These applications allow users to log in to enter a virtual meeting where audiovisual, desktop, and other multimedia information can be shared. Virtual meetings and conferences have an appeal because they can be held without the associated travel inconveniences and costs. In addition, virtual meetings can provide a sense of community to participants who are dispersed geographically.
One feature certain conference applications utilize is the ability to share desktop or application content displayed on one user device with numerous other user devices. With this feature, one user device transmits an image of its displayed content to a plurality of end users, which can view the content and any changes being made thereon.
Increasingly, mobile phones and other small-screen devices are being utilized to participate in these virtual meetings. A problem arises when viewing content presented on a relatively large display of one user in a conference session which is being dynamically updated for display on a small-screen device of another user in a conference session. The user of the small-screen device may only be able to see a portion of the content displayed on the larger display. If changes were made to the content outside of the viewing area of the small-screen device, the user of the small-screen device may fail to notice the changes.

Content sharing system for small-screen devices


This invention relates to improved methods for the preparation, purification, and processing of poly(heteroaromatic) block copolymers, as well as compositions prepared by these methods. Methods relate to preparation of multiblock and triblock copolymers of intrinsically conducting polymers (ICPs) containing at least one block of a poly(heteroaromatic) polymer and at least two blocks of a non-conducting polymer. This invention provides polymer solutions or dispersions of improved stability and better film-forming properties. The poly(heteroaromatic) block copolymers are obtained in their conducting or doped form, and are retained in a solvated, wet form throughout the production and purification processes. Stable solutions or dispersions of the purified copolymers in organic solvents, water, or mixtures thereof are provided. Stable solutions or dispersions of ICPs are useful in the preparation of semiconducting and conducting films, blends, and coatings on a variety of substrates using standard processing and coating techniques.

Intrinsically conducting polymers (ICP) are polymers with extended π conjugation along the molecular backbone. Oxidation (p-doping) of the polymer transforms the chains from neutral species to poly(cation)s. Macroscopically the electrical conductivity of these polymers increases by several orders of magnitude upon oxidation. The delocalization of the positive charges (holes) along the conjugated π electron system is responsible for the conductivity of these materials. Because of their extended π conjugation and poly(ionic) nature, most conducting polymers do not melt or dissolve in common solvents, and therefore can not be processed.
Intrinsically conducting polymers have been produced chemically from a solvated mixture of monomer(s) and oxidizers. The polymerization takes place as monomer units are oxidized to form radical cations. These radical species couple with each other with the loss of two protons, forming a colvalent bond. Doping also occurs simultaneously with polymerization via oxidation and results in the formation of positively charged conducting polymer chains. This ionic character causes aggregation of polymer chains, and leads to an insoluble material that precipitates from solution during the oxidative polymerization process. Overall, what results from the oxidative polymerization reaction is a solvent mixture of doped polymer precipitate, spent oxidizing agent, acid, and any unreacted monomer or oxidizing agent. Typically, the intrinsically conducting polymer product is purified by filtration from the above mixture to a "dried" state (the terms dried, dry, drying, etc. herein are used broadly to refer generally to removal of any organic solvent, water and mixtures thereof to form a solid residue or powder) followed by further washing and drying of the filtered product.
The advantage of the oxidative chemical polymerization described above is that the polymer is obtained in its stable doped state. High conductivity or heavy doping can provide the desired electronic properties in a given material, but this very same process leads to a highly ionic character along the polymer chains. Again, this ionic character causes aggregation and precipitation of polymer chains to form an insoluble product.
Poly(heteroaromatic) polymers are a class of ICPs made by oxidative polymerization of heteroaromatic monomers (see below). Many methods for chemically polymerizing heteroaromatic ICPs are known to those skilled in the art. In general, chemical polymerization is carried out by the combination of a chemical oxidizing agent and one or more heteroaromatic monomer(s). The polymerization is usually carried out in water, a polar organic solvent, or a mixture thereof. However, the procedure leads to the formation of the oxidized or doped form of the heteroaromatic ICP. This doped form is positively charged and retains charge-balancing anions. The ionic nature of this material causes it to self-aggregate; the particles formed from this aggregation become insoluble and precipitate out of solution.
For example, McCullough has described what is known as the "ferric chloride" or "FeCl3" method of polymerizing polythiophenes, a type of poly(heteroaromatic) ICP. This method involves the use of FeCl3 as the oxidant combined with one or more thiophene monomers all dissolved and reacted in chloroform [McCullough, R. D., Advanced Materials, 10, (1998) 93-116].
Lefebvre et al. describe a method for producing poly(styrene sulfonate)-doped poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene) or PEDOT (another poly(heteroaromatic) ICP)) using either ferric chloride or ferric nitrate in water or in water/acetonitrile mixtures. The described method resulted in "deep blue powders" that were filtered, washed, and dried to yield an insoluble, intractable powder. They also describe the formation of dispersions of these powders in 20% suspensions of poly(tetrafluoroethylene) in some unidentified solvent; the details of this procedure, including the solvent used are not provided. This suspension was treated with ultrasound and "spread uniformly onto carbon fiber paper" for use as an electrode structure. No characterization was carried out on this film other than electrochemistry [Lefebvre, M. et al., Chemistry of Materials, 11, (1999) 262-268].
The formation of non-poly(heteroaromatic) ICPs as dispersible or otherwise processable solids has been reported. U.S. Pat. No. 5,567,355 (Wessling, B. et al.) reports a process for the formation of intrinsically conducting polyaniline powder in the form of a dispersible dry solid. The preparation process of this patent is specific to the chemistry and electrochemistry of the aniline monomer and polymer. U.S. Pat. No. 4,935,164 (Wessling, B. M. et al.) reports a process for forming blends of ICPs in liquid thermoplastics or solvent dissolved plastics. Examples reported include the use of polyacetylene and polypyrrole as the electrically conducting filler in blends, but poly-para-phenylenes and polyanilines are also reported to be useful. The reported process and blends formed from that process use a dry solid form of the ICP to improve the conductivity of the resulting blend. U.S. Pat. No. 5,254,633 (Han, et al.) reports a process for preparing polyaniline-coated polymer or copolymer particles. They also report the preparation of polymer-particle blends incorporating these polyaniline-coated particles to impart conducting properties to the overall blend.
U.S. Pat. No. 5,498,761 (Wessling, B. et al.) reports a process for the production of ICP films on substrates by coating from a "metastable dispersion". This patent states that "the concentration of the dispersed conductive polymers in the solvents can be selected within in a very wide range, from almost zero (e.g. 10−5%) to over 5%". In addition, this patent teaches that gel formation in the ICP compositions is undesirable for use in forming thin films.
Published PCT application WO03018648 (published Mar. 6, 2003) and published U.S. patent application 20030088032 (published May 8, 2003) (Luebben et al.) report block copolymers containing at least one block of a poly(heteroaromatic) polymer and at least two blocks of a non-conjugated polymer. The chemically different blocks of the copolymer are covalently bonded to each other in an alternating fashion through an appropriate linkage group. The poly(heteroaromatic) polymer is an intrinsically conducting polymer (ICP) and when the ICP block or blocks of the block copolymer are in the doped form, the block copolymer is electrically conducting. These applications also provide a method for the preparation of such block copolymers comprising a first step in which a non-conducting block of appropriate molecular weight is modified with one or two linkage groups that undergo oxidative polymerization, and a second step in which the modified non-conducting block is copolymerized with a heteroaromatic monomer under oxidative conditions to form a tri- or a multi-block copolymer. Tri-block copolymers are formed using non-conducting blocks that have one linkage group, while multi-block copolymers are formed using non-conducting blocks that have two linkage groups. Tri-block copolymers have the form BAB (where "A" is the poly(heteroaromatic conducting block, and "B" is a non-conducting polymeric segment), while multi-block copolymers contain a minimum of 4 blocks (e.g. ABAB).
Published applications WO03018648 and US 20030088032 report that copolymers containing blocks of poly(heteroaromatic) ICPs spaced by blocks of non conducting polymers form finely-divided dispersions in organic solvents, and that these dispersions can be used to cast thin films. The block copolymers reported in these applications are easier to process than the corresponding intrinsically conducting homopolymers. While these applications can provide dispersions of poly(heteroaromatic) copolymers which are sufficiently stable to be used in practical commercial applications immediately after their preparation, the present invention provides improved polymerization, purification and dispersion techniques which result in significant improvements in shelf life and long-term stability of such dispersions which further promotes the commercial utility of ICP polymers. Furthermore, dispersions prepared according to this invention have small average number particle size, narrow particle size distribution, and good wetting properties on glass and organic substrates. Thin films prepared from these dispersions are uniform and electrically conducting.
There remains a significant and continuing need in the art for conducting polymers that exhibit improved processability and mechanical and physical properties, and stable forms of solutions or dispersions that have sufficient lifetime (a minimum shelf-life of 3 months is preferred) to allow their use as ready-to-use commercial products.

Methods of production, purification, and processing of poly(heteroaromatic) block copolymers with improved solubility or dispersability


An image sensing device includes a substrate layer in which an array of photoelectric conversion elements is formed, grid structures disposed over the substrate layer to divide space above the substrate into different sensing regions, each grid structure including an air layer, color filters formed to fill bottom portions of spaces between the grid structures, the color filters having a higher refractive index than the air layer, and a lens layer disposed over the grid structures and the color filters such that part of the lens layer fills top portions of the spaces between the grid structures, the lens layer having a higher refractive index than of the color filters.

An image sensing device is a semiconductor device for converting an optical image into electrical signals. With the development of automotive, medical, computer, and communication industries, the demand for high-performance image sensors is increasing in various devices such as digital cameras, camcorders, personal communication systems (PCSs), game consoles, surveillance cameras, medical micro-cameras, robots, etc.


A sewing machine and a method for managing manufacture of the sewing machine that effectively utilize production information in a manufacture process or a repair process of the sewing machine. The sewing machine may include a stitch formation device that forms stitches in work cloth by relatively moving the work cloth with respect to a vertically moving needle; a display device that displays a record of performing an operational test, in which operations of the sewing machine are adjusted or confirmed, the operational test including test items; and a performance record storage device that stores the performance record, the performance record being correlated with the test items of the operational test.

The related technical fields include a sewing machine and a method for managing manufacture of the sewing machine. More specifically, the related technical fields include a sewing machine that is equipped with a CPU so that sewing processing may be automatically performed and a method for managing manufacture of the sewing machine.

Sewing machine and method for managing manufacture of the same


A device for applying a layer of material within a thin-walled pressure vessel may include one or more maneuvering actuators configured to direct the device within the thin-walled pressure vessel, an applicator operatively coupled to the one or more maneuvering actuators, and a controller operatively coupled to the one or more maneuvering actuators and the applicator, the controller is configured to control the one or more maneuvering actuators and the applicator. The applicator may include an expander configured to apply pressure along a portion of an inner wall of the thin-walled pressure vessel, a receptacle configured to secure the material to the device and position the material along the inner wall of the thin-walled pressure vessel, and a bonder configured to bond the material along the inner wall of the thin-walled pressure vessel.

The inside and outside of many thin-walled pressure vessels are often inaccessible to humans. For example, natural gas pipelines are buried below the ground to avoid inadvertent collisions that could result in fire or explosions. At the same time, it is often too dangerous for humans to enter pipelines for inspections and repair. The inspection and repair of thin-walled pressure vessels inaccessible to human is arduous and costly. Moreover, repairs often include halting transportation of the fluid and evacuating the fluid from the thin-walled pressure vessels, which results in a delay in delivery of the fluid and potentially of drop in production. As such, a technique for inspecting and repairing inaccessible thin-walled pressure vessels is desired, particularly, in situ, while the thin-walled pressure vessels is filled with fluid or transporting the fluid.

Additive manufacturing technique for thin-wall pressure vessels


A digital video cassette recorder capable of preventing a picture from being distorted during a search, and a method for processing a picture according to the same are provided. The digital video cassette recorder includes a search command applier, a reproduction unit for outputting data reproduced in a normal mode according to a fourth control signal, a switch for selecting reproduced data output by the reproduction unit for a predetermined time according to a first control signal, a memory for storing the image data which is reproduced at the normal mode and output from the switch, a display for displaying the image data stored in the memory according to a second control signal, a capstan motor for converting a traveling speed of a tape in accordance with a normal reproduction mode or a search mode according to a third control signal, and a controller for outputting the fourth, first, second and third control signals for controlling the reproduction unit, the switch, the display and the capstan motor, respectively, when a search command is provided by the search command applier. As a result, picture distortion occurring on the display during search can be prevented.

1. Technical Field
The present invention relates to a digital video cassette recorder, and more particularly, to a digital video cassette recorder for preventing picture distortion during search, and a method for processing a picture using the same.
2. Related Art
Analog video cassette recorders adopt a consecutive recording method, but digital video cassette recorders adopt a non-consecutive recording method. Thus, the digital video cassette recorder displays a non-recognizable image, (i.e., an image signal whose image pixels are not arranged) on its screen, while image data recorded in a recording medium is searched.
The digital video cassette recorder has a search mode and a normal reproduction mode. The digital video cassette recorder cannot reproduce a picture having the quality of a normal picture in the search mode, since it scans more tracks at a time than in the normal reproduction mode. Accordingly, image data which is difficult for a human to recognize is displayed during the search mode.
The following patents are considered to be representative of the prior art, and are burdened by the disadvantages set forth herein: U.S. Pat. No. 5,583,936 to Wonfor et al., entitled Video Copy Protection Process Enhancement To Introduce Horizontal And Vertical Picture Distortions, U.S. Pat. No. 5,452,096 to Ito, entitled Recording/Reproducing Apparatus Wherein The Same Frame Of A Video Signal Is Repeatedly Read Out Of A Memory To Produce Special Effects, U.S. Pat. No. 5,179,479 to Ahn, entitled Method Of High Speed Searching For A Desired Tape Portion In A Digital Audio Tape Recorder, U.S. Pat. No. 5,748,332 to Lee, entitled Video Repeat Reproduction Method And Apparatus, U.S. Pat. No. 5,233,485 to Yang, entitled Index Search Method And system Thereof For Digital Video Cassette Tape Recorder, U.S. Pat. No. 5,406,381 to Han, entitled Character-Displayed Index Search System And Method, U.S. Pat. No. 5,510,889 to Kim, entitled Method Of Multi-Speed Recording-Reproducing A Video Signal I Digital Video Cassette Recorder, U.S. Pat. No. 5,523,896 to Park, entitled Variable Speed Reproducing Apparatus For A Digital Video Cassette Recorder, U.S. Pat. No. 5,528,382 to Kato et al., entitled Reproduction Apparatus For Video Signals Accompanied By Control Information, U.S. Pat. No. 5,587,789 to Lee et al., entitled Apparatus And Method For Controlling Recording And Reproduction In Digital Video Cassette Tape Recorder, U.S. Pat. No. 5,479,265 to Kim et al., entitled Video Data Recording Apparatus For Digital Video Cassette Recorder, U.S. Pat. No. 5,418,623 to Park, entitled Method Of Recording And Reproducing A Video Signal With Improved Quality During Variable Speed Operation, and U.S. Pat. No. 5,675,693 to Kagoshima, entitled Video Signal Reproducing Apparatus With Plural Search Functions.

This patent is subject to a terminal disclaimer.

Digital video cassette recorder for preventing picture distortion during search and method for processing picture using the same


An analytical device is provided. The device comprises a liquid-impervious top support layer that defines a rim around an open port. A porous reaction membrane having an upper surface and a lower surface is proximal to the top support layer, such that a portion of the reaction membrane upper surface and rim define a sample receiving well. The reaction membrane upper surface is sealed to the lower surface of the top support layer by water-insoluble adhesive so as to form a liquid-impervious seal therebetween. An absorbent body is proximal to and in liquid communication with the lower surface of the reaction membrane. The analytical device may further comprise a liquid-impervious bottom support layer which is attached to the lower surface of the absorbent body. The device can be used in immunoassays for the detection of a bindable substance in a liquid sample containing the target substance.

The technical field of this invention concerns analytical devices for use in determining the presence of a bindable target substance (i.e. analyte) in a liquid sample suspected of containing such substance. Numerous analytical devices, in various configurations, have been used for this purpose. Many of these devices employ reaction membranes onto which a receptor capable of specifically binding to the target substance, is immobilized. In the assay that employs these types of devices, typically the sample to be tested is applied to the reaction membrane. If the target substance is present in the sample, it will bind to the immobilized receptor. Various methods are used to determine whether the target substance has bound to the receptor, thus indicating its presence in the sample. In one commonly used method, an antibody that is capable of specifically binding to the target substance and that is attached to a detectable label is applied to the membrane.
Membrane-based immunoassays and devices have greatly simplified medical diagnostics. In the past, enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISA) were the most common type of diagnostic assay. These assays were usually performed by skilled technicians in a clinical laboratory. With a typical ELISA, relatively long incubation times are required. Therefore, the assay usually takes over an hour to perform. Additionally, ELISAs are designed for testing samples in batches. Therefore, a sample is generally not tested until a sufficient number of samples have been obtained for testing. As a result, a patient may not receive test results until days after providing a sample. Membrane-based immunoassays have the advantage that they can be performed individually or in batch. Thus, a membrane-based immunoassays can be performed in a doctor's office rather than in a clinical laboratory. Individual tests can be performed, and results obtained, usually under 10 minutes. Quantitative results can also be provided by special instruments designed to read the test results.
The sensitivity of reaction-membrane type immunoassays (i.e. the ability to detect very low levels of target substance) can be increased if the sample is concentrated through the reaction membrane. With some devices, concentration of the sample through the reaction membrane is achieved by having an absorbent material beneath the reaction membrane that draws the sample, which is added to the top of the membrane, through the membrane and into the absorbent material below. Membrane-based immunoassays that utilize absorbent materials to concentrate sample are exemplified in U.S. Pat. No. 5,006,464 to Chu et al., U.S. Pat. No. 4,818,677 to Hay-Kaufman et al., and U.S. Pat. No. 4,632,901 to Valkirs et al., and U.S. Pat. No. 5,185,127 to Vonk et al.
The membrane and absorbent material of the analytical devices described in each of the patents referenced above are contained in a plastic housing having a top member and a bottom member which are joined together under compression to hold the membrane and absorbent material in place and in contact with each other. The use of sufficient compression facilitates the downward flow of the sample through the membrane. If there is insufficient compression, sample would tend to flow laterally across the membrane, thus reducing the amount of sample that flows through the center of the reaction membrane where the receptor is usually located. These types of analytical devices are typically assembled individually which can make the manufacturing process complicated and costly.
There is a continued need to further simplify membrane-based immunoassays and analytical devices therefor, as well as the analytical device manufacturing process to make them easier to use and more affordable. This is particularly true in developing countries, where a simple, rapid, sensitive, specific, storage-stable and economical diagnostic assay and analytical device would be ideal.

Analytical device for membrane-based assays


Machine for brewing coffee or beverage having at lease one single-serving brewing module, and at least one multi-serving brewing module connected to a commonly shared pump, water reservoir, and boiler. A flow controller is connected to the boiler, pump, and water reservoir, and in one position, the flow controller is connected to the single-serving brewing module, and in another position, the flow controller is connected to the multi-serving brewing module. The water reservoir, pump, boiler and flow controller are connected in series with suitable piping. The flow rate, temperature, and the amount of water to distribute to brewing module(s) are controlled, monitored and adjusted by a control system. The single-brewing module can be adapted to brew prepackaged coffee pods.

Throughout this application, various publications are referenced. Disclosures of these publications in their entireties are hereby incorporated by reference into this application to more fully describe the state of the art to which this invention pertains.
At the present time, there are a few single-serving type coffee (and beverage) machines out in the market, which can make a good cup of high quality coffee easily, conveniently and instantly. However, it could be quite cumbersome and inconvenient for the user if he or she needs to make many cups of coffee or beverage for a large group of people at the same time using a single-serving type coffee or beverage machine, as the user would need to repeat the same operation many times. Although the overall actual brewing time of a typical single-serving machine is still faster than conventional drip-type coffee machines, it is still too much work and too tedious for the user to make one cup of coffee at a time for a group of people.
At the present time, there are also a few combined coffee machines in the market, which are capable of brewing coffee and espresso simultaneously or independently. However, these machines are more costly and are more prone to breakdown or malfunction because they contain additional parts, such as two heating systems.
Generally, combined coffee machines in the market use a horseshoe type heater for making regular drip coffee, and a boiler system for making espresso coffee. Most combined machines combine two separate systems into one unit rather than sharing a single system with shared or common components, including but not limited to heaters, boilers and control system, for making different types and amounts coffee or beverage as the machine of the present invention.
European Patent No. 1086641 discloses a combined coffee machine and steam generator having a multi-switching valve which in one position connects water reservoir to water heater and allows hot water to be fed to riser pipe leading to coffee filter container and in second position allows limited quantity of water to be fed to pressure store via separately filling funnel for heating via water heater. A related Italian Patent (IT 1249124) discloses a machine comprising a pump connected to a boiler. The said machine has a control system which controls the flow of water into the boiler. By actuating a switch, the user sets the machine to one mode to make strong coffee. By switching the machine to coffee-filter mode the control system is activated to control the pump and heating elements or boiler.
The above-mentioned coffee machines have many drawbacks and limitations, which are summarized below:    1. Only one module of coffee machines mentioned above can be used at a time. However, the system or machine of the present invention can use either one or both modules to make a cup and/or a jug of coffee at the same time.    2. The single-serving module of the coffee machine mentioned above produces very strong espresso coffee using the method of conveying highly pressurized, i.e. 6–12 bar, and superheated water through the fine ground coffee to make espresso coffee. However, the system or machine of the present invention produces regular coffee by the method of pumping the low pressure (below 3 bar) water through coffee pod or ground coffee.    3. The boiler system of the coffee machine mentioned above is used for making both espresso coffee and steam, which required higher water temperature, i.e. over 100° C. Hence the hot water temperature for brewing filter coffee is superheated. The system or machine of the present invention uses an electronic temperature control device to control and maintain the hot water at the desired temperature, i.e. below 100° C., which is always suitable for making a cup or a jug of regular coffee.    4. The coffee machines mentioned above uses high pressure type boiler, i.e. closed type boiler, which can also produce steam. The system or machine of the present invention uses a low pressure displacement type boiler, which is open to the atmosphere, and is easier to maintain or repair, cost less to manufacture, and has a longer operating life. The boiler of the present invention cost less than high pressure boilers because thinner materials can be used to manufacture boilers which are suitable for low pressure applications.
An object of the present invention is to provide a multipurpose coffee- or beverage-making machine having a flow controller which in one position connects the water reservoir or external water supply, pump and water heater which are connected in series by suitable piping to a single-serving coffee brewing chamber or module, and in a second position to a multi-serving coffee brewing chamber or module.
In another aspect of the present invention, the single-serving and multi-serving brewing chamber or module can operate alone independently or simultaneously without affecting the quality of the brewed coffee or beverage.
In another aspect of the present invention, the outlet temperature of the heated water from the boiler, the flow rate, pressure, and the amount of flow of the heated water to each brewing chamber or module are controlled and monitored by a control system.
In another aspect of the present invention, the single-serving brewing chamber or module is adapted to brew prepackage coffee pods (or pads).
The benefits of the present invention are outlined below:    1. By sharing common components, including but not limited to the pump, water reservoir and boiler, the coffee or beverage machine would be more cost effective, smaller in size, and more reliable as there is less chance for the machine to malfunction or breakdown.    2. Through the use of an electric pump, the user can program the coffee or beverage machine to brew the desired number of cups of coffee or beverage, thus minimizing waste. Most conventional household drip-type coffee makers use heating element only, thus they can not control the amount of water to dispense.    3. The multi-serving brewing chamber or module of this invention can also brew high quality coffee, similar to the single-serving brewing chamber or module, by using a control system to control, maintain and optimize the water temperature, water flow rate, and optimal coffee brewing time or the amount of time the heated water is in contact time with the coffee grounds.    4. Since the machine of the present invention uses an electric pump, the location or position of the water tank/reservoir is more flexible because the appropriate water head (water pressure) needed to deliver the water from the water tank or reservoir to the brewing chamber or module will be a concern. The water supply or reservoir can be placed in front or on the side of the machine. The water can even be plumbed into the machine directly from the water pipes.
The foregoing objects and advantages of the present invention are illustrative of those that can be achieved by the present invention and are not intended to be exhaustive or limiting of the possible advantages which can be realized. Thus, these and other objects and advantages of the invention will be apparent from the description herein or can be learned from practicing the invention, both as embodied herein or as modified in view of any variation which may be apparent to those skilled in the art. Accordingly, the present invention resides in the novel methods, arrangements, combinations and improvements herein shown and described.


A grain cart and foldable auger assembly having an upper auger assembly portion with a discharge portion, a lower auger assembly portion with an intake portion, and a compound angle joint that allows the upper auger assembly portion to be moved between operating and transport positions. When in an operating position, the upper auger portion and the lower auger portion are offset from each other by an operating offset angle. When in a transport position, the upper auger assembly portion is offset from the lower auger assembly portion by a transport offset angle such that the upper auger assembly portions folded across the front of the grain cart in a non-obstructive and non-protruding manner.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates generally to grain carts and, more particularly, to grain carts having folding augers.
2. Description of the Related Art
In agriculture, augers are frequently used to move material from a cart to another cart, silo, truck, or other storage facility. Augers used to move grain are known as grain augers and are frequently employed in grain carts. A typical grain auger includes an auger screw of constant diameter and pitch that is housed inside a tubular housing or shaft to form an auger assembly. An intake portion of the auger assembly can draw from a hopper (usually by gravity) attached to it to receive grain or other material from the hopper and the other end (i.e., the discharge end) has a chute or the like to guide the grain or other material into its destination. It is well known in the art to attach an auger assembly to a grain cart to off-load the grain cart.
As a grain cart with a fully extended auger can be somewhat unwieldy during transport, many grain carts employ folding augers that can open to an operating position and fold to a transport position. In general, a folding auger assembly includes a lower auger assembly and an upper auger assembly. When in the operating position, the upper and lower auger assemblies function as one co-linear auger. When in transport position, the upper auger portion folds to reduce the height and the width of the grain cart. Folding the auger assembly makes it easier to transport the grain cart on roads.
U.S. Patent Application Publication Nos. 2004/0184905, 2007/0119688, and 2005/0238470 as well as U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,655,872, 5,340,265, 4,846,621, 5,628,608, 6,422,376 all disclose folding augers with distinct disadvantages. For instance, none of them maximize side and forward reach when in an operating position and minimize transport size when in a transport position. Another disadvantage of prior art folding augers is that the folding motion may not clear the cab of some tractors, making it difficult to convert the auger between operating and transport positions.


An anti-theft tag deterring theft of a ring is provided. The anti-theft tag includes an elongated housing for accommodating an EAS marker, a product support member that locks into the housing and which supports the ring, and a flexible, tear resistant strap for securing the ring to the support member, the strap being disposed at least partially within the housing during use. In one embodiment, the support member includes an arcuate seat portion for supporting a circular shank portion of the ring, and a locking member that locks into a corresponding cavity in the housing. In use, the tear resistant strap extends over the ring shank, and the strap ends are received within the cavity of the housing to protect the strap from unauthorized removal by a consumer.

It is well known in the art of theft deterrence to use electronic article surveillance (EAS) sensors in order to discourage the theft of consumer products. In use, EAS sensors trigger an alarm if not detached or disarmed before the product is removed from the store. For many products, electronic sensors have been very effective in deterring theft. However, such sensors can be difficult to attach to certain products, for example jewelry, and can often be easily removed from such items even when attached. One higher price item that is difficult to effectively attach an electronic sensor to is a ring. It can be difficult to attach sensors to the band of a ring because if the sensors are overly rigid or cumbersome they can limit the customer's ability to try on the ring before purchasing. However, if the tag is easily removed it will not serve as a deterrent. Thus, tags to prevent theft are often attached to rings by using a thin, yet flexible, tear resistant plastic strap. One such tag is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,720,498. In the '498 patent the anti-theft tag includes an elongated housing that is attached to the ring by a tear resistant strap that is secured to an outer surface of the tag by a pressure sensitive adhesive. The tag is inserted within a ring display system including slots for receiving the body of the anti-theft tag. While generally effective, attaching the strap to the outside of a tag allows a consumer to tamper with the attachment of the strap in an attempt to remove it.


An image forming apparatus includes a housing having an opening, a cover movable between an open position and a closed position, a first photoconductive drum and a second photoconductive drum, a first exposing head having a first boss and rotatably coupled to the cover, a second exposing head having a second boss and rotatably coupled to the cover, and a cam rotatably coupled to each of the first exposing head and the second exposing head. The cam is configured to rotate each of the first exposing head and the second exposing head. The cam includes (i) a first elongated hole into which the first boss fits and extending a direction intersecting a movement direction in which the cam moves and (ii) a second elongated hole into which the second boss fits and extending in a direction intersecting the movement direction of the cam.

The following disclosure relates to an image forming apparatus.
There has been known a conventional image forming apparatus including a housing having an opening, a first exposing head, a second exposing head, and a cam. The cover is movable between an open position at which the opening is open and a closed position at which the opening is closed. Each of the first exposing head and the second exposing head is rotatably coupled to the cover. The first exposing head includes a first boss having a cylindrical shape. The second exposing head incudes a second boss having a cylindrical shape. The cam is movable with respect to the cover based on movement of the cover. The cam includes a first hole into which the first boss fits and a second hole into which the second boss fits. The first hole has an oval shape that is greater than the first boss. The second hole has a circular shape that is the same diameter as the second boss.
In the image forming apparatus, when the cover moves from the closed position to the open position, the cam moves based on the movement of the cover, and, first, the second exposing head starts rotating so as to move closer to the cover, and then the first exposing head starts rotating so as to move closer to the cover.

Image forming apparatus having cover with link to support exposure heads


Various embodiments for managing data in a data deduplication repository in a computing storage environment, by a processor device, are provided. In one embodiment, a method comprises issuing an application programming interface (API) command to scan metadata of a subset of entities in a local deduplication repository for identifying candidate data to offload from the local deduplication repository to an object storage, offloading the candidate data to the object storage, and returning a status result using the API command.

Field of the Invention
The present invention relates in general computing systems, and more particularly to various embodiments for repository management in data deduplication systems in computing storage environments.
Description of the Related Art
In today's society, computer systems are commonplace. Computer systems may be found in the workplace, at home, or at school. Computer systems may include data storage systems, or disk storage systems, to process and store data. Data storage systems, or disk storage systems, are utilized to process and store data. A storage system may include one or more disk drives. These data processing systems typically require a large amount of data storage. Customer data, or data generated by users within the data processing system, occupies a great portion of this data storage. These computer systems may also include virtual storage components.
Often times when writing to even the smallest environment, single drives, duplicate data is written. These duplicated contents can then be DE-duplicated using standard deduplication techniques so long as specific metrics are met.

Application aware export to object storage of low-reference data in deduplication repositories

INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS MACHINES CORPORATION


The present invention provides use of alcohol extract of longan seeds for manufacturing a drug for treating kidney tissue dysfunction. Preferably, an ethyl acetate sub-fraction of the alcohol extract of longan seeds has a better effect in treating kidney tissue dysfunction.

1. Field of the Invention
The invention relates to use of an extract of longan seeds; more particularly, in the treatment of kidney tissue dysfunction.
2. Description of the Related Art
Kidneys are located at both sides of the spine at the rear of abdominal cavity in human body, namely, in an included area where the last rib (the twelfth rib) and the spine are jointed. The basic unit of the kidney is nephron, each kidney includes about one million nephrons, and each nephron includes renal glomeruli and renal tubules.
Functions of the nephrons include: filtering wastes, water and electrolytes of the body, and producing urine, for example, removing excessive water; and removing uric acid, urea, creatinine and medicines; and controlling stabilization and balance of electrolytes such as sodium, potassium, calcium, phosphorus, and acids and bases, and maintaining stabilization of the in vivo environment. In addition to mechanism of producing urine, the kidneys can further excrete: (1) erythropoietin, if renal injuries leads to erythropoietin hyposecretion, anemia occurs; (2) D3 for activating vitamins, which is the most important ingredient for maintaining the balance of calcium and phosphorus in blood, so renal failure may lead to bone lesions; and (3) rennin and angiotensin, for adjusting blood pressure, and therefore many types of hypertension are related to kidney troubles.
Many factors are causes of kidney tissue dysfunctions: (1) congenital kidney diseases, such as polycystic kidney disease, and hereditary nephritis and urinary tact abnormalities; (2) glomerulopathy, such as primary glomerulonephritis and secondary glomerulonephritis, for example, diabetes mellitus, hypertension and lupus erythematosus; (3) tubular interstitial nephropathy, such as nephrolithiasis, renal tumor, and urethral or ureteral stricture; (4) vascular kidney diseases, such as vasculitis and hypertension nephrosclerosis; and (5) infection, such as nephritis caused by bacterial infections. In addition, due to aging, long-term drug abuse, family inheritance and high-salt diet, obesity, high cholesterol, smoking and alcohol are causes of kidney tissue dysfunctions. The clinical symptoms include changes in urine pattern such as hyperuresis (especially in night), hematuria, urine blister (urinary protein may be contained); and physical discomfort, such as eyelid edemas or face, hands and feet edema, high blood pressure, anemia, itchy skin, general tiredness, heart failure and pulmonary edema.
However, there are many causes of kidney tissue dysfunctions, there is no effective drugs that can effectively treat kidney tissue dysfunctions, for example, in treatment of secondary kidney tissue dysfunctions, primary focuses are treated to control the disease; in treatment of kidney tissue dysfunctions caused by infections, antibiotics need to be used and in treatment of nephritis, not only common anti-inflammatory agents cannot be used, but also the symptoms get more severe due to use of the common anti-inflammatory agents, and steroids or immunosuppressants are generally used, but serious side effects are serious are caused. Therefore, when the course of kidney tissue dysfunctions is continuously developed, treatment such as peritoneal dialysis even renal transplantation is required, which has great influence on the patient's living and life.
Longan is the fruit of the Family Sapindaceae and Genus Dimocarpus plant, and also called as Guiyuan. Longan can be used in herbal medicine. The pulp has a sweet taste and is warm in nature, and has the effect of invigoration; the stone has an astringent taste and is neutral in nature, and has the effect of convergence and stopping bleeding; the leave has a light taste and is neutral in nature, and has the effect of resolving superficies syndrome. Longan has a variety functions such as invigoration and benefiting qi, helping building blood, invigorating heart and spleen, nourishing blood and tranquilizing mind, moisturizing skin and beautification, and can be used to treat anemia, palpitations, insomnia, amnesia, neurasthenia and post-illness and postpartum weakness. Longan seed is used in trauma treatment since ancient times, and as recorded in ancient book A Collection of Chinese Herbal Medicines, longan stone can be used in the treatment of stomach pain, burn and scald wounds, bleeding, ulcer pain, trauma bleeding, scabies and eczema. When being used for trauma treatment by ancients, longan seed has good hemostatic effect, pain-relieving effect and function of regeneration of tissues, and is known as "Jindao Dusheng San". In recent years, studies related to the health care effects of longan, especially studies in the antioxidant capacity, effective ingredients and whitening capability are gradually increasing. Most studies have found that, the flower and fruit of longan have high-level antioxidants, such as gallic acid, corilagin) and ellagic acid. However, studies on longan seed are relatively few. Generally, after longan pulp is obtained, longan seed is abandoned.
Although many uses of longan have been reported, different uses of the extract of longan seeds are still to be developed.


In one embodiment of the present invention, a semiconductor device has a photodiode over a P-type substrate, an NPN transistor formed over the P-type substrate, an N+-type buried region provided right under the NPN transistor as being buried in the P-type substrate, and a P+-type buried region formed in the N+-type buried region.

1. Technical Field
The present invention relates to a semiconductor device having a light receiving element on a substrate.
2. Related Art
Reproduction and recording by currently-disseminated CD (compact disk) and DVD (digital versatile disk) take place by irradiating laser beam on recoding media such as CD and DVD, and converting the reflected light from the recording media into electric signals by a light receiving element.
Only a few scattering would occur if surface condition of the recording media is smooth. The surface may, however, be roughened, scratched, deformed or get dust adhered thereon. In these cases, scattered light would occur due to non-smoothness of the surface, so that the light may enter circuit portions (composed of elements including transistor, capacitor, resistor and so forth) other than a photodiode portion of a light receiving element, and may be causative of malfunction of the circuit.
State of use of the recording media is not uniform, and this makes it difficult to keep smooth surfaces of the media. It is, therefore, necessary to develop a light receiving element not causative of malfunction even under incidence of scattered light.
In order to prevent the scattered light from entering, any unnecessary influences of the carriers, generated outside the region where the photodiode is formed, should be prevented. For this reason, the surface of the semiconductor circuit is covered with a light-shielding film composed of a metal interconnect layer such as an aluminum layer. Parasitic capacitance may, however, be arisen by the light-shielding film in the light receiving element, and may adversely affect the frequency characteristics over a wide frequency range.
Reasons for the drawback resides in generation and diffusion of carriers in the substrate, induced by light irradiated to portions of the substrate not shielded from light, such as side faces. Accordingly, the carriers migrate to the bipolar transistor and the capacitor. The migrated carriers flow through the circuit portion without being interrupted, and contribute as electric current. As a consequence, the current flows through the circuit portion, adversely affect the circuit operations, and may be causative of malfunction.
Japanese Laid-Open Patent Publication No. 2003-69071 describes that a PN junction is formed over the back surface of a silicon substrate as being opposed to the photodiode portion, so as to allow the PN junction portion to absorb unnecessary carriers, to thereby re-combine false carriers with the aid of electrodes on the back surface. In this way, the carriers are prevented from generating at the junction portion, and thereby the diffusive components may be suppressed.
Japanese Laid-Open Patent Publication No. 2002-217448 describes a semiconductor luminance sensor having PN junctions formed in the surficial portion under the photodiode portion and circuit portion, allowing the junctions to absorb unnecessary carriers. In this sensor, an NPN bipolar transistor is formed over a uniform P-type silicon substrate.
However, the conventional techniques described in the above literatures have had still some room of improvement in the aspects below.
As for Japanese Laid-Open Patent Publication No. 2003-69071, efficiency of absorption of unnecessary carriers may vary depending on wavelength of the incident light, so that malfunction as being affected by the unnecessary carriers may still occur if the device is used under a condition covering a broad wavelength band ranging from the visible to longer (600 nm to 1000 nm) region. In addition, the carriers generated by light incident on portions other than the photodiode portion may be absorbed only to a less efficient degree. The device is therefore restricted in that light should be incident on the photodiode portion.
Japanese Laid-Open Patent Publication No. 2002-217448 relates to a structure having the PN junctions formed in the surficial portion under the photodiode portion and circuit portion, allowing the junctions to absorb unnecessary carriers. The carriers generated under the bipolar transistor may have a tendency of being attracted by electric field of the depletion layer, but any other diffusive carriers may not be interrupted. The uninterrupted carriers may diffuse into the base region, induce electric current, and adversely affect the circuit.
The present invention is conceived after considering the above-described situation, and is to prevent the carriers, generated by incidence of light through the surface of the substrate, from diffusing into the circuit portion.


A display button for a web page integrating both a graphic pictorial image with character based textual information (with link) into a single iconic button. By providing a graphic image within a display button, the present invention provides the advantages of a graphic icon, e.g., speed of location and user recognition as well as increased meaning. By providing a character based dynamic textual link, the present invention provides an iconic button whose information can be readily translated between various languages (e.g., Italian, English, French, German, etc.) without requiring the image to be redrawn using complex and time consuming means; e.g., using an artist and a drawing tool. Instead, translation can be accomplished using automatic word and/or phrase conversion. Preferably, the display button of the present invention is represented in a table structure within HTML. The table structure contains two end cells which display graphic images therein and in between them a slightly shorter text cell is inserted that can display character based text. Filling the height difference between the text cell and the end cells are thin horizontal row cells that are colored to mach the end cells. The background colors of all the cells are selected to create a visual image of a complete display button having both graphic images and textual information. The display button can be selected by a user to obtain further display information or to advance to another web page or another website (e.g., used as a link). Within the present invention, a subroutine structure can be created in a language called JavaScript that is useful in reducing the amount of program code required to generate multiple display buttons in a single web page.

(1) Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to the field of graphic user interfaces (GUls) within computer systems. More specifically, the present invention relates to a GUI that is particularly useful in applications relating to the internet.
(2) Prior Art
Browsers display on-screen buttons, links and icons that users select in order to navigate through the information presented at a world wide web (http://www) site or to transfer to other websites. One language called hypertext markup language or HTML is often used to specially code the display screens or "web pages" that are presented on a display screen to a computer user that is connected to a particular website. Buttons and links that are used to initiate user actions in HTML are typically presented using one of two different methods. One prior art method uses only text to represent a button and the other prior art method uses only a graphic image to represent the button.
In the first prior art method, buttons and links to other websites can display specified text (e.g., ASCII characters), but do not include an iconic picture associated with the button or link. Although text display alone is useful in many applications, users and web page designers desire to use icons (graphic pictures) associated with buttons and links because the artistic features of a graphic picture are very beneficial. For instance, a button with a icon (e.g., an iconic button) is faster to locate and recognize than a text only button because it offers more distinctive information, especially over repeated use. Secondly, the iconic button clarifies and confirms the meaning of the button and its user action beyond what is achievable with a single word or phrase of text in a text only button. Lastly, the iconic button adds visual appeal to the web page thereby making use of the website more enjoyable by the user. This can translate into increased sales, increased dissemination of information, increased advertisement coverage, etc., which are all desired by most web page designers and sponsors.
In the second prior art method, graphic pictures are provided in web pages; however, only the graphic picture is included without any character based text unless the English label is drawn into the iconic image (e.g., in bit-mapped or raster format). Pictures are rarely so clear that they do not need a text label to supplement their meaning at least for the first time a user sees them. To solve this problem, many web page designers place English text in graphic form into the graphic picture. However, placing English text into the picture in graphic form creates many problems.
The first problem is that graphic form text (e.g., bit mapped text) is not easily translatable between different languages (e.g., Italian, English, French, German, etc.). In order to translate graphic form text between languages, the translator for each language needs to use a drawing tool to redraw all of the graphic form text inside the image that is to be translated. In this case, the task of translating web information is accomplished by hand where the images are redrawn by a skilled artist and this technique requires a large amount of complex, custom and time consuming effort. What is desired instead is a display button for a web page that displays both an icon and character based text so that the text can be readily translated using a semi-automated process of word and phrase substitution so that graphics artists and time consuming drafting tools are not required in the translation phase.
A second problem of having graphic-form text within a display button is that the graphic-form text is static. This prevents the insertion of dynamic status information (e.g., information capable of being changed or obtained at run-time) into the display button. Dynamic status and content specific information can improve the usability of a web page. For instance, if a button is used to send email (electronic mail) to a manager currently assigned to approve a requisition for hire, it is not currently possible to readily create, dynamically, a graphic image of the manager's name within the display button. Instead, web page designers create a generic and static email button that would have a graphic-form of the text "Email Approving Manager" without any indication as to the manager's name within the display button.
Also, with a static image, it is not possible to illustrate to a user, in a display button, the results of a particular computer operation. For example, assume a button is used to display all the matching records of a computer operation (e.g., a keyword search) rather than just a small subset. It would be advantageous to provide, in the display button, the actual number of records that are to be downloaded so that a user does not inadvertently download an inordinate number of records which could overflow the computer memory. In this case it would be advantageous to provide a display button that indicated the number of records, e.g., "Download 254 Records." However, using the second method discussed above, since the graphic-form text information is static, run-time computer results cannot be integrated into the display button.
Accordingly, what is needed is a display button for a web page that contains graphic images and text whereby the text can be readily translated between different languages without the need for the image to be redrawn using an artist and a drawing tool package. What is needed further is a display button for a web page that contains graphic images and text whereby the information displayed incorporates dynamic information, such as status, names, and results of operations. The present invention display button provides the above features and others not necessarily recited above but clear within further discussions of the present invention herein.

System and method for rendering on-screen iconic buttons with dynamic textual link


The present invention is a seating/storage add-on section for use with a shopping cart, having a non-rigid connector for engaging the rear wheels of a shopping cart. In addition, the connector allows relative movement between the add-on section and an attached shopping cart. The shopping cart can be quickly attached to and detached from the add-on section without requiring tools.

The present invention is directed to a seating/storage add-on section having a non-rigid coupling means for attaching to a shopping cart. The add-on section can be retrofitted to various sized shopping carts and provides additional seating and storage space on the cart. The non-rigid coupling means readily connects with a shopping cart and allows relative movement between the add-on section and the cart. The add-on section can be quickly and easily disconnected from an attached shopping cart.
Conventional shopping carts generally comprise a basket on a wheeled frame and a collapsible seat mounted in the basket. Such collapsible seats are intended to accommodate one small child, but for a shopper who has more than one child or whose child is too large to use the collapsible seat, shopping is made more difficult.
Devices that provide additional seating for shopping carts have been developed to accommodate those shoppers whose seating requirements exceed the limited capacity provided by a collapsible seat in a conventional cart. Some of these seating devices are integrally formed with the shopping cart so that the cart and seating device cannot be separated from each other. While such an integral device provides additional cart seating for shoppers, the shopping cart can only be used with the seating device.
Other types of seating devices exist that can be releasably attached to a shopping cart. Some of these devices can be retrofitted to an existing shopping cart to provide additional seating for children. However, installing such a device on a cart can require tools, skill and time, so that it can be a frustrating and lengthy task. Removing the device from the cart can be equally frustrating for the same reasons. Once attached, the shopping cart is generally dedicated to exclusive use with the seating device. This limits the versatility of the shopping cart and can be a drawback when there may be a shortage of carts available for shoppers not requiring the additional seating of the combined unit.
In addition, the seating device and attached cart are usually stored as a combined unit since the connection between the two cannot be readily disengaged. A combined unit is unable to nest with other units as do conventional, unattached shopping carts. Each combined unit requires the full length of the shopping cart and the attached seating device for storage. Consequently, more space is required for storing the combined units than would be needed for storing carts separately from the seating devices.
When the seating device and attached cart of the combined unit are rigidly connected to each other, the rigid connection deters relative movement between the device and the cart. This is especially disadvantageous when the combined unit is used on uneven surfaces, including curbs, speed bumps and ramps. When crossing an uneven surface, one or more wheels of the seating device and/or cart can leave the ground. The combined unit will remain rigid, thereby placing undue stress on the connector. This stress can loosen and/or damage the connector which necessitates frequent inspection and maintenance of the combined unit at an increased cost to the owner.
For the foregoing reasons, there is a need for a seating/storage add-on section having a non-rigid coupling means that can be readily attached and detached from a shopping cart so that the add-on section can be quickly installed or removed when desired. The need also exists for a non-rigid coupling means that allows for relative movement between the add-on section and an attached shopping cart.

Seating/storage add-on section with holster for shopping cart


A backlight unit includes a receiving member, a lamp socket disposed in the receiving, member, a lamp coupled to the lamp socket and an inverter unit coupled to the lamp socket to supply electric power to the lamp. The receiving member further includes a guide portion for guiding the inverter unit The lamp socket includes a body, a first connector formed in a first end of the body, and a second connector formed in a second end of the body, wherein the first connector connects to the lamp and the second connector connects to the inverter unit.

1. Technical Field
The present disclosure relates to a backlight unit and a liquid crystal display device having the same, and more particularly, to a backlight unit having a crack prevention structure and a liquid crystal display device having the same.
2. Discussion of Related Art
In a liquid crystal display (LCD) device, an inverter is used to drive a backlight: unit. The inverter is connected to a lamp by a variety of methods. The lamp and the inverter can be connected to each other using a wire and a connector. However, when the inverter is coupled to or detached from the lamp, the lamp must be disassembled to rework the inverter.
Instead of using the wire and connector, an inverter electrode portion can be inserted in a connector using a sliding method. In the sliding method, assembly and disassembly efficiency can be enhanced. However, a crack can be generated on the inverter electrode portion or the connector in which the inverter electrode portion is inserted. Since the inverter uses electric power of high voltage, if a crack is generated in a component of the inverter, a lamp may operate abnormally and the inverter can be burned.

Backlight unit and liquid crystal display device having same


A seat belt accessory comprising a first and second fastener connected by a connecting member. The fasteners may be of various shapes, sizes, designs, and dimensions. The seat belt assembly can be used to improve the comfort of a passenger riding in a vehicle or any other apparatus requiring seat belt restraints by creating more space between the seat belt and the passenger and eliminating any pinching created by the seat belt. In addition to creating a more comfortable passenger experience, the seat belt accessory allows easier seat belt access to passengers with mobility problems, serves as a reminder for passengers to use their seat belt, and instantly protect passengers upon crash.

Modern seat belts came into being in 1958 when Swedish engineer Nils Bohlin invented the three-point seatbelt. The three-point seatbelt protects both the upper and lower body by having one portion of the seat belt extend over a person's lap and another portion of the seat belt extend over a person's upper body. Seat belts have been shown to save lives and some studies suggest seat belts cut car crash fatalities in half.


Disclosed are methods of making elamipretide (MTP-131), a peptide compound with therapeutic potential for treating various mitochondrial myopathies. The synthesis of the peptide can be achieved via the use of N-carboxyanhydride-modified amino acid residues, which increases the efficiency of the synthetic process and the purity of the peptide product generated.

Elamipretide (MTP-131) is a mitochondria-targeting peptide compound with therapeutic potential for treating diseases associated with mitochondrial dysfunction. Elamipretide contains four-amino acid residues, and has been synthesized according to typical linear and convergent solution phase peptide synthesis methods. However, the synthetic route to generate Elamipretide that has been in use to date requires the preparation of various differentially protected peptides, such that certain protecting groups may be removed in order to subject the deprotected compound to peptide coupling, while other protecting groups must remain intact. Thus, there exists a need to develop new synthetic methods to Elamipretide that decrease the need for such iterative protection and deprotection steps.

N-carboxyanhydride-based-scale synthesis of elamipretide