A dispenser (FIG. 1, 1) comprises a reservoir (10) of a physiologically active substance and a droplet ejection device (14), for example a bubble jet or pizeoelectric device, which is controlled to issue a predetermined number of discrete droplets of the substance from ejection orifices (15) upon actuation. Device (14) may be actuated by a pressure transducer (19) responsive to inhalation and issue the droplets into an airstream (A) which enters at slot (7) and is then inhaled via mouthpiece (5). In other embodiments (FIG. 5) the dispenser is finger actuated and directed by hand for topical application. The number and/or frequency of droplets issued is programmatically controlled by a control circuit (16) whereby average and total dose of the substance are predetermined.

There are currently three main methods for drug delivery via the respiratory tract, namely metered dose inhalers, dry powder inhalers, and nebulisers.
Metered dose inhalers ("MDI") are widely used in the management of asthma. The MDI comprises a drug packaged with a propellant in a pressurised aerosol container can having a valve which releases a volumetric metered dose of aerosol upon actuation. These devices are portable, small, and convenient to carry but deliver a dose which varies in quantity, delivery speed, and droplet size distribution as the vapour pressure of the propellant varies. The propellant pressure varies with temperature and decreases progressively as the content becomes depleted so that the range in dose variation may be substantial. Incomplete evaporation of the propellant may cause "sticking" and localised concentration of drug droplets at an impact area, and this in turn can cause undesirable side effects. For example bronchosteroids can cause local immuno-suppression and local fungal infection while local concentration of bronchodilator can lead to swallowing, with unwanted systemic affects. In addition, the use of an MDI requires a degree of synchronisation between manual valve actuation and inhalation which many users find difficult.
Dry powder inhalers ("DPI") devices rely upon a burst of inspired air to fluidise and draw a dose of an active powder into the bronchial tract. While this avoids the synchronisation problem of the MDI, DPI's are sensitive to humidity and may provoke asthma attacks in some individuals sensitive to inhaled powder. Moreover, because the force of inspiration varies from person to person, the dose administered varies.
Nebulisers generate an aerosol by atomising a liquid in a carrier gas stream and require a continuous gas compressor or bulky supply of compressed gas. In general, the droplet size of the aerosol is a function of carrier gas pressure and velocity and hence cannot be easily varied independently of concentration of the active substance in the gas stream. Inhalation reduces the pressure at the nebulizer nozzle and thus dosage and particle size are also influenced by the duration and strength of each breath. Most nebulisers operate continuously during inhalation and exhalation but special control systems can be employed to meter the aerosolised gas flow from the nebuliser to a holding chamber from which the user may draw a charge.
In general the precision of dose delivery of each of these devices is less accurate than desirable and restricts their use to drugs which have broad dosage tolerance. In each case delivery of the active agent to the intended application site is overly dependent on user technique and is variable from dose to dose and person to person. Not only is an improved delivery system required to optimise current nasal and pulmonary therapies utilising locally acting drugs but there has long been recognised a potential for the administration of many additional local and systemic drugs if a more satisfactory means of delivery were available. Medical advances suggest that pulmonary delivery of drugs such as peptides, proteins and analgesics might be of considerable advantage compared with conventional oral or injection delivery means. For example it has been suggested that insulin for diabetics may be delivered via the pulmonary route if a suitable means of delivery were available. The deposition of drug particles on lung tissue is a function of size, shape and density of particles or droplets. For many drugs, control of one or more of these factors along with precise dose or dose rate control would be desirable. However, at the present time no means of drug delivery is available which adequately meets such requirements.
Many attempts have been made to provide a cigarette substitute which provides nicotine by inhalation but which avoids the need for combustion of tobacco. Provision of a cigarette substitute involves complexities additional to those involved in the administration of a therapeutic agent. Although it is relatively easy to administer nicotine (for example in tablet form, via transdermal patches and the like), such forms do not satisfy habitual smokers because they do not satisfy important complex physiological and psychological affinities acquired by habitual smokers of combustible cigarettes.
In an attempt to provide an acceptable alternative, many cigarette substitutes have been proposed which provide nicotine on inhalation without combustion of tobacco. Conceptually, such devices are less harmful to the inhaler than smoking, avoid the hazards of passive smoking among bystanders and avoid the fire hazard and environmental problems associated with cigarette smoking. However, despite these major advantages, no device so far proposed has met with consumer acceptance.
Early cigarette substitutes employed a porous carrier impregnated with a liquid nicotine containing composition through which an air stream could be drawn to volatilize nicotine. This approach yielded insufficient nicotine per puff, suffered from a tendency for the carrier to dry out and delivered a variable amount of nicotine per puff, depending on factors such as air temperature, humidity, lung capacity of the user and amount of liquid composition remaining in the carrier.
Subsequent devices delivered nicotine from a pressurised aerosol container from which nicotine can be released by mechanical valve actuator. In one such device the valve is microprocessor controlled to limit the frequency and duration of actuation. However, the dose delivered varies with the vapour pressure of aerosol remaining in the container as well as with duration of valve actuation. The disposable pressure container, aerosol valve, and CFC propellant add considerably to active substance cost. These devices share the disadvantages of MDI devices previously discussed.
In yet other devices a nicotine containing substance is heated to vapourise an amount of nicotine which is then available for inhalation. The amount of nicotine delivered by such devices is difficult to control and is temperature dependant. In one such device a plurality of nicotine-containing pellets may be heated sequentially so that each liberates a predetermined dose. However, in that case, the dose is fixed during pellet manufacture, particle size of the aerosol is uncontrolled, and temperature of the inhaled air cannot be varied independently of dose.
Factors such as the quantity of nicotine per puff, the temperature of the puff, the draw, the presence and size distribution of flavour particles in the puff and like factors are of considerable importance in satisfying habitual smokers. The various alternatives proposed to date have simply proved unacceptable to most smokers.
To date no device has provided a satisfactory means of adjusting both the quantity of nicotine delivered in each puff in response to user demand and/or maintaining adequate precision and accuracy in the dose quantum metered out. Further the devices have failed adequately to mimic the sensations obtained during smoking.
Because the requirements for a cigarette substitute are particularly difficult to satisfy, the present invention is herein described primarily with reference to nicotine delivery, but it will be understood that the invention is more generally applicable and addresses the general need for a device which can precisely dispense doses and preferably which can dispense doses of a variety of drugs or other substances and which are adjustable from one individual to another or at different times.
Preferred embodiments of devices of the kind under consideration may be used as a less harmful form of administration of nicotine than smoking or may be used to reduce or eliminate nicotine dependence among those wishing to give up smoking.
It is, without limitation, an object of the present invention to provide a method and means for administration or self-administration of an active substance which avoids at least some of the above discussed disadvantages of prior art. It is an object of preferred embodiments of the invention to provide a method and means for dispensing the active substance for administration via inhalation.
It is an object of other preferred embodiments of the invention to provide a cigarette substitute.


A cooling structure is provided which includes: an evaporation chamber defined by a base plate having a boiling surface, a ceiling plate and a side wall; a plurality of plate-shaped fins arranged in parallel on the boiling surface, defining a plurality of coolant passages in the evaporation chamber, a liquid phase coolant flows through the coolant passages in one direction from one end portion thereof toward another end portion; a liquid return port formed in the side wall facing the one end portion of coolant passages; and a vapor port formed in the ceiling plate facing the other end portion of coolant passages, wherein space is formed between the ceiling plate and an upper end portion of the plurality of plate-shaped fins, the space expanding gradually from a liquid return port side of the side wall toward the vapor port.

In some cases, electronic devices of various types that generate heat while operating are provided with a cooling unit to avoid an influence of heat generated therein on a neighboring component. For example, in an LSI (Large Scale Integrated) circuit and/or IC (Integrated Circuit) to be used in an electronic device such as a computer or the like, circuit integration is increasing in an accelerated manner in each circuit generation and, as a result, an amount of heat generated therein tends to increase. To operate the LSI circuit and/or IC stably at high speed, it is necessary to control an operating temperature so as to be a predetermined temperature or less and, therefore, a cooling method corresponding to the amount of heat generated by the LSI circuit or IC is to be employed. However, in recent years, high speed signal transfer between the LSI circuit and/or IC and their peripheral parts rather than a high speed operation of the LSI circuit and/or IC themselves is more contributable to an improvement in operation speed of a computer. High speed signal transfer seems to be advantageously realized by shortening wiring length, however, the shortening of the wiring length makes it difficult to ensure space for mounting a cooling unit having a sufficient size corresponding to the amount of heat generated therein.
As a cooling method for an LSI circuit, a method is known in which a small cooling unit is mounted on the LSI circuit and a coolant housed in the cooling unit is circulated by a pump into a heat radiating portion with wider space so that heat by the cooling unit is transferred to the heat radiating portion and is then heat radiated into environmental air. Moreover, a heat pipe has been actually used that is configured to circulate a coolant after bringing about a phase change in coolant from liquid to vapor and then heat is transferred to a condensation chamber by utilizing a pressure difference caused by volume expansion. In the cooling method bringing about a phase change in coolant, higher cooling efficiency can be obtained compared with a method in which cooled water is circulated by a pump.
Specifically, this heat pipe does not use a tool requiring power such as a pump and replacement due to maintenance and/or life is not necessary and, as a result, is widely used. In the heat pipe, after evaporation of a coolant in a liquid phase in an evaporation chamber, the evaporated coolant is again cooled in a condensation chamber, resulting in radiation of heat and then a phase change in the coolant from vapor to liquid occurs and the resulting liquid phase coolant returns back into the evaporation chamber. The method in which the liquid phase coolant, in the circulation of the coolant, is returned back to the evaporation chamber by using gravity is called a heat-siphon type heat pipe or a boiling and cooling device.
Examples of the above cooling unit are shown in FIG. 1 of Related Art Patent Reference 1, FIG. 4 of Related Art Patent Reference 2, and FIG. 1 of Related Art Patent Reference 3. In the cooling structure disclosed in the Related Art Patent References 1 to 3, as shown in the schematic diagram in FIG. 12, coolant in a liquid phase state (hereinafter, may be simply referred to as liquid phase coolant) L housed in an evaporation chamber 101 in a cooling unit 100 comes into contact with a boiling surface 101a to evaporate therein, resulting in production of coolant in a vapor phase state (hereinafter, may be simply referred to as vapor phase coolant) V, which cools the boiling surface 101a. The vapor phase coolant V produced in the evaporation chamber 101, as shown in FIG. 12, rises by buoyancy and passes through a vapor pipe (vapor passage) 102 mounted above the evaporation chamber 101 and enters a condensation chamber 105 to be cooled and is restored to the liquid phase coolant L. The liquid phase coolant L restored to a liquid phase after heat radiation in the condensation chamber 105, as shown by the arrows in FIG. 12, passes through a liquid return pipe (liquid return passage) 103 mounted or the evaporation chamber 101 and returns back to the evaporation chamber 101 for circulation.
However, cooling efficiency of the cooling structures described in the Related Art Patent References 1 to 3 is not enough to cool an LSI circuit and/or IC which generates a large amount of heat. The reason for the above is that both the vapor port 102a of the vapor pipe 102 and liquid return port 103a of the liquid return pipe 103 exist in a same direction of the evaporation chamber at the time of circulation of coolant in the cooling structure and, as a result, the vapor phase coolant V rising upward as vapor strikes the liquid phase coolant L dropping downward as liquid. That is, the vapor phase coolant V rising by buoyancy and the liquid phase cool ant L dropping downward by gravity move in a direction opposite to each other and interfere with the movement of the coolant, thus making it difficult for the vapor phase coolant V to escape into the condensation chamber 105, resulting in an increase of pressure in the evaporation chamber 101. The increase in internal pressure in the evaporation chamber 101 causes an increase in saturated vapor pressure of the coolant, which raises its boiling point. Therefore, cooling efficiency is lowered.
Moreover, in FIG. 4 of Related Art Patent Reference 4, a cooling unit is configured with an integrally constructed evaporation chamber and condensation chamber without using a vapor pipe and a liquid return pipe. According to this cooling unit, the coolant is partitioned into a liquid phase coolant and a vapor phase coolant in the evaporation chamber, whereby striking between the liquid phase coolant and vapor phase coolant is avoided and, as a result, a decrease in cooling capability can be prevented.
In FIGS. 2, 5, and 8 of Related Art Patent Reference 5, a cooling unit is disclosed in which an evaporation chamber and a condensation chamber are integrally constructed and a partitioning unit is mounted between the evaporation chamber and condensation chamber, thereby avoiding the decrease in coolant capability and enabling the circulation of the coolant. In this cooling structure, the vapor phase coolant is transferred through a vapor pipe from the evaporation chamber to the condensation chamber to bring about a phase change in a liquid phase coolant, which is then returned back to the evaporation chamber from the condensation chamber formed above the evaporation chamber.
In FIG. 2 of Related Art Patent Reference 6 and in FIGS. 1 and 2 of Related Art Patent Reference 7, a cooling unit is disclosed in which a liquid return port of a liquid return pipe extending from a condensation chamber is allowed to enter the liquid phase coolant housed in an evaporation chamber, whereby the decrease in cooling capability is avoided and the coolant is circulated. In this cooling structure, the liquid phase coolant cooled in the condensation chamber is returned back into the evaporation chamber without coming into contact with the vapor phase coolant that evaporates in the evaporation chamber. FIG. 3 of the Related Art Patent Reference 4 shows that cooling fins are mounted in a standing state to improve evaporating efficiency (cooling efficiency) in the evaporation chamber.
Furthermore, the Related Art Patent Reference 4 discloses that, when the liquid phase coolant coming into contact with a boiling surface of the evaporation chamber evaporates, a nucleus (cavity) of the vapor phase coolant in a small state is formed on a surface of the boiling surface. One example of the formation of a nucleus of the vapor phase coolant is shown in FIGS. 4 and 5 of Related Art Patent Reference 8. Generally, the generation of bubbles at time of boiling the nucleus is caused by non-uniform nucleus formation and the formation of a flaw and/or hollow on a boiling surface operating as a heat conduction surface become a cause for the generation of bubbles and, as a result, much more bubbles are generated which facilitates a phase change from liquid to vapor.

Cooling structure, electronic device using same, and cooling method


A device and method for transporting and handling catalyst for a chemical reactor.

The present invention relates to packaging, handling and transporting catalyst to a chemical reactor tube, including furnace and reformer tubes.
A chemical reactor is typically a large vessel designed to accommodate a chemical reaction. The reaction is often exothermic, so the reaction often takes place in a shell and tube heat exchanger, with the reaction occurring inside the tubes and a coolant circulating outside the tubes. The vessel also can be a simple tank with a single volume of catalyst inside it. The chemical reaction also can occur in a single large tube. Some chemical reactions are done in furnace or reformer tubes, which may be a part of a system with 10 to 500 or more such tubes. Catalyst, typically in the form of pellets, may be loaded inside any of these reactor tubes to facilitate the reaction. The catalyst is replaced periodically.
The reactor tubes may be quite large, housed in a structure several stories tall, in which case the catalyst may be transported up several stories to an elevation above the top of the tubes so it may then flow by gravity into the top of the tubes. The catalyst typically is supplied in 2,000 or more pound "super sacks", 55 gallon drums, mini drums, metal bins or plastic bags loaded in pallet-mounted cardboard boxes.
The catalyst usually is trucked to the job site and dropped off at a catalyst staging area. To get the catalyst to the reactor vessel and its tubes, typically each catalyst container (super sack, drum, bin, box or bag) is first transported, via forklift truck, from the catalyst staging area to a crane or elevator staging area. The catalyst container is then loaded onto the elevator or secured to the crane by a member of the rigging crew, and the crane operator then lifts the load in accordance with verbal instructions and/or hand gestures issued by a crane spotter. A member of the rigging crew handles the tag line to guide and maintain control of the load as it is positioned over or near the reactor. The containers of catalyst may be set onto a hand truck on the top deck of the structure. The catalyst container is then hand trucked to a point adjacent a manway of the reactor vessel where the catalyst is manually poured or scooped into buckets and other containers such as hoppers with a calibrated volume or with a weight loaded charge per tube or otherwise handled and transferred into the reactor vessel for loading into the reactor tubes.
Sometimes, the crane also is used to hold the super sack of catalyst above the reactor vessel while the catalyst is gradually emptied from the super sack and loaded into the reactor tubes using a sock-like outlet hose that is integrated into the super sack design. The contents of the super sack may or may not pass by or through a screening device to remove dust and fines. Loading catalyst directly from the super sack further ties up the crane, and it is very difficult to control the volume of catalyst discharged from the super sack as well as minimize the amount of catalyst dust generated when this method of discharge is utilized. Flat open space to stage and store catalyst often is limited and at a premium in the area surrounding the upper part of the reactor.
The existing methods for transporting the catalyst are very labor intensive, requiring a forklift operator, a forklift spotter (who typically walks along the forklift truck to ensure that the forklift truck or its load does not injure personnel or hit something), a crane rigger, a crane operator, a crane spotter, a load tag-line handler, one or more people to "manhandle" the catalyst container from the spot where it is dropped by the crane to a spot adjacent the reactor vessel, or one or more people to "manhandle" the catalyst container into a hopper or screening device located above the tube, and one or more people to tend to the outlet of the sock at the end of the super sack or the outlet hose if a screening device is used.
Just as critical is the fact that "flying" catalyst (as it is referred to when using a crane to lift the catalyst to the top deck of the structure near the top of the tubes) cannot be performed during high wind conditions, nor is it desirable to do so when it is raining, as it is important to keep the catalyst and the reactor dry at all times. Furthermore, the crane and crane operator rental fee are very expensive and, typically, the crane is not available for any other task while it is "flying" catalyst Cranes for flying catalyst may also be in short supply since when the reactor is out of service much or all of the connected plant is also out of service and may have sub-systems that are being maintained at the same time as the reactor and tubes. The crane requires a significant surface area (footprint) especially for its outriggers that are used for support. The crane also requires a significant amount of three dimensional space in which to operate in and around which personnel must use caution to avoid being under the boom and load as well as keeping clear of the swing of the boom. For plants with multiple reactors, a dedicated crane often is necessary for simultaneous work, placing further restrictions and limitations on crane operation. The crane(s) block access to the reactor and other nearby equipment that also may need to be serviced when the reactors are undergoing catalyst handling activities. Important work in, on, or near the reactor may need to be suspended until the crane can be moved into or out of position. Older reactors are particularly crowded during catalyst handling with the catalyst staging areas and crane taking up what is very limited space, leading to congestion, trip hazards, and blocked lines of sight. The cranes are typically diesel powered, resulting in a continuous source of emissions which can be harmful to personnel working in the area as well as being non-environmentally friendly. Some cranes produce a high noise level when operating and thus contribute to the overall noise level in the vicinity of the crane. High noise levels are known to result in increased stress on workers and to lower their efficiency.
Catalyst is typically a friable material (meaning that it is brittle, fragile, and easily crumbled, often even by hand). The weight of the catalyst itself in the super sacks or other containers, during transportation to the job site, and especially after being jostled, picked up and dropped by the forklift truck, the crane, the hand truck or dolly and even during unloading from the containers, can result in a considerable amount of broken catalyst and catalyst dust generation, both of which can have detrimental effects on the operation or performance of the reactor. It should also be noted that catalyst is both very expensive and very valuable, so it is desirable to keep the catalyst intact as much as possible, and to avoid breaking it or crushing it. Also, the creation of catalyst dust is undesirable from the point of view of the workers who have to deal with the catalyst and do not wish to be exposed to the dust. It is preferable that dust generation be held to a minimum at all times for reasons of performance, health and safety, the environment, and cost savings.
The super sack acts as a bin but without internal controls to prevent any classification (sorting by size) that can occur in bins or bags. Classification is undesirable, since it is commonly known that smaller pieces of material, in this case, catalyst fines and dust, will tend to automatically segregate or classify themselves from the larger and whole pieces of catalyst particles such that, when a sizable volume of catalyst in a pelletized form is discharged from a container, a significant amount of segregation can occur, as measured through accurate pressure-drop testing after loading the tubes. Classical segregation models show that it is common for significant particle-size variation to occur within a container of the size of a super sack. This segregation is undesirable, because it means that the flow of reactants will not be consistent throughout the reactor, which reduces the efficiency of the reactor and may create hot spots or other problems.

Device and method for transporting catalyst to a reactor vessel


An apparatus described herein is an LC tank circuit that may include a capacitance, a first inductance, and a second inductance. The first inductance and the second inductance may each be center tapped coils.

There are various types of oscillator circuits. Depending on the field of application, an oscillator may be required to have certain operational parameters, such as low power consumption, low phase noise, high oscillation frequency, wide oscillation frequency adjustment range, low sensitivity to interference signals and/or low manufacturing cost. By way of example, some LC oscillators, which include frequency determining components such as inductors and capacitors, achieve a number of the above-listed parameters.
An LC oscillator circuit whose oscillation frequency can be adjusted by application of a tuning voltage may be referred to as a voltage controlled oscillator (VCO). One possible way to control the frequency of such an LC oscillator is to use one or more so-called varactors. Varactors include capacitive components that may be tuned by way of an applied voltage. Varying the capacitance value of the capacitive components determines the oscillation frequency of the LC oscillator.


This invention relates to a spinal column correction device and in particular to one including a head rest having a first raised support, a second raised support formed with a recess at the intermediate portion, a groove between the first raised support and the second raised support, a triangular region extending downwardly from the second raised support, and a Velcro strap at the lower edge of the head rest, a lumbar rest having a Velcro strap at the upper edge and the lower edge, a swollen region at the intermediate portion, a spine line at the center, a triangular region at the upper portion, and two recesses at the lower portion for receiving two hips of an user, and a bottom rest having two recesses for receiving two feet of an user and a swollen region between the two recesses for resting the feet, whereby the device may effectively correct the spinal column of an user.

The spinal column is bony column forming the main structural support of the skeleton of man and other vertebrates. It consists of segments (vertebrae) linked by flexible joints and held together by gelatinous disks of cartilage and by ligaments. In human beings, the spinal column of the child contains 33 vertebrae; the last 9 become fused into two immovable bones, the sacrum and the coccyx, forming the back of the pelvis, so that in the adult there are 26 separate bony segments. The 24 movable vertebrae are the 7 cervical (neck), 12 dorsal and 5 lumbar. Each vertebra has a somewhat cylindrical bony body, a number of wing-like projections, and a bony arch. The bodies of the vertebrae form the strong but pliable supporting column of the skeleton. The arches are positioned so that the space they enclose is in effect a tube, the neutral canal. It housed and protects the spinal cord and within it the spinal fluid circulates. Ligaments and muscles are attached to various projections of the vertebrae. The 12 pairs of ribs that make up the front of the chest are linked to the dorsal vertebrae. The spine is subject to curvature, injury, inflections, tumor formation, arthritic disorders, and puncture or slippage of the cartilage disks.
Therefore, it is an object of the present invention to provide a device which can correct the spinal column of an user.


A gravity feed display rack for supporting and displaying merchandise is provided. The rack has a merchandise channel support structure featuring a number of rods. Inner and outer dividers featuring merchandise supports and longitudinally extending walls are positioned on the rods in a sliding fashion. End portions of the rods feature adjustable latch slots and at least one outer divider features connectors with locking projections that engage the adjustable latch slots of the merchandise channel support structure. As a result, the dividers are located in spaced apart relationship upon the merchandise channel support structure and may be adjusted to accommodate varying sizes of merchandise.

The prior art includes systems for displaying chilled beverage containers for ready access to retail customers. One system is shown in U.S. Pat. No. 4,785,945, which issued to Rowse, et al., and which is incorporated herein by reference. The prior art further includes U.S. Pat. No. 5,645,176 which issued to Jay, and U.S. Pat. No. 6,389,993 which issued to Ondrasik.

Beverage container shelf management system

Source 1 Displays, a division of Fortune Resources


The invention provides novel acid generators which are unproblematic in combustibility and accumulation inside the human body and can generate acids having high acidities and high boiling points and exhibiting properly short diffusion lengths in resist coating films and which permit the formation of resist patterns excellent smoothness with little dependence on the denseness of a mask pattern; sulfonic acids generated from the acid generators; sulfonyl halides useful as raw material in the synthesis of the acid generators; and radiation-sensitive resin compositions containing the acid generators. The acid generators have structures represented by the general formula (I),

In the field of microfabrication represented by fabrication of integrated circuit devices, a lithographic technology enabling microfabrication with a line width of 0.20 μm or less has been demanded in order to achieve higher integration.
A conventional lithographic process utilizes near ultraviolet rays such as i-line radiation. It is known in the art that microfabrication with a line width of a sub-quarter micron order using near ultraviolet rays is very difficult.
Therefore, use of radiation with a shorter wavelength has been studied for enabling microfabrication with a line width of 0.20 μm or less. As radiation with a shorter wavelength, deep ultraviolet rays represented by a line spectrum of a mercury lamp and an excimer laser, X-rays, electron beams, and the like can be given. Of these, a KrF excimer laser (wavelength: 248 nm), an ArF excimer laser (wavelength: 193 nm), an F2 excimer laser (wavelength: 157 nm), EUV (wavelength 13 nm), and electron beams have attracted attention.
As a radiation sensitive resin composition applicable to the short wavelength radiations, a number of compositions utilizing a chemical amplification effect between a component having an acid-dissociable functional group and a photoacid generator which generates an acid upon irradiation (hereinafter called "exposure") has been proposed. Such a composition is hereinafter called a chemically-amplified radiation sensitive composition.
As the chemically-amplified radiation sensitive composition, Japanese Patent Publication No. 27660/1990 discloses a composition comprising a polymer containing a t-butyl ester group of carboxylic acid or a t-butylcarbonate group of phenol and a photoacid generator. This composition utilizes the effect of the polymer to release a t-butyl ester group or t-butyl carbonate group by the action of an acid generated upon exposure to form an acidic group such as a carboxylic group or a phenolic hydroxyl group, which renders an exposed area on a resist film readily soluble in an alkaline developer.
As characteristics demanded of a photoacid generator for a chemically-amplified radiation sensitive composition, superior transparency to radioactive rays, high quantum yield in acid generation, and capability of producing an acid exhibiting high acidity, high boiling point, and a suitable diffusion distance (hereinafter referred as diffusion length) in the resist film can be given.
To ensure high acidity, high boiling point, and appropriate diffusion length, the structure of an anionic moiety in the ionic photoacid generator and the structure of a sulfonyl moiety in the nonionic photoacid generator comprising a sulfonyl structure or a sulfonic acid ester structure are important. When the photoacid generator possesses a trifluoromethanesulfonyl structure, for example, even though a sufficiently strong acid to ensure adequate resolution performance of a photoresist is generated, there is a drawback of a high mask dependency due to the low boiling point and long diffusion length of the generated acid. When the photoacid generator possesses a sulfonyl structure with a large organic group such as a 10-camphorsulfonyl structure, even though the mask dependency is low due to the high boiling point and short diffusion length of the generated acid, the resolution performance as a photoresist is insufficient due to the poor acidity.
On the other hand, photoacid generators having a higher perfluoroalkylsulfonyl structure such as perfluoro-n-octane sulfonic acid (PFOS) have been given attention in recent years due to the adequate acidity, boiling point, and diffusion length.
However, the photoacid generators possessing a higher perfluoroalkylsulfonyl structure such as PFOS have environmental problems of low combustibility and accumulation in the human body. A regulation on their use has been proposed by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (see "Perfluorooctyl Sulfonates; Proposed Significant New Use Rule").
If a chemically amplified resist exhibiting poor film surface smoothness is used in devices with a design width on the order of a subhalf micron or less requiring a more precise line width control, irregularities (such as nano edge roughness) on the film surface is transferred to a substrate when a resist pattern is transferred to the substrate by an etching process or the like, giving rise to a decrease in pattern dimensional accuracy and impaired electric performance in the obtained devices (see, for example, J. Photopolym. Sci. Tech. p. 571-576 (1998); Proc. SPIE Vol. 3333, p 313-323(1998); Proc. SPIE Vol. 3333, p 634-642 (1998); and J. Vac. Sci. Technol. B16(1), p 69-76 (1998)). Therefore, in addition to exhibiting excellent resolution performance, chemically amplified radiation sensitive resin compositions are required to provide excellent surface smoothness after formation of the resist pattern.
For these reasons, there is an urgent need in the field of microfabrication for the development of an alternative component which can produce a chemically amplified radiation sensitive resin composition having no defects originating from the higher perfluoroalkane sulfonyl structure, excelling in resolution performance, and causing only slight nano edge roughness, and which also excels as a photoacid generator.
The object of the present invention is to provide a novel photoacid generator which exhibits high transparency to ultraviolet rays such as a KrF excimer laser, ArF excimer laser, F2 excimer laser, or EUV, and electron beams, exhibits comparatively high combustibility and no bioaccumulation, produces an acid exhibiting high acidity, high boiling point, moderately short diffusion length in the resist film, and low dependency on the mask pattern density, and produces a resist pattern excelling in surface and sidewall smoothness; a sulfonic acid generated from the photoacid generator; a sulfonyl halide compound useful as a raw material or intermediate for synthesizing the photoacid generator; and a positive-tone or negative-tone radiation sensitive resin composition containing the photoacid generator.

Acid generators, sulfonic acids, sulfonyl halides, and radiation sensitive resin compositions

Abstract: wherein R1 is a monovalent substituent such as alkoxycarbonyl, alkylsulfonyl, or alkoxysulfonyl; R2 to R4 are each hydrogen or alkyl; k is an integer of 0 or above; and n is an integer of 0 to 5. Among the radiation-sensitive resin compositions, a positive one contains a resin having acid-dissociable groups in addition to the above acid generator, while a negative one contains an alkali-soluble resin and a crosslinking agent in addition to the acid generator.


A power management module can select one of a plurality of different operational modes for a hardware component in a computer system based on application performance and total computer system power consumption determined for each of the operational modes.

Energy consumption is becoming a factor in the design of all types of computer systems. In large-scale data centers, power can determine the maximum possible system sizes, and is also a major element of the operating costs. In mobile devices, the limited energy storage capacity of batteries requires very efficient operation to give acceptable battery lifetimes.
Modern hardware provides controls that allow tradeoffs between energy consumption and performance. For example, in order to reduce energy consumption, a processor clock rate can be reduced. When the clock rate is reduced, the processor supply voltage can also be reduced as the processor now has a longer cycle time allowing more time for logic gates to switch. This technique is known as Dynamic Voltage and Frequency Switching (DVFS). In another example, in mobile devices, displays may be dimmed to minimize energy consumption.

Hewlett Packard Enterprise Development LP


An incise drape suitable for use in surgical procedures. The drape comprises a substantially transparent flexible film that has at least a portion of one major surface coated or covered with a pressure sensitive adhesive, and a two liners removably covering the adhesive. Each liner has a handle spaced from the opposite side edges of the film, and a body portion attached to the handle. The body portion of each liner extends along the adhesive from handle in the direction away from the other liner. The drape is repeatedly folded over from the opposite side edges of the film toward the handles so that the drape may be unfolded and the adhesive exposed by pulling the handles apart.

Many of today's surgical procedures involve the use of an incise drape. The incise material is usually a clear polymeric film with an adhesive on one side which is in turn covered with a release liner. Two suppliers of incise material are the Minnesota Mining and Manufacturing Company, St. Paul, Minn., USA and T. J. Smith and Nephew Ltd., Examples of incise material can be found in U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,310,509; 4,323,557; 4,452,845; Re. 31,886 and Re. 31,887.
Most typically, incise material is used in connection with towels or surgical drapes to maintain the surgical area as clean and sterile as possible to help reduce the risk of infection. Once the surgical area of the patient has been scrubbed and treated with a antimicrobial, the surgical site is squared-off by the use of sterile towels and a surgical drape which has a fenestration of a size which is larger than the expected size of the incision. An incise material is then used to cover all or a portion of the patient's skin left exposed by the towels or the fenestration in the surgical drape or mainsheet.
One purpose in using the incise material is to help reduce the migration of germs and bacteria into the incision site. This is because, despite the cleansing of the skin, the pores still contain additional germs and bacteria which can migrate to the surface as the skin is moved and worked during the course of the surgical procedure. By covering the skin with incise material, it has been found that a lower incidence of surgical site contamination occurs.
Common practice is to take the sterile incise drape out of a disposable, protective bag (e.g., made from polyethylene) and deliver it to the sterile field in an aseptic manner. The drape typically comes in sizes as small as 13.times.18 cm (5.times.7 inches) but are usually 40.times.30 cm (16.times.12 inches) up through 90.times.120 cm (36.times.48 inches) and larger. Conventional surgical drapes usually consist of an antimicrobial film incise material covered by a one-piece silicone coated paper release liner with equal dimensions to the film so that the adhesive is protected.
Typical practice is for two people to stand on opposite sides of the operating table, each within the sterile field with sterile gloved hands. One person grips the handle portion of the drape (a 10 to 15 cm film margin free of adhesive) while the other person takes the paper liner and pulls it away from the underside exposing the adhesive. The drape is then applied to the patient at the surgical site and subsequently smoothed out and pressed onto the patient with a sterile towel. With larger drapes, this might require three or more people.
Current incise drapes are usually large and cumbersome to apply to the patient without wrinkles and without the drape sticking to itself in the process. As described above, drape application usually requires two or three people, creating a drain on operating room personnel and contributing to rising hospital costs. Applying conventional incise drapes can be a frustrating experience, even for those skilled in the art of applying incise drapes. The drape is flimsy (so as to be very conformable to the contours of the skin) with an aggressive pressure sensitive adhesive for adhesion to the skin. These two quality characteristics, when combined with the large size of incise drapes, frequently results in the application of a wrinkled drape.
It is imperative that the incise drape be wrinkle-free after it is applied, especially directly at the incision point in order for the surgeon to be able to make a clean surgical incision. Wrinkles in the drape make it difficult for the surgeon to see through to the skin (translucency and visibility are important) and, more importantly, wrinkles may not contain the bacteria on the skin as well as they should. Maintaining a sterile surface at the point of incision helps prevent surgical wound infections. Hager, K. S.; Treston Aurand, J. "A Comparison of Two Skin Preps Used in Cardiac Surgical Procedures," AORN Journal, Vol. 62, No. 3, September 1995.
See, also, U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,513,739 and 4,598,004, and British Patent No. 2,131,299, which disclose applying a dressing center first to a wound.


A negative resist composition used in a liquid-crystal display element is disclosed. The negative resist composition according to the present invention includes a binder resin consisting of a copolymer including four predetermined monomers, a (meth)acryl monomer including at least 3 (meth)acryl groups, a (meth)acryl monomer including one or two (meth)acryl groups and a photo-initiator. The negative resist composition according to the present invention may be useful to significantly increase the manufacturing yield because it shows an extremely low brittleness during a bonding process or a hot process due to good physical properties such as film retention, pattern stability, adhesion to a substrate, and chemical resistance, as well as good flexibility upon formation of the pattern.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to negative resist composition used in a liquid-crystal display (LCD), and more specifically to negative resist composition capable of being developed with an aqueous alkaline developer solution to form a pattern into an organic insulator layer, R.G.B., a liquid crystal alignment layer, a photo spacer, or a UV overcoat of a liquid-crystal display element such as TFT-LCD.
2. Description of the Related Art
Good physical properties such as uniformity, an adhesive property, chemical resistance and toughness are required for a pattern used in an organic insulator layer, R.G.B., a liquid crystal alignment layer, a photo spacer, a UV overcoat of a liquid-crystal display element. The negative resist composition including a binder resin, a multi-functional monomer having an ethylenic unsaturated bond, and photo-initiator is preferably used as resist composition to form such a pattern, as disclosed in Korean Patent Publication No.: 10-268697.
However, a pattern formed by using the conventional negative resist compositions has insufficient ductility. That is to say, the binder resin in the negative resist composition may have an insufficient ductility in itself because it is generally composed of a ternary copolymer consisting of an acid including an unsaturated group, an acid anhydrides including the unsaturated group, or a mixture thereof; a (meth)acrylic acid derivative substituted with an epoxy group; and a (meth)acrylic acid derivative substituted with an alkyl group having 6 or less carbon atoms, or monomers having unsaturated double bonds such as cyclic alkyl ester, styrene and so on. And also the pattern may be easily brittled due to an increased cross-linking density because at least 3-valent (meth)acryl monomer is used as a multi-functional monomer having an ethylenic unsaturated bond, which may cross-link the binder resin to give chemical resistance and thermal resistance to the pattern.
As described above, the pattern formed by using the conventional negative resist composition has a disadvantage that because the pattern has insufficient ductility it is easily brittled by an external force applied in the bonding process, or by difference of a thermal expansion coefficient with a substrate caused in the hot process, thereby resulting in reduction of a manufacturing yield.


The invention relates to time-delay and charge integration image sensors employing active CMOS technology pixels. The sensor comprises N rows of pixels and each pixel of generally square shaped comprises two (though possibly also three or four) photodiodes and charge storage nodes, having means for transferring charges from each photodiode to one or other of the storage nodes. Control of transfer from the photodiodes to one then the other of the storage nodes is carried out in such a way that one storage node receives in succession, during two successive phases of a periodic cycle, the charges from two photodiodes that have seen the same image portion during the two phases. The charges received by one of the storage nodes during the first phase is added to the charges received by the other storage node in the following phase.

The sensors are for example used in systems for observing the Earth by satellite. They comprise a plurality of parallel rows of photosensitive pixels; the sequencing of circuits for controlling the various rows (control of exposure time then read out of the photogenerated charges) is synchronized with the relative movement of the scene and sensor, so that all the rows of the sensor see a single line of the observed scene. The generated signals are then added point-by-point for each point of the observed line.
The theoretical signal-to-noise ratio is improved proportionally to the square root of the number N of rows in the sensor. This number may range from a few rows to about a hundred rows depending on the application (industrial quality control, terrestrial observation, panoramic dental radiography or mammography).
In charge transfer sensors (CCD sensors), point-by-point addition of the signals is achieved naturally without read noise by emptying into a row of pixels the charges generated and accumulated in the preceding row of pixels, in sync with the relative movement of the scene and sensor. The last row of pixels, having accumulated N times the charges generated by the observed scene line, may then be transferred to an output register and converted, in a read phase, into an electrical voltage or current.
Such charge transfer sensors are either made in conventional technologies with adjacent transfer gates produced from at least two polysilicon levels, the second level partially covering the first, or in technologies employing a single polysilicon gate level, these single-level technologies being more compatible with current technologies for manufacturing CMOS logic integrated circuits.
However, charge sensors using active CMOS technology pixels have advantages and an example thereof has been described in patent application WO 2008034794. Charges are not transferred row-to-row since the active pixels do not operate in a charge transfer mode but deliver a voltage to a column conductor. In order to add the signals corresponding to a given image line seen by the various pixel rows, an analog/digital conversion is used to deliver a digital representation of the output of each pixel, and N digital values issued from N pixels that have seen the image point in succession during the movement are added. However, the principle described in this application does not allow veritable correlated double sampling read out.
In addition, one problem encountered with time-delay and integration sensors is degradation of the modulation transfer function due to the fact that the relative movement of the scene in front of the sensor is continuous whereas the pixel information is processed discretely. Thus, an image of black and white bars of the pitch of the pixels, which would deliver, as output from the sensor, a peak-to-peak signal amplitude of unitary value if the image were static (omitting the purely geometric modulation transfer function) delivers only a peak-to-peak amplitude of 0.64 if the image is moving. This value of 0.64 is the movement component of the modulation transfer function (there are other components related to other factors which may further degrade the overall modulation transfer function).
Of course, the size of the pixels could be decreased in order to compensate for the poor modulation transfer function by increasing theoretical resolution. By dividing the pitch of the pixels by two, resolution is multiplied by two. However, in this case the number of analog/digital converters must also be multiplied.
Another constraint on image capture with CMOS technology pixels is the need to expose all the rows of pixels during the same time window of adjustable duration if possible (global shutter operating mode) and not during successive windows of the same duration but shifted in time from one row to the next (rolling shutter operating mode).
Lastly, it will be recalled that image capture with CMOS technology pixels comprising four or five transistors is subject to kTC read noise that it is necessary to attempt to reduce by carrying out a correlated double sampling read out; this means that it is necessary first to attempt to read a reset level of a charge storage node before transferring active charges to this node. In known CMOS technology sensors, the global shutter operating mode is incompatible with veritable correlated double sampling.

Moving image sensor having multiphase digital summation and charge storage nodes separated from photodiodes by charge transfer gates


A method of selective light detection uses an optical multi-stable device selectively exhibiting a variety of optical multi-stable characteristics for incident light wavelengths or intensities. The device includes an optically serial connection of two optical bistable elements. Each of the optical bistable elements includes a photodiode having a light absorbing layer including a quantum well structure. The photodiodes are reverse biased by respective voltage sources through respective series resistors so that an optical bistable characteristic for incident light wavelength or intensity is achieved for each photodiode. The characteristic of the second photodiode includes four stable photocurrents at respective wavelengths.

FIG. 1 is a generalized diagram of an optical bistable element using a conventional p-i-n photodiode described by David A. B. Miller et al., in IEEE Journal of Quantum Electronics, QE-21, No. 9, September 1985, Pages 1462-1476. A p-i-n photodiode 20 comprises an AlGaAs/GaAs multiple quantum well layer 1, undoped AlGaAs layers 31 and 32 respectively disposed on the opposed surfaces of the multiple quantum well layer 1, a p-type AlGaAs layer 4 disposed the undoped AlGaAs layer 31, an n-type AlGaAs layer 5 disposed on the undoped AlGaAs layer 32, and electrodes 82 and 81 respectively disposed on the p-type and n-type AlGaAs layers 4 and 5. An external voltage source 11 providing a voltage Vex is coupled between the electrodes 81 and 82 through an external resistor 9 having a resistance value of R. The external voltage source 11 is connected to reverse bias the p-i-n diode 20.
The operation of the optical bistable device using the p-i-n diode 20 shown in FIG. 1 is explained with reference to FIGS. 2 and 3.
The reverse bias voltage Vex is applied through the external resistor 9 to the p-i-n photodiode 20. The multiple quantum well layer 1 within the photodiode exhibits a sharp peak in the absorption spectrum due to exciton absorption corresponding to quantum level transitions. The peak in the absorption spectrum can be shifted by changing the internal electric field. In other words, the peak absorption coefficient at a given incident light wavelength depends on the internal electric field.
Light incident on the photodiode 20 is absorbed by the multiple quantum well layer 1 and corresponding photocurrent I is generated. FIG. 2 shows relationship of the light absorption coefficient of the photodiode 20 to a voltage applied to the photodiode 20. It is seen that the light absorption coefficient is at a peak when the voltage applied to the photodiode 20 is at a particular value. In the arrangement shown in FIG. 1, a voltage drop occurs across the external resistor 9 due to the photocurrent I, which causes the voltage V applied to the photodiode to change from Vex to Vex--IR. The relationship between the photocurrent I and the absorption coefficient S can be expressed as: EQU I=.alpha.SP.sub.in ( 1)
where .alpha. is a constant, and P.sub.in is an incident light intensity. From this, the absorption coefficient is expressed as: EQU S=(Vex-V).alpha.RP.sub.in ( 2)
Thus, the absorption coefficient S may be represented by a line with a slope which decreases as the intensity of incident light P.sub.in increases. In FIG. 2, lines A-D are lines which can be expressed by the equation (2) for different intensities P.sub.in of incident light. An actual operating point is at an intersection of this line with the curve showing the relationship between the voltage V applied to the photodiode 20 and the light absorption coefficient S of the photodiode 20.
As will be understood from FIG. 2, the lines A and D intersect the curve representing the absorption coefficient S at only one point, but lines lying between the lines B and C intersect the curve at three points. The central one of the three points is an unstable point, and the remaining two are stable points. That is, the element having those lines which lie between the lines B and C are bistable.
In FIG. 3, relationships of the output light intensity P.sub.out to the incident light intensity P.sub.in in is shown. Bistability is exhibited within a range of the incident light intensity P.sub.in. Specifically, as the intensity of incident light increases, the output light intensity abruptly decreases at a certain value of the incident light intensity, and when the incident light intensity is decreased from a value larger than the value at which the abrupt decrease of the output light intensity occurs, the output light intensity will increase abruptly at a certain value of the incident light intensity, as shown in FIG. 3.
However, conventional techniques cannot provide optical bistable elements in which the output light intensity P.sub.out abruptly increases at a first value of the incident light intensity P.sub.in as the incident light intensity is increased, and abruptly decreases at a second value of the incident light intensity P.sub.in as the incident light intensity is decreased.
Since conventional optical bistable elements have such characteristics as stated above, it is difficult to provide an optical multi-stable characteristic having three or more stable points. Furthermore, more than one optical stability characteristic cannot be obtained.
An object of the present invention is to provide an optical multi-stable device which can exhibit a plurality of optical multi-stable characteristics for an incident light wavelength or an incident light intensity.


Methods, systems, and process-readable media include an autonomous vehicle override control system that receives override commands from a pilot qualified on a first type of unmanned autonomous vehicle (UAV) and translates the inputs into suitable commands transmitted to a target UAV of a second UAV type. A pilot's certification for a first UAV type may be determined from the pilot's login credentials. The system may obtain a first control model for the first UAV type and a second control model for the target UAV. Pilot input commands processed through the first control model may be used to calculate movements of a virtual UAV of the type. The system may estimate physical movement of the target UAV similar to the first physical movement, and generate an override command for the target UAV using the second control model and the second physical movement. Control models may accommodate current conditions and pilot experience.

Different types of vehicles may control and operate in very different manners. For example, an F-16 fighter jet has different controls and operating characteristics than a 747 passenger jet or a helicopter. Due to such differences, robust training and certification are typically required for pilots to operate specific vehicles, especially for different types or categories of aircraft. For example, aircraft pilots may have different certifications, ratings, privileges, and limitations regarding the specific make and model of aircraft they are able and allowed to control due to training and/or rated skill sets. Similar certifications may one day be needed for piloting unmanned vehicles, such as commercial and/or hobby drone piloting.
Before operating a different aircraft type or category, pilots typically need to first become certified for or "checked out" in the new aircraft type. For example, before a fixed-wing pilot can fly a helicopter the pilot must obtain numerous hours of aeronautical experience in the specific type of helicopter before being allowed to obtain a license to operate such an aircraft, regardless of previous experience with fixed-wing aircraft.
Nevertheless, piloting experience and knowledge regarding one vehicle type may be relevant to another vehicle type or otherwise translate for some phases of operations of the other vehicle type. For example, a fixed-wing aircraft pilot's experience may be at least partially relevant to controlling some aspects of a helicopter. Such overlapping pilot experience may similarly apply to unmanned autonomous vehicles (UAVs), including air vehicle UAVs that are fixed-wing-type and rotorcraft-type (e.g., quadcopters, multicopters, etc.). For example, as each air vehicle UAV type may share some similar characteristic where lift and power are involved in order to maintain controlled flight, a pilot licensed or otherwise certified to control one air vehicle UAV type may have some ability to fly another air vehicle UAV type. Regardless of any similarities, fixed-wing-type and rotorcraft-type UAVs clearly exhibit very different handling characteristics and control rules in some phases of their operation. Thus pilots' training for one type of aircraft (manned or UAV) may not make them eligible to properly operate other types of aircraft. For example, a fixed-wing aircraft pilot may be able to fly a rotorcraft-type UAV during the cruise phase of flight with some difficulty, but unable to land the rotorcraft-type UAV due to the very different landing methods used by rotorcraft.

Control normalization for unmanned autonomous systems


CMOS circuitry having mixed threshold voltages is disclosed. Circuits may be implemented using PMOS transistors, NMOS transistors, or both. For at least one given type of transistor (PMOS or NMOS), a circuit includes at least one transistor configured to switch at a first nominal threshold voltage and at least one transistor configured to switch at a second nominal threshold voltage. The different threshold voltages among a given transistor type are realized by varying the thickness of the transistor gate oxides and/or the channel dopant density, for example.

1. Field of the Invention
This invention relates to integrated circuits, and more particularly, to characteristics of transistors used in integrated circuits.
2. Description of the Related Art
CMOS integrated circuits (IC's) utilize a large number of field effect transistors (FET's). These transistors may be activated or deactivated based on a threshold voltage. More particularly, such transistors may be activated or deactivated based on a relationship between a voltage difference between gate and source terminals (Vgs) and a threshold voltage. For example, an n-type metal oxide semiconductor (NMOS) transistor may be turned on when Vgs meets or exceeds a threshold voltage of the transistor. A p-type metal oxide semiconductor (PMOS) transistor may be turned on when Vgs is less than or equal to the transistor's threshold voltage.
One factor that may affect the threshold voltage for a given transistor is the dopant density in the channel of the transistor. Varying the channel dopant can change the threshold voltage of the transistor. Another factor is its gate oxide thickness. Generally speaking, for otherwise similar transistors, those with a thicker gate oxide may have a higher threshold voltage. The thickness of the gate oxide may have other effects as well.
One such effect of implementing transistors with different channel dopant densities and/or a thick gate oxide (and thus higher threshold voltage) may be the reduction of sub-threshold leakage currents, particularly in low voltage circuits. Accordingly, such transistors may be useful in applications wherein reduced power consumption is desirable.
On the other hand, transistors having a lower threshold voltage may have faster switching times. Thus, transistors having a thinner gate oxide may be useful in applications where speed is a primary consideration.

CMOS circuitry with mixed transistor parameters


The present disclosure provides an apparatus and a method for recovery of valuable metals. The apparatus includes an electrolytic chlorine producing bath, a dissolution bath disposed at a rear side of the electrolytic chlorine producing bath to perform leaching of a valuable metal content, a gas supplier connected to the dissolution bath to supply a carrier gas, a collection bath disposed at the rear side of the dissolution bath to collect a volatile material, a separation bath separating and purifying a leaching reactant generated in the dissolution bath, and chlorine and sodium hydroxide recirculation lines connecting the electrolytic chlorine producing bath, the dissolution bath and the separation bath. The apparatus permits recovery of valuable metals according to characteristics of the valuable metal, and the chlorine and sodium hydroxide recirculation lines of the apparatus provides optimized recovery rate and efficiency, thereby realizing economic feasibility.

1. Technical Field
The present invention relates to an apparatus for recovery of valuable metals including Cu, Zn, Sn, Cr, In, Pb, Mo, V, W, Zr, Ge, Re, Au, Ir, Rh, Ru, Os, or mixtures thereof, and a method for recovery of valuable metals using the same. More particularly, the present invention relates to alkali leaching of valuable metals, an apparatus for recovery of valuable metals, and a method for recovery of valuable metals using the same, which recovers valuable metals by volatizing or dissolving valuable metals using chlorine gas generated in an electrolytic chlorine producing bath in the form of an oxide or leaching solution depending on the kind of valuable metal. Here, the apparatus is a closed system, in which chlorine gas generated in an anode chamber of the electrolytic chlorine producing bath and sodium hydroxide generated in a cathode chamber are re-circulated to allow elimination of additional supply of chlorine and sodium hydroxide from outside, thereby preventing generation of waste liquid and waste gas while ensuring eco-friendliness, safety without leakage of toxic gas, and economical feasibility.
2. Description of the Related Art
Generally, large amounts of valuable metal are contained in scrap and waste produced during manufacture of various electronic products, waste catalysts produced in chemical processes, waste water generated from a plating factory, textile fabrication factory, film development workroom, and the like. Thus, recycling of such waste resources and efficient recovery of valuable metals from the waste resources are very important issues in terms of value creation of the waste resources and prevention of environmental pollution.
Examples of such valuable metals may include copper (Cu), zinc (Zn), tin (Sn), chromium (Cr), indium (In), lead (Pb), molybdenum (Mo), vanadium (V), tungsten (W), zirconium (Zr), germanium (Ge), rhenium (Re), gold (Au), iridium (Ir), rhodium (Rh), ruthenium (Ru), osmium (Os), and the like. As one method for recovery of such valuable metals by processing content or waste water containing such valuable metals and mixtures thereof, alkali leaching is generally performed using an alkaline solution prepared by dissolving an alkaline salt in a solvent.
In general alkali leaching, an aqueous solution containing a large amount of alkaline salt is used for reaction of valuable metals at high temperature. As such, the large amount of alkaline salt is used due to continuous consumption of alkali metal ions, a waste liquid generated during the leaching can cause environmental damage, and the use of such more expensive alkaline salt than acid salts is a main reason for increase in manufacturing cost.
As another method for recovery of valuable metals, electrolysis is used. Electrolysis is used not only for processing valuable metals contained in waste water but also for processing general inorganic or organic compounds. However, electrolysis has problems of a long processing time and low efficiency due to accessory equipment.

Apparatus and method for recovery of valuable metals by alkali leaching

KOREA INSTITUTE OF GEOSCIENCE AND MINERAL RESOURCES


Channel separation in ophthalmologic systems is achieved by introducing a small angle between each beam incident on the scanner. The multiple channels are emitted from multiple emitters positioned such that their respective beams reach an X-Y scanner with small angular separations between the beams. This removes the need for dichroic components to combine the multiple channels into a single beam. This also allows the emitters to use the same wavelength if desired, such as in a combined SLO and OCT system in which it may be desirable to use the same light source in order to reduce the cost and complexity of the system.

This idea relates to an issue that arises frequently in both scanning laser ophthalmoscopy (SLO) systems and optical coherence tomography (OCT) systems. There is usually a need to combine multiple scan channels before they enter a patient's eye. Examples of multiple channels could be different wavelength SLO channels, or an SLO channel combined with an OCT channel.
The various scan channels are typically combined before entering the patient's eye. The light returning from the patient's eye is then separated again into the channels such that it can be processed in a manner appropriate to that channel. To reduce system costs a single X-Y scanner is used for all the channels.
A commonly used technique when the channels use different wavelengths is illustrated in FIG. 1. The different wavelengths are combined with dichroic beam splitters, then the collimated beam is launched at a scanning mechanism. This collimated beam is reflected from the patient's eye and re-enter the scanner and directed back towards to dichroic splitters. The dichroic splitters are then re-used to separate the returned light from the patient, and direct beams of particular frequencies back to the respective emitters. The beams shown in FIG. 1 (each using a different pattern of dashes, for clarity) are shown separated for clarity, but in reality they would be collinear. However there are a number of issues with the chromatic combination and separation of each channel.
First, each channel must use a separate wavelength. This is not such an issue for a purely SLO system employing multiple wavelengths. But in the case of a combined OCT/SLO system it may be desirable to use a single source for both the SLO and OCT systems to reduce both system cost and complexity.
Second, OCT systems require careful control of both the dispersion and the differential group delay. This inevitably results in more complex optical coatings and an increase in component cost.
Third, there is the additional cost of the dichroic components, and the additional manufacturing steps needed to mount and align them.


A foot-pedal operated cart includes a dual derailleur transmission system operated by a pair of multi-function control handles. The control handles each include a pair of hand-operated actuators for controlling a ratchet and pawl mechanism for respectively indexing the derailleurs over a pair of speed change sprocket clusters. The control handles are also connected to a steering system and braking system to allow a driver to control each system via the control handles.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates generally to chain driven vehicles and particularly relates to a racing cart having a dual derailleur transmission actuated by a pair of trigger-operated ratchet and pawl mechanisms mounted within a pair of multi-function control handles which provide steering and braking functions as well.
2. Description of Prior Developments
Dual derailleur transmission systems for foot powered vehicles are well known and have been applied, for example, to tandem bicycles as shown in U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,209,507 and 4,502,705. While these parallel chain drive systems perform adequately for their intended purposes, that is, to allow two riders to match their respective pedalling speeds, they do not adequately address the problems associated with recumbent or semi-recumbent racing carts powered by a single rider, i.e. improving the speed characteristics of the carts.
In particular, it is desirable to maintain the center of gravity of a three or four wheel racing cart as low to the ground as possible in order to provide improved cornering and maneuverability. It is also desirable to facilitate the operation of the derailleurs so as to allow simultaneous steering, braking and shifting functions with a single hand-held control assembly.
In prior dual derailleur systems, one derailleur actuator or shift lever operates in one direction, i.e. clockwise, and the other derailleur actuator operates in the opposite direction, i.e. counterclockwise, to increase or decrease the overall gear ratio between the foot pedal sprocket and the driving sprocket connected to the road wheel. In some cases, this has caused operator confusion resulting in an upshift when a downshift is intended and vice versa.
Prior derailleur systems typically have been operated with shifting assemblies attached to some portion of a bicycle frame remotely located from the handle bar hand grips. This arrangement requires temporary removal of the driver's hands from the hand grips in order to shift gears. In some cases, this can lead to a lack of steering control during turning maneuvers and is generally considered inconvenient.
Accordingly, a need exists for a dual derailleur transmission system which allows for the mounting of relatively small diameter sprockets and chains extremely close to ground level in order to lower the center of gravity of a foot powered vehicle and thereby improve its maneuverability.
Another need exists for a chain driven racing vehicle which minimizes chain slack and resists disengagement of a chain from its front sprockets.
A further need exists for a dual derailleur system which provides consistent upshifts and downshifts with a pair of hand held shift assemblies.
Still a further need exists for a dual derailleur system which is actuated by a pair of control handles, each of which provides upshifts and downshifts while allowing a rider to maintain a full grip on the steering and braking mechanisms.
Another need exists for a dual derailleur system which combines three control functions within a single hand grip, i.e. steering, braking and gear shifting.

Control system for pedal driven vehicles


[Object] To provide a high-frequency module and a communication device, each of which includes a non-directional antenna and is suitable for transmission/reception of a radio wave in a high frequency band. [Solution] A high-frequency module including: an antenna portion provided to project from a board; an antenna element at least a part of which is provided on the antenna portion; a transmission line formed on a same surface as the antenna element and including a same material as the antenna element; and a high-frequency element mounted on a surface of the board on which the transmission line is formed.

In recent years, antenna-integrated high-frequency modules capable of transmitting/receiving millimeter waves have been developed as antenna modules for next-generation mobile communication which transmit/receive radio waves in a higher frequency band.
For example, Patent Literature 1 cited below discloses a board for a radio frequency module, the board including a ground conductor layer formed on one surface of an insulating layer and having an opening, a conductor pattern formed on the other surface of the insulating layer so as to overlap the opening of the ground conductor layer, a dielectric layer formed on the ground conductor layer and including a porous material, and an antenna element formed on the dielectric layer so as to overlap the opening of the ground conductor layer.
In the board for a radio frequency module disclosed in Patent Literature 1, a radio wave is transmitted/received from the antenna element by electromagnetically joining the conductor pattern to the antenna element through the opening of the ground conductor layer. Patent Literature 1 discloses that directionality of the antenna element becomes high because the conductor pattern, the ground conductor layer, and the antenna element are laminated so as to overlap the opening of the ground conductor layer.

High-frequency module and communication device

SONY SEMICONDUCTOR SOLUTIONS CORPORATION


A method for forming a photovoltaic device includes depositing a p-type layer on a substrate. A barrier layer is formed on the p-type layer by exposing the p-type layer to an oxidizing agent. An intrinsic layer is formed on the barrier layer, and an n-type layer is formed on the intrinsic layer.

1. Technical Field
The present invention relates to solar cells, and more particularly to devices and methods which employ a barrier layer between p-type layer formation and intrinsic layer formation.
2. Description of the Related Art
Fabrication of amorphous hydrogenated silicon (a-Si:H) solar cells is performed with the deposition of constituent active layers. The active layers include a p-type layer (or p-layer), an intrinsic layer (or i-layer) and an n-type layer (or n-layer), collectively a p-i-n or pin stack.
In some processes, a surface of the active layer is exposed to reactant by-products that may be present in the chamber or may be left over from previous processing. While solar cell fabrication using a single chamber is manufacturing friendly, this process suffers from the drawback of different species of elements or compounds being left over from previous processing. For example, when diborane is used for a p-type dopant source (e.g., boron), boron is left over in the chamber. If further processing is conducted in the same chamber a higher probability of contamination occurs, which can result in poor device performance.
In another example, trimethylborane(TMB) may be employed as a p-type dopant source. In this case, less boron is left over after depositing p-type a-SiC:H. However, for other materials, e.g., a-Ge:H, a-Si:H, etc., it is extremely difficult to provide boron to these films without contaminating reactants being present (the process is not flexible for all device materials). These contaminants usually settle at interfaces and affect device performance.

Solar cell made using a barrier layer between p-type and intrinsic layers

INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS MACHINES CORPORATION


Disclosed is an NC machine tool apparatus including an NC machine having at least one spindle to which a tool or a sensing device is attached, and a drive mechanism for driving the spindle, and a control unit for driving the spindle through the drive mechanism. The control unit is provided with an NC work program producing means for measuring a machining locus of a workpiece held in the NC machine by the sensing device attached to the spindle in accordance with a source work program which defines a measurement of the machining locus of the workpiece and a method of producing an NC work program, and producing the NC work program on the basis of the measured data and the source work program.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a numerical control (NC) machine tool apparatus, more particularly, to a computerized numerical control (CNC) machine tool apparatus having a means for automatically producing an NC work program used therein for machining a workpiece, on the basis of a source NC program.
2. Description of the Related Art
When machining workpiece by a CNC machine tool apparatus, which includes a plurality of spindles, drive mechanisms thereof and a control unit, an NC work program is previously programmed on the basis of parameters describing a machining shape of a workpiece to be machined, machining directions, a speed at which a tool is to be moved and other machining conditions. The programmed NC work program is loaded into a memory of the control unit. Thereafter, the control unit drives the drive mechanisms in accordance with the loaded NC work program to thereby machine the workpiece by the tool mounted on the spindle.
Various methods of programming an NC work program have been adopted, however, these methods suffer from the following disadvantages related to typical prior art programming methods.
When a machining shape of the workpiece is simple, a theoretical calculation method has been attempted. In this method, a skilled programmer or designer calculates a machining shape of the workpiece theoretically, programs a source NC work program represented by an NC language, and loads the source NC work program into a programming computer. The theoretical calculation method is different from an NC machine tool apparatus in which the workpiece is machined to produce an NC work program by, for example, an NC work programed paper tape. The NC work program is tested and loaded into the NC machine tool apparatus via a paper tape. This theoretical calculation method, however, requires skilled programmers, a programming computer for assembling a source NC work program and outputting an actual NC work programmed tape, and requires a long time for the programming.
A measuring method has also been attempted. In this method, an operator operates an NC machine tool apparatus in which a touch sensor, instead of a tool, is attached to a spindle. The touch sensor and measures a machining shape of the workpiece to be machined by the touch sensor. The programmer programs a source NC work program represented by an NC language on the basis of the measured data, and produces an NC work program. This measuring method also suffers from the disadvantages of the need for skilled engineers, a programming computer and a long programming time.
Furthermore, an Interactive programming method, in which an NC work program is produced interactively between a computer and an operator, has been attempted. This method does not require skilled engineers, however, does require a complex and bulky computer system and a long programming time.
Usually, a test operation of the NC work program loaded in the NC machine tool apparatus is attempted before actual machining of a workpiece. If an error of the NC work program is detected, a reprogramming operation must be carried out, and thus programming time becomes even longer, i.e., the efficiency of the programming is further lowered.
In addition to the above disadvantages, in the prior art programming methods, an NC work program must be produced for each machined shape of a workpiece. For example, when a modification is made to a machined shape, slightly different from a source machined shape, a new NC work program must be produced.

NC machine tool apparatus having means for producing NC work program and method thereof


A digital image capturing apparatus includes a housing, a first hole installed on the front side of the housing for inputting light from the front, a second hole installed on the rear side of the housing for inputting light from the rear, a reflector module installed in the housing for reflecting the light input from the first hole or the second hole, a photosensor installed in the housing for sensing the light from the reflector module, and an image generating module installed in the housing for generating an image according to the light sensed by the photosensor.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a digital image capturing apparatus, and more specifically, to a digital image capturing apparatus capable of capturing images from different directions.
2. Description of the Prior Art
As the information industry progresses, information-related products are increasingly used in daily life and conventional analog products are gradually being replaced by digital products. Take the digital camera for example; conventional film cameras utilize chemicals on a film to record images, which can be viewed after development. Moreover, if a user wants to take pictures with special effects, they are required to be skillful in controlling the stop, the shutter as well as the lens and film development, which is inconvenient for an amateur. In contrast to conventional film cameras, digital cameras convert images into digital signals using a photosensor to directly store them in a memory device. Digital cameras can also be connected to a computer system and store images on its hard disk drive. The images can then be viewed on a screen or printed on a printer. In addition, the user can further process the images recorded by the digital camera using image processing software to produce special effects, which previously could only be realized by a professional photographer with a conventional optical camera, or perhaps even could not be achieved using a conventional optical camera.
Please refer to FIG. 1 showing a front view, and FIG. 2 showing a rear view of a conventional digital camera 10. The digital camera 10 includes a lens 12 for capturing light reflected by an object, a shutter button 16 for controlling focusing and shooting, a viewfinder 18, which can be a liquid crystal display (LCD) or a low temperature polysilicon (LTPS) display, for viewing the object, and a control button set 20 for controlling image editing, browsing and parameter settings.
Please refer to FIG. 3 showing a block diagram of the conventional digital camera 10. The digital camera 10 further includes a photosensor 24 and an image generating module 26. The photosensor 24 can be a charge coupled device (CCD) for sensing light from the lens 12, and the image generating module 26 is for generating an image according to the light sensed by the photosensor 24 so that the viewfinder 18 can display the image.
When taking a picture of an object, the lens 12 should be turned toward the object, and the user is only able to view the object by the viewfinder 18. If the user wants themselves to be in the picture, they can use a tripod along with a self-timer of the camera, or have someone take the picture for them. However, neither of these methods convenient.
Please refer to FIG. 22 showing another conventional digital camera 150. Components in FIG. 22 having the same number as that in FIG. 1 function in the same way, thus a further description is hereby omitted. What is different is that a viewfinder 158 is attached to the digital camera 150 by a hinge 152, so that the user can view themselves using the viewfinder 158. However, the hinge 152 not only has a high cost, but is also highly susceptible to damage.

Digital image capturing apparatus capable of capturing images from different directions


A developing device using developer and an image carrier has of a developing roller to carry developer, to feed developer to image carriers and to form a developer image. The developing device also has an upper mixer screw, which conveys, developer to the developing roller while stirring it, and a lower mixer screw provided under the upper mixer screw, which circulates and conveys developer jointly with the upper mixer also, the developing device has a drawing up roller with first and second magnetic poles formed to draw up developer when the lower mixer screw feeds developer to the upper mixer screw. The drawing up roller has magnetic matter provided in contact with the drawing up roller so as to form an angle 90.degree. or below to the horizontal line passing through the center of axis of the developing roller between the first and second magnetic poles so that developer which is drawn up by the drawing up roller, separates so that it is re-circulated by the upper mixer screw.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a developing device that is used in an image forming apparatus.
2. Description of the Related Art
A copying machine is much used as an image forming apparatus. In the copying machine, a developing device is used for developing an electrostatic latent image formed on an image carrier to obtain a toner image on an image receiving medium.
Of the developing devices, a two-component developing device using a developer comprising toner and carrier is also much used for color recording machines and printers from the viewpoint of image quality. In the color recording, a ratio of the image area portion is higher than the conventional monochrome recording because of image feature and toner consumption is greater by about 5 times.
Therefore, in the color recording, more toner must be supplied in a relatively short period and furthermore, a charging characteristic sufficient enough for development must be given to the toner before supplying it to the developing roller.
On the other hand, the downsizing and speed increasing of color image forming apparatuses is being progressively demanded.
In order to give a sufficient charging characteristic to toner that is supplied to the developing device, it is required to sufficiently stir and mix toner with carrier and a time required therefor, and the developing device itself must have a sufficient capacity to retain developer.
To secure the developer capacity and a stirring time described above, a means is adopted to arrange mixers in a developing device in a vertical direction instead of the conventional lateral side by side arrangement. Such a developing device with the mixers arranged in the vertical direction is called an HL type developing device.
The conventional HL type developing device has a partition wall built in the main body of the device for housing two-component developer to divide the inside of the main body into the upper and lower portions. An upper mixer is provided in the upper portion divided by the partition wall and a lower mixer is provided in the lower portion. There are specified gaps between both ends of the partition wall in the longitudinal direction and the side walls of the main body of the developing device so that developer is able to pass through the gaps freely.
At the front side of the partition wall and the upper and lower mixers, a developing roller, which is a developer carrying member, is provided.
In such a developing device, the developer that is stirred and conveyed by the upper mixer is conveyed in the specified direction and supplied to the developing roller as if falling thereto.
Developer that is not yet reaching the developing roller and excess developer remaining the developing roller after completing the development fall to the lower mixer side by gravity and then, is conveyed by the action of the lower mixer in the direction reverse to the upper mixer.
The developer conveyed by this lower mixer is again supplied to the upper mixer and is circulated and conveyed. In this case, however, as developer is conveyed from the lower mixer to the upper mixer against its gravity, there is such a problem that developer is not sufficiently supplied. To cope with this problem, a drawing up roller made of a magnet is provided at the end of the developing roller to convey developer magnetically. However, when developer is conveyed magnetically, there is still a problem.
That is, from the viewpoint of the stirring and conveying efficiency of developer in the developing device, it is preferred to separate developer from the drawing up roller completely.
However, at the end of using developer, developer was not completely separated from the drawing up roller for deterioration of fluidity of developer, change in characteristic of developer resulting from environmental change and part of developer was kept adhered to the drawing up roller.
If such a phenomenon is generated, the drawing up efficiency becomes worse and the flow of developer becomes slow throughout the entire developing device. If the flow of developer becomes slower than a certain level of speed, toner density becomes uneven, images tend to become improper and further, an automatic toner sensor may become abnormal.
Further, in the HL type developing device it is very difficult to separate developer from the drawing up roller when compared with the separation of developer from the developing roller in a horizontal type developing device not the HL type developing device.
In other words, in case of an ordinary developing roller of a horizontal type developing device, the separation point having the weakest magnetic force between magnetic poles for separating developer is set below the horizontal line of the center of axis. Therefore, the separation itself is easy because of gravity of developer, etc. and the flow of separated developer is in the constant direction at the mixer side.
On the contrary, in case of the HL type developing device which draws up developer magnetically, the separation point is above the horizontal line passing through the center of axis and the separation itself is difficult. In addition, as the flow of separated developer is in the direction reverse to the mixer, the separation of developer is more difficult.
As described above, there is so far no HL type developing device that was able to perform the drawing up and separation of developer satisfactorily.


An interaction arrangement for interaction between at least one screen arranged behind a transparent pane and at least one pointer object located in front of the pane, comprising at least two cameras arranged behind the pane, wherein there is associated with each of the cameras a deflection unit by means of which at least one optical path from an interaction area in the vicinity of and in front of the pane can be directed into the camera, and comprising a computing unit connected to all of the cameras for determining a position of the pointer object which is guided so as to be visible for at least two of the cameras, wherein at least the interaction area can be stroboscopically illuminated with infrared light, and the cameras are sensitive to infrared light and can be synchronized with the stroboscopic illumination.

Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to an interaction arrangement for interaction between at least one screen located behind a transparent pane and at least one pointer object located in front of the pane, comprising at least two cameras arranged behind the pane whose optical axes are oriented substantially perpendicular to the pane, wherein there is associated with each of the cameras a deflection unit via which an optical path from an interaction area in the vicinity of and in front of the pane can be directed into the camera, and comprising a computing unit connected to all of the cameras for determining a position of the pointer object which is guided so as to be visible for at least two of the cameras.
Description of the Background Art
Interactive screens are known under the name of touchscreen, in which a user moves a pointer object, for example his finger, on the screen. A position or movement of the pointer object on the screen is detected by mechanical sensors. A predefined action is triggered as a function of the position or other actions of the pointer object, for example, by pressing on a certain area of the screen. Such systems are subject to mechanical wear resulting from vandalism and scratching, and because of the resultant high maintenance costs are only suitable for long-term use under certain conditions, for example in public areas.
Consequently, systems have been developed that determine the position of the pointer object with respect to a passive surface by optical detection. U.S. Pat. No. 7,034,807 discloses an arrangement for interaction by a user with a screen through a display window. The area of the screen visible through the display window serves as a passive touch surface. The system comprises a recording unit for recording the pointer object in the vicinity of the touch surface with optical means. A computing unit connected to the recording unit can calculate a position of the pointer object in the vicinity of the contact surface from the signals recorded by the recording unit. The screen is located behind the display window, which to say that it is separated from the user by the display window. The recording unit comprises, for example, two cameras, and is also located behind the display window. By means of a deflection unit, for example mirrors or prisms, located above or below the contact surface, an optical path is directed from the recording unit to an area in front of the contact surface. In order to increase the contrast, the area in front of the contact surface is illuminated with infrared light that has the same optical path as the recording unit. Reflecting surfaces are arranged opposite the deflection unit with respect to the contact surface. They reflect the infrared light and serve as a background before which the pointer object can be detected with increased contrast. The position of the pointer object can then be determined, for example by triangulation.
Similar camera-based interactive systems are disclosed in WO 02/03316 A1, EP 1420335 A1, which corresponds to U.S. Pat. No. 6,954,197 and DE 10163648 A1, for example. These documents teach the use of a recording unit with at least two cameras with overlapping fields of view that include a contact surface delimited by a frame. The presence of a pointer object on or in the vicinity of the contact surface is detected by analysis of the differences between two successive images of the contact surface. When a pointer object is present, the recorded image data are processed such that only selected subareas of the image are analyzed.
Conventional camera-based interactive systems have the inherent problem that the images recorded by the recording unit are frequently distorted by light from other sources, for example directly incident, scattered, or reflected light from the surroundings. Light from such external sources often has a higher intensity than light coming from the pointer object. Since the camera controller generally adjusts itself for the maximum intensity, detection of the pointer object frequently becomes difficult or impossible. Moreover, the recorded image is frequently very sensitive to changes in ambient light, for example between day and night. These circumstances lead to errors in determining the position of the pointer object.
Additional infrared illumination for illuminating the area in front of the contact surface can be used together with corresponding infrared-sensitive cameras to reduce these errors. Contrast can be further improved by means of the aforementioned reflecting surfaces. The illuminated pointer object can then be detected with higher contrast. However, this makes the system more complex and costly.
Another problem arises with double-glazed display windows between the user and screen. Light can be reflected between the window panes, reach the recording unit, and distort the recorded image, thus making it difficult or impossible to determine the position of the pointer object.

Interaction arrangement for interaction between a screen and a pointer object