A logic circuit verifying system selects independent signal lines which are positioned in an input terminal side and affects both of two internal signal lines extracted from two combinational logic circuits. The logical functions of the two internal signal lines are generated using the selected signal lines as a pseudo-input. If the logical functions match, it is determined that the two internal signal lines are equivalent to each other. According to the information about the equivalent signal lines, the equivalence of the two logic circuits can be efficiently verified.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a logic circuit verifying system and method for checking whether or not two combinational logic circuits having no internal states are equivalent with each other.
2. Description of the Related Art
When a logic circuit is designed, the configuration of the circuit is normally amended without changing the function of the originally designed circuit to satisfactorily meet the restrictive conditions relating to the number of gates, delay time, etc. Such a circuit amendment can be automatically made by a computer program, but is normally performed manually by its skilled designer. At this time, it is necessary to verify the functional equivalence of the circuits before and after the amendment to prevent the functions of the circuit from being changed by a mis-amendment. Thus, it is very important in circuit designing to verify the equivalence of logic circuits.
One equivalence verifying method is followed by applying the same input pattern to two circuits, performing a logical simulation, and checking whether or not the same output value is obtained from the two circuits. However, in this method, the equivalence is not verified unless all input patterns are checked. Assuming that the number of inputs external to the circuit is n, the number of patterns required for verification is 2.sup.n. If the value n refers to several tens, it is almost impossible to simulate all patterns.
Another equivalence verifying method is followed by representing a logical function of an output external to the circuit as data structure, referred to as a dichotomizing decision graph, and checking whether or not the dichotomizing graphs of the outputs external to the two circuits are similar to each other. However, the dichotomizing decision graph may not be prepared, using this method, by using the explosion of the nodal points on the graph, depending on the scale and properties of the circuit.
On the other hand, Kunz and others have suggested a method for verifying the equivalence through an indirect implication referred to as a recursive learning (W. Kunz and D. K. Pradhan, "Recursive learning: A new implication technique for efficient solutions to CAD problems--test, verification, and optimization.", in IEEE Trans. on Computer-aided Design of Integrated Circuits and systems, Vol, 13, No. 9, pages 1143-1157, September, 1994, Hannibal). Reddy and others have suggested a combination of the recursive learning and the dichotomizing decision graph (S. M. Reddy, W. Kunz and D. K. Pradhan, "Novel Verification Framework Combining Structural and OBDD Methods in a Synthesis Environment", in Proc. 32nd Design Automation conf., pp. 414-419, June 1995).
According to Reddy and others, a set of equivalent internal signal lines in two circuits is obtained using the recursive learning, and an equivalent internal signal line closest to the external output is defined as a pseudo-input. Using the pseudo-input, the logical functions of the external outputs are generated and compared between the two corresponding external outputs. In this method, the explosion of the number of nodal points on the dichotomizing decision graph can be suppressed by generating the logical functions with the internal signal lines of the circuits applied as pseudo-inputs. When the two compared logical functions are equal to each other, the equivalence of the circuits is verified, but the equivalence is not necessarily verified if the logical functions are not equal to each other.
FIG. 1A shows an example of equivalent circuits having different structures. In FIG. 1A, the left circuit comprises a NAND gate 1, AND gates 2 and 3, and OR gate 4, and generates an output signal x1 from input signals A, B, and C. The right circuit comprises a NAND gate 5, AND gates 6 and 7, and XOR (exclusive or) gate 8, and generates an output signal x2 from input signals A, B, and C. These two circuits are different in element of the output stages, but are equivalent in entire circuit. When the equivalence of circuits is verified by the method of Reddy and others, the input signals s1 and t1 of the OR gate 4 and the input signals s2 and t2 of the XOR gate 8 are used as pseudo-inputs of a logical function. However, the logical function of the external output x1 generated by inputting s1 and t1 is quite different from the logical function of the external output x2 generated by inputting s2 and t2.
In this case, it should be furthermore checked whether or not the set of the internal signal lines which are used as the pseudo-input can be values that generate different external outputs. Reddy and others temporarily assign 0 or 1 to the internal signal lines, and determines that the circuits are not equivalent if all assignments are performed without inconsistency and the external outputs are different from each other. It is determined that the circuits are equivalent if assigning values to make different external outputs generates inconsistency.
Jain and others also suggests an equivalence verifying method similar to that suggested by Reddy and others (J. Jain, R. Mukherjerr and M. Fujita, "Advanced Verification Techniques Based on Learning", in Proc. 32nd Design automation conf., pp. 420-426, June 1995). The method suggested by Jain and others also generates logical functions of two external outputs with the equivalent internal signal lines closest to the external outputs used as pseudo-inputs, and determines that the circuits are equivalent if the generated functions are equal to each other. If they are not equal to each other, it is checked whether or not a set of internal signal lines applied as a pseudo-input can refer to values to generate different external outputs. In the verification, a set of signal lines closer to the external inputs than the internal signal lines used as pseudo-inputs is selected and defined as a new pseudo input. Using the original pseudo-input signal lines as a pseudo-output, the logical function of the output is generated, and it is checked whether or not an input which causes different external outputs exists.
According to the methods of Reddy and Jain, the relationship between internal signal lines is first obtained by a relatively high-speed, but not definite determining method, and then an equivalence verification is performed between the internal signal lines closer to output terminals or on external outputs according to the obtained relationship. However, as shown in FIG. 1B, when two circuits, which are equivalent in function of external output but different in configuration closer to external inputs are verified, those methods are not necessarily effective.
In FIG. 1B, one logical circuit comprises combinational circuits 9 and 10, and the other logical circuit comprises combinational circuits 11 and 12. The combinational circuits 9 and 11 are equivalent in function, but different in structure. The combinational circuits 10 and 12 have the same structure. With these circuits, since the combinational circuits 9 and 11, which are close to an external input, are different from each other in the first high-speed determining method, there may be no equivalent internal signal lines between two logic circuits. In this case, it may require a long time to determine the equivalence of external outputs, or a process may not be performed within a practical time.
For example, if internal signal lines i1, i2, . . . , iN are equivalent to internal signal lines j1, j2, . . . , jN in FIG. 1B, it is determined that all signal lines contained in the combinational circuits 10 and 12 are equivalent because the partial circuits at the output terminals of these signal lines have the same structure. However, in the recursive learning used in the method suggested by Reddy, etc., 2.sup.m cases can be assumed based on the number m of signal lines to which values are assigned, and a practical process cannot be performed if m refers to several tens. Therefore, if a larger-scale circuit is to be verified, the number of cases should be limited. As a result, there is the possibility of failing to recognize that the internal signal lines i1, i2, . . . , iN are equivalent to the internal signal lines j1, j2, . . . , jN. At this time, the internal signal lines in the combinational circuits 9 and 11 are to be checked. However, since these circuits are different in structure, it is hard to detect equivalent internal signal lines.
Furthermore, according to the functional learning suggested by Jain and others, a new set of internal signal lines should be selected if a comparison is made after generating a logical function using a set of internal signal lines to be first verified as a pseudo-input. However, it is not practically indicated which internal signal line is traced back to generate the logical function. If an internal signal line is selected through a number of attempts, there is the possibility of failing to recognize that the internal signal lines i1, i2, . . . , iN are equivalent to the internal signal lines j1, j2, . . . , jN, thereby causing the problem similar to that of the recursive learning.
Thus, the conventional equivalence verifying methods cannot completely verify the equivalence of the internal signal lines, and cannot be used as methods for practical use.

System and method for verifying logic circuit based on signal line set affecting internal signal


A system and method of increasing the dynamic range of image sensors by controlling the exposure (either electronically or mechanically) of multiple images and optionally forming a composite image from the properly exposed areas of the multiple images of varying exposure settings. Certain embodiments of the system and method utilize image processing techniques to determine the various exposure settings and to form the optional composite image. The properly exposed areas can be used directly by machine vision applications.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention generally relates to the field of digital image processing. More particularly, the invention relates to providing a system and method for increasing the effective dynamic range of image sensors by combining information from multiple images of the same scene taken at varying exposures via digital image processing.
2. Description of the Related Technology
Many applications exist that require analyzing images to extract information. For example, a mobile robot that uses vision (one form of "machine vision", which is described in greater detail below) will take and analyze a series of digital images looking for objects, both landmarks and obstacles, in order to plan its movements. Both computers and humans analyze images from security systems to assure that everything is in order. Images from satellites are analyzed by looking for objects or patterns or by comparing similar images taken at different times. Typically, greater contrast (i.e., dynamic range) in an image increases the information that can be extracted from the image because edges and other details are better defined. In machine vision, this higher contrast enables simplified edge detection and object localization.
The human vision system has a wide dynamic range and is very good at extracting information from a scene that includes both very bright and very dark areas. However, high contrast often overwhelms the dynamic range of other image sensors, for example digital or analog cameras, such that substantial areas are either saturated or very dark. For a digital image, saturated areas are those that contain pixels at or near the maximum brightness, while dark areas are those that contain pixels at or near the minimum brightness. Typically, saturated areas result from overexposure, while dark areas result from underexposure. It is generally very difficult to effectively analyze saturated and dark areas. High cost cameras typically have a greater dynamic range, but are prohibitively expensive for many applications.
Exposure control is one method to adjust contrast in an image. Current auto exposure systems are generally very accurate. Typical auto exposure systems use reflected-light exposure meters within the camera to detect the level of light and electronically adjust the camera's shutter speed and/or aperture to the optimal exposure setting. Photocells are typically used as exposure meters, with the silicon photo-diode being the most common. Image sensors are typically their own exposure meters.
While these light averaging exposure control systems do a good job of selecting the correct nominal exposure, many images still contain overexposed (saturated) and underexposed (dark) areas. For example, in a photographic image that includes a light, the majority of the image may appear correctly exposed, but the area near the light will often be overexposed (saturated), appearing bright white and without detail.
Some of the digital cameras presently on the market have enhanced auto exposure systems. One such system allows the user to automatically take the same shot at three exposures with one press of the trigger (referred to as bracketing). The user can then choose the best-exposed shot of the three. These systems also allow the user to select the range between the three exposures. However, local bright and dark areas within the image may still make it impossible for any single exposure to effectively capture the entire image. Typically, photographers have used external lights or flash bulbs to improve the picture contrast by increasing the dynamic range of the scene.
Machine vision may refer to the analysis by a system (i.e., machine) of an image or sequence of images to produce useful descriptions of what is imaged in order to accomplish a given task. For example, machine vision may include extracting facial characteristics from an image in order to match a person in an image with a database of facial characteristics, or determining the distance to an object from two stereo images in order for a robot to determine how far it can move forward without hitting the object. Following are examples of applications that may incorporate machine vision processing:                1. Determining a map of an environment in order for a robot to move about autonomously without running into objects;        2. Identifying people in an image to determine who is at a certain location;        3. Tracking an object across multiple images to determine where the object is in the images (e.g., determining where a soccer ball is in the images so that it can be replaced with an advertisement in the shape of the soccer ball in the images);        4. Determining the location, orientation, and size of an object so that it can be automatically manipulated by a machine (e.g., a robotic arm needs to pick up an object from an assembly line, and the object can be one of many types and different places/orientations on a conveyor belt);        5. Tracking an object across multiple images to determine where it is in the environment (e.g., what are the visual characteristics, location, speed, and trajectory of an incoming object to determine whether it is a missile or a plane); and        6. Analyzing medical images in order to find likely areas of disease.
In machine vision applications, one example being robotics, it is advantageous to have the ability to view a whole scene with all areas having sufficient contrast to recognize and analyze the features contained therein. In vision robotics, the robots navigate through the environment by recognizing objects, open space, patterns, walls, and the like. One implementation of robotic vision employs two cameras for stereo vision to determine the distance to objects. Poorly exposed images that lack sufficient dynamic range can lead to the robots either getting lost or failing to adequately locate and avoid objects or dangers such as an open stairwell. Therefore, there is a need in the vision robotics and image sensing and processing technology for increasing the effective dynamic range of image sensors. Such an enhancement in effective dynamic range would be useful for numerous applications in addition to the robotic application mentioned above.

System and method to increase effective dynamic range of image sensors


A saw attachment for pruning trees, shrubs and undergrowth that can be used on a hydraulic vehicle, having auxiliary line connections for accepting attachments. The attachment has cutting blades located at the ends of a swing arm, which is mounted on a plate capable of holding a single, fixed angle of orientation from 0° to 90° with respect to the imaginary plane of the direction of travel of the vehicle. Depending on the type of host vehicle on which the attachment is used, the attachment can be mounted using either a connector plate or an articulated extension arm.

Existing industrial hedgers and cutting tools are typically single purpose vehicles that include either a single cutting blade or a plurality of cutting blades that are fixed to either a stationary or a rotating cutting blade arm. These hedgers operate in a single or at most two planes. As a result, such hedgers are limited as to the types of operations they can perform. Where multiple operations are contemplated, the operator is required to change either an attachment or the orientation of the blades. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 2,404,655 to Randall, dated Jul. 23, 1946, describes a Machine for Felling Trees. This machine provides two saws, one mounted horizontally and the other mounted vertically. The horizontal blade is used for felling trees, whereas the vertical blade is used for cutting the felled trees into logs. The two blades are not mounted on the same bearing member and cannot be used concurrently.
A Dec. 11, 1951 patent issued to Miller et al. for Tractor Mounted Brush Saw, U.S. Pat. No. 2,577,906 identifies a machine having two or more saws mounted on a frame positioned at the front end of a tractor. The saws are operated by individual power units, so that the speed of each can be varied independently.
Similarly, U.S. Pat. No. 2,624,380 for Brush Saw to L. N. Haynes, dated Jan. 6, 1953, has two saw blades that are carried forward of the front end of a tractor. Although each saw blade assembly may be tilted upwardly from a horizontal position, there appears to be no structure which would allow for the blades to be positioned alongside the tractor.
Vertically-Adjustable Tree-Felling Tractor Mounted Saw was issued to Ryals on Dec. 1, 1953, as U.S. Pat. No. 2,661,035. This invention describes a saw blade apparatus attached to the front end of a tractor. The assembly includes a frame that allows the single blade to be raised or lowered and to be moved sideways from one front corner of the tractor to the opposite front corner. The structure of this invention does not permit the blade to be moved to the side of the tractor or to be tilted from the horizontal to the vertical.
Whitmore obtained U.S. Pat. No. 2,940,486 on Jun. 14, 1960, for Pruning Apparatus. This invention is permanently mounted, and is not adapted as an attachment. The Whitmore machine also appears not to be capable of lowering the saw blade bearing arm to ground level with the blades in a horizontal orientation. The downwardly movement of the saw blade arm is limited by the height above ground of the trailer frame. Accordingly, this machine does not appear capable of orienting the saws so that they are at ground level.
U.S. Pat. No. 3,157,016 was granted on Nov. 17, 1964, to Leydig et al. for a Tree Topper With Reciprocating Cutter Boom. This machine, includes an articulated boom which carries a cutter arm having multiple saw blades. The cutter arm is raised and extended from the front of a self-propelled vehicle, such as a tractor, however the cutting apparatus is not an add-on that can be adapted to various vehicles. Additionally, in the Leydig invention the cutting apparatus is carried on the front of the vehicle and, is not borne laterally on the vehicle and thus would be unable to prune the lower sides of hedges.
A second patent was issued on Jul. 6, 1965, to Leydig as U.S. Pat. No. 3,192,695 for Tree Trimming Machine Or the Like. This machine is somewhat different from that of the previous Leydig patent, but is also a dedicated piece of equipment rather than an attachment adaptable to various vehicles. The cutter arm in this machine is capable of trimming bushes in a direction lateral to the direction of travel of the machine on the side of the vehicle. The cutting arm may also be tilted, but appears incapable of being extended to ground level.
A third patent to Leydig et al., U.S. Pat. No. 3,487,615 dated Jan. 6, 1970 is for Double-Boom Hedger. This is an interesting machine in which the vehicle resembles a bulldozer having two cutting arms connected forward of the vehicle. The cutting arms hydraulically extend upwardly, and may also be deployed laterally from the vehicle; however, the cutting arms cannot be tilted sufficiently to reach ground level.
U.S. Pat. No. 4,592,398 was issued on Jun. 3, 1986, to Golob et al. for Continuous Tree Harvestor [sic]. This invention appears directed to the cutting, harvesting and bundling of small trees such as Christmas trees. The cutting apparatus is positioned along the front of the vehicle and at relatively close to ground level but does not have the capability of being turned sideways relative to the vehicle.
Grant received U.S. Pat. No. 5,430,999 on Jul. 11, 1995, for Tree Trimming And Pruning Machine. This invention provides a cutting arm bearing multiple saw blades. The cutting arm is extendable hydraulically to reach the tops of trees and the blades may be turned so as to be oriented horizontally, However this machine cannot cut a vertical swath beside the vehicle as the hydraulic arm extends only directly ahead of the vehicle and not beside it.
Industrial Vehicle With Adjustable Boom Members to Edwards, U.S. Pat. No. 6,085,505, dated Jul. 11, 2000, describes a machine that is dedicated to cutting and is not an attachment for a pre-existing vehicle. Saw blades are borne on a hydraulically extendable boom and the cutting arm includes a pivot linkage that allows the blades to be turned from a vertical alignment to a horizontal alignment allowing the topping of trees.


The “invention” is a unique device that has but one relevant purpose and that is to engage both regular and large mouthed mason jars that have been vacuum sealed with a “dome lid” (without a ring), thus attached by a user screwing the invention's two tiered body onto the selected mason jar. The top tier of the invention receives a regular mouthed mason jar while the lower tier receives a large mouthed mason jar. Once screwed onto the existing jar the user depresses the appropriate level leaf spring, thus inserting the associated lifting pin underneath the lip of the present dome lid and then, while holding the mechanism inward, the user unscrews the invention's body causing a counterclockwise and upward force on the dome lid via the lifting pin separating the dome lid from the mason jar, opening it.

I, Darryl Barton have enjoyed home canning for many years but have always had a difficult time opening the sealed Mason jars. I would have to use silverware, countertops, and any other number of objects to pry the dome lid from the Mason jar, breaking the seal. Unfortunately, this process would deform or destroy the dome lids, chip the glass Mason jars and even spill the contents.
I realized that there must be any easier way to efficiently break the seal of the dome lid without marring the lids or chipping the Mason jar. And that easier way is the E-Z Lid Lifter.
On Sep. 17, 2008 I made a prototype and I've used it successfully since.


The present invention provides radiation curable resin compositions having enhanced low temperature flexibility and to methods of using these compositions. The radiation curable resin compositions contain no or essentially no volatile organic components (VOCs), and find particular use as coating compositions. In particular, the radiation curable resin compositions of this invention comprise a vinyl dioxolane end-capped oligomer blended with a photoinitiator.

Curable resins are suitable for a variety of applications. For example, curable resins have been used as coatings, sealants and adhesives, and in producing molded articles. The manufacturing facilities that utilize conventional curable resins in their operations are typically expensive to maintain due to the nature of these resins. Conventional curable resins are typically solvent-based and contain volatile organic components (VOCs). VOCs favorably affect the viscosity of curable resins, and often VOCs are added so as to make the curable resin composition sprayable. This is a particularly desired quality for coating applications (e.g. furniture, automobile, ship, aircraft and other transportation vehicle coating applications). However, during the application and cure of these conventional resin compositions, substantial amounts of VOCs are released into the atmosphere. This is a serious problem because VOCs are toxic, flammable, explosive, smog-producing and noxious. As a result, elaborate and expensive fire and explosion-prevention measures, worker protection measures and pollution control equipment are required during the use of such conventional resins.
A number of resin manufacturers are currently developing low/no VOC curable resin formulations including, high solids, blocked isocyanate polyurethanes and aqueous-based polyurethane dispersions. These emerging resins possess certain advantageous attributes, but not without specific drawbacks. High solids formulations use low VOCs and provide equivalent performance to low solids urethanes, but cannot be applied using spraying techniques. Blocked isocyanate polyurethanes also use low VOCs and have low toxicity levels and good properties. These materials however, must be cured at elevated temperatures around 150 to 200° C., which is not practical in most applications, for example in coating automobiles and aircraft. Aqueous based polyurethanes use no VOCs, are nontoxic and easy to apply via spraying. To date, however, these polyurethanes have not provided the properties required to meet military specifications, such as adhesion and moisture-resistance, desired for high performance applications.
Polyesters have emerged as promising candidates for inclusion as components in advanced aircraft coatings. Polyesters are polymers formed by the reaction of aliphatic or aromatic polyol monomers with aromatic or aliphatic diacids in the presence of catalyst, usually, metallic acetates, such as calcium acetate. Polyesters can provide a combination of useful properties including: clarity, transparency, absence of color, flexibility, excellent adhesion to most substrates, abrasion-resistance, water resistance, fuel and oil-resistance, UV-resistance, weather-resistance, variable hardness (from elastomer to tough plastic), moderate cost, low temperature flexibility and availability as variable molecular weight, ester-endcapped, difunctional prepolymers.
Polyester polymers cannot be used as curable resins themselves, however, since their functionality is not conducive to the formation of hard, cross-linked structures. To be used advantageously as advanced coatings, polyester polymers must first be functionalized with reactive groups, such as hydroxyl groups, and then cured by chemical reaction with other comonomers, such as polyurethane diisocyanate monomers, into hard, tough polymer resins that can be used as protective coatings. Hydroxy-functional, polyester-based reactive prepolymers are frequently selected for use as components in polyurethane coatings over polyether and other type, polymers since they typically impart superior solvent-resistance, mechanical toughness and clarity to the coating and do not yellow upon exposure to intense UV light.
The major problems associated with the use of polyester-derived polyurethanes have involved the requirement for addition of substantial quantities of flammable, toxic solvents to polyurethane coating formulations to lower viscosity sufficiently for spray-painting operations. Another problem involved the use of toxic, irritating and volatile diisocyanate monomer components as major components in the polyurethane coating. The vapors that evolve from polyurethane operations may cause serious injury to workers breathing the fumes if they do not wear protective equipment.
A number of polyester-polyurethane coating manufacturers have been actively pursuing the development of low VOC and no VOC polyurethane curable resin formulations. To date however, none of these resins have exhibited the required proccessability or properties for use in e.g., automotive and aircraft coatings.
For example, damaged areas on U.S. Air Force aircraft are currently repaired on-site using aerosol sprayed coating compositions containing single component polyurethane enamel. Generally, these compositions are sprayed on the damaged portion of the aircraft and allowed to dry.
One disadvantage associated with such methods and compositions is that substantial amounts of volatile organic solvents (VOCs) are released into the atmosphere during application. In addition, such "touch-up" methods and compositions result in coatings having significantly inferior properties as compared to the original coating. Namely, the portions of the aircraft that are repaired using these one component polyurethane enamels have inferior abrasion-resistance, UV stability and fuel/oil resistance properties as compared to the original two-component polyurethane (PUR) coating of the aircraft. This is because unlike the two-part PURs, the one component coating formulation does not cure in-situ to form a crosslinked urethane structure in place, but, rather, simply deposits as a film upon evaporation of solvent.
Two-component aliphatic polyurethane compositions have been developed which provide satisfactory performance as aircraft coatings after drying and cure. However, to date, these coating compositions require the use of large quantities of flammable, toxic and environmentally hazardous organic solvents/diluents to produce low viscosity sprayable coatings. In addition, these polyurethane coating compositions utilize pure aliphatic diisocyanate as one of the reactive components. During coating and cure operations the pure aliphatic diisocyanate component liberates toxic vapors that may harm the workers and the environment.
A number of aircraft coating manufacturers are currently developing low/no VOC coating formulations including, high solids, blocked isocyanate polyurethanes and aqueous-based polyurethane dispersions. However, to date, these new materials have either been too high in viscosity for spraying, require excessive temperatures for cure (150 to 200° C.) or simply did not provide the properties required to meet military specifications. For example, while the high solids formulations use low VOCs and provide performance equivalent to that of low solids urethanes, these formulations cannot be applied using spraying techniques. Blocked isocyanate polyurethanes also use low VOCs, have low toxicity levels and good properties. However, these materials must be cured at elevated temperatures (150 to 200° C.), which are not practical when coating aircraft, since must be coated at ambient temperature. Aqueous based polyurethanes use no VOCs, are nontoxic and easy to apply via spraying. However, to date, these compositions do not provide the properties required to meet military specifications, such as adhesion and moisture-resistance.
Furthermore, current coating repair processes do not take into account the need to replace the underlying corrosion-resistant conversion coating and primer coating layers that were originally applied to the aircraft aluminum surface skin prior to application of the PUR topcoat. During surface preparation for re-coating, most damaged coatings are currently sanded down to bare metal, thereby removing any -primer and conversion coating that might have remained and exposing the metal to the threat of corrosion, even after application of topcoat.
Accordingly, what is needed are improved curable resin compositions that contain no or substantially no VOC's and methods of using these compositions whereby no VOC's are released. It is desired that these curable resin compositions are convenient to apply, and, preferably are sprayable. It is further required that these coating compositions air-dry at room temperature with or without application of a UV-source.
Specifically, in the case where the curable resin compositions are used as coatings to repair aircraft, it is desired that these coating compositions and methods provide equivalent or better performance than conventional two-component polyurethane (PUR) coatings that are used on aircraft. Namely, it is desired that these coating compositions provide excellent adhesion to aircraft surfaces after drying, protect against corrosion, UV rain erosion, small particle impact and weathering, and resist the effects of operational fluids (fuel, lubrication, hydraulic and deicing) and moisture. It would further be advantageous to provide coating compositions that may be easily removed by stripping if required.

This patent is subject to a terminal disclaimer.

No VOC radiation curable resin compositions with enhanced flexibility


Provided is a Global Positioning System (GPS) receive sensitivity-improving apparatus and method in a Code Division Multiple Access (CDMA) mobile terminal, which improves a GPS receive sensitivity by preventing a reference frequency variation caused by a thermal transient in the CDMA mobile terminal. The mobile terminal includes a transmitter equipped with CDMA/PCS (Personal Communication System) Power Amplifying Modules (PAMs) and a receiver equipped with a CDMA/PCS reception module and a GPS reception module. The CDMA/PCS PAMs remain turned on irrespective of the mobile terminal's operation modes. The CDMA/PCS reception module is turned on in a CDMA/PCS mode, and the GPS reception module is turned on in a GPS mode. The GPS receive sensitivity-improving apparatus and method prevents a GPS receive sensitivity from being affected by a module arrangement on the PCB of the mobile terminal, thereby making it possible to manufacture smaller, lighter and more compact mobile terminals.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a CDMA (Code Division Multiple Access) multi-band mobile terminal, and more particularly, to a GPS (Global Positioning System) receive sensitivity-improving apparatus and method in a CDMA mobile terminal, which improves a GPS receive sensitivity by preventing a reference frequency variation that may be caused by a thermal transient in the CDMA mobile terminal.
2. Background of the Prior Art
FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a GPS receiver inducing a reference frequency variation according to a thermal transient in the conventional mobile terminal.
As shown in FIG. 1, a baseband module 100 processes transmitted/received baseband signals. For example, the baseband module 100 performs channel coding and spreading with respect to transmission data, and performs despreading and channel decoding with respect to a received signal.
A frequency combiner 110 combines desired frequency band signals based on a reference frequency generated by a reference frequency generator 112. A transmitter 120 turns on CDMA/PCS (Personal Communication Service) Power Amplifying Modules (CDMA/PCS PAMs) 122 and 124 for CDMA/PCS transmission in a CDMA/PCS mode. The transmitter 120 performs only CDMA/PCS transmission, not GPS transmission, irrespective of modes.
A receiver 130 performs CDMA/PCS reception in a CDMA/PCS mode, and performs GPS reception in a GPS mode. Generally, the receiver 130 includes a plurality of filters to thereby filter received signals. It should be noted that the CDMA/PCS PAMs are turned off in a GPS mode.
An amplifier 140 amplifies baseband signals processed by the baseband module 100, and then transmits the amplified signals to the CDMA/PCS PAMs of the transmitter 120.
In general, a receive sensitivity is widely used as an indicator for indicating a performance of a GPS receiver. When a mode is converted from a CDMA/PCS mode into a GPS mode, a receive sensitivity of the GPS mode is measured. The GPS receive sensitivity is considerably susceptible to a thermal transient of the reference frequency generator 112.
In general, a receive sensitivity variation caused by a temperature variation is usually proportional to a frequency drift (or variation) caused by the temperature variation. Thus, the frequency drift (FD) of a mobile terminal can be expressed as the following Equation 1.FD(Hz/sec)=S(ppm/° C.)×G(° C./sec)×F(Hz)  Eq. (1)                where, S is the temperature stability of reference frequency generator, G is the thermal gradient within the mobile terminal (° C./sec), and        F is the center frequency (Hz).
That is, the GPS receive sensitivity is affected by the temperature stability of the reference frequency generator and a PCB (printed circuit board) arrangement, and so on.
When a mode is converted from a CDMA/PCS mode into a GPS mode, the receiver 130 performs GPS reception. At this time, the CDMA/PCS PAMs are turned off. That is, the CDMA/PCS PAMs are turned on in the CDMA/PCS mode but are turned off in the GPS mode. Accordingly, a thermal transient is generated in the reference frequency generator 112 at the mode conversion.
The thermal transient of the reference frequency generator 112 induces a variation in a GPS receive sensitivity. That is, a temperature variation in the CDMA/PCS PAMs affects the performance of the GPS receiver. Moreover, the temperature variation in the CDMA/PCS PAMs further deteriorates a GPS receive sensitivity in a weak electric field areas of the CDMA/PCS communication system.
For solving this problem, the CDMA/PCS PAMs and the reference frequency generator 112 are arranged on the printed circuit board (PCB) in such a way that they are physically spaced apart from each other by as much distance as is reasonably possible. However, such an arrangement of the CDMA/PCS PAMs and the reference frequency generator 112 becomes increasingly difficult as mobile terminals become more compact and decrease in size and weight.
FIG. 2 is a state diagram illustrating a GPS receiving operation state in a conventional mobile terminal.
Generally, in order for a CDMA multi-band mobile terminal to be able to receive a GPS signal while in a CDMA/PCS band, a base station must first command the CDMA multi-band mobile terminal to move to a GPS band.
In response to the command, the mobile terminal converts its frequency band into the GPS band to thereby receive a GPS signal. After receiving the GPS signal, the mobile terminal returns to its original frequency band, that is, a CDMA/PCS band. A state transition sequence in the mobile terminal is illustrated in FIG. 2.
Referring to FIG. 2, the mobile terminal turns on CDMA/PCS PAMs of a transmitter and a CDMA/PCS module of a receiver so as to perform transmission/reception in a CDMA/PCS mode, that is, a CDMA/PCS band.
Accordingly, the transmitter amplifies CDMA/PCS transmission power, and the receiver receives CDMA/PCS signals. At this time, a frequency combiner combines CDMA/PCS frequencies.
If a base station commands conversion to a GPS mode, the mobile terminal converts its frequency band into a GPS band and then receives GPS signals. At this time, the CDMA/PCS PAMs of the transmitter are turned off accordingly as CDMA/PCS frequency emission is terminated.
That is, since transmission is not performed in a GPS mode, the GPS/PCS PAMs are turned off in the GPS mode. In addition, the receiver receives GPS signals, and the frequency combiner combines GPS frequencies.
When the mobile terminal returns to a CDMA/PCS mode, the CDMA/PCS PAMs and the CDMA/PCS module are all turned on.
In the meanwhile, when the mobile terminal is state-transitioned from a CDMM/PCS mode into a GPS mode for GPS reception, the CDMA/PCS PAMs of the transmitter are turned off to thereby induce a temperature variation therein.
The temperature variation causes a thermal transient in the reference frequency generator to thereby deteriorate the GPS receive sensitivity. Such a deterioration of the GPS receive sensitivity is more seriously generated in a weak electric field area requiring a high transmission power or in a high-temperature area.

Apparatus and method for improving GPS receive sensitivity in mobile terminal


A method of reducing radiation exposure by panning and zooming the first acquired image rather than using continuous radiation fluoroscopy.

1. Field of the Invention
This invention relates generally to x-ray imaging systems. More specifically, this invention relates to methods of managing workflow in imaging patients to reduce exposure to x-ray radiation.
2. Background and Prior Art
Digital x-ray imaging systems include C-arm volume imaging systems. Typically, these systems must be positioned with respect to a patient during a procedure. Typically, the imaging system will operate in a fluoroscopic mode during the movement between positions in order to correctly position the C-arm. This is an accurate way of determining position, but exposes the patient to continuous low level radiation during positioning.
In a current procedure, a user (such as a technician) will acquire a first image, then move the patient position to a second position determined by fluoroscopy during positioning. At the second position another image is acquired.
Accordingly, there remains a need in the art for a method to position a patient in an x-ray imaging system while minimizing radiation exposure in a clinical setting.

Method for reducing radiation exposure during patient positioning


A computer system obtains a plurality of road images captured by one or more cameras attached to one or more vehicles. The one or more vehicles execute a model that facilitates driving of the one or more vehicles. For each road image of the plurality of road images, the computer system determines, in the road image, a fraction of pixels having an ambiguous lane marker classification. Based on the fraction of pixels, the computer system determines whether the road image is an ambiguous image for lane marker classification. In accordance with a determination that the road image is an ambiguous image for lane marker classification, the computer system enables labeling of the image and adds the labeled image into a corpus of training images for retraining the model.

Modern vehicles are now capable of self-driving with different levels of autonomy. Each of these levels are characterized by the varying amount of human and/or autonomous control. For example, the Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE) defines 6 levels of driving automation ranging from 0 (fully manual) to 5 (fully autonomous). These levels have been adopted by the U.S. Department of Transportation.
Autonomous vehicles have numerous advantages, including lowering the number of vehicles on the roads (most privately owned vehicles are driven a small fraction of the time); promising more predictable and safer driving behavior than human driven vehicles; emitting less emissions if more vehicles are electrically powered; providing improved fuel efficiency; providing increased lane capacity; providing shorter travel times; allowing mobility for users who are incapable of diving; etc. One of the key obstacles facing the autonomous vehicle industry, however, is the complexity and unpredictability of road and traffic conditions. This makes it difficult to train autonomous vehicles for every possible rare condition or event that the vehicle may encounter while driving (so-called edge cases). For example, occasionally, human drivers may need to react to extraordinary or rare events, such as a package falling off a truck, a lane closure, or something even rarer, like an aircraft making an emergency landing on the freeway. In these situations, human drivers are often able to instinctively react to avoid harm to themselves and their vehicle, but unless the autonomous driving model has been trained for such a rare event, the vehicle may not know how to react.


Systems and techniques for sensor-derived object flight performance tracking are described herein. A set of magnetometer readings may be obtained from a magnetometer included with an object. A local rotation axis of the object may be determined at a time using the set of magnetometer readings. The local rotation axis may describe rotation of the object around a local magnetic target. A global rotation axis may be calculated based on an initial orientation of the object. The global rotation axis may describe a fixed rotation axis of the object during flight in a global coordinate frame, wherein an angle between the global rotation axis and magnetic north remains constant during the flight. An orientation of the object may be determined for the time using the global rotation axis and the local rotation axis of the object at the time.

The flight performance of a ball in a sports context has an impact on a player's performance in a sport. In cricket, a bowler throws a ball to a batsman and the flight characteristics of the ball impact the batsman's strike of the ball. The bowler may wish to understand how the throwing technique impacts the ball flight characteristics of the ball to improve bowling performance. For example, to prevent a batsman from contacting the ball so as to hit the ball beyond the field boundary resulting in scored runs.

Sensor-derived object flight performance tracking


The invention relates to rubber compositions containing at least one diene-based elastomer containing dual functionalized styrene/butadiene elastomers and filler reinforcement for the elastomer(s) comprised of pre-hydrophobated precipitated silica together with processing aid for the pre-treated precipitated silica comprised of zinc salt of fatty acids. The invention further relates to a pneumatic tire with tread comprised of such.

Various diene-based elastomers may be prepared, for example, by blending the elastomer(s) with rubber reinforcing filler such as rubber reinforcing carbon black and silica reinforcement, particularly precipitated silica reinforcement, together with a silica coupling agent comprised of a bis(3-triethoxysilylpropyl)polysulfide or an organoalkoxymercaptosilane to aid in coupling the silica to the elastomer and enhancing its rubber reinforcing effect. Preparation of such rubber compositions are well known to those having skill in such art.
In an alternative embodiment, the precipitated silica reinforcement may be provided as a pre-hydrophobated precipitated silica which has been hydrophobated by reaction with the silica coupling agent prior to its addition to the rubber composition. The precipitated silica itself is somewhat hydrophilic which therefore tends to attracted more to itself (resulting in the silica particles tending to agglomerate together) rather than to disperse within elastomers in which it is desired to provide reinforcement.
Pre-treatment by pre-hydrophobating the precipitated silica by reaction of hydroxyl groups (e.g. silanol groups) on the precipitated silica with at least one of organoalkoxymercaptosilane and bis(3-alkoxysilylalkyl)polysulfide tends to hydrophobate the precipitated silica to provide a polarity more readily dispersible within the diene rubber containing rubber composition. Further, addition of such organoalkoxymercaptosilane and bis(3-alkoxysilylalkyl)polysulfide silica coupling agents to the rubber composition to promote coupling of the precipitated silica to diene-based elastomers in the rubber composition might not be needed unless otherwise desired.
However, although the mechanism may not be completely understood, relatively high loadings of the rubber composition with such pre-hydrophobated (pre-silica coupler treated) precipitated silica can significantly increase the sulfur cure-rate of the rubber composition to an extent of promoting disadvantageously pre-curing of the rubber composition which is sometimes referred to as scorching. Perhaps the increased cure rate might be associated with, or at least partially a result of, a reduced salinization occurring due to absence of ethanol byproduct in the pre-hydrophobated precipitated silica used for the experiments.
Therefore it is proposed to evaluate counterbalancing such apparently induced increased rubber cure rate by addition of a processing aid comprised of a pre-formed zinc fatty acid soap with such pre-hydrophobated precipitated silica to the rubber composition to therefore reduce the fast cure promotion by use of the pre-hydrophobated silica.
It is recognized that the rubber composition is normally compounded with a combination of zinc oxide and fatty acids (e.g. comprised of a combination of stearic, palmitic and oleic acids) which form a zinc salt of the fatty acids in situ within the rubber mixture as it is being mixed.
However, for this invention, is proposed to evaluate the addition of a pre-formed zinc salt of fatty acid(s) with the pre-hydrophobated precipitated silica to the rubber composition without adding, or minimalizing addition of, zinc oxide to the rubber composition and thereby waiting for an in situ formation of zinc salt of fatty acids during a mixing of a small amount of zinc oxide and fatty acids with the rubber composition
A benefit of inclusion of precipitated silica reinforcing filler in a tire tread rubber composition, including inclusion of precipitated silica having been pre-hydrophobated by pre-reaction with the silica coupler in a tire tread rubber composition, is to normally promote a beneficially lower rolling resistance for a tire tread comprised of the cured rubber composition and thereby a beneficially increased fuel economy for an associated vehicle. An indication of predictive beneficial reduction in tire tread rolling resistance is an increase in rebound property of the rubber composition as well as a decrease in its tangent delta at low strain (low dynamic elongation) which are properties well known to those having skill in such art.
However, it is anticipated by such addition of pre-formed zinc fatty acid salt to the pre-hydrophobated silica-containing rubber composition can promote a disadvantageously reduced increase in the rubber composition's rebound property and a disadvantageously less reduction in its tangent delta at low strain property and therefore a disadvantageously less predictive reduction in rolling resistance for a tire tread of such rubber composition.
Therefore, it is further desired to provide a rubber composition to accommodate such combination of pre-hydrophobated silica and pre-formed zinc salt of fatty acid(s) addition to the rubber composition.
For such rubber composition, it is proposed to provide two functionalized styrene/butadiene elastomers in the rubber composition with functional groups reactive with hydroxyl groups contained on the pre-hydrophobated precipitated silica. Representative of such functional styrene/butadiene elastomers is a first styrene/butadiene elastomer containing a combination of siloxy and amine groups and a second styrene/butadiene elastomer containing a combination of siloxy and thiol groups.
In the description of this invention, the terms "rubber", "elastomer" and "rubbery polymer" may be used interchangeably unless otherwise indicated. The terms "cured" and "vulcanized" may be used interchangeably unless otherwise indicated.
The term "phr" refers to parts by weight of an ingredient per 100 parts by weight of rubber in a rubber composition.
Such terms are known to those having skill in such art.

Rubber composition containing pre-hydrophobated silica with zinc salt fatty acid processing aid and tire with tread


When data stored in a memory cell of a memory cell array is written into cache memory, a write signal LW is set at an "H" level. The write signal LW is input into a data-line pair initialization select circuit via an initialization control circuit, and a signal EQE is set at an "H" level in all columns. A data-line pair initialization circuit then sets the potential of the data-line pairs in all columns at the same level. When the write signal LW is input to a transfer gate via a transfer gate control circuit, the transfer gates in all columns are turned ON. The delay time of the transfer gate control circuit is the same as or greater than the delay time of the initialization control.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a memory circuit, and more particularly to improvements in a dynamic memory circuit containing a cache memory.
2. Description of the Related Art
FIG. 1 shows the main portion of a conventional dynamic memory circuit with a built-in cache memory.
Each memory cell MC in a memory cell array is connected to a word line WL and a pair of bit lines BL and /BL. Each bit line pair BL, /BL is connected to a sense amplifier SA.
A cache memory 11 is composed of two inverter circuits I, I'. Here, the cache memory 11 holds data statically. The cache memory may be composed of two MOS transistors cross-coupled, in which case, the cache memory retains data dynamically.
Each first transfer gate 12 is composed of two n-channel MOS transistors N1, N1'. Each second transfer gate 13 is made up of two n-channel MOS transistors N2, N2'.
One end of each cache memory 11 is connected to the corresponding sense amplifier SA (bit line BL) via the corresponding first transfer gate 12, and also to one of the corresponding DQ-line pair (data-line pair) via the corresponding second transfer gate 13. The other end of each cache memory 11 is connected to the corresponding sense amplifier SA (bit line /BL) via the corresponding first transfer gate 12 and also to the other of the corresponding DQ-line pair via the corresponding second transfer gate 13.
The first transfer gate 12 is controlled by the output signal LWD of a first transfer gate control circuit 14. The first transfer gate control circuit 14 receives a write signal LW and outputs an output signal LWD.
The second transfer gates 13 are controlled by the output signal CSL of a column decoder 15.
In the dynamic memory device with a built-in cache memory thus constructed, data is written from the memory cell MC into the cache memory 11 by causing the first transfer gate control circuit 14 to enable the first transfer gate 12, thereby allowing the data read from the memory cell MC to be transferred to the cache memory 11 via the sense amplifier SA.
Thereafter, when the column decoder 15 enables the specific second transfer gate 13, the data stored in the cache memory 11 connected to the second transfer gate 13 is transferred to the corresponding DQ-line pair and outputted to the outside world via a buffer circuit 15A.
Data writing from the DQ-line pair into the cache memory 11 is effected by causing the column decoder 15 to enable the specific second transfer gate 13 and transferring the externally inputted data to the cache memory 11 via a buffer circuit 15B and the second transfer gate 13.
Thereafter, when the column decoder 15 enables the specific second transfer gate 13, the data stored in the cache memory 11 is transferred to the corresponding DQ-line pair and outputted to the outside world via the buffer circuit 15A.
With the recent trend toward increasingly faster memory devices, there is accordingly a demand in the field of dynamic memory circuits and those with a built-in cache memory toward higher-speed operation. To achieve higher-speed operation, they are designed to be synchronous memory circuits using external clock signals.
There are two cases where data is written into the cache memory in the dynamic memory circuit containing a cache memory: one case where the data read from the memory cell is written into and the other where the externally inputted data is written into.
In these cases where data is written into the cache memory, when the data to be written into the cache memory is the reverse of the data already written in the cache memory, the data already written in the cache memory must be reversed. The disadvantage of these cases is, therefore, that it takes a longer time to write data into the cache memory.
This disadvantage can be overcome by decreasing the driving power of the cache memory and increasing the driving power of the buffer that drives the sense amplifier and DQ-line pair and further increasing the driving power of the first and second transfer gates.
In this case, however, because the driving power of the sense amplifier becomes large, the operation margin in transferring data from the cache memory to the memory cell decreases and the driving power of the buffer for driving the DQ-line pair increases, resulting in a drop in the operation margin in transferring data from the cache memory to the DQ-line pair.

Memory circuit with built-in cache memory


A multi-diaphragm metering pump having first and second diaphragms mounted in a body in substantially parallel relationship, wherein an open fluid communication path is provided within the body between adjacent sides of the diaphragms and wherein each diaphragm forms a sealed wall within the body. A diaphragm stem connects the diaphragms, such that movement of the first diaphragm will cause movement of the second diaphragm substantially in unison. A source of pressurized fluid is intermittently injected into and exhausted from a remote side of the first diaphragm, thereby causing cyclical movement of the two diaphragms, whereby a transient fluid may be pumped on the remote side of the second diaphragm by the cyclical movement. In a preferred embodiment, a sealed enclosure is formed between the two diaphragms.

The present invention relates to metering pumps for pumping precise amounts of fluids and, more particularly, to a pneumatically driven, multi-diaphragm fluid injection metering pump.
It is known to use displacement pumps for high pressure chemical injection applications. These pumps may be driven and controlled pneumatically whereby pressurized air, or some other fluid, is pulsed intermittently to a power unit of the pump, which typically comprises driving a piston through a cylinder. The pneumatic controller may be set to pulse at any rate within the pump's operating range. For instance, if controlled from a metering device in the discharge flow line, the pneumatic controller triggers the fluid supply to the pump power unit at a rate proportional to said flow line. A pneumatic controller for injection pumps is shown in U.S. Pat. No. 3,387,563, issued Jun. 11, 1968.
In a known multi-stage pump, a drive piston in a "motor" chamber, moves a pumping piston of smaller diameter in an adjacent "pumping" chamber, which in turn displaces a pumping diaphragm. The differential between the surface area of the drive piston over that of the pumping piston effects a proportional increase in pressure supplied to the pumping chamber. To illustrate, suppose in a particular embodiment of a multi-stage pump, the surface area of the drive piston is A in.sup.2, and the surface area of the pumping piston is A/4 in.sup.2, thereby providing a 4:1 power ratio. For an input pressure of B psi. from the controller, the force exerted on the pumping piston would B*A lbs. Thus, the pressure within the pumping chamber due to the pumping piston would be A*B.div.A/4=4B psi. Thus, a multi-stage configuration is useful where the source of the pressurization driving the pump is not sufficient to overcome the pressure in the discharge line.
Pumping diaphragm failures can occur in high pressure applications because of the difference in pressure on the "pumping" side of the diaphragm, i.e., that side adjacent the pumping intake and discharge chamber, versus the "drive" side of said diaphragm, i.e., that side adjacent the pumping piston. This pressure differential is magnified as a pumping stroke takes place and the pressure exerted by the pumping piston on the middle area of the drive side of the diaphragm causes the transient fluid located on the pumping side to exert a counteracting force upon the outer circumference of the pumping side, which, over time, can cause ruptures. Further, because of the flexible properties inherent in a diaphragm, energy translated by the drive and pumping pistons, respectively, to the pumping diaphragm and exerted on the transient fluid is wasted "pushing" the transient fluid back against the outer circumference of the pumping side of the diaphragm, instead of out the discharge line.
The drive piston must be effectively sealed within the motor chamber pump housing in order to prevent the pressurized fluid from "escaping" around the piston and into the interior of the pump housing, thereby weakening the force the fluid exerts on the piston and causing the pump to fail. However, because of the constant movement of the drive piston, seals for this type of application are subject to heavy wear and failure, requiring that the pump be shut down frequently for repairs.
The present invention is directed at providing an improved multi-stage pump that does not require motor chamber piston seals and has means for equalizing the pressure exerted on both sides of the pumping diaphragm, thereby reducing the susceptibility of the pump to seal and diaphragm failures.


An optical device, such as an optical low-pass filter, and a production method therefor, which prevents damage, and thus maintains optical characteristics are provided. The optical device includes a plurality of optical plates joined together with adhesive. The adhesive is spread to extend to the peripheral edge of the optical plates and to the outer periphery of the principal plane surrounding the plurality of optical plates, thus forming a protective coating.

The present invention relates to an optical device and a production method therefor. In particular, it relates for example to an optical low-pass filter and a production method therefor, which prevents damage during transportation, while increasing productivity and yield.
Optical low-pass filters are built into various electronic equipment incorporating optical systems, being located in front of the imager in optical devices such as cameras, and are used to prevent color blur by utilizing their birefringence. In recent years, electronic equipment with built in optical systems are becoming increasingly common, thus increasing their demand. It is therefore desired to prevent damage so that optical characteristics can be maintained with certainty, and also to prevent negative effects on other optical devices.
FIG. 4 to FIG. 6 illustrate a conventional production example of an optical low-pass filter.
As shown in FIG. 5, an optical low-pass filter 1 comprises a laminate where a plurality of, for example three, optical plates 1a, 1b, 1c, made up from optical plates of chip-form glass or crystal made into a veneer, are bonded together and laminated by an adhesive. For this adhesive, for example an ultraviolet curing adhesive may be used.
Usually in a conventional production method for an optical low pass filter, firstly as shown in FIG. 4, a laminated wafer is obtained by bonding together and laminating a plurality of optical wafers (composed of glass or crystal) with adhesive, and then dividing this into individual laminates by cutting with a dicing saw.
Next, the laminates (optical low-pass filters 1) are manually lined up one by one in a washing device and washed and dried, and then inspected visually. Lastly, as shown in FIG. 5, one face (bottom face) of the optical low-pass filter 1 is affixed to the surface of a double sided adhesive tape 3 which is also affixed to a mount 2 inside a packing box, and the optical low-pass filter 1 is then stored and shipped in a fixed, inverted position. As a result, damage to the optical low-pass filter 1 due to vibrations and shocks during transportation, and coming into contact with other equipment is prevented.
However, in the conventional production method for an optical low-pass filter as described above, a problem is that the optical low-pass filters (optical plates) 1 consisting of laminates, must be manually aligned in the washing device one-by-one by an operator. A further problem is that, as shown in FIG. 5, to individually invert the optical low-pass filters (optical plate) 1 onto the mount 2 is extremely inefficient so that productivity and yield is low.
Taking into account these problems, mass automation of the washing and packing of optical low-pass filters 1 has been devised. However, since the optical low-pass filter 1 is composed of brittle material (for example, glass and crystal), there is a fear of causing damage (such as chipping) to the periphery thereof, particularly in the production process when it comes into contact with automated equipment. Moreover, when the optical low-pass filters 1 are packed, then as shown in FIG. 6, a packing box 4 with small gutters, has these small gutters in bottomed crevices 5 formed in the packing box 4, and each optical low-pass filter 1 is attached for example by the principal plane of the optical low-pass filter 1, into the crevice 5 by automatic transfer from the previous process. However, even in this case, the optical low-pass filter 1 becomes damaged by colliding with the inner walls of the crevice 5 due to vibrations during transportation. Such damage causes minute debris produced by the damage to adhere to the midsection of the principal plane of the optical low-pass filter, causing deterioration of optical characteristics.
In particular, the optical low-pass filter 1 of the construction described above, is normally formed by dividing a laminated optical wafer (laminated wafer) by a dicing saw. In this case particularly the cutting plane (cleavage plane) of the laminated wafer can have minute and sharp protrusions (burrs), and be jagged. Consequently, these protrusions tend to form minute debris by becoming detached from the cutting plane due to shock and vibration. Moreover, such minute debris can cause negative effects on other electronic devices built into electronic equipment.
Here, the optical device is described as a laminated optical low-pass filter, but the same problems generally arise in optical devices including a wave plates comprising veneers.

Optical device and production method therefor


An apparatus and a method for testing memory of a computing device, and more specifically to testing a Central Processing Unit (CPU), a system memory, and a combination thereof. The computing system includes one or more CPUs, a system memory, input and output devices. Among other features, the apparatus and method described herein can remove either a defective CPU or a defective portion of system memory from the computing device. An exemplary apparatus and method also reports to a computer user whether any CPU or system memory is defective as well as specifically identifying the defective computing component. The apparatus and method also detects a first defect related to a first corrupted portion of an instruction of a test program code and a second defect related to a second corrupted portion of the instruction.

The present invention relates to testing memory of a computing device, and more specifically to testing a Central Processing Unit (CPU), a system memory, and a combination thereof.
The system memory is a place where a computer, or computing device, holds current computer programs (i.e., software) as well as data that are used in executing the computer programs. A system memory is an important part of the main processing subsystem of a computing device, such as a PC, and is tied in with the processor, cache, motherboard and chipset. Since reliability of system memory is a critical factor to the availability of a computing device, it is vital to identify defective system memory, especially when the memory is connected to a CPU.
A computing device having one or more CPUs is generally coupled to write data to and read data from one or more memory devices, wherein a CPU executes code typically from a system memory and then stores results for later action. The CPU provides controls signals, such as READ and Write, to govern the way in which data is exchanged while the CPU is processing. Additionally, an address bus connects the CPU to the memory and allows the CPU to address specific memory locations for storing computational results, or for fetching program instructions to be executed by a central processor. Furthermore, a data bus provides an interconnection between the CPU and memory for transporting data to and from the CPU. One or more CPUs coupled to one or more memory devices are hereinafter referred to as a "CPU-memory system."
Conventional system memory techniques for testing a memory coupled to a CPU write data into memory and then read it back to verify whether the actual data read from the memory is the same as the expected written data. The purpose of this test is to confirm that every storage location in a memory device is operating properly. For example if the number A5 hex is written into a particular address, that value should be stored there unit another number is written. Some memory test techniques combine several test numbers into a sequence of numbers, also known as a test pattern. Such patterns used for testing a memory's functionality include, for example, "walking ones," "checkerboard," etc.
With this traditional approach, three aspects of the memory are inherently tested. Those aspects include: (1) the data bus, (2) the address bus, and (3) the memory locations themselves. Traditional testing of a CPU-memory system generally detects electrical connection or logic problems between the CPU and memory, while testing the memory locations (i.e., third aspect) reveals potential catastrophic failures (e.g., inoperative memory locations). Traditional testing of the CPU-memory system also uncovers problems related to the control bus interconnections, it any.
There is a significant drawback, however, of using the traditional techniques to test the combined functionality of CPU-memory systems. In a CPU-memory system, CPUs typically handle fetching of computing instructions, also known as op-codes or "codes," and data from the memory differently. As illustrated in FIG. 1, internal to an exemplary CPU, data is accessed from memory 114 via internal system bus 112. Bus/memory interface 110 introduces a mixture of code and data into the CPU core 104 of the CPU 102, when accessed from memory 114. Bus/memory interface 110 separates the code and data and provides them respectively to a code cache 106 and data cache 108. Code cache 106 provides instructions to the CPU core 104 (i.e., "execution unit") for processing data, where code is conveyed by way of a code access path 105. Data cache 108 provides the data to the core 104 for processing, where data is conveyed by way of a data access path 107. Bus/memory interface 110 also recombines the code and data and sends them back out onto internal bus 112 to, for example, allow the data to be written into memory 114.
Although the data portion of an instruction and the corresponding data access path used during a data fetch operation are tested by the conventional approach, this approach fails to verify whether the memory or CPU is properly operable to in regards to the code access path. A defect in the instruction access path (i.e., code access path) between the CPU core 104 and the bus/memory interface 110 will result in illegal operation of the CPU-memory system. Furthermore, conventional testing techniques fail to detect the corruption of a code segment of a fetched instruction, which is recognized by the CPU-memory system as an invalid op code. A defective system memory, for example, may manifest in the corruption of code being accessed by the CPU during the execution of a unique sequence of instructions.
Since conventional testing techniques fail to optimally screen for defects, manufacturers, service providers and consumers both must expand significant resources to address such defects. Thus, there is a need for a system and a method for screening system memories, as well as CPU-memory systems, to detect specific failure modes that otherwise are not detected by conventionally known testing systems and methods.

Method and apparatus for testing a computing device with memory using test program code


A mobile-phone antenna device capable of insertion connecting directly to an external antenna, wherein, on the bottom of the exposed portion of the body of a fixed antenna thre is provided with an enlarged base of suitable size with one side thereof being provided with a socket; the base and the lateral socket are arranged to be higher slightly than the top surface of the mobile-phone, so that the socket can be connected with a corresponding plug on the external antenna. The antenna of the whole mobile-phone thus can be connected with the external antenna directly, this can eliminate inconvenience induced from repeated and optional insertion in and pulling out different antennae.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention is related to a mobile-phone antenna device capable of insertion connecting directly to an external antenna, and especially to the case that the antenna seat of the mobile-phone can be insertion mounted directly with an external antenna such as the one used on a car.
2. Description of the Prior Art
Increasing of signal receiving capability of a mobile-phone ordinarily is obtained by providing an antenna on the top surface of the phone. Such kind of mobile-phone generally includes the fixed style, stretchable style and exchangeable style; the stretchable style is somewhat in-convenient in use, recently, people mostly use the fixed style shorter antennae having stronger signal receiving capability. While the exchangeable style antennae are normally used on the mobile-phones having each an adapter for its antenna, a user can substitute a different style of antenna for it.
When a mobile-phone is carried into a car, the signal emitting and receiving capability thereof normally is inferior during running of the car. To increase the signal receiving capability thereof, an external antenna should be added on a car, when the mobile-phone is connected with the external antenna, more desired using efficiency can be obtained. In order to connect with the external antenna for the car, normally an additional connector will be used for connecting with the external antenna for the car after it is mounted on the mobile-phone. However, such mode of structure is inconvenient due to using of the additional connector.
In the just developed connectors, therefore, taking the U.S. Pat. No. 5,524,284 titled "Antenna adpter for portable cellular telephone" as an example, an adapter is provided directly on the top surface of the mobile-phone, so that various styles of antennae can be used on this adapter through selection of the above stated exchangeable style antennae. Such exchangeable style antennae are divided generally into two kinds, one includes the normally used antennae, while the other includes the external antennae like that used on a car. A normally used antenna is comprised of a conducting rod of which the length may be varied, and a threaded coaxial connection on the bottom thereof capable of being locked in a threaded recess provided in the adapter to be used as a normal antenna of a mobile-phone. The other kind of external antennae each is comprised of a connecting element and a mounting assembly having an antenna, a cable is used to connect the connecting element and the mounting assembly, a magnetic pad is provided on the bottom of the mounting assembly to locate the mounting assembly of the external antenna at an appropriate position. When the external antenna is to be used, the connecting element can be locked in the threaded recess provided in the adapter. The largest defect of such mobile-phone which has to use an adapter is that, it uses a normal antenna when in the ordinary situation, while if it is carried into a car, the normal antenna must be removed from the adapter to expose the threaded recess provided in the adapter, and then connect and lock the external antenna thereto for use. On the countrary, when getting off the car, the external antenna must be removed, and remount the normal antenna, this is bothersome in operation.

Mobile-phone antenna device directly insertion connectable to an external antenna


The invention concerns a method of producing a surface layer structure by doping a matrix with metal ions. The aim of the invention is to provide a method of this kind in which the depth distribution of the metal ions in the substrate can be regulated, thus optimumizing the doping without incurring any of the disadvantages inherent in the prior art methods. This is achieved by first depositing matrix material on a suitable substrate by laser ablation in an atmosphere of oxygen, thus forming a on surface of the substrate a first layer a matrix material. Dopant is then deposited on the surface of the first layer, followed by more matrix material. The result is a uniform doping of the deposited matrix at a defined depth in the surface layer structure.

Oxidic crystals produced for integrated optics are of increasing significance. Because of its excellent optical characteristics, LiNbO.sub.3 constitutes a significant representative of this material class. By doping this substrate material with metal ions (e.g. Ti, Er) a light waveguide can be produced in this substrate material and an optical activation of the LiNbO.sub.3 can be effected.
In the case of optical waveguides, the doping, e.g. with titanium ions, effects an increase in the refractive index. The magnitude of the index change is proportional to the titanium concentration and also establishes the index profile and therewith the mode profile of the light in the waveguide. To that extent the quality of the waveguide is determined by the shape of the metal ion depth profile. The production of high quality optical waveguides is known from U.S. Pat. No. 4,480,816.
By doping LiNbO.sub.3, with erbium ions (or other rare earth ions), one can obtain optical amplifiers with technologically interesting wavelengths, e.g. at 1.5 .mu.m.
German Open Application 40 22 090 describes an erbium-doped glass fiber amplifier. It is important for the optimization of such a waveguide amplifier or waveguide laser to have the most exact matching that is possible of the erbium depth profile to the mode profile of the light guided in the waveguide.
In the state of the art there are several processes known in which a matrix can be doped with suitable ions.
Great Britain Open Application 2 250 751 describes as state of the art the production of ferroelectric layers of, for example, LiNbO.sub.3 or LiTaO.sub.3 on substrates like MgO by laser ablation of corresponding oxidic targets with ArF excimer lasers at O.sub.2 partial pressures of .gtoreq.80 .mu.bar with 0.5 to 3 J/cm.sup.2. These layers are used for pyroelectric sensors.
It is known to draw an LiNbO.sub.3 monocrystal from a melt doped with metal ions. One thus obtains a homogenous distribution of metal ions. A drawback of this method is that the depth profile is distributed over the entire crystal and is given by the entire composition of the melt without the possibility of individually affecting the depth profile.
It is known to introduce metal ions into a crystal by vapor depositing a metal layer on the crystal and effecting diffusion of the metal ions by heating. In that case the shape of the depth profile follows known diffusion laws and is thus largely fixed. It is a disadvantage in this system that the concentration maximum is always at the crystal surface which for most applications is unsatisfactory. In addition it is a drawback that buried waveguide structures are completely impossible.
From German Open Application 40 22 090 it is known to achieve doping with metal ions in a LiNbO.sub.3 monocrystal by ion implantation. The high energy implantation allows the generation of a Gaussian depth profile at optional depths up to several .mu.m. It is disadvantageous, however, that the crystal is strongly damaged by the implantation process so that a subsequent annealing is required. This results in a diffusion of the metal ions during the annealing so that the advantages of the Gaussian profile is decidedly reduced. Not the least, it is a disadvantage in this process that a costly ion accelerator must be used.

Method of producing a layer structure and the use of the method


Disclosed is a system and a method for preventing collision through substantial vehicle control while providing warning to a driver by determining collision danger using vehicle information and environment information and controlling vehicle speed with vehicle target speed computed through determination logic.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a system and a method for preventing collision, and more particularly, to a system and a method for computing vehicle target speed by determining collision danger using vehicle information and environmental information and achieving the vehicle target speed by active control.
2. Description of the Related Art
In recent years, with an increase in availability of vehicles with parking assist systems, such as a smart parking assist system (SPAS) or a front and rear parking assist system (FRPAS), parking convenience for a driver has increased.
The FRPAS is a system which senses a distance with respect to an obstacle when car speed is low such as during parking, by an ultrasonic sensor and outputs an alarm sound to a driver indicating a close distance to the obstacle. Since the FRPAS uses the ultrasonic sensor, it may alarm a driver of potential collision danger and may be offered at a low cost. However, because a subject listening to an alarm sound and operating a vehicle may be a driver, it may be difficult to prevent collision due to potential erroneous operation and wrong parking adjustment by the driver.
A parking assist system has been developed for less experienced drivers, wherein the system offers automatic and supportive steering control.
The parking assist system scans a parking space using a long distance ultrasonic sensor mounted at a side of a vehicle; generates a track from a current location of the vehicle to the parking space; and automatically supports steering wheel control such that the driver may park the vehicle in a target parking space. Although such a system reduces burden of the user during parking, the system cannot control vehicle speed, making it difficult to prevent collision due to an insufficient operation or erroneous operation by the driver.

System and method for preventing collision


A magnetic locking apparatus has a body and an engaging mount. The body has a casing, a bolt and a driving device. The bolt is retractably mounted in the casing and has a connecting section, an engaging section and at least one magnetic element. The driving device is mounted in the casing and has a handle mount. The engaging mount faces the casing and the bolt and has a locking hole and at least one magnetic element mounted at two sides of the locking hole to attract the at least one magnetic element of the bolt.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a magnetic locking apparatus, and more particularly relates to a magnetic locking apparatus that can be assembled on a door conveniently.
2. Description of Related Art
A conventional locking apparatus has a body and a strike plate. The body is mounted on a door and has a retractable bolt. The bolt extends out of a side of the body under an unforced condition. The strike plate is mounted on a side of a door frame corresponding to the body and has a locking hole formed through a middle of the strike plate. When the door is closed, the body is moved with the door toward the door frame, and the bolt will hit the strike plate and move into the body to enable the door to close relative to the door frame. As the door moves relative to the door frame to enable the bolt to align with the locking hole of the strike plate, the bolt will extend out of the body again and move into the locking hole of the strike plate. However, the bolt and the strike plate are made of metal and thus will generate noise when the bolt hits the strike plate. In order to reduce noise, a conventional magnetic locking apparatus is designed, with reference to FIG. 9, a bolt 60 is mounted in a body of the conventional magnetic locking apparatus without extending out of the body under an unforced condition and has a center and a magnetic element 62 mounted in the center of the bolt 60. The strike plate 70 is mounted on the door frame and has a center and a magnetic element 72. The magnetic element 72 is mounted on and protrudes from the center of the strike plate 70 and extends into the door frame. When the door is rotated to close relative to the door frame, the bolt 60 will not hit the strike plate 70, thereby avoiding generating noise. As the door is closed relative to the door frame, the magnetic elements 62, 72 will attract each other by magnetic forces. Then, the bolt 60 will move out of the body and move into the locking hole of the strike plate 70 to enable the door to be held in position with the door frame. According to the above-mentioned structures and operation, the conventional magnetic locking apparatus can be used to reduce noise.
However, the magnetic elements 62, 72 of the conventional magnetic locking apparatus are respectively mounted in the centers of the bolt 60 and the strike plate 70. Then, the door frame has to be made into a thickness sufficient for a depth of a mounting recess so as to contain the strike plate 70 and the magnetic element 72. If the thickness of a door frame is not deep enough to contain the strike plate 70 and the magnetic element 72, the conventional magnetic locking apparatus cannot be assembled on the door frame and this will limit the practicality of the conventional magnetic locking apparatus.


The present invention encompasses methods and apparatus for minimizing the risks inherent in endovascular grafting for blood vessel therapy and repair. The invention involves delivering adult stem cells, embryonic stem cells, progenitor cells, fibroblasts, or smooth muscle cells to the diseased blood vessel.

Aortic aneurysms and the degeneration of the vasculature in general represent a significant medical problem for the general population. Aneurysms within the aorta presently affect between two and seven percent of the general population and the rate of incidence appears to be increasing. This form of vascular disease is characterized by degeneration in the arterial wall in which the wall weakens and balloons outward. Until the affected artery is grafted through open repair or treated with a stent graft endovascularly, a patient with an aortic aneurysm must live with the threat of aortic aneurysm rupture and death.
One known clinical approach for patients with an aortic aneurysm is a surgical repair procedure. This is an extensive operation involving dissection of the aorta and reinforcement of the aneurysm wall with a prosthetic graft.
Alternatively, there is a significantly less invasive clinical approach to aneurysm repair known as endovascular grafting. Endovascular grafting involves the placement of a prosthetic arterial stent graft within the lumen of the artery. To prevent rupture of the aneurysm, a stent graft of tubular construction is introduced into the blood vessel, and is secured in a location such that the stent graft spans the length of the aneurysmal sac. The outer surface of the stent graft at its ends is sealed to the interior wall of the blood vessel at a location where the blood vessel wall has not suffered a loss of strength or resiliency, such that blood flowing through the vessel is diverted through the hollow interior of the stent graft away from the blood vessel wall at the aneurysmal sac location. In this way, the risk of rupture of the blood vessel wall at the aneurysmal location is significantly reduced and blood can continue to flow through to the downstream blood vessels without interruption. However, despite the advantages of endovascular grafting over other surgical procedures, there is, nonetheless, continued progression of the aneurysm disease.
A salient feature of aneurysm formation is the gradual degradation of extracellular components, such as collagen and elastin, as well as the loss of resident cells, namely smooth muscle cells and fibroblasts. The cells in a healthy vessel perform many and varied functions, including providing reinforcement to the vessel wall and, importantly, replenishing the extracellular components. The diminished cellular presence observed in diseased arteries directly and adversely impacts the vessel wall ultrastructure.
The field of cell replacement research and tissue engineering currently is one of the major focuses of medical technology. An exciting area of tissue engineering is the emerging technology of "self-cell" therapy, where cells of a given tissue type are removed from a patient, isolated, perhaps mitotically expanded and/or genetically engineered, and ultimately reintroduced into the donor/patient with or without synthetic materials or other carrier matrices. One goal of self-cell therapy is to help guide and direct the rapid and specific repair or regeneration of tissues. Such self-cell therapy is already a part of clinical practice; for example, using autologous bone marrow transplants for various hematologic conditions. The rapid advancement of this technology is reflected in recent publications that disclose progress toward bone and cartilage self-cell therapy. Moreover, similar advances are being made with other tissues such as cardiac muscle, liver, pancreas, tendon and ligament. One of the greatest advantages of self-cell therapy over current technologies is that the autologous nature of the tissue/cells greatly reduces, if not eliminates, immunological rejection and the costs associated therewith.
Thus there is a desire in the art to slow, reverse, or potentially cure the aneurysm disease state by using minimally invasive procedures while reducing or eliminating immunological rejection. The present invention satisfies this need in the art.

Cellular therapy to heal vascular tissue


In a system for variable-length coding, when image data of a plurality of documents are compressed and stored in a compression memory, the image data is divided into a plurality of areas. Then, attributes are discriminated for each area, and the result of the attribute discrimination is written to an attribute memory. Attribute counters count the numbers of the discriminated attributes. A variable-length compression section compresses the code data with a compression method in response to the attribute data written to the attribute memory, and the compressed data is written to a compression memory.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to an image processing apparatus for compressing digital data.
2. Description of Prior Art
In an image processing apparatus for processing digital data, input image data is once compressed and stored in a memory device. When the image is outputted, the data is read from the memory device and expanded to the original image data. In this case, a plurality of sheets of the image data are stored in the memory device in the order of the coding.
When image data are stored in a system where a plurality of sheets of image data are subjected to variable-length coding and stored in a memory device, it is desirable that code data of as many sheets as possible is stored in a limited memory size. For this purpose, there is a need for an efficient memory management technique and a random access technique for accessing a desired page in the code data of a plurality of pages stored in a compression memory. However, it is generally difficult for the variable-length coding to know the size of the coded data before the coding.
In the above-described image processing apparatus, a sequence of image data of a plurality of pages ca be efficiently stored in the memory device. However, when only the data of a specified page in a sequence of the data is erased to store new data in the erased data area, the memory device cannot be managed because the size of the code data to be written newly is not known, and the data cannot be written. Therefore, it is desirable to efficiently store image data of a plurality of pages of an unknown data size in a memory device.


A clutch plate in which the support of the hub provides for pivoting as well as radial compliance relative to the remaining components. This support is accomplished by a component, which is centered directly or indirectly on the hub plate of the load compliance, whereby the load springs can be employed for radial compliance of the hub.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a clutch plate for a friction clutch, the clutch plate including a hub with internal gearing for connection to a transmission shaft, external gearing on the hub plate for engaging with a mating gear with play towards the circumference (i.e., some rotational play between the external gearing on the hub and the mating gear), cover plates provided on both sides of the hub plate, the cover plates being nonrotationally connected to each other and held at a distance from one another, and one of the cover plates being provided with friction linings, windows provided in the hub plate and the cover plates for placement of the springs of a load spring feature, used during engagement, for elastic torque transfer, a hub plate as part of an idle spring feature, used during disengagement, between one of the cover plates and the hub plate, which are nonrotationally engaged with the external gearings of the hub, as well as at least a cover plate between the hub plate of the idle spring feature and the cover plate of the load spring feature for the positioning of springs in windows provided in the cover plate and hub plate for providing for elastic rotation in the region of rotational play between the external gearing and the mating gear, the cover plate being nonrotationally engaged with the hub plate by means of angular shaped projections extending in the axial direction, and the cover plate being supported by the hub plate in the axial direction.
2. Background Information
A clutch plate of the above mentioned design is described, for example, in German Patent Application 39 21 283. With this construction, one of the cover plates of the load spring feature is supported relative to the hub by a radial elastic ring bearing. This ring bearing allows for a certain amount of motion between the hub and the cover plates as well as a certain pivoting motion.
In this connection, reference is made to German Patent 32 48 119 as a current state of the art, in which patent one of the cover plates of a load spring feature is supported relative to the hub by means of a bushing of near cone shaped contour, a force in the axial direction being applied to this bushing towards the centering position.
It has been found, that solutions with today's transmission design, according to the current state of the art, are not sufficient and operationally safe, without supporting the transmission shaft in a pilot bearing of the crankshaft. The essentially radial suspension is not sufficient in some cases, and pure pivoting capability is not sufficient in others.


Embodiments of this application disclose a face image processing method and apparatus, and a storage medium. The method includes: obtaining a to-be-processed face image; receiving an operation instruction for deforming a target face portion of a face in the face image, and determining an operation type of deformation according to the operation instruction; determining deformation parameters of the deformation according to the operation type, and generating an adjuster according to the deformation parameters; obtaining an adjustment amplitude by which the adjuster performs dynamic adjustment on the target face portion, and displaying a change effect of the target face portion based on the dynamic adjustment in a display interface; and determining an adjustment parameter according to the adjustment amplitude, and obtaining the deformed face image according to the adjustment parameter.

With the popularity of terminals such as digital cameras, tablet computers, and mobile phones, photographing has become a common action in users' daily life, and beautifying a face in an image has become a requirement of most beauty lovers. Shaping facial features is the most important step. For example, a deformation operation such as zooming in, zooming out, lengthening, or shortening may be performed to a certain extent on facial feature regions such as a face, eyes, a nose, a mouth, and eyebrows in a photographed images, to make the facial features look more delicate and good-looking.
In some face image processing technologies, when shaping the face in the image, a user needs to process a face position that the user intends to modify by means of manual clicking, moving, dragging or the like. Face-lift is used as an example. After selecting an image, the user first selects to enter a face lifting module, then selects a certain pushing granularity corresponding to the face lifting module, and then manually pushes a certain region at a position of the face. After releasing, the user performs the deformation operation on the region according to a relationship between a pushed distance and a selected granularity. The user may repeatedly perform different deformation pushing operations on this region.

Face image processing method and device, and storage medium

TENCENT TECHNOLOGY (SHENZHEN) COMPANY LIMITED