A method and an electronic device for determining a presence of an obstacle in a surrounding area of a self-driving car (SDC) are provided. The method comprises receiving sensor data representative of the surrounding area of the SDC in a form of 3D point cloud data; generating, by an MLA, based on the 3D point cloud data, a set of feature vectors representative of the surrounding area; generating, by the MLA, a grid representation of the surrounding area, each given cell of the grid representation including a predicted distance parameter indicative of a distance from the given cell to a closest cell with the obstacle; and using, by the electronic device, the distance parameter to determine presence of the obstacle in the surrounding area of the SDC.

Several computer based navigation systems that are configured for aiding navigation and/or control of vehicle have been proposed and implemented in the prior art. These systems range from more basic map-aided localization based solutions—i.e. use of a computer system to assist a driver in navigating a route from a starting point to a destination point; to more complex ones—computer-assisted and/or driver-autonomous driving systems.
Some of these systems are implemented as what is commonly known as a "cruise control" system. Within these systems, the computer system boarded on the vehicles maintains a user-set speed of the vehicle. Some of the cruise control system implement an "intelligent distance control" system, whereby the user can set up a distance to a potential car in front (such as, select a value expressed in a number of vehicles) and the computer system adjusts the speed of the vehicle at least in part based on the vehicle approaching the potential vehicle in front within the pre-defined distance. Some of the cruise control systems are further equipped with collision control system, which systems upon detection of the vehicle (or other obstacle) in front of the moving vehicle, slow down or stop the vehicle.
Some of the more advanced system provide for a fully autonomous driving of the vehicle without direct control from the operator (i.e. the driver). These autonomously vehicles include computer systems that can cause the vehicle to accelerate, brake, stop, change lane and self-park.
One of the main technical challenges in implementing the above computer systems is the ability for the computer system to detect an object present around the vehicle—such as the vehicle in front of the present vehicle (the present vehicle having the computer system onboard), which vehicle in front may pose a risk/danger to the present vehicle and may require the computer system to take a corrective measure, be it braking or otherwise changing speed, stopping or changing lanes. On a more granular level, the challenge of the object detection is not just the binary detection (presence or absence of the object), but the speed and accuracy associated with such an analysis and determination (especially avoiding "false negatives", whereby the system does not identify an object which is indeed present in front or around the vehicle).
The acuteness of this problem is illustrated by the following hypothetical scenario. Imagine that the self-driving or partially-autonomous vehicle is driving along the route. A child (or an adult, a pet, and the like) runs in front of the vehicle. It is imperative that the computer system controlling the vehicle detects the presence of the object fast and take corrective actions to avoid the collision. Naturally, the faster the computer system detects the presence of the object, the more time the computer system will have to determine the corrective action and to command the vehicle to execute the corrective action.
A typical autonomous vehicle or self-driving car (SDC), for short, comprises a plurality of sensors to enable the SDC to capture and "understand" its surround area. Typically, more than one type of sensors is used. For example, a given implementation of the SDC can include one or more cameras, one or more LIDARs, and one or more radars.
It is generally known for the SDC to process data captured by such the plurality of sensors to generate a prediction, typically using a Machine Learning Algorithm (MLA) in regard to presence of one or more objects in the vicinity of the SDC. Such the prediction can then be used by the SDC to determine the most optimal current maneuver, be it to continue driving, stop, change direction, accelerate, or the like.
US 2019/0049239 (published Feb. 14, 2019 and assigned to Intel IP Corporation) discloses an occupancy grid object determining device, which may include a grid generator configured to generate an occupancy grid of a predetermined region, the occupancy grid including a plurality of grid cells and at least some of the grid cells having been assigned an information about the occupancy of the region represented by the respective grid cell, a determiner configured to determine at least one object in the occupancy grid wherein the at least one object includes a plurality of grid cells, and a remover configured to remove occupancy information from at least one grid cell of the plurality of grid cells of the determined object.
U.S. Pat. No. 10,195,992 (published Feb. 5, 2019 and assigned to Ford Global Technologies, LLC) discloses an obstacle detection systems and methods are described. In one implementation, a method receives data from at least one sensor mounted to a vehicle and creates a probabilistic grid-based map associated with an area near the vehicle. The method also determines a confidence associated with each probability in the grid-based map and determines a likelihood that an obstacle exists in the area near the vehicle based on the probabilistic grid-based map.

Methods and systems for computer-based determining of presence of objects


Methods for dosing a fluid into a receiving channel of a test element using a dosing device are disclosed. The dosing device comprises a dosing chamber in fluid connection with a dosing tube having a dosing tip, an optional dosing element extending at least partially into the dosing chamber, a dosing control device, and a movement device for moving the dosing tube and the test element closer to one another. The movement device is actuated to move the dosing tube relative to the test element. The dosing control device is actuated to discharge a fluid into the receiving channel. During the discharge, a fluid bridge forms between the dosing tip and the receiving channel. At the end of the discharge, at least some of the fluid reaches the receiving channel through suction force. A disposable cartridge may be used for dosing a fluid into such a receiving channel.

Systems for analyzing bodily fluid samples generally are classified as either "wet reagent analytical systems" or "dry reagent analytical systems."
Dry reagent analytical systems typically comprise test elements with integrated reagents. Such test elements are typically test strips, in which a fluid sample dissolves the reagents in the test strip and the reaction thereof results in a measurable change of a measured value. The measured value is measured on the test element using optical or electrochemical methods. Test systems of this type are cost-effective and simple to handle. However, a monitored and multistep reaction sequence is not possible using test strips and similar analysis elements. In particular, no control of a chronological sequence of individual reaction steps may be performed.
In contrast, multistep reaction sequences (test protocols) may be performed using wet reagent analytical systems. The high-performance devices allow a multistep reaction sequence, for example, as is necessary in immunochemical analyses. The reaction sequence frequently also comprises the separation of a bound phase and a free phase, a so-called bound/free separation. A plurality of test protocols for determining numerous analytes may be performed using wet reagent analytical systems. Though the test protocols can vary greatly, they all require complex handling with multiple reaction steps. Wet reagent analytical systems usually require technically complex, large-scale devices capable of moving individual elements. The devices used for this purpose are too large, costly, and complex to handle for many applications.
Analytical systems having controllable test elements unify the advantages of both types of analysis systems. They allow externally controlled liquid transport, i.e., a transport that is controlled using an element outside the test element. This external control may be based also on the application of pressure differentials or of change-of-force actions. An external control frequently is performed using centrifugal forces to act on a rotating test element. Nonetheless, these analytical systems are compact and simple to operate.
Controllable test elements typically have a housing comprising a dimensionally-stable plastic material, and at least one analytical-function channel enclosed by the housing. The analytical-function channel often comprises a sequence of multiple channel sections and expanded chambers lying between each section. The structures and dimensions of the analytical-function channel are achieved by profiling of the plastic parts, which are produced by injection-molding technologies or other known methods.
Analytical systems having controllable test elements allow the miniaturization of test protocols that previously required large laboratory systems. Therefore, relatively small quantities of a bodily fluid sample may be analyzed. The relatively small quantities typically are introduced via a dosing station into an analytical-function channel. The analytical-function channel also may be a sample analysis channel. Other analytical-function channels are used, for example, for receiving washing fluid or washing buffers are needed for performing the reaction sequences. Further fluids may be added such as, for example a reaction solution, a washing solution, or a dilution buffer.
Like the bodily fluid sample, also the liquids typically are supplied using a dosing station comprising a dosing pump, such as a piston pump, and a tube for injecting the fluid. The tube may be designated as a dosing needle. In addition, it is also possible to dose the fluids manually, for example, using a manual pipette or a syringe.
To dose small quantities of fluid using a dosing pump, fluid is supplied from a reservoir to a dosing chamber and then is discharged from the dosing chamber by the dosing needle. The volume of the reservoir is many times greater than that of the dosing chamber, so that the quantity of fluid stored in the reservoir is sufficient for a plurality of applications. However, this may also result in problems, because most quantities of fluid are subject to aging and may sit unused for an arbitrarily long time. Some of the fluids needed for the analysis may crystallize after long-term storage. The crystallized fluids then may clog the connection tubing and the dosing pump, requiring complex repairs. To prevent such clogging, the dosing stations must be cleaned and maintained frequently, and the tubing must be replaced regularly.
To avoid contamination, dosing devices known in the prior art comprise a replaceable dosing cartridge, which includes a reservoir, a dosing chamber having dosing piston, and a dosing needle. Systems of this type are known, for example, from US 2005/0035156 A1 and US 2007/0272710 A1.
For many reaction sequences, particularly those involving very small quantities of supplied fluid, the amount of fluid supplied must be very precise. A precision of a few tenths of a microliter is sometimes required. Thus, there remains a continued need for improved methods to precisely dose quantities of fluid being supplied to test elements in wet reagent analytical systems.

Dosing device for dosing a fluid into a receiving channel of a test element for analyzing bodily fluids and method thereof


A system for optical color division receives an incident light from a side and divides the incident light into a plurality of color lights. The system includes a light guide plate for allowing the incident light to have total internal reflection back and forth therein. A surface of the light guide plate has a plurality of microstructures, which can destroy the total internal reflection and enable the light to exit.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a technology for optical color division, which can provide a light source of a desired color for image displaying and capturing.
2. Description of Related Art
The color of an image is generally formed by a plurality of primary color lights and variations in gray scales of the primary color lights. Most commonly used primary color lights are, for example, red (R), green (G), and blue (B).
In a flat display, a back light source is often used with a liquid crystal spatial light modulator and color filters (CFs) in order to present true-color images. An image sensor in a digital camera also needs CFs, and calculates the color differences to present the original color of an object. In a large-size system such as a color video camera and a rear-projection television, three-piece or two-piece prism sets or CFs are employed with a collimated light source in order to present true-color images. When the system uses a CF, each colored pixel on the CF can only present a single primary color of the three primary colors, that is, red, green and blue (RGB), and approximately two thirds of the energy of the incident white light will be absorbed, thereby reducing the optical efficiency of the system and shortening the service life of the battery. Moreover, the manufacturing process of the CFs is complex, and at least one lithography process must be performed on semiconductors for each primary color, resulting in a high cost.
Therefore, in the conventional art, manufacturers or designers in related arts proposed solutions in which the three primary colors of RGB are separated through optical light splitting, thereby avoiding the use of the CFs.
U.S. Pat. No. 5,615,024A discloses an optical structure for replacing the CF, which mainly utilizes a blazed grating to separate the three primary colors. When applied to a panel, each primary color is corresponding to one pixel (mainly a transmitted and diffracted light of the first order). Since the transmitted and diffracted light at the first order is used and a large angle is formed between an incident light and an emergent light, the incident light must enter the blazed grating at a large angle such that the emergent light enters the liquid crystal layer perpendicularly. If a perpendicular incident light enters the blazed grating, the emergent light can only enter the liquid crystal layer at a large angle, thereby limiting the applicability.
In addition to the above conventional art based on optical elements, many other designs have been proposed. However, the optical structures of the CFs in the conventional art have their own advantages and disadvantages. The light-splitting technologies based on optical elements are still researched and developed in order to achieve the best performance.

Industrial Technology Research Institute


A wrap package and method for making the package are disclosed. The wrap permits the packaging of a plurality of containers in an array of two or more rows. The wrap includes a top panel, side panels, and end panels all of which provide adequate area for product markings. The wrap is adapted to hold the containers in close proximity while preventing contact therebetween. The wrap package provides adequate package rigidity to support a plurality of containers packaged in any number of rows.

Paperboard packages for carrying containers are known in the food packaging industry. These carriers typically support multiple containers during shipping and shelf display and provide a convenient carrying means for the consumer. While many types of packages are available, they generally fall into one of two categories. In the first category are box-type packages such as those commonly used to package twelve-packs of beverage containers and the like. Box carriers completely enclose the containers and rely on contact between adjacent containers to prevent excessive motion within the package.
Another type of package is a wrap carrier. Wrap carriers surround only a portion of the containers such that another portion remains visible. Wrap carriers are advantageous over box-type carriers in several respects. One advantage is that they require less material to produce. In addition, wrap carriers permit the manufacturer to display a portion of the container itself, potentially improving product recognition. The present invention relates to wrap carrier packages or "wrap packages" and the remainder of this discussion will focus on the same.
While wrap packages are advantageous in many respects, drawbacks do exist. One such drawback is that wrap packages may often lack the structural rigidity and stiffness of box packages. Package manufacturers have addressed this problem in various ways. For example, some packages compensate for this problem by relying on the interrelation of the containers themselves to partially support the package. Another solution is to limit wrap packaging to use with lighter containers or to packages comprising fewer containers. Alternatively, the wrap package may include a stiffening apparatus to provide additional support to the package and containers. For example, see U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,201,412 to Schuster et al., and 5,310,051 to Sutherland. While these references address package rigidity, problems remain. For instance, these packages permit only a limited area on the package sides for product markings/indicia. As a matter of fact, some permit marking only on the top surface of the wrap. This is disadvantageous since the top of the package is typically covered in a stacked shelf display.
Another drawback of these wrap packages is that the containers are supported only at a top end. Accordingly, the containers may easily contact and rub against each other. While this is not a serious problem with aluminum containers, constant rubbing between plastic containers may damage the graphics printed thereon and may possibly lead to container rupture.
One wrap that seeks to address these shortcomings is shown in U.S. Pat. No. 3,612,266 to Graser. While Graser provides improved container support, it also introduces additional problems. In particular, the crown support feature of the Graser package is complex and hampers container removal. In addition, Graser lacks space for product markings on the package ends. Furthermore, the Graser package requires that each container have a crown or flange.
Accordingly, what is needed is a wrap package for containers that provides the rigidity to support multiple containers without permitting contact between the containers. What is further needed is a wrap package that permits markings to be placed on various portions of the package wherein the markings are visible from all sides. What is further needed is a wrap package that is inexpensive to manufacture and provides for easy removal of the containers therefrom.


An electrodeless lighting system includes: a waveguide for guiding microwave energy generated from a microwave generator; and a resonator formed in a mesh structure allowing the microwave energy having passed the waveguide to resonate therein and passing light, and having around the bulb a microwave leakage preventing portion having a relatively low perforation ratio per unit area so that microwave energy is concentrated on the bulb positioned therein. Accordingly, leakage of microwaves is minimized and luminous efficiency is improved.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to an electrodeless lighting system, and particularly, to an electrodeless lighting system provided with a resonator configured to minimize leakage of microwaves and improve luminous efficiency.
2. Description of the Background Art
In general, an electrodeless lighting system is an apparatus emitting visible light or ultraviolet light from an electrodeless plasma bulb upon applying microwave energy to the bulb. The electrodeless lighting system has a long life span and good lighting effect compared with an incandescent lamp or a fluorescent lamp which is generally used.
FIG. 1 is a longitudinal sectional view showing one example of a conventional electrodeless lighting system.
As shown, the conventional electrodeless lighting system using microwave energy includes: a case 1 forming a certain internal space; a microwave generator 2 mounted in the case 1, for generating microwave energy; a high voltage generator 3 for raising a common AC power to a high voltage and supplying the high voltage to the microwave generator 2; a waveguide 4 for guiding microwave energy generated at the microwave generator 2; a resonator 6 installed at an exit portion 4a of the waveguide 4 to communicate with the waveguide 4; and a bulb 5 positioned in the resonator 6 and emitting light as a filling material becomes a plasma by microwave energy transferred through the waveguide 4.
In addition, a reflecting mirror 7 for concentratively reflecting light generated at the bulb 5 to the front is provided in front of the case 1, a surrounding area of the resonator 6.
A dielectric mirror 8 is installed in the exist portion 4a of the waveguide 4, wherein the dielectric mirror 8 passes microwave energy transferred through the waveguide 4 and reflecting light emitted from the bulb 5 to the front. A hole 8a is formed at a central portion of the dielectric mirror 8 in order that a shaft portion 9 of the bulb 5 penetrates therethrough.
Meanwhile, a cooling fan 10 for cooling the microwave generator 2 and the high voltage generator 3 is provided at the rear of the case 1. And, in the drawing, non-explained reference number 11 indicates a fan motor, and 12 is a bulb motor for rotating the bulb 5.
As for the resonator 6 of the conventional electrodeless lighting system, a perforation ratio per unit area is adjusted to be sufficient to emit light from the bulb to the outside of the resonator.
Also, the size of each perforation constituting a mesh over the entire resonator 6 is determined on the basis of whether a perforation ratio required for light emission is achieved and whether microwave energy is not allowed to leak out of the resonator, simultaneously. As the perforation size of the resonator 6 is bigger, the performance of emitting light is better, but the performance of preventing the microwave energy leakage is worse. On the contrary, as the perforation size of the resonator 6 is smaller, the performance of emitting light is worse, but the performance of preventing the microwave energy leakage is better.
Thus, the conventional resonator 6 has a mesh structure formed of the same sized perforations over its entire area.
The conventional electrodeless lighting system having such a structure is operated as follows.
When a driving signal is inputted to the high voltage generator 3, the high voltage generator 3 raises AC power and supplies the raised high voltage to the microwave generator 2. The microwave generator 2 oscillates by a high voltage to thereby generate microwave energy having a very high frequency. The microwave energy generated in such a manner is guided through the waveguide 4 and is emitted into the resonator 6. The microwave energy emitted in the resonator 6 resonates in the resonator and also is strongly applied to a portion where the bulb 5 of the resonator 5 is positioned. At this time, by electrically discharging a material within the bulb 5, light having its own spectrum is generated. The light is reflected to the front by the reflecting mirror 7 and the dielectric mirror 8, thereby lighting a space.
However, because the conventional electrodeless lighting system is formed in a mesh structure having perforations of uniform sizes in order to achieve an optimum perforation ratio for an entire area of the resonator, when microwave energy is strongly applied around the bulb positioned in the resonator, the amount of microwave energy leaked to the outside of the resonator around the bulb is undesirably higher than that of other portions of the resonator.
Therefore, the amount of the microwave energy applied to the bulb is decreased, thereby degrading luminous efficiency of the bulb.


An image detecting device for executing a pattern matching using a pyramid structure search, comprises an input image storing portion for receiving image data from an external device to hold, a pattern image storing portion for storing a pattern image to be searched, an image processing portion connected to the input image storing portion and the pattern image storing portion, for reading respective image data to execute the pattern matching, a control portion for calculating set parameter candidates that are required to execute the pyramid structure search in the image processing portion, a display portion for displaying groups of set parameter candidates that are calculated in the control portion as a table, and an input portion used to change set parameter values based on the groups of set parameter candidates displayed on the display portion.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to the technology that is associated with the image processing utilized in a position detection etc. The present invention relates the technology that is associated with a pattern matching method or a pattern search of searching the predetermined pattern image, which is registered previously, from an input image as search objects while using a pyramid structure search. More particularly, the present invention relates to a pattern matching method of displaying set parameters necessary for a pyramid structure search, an image detecting device for executing the pattern matching, and a computer-readable medium inducing a program for executing the pattern machining.
2. Description of the Related Art
The image processing is utilized in various fields such as the manufacture, the packaging, etc. of electronic parts in the factory. In particular, the pattern matching for searching a predetermined pattern from an image data obtained by an imaging camera etc. is utilized in applications such as the positioning, etc. An example of the pattern matching is shown in FIG. 8. An input image shown in FIG. 8 is constructed by a matrix arrangement in which an area is divided into a plurality of pixels G. As shown in FIG. 8, the pattern matching is applied to the input image area SA1 while moving a previously-registered pattern image RF1 to detect a coordinate at which a detected image OB is to be positioned.
If the practical use is taken into consideration, the higher speed is indispensable to the pattern matching. In this pattern matching, an enormous process time is required if a search for investigating closely the image data as the processed objects in all areas is carried out. Therefore, any means for reducing the process time is needed. In particular, since an approach that is called a pyramid structure search divides the process into plural stages to execute it, such approach is utilized as the approach that can reduce the required process time.
The pyramid structure search is set forth in Japanese Patent Publication (KOKOKU) Hei. 7-37893, for example. In the pyramid structure search, an image serving as the object of the pattern matching method is compressed, then a coarse search processing is applied to the compressed image, and then a coordinate position at which a desired pattern is present is detected. Then, a detailed search processing is carried out around the neighborhood of the detected coordinate to detect the more precise position. In this manner, the rough position is identified according to the coarse search and then the detailed search is carried out in the identified range based on this result. Thus, only the necessary portion can be sequentially investigated closely not to execute the detailed search over the overall image. As a result, the total process time can be reduced.
In the pyramid structure search, the processing speed has the trade-off relation with the processing precision. Normally there is such a tendency that, if the number of search hierarchies is increased, the processing speed can be accelerated but the processing precision is lowered. Thus, the number of hierarchies suitable for the individual image processing must be set. Further, a plurality of parameters required for other operations must also be set. It is difficult to cause the user to set these plural parameters completely. Therefore, if the pattern matching is carried out by using the pyramid structure search in the related art, the required process time is calculated by the computer, or the like on an image detecting device side and also the parameters that are supposed as the optimum are decided automatically.
However, according to this method, the image processing is automatically fixed only by the parameters that are calculated in the device side, and therefore it is impossible to adjust/change respective settings on the user side. In many image detecting devices, a group of parameters that are calculated automatically is decided uniquely and these set contents are fixed. Accordingly, it is impossible to change the set contents on the user side, and thus the margin of setting is not given to the user. The set contents may be displayed to inform the user of such contents, or may be automatically set not to inform the user of the parameter values. In the case where the user is not informed of the information about the parameters, such user cannot confirm the information to achieve the change even if the user tries to change the set contents.
In addition, the values that are automatically calculated in this manner are not always the optimum parameter values that can respond to the user's application situation. Particularly, in the pattern matching method, the calculation of the parameters is carried out based on a predetermined image that is previously registered. For this reason, the optimum parameters are not always calculated so as to respond flexibly to various changes of the image data that are actually input.
Moreover, in the pattern matching, the user wishes to change a part or all of the set contents in response to the case where the reflection factor of the examined object is poor, the generation of noise, the variation in illumination, etc. For example, sometimes the user wishes to adjust the set contents according to the result after the pattern matching is carried out by using the set parameter values. In order to satisfy such request, there is the necessity that a group of calculated parameter candidates should be displayed to the user to permit the change of respective parameters. In addition, if not only a group of parameter candidates is merely displayed but also such an environment can be provided that plural groups of parameter candidates are displayed such that the user can select the optimum set in response to his or her desire, the user can combine the appropriate values mutually, or the like, the pattern matching can be used more conveniently.

Pattern matching method using a pyramid structure search, image detecting device, and computer-readable medium


A biosensor system for determining the concentration of an analyte in a sample includes a plurality of test sensors, and includes a container including a desiccant and the plurality of test sensors, sealed in the container. When the container is stored for two weeks at a temperature of 50° C., and each test sensor is subsequently removed from the container, connected through the at least two conductors to a measurement device and then contacted with one of a plurality of samples including an analyte, where the plurality of samples has analyte concentrations that span the range of 50 mg/dL-600 mg/dL, and the analyte concentration in each sample is determined by the test sensor and the measuring device, the bias of each determined analyte concentration may be within ±10 mg/dL or ±10%, and the coefficient of variation of the determined analyte concentrations may be at most 2.5%.

Biosensors provide an analysis of a biological fluid, such as whole blood, serum, plasma, urine, saliva, interstitial, or intracellular fluid. Typically, biosensors have a measurement device that analyzes a sample residing in a test sensor. The sample usually is in liquid form and may be a biological fluid or a derivative of a biological fluid, such as an extract, a dilution, a filtrate, or a reconstituted precipitate. The analysis performed by the biosensor determines the presence and/or concentration of one or more analytes in the biological fluid. Examples of analytes include alcohol, glucose, uric acid, lactate, cholesterol, bilirubin, free fatty acids, triglycerides, proteins, ketones, phenylalanine, or enzymes. The analysis may be useful in the diagnosis and treatment of physiological abnormalities. For example, a diabetic individual may use a biosensor to determine the glucose level in whole blood, and this information may be used in adjusting the individual's diet and/or medication.
Biosensors may be designed to analyze one or more analytes and may use different sample volumes. Some biosensors may analyze a single drop of whole blood, such as from 0.25-15 microliters (μL) in volume. Biosensors may be implemented using bench-top, portable, and like measurement devices. Portable measurement devices may be hand-held and allow for the identification and/or quantification of one or more analytes in a sample. Examples of portable measurement devices include the BREEZE® and CONTOUR® meters of Bayer HealthCare in Tarrytown, N.Y., while examples of bench-top measurement devices include the Electrochemical Workstation available from CH Instruments in Austin, Tex.
In electrochemical biosensors, the analyte concentration is determined from an electrical signal generated by an oxidation/reduction or redox reaction of the analyte, or of a species responsive to the analyte, when an input signal is applied to the sample. The input signal may be applied as a single electrical pulse or in multiple pulses, sequences, or cycles. A redox substance, such as a mediator, an enzyme or similar species, may be added to the sample to enhance the electron transfer from a first species to a second species during the redox reaction. The redox substance(s) may react with a single analyte, thus providing specificity to a portion of the generated output signal.
Electrochemical biosensors usually include a measurement device having electrical contacts that connect with electrical conductors in the test sensor. The test sensor may be adapted for use outside, inside, or partially inside a living organism. When used outside a living organism, a sample of the biological fluid is introduced into a sample reservoir in the test sensor. The test sensor may be placed in the measurement device before, after, or during the introduction of the sample for analysis. When inside or partially inside a living organism, the test sensor may be continually immersed in the sample, or the sample may be introduced intermittently to the test sensor. The test sensor may include a reservoir that partially isolates a volume of the sample, or the test sensor may be open to the sample. Similarly, the sample may continuously flow through the test sensor or be interrupted for analysis.
The test sensor may be formed by disposing or printing electrodes on an insulating base, such as by disposing one or more reagent compositions on one or more of the conductors. More than one of the conductors may be coated by the same reagent composition, such as when the working and counter electrodes are coated by the same composition. Multiple techniques known to those of ordinary skill in the art may be used to dispose the reagent composition on the test sensor. The reagent composition may be disposed on the conductors as a reagent fluid and then dried. When the sample is introduced to the test sensor, the reagent composition begins to rehydrate.
The reagent compositions disposed on each conductor may be the same or different. Thus, the reagent composition of the working electrode may contain an enzyme, a mediator and a binder, while the reagent composition of the counter electrode may contain only a mediator, which could be the same as or different from the mediator of the working electrode, and a binder. The reagent composition may include an ionizing agent for facilitating the oxidation or reduction of the analyte, such as an oxidoreductase enzyme, as well as any mediators or other substances that assist in transferring electrons between the analyte and the working electrode.
One or more components of a reagent composition may undergo a chemical transformation prior to use of the test sensor. In particular, it is believed that the oxidation state of the mediator may change over time under certain conditions. Mediators such as ferricyanide and organic quinones and hydroquinones may undergo reduction in the presence of water. The presence of reduced mediator in the reagent composition can cause an increase in background current of the sensor, leading to inaccurate and imprecise assay results, particularly for samples with low analyte concentration.
Typically, undesirable and/or premature chemical transformations in the reagent composition are inhibited by storing the test sensor in proximity to a desiccant. Desiccants typically are used in test sensor primary packaging, such as bottles or foil pouches, to prevent degradation of the reagent composition so as to maintain the desired shelf life of the test sensor. Conventional desiccants for test sensor storage systems can quickly adsorb moisture that may leak into the package containing the test sensor. Examples of desiccants used to protect test sensors include molecular sieves, such as those containing porous crystalline alumino-silicates, which quickly adsorb moisture even in low humidity environments.
A drawback to the protection of test sensors with a desiccant is that one or more components of the reagent composition may require a minimum level of moisture to retain their function in the composition. For example, the FAD dependent Glucose Dehydrogenase enzyme (FAD-GDH) is believed to require some residual moisture to maintain its native active configuration. Depletion of moisture from the reagent composition below a minimum level could lead to enzyme conformational change and inactivation of at least a portion of the FAD-GDH. Depletion of moisture from the reagent composition may result in inactivation of at least a portion of one or more other components of the reagent composition.
Loss of activity of an enzyme in the reagent composition due to excessive desiccation of the test sensor typically is addressed either by including excess amounts of enzyme in the reagent composition or by adding a substance to the reagent composition that is believed to stabilize the enzyme. Examples of substances that may stabilize the enzyme in a test sensor reagent composition include sugars such as trehalose or sucrose, and sugar alcohols such as mannitol, maltitol or sorbitol. These substances may be used in a lyophilization process to preserve enzyme activity. See, for example EP 1 785 483 A1. High loadings of the enzyme or of other substances such as stabilizers in the reagent composition can present other difficulties, however. Since the enzyme component typically is expensive, it is not desirable to increase the enzyme loading beyond the level needed for the assay. In addition, the enzyme or stabilizers can slow down the rehydration of the reagent composition by the sample, resulting in longer assay times, especially at lower temperatures. Excess enzyme in the test sensor, beyond that required for interaction with the analyte and/or an excess of other ingredients in the reagent composition such as the mediator, also may reduce the accuracy of the sensor.
Accordingly, there is an ongoing need for improved biosensor systems, especially those that may provide increasingly accurate and/or precise determination of the concentration of the analyte in the sample, and/or that may provide increasingly shorter analysis times. Moreover, there is a need for improved biosensor systems that have an increased shelf life over a wider range of storage conditions, while supplying the desired accuracy, precision and/or analysis time. The systems, devices, and methods of the present invention overcome at least one of the disadvantages associated with conventional biosensor systems.

Biosensor desiccant system having enhanced measurement performance


A printing device includes first and second print heads, first and second print head control units, a first print head feeding unit moving the first print head in a main scanning direction, a second print head feeding unit moving the second print head in the main scanning direction, a first medium feeding unit moving a first medium holding unit in an auxiliary scanning direction orthogonal to the main scanning direction, a second medium feeding unit moving a second medium holding unit in the auxiliary scanning direction in parallel with the movement of the first medium feeding unit, a first printing unit control unit (controlling the first print head control unit, the first print head feeding unit and the first medium feeding unit), and a second printing unit control unit (controlling the second print head control unit, the second print head feeding unit and the second medium feeding unit).

The present invention relates to a printing device, and in particular, to a printing device equipped with two or more medium holding units for holding print media to be printed on. The present invention relates also to a control method, a computer program and a computer-readable recording medium for the printing device.
Fabric printing devices, equipped with one carriage (for feeding a print head for discharging ink onto fabric held on a planar platen), one operation panel and one color ink set, are well known (see Japanese Patent Provisional Publication No. 2004-268506, for example). The fabric printing device carries out the printing of print data on fabric by moving the carriage and the platen in a main scanning direction and in an auxiliary scanning direction, respectively.
Inkjet printers generally require longer printing time compared to automatic screen printers. In order to speed up the printing operation, there has been proposed a printing device having an enlarged main body, two or more platens of the same size horizontally arranged on the same plane, and one print head successively executing printing on print media held on the platens (see FIG. 7C and FIG. 7B of United States Patent Application Publication No. US2005/0179708 A1 (hereinafter referred to as '708 publication), for example).

Printing device, control method thereof and computer-readable recording medium


A new silicone condensation reaction, the condensation between an alkoxy silane or siloxane or a dihydric phenol and an organo-hydrosilane or siloxane and catalysts therefore is described and claimed.

Two general processes can be applied for synthesis of organosiloxane polymers; ring opening polymerization of cyclic siloxanes and polycondensation. The polycondensation reaction between organofunctional silanes or oligosiloxanes leads to the formation of siloxane bond and elimination of a low molecular byproduct. The polycondensation of low molecular weight siloxanol oils is the most common method synthesis of polyorganosiloxanes and has been practiced for several years. The byproduct of this process is water. Unfortunately this method cannot be used for the synthesis of well-defined block organosiloxane copolymers. In that case the non-hydrolytic condensation processes can be employed. Many of such reactions are known and are frequently used:    1) the reaction of an organohalosilane with an organoalkoxysilane, ≡Si—X+R—O—Si≡→≡Si—O—Si≡+RX;    2) the reaction of organohalosilanes with organoacyloxysilanes, ≡Si—X+RCOO—Si≡→≡Si—O—Si≡+RCOX;    3) the reaction of organohalosilanes with organosilanols, ≡Si—X+HO—Si≡→≡Si—O—Si≡+HX;    4) the reaction of organohalosilanes with metal silanolates, ≡Si—X+Metal—O—Si≡→≡Si—O—Si≡+MetalX;    5) the reaction of organo-hydrosilanes with organosilanols, ≡Si—H+HO—Si≡→≡Si—O—Si≡+H2;    6) the self-reaction of organoalkoxysilanes, ≡Si—OR+RO—Si≡→≡Si—O—Si≡+ROR    7) the reaction of organoalkoxysilanes with organoacyloxysilanes, ≡Si—OR+R′COO—Si≡→≡Si—O—Si≡+R′COOR    8) the reaction of organoalkoxysilanes with organosilanols, ≡Si—OR+HO—Si≡→≡Si—O—Si≡+ROH    9) the reaction of organoaminosilanes with organosilanols, ≡Si—NR2+HO—Si≡→≡Si—O—Si≡+NR2H;    10) the reaction of organoacyloxysilanes with metal silanolates, ≡Si—OOR+Metal—O—Si≡→≡Si—O—Si≡+MetalOOR;    11) the reaction of organoacyloxysilanes with organosilanols, ≡Si—OOR+HO—Si≡→≡Si—O—Si≡+HOOR;    12) the reaction of organooximesilane with organosilanols, ≡Si—ON=OR2+HO—Si≡→≡Si—O—Si≡+HN=OR2;    13) the reaction of organoenoxysilane with organosilanols, ≡Si—O(C=CH2)R+HO—Si≡→≡Si—O—Si≡+CH3COR;
Those reactions can also be used for the formation of siloxane networks via a crosslinking process. Many of the above processes require the presence of catalyst such as protic acids, Lewis acids, organic and inorganic bases, metal salts and organometalic complexes. (See, for example, (a) "The Siloxane Bond" Ed. Voronkov, M. G. ; Mileshkevich, V. P. ; Yuzhelevskii, Yu. A. Consultant Bureau, New York and London, 1978; and (b) Noll, W. "Chemistry and Technology of Silicones", Academia Press, New York, 1968).
It is also well known in silicon chemistry that the organosilanol moiety will react with a hydrogen atom bonded directly to silicon (organo-hydrosilane) to produce a hydrogen molecule and the silicon-oxygen bond, (See, "Silicon in Organic, Organometallic and Polymer Chemistry" Michael A. Brook, John Wiley & Sons, Inc. , New York, Chichester, Weinheim, Brisbane, Singapore, Toronto, 2000). Although the uncatalyzed reaction will run at elevated temperatures, it is widely known that this reaction will run more readily in the presence of a transition metal catalyst especially noble metal catalysts such as those comprising platinum, palladium, etc. , a basic catalyst such as an alkali metal hydroxide, amine, etc. , or a Lewis acid catalyst such as a tin compound, etc. Recently it has been reported that organo-boron compounds are extremely efficient catalysts for the reaction between an organo-hydrosilanes and organosilanols (WO 01/74938 A1). Unfortunately, the by-product of this process is dangerous, highly reactive hydrogen.
Another useful class of materials, polyaryloxysilanes (PAS) have long been materials of commercial interest. In addition to the property benefits expected for any silicone copolymer, such as good low temperature flexibility, high temperature stability PAS also exhibit excellent flammability characteristics.
These polymers are commonly prepared by the reaction of bis-phenols with α, ω-difunctional silanes, typically, α, ω-dichlorosilanes or α, ω-diaminosilanes. Reaction of bis-phenols with α, ω-dichlorosilanes requires the use of a stoichiometric amount of an acid acceptor, usually a tertiary amine. As the ether linkage in these polymers is susceptible to hydrolysis, particularly in the presence of acid or base, the amine and its salts must be completely removed from the polymer for optimal stability. The α, ω-diaminosilanes do not require an acid scavenger during the preparation of the polymer, but these intermediates themselves are prepared by the reaction of chlorosilanes with amines in the presence of an acid acceptor.
In spite of the foregoing developments, there is a continuing search for new condensation reactions that will improve reaction's selectivity and safety of the polycondensation process.


A liquid crystal device includes a first dummy pixel and a second dummy pixel adjacent to each other in an X direction, in which width of a first portion of a scanning line between a first transistor of the first dummy pixel and a second transistor of the second dummy pixel is larger than width of a second portion of the scanning line between the second transistor and a third transistor of a pixel.

1. Technical Field
The present invention relates to electro-optical devices, manufacturing methods for electro-optical devices, and electronic apparatuses.
2. Related Art
As an electro-optical device, such an electro-optical device is disclosed (Japanese Patent No. 4,798,186) that includes, on a substrate, an image display region where a plurality of pixels are arranged, a dummy region located in the circumference of the image display region where a plurality of dummy pixels are arranged, and a dummy pixel shielding film provided in the dummy region across the plurality of dummy pixels; further, in the disclosed electro-optical device, slits are provided in the dummy pixel shielding film for each of the dummy pixels.
According to the electro-optical device described in Japanese Patent No. 4,798,186, by providing the dummy pixel shielding film corresponding to opening regions of the dummy pixels, oblique light that enters the dummy region in an oblique direction, return light, or the like can be blocked. Therefore, display in the image display region is protected from being affected by the oblique light, the return light, or the like.
In addition, according to the above electro-optical device, because slits are provided in the dummy pixel shielding film for each of the dummy pixels, even if the dummy pixel shielding film is formed using a light blocking film material whose coefficient of thermal expansion is different from the coefficient of thermal expansion of the substrate, an interlayer insulation film, a semiconductor layer, or the like, it is possible to reduce a stress generated in the vicinity of the dummy pixel shielding film during or after the manufacture of the electro-optical device and to prevent generation of a crack.
In an electro-optical device, there is a case where a peripheral circuit configured to drive a plurality of pixels is provided in a region outside the dummy region. In the case where the dummy pixel shielding film disclosed in Japanese Patent No. 4,798,186 is applied to the electro-optical device having the above-mentioned peripheral circuit, arrangement densities of components disposed on the substrate, such as switching elements, wiring that is connected with the switching elements, and the like are different between the dummy region and the region where the peripheral circuit is provided. Accordingly, the stress generated during or after the manufacture of the electro-optical device is concentrated in a portion where the above different arrangement densities are present, whereby cracks are likely to be generated in the dummy pixel shielding film itself, an interlayer insulation film that covers the dummy pixel shielding film, or the like, starting from the portion where the different arrangement densities are present.
In particular, in the case where part of the dummy pixel shielding film is used as wiring, there is a risk that the wiring is cut due to the crack.

Electro-optical device and electronic apparatus


A suspension system includes an air spring and a shock absorber disposed between the sprung and unsprung portions of a vehicle. A vehicle height sensor sends signals to a control system which adjusts the height of the vehicle by increasing or decreasing the air pressure within the spring. This same air pressure is provided to the shock absorber in order to increase the damping rate for high loads and decrease the damping rate for low loads. The air pressure to the shock absorber is provided to a valve assembly which controls fluid flow between the working chamber of the shock absorber and a reserve chamber.

In recent years, substantial interest has grown in motor vehicles having suspension systems which can offer improved comfort and road handling for the vehicle. The improvements for these suspension systems can be achieved by utilization of an "intelligent" suspension system. An "intelligent" suspension is capable of controlling the suspension forces generated by the hydraulic dampers or shock absorbers provided at each corner of the motor vehicle in response to one or more operating characteristics of the vehicle.
In general, vehicle suspension systems are provided to filter or isolate the vehicle body from road surface irregularities as well as to control body and wheel motion. In addition, it may be desirable that the suspension system maintain an average vehicle attitude to promote improved vehicle stability during maneuvering. The conventional non-intelligent suspension system includes a spring and a damping device in parallel which is located between the sprung mass (vehicle body) and the unsprung mass (the wheel and suspension systems).
Hydraulic actuators, such as shock absorbers and/or struts, are used in conjunction with the conventional non-intelligent or passive suspension systems to absorb unwanted vibrations which occur during driving. To absorb these unwanted vibrations, the conventional hydraulic actuators often include a piston which is located within a pressure tube and which is connected to the body of the automobile through a piston rod. The pressure tube is connected to the vehicle's suspension system. Because the piston is able to limit the flow of damping fluid within the working chamber of the pressure tube when the actuator is telescopically displaced, the actuator is able to produce a damping force which counteracts the vibration which would otherwise be directly transmitted from the suspension system to the vehicle body. The greater the degree to which the flow of damping fluid within the working chamber is restricted by the piston, the greater the damping forces which are generated by the actuator.
In order to maintain a vehicle's attitude for multiple loading conditions, it is often desirable to have a leveling system associated with the vehicle. This vehicle leveling system can be associated with the hydraulic damper, it can be associated with the vehicle's springs, or it may be separate from both the hydraulic dampers and the springs. These leveling systems are used to change the relationship between the vehicle's suspension system and the vehicle body. The leveling systems are used to compensate for weight changes associated with the vehicle. The weight changes can be the result of changes in static loading or changes in dynamic loading. Static loading is simply the load which is supported by the suspension system which is due to the weight associated with the passengers of the vehicle, the weight of the cargo in the vehicle, and the like. In contrast, dynamic loading involves the loading which normally varies according to different types of road conditions.
When changing the height of the vehicle in response to the vehicle's weight, it is also desirable to adjust the damping characteristics of the vehicle's hydraulic dampers. A relatively low weighted vehicle typically requires a softer or lower damping characteristic than a relatively highly weighted vehicle. The continued development of suspension systems have been directed towards methods of adjusting the damping characteristics of the hydraulic dampers in response to the leveling system which reacts to the vehicle's weight.

Tenneco Automotive Operating Company Inc.


The present disclosure relates to an humidification attachment module (66) arranged to be coupled with an air treatment apparatus (10), the module comprising a fluid dispensing unit (88) for a humidification fluid that is supplied by a fluid reservoir (86), a flow inlet (74) for an inlet air flow (120), a first flow path defined between the flow inlet (74) and a first flow outlet (76), a second flow path defined between the flow inlet (74) and a second flow outlet (78), and a flow dividing unit (100), wherein the first flow path bypasses the fluid dispensing unit (88), wherein the second flow path passes through the fluid dispensing unit (88), and wherein the flow dividing unit (100) is operable to divide an overall flow through the humidification module into a first flow path component (122) and a second flow path component (124). The present disclosure further relates to air treatment apparatus (10) and to a method of augmenting an air treatment apparatus (10).

U.S. Pat. No. 6,248,155 B1 discloses a humidifier/air purifier comprising a housing defining a water reservoir, an air inlet opening and an air outlet opening; a generally V-shaped wicking element in fluid communication with said reservoir; a generally V-shaped air filter being removably mounted above and within said wicking element; and a blower for causing air flow through said air inlet opening, through said wicking element, through said air filter and through said air outlet opening.
Air treatment apparatuses may be used in housing areas, but also in working areas, including offices, workshops, shops, etc. So-called single-purpose air purifying apparatuses are available on the market. An air purifying apparatus is a device which is arranged to remove small particles and contaminants from the ambient air in a room. These devices are commonly considered as being beneficial to allergy sufferers and asthmatics, and at reducing or eliminating second-hand tobacco smoke. Further field of application may be envisaged.
Those appliances may be regarded as domestic appliances that improve the quality of the room air in buildings. Air purifying apparatuses may utilize, for instance, a set of filters to clean the room air. Further, air quality sensors may be provided. A ventilating unit may be provided that generates an air flow through the appliances.
However, it has been observed that the air purifying feature may be improved when the air that flows through the apparatus is not only purified but also humidified. In this context so-called combined air purifying and humidification apparatuses have been proposed. However, it also has been observed that those combined appliances often compromise at least one of the purifying feature and the humidifying feature. Further, stand-alone humidifying apparatuses are known. However, generally, those devices are not arranged to be operatively coupled with a separate purifying apparatus.

Humidification module for an air treatment apparatus


A vibrating plate serving as a tamping device comprises an upper mass equipped with a drive and comprises at least two lower masses, which are coupled to the upper mass while being able to oscillate relative to the upper mass. Each of the lower masses comprises a soil contacting plate and at least one oscillator assigned to this soil contacting plate. The oscillators can be controlled differently so that, in addition to an advancing and compacting action, a turning moment can be executed about a vertical axis (Z).

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a soil compacting device, in particular a vibration plate.
2. Description of the Related Art
Steerable and non-steerable vibration plates are known that can be controlled manually or remotely. Standardly, the vibration plates have an upper mass comprising, inter alia, a drive, e.g. a motor, as well as a lower mass that is coupled to the upper mass and that is capable of oscillatory movement relative to the upper mass. The lower mass is made up essentially of a soil contact plate to which a vibration exciter is fastened. The vibration exciter is driven by the drive of the upper mass, and has for example two imbalance shafts, situated parallel to one another, that are capable of rotation in directions opposite to one another with a positive fit. Each imbalance shaft bears one or more imbalance masses, so that during rotation with a positive fit a resultant force is produced. Depending on the phase position of the imbalance shafts or masses to one another, the direction of the resultant force can be set perpendicular to the axes of the imbalance shafts as desired by the operator. In this way, the vibration plates can be moved at least in the forward direction (main direction) and the backward direction.
In addition, vibration plates are known that are able to travel a curved path or to execute a rotation in place. For this purpose, on one of the imbalance shafts of the vibration exciter the imbalance mass is divided into two mass elements that can be moved separately from one another with respect to their phase position, or the imbalance shaft is divided into two sub-shafts. Given a different orientation of the resultant force that arises in the interaction with the oppositely situated, non-divided imbalance shaft, there arises a yaw moment about a vertical axis of the vibration plate, which causes a rotational movement.
The vibrations produced by the vibration exciter and the interaction with the soil cause the lower mass, in particular its soil contact plate, to execute a kind of wobbling movement on the soil. The wobbling movement effects the actual soil compacting.
In steerable vibration plates, i.e., vibration plates that are capable of rotation or of traveling in a curved path, the vibration exciter must handle three tasks simultaneously or in temporal succession. On the one hand, a propulsive force must be produced in order to move the vibration plate forwards and backwards with sufficient speed. In addition, a compacting effect is to be brought about in order to perform the actual aim of the device, namely soil compacting. Finally, a moment of rotation (yaw moment) is to be produced about the vertical axis of the vibration plate by differently controlling the imbalance masses to the right and to the left of a center plane of the vibration plate.
As a rule, performing these three tasks requires a compromise, so that none of these tasks can be optimally performed. In vibration plates in which only a change of direction is possible, the production of the propulsive force always entails a loss of compacting power. The compacting power is optimal only when the device is at a standstill, when the vibration exciter does not have to produce any propulsive forces. If the third function, i.e., the production of a rotational movement, also has to be performed by the vibration exciter, the compacting efficiency can be significantly reduced, which has a disadvantageous effect on the final result of the work, above all on the time required for compacting.
However, in the area of soil compacting, analogously to the general trend in the construction machine industry, the efficiency of compactors is becoming increasingly important so that compacting work can be performed in the shortest possible time.
Correspondingly, the required machines are becoming larger and heavier, and are therefore becoming more and more difficult to operate manually.
Other soil compacting devices are known in which a plurality of hydraulically operated compacting plates are fastened to a hydraulic bearer, e.g. a tractor-type vehicle standard on construction sites. The vibration plates are used exclusively for soil compacting, while the steering and guiding, as well as the propulsion, are taken over by the tractor vehicle. Such a system can be used in particular for compacting on inclined surfaces, while manually operated or remotely controlled
vibration plates can be guided over inclined surfaces only with great difficulty. However, the vehicle-supported compacting devices have the disadvantage that the wheels often damage the surface of the compacted soil. In addition, the vehicles can be used economically only on large surfaces. Their maneuverability is very limited.
GB 805 643 A and DE 864 263 C each indicate soil compacting devices in which a plurality of vibration plates or stampers are combined by connecting elements to form a larger overall system. A separate drive is allocated to each vibration plate or to each stamper.


The invention provides personal emergency response systems (PERS) with expanded life-saving capabilities. One embodiment of the invention provides a wearable PERS pendant that incorporates a cell phone transmitter or transceiver, a GPS location system, an accelerometer-based fall detector that automatically triggers an alert, and an electrocardiogram (ECG) recorder permitting a remote service center or medical personnel to receive and respond to transmitted alerts and electrocardiographic data.

Typical personal emergency response systems consist of a pendant worn by a user who may initiate an emergency call by actuating a button on the pendant, thereby causing a signal to be transmitted to a dedicated base station located in the user's home. In response, the base station dials an emergency call center (call monitoring center) via a telephone line and the user can talk to an attendant via a speaker-phone built into the base station or pendant. In response to a request therefor by the user, or in response to failure of the user to respond to inquiries from call center personnel, emergency assistance is dispatched by the call center to the user's location.
What is needed and provided by the present invention are personal emergency response systems with expanded life-saving capabilities.

This patent is subject to a terminal disclaimer.

ECG-enabled personal emergency response systems


A system and method for unobtrusively detecting a subject's level of interest in media content, includes detecting to what a subject is attending, measuring a subject's relative arousal level; and combining information regarding the subject's arousal level and attention to infer a level of interest.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a method and system for determining a subject interest level to media content, and specifically to the level of interest a subject expresses in content of an image on a display. More particularly, the invention relates to a method and system for non-intrusively detecting how interested a subject is to media content (e.g., the content originating from broadcast or cable TV, the web, a computer application, a talk, a classroom lecture, a play, etc.).
2. Description of the Related Art
Information technologies have become quite efficient at data transmission. However, users are not interested in data per se, but instead want data that is useful for a particular task. More specifically, people desire interesting information suited to a particular topic, problem, etc. The importance of providing interesting information in communication has been noted by various philosophers and scientists, including Grice, H. P. Logica and Conversation, in: P. Cole & J. Morgan (Eds.), Syntax and Semantics 3: Speech Acts, pp. 41–58, (New York: Academic Press, 1967) who urged that speakers must make their communication relevant to the listener if communication is to be successful.
The problem of determining whether data is interesting to a receiver has been addressed in different ways within different media. In interpersonal communication, a listener provides a speaker with verbal and non-verbal feedback (e.g., cues) that indicates the listener's level of interest.
In many mass media, such as television, multiple channels that offer some variety of information are provided, and people receiving the information select from the available information whatever seems most interesting. Then, people's selections are measured (e.g., typically by sampling a small segment of viewers such as by the Nielsen ratings or the like), so that more interesting and new (potentially interesting) content can be made more available, and content that is not interesting can be made less available.
The interpersonal means of interest level detection has an advantage over the typical mass media means in that in the interpersonal medium, interest level detection occurs in real time, within a single exchange of information rather than between a plurality of exchanges of information. The speaker can introduce information, assess the listener's interest in the information and then consider the listener's interests when presenting subsequent information. Thus, the speaker can tailor the subsequent information depending upon the listener's perceived interest.
Mass media technologies typically rely on less immediate feedback (e.g., again through ratings or the like of a small population sample, oftentimes not proximate to the original presentation of the information). A drawback to this procedure is that people have to search through information, looking for something interesting, only to discover that sometimes none of the available information is interesting. Currently, there are no methods or systems for assessing and communicating a person's level of interest by passively observing them, especially in a mass media technology environment.
It is noted that some conventional systems and methods exist for assessing a mental state of a person, but these systems and methods have certain drawbacks.
In one conventional system, a device is provided for estimating a mental decision. This estimate is performed by monitoring a subject's gaze direction along with the subject's EEG, and by processing the output signals via a neural network to classify an event as a mental decision to select a visual cue. Thus, the device can detect when a subject has decided to look at a visual target. The EEG is detected via skin sensors placed on the head.
In a second conventional method and system, a person's emotional state is determined remotely. Such a technique is performed by broadcasting a waveform of predetermined frequency and energy at an individual, and then detecting and analyzing the emitted energy to determine physiological parameters. The physiological parameters, such as respiration, blood pressure, pulse rate, pupil size, perspiration levels, etc. are compared with reference values to provide information indicative of the person's emotional state.
In yet another conventional system, a method is provided for evaluating a subject's interest level in presentation materials by analyzing brain-generated event related potential (ERP) and/or event related field (ERF) waveforms. Random audio tones are presented to the subject followed by measurement of ERP signals. The level of interest is computed from the magnitude of the difference of a baseline ERP signal and an ERP signal during a task (e.g., during a video presentation). The difference is correlated to the interest level which the subject expressed by filling out a questionnaire about the video presentations. ERP measurement requires scalp sensors and although it has been suggested that using EMF signals would allow such a technique to be performed non-intrusively, no evidence or practical implementation is known which makes possible such non-intrusive activity.
In other work, it has been determined that perplexed behaviors of a subject using a word processor resulted in head motion changes more than facial expression changes. Dynamic programming is employed to match head motion with head motion templates of the following head gestures: nod, shake, tilt, lean backwards, lean forwards, and no movement. When the subject (user) displays appropriate head gestures, it can be detected when the person is perplexed.
However, in the above technique, only perplexed behaviors, not a general level of interest, was detected.
Other experiments have been performed which indicate that people naturally lean forward when presented positive valence information. In one experiment, a mouse with a trackpoint was used and the forward pressure on the trackpoint was measured and then correlated with the valence level of presented information.
No methods or systems exist for assessing and communicating a person's level of interest in real-time by passively observing them, especially in a mass media technology environment.

Method and system for real-time determination of a subject's interest level to media content

International Business Machines Corporation


A method of forming an assembly in which a metal extension element is connected with a metal stub element, by an intermediate element. The intermediate element extends between first and second ends. The intermediate element is positioned to locate its first end spaced apart from the stub element. An inner end of the extension element is spaced apart from the second end of the intermediate element. Heating elements are located between the elements, to heat the proximal portions of the elements to a hot working temperature, at which the heated portions are subject to plastic deformation. The heating elements are removed, and while the intermediate element is rotating, the first end is urged against the stub element to bond the intermediate element with the stub element. While the extension element is rotating, the inner end is urged against the second end to bond the extension element and the intermediate element.

As is known in the art, metal elements having opposed substantially planar and parallel surfaces may be welded together by a process described as solid state welding. For instance, a method of solid state welding is disclosed by U.S. Pat. No. 6,637,642 (Lingnau).
The known methods have certain disadvantages. For instance, the known methods of solid state welding are generally not usable where one of the workpieces is stationary. Also, the known methods typically are not suitable where it is sought to connect two workpieces made of two different metals (e.g., different alloys) that are not directly bondable with each other.

System and method for connecting metal workpieces


Devices and methods for augmenting or otherwise enhancing closure of body lumens comprise magnetic or magnetizable components or particles which are implanted in the wall of the lumen. The magnet fields exerted by the components or particles act to close the body lumen with a desired force.

The present invention generally relates to methods and devices for medical or surgical therapy. More particularly, the invention relates to methods and devices for augmenting a sphincter, such as the lower esophageal sphincter, or body lumens, such as the female urethra.
A variety of human ailments arise from the weakening of tissues surrounding body lumens and cavities due to disease, trauma, advancing age, or combinations of these causes. Of particular interest to the present invention, a condition known as gastroesophageal reflux disease or "GERD," arises when the lower esophageal sphincter ("LES") weakens and permits the contents of the stomach to move back into the esophagus. Similarly, fecal incontinence can occur when the anal sphincter becomes weakened and ceases to function properly. Female urinary incontinence can occur with weakening of the urethra which is responsible for containing the contents of the bladder. Male urinary incontinence arises with damage to the urinary sphincter. The outlet of the stomach is controlled by the pyloric sphincter. Decreased muscle tone in the pyloric sphincter can lead to rapid gastric emptying which can cause digestive distress.
The human gastrointestinal tract begins at the mouth, and includes the pharynx, esophagus, stomach, small and large intestines, and rectum. Small, ring-like muscles, called sphincters, surround portions of the gastrointestinal tract. In a healthy person, these muscles contract in a coordinated fashion during eating and digestion to temporarily separate one region of the alimentary canal from an other. One example of a gastrointestinal sphincter is the anal sphincter, which provides fecal continence. Another example is the muscular ring called the lower esophageal sphincter ("LES"), which surrounds the opening between the esophagus and the stomach.
Normally, the LES relaxes to allow food to pass from the esophagus to the stomach and contracts to prevent food in the stomach from refluxing backwards into the esophagus. Stomach muscles churn food and digestive juices into a mass called chyme. The muscles then squeeze the chyme toward the opposite, intestinal end of the stomach by peristaltic waves, which start at the top of the stomach and move downward. The pyloric sphincter, another ring-like muscle, eventually relaxes to allow stomach contents to enter the first part of the small intestine. If the LES does not contract properly, however, chyme and other stomach contents may be pushed back into the esophagus causing the painful symptom of heartburn and, potentially permanent damage to the esophageal wall. This insufficiency of the LES, accompanied by regurgitation of stomach contents into the esophagus, is commonly referred to as gastroesophageal reflux disease, or "GERD."
Gastrointestinal reflux disease is a common disorder, with an estimated two percent of the adult population suffering from the syndrome. The incidence of GERD increases markedly after the age of 40, and it is not uncommon for patients experiencing symptoms to wait years before seeking medical treatment. Postponing treatment can lead to further health concerns, as continued presence of acid in the esophagus may lead to permanent damage of the esophagus. It has also been hypothesized that such esophageal damage may be a precursor to esophageal cancer.
Generally, many factors are thought to potentially contribute to the occurrence of GERD. For example, transient LES relaxation, decreased LES resting tone, impaired esophageal clearance, delayed gastric emptying, decreased salivation, and impaired tissue resistance all may contribute to causing GERD. Lifestyle factors may also contribute to cause reflux. Smoking, large meals, fatty foods, caffeine, pregnancy, obesity, body position, drugs, hormones, and paraplegia may all exacerbate GERD. Also, hiatal hernias frequently accompany severe cases of GIERD.
In addition to heartburn, other frequently reported symptoms of GERD include painful swallowing, difficulty swallowing, pulmonary symptoms such as coughing, wheezing, asthma, aspiration pneumonia, and interstitial fibrosis, oral symptoms such as tooth enamel decay, gingivitis, and halitosis, throat symptoms such as a soreness, laryngitis, hoarseness, and a globus sensation; and earache. As mentioned briefly above, complications of GERD include esophageal damages, such as erosion, esophageal ulcer, and esophageal stricture; replacement of normal esophageal epithelium with abnormal (Barrett's) epithelium; and pulmonary aspiration. Barrett's epithelium, in turn, may be a precursor to esophageal cancer.
Currently available therapies for treatment of GERD generally focus on pharmaceutical therapy and surgery. Drug therapies typically reduce or block stomach acid secretions, but do not strengthen or otherwise treat the LES. Surgical intervention typically includes procedures which attempt to create a sphincter-like mechanism at the site of the LES. Nissen fundoplication, for example, is an abdominal surgery that involves freeing a portion of the stomach from surrounding connective tissue, wrapping it around the outside of the esophagus at approximately the location of the LES, and attaching it back to another part of the stomach. Although this procedure often successfully tightens the esophagus at an area near the LES and may succeed in preventing GERD, it is often difficult to gauge how tight or loose to wrap the stomach—if wrapped too tightly, food has difficulty passing into the stomach, if wrapped too loosely, GERD will not be prevented.
Thus, GERD is a very prevalent condition with numerous painful symptoms, potentially serious complications, and relatively few viable treatment options. Therefore, it would be advantageous to have methods and devices to augment the LES to prevent or treat GERD. Ideally, such methods and devices would provide for long-lasting or even permanent treatment of the LES in a non-invasive or minimally invasive manner. Additionally, it would be beneficial if such methods and devices could be used in treating other body sphincters, such as the anal sphincter to treat fecal incontinence.
Urinary incontinence arises in both men and women with varying degrees of severity and from different causes. In men, the condition frequently occurs as a result of prostatectomies which damage the urinary sphincter. In women, the condition typically arises after pregnancy where stretching of the structure supporting the urinary tract can weaken the urethra.
A number of approaches have been developed for treating urinary incontinence. Of particular interest to the present invention, techniques have been developed for injecting collagen or other bulking agents into tissues surrounding the urethra in women and the urinary sphincter in men. While these treatments are at least partly successful, it would be beneficial to provide alternative treatments. Bulking agents, such as collagen, are resorbed and thus provide only temporary relief. Most persistent and substantial bulking agents can evert the sphincter and prevent its normal functioning.
Thus, it would be desirable to provide methods and systems for bulking or toning the sphincter. In particular, it would be desirable to be able to augment the sphincter sufficiently to keep the sphincter closed until sufficient force is applied to open the sphincter, at which point the closing force would drop off significantly. Similarly, with urinary incontinence, present bulking agents will cause closing of the urinary tract before the bladder has completely emptied. An approach which allowed the urinary tract to remain open longer would be beneficial. The present invention can at least partly meet these goals by providing a bulking or closing force which, once a lumen is opened, drops off rapidly to allow the lumen to remain open until opening forces fall to a very low point.

Methods and devices for luminal and sphincter augmentation