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An image display/processing apparatus which integrates as a single unit a two-dimensional (2-D) display, such as an LCD, with a two-dimensional (2-D) sensor array, such as a photodiode array. The arrays are aligned with a pixel corresponding to a single sensor element of the sensor array. Levels from the sensor elements which have been thresholded to predetermined threshold values are fed-back to the LCD for image display and processing. The LCD image may be moved in a pixel increment by control circuitry to implement morphological image processing.
1. An image display/processing apparatus for morphological image processing, the apparatus comprising:
a liquid crystal display (LCD) having an array of thin film transistors (TFTs) positioned in rows and columns, corresponding to a plurality of LCD pixels;
a sensor array integrated with the LCD as a single unit, the sensor array having a plurality of photodiodes positioned in rows and columns, the array of TFTs and the array of photodiodes aligned with each other to allow a given LCD pixel to project onto a single given photodiode of the array of photodiodes;
driving circuitry integrated with both the LCD and sensor array comprising addressing lines for independent addressing of the given LCD Pixel and the given photodiode, configured to operate the LCD and sensor array in synchronism;
a feedback circuit to feedback to the LCD data obtained by the photodiodes representative of a status of the LCD pixels; and
morphological image processing means to control operation of the integrated LCD and sensor array arrangement based upon said data obtained by the photodiodes.
2. An image display/processing apparatus comprising:
a liquid crystal display (LCD) having an array of switching elements, corresponding to a plurality of LCD pixels;
a sensor array integrated with the LCD to form a single unit, the sensor array having a plurality of sensor elements positioned in rows and columns in the array, the array of switching elements and the array of sensor elements aligned with each other to allow a given LCD pixel to project onto a corresponding sensor element of the array of sensor elements; and
driving circuitry in operative connection with both the LCD and sensor array comprising independent addressing lines to the given LCD pixel and the corresponding sensor element.
3. The apparatus according to claim 2 further including morphological image processing means to control operation of the integrated LCD and sensor array arrangement.
4. The apparatus according to claim 2 wherein the LCD and sensor array are formed on two separate substrates and are then integrated.
5. The apparatus according to claim 2 wherein the LCD and sensor array are formed on a single substrate.
6. The apparatus according to claim 4 wherein a gap between the sensor array and LCD is equal to or less than on the order of an LCD pixel pitch.
7. The apparatus according to claim 4 wherein the sensor elements include sensing capabilities on a first side and a second side, whereby scanning of a document placed on the second side of the sensor elements is achieved.
8. The apparatus according to claim 2 wherein the sensor array is a photodiode array.
9. The apparatus according to claim 2 wherein the sensor array further includes a means for dynamically programming the sensor array to integrate a sensing current.
10. The apparatus according to claim 2 wherein the single unit further includes:
a glass substrate having the switching elements fabricated thereon as thin film transistors (TFTs);
a layer of liquid crystal material applied on top of the TFTs;
a glass coverplate coated with a transparent coating placed over the liquid crystal material;
a thin polarizing plate bonded on a first side to the transparent conductive coating; and
said sensor elements having a first side and a second side with at least the first side having sensing capabilities, and the sensing elements bonded, by the first side, to a second side of the thin polarizing plate, whereby the first side of the sensing elements senses towards the LCD.
11. The apparatus according to claim 2 wherein the LCD is a ferroelectric display.
12. The apparatus according to claim 10 wherein the TFTs are poly-silicon TFTs.
13. The apparatus according to claim 2 wherein the sensing elements are a-Si:H sensors.
14. The apparatus according to claim 2 further including a transferring means for transferring an output from the sensor array directly to the LCD, thereby eliminating intermediate storage of sensor element output.
15. The apparatus according to claim 2 wherein the array of switching elements include first addressing electrodes and the array of sensor elements include second addressing electrodes spaced from said first addressing electrodes.
16. A method for displaying and processing an image on an integrated display/processing apparatus comprising the steps:
loading a liquid crystal device (LCD) with image data, the LCD being in the form of an array with LCD switching elements positioned at rows and columns and with a pixel associated with each of the switching elements;
displaying an image by adjusting each of the pixels in accordance with the loaded image data;
sensing data of the displayed image by a sensor array comprised of a plurality of sensing elements located at rows and columns independently addressable from said LCD switching elements, the sensor array integrated as a single unit with the LCD, the sensor array and LCD aligned with each other to allow a given LCD pixel to project fully onto one sensing element of the sensing array;
feeding back data from the sensor array to the LCD based on the data of the displayed image; and
processing the feedback data of the displayed image.
17. The method according to claim 16 further including a step of driving the LCD and sensor array by a single driving circuit.
18. The method according to claim 17 wherein the driving step further includes driving the LCD and sensor array in synchronism.
19. The method according to claim 16 further including dynamically programming the sensor array to integrated data obtained by the sensing elements for predetermined length of time.
20. The method according to claim 19 wherein the predetermined length of time is for a specified number of LCD frames.
21. The method according to claim 18 wherein the driving step further includes shifting the image on the LCD.
22. The method according to claim 18 wherein the driving step further includes reading out a line of the sensor array at a same time as a corresponding LCD line is updated.
23. The method according to claim 16 further including morphologically processing the displayed image.
24. The method according to claim 23 wherein the morphologically processing includes:
defining a structuring element;
shifting the image as prescribed by the structuring element to generate multiple shifted images of the original; and
performing boolean operations using the original image and the multiple shifted images.
25. The method according to claim 23 wherein the morphologically processing includes,
integrating data obtained by the sensing elements over all translations of an original LCD image.
26. The method according to claim 23 wherein the morphologically processing for dilation includes,
zeroing the sensing elements;
sequentially loading LCD images at a rate of 1/ΔT, where T equals time;
integrating the loaded LCD images;
reading the sensor array after time (N+1)ΔT; and
thresholding the sensor array to a value of (1) when a sensor level corresponds to a pixel being in an ON state of the LCD for a period ΔT or greater, with other signals being thresholded to (0).
27. The method according to claim 23 wherein the morphologically processing, for erosion, includes;
displaying on the LCD, at a rate of 1/ΔT, a set of N images translated by a predetermined inverted shift;
reading out the sensor array after a time (N+1)ΔT; and
thresholding the sensor array to a value of (1) when a sensor level corresponds to a pixel being in the ON state of the LCD for a period (N+1)ΔT, with other signals thresholded to (0).
28. The method according to claim 16 wherein the displaying comprises addressing the LCD switching elements of the pixels by a first set of electrodes and said sensing comprises addressing the sensing elements by a second set of electrodes.
The present invention relates to the art of image display and processing. It finds particular application in an image display/processing device for displaying and morphological processing of sensed images.
Various types of image displays have been developed, including liquid-crystal displays (LCDS) which are electronically switched displays making use of changes in the optical properties of liquid crystals in series with an electric field. A thin film of liquid crystals is sandwiched between glass plates imprinted with transparent electrodes. When a voltage is applied selectively across the electrodes, the liquid crystal molecules between them are rearranged or switched in polarization so that light is either reflected or absorbed in the region bounded by the electrodes to form characters or graphics. Liquid crystals are chemical mixtures that behave like crystals in an electric field.
Glass covers of LCDs are assembled with a predetermined space between them to keep a constant distance. They are then sealed around the edges to contain the viscous liquid crystals, and are equipped with polarizing filters to assist in controlling image output.
Most LCDs today employ twisted-nematic field-effect (TNFE) liquid crystals that provide either dark or black characters on a lighted field. When subjected to an electric field, the TNFE molecules twist changing the optical properties of the light thereby varying reflection or transmittance of the light through the LCD. When the voltage is removed, they recover their normal orientation and are transparent to light. The recovery time is called response time.
In large LCD matrix displays, each pixel is commonly a twisted-nematic cell. Each cell is formed as an x-y coordinate matrix of fine width parallel electrodes formed on the crystal sandwich of the opposing glass plates in a liquid crystal sandwich. These electrodes, are formed by the deposition of a transparent conductive film on the inside of each plate and subsequent photolithographic and etching processes.
The glass plates are assembled so that addressable parallel electrodes are at right angles to each other over the liquid crystal material. A pixel is obtained when the voltage pulses across the opposing electrodes and liquid crystal exceed a predetermined voltage threshold. The LCD is organized so that the rows are pulsed cyclically and the data is multiplexed into the columns synchronously.
Large LCD displays based on metal-insulator-metal (MIM) technology are known. Another active matrix technology is thinfilm, transistor-based (TFT-based) displays. These large-panel liquid-crystal displays use a transistor and capacitor at each pixel location to improve contrast and readability. Conventional LCD pixels are driven only by a short voltage pulse during the scanning cycle but active-matrix pixels are driven by a continuous voltage. The transistor and capacitor hold the pulsed-voltage level indefinitely.
As with image display technology, various types of image processing devices have been developed. One aspect of image processing is the need to electronically acquire the image which is to be processed. Arrays of sensing elements such as photodiode and photoconductors have been found to be suited for such image acquisition.
It is also known that amorphous-silicon and poly-silicon based devices have been developed for a wide variety of applications, including image sensors and flat-panel displays. These devices take advantage of certain amorphous-silicon or poly-silicon film properties, such as low-temperature processing capability, high photoconductivity, high field-effect switching ratio and dopability. Moreover, due to the advent of large-area deposition and photolithographic patterning systems, it is common practice to use large substrates to fabricate these devices to improve productivity and gain cost savings.
This large-area device technology has spawned several page-wide linear-array device applications in the fields of facsimile communication, document scanning, and page printing. Page-wide linear sensors using a Si:H have been used for some time in facsimile applications. For example, a-Si:H arrays of photodiodes individually wirebonded to a number of CMOS LSI chips mounted on the same substrate have been developed.
Commonly, sensor arrays employing photodiodes have the sensors positioned in rows and columns of a x-y coordinate configuration in a manner similar to that of LCD arrangements. Such sensor arrays are also driven in a manner corresponding to that of LCD displays.
The present inventor has noted the similarities existing between 2-D image displays, such as LCDs, and 2-D image sensors, such as photodiode arrays when, for example, large-area amorphous-or poly-silicon electronics are employed. The inventor has determined that the combination of these two technologies allows for very powerful image capture, display, and processing. Therefore, the present invention provides for the combination of these technologies through the integration of a 2-D sensor array with a 2-D image display, whereby with appropriate combination a system is constructed for use as an ordinary flat panel display, and which also is capable of parallel image processing such as morphological processing.
The invention is drawn to an image display/processing apparatus. Accordingly, in one embodiment the invention discloses a single integrated unit including a two-dimensional (2-D) sensor array integrated in a pixel by pixel registration with a two-dimensional (2-D) liquid crystal display (LCD), and associated logic and driver circuitry, for purposes of two-dimensional (2-D) image display and processing. The apparatus is configured to allow morphological image processing operations to be implemented on images displayed on the LCD.
In another embodiment the integrated device is used to provide for document scanning by the 2-D sensor array on a side opposite the LCD.
A further understanding of the nature and advantages of the invention herein may be realized by reference to the remaining portions of the specification and the attached drawings.
FIG. 1(a) is a top view of an image display/processing apparatus according to the present invention having a LCD and sensor array integrated as a single unit;
FIG. 1(b) is a cross-sectional view of FIGURE 1(a);
FIG. 1(c) is another embodiment of the present invention with the LCD and sensor array configured on the same substrate;
FIG. 1(d) sets forth a block diagram of the image display/processing apparatus arranged for morphological processing;
FIGS. 2(a)-2(d) provide illustrations of morphological processing operations;
FIG. 3 shows a sequence of operations for processing an image by morphological filtering, according to the present invention; and
FIGS. 4(a)-4(b) set forth sequences of operations for processing images by morphological filtering according to the present invention.
The technologies involved in two-dimensional (2-D) displays and two-dimensional (2-D) image sensors are quite compatible, especially when large-area amorphous-or poly-silicon electronics are employed. Both technologies use very similar configurations and driving techniques. Typically, one line of these arrays are driven at a time, for LCDs the values for each element in a line are loaded and then the next line is addressed. Similarly, in the sensor array each line is addressed and a value of each element is read out. The combination of the technologies allows for powerful image capture, display, and processing. One application involving the integration of the 2-D sensor array with the 2-D image display allows for a system to be constructed which can be used as an ordinary flat panel display, but which is also capable of powerful morphological image processing.
FIGS. 1(a)-(b) provide illustrations of portions of an LCD and photodiode array forming the image display/processing device A of the subject invention. In FIG. 1(a) a top view of a portion of the combined arrays is depicted, while FIG. 1(b) sets forth a cross-sectional view, of FIG. 1(a). To facilitate discussion, with attention to FIG. 1(b), a person using image display/processing device A would be viewing the device from the top of the page down onto the device. A light flux, which acts to illuminate the LCD, is directed to device A on the side opposite that to be viewed.
In the embodiment shown in FIG. 1(b), LCD B and photodiode array C are fabricated on two separate substrates 10, 12. The integrated system is comprised of LCD B configured with amorphous or poly-silicon material on top of which two-dimensional sensor array C is aligned and bonded. The LCD B consists of a glass substrate 10 on whose first side 14 TFT circuitry 16 is fabricated. A layer of liquid crystal material 18 is placed on side 14 on top of the TFT circuitry 16. A thin glass cover plate 22 coated with a transparent conductive coating (e.g. ITO) 24 is placed over the liquid crystal material 18, with ITO 24 acting as a counter electrode for LCD B. A thin polarizing plate 26 is bonded to the ITO coated cover plate 22. Alternatively, the transparent conductive coating may be directly deposited onto the polarizing plate 26.
Appreciating that other LCD constructions may be possible, an important aspect of integrating the LCD B and sensor array C is to maintain the overall gap distance 28 between the sensor array plane 30 and the LCD plane 32 small, on the order of an LCD pixel pitch, in order to obtain acceptable imaging. If the gap distance 28 is too large light diffraction from a pixel increases and spreads out in an undesirable manner, as will be explained in greater detail.
In FIG. 1(b), two-dimensional sensor array C is bonded directly to polarizing plate 26. Sensor elements 34 are bonded to LCD B such that a bottom side 36 which has sensing capabilities is mounted to polarizing plate 26. Through this arrangement sensor elements 34 sense images developed on LCD B. The pitch of the sensor array C is commensurate with that of LCD B, and as more clearly depicted in FIG. 1(a), the two arrays are aligned so that each LCD pixel 38 is to be associated with one corresponding sensor element 34. As previously noted the gap distance 28 is desirably small. Particularly, this distance is to be such that light from one LCD pixel 38 will impinge upon only one associated sensor element of the plurality of sensor elements 34.
As also depicted in FIG. 1(a), LCD TFTs 16 are located at intersections of horizontal lines Xi, Xii, Xn and vertical lines Yi, Yii, Yiii, Yn. Sensor elements 34 are located at intersections of horizontal lines X'i, X'n and vertical lines Y'i, Y'ii, Y'n. In the subject device A the arrays are aligned in relationship to each other such that output from one LCD pixel 38 projects fully onto a corresponding sensor element 34.
It is to be appreciated that to increase the operational speed of device A the display implemented as LCD B can also be configured using ferroelectric display technology, and the TFTs may be laser-crystallized TFTs.
In another embodiment, as shown in FIG. 1(c), sensor elements 34 are fabricated on the same substrate 10 as TFTs 16. Therefore, in this embodiment only a single substrate is needed and the bonding of the sensor array substrate discussed in connection with FIG. 1(b) is not required. Additionally, in this embodiment sensor elements 34 are fabricated so that the side of the sensor elements 34 which has sensing capabilities is facing towards the top of the page. Also, in this embodiment a partially reflective interface 31 may be included to provide an improved optical path back to sensor elements 34. In this manner sensor elements 34 sense the output of LCD B.
In yet another embodiment sensor elements 34 depicted in FIG. 1(b), are configured to not only have sensing capabilities on bottom side 36 but also on top side 36'.
In the embodiment discussed in connection with FIG. 1(c) and the embodiment immediately above i.e., having sensor elements 34 with sensing capabilities on both bottom 36 and top 36' sides, the subject invention includes the capability of scanning documents located on a side opposite LCD B. The control of such a scanning operation is controlled by implementing known scanning control operations.
For ease of understanding, a plurality of operational properties of the system are defined. It is to be appreciated that while certain characteristics of the system are set forth below, may of these properties may be relaxed and/or implemented in other arrangements. First, a photodiode array is implemented as the sensor array C. It is also possible the sensor array may be constructed using a photoconductor array. Also, driving of LCD B and sensor array C are synchronized, in the sense that whenever the sensor array C is read out, a line of sensor array C is read at the same time as its corresponding LCD line is updated. Thus, in effect, there is a constant time delay for each sensor element 34, between the time that one sensor element 34 corresponding one LCD pixel 38 is addressed and the time that an output of the corresponding sensor element 34 is measured. Typically, LCD response time is much slower than that for photodiode sensors.
A further parameter is that sensor elements 34 may be interrogated after any N frames of integration. That is, sensor elements 34 may be read out each LCD frame update, after two frames of LCD update, etc. For the following discussion transition time of the LCD B will be ignored under the assumption that LCD response time is less than one frame period, so that reading sensor elements 34 for each LCD frame produces meaningful data concerning the LCD output from the previous frame. A frame is defined as the time period it takes for the system to sequence through its operation to again address a previously addressed location, i.e. a pixel. It is a straight forward operation to extend the concepts described below to the case where the LCD response time is a significant portion of a frame period.
Attention is now directed to using sensor array C of the image display/processing device A for parallel image processing. To use the subject image display/processing device A for morphological image processing, several attributes as shown in FIG. 1(d) are included. The sensor array C is dynamically programmable to integrate over a specified number of LCD frames using host computer D to control driving electronics 40 to program the sensing elements 34 through integrating signal line 50. It is to be appreciated that driving electronics may be incorporated as part of host computer D.
Sensor array output is fed-back to LCD B for display and processing by feedback lines 52 which are associated with each sensor element 34 and its corresponding pixel 38. This feedback arrangement has very little delay, i.e. on the order of 1 LCD frame. By this arrangement feedback can be accomplished without any need for an intermediate storage of the output from sensor array C. In FIG. 1(d) only one line 52 is shown in order to simplify the figure, however, it is to be appreciated that various known feedback arrangements may be implemented. It is also to be appreciated a storage device can be implemented to provide an intermediate storage if desired.
The levels of the sensor elements 34 of sensor array C are thresholded to binary, with a dynamically programmable threshold level using thresholding line 54 controlled by host computer D.
Finally, driving electronics 40 are selected such that with minimal intervention of the computer D driving LCD B, the image at LCD B can be shifted by one pixel in either the x- or y- directions using LCD shift lines 56 and 58. Shifting the image orthogonal to the scanline direction of LCD B is easily accomplished, as it corresponds to a simple shift in the scanline sequence with respect to the start of a frame. Shifting the image along the scanline direction will depend upon the specific manner in which the LCD B is driven. Using a system as described above, the fundamental morphological processing operations of DILATION and EROSION may be implemented.
Prior to a specific discussion regarding such implementation it is noted that the present discussion deals with binary images. In this context, the term "image" refers to a representation of a two-dimensional data structure composed of pixels. A binary image is an image where a given pixel is either ON or OFF. Binary images are manipulated according to a number of operations wherein one or more source images are mapped onto a destination image. The results of such operations are generally referred to as images. The image that is the starting point for processing is sometimes referred to as the original image.
Pixels are defined to be ON if they are black and OFF if they are white. In some cases a "don't care" pixel can occur which may be either an ON or an OFF pixel.
A "solid region" of an image refers to a region extending many pixels in both dimensions within which substantially all the pixels are ON.
A "textured region" of an image refers to a region that contains a relatively fine-grained pattern. Examples of textured regions are halftone or stippled regions.
AND, OR, and XOR are logical operations carried out between two images on a pixel-by-pixel basis.
NOT is a logical operation carried out on a single image on a pixel-by-pixel basis.
Prior to considering the operation of the image processing in further detail, it may be helpful to briefly define some of the terms that have been adopted for describing "morphological image processing operations".
"Morphological operation" is an operation on a bitmap image (source image) that uses a local rule at each pixel location with the source image to create another bitmap image (destination image). For convenience, the source and destination images sometimes are referred to as "pixel-map" images so that the operational rate can be viewed as operating on each "pixel". "Bitmap" and "pixelmap" are synonymous terms for a data structure of a certain type, and "bit" and "pixel" are used interchangeably to describe the contents of such a data structure.
"Structuring Element" (SE) is an image object, typically of relatively small size and simple shape, for probing the source image to extract information from it through the use of selected morphological operations. The SEs referred to herein are binary SEs. They are illustrated by using solid areas to identify their ON pixels and hollow areas to identify their OFF pixels. Their center locations are identified by a ("X").
A number of morphological operations map a source image onto an equally sized destination image according to a rule defined by a structuring element (SE). The SE is defined by the center location ("X") and a number of pixel locations, each having a defined value (ON or OFF). The pixels defining the SE do not have to be adjacent each other. The center location ("X") need not be at the geometrical center of the pattern and does not even need not even be inside the pattern.
A "solid" SE refers to an SE having a periphery within which all pixels are ON. For example, a solid 2�2 SE is a 2�2 square of ON pixels. A solid SE need not be rectangular.
The following terms are specific to binary morphological operations.
"EROSION" is an operation that is performed by probing a binary source image with a SE to write an ON (1) or an OFF (0) pixel into the destination image for each pixel location within the source image, with the logic level of the pixel that is written at any given location depending upon whether the SE is matched or not by the source image when it is centered on the given pixel location. When the SE to be matched contains both "hits" and "misses," the matching operation commonly is called "hit-miss transform." However, to simplify this disclosure, the definition of EROSION has been expanded to include such hit-miss transforms.
"DILATION" is an operation that is performed by probing a binary source image with a SE to write the SE into the destination image on centers corresponding to the location of all "ON" pixels on the source image. As used herein, DILATION is defined only for "hits" in the SE, so "misses" are ignored. Thus, the dilated destination image is the union of all replicas of the SE translated to all 1-pixels of the source image.
"OPENING" is an operation for replicating a SE in the destination image for each match to the SE in the source image. It is equivalent to an EROSION of a source image by a SE followed by a DILATION of the eroded image by the same SE. In keeping with the foregoing definitions of EROSION and DILATION, the definition of the OPENING operation has been expanded to include an EROSION with a SE containing both "hits" and "misses" followed by a DILATION with only the "hits" in the SE.
"CLOSING" is an operation composed of a DILATION of a source image followed by an EROSION of the dilated image. A CLOSING of an image is equivalent to a bit inversion of an OPENING that is performed on a bit inverted source image. In view of the foregoing definition of DILATION, it will be understood that a CLOSING is defined herein only for "hits" in the SE, so any "misses" are ignored.
Morphological operations are translationally invariant. In other words, a source image may be translated prior to being transformed, thereby causing the result to be translated or shifted by the same amount, without otherwise changing it. This means that these operations may be implemented with a high degree of parallelism because each bit or pixel in the source image is processed in accordance with the same rule.
EROSION, DILATION, OPENING and CLOSING operations performed with SE's consisting of only "hits" are geometrically "increasing" operations. Therefore, if a first image is contained in a second image, any of these operations that are performed with such a SE on the first image will also be contained in the second image. Furthermore, CLOSING is "extensive", and OPENING is "antiextensive". Accordingly, the source image is contained in the destination image when the source is transformed by a CLOSING, and the destination image is contained in the source image when the source image is transformed by an OPENING. The results of OPENING and CLOSING operations are independent of the position of the center of the SE. Moreover, OPENING and CLOSING operations are independent, which means they will not change the transformed image if they are reapplied to it. Other terms that are sometimes used in describing morphological operations are:
a "4-connected region" is a set of ON (1) pixels, such that a path between any two of those pixels can be found that stays entirely within the set of ON pixels and consists of only horizontal or vertical 1-pixel moves,
a "8-connected region" is a set of ON (1) pixels, such that a path between any two of those pixels can be found that stays entirely within the set of ON pixels and consists of only horizontal, vertical or diagonal 1-pixel moves.
A "hit-miss" SE is a SE that specifies a non-zero set of ON pixels and OFF (0) pixels, with those two sets being non-overlapping (i.e., non-intersecting). A "weakly" matched filter specifies relatively few pixels of the pixel pattern to which it is matched, while a "strongly" matched filter specifies a large percentage of the pixel pattern to which it is matched.
A "hit-only" SE is an SE that specifies a non-zero set of ON pixels.
"Fillclip" is a morphological operation where one image is used as a seed and is "grown" morphologically, clipping it at each growth step to the second image.
"Fill8" is an image operation in which an 8-connected region is filled to minimum rectangular bounding boxes.
A "mask" refers to an image, normally derived from an original image, that contains substantially solid regions of ON pixels corresponding to regions of interest in the original image. The mask may also contain regions of ON pixels that do not correspond to regions of interest.
The various operations defined above are sometimes referred to in noun, adjective, and verb forms. For example, references to DILATION (noun form) may be in terms of DILATING the image or the image being DILATED (verb forms) or the image being subjected to a DILATION operation (adjective form). No difference in meaning is intended.
The most straightforward approach to binary morphological processing is to define structuring element (SE) 42 of FIG. 2(a) having center location 44. Original image 46 of FIG. 2(b) may be ERODED or DILATED according to structuring element (SE) 42. DILATION corresponds to multiple shifts of the original image 46 as prescribed by structuring element (SE) 42, followed by a pixelwise logical OR operation over multiple images. EROSION is the result of multiple inverted shifts associated with structuring element (SE) 42, followed by a logical AND operation. Original image 46 of FIG. 2(b) is shifted according to the location of the black pixels in structuring element (SE) 42, with respect to center location pixel 44.
In this case, for DILATION three images are created: the original 46, a copy shifted by an amount of (Δx, Δy)=(1,1) and a copy shifted by (Δx, Δy)=(-1,1). Logical ORing of the image produces the DILATION result shown in FIG. 2(c). For EROSION the original image undergoes a logical AND operation with image copies by (Δx, Δy)=(-1,-1) and (Δx, Δy)=(1,-1). The results of such processing being shown by FIG. 2(d).
There are a variety of ways to implement morphological processing with image display/processing device A of the subject invention.
Assuming a given structuring element S(i,j), the structuring element (SE) 42 is described by a series of N translations of the original image 46. These N translations are denoted by Tk, where k runs from 1 to N. For example, the structuring element (SE) 42 of FIG. 2(a) could be described by translation T1 =(1,1), T2 =(-1,1), with N=2. Inverted shifts are denoted by T-k, i.e. T-1 =(-1,1), T-2 =(1,-1) in FIG. 2(a).
Given the translations associated with structuring element (SE) 42, a DILATION may be performed as described below. The original image (assuming it is binary) is loaded to the LCD B. At the time of loading, the charge of sensor elements 34 is zeroed. After a time ΔT (ideally equal to a single frame time of the LCD), the image translated by T1 is loaded. This is done by calling out the desired shift in x and y, which is performed in real time by the LCD driving electronics 40 through shift lines 56, 58. After another time ΔT, the levels of sensing elements 34 of sensor array C are read. Sensor signals will then correspond to the sum of original image and the image shifted by T1. This sensor data is thresholded using thresholding line 54 so that a level corresponding to a single pixel turned ON in LCD B for a time ΔT yields a 1. This image is sent to LCD B, while again zeroing the sensor elements 34 of sensor array C. After a next time ΔT of this image, LCD B is loaded with the original image 46, shifted by T2. After time ΔT of the T2 image, the sensor levels or data is read out, thresholding in the same manner as above. The result will be the DILATED image of FIG. 2(c).
In the following discussion an "ON" pixel is intended to mean it is in a darkened state. As described in conjunction with FIG. 3, for a series of shifts Tk, the following steps are performed:
1. Load LCD with original image, 100. Zero sensor elements, 102. Integrate image at sensor elements for time ΔT (a predetermined LCD frames), 104.
2. Load LCD with image shifted by T1 (where T1, is a predetermined time period), 106, integrate image (T1) at sensor elements for time ΔT 108, then read out sensor elements, 110. Threshold sensor data so that a single LCD pixel turned ON for period ΔT or greater will produce a (1), 112.
3. Load LCD with sensor image, 114. Zero sensor elements, 116. Integrate image at sensor elements for time ΔT, 118.
4. Load LCD with original image shifted by T2 (where T2 is a second predetermined time period), 120. Integrate image at sensor elements for time ΔT, 122, then read out sensors, 124. Threshold sensor data so that a single LCD pixel turned ON for period ΔT or greater will produce a (1), 126.
5. Repeat steps 3 and 4, for all Tk of the structuring element (SE), 128. When finished, the final sensor image to host computer, 130.
For EROSION, a comparable set of operations is employed, with shifts Tk replaced by shifts T-k, and with the thresholding changed so that a value of 1 is output by the sensor elements only if the signal corresponds to an LCD pixel turned ON, for a period of 2ΔT.
In the above steps, the sensor elements integrate over pairs of LCD images, and their thresholds are defined independently of the structuring element (SE) (specifically, independent of the number of translations N associated with the structuring element). An alternative approach as illustrated in FIG. 4(a), is to integrate the sensor signal over all translations Tk of the LCD image. In this case, for DILATION, the sensor elements are zeroed, 134, and then LCD images are loaded sequentially, at a rate of 1/ΔT, 136, while the sensor elements integrate the images, 138. After time (N+1)ΔT, the sensor array is read out, 140, and thresholded to a value of (1) if the sensor level corresponds to a pixel being in the ON state of the LCD for a period ΔT or greater, with other signals thresholded to zero, 142.
For EROSION, as depicted in FIG. 4(b), the set of N images translated by T-k is displayed on the LCD, at a rate of 1/ΔT, 144. After time (N+1)ΔT, the sensor array is read out, 146, and thresholded to a value of (1) if the sensor level corresponds to a pixel being in the ON state of the LCD for a period (N+1)ΔT, with all other signals thresholded to zero, 148. Using this approach there is no need to load the LCD with a sensor image.
With the capability of performing EROSIONS and DILATIONS, and therefore OPENING and CLOSING operations, many important processing operations may be performed. In addition, image reduction may be accomplished, for example, by sampling the LCD image at every 2n scan of the pixels, and directing this image back to LCD B. This is often a very useful processing operation. Finally, the system subject can be used for grey-scale morphology and processing. The combined display/processing device A could thus be used to perform a wide range of image processing functions with high speed. Many of these functions would be associated with document recognition, manipulation, etc. The system can function as a normal display as well.
The invention has been described with reference to the preferred embodiment. Obviously, modifications and alterations will occur to others upon reading and understanding the preceding detailed description. It is intended that the invention be construed as including all such alterations and modifications insofar as they come within the scope of the appended claims or the equivalents thereof.
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Infrared Satellite
Pocono Manor, PA 18349
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Infrared Satellite Near Pocono Manor, PA
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Espen Stenersrød
Espen Stenersrod on Twitter
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Category Archives: Love
A 365 Daily Challenge: Day 36
Day 36 02.04.2014 Topic: Love Topic given by AB The physical structure of the word love was carved into your forehead One glance at you A share of words And everyone knew they had encountered something beautiful The physical structure … Continue reading
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A 365 Daily Challenge: Day 31
Day 31 28.03.2014 Topic: Unrequited Love Topic given by joleefinch 183 Handed herself on a plate Cold flesh With warm layers of her skin Trying to make herself inviting Illusion of love Resemblance of lust Thinking this was it The … Continue reading
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Day 10 07.03.2014 Topic: Love and gender roles Thick red lines Symmetrical at first glance If you look deep enough You will find inequality right around the phrase, I love you One goes straight But can't quite follow the line … Continue reading
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A wonderful Masterpiece – Bestanddeler ( musical art instalation)
Listen, feel and love Out of respect for a wonderful person and artist who left this world to soon, I wanted to share this installment with you guys. You should take the next 26 minutes, close your eyes, and just … Continue reading
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New Poem: Sunset
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Out in The woods again, Norwegian nature with Daughter part 2
10 minute walk from the apartment and this reveals itself Last time I was out in the woods with my daughter I wrote that being out like that just triggers creativity and that night I wrote one of the darkest … Continue reading
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365 daily challenge summary week 44
New week, baby is getting bigger My babygirl Ea is growing along with the list of poems on my website long days and nights are always an influence for writing. loving every second of it. this week has been good … Continue reading
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Amy is a recent graduate of Seattle University School of Law and she has worked with Apex Law since its inception. During law school, her coursework focused on corporate law, including finance, mergers and acquisitions and securities regulations. Prior to law school, Amy worked a corporate and securities paralegal for five years. Her experience includes corporate formation and governance, transactions such as mergers and financings, drafting and filing SEC compliance documents, as well as related litigation issues. Amy also volunteers with WAACO, a Washington state organization that provides pro bono legal assistance to non-profit and microenterprise businesses.
Professional Leadership:
J.D., 2013, Seattle University Law School
Seattle Journal of Environmental Law, Research and Technical Editor
B.A., University of Washington
Advanced Paralegal Certificate, Edmonds Community College


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Carlos Hill's Blurty
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Doable Defenses a DUI Lawyer Can Use
Arizona DUI Lawyer
charge can be filed under unique ailments even if the defendant was in a parked automobile. Usually, there may possibly maybe be a misunderstanding that led to a DUI arrest. At events, the arresting officer may well potentially not have followed the appropriate procedure or generated an error of some choice. In this sort of instances, it is drastically very much simplier and easier for a DUI lawyer to come up with a protection to assist exonerate his customer, which may possibly or could be you.
Even if this kind of circumstances do not exist, a rock sound DUI attorney will thoroughly examine the probability of some point like this obtaining transpired. The DUI attorney can also query the credibility of the witnesses created by the prosecutor. He or she can also locate other witnesses who may possibly be in a position to testify that the driver was not driving beneath the influence.
What To Glimpse For In A
Arizona DUI Lawyer
Driving below the Impact or Driving even though intoxicated are the charges that instigate an instant require of pro legal counsel. The 1st issue that an accused of these conditions can do is to make contact with an lawyer who specializes in managing DUI cases. The federal government has develop into more and more strict about prosecuting DUI scenarios and the accused might be levied with a hefty fine, could encounter a license suspension or even could even have to devote time in jail or on probation.
If one particular is at any time pulled around by the targeted visitors police below the suspicion of driving underneath the impact of alcohol or any other medicines, pursuing couple of steps endorsed by DUI attorneys should be stored in head:
Why do I Require a Arizona DUI Lawyer?
Just about every year, as the vacation time rolls around, communities start cracking down on drunk driving. Checkpoints and vigilant law enforcement officers may perhaps put you at odds with the law. Even if you only had just a small to drink, you may possibly discover your self in an unpleasant position. Given that of the injury to your reputation, if you uncover by yourself in this circumstances, you need to be asking by yourself why do I need to have a piece of writing lawyer Right here are some factors about drunken driving laws you need to hold in thoughts.
Each and every state in the Union has per se limits on when you are viewed as legally drunk, even if there is no perceivable impairment. Your blood alcohol stage can't exceed .08 in breathalyzer or blood alcohol screening. So, even if you are performing, you might be above the restrict.
Find the Very best Arizona DUI Lawyer - If You Do Not Want a Criminal File
Drinking under the affect is a pretty significant offense. It is not a circumstance in which you can get off so simply. If you are charged with a DUI, your most effective choice is to employ the most beneficial DUI lawyer in your region. He or she can make the expenses in opposition to your dropped. He or she will take care of acquiring rid of the blemish that is ruining your document. In this report, I will reveal a few ideas on how to spot the greatest DUI attorney in your local community, and how you can get out of this mess as shortly as achievable.
Getting charged with DUI has many consequences. The authorities may possibly sentence you with a few of a long time of jail time. You might also be asked to do community service for a variety of months. You might be demanded to shell out penalties and fines to cover the damages caused by your recklessness. All of these are really stressful, and you just conclude up wishing that they all go absent.
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The Quiet Man has Reed Richards captive. Why is he doing this?
One month after last issue's shocking finale, Laura struggles with her newfound not-having-power.
The Hand has taken Bullseye from S.H.I.E.L.D. and Elektra will stop at nothing to make sure they don't heal the deadly villain.
Character »
Mercedes Wilson appears in 16 issues.
Wade Wilson is a former test subject of the Weapon X program, possessing a regenerative healing factor (like that of Wolverine), as well as an unstable compiling of other "Weapon X" experiments. Deadpool's powers and personality traits combine to make a wild, mentally unstable, and unpredictable mercenary. Deadpool is a former member of X-Force, a self-professed member of the X-Men and Avengers and has recently joined the Thunderbolts. The "Merc with a Mouth" is infamous for breaking the fourth wall.
Deadpool's Archnemesis, he tortured him by stealing his identity and resurrecting his wife. It's not outside the realm of possibility that T-Ray is the ORIGINAL Wade Wilson, and that Deadpool stole his identity.
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The question is pretty general. If it depends on how big you arfe, then sure, give me the varying answer, but in short, how long of a period of inaction does it take for your muscles to start breaking down and you start to lose your mass? and once it starts, does anything stop it? and at what rate does it continue?
Hopefully my question makes sense to you guys, but any input on this would be great. Thanks guys!
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Is Eddie back? … Continue reading
Category Archives: Offensive Team Analysis
Tomorrow night's game will feature a first start for Packers rookie center Corey Linsley. Bruce Irvin of the Seattle Seahawks has said that he would be "praying for" Linsley because it is going to be a long night. While it … Continue reading
The game against the Seahawks is gonna be here before we know it. There are a few things we can be certain about with this Packers team…most of those things are on the offense though. Although to my mind it … Continue reading
Happy Labor Day everyone! Hope you have nothing but fun on the calendar for today! Relax and enjoy some Packers talk, you deserve it. To all the workers who make this country "work" we salute you! Hope you enjoy your … Continue reading
The Green Bay Packers have done some good things in the preseason. Aaron Rodgers looks fit and sharp and the no huddle offense looks to be ready to impose itself on defenses from the start of the year. The defensive … Continue reading
I'm just gonna lay this out there…Packernation is blessed with a LOT of good things on this year's team and that's part of the reason we are all so excited for tonight's preseason game. One thing that caught my eye … Continue reading
Wow! Tomorrow is Friday and the third preseason game is upon us! We will get a chance to see Aaron Rodgers in more extended action and the Packers defense will again have a chance to stop the run and perhaps … Continue reading
We have talked about how the Packers would have to shorten their routes and use Eddie Lacy out of the backfield to reach play count goal that McCarthy has for this team. Well, we are seeing it. I am LOVING … Continue reading
Well the Packers second preseason game against the Rams is almost here and Packernation looks forward to watching their team play a dry game this time. The Rams will be a serious test for the Pack when starters meet starters. This … Continue reading
It's Wednesday…"hump daaaaayyyyeah!" More preseason games again tomorrow and the Pack at the Rams on Saturday. I was watching the Aaron Rodgers interview today and three things jumped out at me. But first, let me just say that it was … Continue reading


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Jaden Solo Is Still In The Scottsdale Club Scene
THE DIRTY ARMY: Nik, just a quick FYI – your former assistant Jill Turpin [Jaden Solo] is still a bottle server in Scottsdale. She has become the new Carlee Ranger in Old Town. Almost 30 years old and still pouring drinks. The good news – she doesn't sleep with gay athletes anymore.
What's up with Kerry Rhodes these days?- nik


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Israel Hernandez: One Year Later, Still No Answers
By Michael E. Miller
Five Reasons Miami Heat Fans Deserve Respect
By Ryan Yousefi
FL Doctors Comes Out Against Medical Marijuana
By Kyle Munzenrieder
All Aboard Florida New Images of Miami Station
By Sabrina Rodriguez
Miami VA Director Responds To Neglect Scandal
By Michael E. Miller
Miami artist AholSniffsGlue Sues American Eagle
By Carlos Suarez De Jesus
2 Live Crew's Legal Fight Is Still Vital 25 Years Later
By Luther Campbell
Report: 90 Percent of Condo Buyers Are Foreigners
By Kyle Munzenrieder
Is it true that your husband threatened to kill someone who you claim robbed you?
Marquese Williams told police that in May 2003 Denise was mugged while in her car on a nighttime visit to the black Grove to buy crack. "Some guys came up to the car and pulled her out and tried to rob her," Williams said. "And she jumped back into the car and she ran over one of the guy's bicycle."
Verneka Lee provided the detectives with more details about that incident. Previously, she said, Williams had interacted with Denise and José separately and had not known they were married until an enraged José arrived shortly after the mugging. "I seen her husband walking up," Verneka recounted. "Me and Marquese [Williams] were out there together. [José] was very upset because he said, 'Somebody just robbed my wife and beat her up.' He was coming to retaliate. And that's when Marquese realized that Denise and José were husband and wife."
Denise herself learned something new that night, according to Verneka. "I told her that her husband and Marquese had been going around looking for hookers for her husband," Verneka noted. "She was like in disbelief." Verneka also told police that Williams was Denise's preferred cocaine courier and that she suspected the two were having sex regularly.
When Barrar finished his litany of questions, Denise Calvo left the courtroom, accompanied by her lawyer Michael Rosen. They were joined by her father Michael Angelo Caligiuri, whom federal authorities once labeled an "armed and dangerous" member of the Gambino organized crime family. (He was released from prison in 2002 after serving about five years for racketeering and possession of cocaine with intent to distribute.) Mr. Caligiuri wandered off, leaving Calvo and Rosen to march down the hallway toward a horde of television reporters and cameras. Neither she nor her lawyer had anything to say.
Earlier in the bond hearing, Barrar had questioned Det. Ervens Ford, and in the process revealed another important line of inquiry they will likely pursue at trial.
You do not know what gun was used to kill the deceased?
Ford replied: "The answer to that is: correct."
That bullet could have come from Denise Calvo's gun?
"Objection!" shouted prosecutor Gail Levine, arguing that the question called for speculation.
"Sustained," replied the judge.
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Tech Lighting 96 Inch MonoRail
Low-voltage conductor of two individual conductive metal pieces fused together by a plastic separator. Hand-bendable, field-cuttable MonoRail is rated for 300 watts at 12 volts, 600 watts at 24 volts. Each piece of rail is shipped with conductive connectors to join rail pieces end to end. Order additional connectors if cutting and rejoining rails. Standard.
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Power Supply Test Accessory Kit
Provides fixed test lead connection, primarily intended for use with DC power supplies up to 12A. Kit is comprised of high quality components that are compatible with virtually all brands of instruments.
Login Here to rate and review this product.
76-004 - Test Clip Lead Kit
Set of eight mini-hook patch cords. Each patch cord has miniature hook clips on each end of 19" long PVC wire. Set consists of two black, two red, one green, one yellow, one blue and one white cords. 2A max.
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This 18 gauge alligator clip set is useful for a variety of testing applications. Made of high-quality, 50ohm RG-58U cables with molded strain relief.
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Length 36''
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James Franco Signing Copies of His Book 'The Dangerous Book Four Boys' at The Strand in NYCView Full Size
Childhood actors have always treated people like shit because their fans love them and they believe they will never lose their fame, money or power. James Franco's criminal record, criminal friends and proficient drug use probably have lead him to believe he can do whatever he wants and get away with it. Treating people like garbage is what James Franco is best at.
Mel Gibson
Charlie Sheen
James Franco
He's a fun guy and would like to see him come back to tv :D


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Our Second Amendment: The Founders Intent
The Independent Institute ^ | December 6, 2007 | Stephen P. Halbrook
Soon the U.S. Supreme Court will consider whether the District of Columbias bans on possession of handguns, even in the home, and on having long guns functional for self defense violate the Constitution. As the Court sees it in D.C. v. Heller, the issue is whether those bans violate the Second Amendment rights of individuals who are not affiliated with any state-regulated militia, but who wish to keep handguns and other firearms for private use in their homes. The federal appeals court for D.C. held that it did.
After ignoring the Amendment since its ambiguous U.S. v. Miller decision in 1939, the Court will decide whether the phrase the right of the people in the Second Amendment refers to the same people as in the First and Fourth Amendments, or only to government-selected militiamen. It will also consider whether a right in the Bill of Rights refers to a real liberty or is only rhetoric. Is the right to keep and bear arms on a par with the rights peaceably to assemble or against unreasonable search and seizure? Or is it void where prohibited by law?
For Americas Founders, the answer was obvious. In 1768, when Redcoats landed to occupy the town, the Boston Gazette warned of British plans more grievous than anything before: the Inhabitants of this Province are to be disarmed; martial law would be declared; and patriots would be seized and sent to Great-Britain. Through the periods of the Boston Massacre and the Tea Party the screws were tightened, until finally British attempts to seize colonists arms at Lexington and Concord in 1775 led to the shot heard round the world.
Just after the American victory, General Gage, commander of the Kings troops, ordered the inhabitants of Boston to surrender their firearms, supposedly for temporary safekeeping. It is recorded that Gage confiscated 1,778 fire-arms [long guns], 634 pistols, 973 bayonets, and 38 blunderbusses. The Continental Congress cited this act of perfidy in its Declaration of Causes of Taking Up Arms.
After Independence was won, delegates from the states in 1787 framed our Constitution. Antifederalists protested that it included no declaration of rights and would allow deprivation of rights like free speech and keeping arms. James Madison responded in The Federalist that a declaration was unnecessary, in part because of the advantage of being armed, which the Americans possess over the people of almost every other nation, in contrast with the European monarchies, where the governments are afraid to trust the people with arms.
A great compromise was reached: the Constitution would be ratified and then a bill of rights would be debated. When the first Congress met in 1789, Madison proposed what became the Bill of Rights. Federalist writer Tench Coxe explained the Second Amendment thus: As civil rulers, not having their duty to the people duly before them, may attempt to tyrannize, and as the military forces which must be occasionally raised to defend our country, might pervert their power to the injury of their fellow-citizens, the people are confirmed...in their right to keep and bear their private arms.
The Amendment reads: A well regulated Militia, being necessary to the security of a free State, the right of the people to keep and bear Arms, shall not be infringed. For almost two centuries, the understanding was that law-abiding individuals had a right to possess rifles, pistols, and shotguns. This would promote a militia of all able-bodied citizens, which, unlike a standing army, was seen as securing a free country.
The agenda to pass firearms prohibitions led to the invention of the collective rights view by the 1960s. Under this view, the Amendment protects only the power of states to have militias. A variation asserts that it guarantees a right to bear arms in the militia, nothing more. These attempts to deconstruct ignore that the people means you and me, not the states, and that no right exists to do anything in a military forcea militiaman does what is commanded.
In 1976, the District of Columbia banned pistols. It also required registered rifles and shotguns to be rendered non-functional when kept at home (but not at a business). D.C. residents were thereby rendered into second-class citizensthey had no Second Amendment rights and were not trusted to defend themselves in their own homes. The crime rate only continued to rise in what became the Murder Capital of the U.S.
The validity of the D.C. ban is now before the Supreme Court. Besides arguing that no one has any rights under the Second Amendment, D.C. alternatively contends that it can ban handguns as long as it does not ban all rifles and shotguns. One can imagine what the Bostonians who surrendered all of their firearms to the Crown in 1775 would have thought of such an argument. Hopefully the Justices will be mindful of the Founders intent and will recognize that the Second Amendment is every bit a part of the Bill of Rights as is the First.
Stephen P. Halbrook, Ph.D., an attorney in Fairfax, Virginia and a research fellow at The Independent Institute in Oakland, CA, is author of That Every Man Be Armed (Independent Institute), and Freedmen, the Fourteenth Amendment, and the Right to Bear Arms (Praeger).


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Even an Analyst Long on Chesapeake Energy Can't Say 'Buy'
NEW YORK ( TheStreet) - The analyst disclosure section of Citigroup energy analyst Robert Morris's new downgrade on Chesapeake Energy (CHK) may be the most telling part of the report.
Morris is long shares of Chesapeake Energy, but in moving to neutral from buy on Monday (and we all know on Wall Street that a neutral rating is just a sell rating by another name), the Citigroup analyst is not willing to tell any other investor to buy Chesapeake Energy shares here, even as the shares sit at a four-year low in tune with the historical slide in the price of natural gas.
The outlook for natural gas has not necessarily improved just because it hit the psychological threshold of $2. The fundamentals in the natural gas production market suggest the price pressure
It's one of the reasons why Chesapeake Energy shares aren't trading like they did in days past. Historically, an announcement from Chesapeake Energy about monetizing assets typically led to a rally in the stock. But, last week, when the company announced $2.6 billion in asset deals, the stock fizzled.The breaching of the $2 natural gas barrier was a big part of the
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Dictionary » B » Bigeminy
Pairing; especially, the occurrence of heart beats in pairs.
Synonym: bigemini.
Origin: bi-_ L. Geminus, twin
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Sesame Street Season 45
Sesame Street's 45th season officially begins Monday September 15. After you see the new episodes, post here and let us know your thoughts.
"Muppets Most Wanted" Fan Reactions
After you see "Muppets Most Wanted", read fan reactions and let us know your thoughts on the Muppets eighth theatrical film.
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Global Macro: Back to Fundamentals
The unemployment rate has slowly fallen since the peak of the financial crisis in early 2009. Many point to people leaving the labor force. While some people are retiring, many are just discouraged. Many workers have given up looking for a job because of the lack of prospects.
The participation rate resides near decade lows, and a considerable improvement is a must. More workers in the job market will cause the unemployment rate to increase, but the real statistic to look at is job growth and an improving employment picture.
As more jobs are created, consumers will bring back growth to the tepid economy.
At the time of publication the author had no position in any of the stocks mentioned. Follow @AndrewSachais This article is commentary by an independent contributor, separate from TheStreet's regular news coverage.
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Reviewed Salmon Baked in Foil
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"This was a big hit with my family- very fresh taste! I do think 25 minutes is a couple minutes too long. I would take it out of the oven in 22 minutes. ""


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The Two-Way
1:40 pm
Tue November 13, 2012
VIDEO: In Australia, A Total Solar Eclipse
By editor
Originally published on Wed November 14, 2012 6:30 am
There were two minutes of stunning astronomical coincidence over Australia today.
It was a total solar eclipse and the images are just stunning:
The AP reports that people across Australia waited on boats, hot air ballons, hill tops and beaches waiting for the sublime moment. Some worried that clouds would obscure it.
But totality, or the point at which the moon completely covers the surface of the sun, lasted 2 minutes and 5 seconds and it was spectacular.
ABC News posted video of the event as it approached totality:
Copyright 2012 National Public Radio. To see more, visit http://www.npr.org/.


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Famous Smoke Shop Premium Cigars at Discount Prices! Order Toll Free: 1-800-564-2486 Contact Us
Rafael Gonzalez Reviews
Showing 21 through 30 of 96 reviewsRafael Gonzalez Robusto
"excellent taste but must age for at least 2 months"Rafael Gonzalez Toro
excellent smooth tasting cigar. but must age in humidor for at least two months. will buy again when on salecarl in florida October 27, 2008
"Not bad mild cigar"Rafael Gonzalez Corona Extra
Received a 5 pack free and smoked one tonight after it had been equilibrated for a few days. Nice looking cigar, draw and burn were flawless. Pretty mild, tasted mainly Dominican to me. Not a bad smoke for what I paid ;-).SeanGAR in Virginia July 20, 2008
"No wonder it was free..."Rafael Gonzalez Toro
Although the burn was fine, the draw was like sucking on a straw from a glass filled with DuPont's finest chemicals. This was a total loss...kept waiting for it to improve but half-way through I had to put it out of its misery. I'll give it the benefit of the doubt and try it after a couple months in the humidor...or pawn it off on some unsuspecting buddy:o)Shawn in Chicago July 14, 2008
"Very Poor Draw"Rafael Gonzalez Toro
I smoked one from a sampler pack. I also experienced a poor draw which made the smoking experience unpleasant.George in Cleveland July 13, 2008
"My Lungs Are Tired"Rafael Gonzalez Corona Extra
The RG Toro Natural is the worst drawing cigar I have ever smoked, period. The taste, though not objectionable, was also un-inspiring. It burned well, and stayed lit for as long as I struggled to get smoke through it, which was about 1/2 of the cigar. Worth noting is the fact that my wife, who normally likes the aroma of a good cigar (yes, I am blessed) commented "What is that? It's giving me a headache." I swear she actually said it. Don't waste your money, unless your diaphragm needs a good workout, and then don't bother lighting it.Mick in Lakewood May 30, 2008
"I agree with Omaha..... worst drawing cigar ever.."Rafael Gonzalez Rafaelito (6)
The box looked fine, the cigars looked great. I unwrapped the first one to sample and went cross-eyed trying to draw my first puff...... I closed the box up and got a refund.Bob B in Austin May 21, 2008
"Very Nice little cigar"Rafael Gonzalez Corona Extra
I got these as a freebie from Famous with my last order...Very good little cigar..Nice taste,good burn..worth a try!!!Anthony in Baghdad Iraq May 3, 2008
"Tasted like a used Phillies blunt!"Rafael Gonzalez Churchill
Horrible! Tasted like a used Phillies blunt! Ok, maybe not THAT bad because I don't actually know what a used Phillies blunt tastes like, but to put it politely-it was MUCH worase than a Phillies blunt.Dave in Florida March 4, 2008
"Nose burner with little taste"Rafael Gonzalez Double Corona
Can't understand all the reviews about mild & smooth. The ones I've smoked are acidic and bland. Don't care for this cigar at all.btg in Michigan December 30, 2007
"disappointed"Previous Next
wanted to try after seeing reviews and FS hype. caps rip off when cut, not a lot of smoke and taste couldn't get honorable mention if they paid for it. maybe i just don't appreciate expensive cigars, but is seems like i'm more satisfied with less hyped name brands and private labels.bob seaman in ny December 1, 2007


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KeratinPERFECT Essentials Kit
The Essentials Collection 30-Day At-Home Hair Smoothing System is a proven keratin treatment for healthy, youthful hair. This kit includes The Perfector Treatment which offers a minimum of two treatment applications, with each application lasting up to 30 days. This treatment infuses hair with the highest-quality keratin to improve smoothness, texture and manageability. The Essentials Collection kit contains everything you need to transform your hair at home, along with daily keratin care products that deliver the benefits of keratin with each use.
Kit includes:
- PerfectPrep Pre-Treatment Clarifying Shampoo
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- Delivers salon-quality results with the ease of at-home application
- The perfect touch-up for salon keratin treatments
Read enclosed instructions thoroughly before each use.
Folica stands behind the authenticity of everything we sell. Since 1998, Folica has made it our mission to provide you with an outstanding selection of hair and beauty products at highly competitive prices.


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7 Steps to Create a Viral Blog Post | @jdelodovici jasondelodovici.comSubmitted by sujanpatel Apr 02 2013 in Blogging 0 Comments Discuss (0) |
Without a doubt, most of you reading this post are good writers; however, being a good writer nowadays just doesn't cut it. You have to really stand out. Just take a look at blogs like Copyblogger, Firepolemarketing and Problogger. In common online blogging lingo, these guys produce epic sh** everyday! (I know.
6 minute read Continue Reading


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Friday, December 24, 2004 – RadioWest presents The Utah Shakespearean Festival's production of "A Christmas Carol: On the Air."
Visit one of Salt Lake City's independent booksellers:
Ken Sanders Rare Books
The King's English
Sam Weller's Zion Bookstore
Or shop on-line at Amazon.com. A portion of your purchase benefits KUER.


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Child poverty a 'major problem' for East Staffordshire
Posted: June 12, 2014|
CHILDREN are being 'trapped in poverty' according to a prospective parliamentary candidate for Uttoxeter.
Jon Wheale's comments followed the release of a report by the Social Mobility and Child Poverty Commission which found that 21 per cent of children will be in absolute poverty in 2020, compared to 17 per cent in 2010.
New food poverty figures showed 86 children from Burton and Uttoxeter were helped by emergency food parcels in May.
Mr Wheale said: "More and more children in Uttoxeter are being trapped in poverty rather than freed from its deeply damaging effects because this Government is failing to meet legally binding poverty goals.
"Children are suffering because the Government is targeting tax credits for families in low-paid work and children's benefits instead of striving to restore them to the level they reached before the financial crisis."
The commission stated in the report: "Our new research shows the gap between the objective of making child poverty history and the reality is becoming ever wider."
In a key part of its report, the commission accused the Government of ignoring the impact of social security cuts which, according to Mr Wheale, are among the main reasons why so many children are victim to food poverty.
Andrew Griffiths, MP for Uttoxeter, said; "Unfortunately Mr Wheale seems to have got his facts wrong. The truth is that he talks about inequality, but figures prove that inequality is at its lowest since 1986 and there are 500,000 fewer people in relative poverty than in 2010.
"The best way to tackle poverty is to get people back into jobs, and this week we learned that unemployment has almost halved in Uttoxeter since I became the MP."


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B&B Exterminating drawing contest
Updated On: May 28 2014 04:56:18 PM EDT
Do you have a creative mind and could use some extra money this spring? Well B&B Exterminating is redesigning their billboard and would love your help in creating something unique! You could win a $250 giftcard!
To enter, just like "WJXT4 The Local Station" on Facebook and click on the "B&B Exterminating" contest tab. Submit your original drawing there and B&B Exterminating will choose their favorite to win big!
The contest runs from 12:00pm EST on 4/28/14 until 12:00pm EST on 5/23/14. The winner will receive a $250 gift card and your drawing could possibly be featured (in part or in whole) on our outdoor billboard advertisement and other future advertisements. The winner will be announced either on air or online by 6/9/14 and contacted via the information provided upon entry.
Submissions should not contain any copyright images (Google, Bing, etc.) other than graphics specific to B&B Exterminating. WJXT has the right to disqualify any submission that contains material not owned by the entrant.
The views expressed below are not those of News4Jax or its affiliated companies. By clicking on "Post," you acknowledge that you have read the Terms of Service and your comment is in compliance with such terms. Readers, please help keep this discussion respectful and on topic by flagging comments that are offensive or inappropriate (hover over the commenter's name and you'll see the flag option appear on right side of that line). And remember, respect goes both ways: Tolerance of others' opinions is important in a free discourse. If you're easily offended by strong opinions, you might skip reading comments entirely.


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Bridging The Digital Divide In Underserved Markets
LAS VEGAS, Sept. 25, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- CCA 2012 -- Urging U.S. telecommunications operators competing with the largest, national carriers to think like mobile broadband providers, Robert Vrij, President, Americas of Alcatel-Lucent, today will outline new service and revenue possibilities enabled by 4G/LTE technologies – and ways to efficiently invest in these technologies.
In his keynote address at the 20th annual Competitive Carriers Convention in Las Vegas, Mr. Vrij will encourage regional, competitive carriers to step outside their traditional role and begin thinking about new, innovative services that they can now offer globally. Mr. Vrij is also expected to urge operators to consider the economic and societal implications of being able to provide broadband (wirelessly via 4G/LTE) to markets and areas that are currently un-served or underserved.
As part of his remarks, Mr. Vrij will discuss how advanced technologies have transformed communications networks from a function of wireless and fixed-access to more of a lifeline, noting that consumers depend on it more than ever to get things done and stay in touch, no matter when or where they are. As a result, making mobile broadband service more accessible is a core building block for economic growth, education, and national competitiveness.
"We see the availability of 4G technologies as a key enabler to deliver meaningful broadband services – from remote medical care to e-learning - in areas where traditional 'fixed' broadband is not available," said Mr. Vrij. "With tablet sales in rural markets alone expected to surge more than 50% (CAGR) in the next four years, competitive carriers have an opportunity to position themselves now as broadband operators with services that can generate customer value and boost the economy."Vrij will cite several statistics that speak to the need for providing mobile broadband services more universally in the US, including:
- Rural America comprises the largest portion of unserved and underserved broadband population. (1)
- At the national level, unserved or underserved broadband households represen t 6.1% of all households. (2)
- Making broadband 100% available would result in the retention/creation of 117,000 jobs in the 19 US states with the lowest broadband penetration. (3)
- Broadband is essential to the 26 states that have state virtual schools as it increases learning access in rural areas. (4)
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Reviewed Hurry Up Chicken Pot Pie
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"OMG!!!! My family loved this. I will have to say I used frozen veggies because I didn't have any peas and there was no difference in the taste. I will be making this again, and again."""


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Blogmeister KenP explains why we published a photo of a Spokane Indians crowd shot instead of this nice wildlife shot by Kathy Plonka (of deer running toward the shade of the underpass on Pennsylvania Avenue in Coeur d'Alene on Monday) in his Daily Briefing here.
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Spanish slugs (Arion lusitanicus) are one of the most common slug species in Central Europe.
Spanish slug (Arion lusitanicus)
Copyright: Markus Pfenninger
The animals sometimes nicknamed "killer slugs" are known to do their fair share of damage in fields and gardens. The slug was thought to have originated in Southern Europe. However researchers of the German Biodiversity and Climate Centre and the Goethe University now found out, that the prime example of an invasive species is originally from Central Europe and thus no "immigrant" after all.
Control measures, such as the EU regulation on prevention, early warning, rapid response, and management of invasive species which is being discussed currently, would therefore not apply to this species.
For some time conservationists have made aware of the fact that the rapidly growing number of brown Spanish slugs is replacing the native black slug in Central Europe as well as inflicting significant damage on natural vegetation and agricultural products.
The numbers speak for themselves: today Arion lusitanicus is the most common species of snail in Germany. It is also ranked among the "100 of the worst" invasive animal and plant species in Central Europe that are thought to have a significant negative impact on biodiversity, economy and health. Allegedly the Spanish Slug made its way to Central Europe with imports of fruit and vegetables in the 1950s.
No Spanish slugs to be found in Spain
When taking stock German researchers however could not find a single individ-ual of the slug in its presumed home country. In the spring of 2010 researchers of the Biodiversity and Climate Research Centre and the Goethe University collected 300 specimens of the snail in 60 locations in France, Spain, the UK and the Benelux countries and identified the species they came from. "Instead of the Spanish slug we found numerous, so-called cryptic species, which are indistinguishable using traditional methods of taxonomy which is based on morphology. Therefore, the animals were identified using DNA sequence data" lead author Prof. Markus Pfenninger, who conducts research on BiK-F and the Goethe University and teaches, explains.
Many cryptic species
Many of the specimens examined did not fit to a previously described, genetically characterized species. "We found a lot of unnamed, sometimes highly divergent haplotypes. This indicates the presence of several undescribed Arion species which we only discover using DNA taxonomy. It follows that Arion is very unresolved genus from a taxonomic point of view." But looking into the genes of the slugs yielded even more insights. Shared mutations in the genetic information of different individuals indicate relationships between them. "On the basis of this we created a phylogenetic tree and related it to the geographic distribution. It showed why we could not find Arion lusitanicus in its alleged homeland. The species is definitely not native to Spain but originated in Central Europe" concludes Pfenninger.
EU-regulations on alien species would not necessarily apply
According to experts there are more than 12,000 non-native species in Europe, and the number is increasing. Alien species are one of the main threats to biodiversity and native species as well as causing immense economic damage, e.g. via yield losses in agriculture. In April 2014 the EU parliament therefore approved a proposal for EU-wide measures to ban further import of non-native species and combatting non-native species which are already at home in EU more effectively. "Whether a species is classified as native or not will influence its management policy. Our research goes to show that we should be more prudent in labeling a species 'invasive' or non-native when the evidence for anthropogenic introduction is poor", says Pfenninger and adds: "Perhaps the rapid increase in Spanish slugs we have seen in the last decades is caused by changes of land use practice. It may seem like an invasion when in truth there isn't one going on ".
Pfenninger, M., Weigand, A., Bálint, M., Klussmann-Kolb, A.: Busting an invasion myth: the Lusitanian slug (Arion lusitanicus auct. non Mabille or Arion vulgaris Moquin-Tandon 1855) is native in Central Europe . - Evolutionary Applications, DOI: 10.1111/eva.12177
For further information please contact
Prof. Dr. Markus Pfenninger
Goethe-University &
LOEWE Biodiversity and Climate Research Centre (BiK-F)
Tel. +49 (0)69 7542 1841
Sabine Wendler
LOEWE Biodiversity and Climate Research Centre (BiK-F),
Press officer
Tel. +49 (0)69 7542 1838
LOEWE Biodiversity and Climate Research Centre, Frankfurt am Main, Germany
With the objective of analysis the complex interactions between biodiversity and climate through a wide range of methods, the Biodiversität und Klima Forschungszentrum [Biodiversity and Climate Research Centre] (BiK‐F) has been funded since 2008 within the context of the Landes‐ Offensive zur Entwicklung Wissenschaftlichökonomischer Exzellenz (LOEWE) of the Land of Hessen. The Senckenberg Gesellschaft für Naturforschung and Goethe University in Frankfurt as well as other, directly involved partners, co‐operate closely with regional, national and international institutions in the fields of science, resource and environmental management, in order to develop projections for the future and scientific recommendations for sustainable action. For further details, please visit www.bik‐f.de
Sabine Wendler | Senckenberg
Further reports about: > BiK-F > Biodiversity > Climate > DNA > LOEWE > Senckenberg > Spanish slug > damage > methods > species > taxonomy
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I gave up. Sold the laptop with the ATI Xpress 200M and got one with a Nvidia chip.
Type: Posts; User: Longshot; Keyword(s):
I gave up. Sold the laptop with the ATI Xpress 200M and got one with a Nvidia chip.
If you file a report to ATI on Linix drivers on a laptop, the standard response is that they do not support laptops.
If they have that bad of a hardware issue, then maybe it's time for a class action suit and get ATI to buy back machines with theses chip and get us machines with Nvida or Intel video chips.
Does ATI test their drivers against the Xpress 200M chip with sideport/sideport+UMA? They have not issued a working driver since 8.24.
The current driver allows me to get to a desktop screen...
These drivers don't give me a black screen now.. They lockup when the desktop starts. Have to drop back to the 8.24 drivers for the 200M chip set.:(