Abstract: A method for adaptive wind-driven outdoor all-surrounding information display is disclosed, the method including: 1) installing an outdoor information display apparatus, of which a support means cooperates with a wind rotating means to achieve wind power generation and rotational speed control of an information display means; 2) disposing a plurality of electronically controlled light-emitting display strips on the sails; 3) installing a plurality of working units of a motor/electric generation assembly; 4) installing a control system so that the dynamic trajectories of the rotating electronically controlled light-emitting display strips after they are lit are successively connected with each other thereby creating an all-surrounding and continuous visible graphic and textual image. Apparatuses and control systems implementing the above method are also provided.

Abstract: An illuminated animation device with staggered sources of illumination with a rotatable member rotatable about an axis of rotation, first and second pluralities of sources of illumination retained to rotate with the rotatable member that are actuatable between illuminated and non-illuminated conditions. The first and second pluralities of sources of illumination are staggered so that the sources of illumination will produce individual paths of illumination to permit image display with enhanced. The rotatable member can be a rotatable panel with first and second arrays retained relative to first and second halves thereof, and the sources of illumination can be longitudinally and laterally staggered, such as by one-half a distance between adjacent sources of illumination. The sources of animation can alternatively be disposed in opposed, radially spaced straight line arrays. The device can be handheld and can include a motor and a power source.

Abstract: A flasher type fish sonar includes a front case in which a display window is formed in front, a rotary disc opposite to the display window rotated by a motor, an ultrasonic transducer for transmitting ultrasonic waves in the water by a control portion and for receiving reflected signals in the water, a display signal transmitting portion for transmitting reflected signals received by the ultrasonic transducer and display data forming formed by the control portion and for transmitting the same to the rotary disc, a display control portion attached to the rotary disc, a fish sonar display portion displayed by light emitting diodes attached near an edge of the rotary disc, and a letter illustration numeral display portion displayed by light emitting diodes inside of center portion of the rotary disc.

Abstract: A rich-media system allows a user to illustrate damage and request payment in accordance with an insurance policy or another arrangement. The rich-media system includes network servers that may operate and appear to remote client applications and remote computers as if the network servers were a single computer. A damage indicator tool resident to one of the network servers enables a remote user to visually illustrate damage to an item through a rich-media application. The damage indicator may support a relative pointing device and an absolute pointing device. An incident animator tool linked to the damage indicator tool in some rich media systems enables the remote user to visually recreate an event in a second rich media application. An optional scheduler linked to the incident animator tool and the damage indicator tool may enable the remote user to schedule an appointment to have the damage inspected or repaired.

Abstract: This disclosure provides systems, methods and apparatus, including computer programs encoded on computer storage media, for accurately positioning a movable conductive layer of a reflective display element. In one aspect, an initial position of the movable conductive layer with respect to at least one or more fixed conductive layers is sensed. A charging voltage may be determined based at least in part on the initial position. The charging voltage may be applied to the movable conductive layer.

Abstract: A writing apparatus for performing a writing operation on an electronic paper includes a writing controller and a pixel array writing unit. The writing controller includes a data driving unit for providing a plurality of data signals, and a scan driving unit for providing a plurality of scan signals. The pixel array writing unit is coupled electrically to the data driving unit and the scan driving unit, and is adapted to be disposed to confront a first planar side of the electronic paper for performing the writing operation on the electronic paper as controlled by the writing controller, where the data signals are written into the electronic paper with reference to the scan signals so as to enable the electronic paper to display a corresponding image.

Abstract: An electronic apparatus includes a first member, a second member with a first point and a second point, a processing unit, and a drive device. The drive device pivotably connects the second member to the first member. The processing unit calculates a first distance between the first point and a third point and a second distance between the second point and the third point. The processing unit controls the drive device to rotate the second member relative to the first member according to the first distance and the second distance, thus the line defined by the third point and a middle point between the first point and the second point is perpendicular to the line defined by the first point and the second point.

Abstract: An input device, especially for a vehicle, includes a first display for optical display of information, at least a second display arranged above the first display for optical display of information and a touchscreen arranged above the second display for entry of commands by touching an operating surface of the touchscreen.

Abstract: A rich-media system allows a user to illustrate damage and request payment in accordance with an insurance policy or another arrangement. The rich-media system includes network servers that may operate and appear to remote client applications and remote computers as if the network servers were a single computer. A damage indicator tool resident to one of the network servers enables a remote user to visually illustrate damage to an item through a rich-media application. The damage indicator may support a relative pointing device and an absolute pointing device. An incident animator tool linked to the damage indicator tool in some rich media systems enables the remote user to visually recreate an event in a second rich media application. An optional scheduler linked to the incident animator tool and the damage indicator tool may enable the remote user to schedule an appointment to have the damage inspected or repaired.

Abstract: A composite display may include a paddle configured to sweep out an area and a plurality of pixel elements mounted on the paddle. Selectively activating one or more of the plurality of pixel elements while the paddle sweeps the area may cause at least a portion of an image to be rendered. A characteristic of at least one pixel element of the plurality of pixel elements that is associated with balancing luminance across the composite display associated with the paddle may be based, at least in part, on a radial distance of the one pixel element from an axis of rotation of the paddle.

Abstract: A rich-media system allows a user to illustrate damage and request payment in accordance with an insurance policy or another arrangement. The rich-media system includes network servers that may operate and appear to remote client applications and remote computers as if the network servers were a single computer. A damage indicator tool resident to one of the network servers enables a remote user to visually illustrate damage to an item through a rich-media application. The damage indicator may support a relative pointing device and an absolute pointing device. An incident animator tool linked to the damage indicator tool in some rich media systems enables the remote user to visually recreate an event in a second rich media application. An optional scheduler linked to the incident animator tool and the damage indicator tool may enable the remote user to schedule an appointment to have the damage inspected or repaired.

Abstract: A rolling light emitting diode screen device includes a plurality of equilong rigid supporting stripes, a plurality of pixel units which are disposed with a equal interval in a straight line on the rigid supporting stripes, electric signal lines and power lines connected to respective pixel units, and a control device. It is characterized that it further includes a flexible frame, and the plurality of rigid supporting stripes are aligned at both ends, and are disposed parallel with an equal interval on the flexible frame, so that a pixel matrix plane is formed on the rigid supporting stripes. The flexible frame engages the rigid supporting strips and the pixel units thereon to roll around an axis parallel to the axis of the rigid supporting stripes to form a reel. The rolling LED screen device of the invention is easy to be stored, transported and mounted, wirings thereof are easy to be disposed, not easy to be damaged, and easy to repair.

Abstract: The present invention is to provide a display unit for a vehicle. The display unit has an attractive and three dimensional appearance and is manufactured with low cost. A display unit for a vehicle includes a display screen having display areas displaying a plurality of informations about conditions of the vehicle, a first controller for controlling images displayed on the display screen, and a display partition member disposed on a part of the display areas and having an opening, wherein the first controller controls the display screen to display an image of a display design of a dial on a first display area surrounded by the opening of the display partition member and to rotate the image of the display design based on a prescribed display change specifier signal.

Abstract: Embodiments of a display device for a vehicle and methods for the same can adjust operation velocity and stroke of a monitor by changing simple mechanical configurations of a driving apparatus for the monitor in the display device. The display device for a vehicle can include a monitor in a case for displaying an image on its front surface and a movable unit that can be installed to the case to reciprocally move the monitor. A control lever can be installed between the monitor and the movable unit to be inclined at a predetermined angle and configured to cooperate with the movable unit. Therefore, it is possible to provide an inexpensive display device capable of satisfying a variety of users' needs and design requirements.

Abstract: Embodiments of an exemplary MEMS interferometric modulator comprise a movable layer and a fixed layer separated by an air gap. A driving scheme employs row/column actuation protocols which maintain voltages to the MEMS interferometric modulator that are above or below the voltage range necessary to place the MEMS interferometric modulator within a “hysteresis window” or “stability window.” Stable operation of the MEMS interferometric modulator is achieved by selecting mechanical design features that optimize the actuation and release times of the interferometric modulator. Some of the features affecting the release and actuation times include altering post spacing, altering internal stress or tension of the movable layer, altering the thickness or composition of the movable layer, altering the bulkiness of the tethers, perforating the movable layer and providing vias in the fixed layer.

Abstract: A telepresence server is for connection to a telecommunications network for providing access to a reality engine for a plurality of passive users. The reality engine can be controlled by an active user or a professional director through the network or by a local professional director. Active/passive mode displays can be used by the passive users in a passive mode and an active/passive mode display can be used by the active user in an active mode.

Abstract: Generating a three-dimensional image of a three-dimensional scene by generating projection data and projecting light rays based on the projection data to generate the three-dimensional image. Sampling of the data is based on at least one physical parameter associated with the projection of light rays by a projection system used to project the light rays.

Abstract: A sign structure having a display, movable member and computer means creates a unique vehicle for displaying content. In one version, the movable member is adjacent to the display and substantially shields a portion of the display as it traverses thereover. Coordinated content transmitted to the display gives the appearance that the movable member is influencing the displayed content. For example, as the member moves upward an image below the member stretches in size while an image above the member compresses in size until the upper image disappears and the lower image occupies the entire visible portion of the display. This continues as the member traverses up and down over the display. The member may appear to manipulate the images by stretching, compressing, pushing, pulling and/or erasing them.

Abstract: A rotational light emitting display apparatus is provided. The rotational light emitting apparatus device allows static and animated images and instruments to be displayed on dynamic screen. The display is refreshed repeatedly to take advantage of the persistence of vision property of the human eye. The illuminating element of the apparatus includes a plurality of light emitting elements arranged in a line. Display refreshing is accomplished by mounting the apparatus on a rotating object, so that the line of light emitting elements lies along a radial direction. In this way, each of the light emitting elements traverse a circular path, while being flashed on and off to produce the desired display.

Abstract: A monitor driving apparatus of a car audio/video system having a monitor is provided. The apparatus includes: a monitor main body hinged, at its lower end, to inside of the car audio/video system, and having a pair of mutually spaced pins provided at one side surface; a sliding plate installed at one side surface of the monitor main body, and having a first guide hole and a second guide hole; a driven gear installed at a gear shaft fixed to the inside of the car audio/video system; a driving arm having one end connected to the second guide hole, and the other end engaged with the driven gear; a worm wheel having a small-diameter part and a large-diameter part, the small-diameter part being toothed with the driving arm; a worm gear toothed with the large-diameter part; and a driving motor for providing a rotary force to the worm gear.

Abstract: An AD converter includes: a reference voltage generator circuit having a plurality of resistors connected in series with predetermined reference voltage applied to both ends thereof, the reference voltage being divided at connecting points between the individual resistors to generate a plurality of reference voltages; a voltage comparator circuit configured to compare the plurality of reference voltages and analog input signals for conversion into predetermined comparison output signals; and a variable voltage circuit connected to the connecting points of the reference voltage generator circuit and provided with a control signal input terminal inputted with control signals, configured to set an output voltage to be outputted to the connecting points at a predetermined value based on the control signals.

Abstract: A drive controller for controlling to change the orientation of a display surface of a display in accordance with the seating position of occupants aboard a vehicle. A display unit is rotatably mounted on a vehicle. A controller automatically rotates the display unit to a first position where the display surface is oriented toward a driver seat, when an occupant is seated solely in the driver seat. The controller rotates the display unit to a third position where the display surface is oriented toward a front passenger seat, when an occupant is seated solely in the front passenger seat. The controller rotates the display unit to a second position where the display surface is oriented toward the middle point between the driver seat and the front passenger seat, on detecting both of the occupants are seated respectively in the driver seat and the front passenger seat.

Abstract: In one aspect, the invention includes a fader controller comprised of a longitudinally extending track having a portion thereof extending over an image area of an electronic display, and a fader cap joined to the track for longitudinal sliding translation therealong. A plurality of permanent magnets are spaced along the track, and the fader cap includes at least one electromagnet. Conductive rails extend longitudinally on the track, and the fader cap includes contacts that electrically engage the conductive rails. The electromagnets are actuated to translate the fader cap distally or proximally along the track. In another aspect, the invention provides a magnetic arrangement for removably joining one or more controller device to a flat panel electronic display, whereby controllers such as switches, knobs, and faders (slide controllers) may be superposed on the display.

Abstract: The present invention provides a notebook PC with a monitor that enables a user to have better handling of the PC and viewing of the display of the device when using the PC. A PC includes a monitor and a main unit that are connected to each other by an arm through a first hinge portion and a second hinge portion. In the present invention, the angle of tilting of the monitor is constantly maintained even when the position in height of the monitor is changed.

Abstract: A display device, comprising a central shaft; at least one support arm, rotatably attached to the central shaft; and a cam member having at least one cam surface, the cam surface positioned so as to be engageable with at least one support arm, the cam member being movable at least axially in relation to central shaft. As the cam member moves axially of the central shaft, a cam surface contacts at least one support arm and moves it circumferentially around the central shaft. The shapes of the cam surfaces provide choreographed movement of the support arms. Visual elements may be attached to the support arms.

Abstract: A light beam display employing interlaced light beam scanning comprising a display screen having a vertical and a horizontal dimension, a source of a plurality of light beams and an optical path including a movable reflector having a plurality of reflective facets between the display screen and the light beam source. The movable reflector directs the plural light beams to the display screen via one or more facets of the movable reflector to simultaneously illuminate plural different scan lines of the display which are spaced apart by plural non-illuminated scan lines. An optical mechanical element is provided for vertically shifting the light beams so as to illuminate different scan lines of the display screen.

Abstract: A backlight unit for a liquid crystal display panel includes a plurality of lamps each having a first electrode and a second electrode extending along a length of the lamp and at least one window formed by a first gap between the first and second electrodes, and a plurality of motors for rotating each of the plurality of lamps to irradiate light produced by the lamps onto the liquid crystal display panel.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods and apparatus for addressing pixels in a display. More particularly, the present invention relates to methods and apparatus for addressing pixels in a display using one or more movable mechanical scanning mechanisms. The mechanical scanning mechanisms and one or more stationary addressing elements provide electrical field addressing for control of the desired pixel(s) in a display.

Abstract: In order to provide a device for generating an image on an image surface with N×M image elements which can be illuminated individually, comprising a plurality of semiconductor radiation sources, each of which generates radiation with at least one color, an optical imaging means with a beam guidance, by means of which a plurality of image elements can be illuminated with each of the semiconductor radiation sources, with which it is possible to generate an image on an image surface in as simple a manner as possible using radiation sources, it is suggested that the image surface (12) be divided into a plurality of continuous image surface sections (14), each comprising a two-dimensional ensemble of image elements (16), that an illumination unit (20, 220, 320) be associated with each of the image surface sections (14) and that each illumination unit (20, 220, 320) have at least one semiconductor radiation source (30) and at least one optical imaging means (40, 240, 340) of its own associated with this illum

Abstract: A flat panel display unit can be adjusted with respect to the bezel in which it is mounted so as to provide an optimal viewing angle from wherever the user chooses to locate himself or herself. Four servos located behind the flat panel display unit shift the angle of the display unit with respect to a bezel in which the display unit is supported and moveably mounted. A remote control unit controls the servo system.

Abstract: A display device having much fewer drive electrodes than expected by the number of pixels is formed by including a plurality of pixel members, an endless guide holding the plurality of pixel members movably therein, a pixel member mover disposed at a part of the guide for moving the pixel members along the guide, and a pixel member color changer disposed at a part of the guide for causing a color change of individual pixel members. The colors of respective pixel members are changed by the pixel member color changer while the respective pixel members are moved by the pixel member mover to effect a display.

Abstract: A display apparatus includes a projection display device for enlarging and projecting an image from the back side of a display plane, a screen disposed on the front side of the display plane of the projection display device, and a screen driving device for moving the screen to thereby switch between a first state where the display plane of the projection display device is covered with the screen and a second state where the display plane of the projection display device is visible from the front. The display apparatus displays the information provided on the screen in the daytime, and performs display by the projection display device via a window in the screen in the nighttime when there is no effect of external light.

Abstract: In a method for fixing an LCD panel on a notebook PC, spring latch holders are provided on the top of the LCD panel for fixing the LCD panel and the PC body together when the LCD panel is stored on the PC body. In a second aspect, side fins are provided on both sides of the bottom of the LCD panel, sidewalls are provided on both sides of a keyboard on the PC body, and the side fins are put on the sidewalls along the outer sides thereof so as to fix the LCD panel and prevent the side-to-side movement of the LCD panel. In a third aspect, projections are provided on backside edge portions at the bottom of the LCD panel, depressions for holding the projections are provided on the PC body, and the projections are engaged in the depressions to fix the LCD panel.

Abstract: Disclosed is a planar reciprocating electronic light emitting device consisting of a small amount of light emitting units arrayed in a row or more than one row transversely which being able to reciprocate up and down so as to exhibit much better visual effect than a large scaled displaying device thereby reducing fault rate and production cost, and increasing production efficiency.

Abstract: A display device, comprising a central shaft; at least one support arm, rotatably attached to the central shaft; and a cam member having at least one cam surface, the cam surface positioned so as to be engageable with at least one support arm, the cam member being movable at least axially in relation to central shaft. As the cam member moves axially of the central shaft, a cam surface contacts at least one support arm and moves it circumferentially around the central shaft. The shapes of the cam surfaces provide choreographed movement of the support arms. Visual elements may be attached to the support arms.

Abstract: When displaying operational settings and measurements on a pointer type display device, the starting position of the needles is automatically adjusted even when there are battery exchange and needle drive process errors. The display device may be used to display physical quantities using pointers which move above scale plates. Even though the displays may be changed by electric supply loading, battery exchange or a fall in electric supply voltage, the display can be automatically corrected. A memory stores the movement destination position of the pointers, and instructions are generated by a controller which calculates the movement destinations of the pointers after the electrical supply voltage is stabilized properly. The instructions which control operation of a driver for the pointers preferably use a combination of movement to predefined positions and incremental movement.

Abstract: The display or indicating device comprises at least one display unit (1) having a display dot (10) as well as having means for actuating the display dot. The latter has a pivotably mounted baseplate (11) which is provided with an electroluminescence apparatus (30). Spurs (14, 15) protrude from the baseplate (11) and are mounted such that they can rotate in bearing sleeves (23, 24) made of an electrically conductive material. The electrodes (31, 32) of the apparatus (30) extend right into the region of the spurs or the bearing sleeves. Fitted on the respective spur (14, 15) is a contact element (36), which is electrically connected to the electrode that is present here. The bearing sleeves (23, 24) are fitted on supports (22) made of an electrically conductive material, these supports being connected to a supply source. The display dot (10) is provided with a permanent magnet (8).

Abstract: An image display apparatus comprising a rotatable member carrying an array of light emitting devices; a drive for rotating the member, and a control for selectively energizing each of the light emitting devices in a predetermined sequence as the member rotates so as to present a visible image. The image display device is incorporated in a fan cooling unit having a plurality of blades, the rotatable member being one of the blades of the fan cooling unit. The fan cooling unit includes a sensing arrangement responsive to rotation of the blades, for triggering the control for the energization of the light emitting devices in dependence on the speed of rotation of the blades.

Abstract: A portable display signage for all weather and ambient lighting conditions has dual matrices of character generating elements. One matrix is provided by a multiplicity of passive display units arranged in an array for cooperatively displaying graphics or characters. Each of the passive display elements comprises a flat disk having a reflective side and a non-reflective side. An electromagnet on each display element rotates the disk to display its reflective or non-reflective side to form an information display from the first matrix. The second matrix is formed from active display elements including light emitting diodes arranged in an array for cooperatively displaying graphics or characters. Each active display element is co-located with a passive display element to form a set and are positioned to be visible between gaps in the first matrix. A display is built from a plurality of modules containing subsets of the two matrices.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a complementary transistor circuit and an amplifier using it, and, in particular, to a video amplifier for amplifying video signals and a high-definition CRT display device. In amplifying inputted video signals by using a multiplexer, a gain controller and a current mirror amplifier, each element circuit is formed by using complementary transistor circuits. Circuit simplification is thus attained. In addition, higher precision and band broadening has been realized owing to adoption of a current operation. Further, the present invention makes it possible to eliminate direct feedback from the high voltage output completely by providing a low-voltage output circuit for feedback having a similar relationship with respect to the high-voltage video output stage of the video amplifier, thereby performing negative feedback via a sample-and-hold circuit. This also serves to broaden the bandwidth and reduce power dissipation.

Abstract: A banner display device where a plurality of banners are mounted end-to-end to form a scroll which is wound on a pair of parallel and spaced-apart rollers, each driven by a motor. Pulse code modulated drive voltages are produced by microprocessor based command and control circuitry to accurately and efficiently turn the motors at speeds which impart proper tensioning of the scroll during winding.

Abstract: A shutter is designed for use with an optic fibre which is designed to emit rays in a cone in a selected viewing direction. A mount carries the optic fibre to emit such cone. Associated with the mount is structure for rotatably mounting the shutter, or rotor to rotate between ON and OFF positions. The shutter is shaped to provide a panel which blocks the cone in the viewing direction in the OFF position. The shutter is shaped to define, in an ON position, a central opening for passage of the cone of light in the viewing direction. Rotation between ON and the OFF positions is about 90.degree.. An Electromagnetic drive is used to drive the shutter between the ON and OFF positions. The fibre is centrally located relative to the fibre mount. A plurality of shutters, each with its own drive may be arranged in line, in a single strip module.

Abstract: A device for converting the visual and/or auditory into tactile representations includes imaging equipment for converting light and/or sounds, including spoken text, into electrical signals, processing equipment for processing the electrical signals, and a tactile display for converting processed electrical signals into tactile images. The tactile images are felt by the user enabling them to obtain visual or auditory information by touch about the world around them that would otherwise be obtained through vision and/or hearing.

Abstract: A three-dimensional display device for commercial advertisement and science museum displays is disclosed. Three-dimensional elements are stacked horizontally or vertically along a stationary shaft around which they rotate, and are coupled together in such a way that they perform as a torsional wave medium and chaotic system. Display surfaces can be attached to the three-dimensional rotatable elements such that mirrors, text, imagery, and products can be viewed as the elements rotate. The rotatable elements can be spun by hand. Alternatively, servo motors and computer control permit the device to be choreographed and synchronized to an accompanying audio track.

Abstract: A changeable signboard, in which each turning pole is operated by a stepping motor, has three advertisement faces and turns clockwise and counterclockwise at a predetermined degree, thus displaying a certain pattern according to the electronic circuit. As many turning poles as needed can be arranged and one can show linear or curved images and diversify the patterns of advertisements.

Abstract: A resource oriented host computer-printer system in which the host computer and printer share information and data processing duties. A system and method for analyzing the execution times for draw primitives allows the host computer to determine whether the printer will be able to render draw primitives in real-time. A resource assembler calculates the cost of executing each draw primitive within a band to determine if the printer can render the draw primitive in real-time. If the band is too complex for the printer to render in real-time, the printer may pre-render the band or the host computer will render the band and transmit the bit-map of that band to the printer. The host computer makes a series of decisions as to the best form for transferring data from the host computer to the printer. If the printer cannot store the bit-map data file, the bit-map data file is compressed.

Abstract: A color display has a transparent cover glass having a color stripe filter; a translucent data film located in proximity to a face of the color stripe filter to overlap and display image information; a writing device for writing the information to the data film; an erasing device for erasing the written information from the data film; a writing-erasing controller for controlling operations of the writing and erasing devices; a winder for selectively feeding the data film in normal and reverse directions by forming the data film in a web shape, and winding the data film; a controller for controlling an operation of the winder; and an illuminating device for visualizing these information toward a viewer. In this color display, an image written to the data film can be completely erased rapidly and it is possible to obtain an image having a high quality and a very preferable contrast without any shift in image color.

Abstract: The invention relates to a display element and to its use in a display panel, and to a display system.This display element is generally in the form of a cube (32) and thus comprises four display faces of different color. This cube (32) is mounted so as to rotate on fixed shafts (34), in column C.sub.n and in row R.sub.m. These cubes include rotation means such as teeth and erasing means such as a recess.By virtue of the these rotation means such as teeth and these erasing means such as a recess, the rotating of a display element is simplified, and more foolproof and reliable, which improves the operation of the display panel made up of such display elements.

Abstract: A scroll displaying mechanism suitable for use in moving advertising displays, chart recorders and tape readers uses a pair of D.C. motors wired to operate under slightly different speed-controlling voltages in order to maintain the displayed part of the scroll between two rollers taut. A simple belt and pulley drive mechanism for each roller assures quiet and vibration-free operation. The viewing time between frame-advance and the scroll direction reversal are controlled by detection of different length markers positioned along one edge of the scroll.

Abstract: A rotor presents bright and dark sides of a flat disk to a viewer. When the bright side is presented this side plus a stationary panel form a bright viewing area. When the dark side is presented the panel is occluded. The edges of the panel and of the disk in ON position define an aperture for light emission from an optic fibre end.