Abstract: Aspects of the present disclosure include a navigation system and computer-implemented methods for proactively re-routing vehicles based on an analysis of input component data obtained from the navigation-enabled devices. The navigation system scores the input component data to obtain a measure of frustration (e.g., a feeling of being upset or annoyed) of the user of the navigation-enabled device. The navigation system may provide a detour suggestion for display on the navigation-enabled device to persuade the user of the device to direct their vehicle to depart from its current location or route in an effort to remove the vehicle from traffic, and thereby reduce the frustration level of the user. The detour suggestion may include an alternative route to the original destination, or an alternative destination.

Abstract: Aspects of the present disclosure include a navigation system and computer-implemented methods for proactively re-routing vehicles to control traffic flow. Consistent with some embodiments, the navigation system seeks to reduce traffic flow along primary navigation routes (e.g., routes with relatively short travel times) by re-routing vehicles to alternative navigation routes (e.g., routes with relatively longer travel times) using incentives. As an example, upon detecting a vehicle traveling along an alternative route instead of a primary route, the navigation system updates a data structure that represents a user account of a vehicle occupant to reflect an increased account balance. Consistent with some embodiments, the amount of value provided to an occupant of a vehicle traveling along an alternative routes may be obtained from user accounts of occupants of other vehicles that are traveling along a primary route.

Abstract: Systems and methods for providing incentives for the public to travel during time windows and routes that help alleviate traffic congestion. The systems described herein include at least two components: a computer server software system that includes various algorithms and database sub-systems; and a mobile device application. Generally, a user may enter an origin, destination, and preferred time of travel for an intended trip into the mobile device application, which transmits the information to a remote server. The server computes a route for the trip and provides the user with available incentives for traveling the route at one or more departure time windows. The user's mobile device transmits GPS data to the server, which allows the server to verify whether the user has traveled the route during the specified time window. If so, the server then provides the incentive to the user via the user's mobile device or through email.

Abstract: A method for forming a LOCOS layer in a semiconductor device includes steps of oxidizing a high voltage region of the semiconductor device to form a LOCOS layer in the high voltage region; and etching the LOCOS layer according to a pattern.

Abstract: High density and contrast range photographic grids for a moiré body scanner are made by a method including forming an image on a high density technical grade film, providing a recommended commercial developer chemical for said high density technical grade film, preparing a modified developer liquid from said recommended commercial developer chemical by increasing the pH and the contrast of developer reducing agent, and developing a black and white image using said modified developer liquid. The modified developer liquid also finds other applications.

Abstract: A silver halide photographic material comrises a support having first and second opposing surfaces, at least one light-sensitive emulsion layer that is provided on the first surface side, and a hydrophilic colloid layer that is provided on the second surface side, wherein the hydrophilic colloid layer comprises at least one compound represented by general formula (I) or general formula (II) below: 1

Abstract: High density and contrast range photographic grids for a moiré body scanner are made by a method including forming an image on a high density technical grade film, providing a recommended commercial developer chemical for said high density technical grade film, preparing a modified developer liquid from said recommended commercial developer chemical by increasing the pH and the contrast of developer reducing agent, and developing a black and white image using said modified developer liquid. The modified develop finds other applications.

Abstract: A method for processing a silver halide light-sensitive material employing an automatic processing machine is disclosed. A developer comprises compounds represented by the formula (1), and a fixer comprises thiosulfate salts, water-soluble aluminum salts, and at least one type of crystallization retarding agents and substantially comprises no boron compound.

Abstract: Multi-functional materials which have a photocatalytic layer with a photocatalytic function disposed on the surface of a base through a binder layer 6 interposed therebetween. Photocatalytic particles of the photocatalytic layer are joined together by a surface energy or solid-state sintering. The photocatalytic layer may have a structure in which fine particles fill interstices defined between photocatalytic particles or a structure in which no fine particles fill interstices defined between photocatalytic particles. A metal such as Ag, Pt, or the like may be fixed or not fixed to surfaces of the photocatalytic particles.

Abstract: A silver halide photographic light-sensitive material comprising a support having thereon at least one light-sensitive silver halide emulsion layer, wherein at least one of the silver halide emulsion layer and other hydrophilic colloid layers comprises fine polymer particles containing at least one hydrazine compound represented by the following general formula (NB):A--(B).sub.m (NB)wherein A represents a connecting group; m represents an integer of from 2 to 6; and B represents a group containing a hydrazine structure. The sliver halide photographic light-sensitive material exhibits an ultrahigh contrast, an excellent storage stability and an excellent processing stability and is prevented from the occurrence of processing unevenness. A method for processing the silver halide photographic light-sensitive material is also disclosed.

Abstract: A method for forming images on a silver halide light-sensitive material includes exposing a material which contains at least one light-sensitive silver halide emulsion layer and at least one hydrophilic colloidal layer, either of which includes a latex polymer having active methylene groups, and developing the exposed material with a developer which contains a dihydroxybenzene developing agent and an auxiliary developing agent showing superadditivity, wherein the following requirements are satisfied: the pH increase observed when adding 0.1 mole/l developer of NaOH to the developer.ltoreq.0.25; 9.5.ltoreq.initial pH of the developer.ltoreq.11.0; and the amount of the developer supplemented.ltoreq.225 ml/m.sup.2.

Abstract: A development processing method is described, which includes the steps of (a) exposing an ultrahigh-contrast silver halide photographic material comprising a support having thereon at least one light-sensitive silver halide emulsion layer and (b) developing the exposed silver halide photographic material with a developer while the developer is replenished with a development replenisher, wherein the developer and the development replenisher each contains a dihydroxybenzene developing agent and an auxiliary developing agent exhibiting a superadditive property to the dihydroxybenzene developing agent, and both the developer and the development replenisher have such a property that an increase of the pH is 0.25 or less when 0.1 mol of sodium hydroxide is added to 1 liter thereof; the developer has a pH from 9.5 up to but excluding 11.0; and the developer replenisher is added in an amount of 225 ml/m.sup.2 or less.

Abstract: There is described a method of processing silver halide photographic material in a processing machine using a developing solution which comprises either a hydroquinone type developing agent or a reductone type developing agent, together with an electron transfer agent as an auxiliary developing agent, and with at least one basic compound the anion of which is carbonate, sulphite or hydroxide, where in the presence of a compound of formula (I), Ar is an aromatic ring or heterocyclic aromatic ring which is optionally substituted.

Abstract: A method of developing an exposed black and white silver halide photographic light-sensitive material with developer using an automatic processor is disclosed, the developing comprising supplying replenisher for developer in an amount of not more than 200 ml per m.sup.2 of the material, the material containing a hydrazine derivative and an infectious development nucleation agent, and the developer having a pH value of 10.0 to 11.2 and containing a dihydroxy benzene compound, a 3-pyrazolidone compound or an aminophenol compound, a sulfite of 0.3 to 1.

Abstract: A process for forming a black-and-white high contrast negative photographic silver image by development of a silver halide photographic element with an aqueous alkaline photographic developer composition comprising a dihydroxybenzene developing agent, an auxiliary superadditive developing agent, an antifogging agent, an antioxidant compound, a combination of buffering agents and a sequestering agent, characterized by the fact that: a) the auxiliary developing agent is an aminophenol compound, b) the combination of buffering agents comprises at least a first buffering agent represented by carbonate compounds and at least a second buffering agent represented by phosphate compounds, the total amount of said first buffering agent and said second buffering agent being at least 35 grams per liter, band c) the pH of said aqueous alkaline photographic developer composition is in the range 9.0 to 11.0.

Abstract: Disclosed are a method for processing a black-and-white light-sensitive silver halide photographic material containing at least one kind of a tetrazolium compound or a hydrazine compound with a developing solution containing a polyhydroxybenzene type developing agent, wherein the developing solution is a developing solution prepared by using a solid processing agent, a solid processing agent for a black-and-white light-sensitive silver halide photographic material containing a tetrazolium compound or a hydrazine compound comprising a polyhydroxybenzene type developing agent and a solid processing agent for a black-and-white light-sensitive silver halide photographic material containing a tetrazolium compound or a hydrazine compound comprising a thiosulfate fixing agent and water in an amount of 300% or less based on an amount of the thiosulfate fixing agent.

Abstract: A silver halide photographic material is disclosed, comprising a support having thereon one or more hydrophilic colloid layers, at least one of the hydrophilic colloid layers being a silver halide emulsion layer comprising silver halide grains with a silver chloride content of at least 90 mol %, wherein at least one hydrophilic colloid layer contains at least one compound selected from the compounds represented by formulae (I), (II) and (III); and at least one compound selected from the compounds represented by formulae (A), (B) and (C): ##STR1## wherein the substituents are as defined in the claims. The silver halide photographic material can be handled in an environment which can essentially be referred to as bright room.

Abstract: A method for processing silver halide photographic material is disclosed, which has a support thereon at least one silver halide emulsion layer and at least one protective layer provided over said emulsion layer in which each of the photographic materials contains colloidal silica in at least one emulsion layer and is at most 200% in the total swelling degree of the whole hydrophilic colloid layers provided on the side of said emulsion layer, and after optical exposure said photographic materials are developed with a developer adjusted to pH 9.5-12.0 and containing at least (1) a hydroquinone developing agent in a concentration of from 0.2 to 0.75 mole/l, (2) an auxiliary developing agent of 1-phenyl-3-pyrazolidone type and/or an auxiliary developing agent of p-aminophenol type in a concentration of from 0.001 to 0.06 mole/l, (3) free sulfite ions in a concentration of from 0.3 to 1.

Abstract: A method for forming an image provides high sensitivity, high contrast, and reduced fluctuation in performance due to the deterioration of processing solutions. The method comprises processing a silver halide photographic material having on a support at least two silver halide emulsion layers having different sensitivities, with the emulsion layer closer to the support having a higher sensitivity, in a developing solution containing a di- or trihydroxybenzene compound and a 3-pyrazolidone compound or a developing solution containing a di- or trihydroxybenzene compound and an aminophenol compound in the absence of a hydrazine compound, wherein a characteristic curve obtained has a gradient (a .gamma. value) of 6.0 or more in the segment of the curve from D=0.1 to D=3.0 where D is the density.

Abstract: A high contrast photographic image is formed by development of a photographic material with an amine-free developer having a low pH value. The photographic material has at least one silver halide emulsion on a support. The silver halide emulsion in the emulsion layer contains an iridium salt and/or a rhodium salt and comprises a gold-sensitized and sulfur-sensitized silver chlorobromide emulsion or silver chloroiodobromide emulsion having a silver chloride content of 50 mol% or more and a silver iodide content of 5 mol% or less. The emulsion layer contains a hydrazine compound represented by formula (I): ##STR1## wherein R.sub.1 represents an aliphatic group or an aromatic group, which contains a partial structure, --O(--CH.sub.2 CH.sub.2 O).sub.n --, --O(--CH.sub.2 CH(CH.sub.3)O).sub.n -- or --O(--CH.sub.2 CH(OH)CH.sub.2 O).sub.n --, wherein n is an integer of 3 or more, as a part of the R.sub.1 substituent, or contains a quaternary ammonium cation as a part of the R.sub.1 substituent; G.sub.

Abstract: A method of continuously processing an imagewise exposed silver halide photographic material using an automatic processor which has a color development bath, comprising the steps of a) developing with a color developer containing an organic preservative, and b) adding to the color developer during the continuous processing (i) a replenisher for the color developer containing a development agent and other components for the development in an amount of from 20 ml to 600 ml per m.sup.2 of the photographic material processed, and (ii) a water solution in an amount of from 0.1 to 1.2 times the amount of the developer which has evaporated from the bath at a frequency of about once per week or more often.

Abstract: A method of processing a silver halide photographic material with a compact and high speed automatic processor is disclosed. The developing solution contains hydroquinone, 1-phenyl-4-methyl-3-pyrazolidone, and 1-phenyl-4,4-dimethyl-3-pyrazolidone or 1-phenyl-4-methyl-4-hydroxy-methyl-3-pyrazolidone. The method is suitable for an X-ray photographic material.

Abstract: Silver halide photographic material and method of forming an image using the same are disclosed. The material comprises one or more silver halide emulsion layers on a support, with a hydrazine derivative and a developing agent being incorporated in at least one of said emulsion layers. The image forming method comprises performing imagewise exposure of the above-described photographic material and developing said material with a developing solution that contains sulfite ions in a concentration of not less than 0.15 mole per liter and which has a pH within the range of from 9.5 to 12.3, and provides a supercontrasty negative image that has a very contrasty photographic characteristic of a gamma (.gamma.) of 10 or more and which is not highly susceptible to the occurrence of "black spots".

Abstract: A novel process for the formation of a high contrast negative image is provided which comprises processing a silver halide photographic material with a developing solution, wherein said developing solution contains a dihydroxybenzene developing agent, a 1-phenyl-3-pyrazolidone auxiliary developing agent and/or p-aminophenol auxiliary developing agent, 0.3 mol/liter or more of sulfite, and a compound represented by formula (I) ##STR1## wherein Y and Z, which may be the same or different, each represents N or CR.sup.2 wherein R.sup.2 represents a substituted or unsubstituted alkyl or aryl group; R.sup.1 represents an alkyl, aryl or heterocyclic group which is substituted by at least one group selected from the group consisting of --SO.sub.3 M, --COOM, --OH, --NHSO.sub.2 R.sup.3, --SO.sub.2 NR.sup.3 R.sup.4 and --NR.sup.5 CONR.sup.3 R.sup.4 or a group formed by alkyl groups, aryl groups or heterocyclic groups via linkage groups; R.sup.3, R.sup.4 and R.sup.

Abstract: High contrast negative images are obtained by developing a silver halide photographic element, in the presence of a hydrazine compound, with an alkali aqueous developing solution which contains a combination of developing agent comprising hydroquinone or substituted hydroquinone and a superadditive developing agent and an antioxidant, wherein the developing solution has a pH lower than about 12 and wherein the silver halide photographic element comprises an emulsion layer including surface latent image negative type silver halide grains in reactive association with a contrast promoting agent, preferably a diarylcarbinol compound, more preferably a diarylmethanol compound in a quantity useful to increase contrast.

Abstract: A silver halide photographic material in which a silver iodobromide emulsion having an iodide content of 2 mole % or more and an organometallic salt functioning as a development inhibitor are employed in combination, whereby an improvements in graininess and sharpness of a developed image are achieved and high photographic speed is retained.A process for producing silver images using the silver halide photographic material is also disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention provides a process for preparing a negative image of high contrast comprising developing an exposed silver halide photographic material which is substantially a surface latent image-type material in the presence of a hydrazine derivative, wherein said material is processed with a water-soluble alkaline developer having a pH value of from 10.5 to 12.3 and at least comprising the following components (1) through (3):(1) a dihydroxybenzene-type developing agent;(2) 0.3 mole/liter (developer) or more of a sulfite preservative; and(3) from 0.01 to 0.30 mole/liter (developer) of a compound of formula (A) ##STR1## in which R.sub.2 represents an alkyl group having from 3 to 6 carbon atoms; R.sub.3 and R.sub.4 each represents an alkyl or hydroxyalkyl group having from 1 to 10 carbon atoms.The formed negative images are of high contrast and are almost free from silver stain. The sensitivity is high and the dot image quality is good.

Abstract: A silver halide photographic material containing a hydrazine derivative of the general formula (I):R.sub.1 --NHNHCHO (I)wherein R.sub.1 is a substituted or unsubstituted aryl group, is developed with high contrast by the use of an aqueous alkaline developer having a pH value of 10.5 to 12.3 and comprising the following components (1) through (5):(1) a dihydroxybenzene type developing agent;(2) a p-aminophenol type developing agent;(3) at least 0.3 mol/l of a sulfite preservative;(4) 0.05 to 0.30 mol/l of an alkanolamine of the general formula (II):(C.sub.2 H.sub.5).sub.2 N--R.sub.2 (II)wherein R.sub.2 is a hydroxyalkyl group having 2 to 10 carbon atoms; and(5) 10.sup.-4 to 10.sup.-2 mol/l of a mercapto compound of the general formula (III); ##STR1## where M.sub.1 and M.sub.2 are the same or different and each is a hydrogen atom, an alkali metal atom or an ammonium group;whereby a negative image of high contrast may be formed on said photographic material.

Abstract: This invention relates to a photographic element comprising a support, and coated on the support at least one negative-working photographic emulsion comprising radiation-sensitive silver halide grains capable of forming a surface latent image and a binder, and in the support or in a remaining hydrophilic colloid layer coated on the support in an amount sufficient to increase contrast, a hydrazine compound of the formula ##STR1## wherein R.sup.1 is a phenyl nucleus having a Hammet sigma value-derived electron withdrawing characteristic of less than +0.30.

Abstract: In the presence of a novel antifoggant represented by the general formula (I), a silver halide photographic material which has at least one light-sensitive silver halide emulsion layer on a support is development-processed. The developing solution is one containing both dihydroxybenzenes and 3-pyrazolidones, a developing solution containing both dihydroxybenzenes and aminophenoles, or a developing solution containing a primary aromatic amine developer to suppress markedly fog generation at much reduced sacrifice of sensitivity: ##STR1## wherein M represents a hydrogen atom, an alkali metal atom, NH.sub.4 or a mercapto group-protecting moiety which can be split-off in the presence of an alkali; n represents 1, 2 or 3; R.sup.1 represents a hydrogen atom or --COOR.sup.2 ; and R.sup.2 represents a hydrogen atom, an alkali metal atom, NH.sub.4, or an unsubstituted or substituted alkyl, aryl or aralkyl group.

Abstract: A process for development-processing a silver halide photographic light-sensitive material is described, comprising processing with a developing solution containing 0.1 mol/liter or more of sulfite ion and at least one compound represented by formula (I) ##STR1## wherein n represents an integer of from 2 to 6; each of R.sub.1 and R.sub.2 represents hydrogen or an alkyl group having from 1 to 6 carbon atoms; and M represents hydrogen or an alkali metal atom.According to the process, the generation of silver sludge and the formation of fog are prevented when a black-and-white photographic light-sensitive material is processed with a developing solution containing sulfates in a high concentration.

Abstract: A two-component system for developing photosensitive materials provides a developing process which is not highly dependent upon critical values of time and temperature. The resultant developed materials possess less graininess than might be expected with conventional developer systems. The two-composition system is comprised of a first and a second composition employed as aqueous solutions, each containing an alkali sulfite. The first compositon comprises a phenylamine developer compound and hydroquinone.

Abstract: A light-sensitive silver halide photographic material comprising a combination of a salt of tetrazolium containing only a non-metallic anion and a salt of tetrazolium containing a metallic anion.

Abstract: A silver halide photographic material providing very high contrast and negative image photographic characteristics comprising a support having thereon at least one silver halide photographic emulsion layer containing substantially surface latent image type mono-dispersed silver halide grains and providing a negative image, at least one hydrophilic colloid layer of the photographic material containing a compound represented by the general formula (I)R.sup.1 NHNHCOR.sup.2 (I)whereinR.sup.1 represents an aryl group and R.sup.2 represents a hydrogen atom, a phenyl group, or an unsubstituted alkyl group having 1 to 3 carbon atoms;and a compound represented by the general formula (II) or (III) ##STR1## wherein R.sup.3, R.sup.4, R.sup.5 and R.sup.

Abstract: A method of forming an extremely high-contrast negative photographic image which comprises image-wise exposing a photographic light-sensitive material comprising a support having thereon a mono-disperse silver halide emulsion layer containing surface latent image type silver halide grains and also containing a compound represented by the following general formula (1):R.sup.1 NHNHCOR.sup.2 (I)wherein R.sup.1 represents an aryl group, R.sup.2 represents a hydrogen atom, a phenyl group or an unsubstituted alkyl group having 1 to 3 carbon atoms, and then processing the exposed light-sensitive material in the presence of a compound having a thioamido moiety in the molecule thereof.

Abstract: A silver halide photographic material providing very high contrast and negative image photographic characteristics comprising a support having thereon at least one silver halide photographic emulsion layer containing substantially surface latent image type mono-dispersed silver halide grains and providing a negative image, at least one hydrophilic colloid layer of the photographic material containing a compound represented by the general formula (I)R.sup.1 NHNHCOR.sup.2 (I)wherein R.sup.1 represents an aryl group and R.sup.2 represents a hydrogen atom, a phenyl group, or an unsubstituted alkyl group having 1 to 3 carbon atoms; and a compound represented by the general formula (II) or (III) ##STR1## wherein R.sup.3, R.sup.4, R.sup.5 and R.sup.

Abstract: A negative image silver halide photographic emulsion comprising substantially surface latent image type monodispersed silver bromide or silver iodobromide grains containing up to about 10 mol% silver iodide, wherein the average grain size of the silver halide grains is about 0.7 micron or less, with the silver halide photographic emulsion containing a binder in an amount of about 250 g or less per mol of silver halide and a compound represented by the following general formula (I):R.sup.1 NHNHCOR.sup.2 (I)wherein R.sup.1 represents an aryl group and R.sup.

Abstract: Light-sensitive silver halide photographic materials to be treated with a hydroquinones-containing developing solution which material comprises a support and at least one hydrophilic colloidal layer coated thereon which contains silver halide grains having an average grain size of 0.05 to 1.5.mu., a tetrazolium compound and a sensitizing dye.

Abstract: An image-forming process for silver halide photographic material is disclosed, in which the photosensitive material have at least one silver halide emulsion layer on a support and contains a hydrzaine compound in the emulsion layer or other constitutional layers. The image-forming process comprises developing the photographic material containing the hydrozine compound of formula (I) with the developing agent of formula (II).