Abstract: An image processing apparatus, method and computer-readable data storage medium to identify and process a negotiable instrument comprising a pre-processing unit 20 to select a binarization method to be used in a main processing unit 30 based on image data from only a scanned image of specific parts of the negotiable instrument for converting a full image of the entire negotiable instrument to binary image data.

Abstract: A memory control system and method for controlling the rewriting of data in a flash memory which includes a boot memory portion having a plurality of sectors including a boot sector for storing cold boot data, N other boot sectors for storing other boot data and having a program process in each of said N boot sectors for rewriting data in boot sectors other than itself and other than said cold boot sector based upon the boot data stored therein. The control system further includes a boot data evaluation unit for recognizing which of the boot sectors has been most recently updated with update data and which program process is to be used for rewriting data in boot sectors other than itself and a rewrite unit for rewriting data.

Abstract: The noise reducing equipment of the present invention is used in combination with a vertically oriented sound barrier wall to reduce the level of noise from a source of sound such as traffic generated on one side of the sound barrier wall and comprises an assembly composed of a predetermined number of interconnected resonant chambers mounted in tandem to said sound barrier wall in a relationship such that the assembly extends from said sound barrier wall on the side thereof opposite the source of sound with the resonant chamber closest to the sound barrier wall having a volumetric area larger than the volumetric area possessed by each of the other resonant chambers and an additional sound barrier section extending from the most distant resonant chamber relative to the location of the sound barrier wall. In addition, at least one external surface of the assembly should be coated with a photo-catalyst comprising titanium dioxide.

Abstract: A method apparatus and POS system for processing credit card transactions associated with POS sales to inhibit illegal credit card use. The method involves reading magnetic stripe information including the credit card number from the magnetic stripe on a credit card and comparing the result with stored credit card transaction history of the credit card user to determine whether to scan and image further personal identification from the credit card user such as a drivers license and if so to image the driver license. This is primarily based on a comparison of the transaction amount with stored transaction history information.

Abstract: A thermal interface assembly and method for forming a thermal interface between a microelectronic component package and a heat sink having a total thermal resistance of no greater than about 0.03° C.-in2/W comprising interposing a thermal interface assembly between an microelectronic component package and heat sink with the thermal interface assembly comprising a thermal interface material having phase change properties and a sealing member selected from the group consisting of an o-ring and/or shim in an arrangement such that the thermal interface material is shielded from the atmosphere when the microelectronic component package is operational.

Abstract: A porous polyethylene hollow fiber membrane having a pore-size gradient across the inner and outer surfaces thereof is prepared by introducing, during the cooling step of a melt-spun polyethylene hollow fiber, a nitrogen flow and a solvent having a boiling point in the range of 30 to 80° C. to the inner and outer surfaces of the melt-spun hollow fiber, respectively.

Abstract: An input device may be used with the information processing apparatus and the like, and provides an improved ease of operation in moving the cursor on the display screen. The input device includes a set of cursor keys 1 that, when activated, cause the cursor to move on a display section 8, a cursor key activation detect means 2, a rotary operation device 3, a rotary operation device activation detect means 4, and a cursor movement information generator means 5 that responds to the detect results from the cursor key activation detect means 2 and from the rotary operation device activation detect means 4, and provides respective output signals that cause the cursor to move as indicated by the received detect results, depending upon whether only the cursor keys are activated or both the cursor keys and the rotary operation device are activated. Using the input device allows the operator to cause the cursor to move around and across the display screen, quickly and/or with any speed specified by the operator.

Abstract: Scanning errors and document feed errors are prevented by pressing originals, including thin originals and thick originals of greatly different thicknesses, to the scanning surface (1a) of an image sensor (1) with pressure appropriate for the respective original. A pressure-generating mechanism (50) is used to press the original against the scanning surface (1a) by selecting different elastic bodies with different spring forces to produce a different elastic force in accordance with the thickness of the original document.

Abstract: A paper storage apparatus for stacking and storing paper in sequence comprising a first discharge roller 21 for discharging paper (check S1) in a specified discharge direction; a paper storage pocket (check storage pocket 12) for stacking the paper at a position offset from the specified direction in which the check S1 is transported by the first discharge roller 21, a movable first guide member (paper guide 60) having a first position disposed at an inclined angle relative to the direction the check S1 is discharged by the first discharge roller 21, for guiding the check S1 into the storage pocket 12, and a second position displaced from the first position for applying pressure upon the check(s)in the check storage pocket 12 and a movable second guide member (paper shift lever) 40 positioned between the first discharge roller 21 and first guide member (paper guide 60) which pivots from a first position in response to the leading edge of the paper to allow the paper to advance into a second position for urgin

Abstract: A piezoelectric gyro element including: a piezoelectric vibration body, which has a shape of a rectangular column with a rectangular section, the piezoelectric vibration body being fixed on one end; first driving electrodes formed on opposing first side faces of the piezoelectric vibration body; second and third driving electrodes formed separated from each other in the width direction of opposing second side faces of the piezoelectric vibration body; first detecting electrodes formed on the opposing first side faces of the piezoelectric vibration body; and second detecting electrodes formed on the opposing second side faces of the piezoelectric vibration body; wherein the piezoelectric vibration body is made to oscillate so that one end thereof rotates in a circular path, by applying driving currents with phase differentials to each of the driving electrodes; and a bend of the piezoelectric vibration body, the bend being generated by a torque operating orthogonally to a rotational central axis of the oscilla

Abstract: A POS system and method having a POS terminal, at least one input device for providing input data such as product sale information to said POS terminal, a POS server to enable the POS terminal to complete a POS transaction based upon such product sale information, a display device and a printing device further including an input/output control apparatus 12 and at least one function adding server 50 to enable the POS system to perform at least one new functional application without requiring any change in the POS system terminal or server. At least one of connection ports 21b to 23b of an input/output control apparatus 12 is connected to at least one the connection ports 21a to 23a of an existing POS terminal 30 having at least a POS printer 34, a input device 32, or a display 33 connected thereto. The input devices 32 to 34 conventionally connected to the ports 21a to 23a of the POS terminal 30 are connected to the corresponding ports of the I/O control apparatus 12.

Abstract: Processing apparatus, system and method for processing checks in communication with a host computer for accurately detecting check multifeeding. The check processing system includes a check processing apparatus and a host computer in communication with the check processing apparatus. The check processing apparatus acquires and sends check information from a check S to the host computer, and then pauses check processing. Based on the received check information, the host computer confirms whether checks are multifeeding in the check processing apparatus.

Abstract: A holographic digital data storage apparatus detects a wobbling in a disc shaped storage medium, wherein the apparatus includes a beam generator and finding means, the disc including therein one or more holographically generated patterns. The beam generator projects at least two wobble detection beams to the holographically generated patterns, the wobble detection beams having different diffraction efficiencies provided at respective characteristic angles, wherein the characteristic angle is an angle between an optical path of one wobble detection beam and that of its corresponding pattern forming beam used in forming one of the holographically generated patterns and a diffraction efficiency is given by a ratio of a power of a diffracted beam of one of the wobble detection beams to a power of said one of the wobble detection beams. The finding means finds at least a difference between the diffraction efficiencies to thereby determine the wobbling in the disc.

Abstract: A benzoxazole derivative is disclosed for inhibiting 5-lipoxygenase.

Abstract: The present application refers to a container comprising a cup, a joint and a base, wherein the latter defines a cavity where a lid is coupled to form a cavity, allowing the placement of an object that may be a decorative figure, a toy or a promotional means. In another embodiment, the base of the container is shaped to represent an object.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a sapphire/gallium nitride laminate, wherein a curvature radius thereof is positioned on the right side of a first curve plotted from the following functional formula (I): Y=Y0+A·e?(x?1)/T??(I) wherein Y is the curvature radius (m) of a sapphire/gallium nitride laminate, X is the thickness (?m) of a gallium nitride film, Y0 is 5.47±0.34, A is 24.13±0.50, and T is 0.56±0.04. The inventive laminate can be advantageously used in the manufacture of a high quality electronic device.