Abstract: There is provided novel curable ink compositions comprising polymer-coated magnetic metal nanoparticles. In particular, there is provided ultraviolet (UV) curable gel inks comprising at least the coated magnetic metal nanoparticles, one curable monomer, a radiation activated initiator that initiates polymerization of curable components of the ink, a gellant. The inks may also include optional colorants and one or more optional additives. These curable gel UV ink compositions can be used for ink jet printing in a variety of applications.

Abstract: In a lossless compression-encoding device, a calculation part calculates differences between different types of pixel data representing the first, second and third color components of an image, and outputs the calculated differences as a plurality of types of difference data. A lossless compression-encoding part performs lossless compression-encoding on each of color component data which include the different types of the pixel data representing the first to third color components and the plurality of the types of the difference data, and outputs a plurality of types of compressed data which correspond to the respective types of the color component data.

Abstract: A sensor including an array of light sensitive pixels, each pixel including: at least one hetero-junction phototransistor having a floating base without contact, wherein each phototransistor is a mesa device having active layers exposed at side-walls of the mesa device; and at least one atomic layer deposited high-k dielectric material adjacent to and passivating at least the side-wall exposed active layers.

Abstract: An image processing apparatus according to an embodiment of the invention, includes an image input unit which inputs main image information defined by first, second and third color component information corresponding to at least three colors, a modulation unit which modulates a color difference grid pattern by sub information, a superposing unit which superposes the modulated color difference grid pattern on each of the first, second and third color component information after the modulated color difference grid pattern and each of the first, second and third color component information are rotated relative to each other through a predetermined angle, and a composition unit which composites the first, second and third color component information to generate color image information.

Abstract: Character extraction section extracts character amounts, pertaining to a prosody of voice, from a voice signal sequentially in a time-serial manner. Difference value calculation calculates a difference value between each of the extracted character amounts and a reference value. Processing values, corresponding to the individual character amounts, are generated in accordance with the respective difference values, and a voice processing section controls the individual character amounts of the voice signal in accordance with the processing values corresponding to the character amounts and thereby generates an output signal having a prosody changed from the prosody of the voice signal.

Abstract: A technique for allowing a linear feedback shift register (LFSR), and particularly a Galois LFSR, to be advanced forward by an amount m (i.e. as if the register had undertaken m input/output cycles), without actually having to undertake m input/output cycles is described. This is useful for example in the communications domain by allowing the shift register to be able to jump to a particular scrambling code. In particular, an embodiment provides an apparatus which is able to control the advance of a LFSR by feeding into the LFSR a data word obtained from the polynomial multiplication of two predetermined data words which are looked up from one or more tables in dependence on an advance amount, being the number of steps the LFSR is to advance. The state of the LFSR after the data word has been fed into the LFSR is then the same state the LFSR would be in if it had actually been advanced by the advance amount.

Abstract: A method of delivering a solar system and related services from a solar system vendor to a customer is provided. The method includes estimating the customer's solar system requirements, delivering the estimated requirements to the customer, providing a sales lead that includes the estimated requirements to a contractor, the contractor contacting the customer to perform a sales close, ordering the solar system products from the solar system vendor, and issuing a payment for the products to the solar system vendor. The method of delivering solar services further includes supplying a first set of solar system components from the solar system vendor and a second set of solar system components from a third-party vendor, configuring all or a portion of the solar system components in accordance with the solar system requirements, shipping the solar system to the customer's site, and installing the system on the customer's site.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention relate to methods and systems for providing customized “haptic messaging” to users of handheld communication devices in a variety of applications. In one embodiment, a method of haptic messaging includes: receiving an input signal associated with an actuation of a user-interface member; determining a haptic code associated with the actuation; and including the haptic code in an output signal to be sent to a remote handheld communication device. In another embodiment, a method of haptic messaging includes: receiving an input signal; outputting a request relating to a contact with a user-interface member coupled to a handheld communication device; and providing a control signal associated with the contact to an actuator coupled to the handheld communication device, the control signal being configured to cause the actuator to output a haptic effect associated with the input signal.

Abstract: A system for reading RFID tags of articles within a cabinet includes a repositionable shelf. The repositionable shelf includes an antenna assembly having three antenna pairs. Each antenna pair has a loop antenna and a figure eight antenna. The antenna pairs are on a PC board. The PC board includes an RJ45 connector which provides both power to the antenna assembly as well as a communication interface for the antenna assembly. The RJ45 connector could be used to provide the RF signals from the antenna to a reader. The system could also include a repositionable divider for placement perpendicular to the repositionable shelf. The repositionable divider also includes a loop antenna and a figure eight antenna.

Abstract: An amplifier (22) containing an arrangement of capacitive elements (26, 28) in place of a source degeneration inductor arrangement to set the real part of the amplifier's input impedance.

Abstract: A handsaw includes a handle and a blade. The handle includes a lock assembly. The blade is releaseably mountable on the handle and includes a lock engaging region located toward one end thereof. The lock assembly includes a lock structure and a manually enagageable actuator. The lock structure is movable between a lock position in which it lockingly engages the lock engaging region to lock the blade to the handle, and a release position in which the lock structure is released from engagement with the lock engaging region to enable the blade to be released from the handle. The actuator is manually actuatable to move the lock structure from the lock position to the release position.

Abstract: Systems and methods for addressing pagers are described. The pagers are reprogrammable and can be assigned identifiers as required. Pagers may be automatically assigned one of a plurality of identifiers. Thereafter, the assigned identifier may form the basis of a unique network address that allows the pagers to communicate wirelessly with a network in order to receive information commands and pages. The assigned identifier is maintained on the pager and can be presented on a display for identification of the pager. The assigned identifier can be transmitted to the pager by a charging unit when the pager is connected to the charging unit and can be calculated using the location of a port at which the pager is connected to the charging unit.

Abstract: Computers and other computing machines and information appliances having a modified computer architecture and program structure which enables the operation of an application program concurrently or simultaneously on a plurality of computers interconnected via a communications link or network using a special distributed runtime (DRT), and that provides for a redundant array of independent computing systems that include computer code distribution using code-striping onto the plurality of the computers or computing machines. A redundant array of independent computing systems operating in concert and code-striping features.

Abstract: Wireless transmission techniques are described, including techniques used to generate scrambling codes for use in wireless transmissions, such as spread spectrum transmissions. In some embodiments, scrambling codes may be iteratively generated using multiplicative factors. The multiplicative factors may be predetermined and stored in advance, reducing processing time when the codes are needed. The multiplicative factor iterations may involve predetermined algorithms, such as squaring and powers of two iterations.

Abstract: A data processing system manages collateral risk associated with a trade of a financial instrument includes a processor and a memory that contains a database configured to store a ruleset relating to determining eligibility of collateral to be considered for a desired trade. A search module searches for accounts that could potentially accept a security position based upon established search criteria. Search results are stored in the memory, and are used to identify one or more security positions eligible for use as collateral for the trade. A collateral analysis module determines a collateral preference ranking by at least applying the ruleset via an algorithm executed by the processor so as to confirm an eligibility of security positions eligible for use as collateral for the trade by testing in accordance with the ruleset. The processor outputs a relative collateral preference indication via a user interface.

Abstract: A method of building a data integration environment is provided. According to one embodiment of the invention as applied to a computer network, the method comprising: identifying the data integration environment and the policies that apply to it 200, negotiating with the environment 202, and generating a new interface rule set enabling information to be passed in dependence thereon between the system which is made part of the integration environment and the integration environment. The method can be usefully applied in UAV networks, robot networks as well as in networks of fixed sensors. The invention finds utility in various important applications such as in network-enabled capability and in rapid integration of systems.

Abstract: A window covering includes a mounting unit, a shading unit, and a winding unit. The mounting unit includes a first fixing member and a second fixing member. The shading unit includes a rotating axle, a curtain member fixed at one end to the rotating axle and which is wound on and unwound from the rotating axle, a first rotating member, and a second rotating member. The first rotating member and the second rotating member are fixed to the rotating axle and extend respectively through the first fixing member and the second fixing member to support rotation of the rotating axle therebetween. The winding unit is mounted to the first fixing member and includes a spring reel secured to the first rotating member to rotate therewith, an auxiliary wheel, and a spring wound around the auxiliary wheel and which is fixed at one end to the spring reel.

Abstract: A solid ink composition comprising an amorphous component, a crystalline material, and optionally, a colorant, which are suitable for ink jet printing, including printing on coated paper substrates, and methods for making the same. In embodiments, the crystalline and amorphous components are synthesized from an esterification reaction of tartaric acid with an alcohol.

Abstract: This output device includes a read means which reads in image data of a first aspect ratio from an input port or from a medium. Moreover, this output device includes an image synthesis means which creates combined image data of a second aspect ratio by adding mask bands at the sides of, or above and below, an image which is based upon the image data of said first aspect ratio. Furthermore, this output device includes an output means which outputs this combined image data at said second aspect ratio. And the output means is connected to a display device which processes said combined image data which has been outputted at said second output ratio, and displays the result upon a screen. Moreover, the image synthesis means changes the color of said mask bands to a different color at a predetermined timing during a predetermined time period.