Abstract: Methods and devices receive instructions to print (on print media sheets) a booklet from a document, and automatically format the booklet to arrange multiple pages of the document to print on each of the print media sheets by performing duplex printing with multiple pages of the document being printed on each side of the print media sheets. The methods and devices automatically determine the number of blank page locations of the pages of the document occurring on the last pages of the booklet, and output a message that identifies the number of blank page locations and an option to relocate the blank page locations to different locations within the booklet. The methods and devices then receive a response regarding relocating at least one of the blank page locations, and automatically reformat the booklet to reposition the blank page locations.

Abstract: In one general aspect, a semiconductor structure can include a power transistor including a body region extending in a silicon region, a gate electrode insulated from the body region by a gate dielectric, a source region extending in the body region where the source region is of opposite conductivity type from the body region, a source interconnect contacting the source region, and a backside drain. The semiconductor structure can include an RC snubber monolithically integrated with the power transistor in a die. The RC snubber can include a snubber electrode insulated from the silicon region by a snubber dielectric such that the snubber electrode and the silicon region form a snubber capacitor.

Abstract: A semiconductor structure includes a power transistor monolithically integrated with a RC snubber in a die. The power transistor includes body regions extending in a silicon region, gate electrodes insulated from the body region by a gate dielectric, source regions extending in the body regions, the source and the body regions being of opposite conductivity type, and a source interconnect contacting the source regions. The RC snubber comprises including snubber electrodes insulated from the silicon region by a snubber dielectric such that the snubber electrodes and the silicon region form a snubber capacitor having a predetermined value. The snubber electrodes are connected to the source interconnect in a manner so as to form a snubber resistor of a predetermined value between the snubber capacitor and the source interconnect. The snubber capacitor and the snubber resistor are configured to substantially dampen output ringing when the power transistor switches states.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for flattening the illumination intensity over an optical sensor is disclosed. The intensity of light off the axis from a lens is less than the light on axis by a factor of cos4&thgr;, where &thgr; is the angle from the lens exit pupil to the off-axis point. Light from the lens incident upon the optical sensor therefore will not be uniform in intensity. Light-blocking patches are placed over the areas of the optical sensor where light intensity needs to be reduced to achieve uniform illumination intensity across the entire optical sensor. Areas of the optical sensor that fall closest to the axis of the lens receive the greatest intensity of light due to the rule of cos4&thgr;, and therefore will require more light-blocking patches than areas of the optical sensor further away from the lens axis.

Abstract: A surface having specular regions shaped to reflect incident light toward an optical sensor provides an ideal surface to be scanned by an optical mouse. When light is shined upon the surface, the reflections off of the specular regions appear as white points in the image acquired by the optical sensor, which gives the optical sensor the distinguishing characteristics it needs to differentiate between images. Since the specular regions reflect light so well, less light is needed to obtain an image, and power is conserved. The surface appears as a dark background in the image, providing contrast to the light reflecting off the specular regions. To protect the specular regions, an optically transparent coating can be layered on top of the surface. An alternative surface that may be easier to manufacture is a light colored surface dotted with darker colored regions.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for flattening the illumination intensity over an optical sensor is disclosed. The intensity of light off the axis from a lens is less than the light on axis by a factor of cos4&thgr;, where &thgr; is the angle from the lens exit pupil to the off-axis point. Light from the lens incident upon the optical sensor therefore will not be uniform in intensity. Light-blocking patches are placed over the areas of the optical sensor where light intensity needs to be reduced to achieve uniform illumination intensity across the entire optical sensor. Areas of the optical sensor that fall closest to the axis of the lens receive the greatest intensity of light due to the rule of cos4&thgr;, and therefore will require more light-blocking patches than areas of the optical sensor further away from the lens axis.

Abstract: A surface having specular regions shaped to reflect incident light toward an optical sensor provides an ideal surface to be scanned by an optical mouse. When light is shined upon the surface, the reflections off of the specular regions appear as white points in the image acquired by the optical sensor, which gives the optical sensor the distinguishing characteristics it needs to differentiate between images. Since the specular regions reflect light so well, less light is needed to obtain an image, and power is conserved. The surface appears as a dark background in the image, providing contrast to the light reflecting off the specular regions. To protect the specular regions, an optically transparent coating can be layered on top of the surface. An alternative surface that may be easier to manufacture is a light colored surface dotted with darker colored regions.

Abstract: A hand truck intended primarily for transporting luggage comprising an elongated generally rectangular back frame having an elongated generally rectangular nose extension pivoted thereto adjacent the lower end of the frame. The pivot connection is established by hinge brackets fixedly secured to the nose extension and pivoted to the back frame on an axis adjacent the lower end of the back frame. Wheel support brackets mount a pair of wheels substantially rearwardly of the lower end of the back frame. The hinge brackets include angularly disposed flat support surfaces adapted to engage the ground or floor when the nose extension is in the loading position or the generally upright rest position.