Abstract: A computer program includes processor-readable instructions configured to cause a processor to: display to a user an object with initial visual stroke guidance information prompting the user to draw an initial stroke for drawing the object, the initial visual stroke guidance information including an indication of a starting location for an initial stroke and an indication of a direction indicator of the initial stroke from the starting location, the visual stroke guidance being configured to prompt the user to draw on the display at a present prompted location; analyze data from the display regarding contact with the display by the user; and in response to determining that the data indicate contact with the display by the user at the present prompted location, provide visual feedback indicating progress in drawing the stroke and change the present prompted location to a different location on the display.

Abstract: Embodiments of task-based, decreasing-price markets enable dynamic discounting of items for sale. In one example, users shop for products (e.g., clothing, electronics, or cars) or services (e.g., hotel rooms, plane tickets, or car rentals) using a computing device or mobile device. As the users shop, they view advertisements or perform other tasks, like answering questions, and the system discounts an item's price based on the number or complexity of the performed tasks. Each user who performs a task gets a chance to buy the item at its discounted price. The other users also get a chance to buy the item at the discounted price. If someone buys the item, the item's price returns to its starting value. If nobody buys the item, the system discounts the item's price further as the users perform more tasks until someone buys the item or the item's price reaches a minimum value.

Abstract: A processor performance profiler is enabled to for identify specific instructions causing performance issues within a program being executed by a microprocessor through random sampling to find the worst-case offenders of a particular event type such as a cache miss or a branch mis-prediction. Tracking all instructions causing a particular event generates large data logs, creates performance penalties, and makes code analysis more difficult. However, by identifying and tracking the worst offenders within a random sample of events without having to hash all events results in smaller memory requirements for the performance profiler, lower performance impact while profiling, and decreased complexity to analyze the program to identify major performance issues, which, in turn, enables better optimization of the program in shorter developer time.

Abstract: An improved architecture for a program code conversion apparatus and method for generating intermediate representations for program code conversion. The program code conversion apparatus determines which types of IR nodes to generate in an intermediate representation (IR) of subject code (10) to be translated. Depending upon the particular subject and target computing environments involved in the conversion, the program code conversion apparatus utilizes either base nodes, complex nodes, polymorphic nodes, and architecture specific nodes, or some combination thereof, in generating the intermediate representation.

Abstract: Various embodiments of systems, methods, and computer programs are disclosed for incorporating a social networking feature in a conferencing system. One embodiment is a method comprising: a conferencing server establishing an audio conference between a plurality of computing devices connected via a communication network; the conferencing server presenting to the computing devices a user interface associated with the audio conference, the user interface comprising a social networking component for providing a social networking feature to a participant during the audio conference; a social networking server authenticating the participant as a member of a social networking system; and during the audio conference, the conferencing server enabling the authenticated participant to access the social networking feature via the social networking component in the user interface.

Abstract: A caterpillar traction apparatus (110), wherein two pairs of pulleys (122 & 123, 132 & 133) can be driven at different speeds, so that the linear member (40) being driven by the mechanism is subjected to either compression or extension forces.

Abstract: An improved architecture for a program code conversion apparatus and method for generating intermediate representations for program code conversion. The program code conversion apparatus determines which types of IR nodes to generate in an intermediate representation (IR) of subject code (10) to be translated. Depending upon the particular subject and target computing environments involved in the conversion, the program code conversion apparatus utilizes either base nodes, complex nodes, polymorphic nodes, and architecture specific nodes, or some combination thereof, in generating the intermediate representation.

Abstract: A linear member (10) comprises a first layer (30) and a second layer (40), the second layer being arranged around the first layer. The second layer comprises a series of annular grooves (60). The material for the second layer is substantially stronger than the material for the first layer.

Abstract: The present invention provides an apparatus (100) for forming circumferential grooves (14) in the exterior surface of a linear member (10), such as a tube. The grooves are formed by rotating a cylindrical cutting element (120) around the tube such that cutting means in the cylindrical cutting element form the grooves. One rotation of the cylindrical cutting element causes multiple grooves to be formed in the surface of the tubes.

Abstract: This is a type of connection device between toilet and drainpipe, including trap with inlet connected to toilet flush port and outlet connected to drainpipe. The trap has bend part and horizontal lower pipe connected to it. Upper and lower inner pipe walls of the horizontal lower pipe have different declination angles. There is containing part in the inlet; and in the containing part there is sealing part forming sealing structure between the flush port and inlet. This simplifies the complex structure of existing toilet drainage part for on-site installation, for reliable use. Separated trap design features the structure that can generate siphon phenomenon. At the time of sales, wash-down drainage can be easily transformed to siphon wash-down drainage just by changing such parts as the trap of the toilet, thus improving the drainage effect.

Abstract: An improved architecture for a program code conversion apparatus and method for generating intermediate representations for program code conversion. The program code conversion apparatus determines which types of IR nodes to generate in an intermediate representation (IR) of subject code (10) to be translated. Depending upon the particular subject and target computing environments involved in the conversion, the program code conversion apparatus utilizes either base nodes, complex nodes, polymorphic nodes, and architecture specific nodes, or some combination thereof, in generating the intermediate representation.

Abstract: A method for providing a remote print capability comprises receiving information from a communication device, the information comprising document and destination identifiers, confirming the communication device belongs to a registered user, identifying a document type from the information, retrieving a document responsive to the document identifier, converting the document from a native format to an image file format and transmitting the image file format representation of the document to a destination responsive to the destination identifier. A system comprises a processor, interfaces in communication with the public-telephone network and a data network and a memory. The system receives information from a mobile device and transmits an image file format representation of a document to a facsimile device in response to the information. The system can be used in cooperation with a mobile-telephone service and associated online tools for reporting, accounting, and interacting with subscribers.

Abstract: An improved architecture for a program code conversion apparatus and method for generating intermediate representations for program code conversion. The program code conversion apparatus determines which types of IR nodes to generate in an intermediate representation (IR) of subject code (10) to be translated. Depending upon the particular subject and target computing environments involved in the conversion, the program code conversion apparatus utilizes either base nodes, complex nodes, polymorphic nodes, and architecture specific nodes, or some combination thereof, in generating the intermediate representation.

Abstract: A component for a substrate processing chamber has a structure composed of aluminum oxide. The structure has a roughened surface having a roughness average of from about 150 to about 450 microinches. A plasma sprayed ceramic coating of aluminum oxide is deposited on the roughened surface of the structure. The component may be a dome shaped ceiling of the chamber.

Abstract: Subject program code is translated to target code in basic block units at run-time in a process wherein translation of basic blocks is interleaved with execution of those translations. A combination of processes designed to enhance the speed and efficiency of run-time translation are applied based on characteristics of particular blocks and include translating a set of contiguous basic blocks prior to execution (“extended basic blocks”) and grouping and ordering of frequently executed basic blocks for translation (“group blocking”).

Abstract: An improved architecture for a program code conversion apparatus and method for generating intermediate representations for program code conversion. The program code conversion apparatus determines which types of IR nodes to generate in an intermediate representation of subject code to be translated. Depending upon the particular subject and target computing environments involved in the conversion, the program code conversion apparatus utilizes either base nodes, complex nodes, polymorphic nodes, and architecture specific nodes, or some combination thereof, in generating the intermediate representation.

Abstract: A component for a substrate processing chamber comprises a structure composed of aluminum oxide. The structure has a roughened surface having a roughness average of from about 150 to about 450 microinches. A plasma sprayed ceramic coating composed of aluminum oxide is deposited on the roughened surface of the structure. The component may be a dome shaped ceiling of the chamber.

Abstract: A domed enclosure wall for a plasma processing chamber is made from a dielectric material having a roughened surface with a roughness average of from about 150 to about 450 microinches. A plasma sprayed ceramic coating is applied on the roughened surface of the dielectric material. The plasma sprayed coating comprises a textured surface having a roughness with an average skewness that is a negative value. When the enclosure wall is used in a plasma processing chamber, sputtered material generated by a plasma formed in a plasma processing chamber has good adherence to the textured surface.

Abstract: A container having a base and a removable lid. Latches are attached to the lid for securing the lid to the base. Each latch includes a guide part secured to the lid and a slide part guided by the guide part between a closed position engaging the base and an open position spaced from the base.

Abstract: A domed enclosure wall for a plasma processing chamber is made from a dielectric material having a roughened surface with a roughness average of from about 150 to about 450 microinches. A plasma sprayed ceramic coating is applied on the roughened surface of the dielectric material. The plasma sprayed coating comprises a textured surface having a roughness with an average skewness that is a negative value. When the enclosure wall is used in a plasma processing chamber, sputtered material generated by a plasma formed in a plasma processing chamber has good adherence to the textured surface.