Abstract: A wireless peripheral interface is used for coupling with a Universal Serial Bus (USB) port for connecting a wireless peripheral with a host computer or controller. Wireless peripheral devices (e.g., keyboard, mouse, trackball, touch pad, joysticks, and game controllers) transmit communication signals, e.g., radio frequency (RF) signals, to the peripheral interface, which are received and processed into formats suitable for transmission to the host computer or controller via USB, either alone or in combination with other standard external bus systems, such as serial and PS/2.

Abstract: A parameterized scene graph provides mutable (animated) values and parameterized graph containers such that an application program or the like can selectively change certain aspects of the scene graph description while leaving other aspects intact, and also reuse portions of the scene graph with different parameters. To this end, mutable values are provided, which provide the higher level code with hooks into the scene graph enabling the scene description to be changed. The mutable values may be varied over time to provide animation. A parameterized graph container is also described that enables a scene graph portion to be templatized for reuse throughout a scene in a generic way. In this manner, a single parameterized graph container may be efficiently reused in a scene graph, with different values for its parameters.

Abstract: A visual tree structure as specified by a program is constructed and maintained by a visual system's user interface thread. As needed, the tree structure is traversed on the UI thread, with changes compiled into change queues. A secondary rendering thread that handles animation and graphical composition takes the content from the change queues, to construct and maintain a condensed visual tree. Static visual subtrees are collapsed, leaving a condensed tree with only animated attributes such as transforms as parent nodes, such that animation data is managed on the secondary thread, with references into the visual tree. When run, the rendering thread processes the change queues, applies changes to the condensed trees, and updates the structure of the animation list as necessary by resampling animated values at their new times. Content in the condensed visual tree is then rendered and composed. Animation and a composition communication protocol are also provided.

Abstract: A universal presentation device discloses having two or more presentation elements for use in environments such as presentation environments. For example, the universal presentation device may include a combination of a laser pointer element, a pointing device element, and/or a writing instrument element. The universal presentation device is dimensioned to house each element within a single logical housing. Further, each element is operable with any of the other elements present within the universal presentation device. A method of operating the universal presentation device, including its use environment, is also disclosed.

Abstract: An intelligent caching data structure and mechanisms for storing visual information via objects and data representing graphics information. The data structure is generally associated with mechanisms that intelligently control how the visual information therein is populated and used. The cache data structure can be traversed for direct rendering, or traversed for pre-processing the visual information into an instruction stream for another entity. Much of the data typically has no external reference to it, thereby enabling more of the information stored in the data structure to be processed to conserve resources. A transaction/batching-like model for updating the data structure enables external modifications to the data structure without interrupting reading from the data structure, and such that changes received are atomically implemented. A method and mechanism are provided to call back to an application program in order to create or re-create portions of the data structure as needed, to conserve resources.

Abstract: An intelligent caching data structure and mechanisms for storing visual information via objects and data representing graphics information. The data structure is generally associated with mechanisms that intelligently control how the visual information therein is populated and used. The cache data structure can be traversed for direct rendering, or traversed for pre-processing the visual information into an instruction stream for another entity. Much of the data typically has no external reference to it, thereby enabling more of the information stored in the data structure to be processed to conserve resources. A transaction/batching-like model for updating the data structure enables external modifications to the data structure without interrupting reading from the data structure, and such that changes received are atomically implemented. A method and mechanism are provided to call back to an application program in order to create or re-create portions of the data structure as needed, to conserve resources.

Abstract: A method and system implemented in an application programming interface (API) and an object model allows program code developers to interface in a consistent manner with a scene graph data structure to output graphics. Via the interfaces, program code writes drawing primitives such as geometry data, image data, animation data and other data to visuals that represent a drawing surface, including validation visual objects, drawing visual objects and surface visual objects. The code can also specify transform, clipping and opacity properties on visuals, and add child visuals to other visuals to build up a hierarchical scene graph. A visual manager traverses the scene graph to provide rich graphics data to lower-level graphics components.

Abstract: A visual tree structure as specified by a program is constructed and maintained by a visual system's user interface thread. As needed, the tree structure is traversed on the UI thread, with changes compiled into change queues. A secondary rendering thread that handles animation and graphical composition takes the content from the change queues, to construct and maintain a condensed visual tree. Static visual subtrees are collapsed, leaving a condensed tree with only animated attributes such as transforms as parent nodes, such that animation data is managed on the secondary thread, with references into the visual tree. When run, the rendering thread processes the change queues, applies changes to the condensed trees, and updates the structure of the animation list as necessary by resampling animated values at their new times. Content in the condensed visual tree is then rendered and composed. Animation and a composition communication protocol are also provided.

Abstract: The reference air channel of a gas sensor or a lambda probe having a laminate body produced by printing technology is provided. The laminate body is produced by printing a suitably structured layer onto a neighboring layer, for example, by screen printing.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an arc-quenching device for circuit breakers having double-break contacts for use in low-voltage distribution systems. Provided around a prechamber (41) is a magnetic shield (91) for the purpose of intensifying the magnetic blowing action on an arc formed between the arc guide rails (51, 61) of the prechamber. In addition, a blowing loop (81) is inserted in the arc-quenching circuit and extends in sections parallel to an arc guide rail (61). Prechamber insulation having a bulge constricting the arc area likewise serves the purpose of optimizing the arc run.

Abstract: An intelligent caching data structure and mechanisms for storing visual information via objects and data representing graphics information. The data structure is generally associated with mechanisms that intelligently control how the visual information therein is populated and used. The cache data structure can be traversed for direct rendering, or traversed for pre-processing the visual information into an instruction stream for another entity. Much of the data typically has no external reference to it, thereby enabling more of the information stored in the data structure to be processed to conserve resources. A transaction/batching-like model for updating the data structure enables external modifications to the data structure without interrupting reading from the data structure, and such that changes received are atomically implemented. A method and mechanism are provided to call back to an application program in order to create or re-create portions of the data structure as needed, to conserve resources.

Abstract: A set of wireless devices can be coupled together using a radio frequency identification (RFID) system. The system includes an RFID writer for writing a unique identifier to an RFID tag stored in a transmitter device. The unique identifier can then be used to identify a wireless signal sent from the transmitter device to a receiver device. The receiver may also include an RFID tag, and the two devices may share a secret encryption key for use in creating an encrypted link between the transmitter and receiver. Virtual links may also be established at a distribution center by writing an address through a closed box into each device RFID. One or more RFID writers may be used to verify the identifier written to the RFID tags, carry out quality control checks, and track products to prevent inventory leaks and verify that sold products are certified.

Abstract: A planar sensor element for determining gas components, which includes a layer structure with a heating element integrated therein with a layer-shaped heating conductor. The heating conductor is arranged in a layer plane of the layer structure so that an at least approximately homogeneous distribution of the heating power of the heating element over the cross-section of the layer structure is obtained.

Abstract: A parameterized scene graph provides mutable (animated) values and parameterized graph containers such that an application program or the like can selectively change certain aspects of the scene graph description while leaving other aspects intact, and also reuse portions of the scene graph with different parameters. To this end, mutable values are provided, which provide the higher level code with hooks into the scene graph enabling the scene description to be changed. The mutable values may be varied over time to provide animation. A parameterized graph container is also described that enables a scene graph portion to be templatized for reuse throughout a scene in a generic way. In this manner, a single parameterized graph container may be efficiently reused in a scene graph, with different values for its parameters.

Abstract: A parameterized scene graph provides mutable (animated) values and parameterized graph containers such that an application program or the like can selectively change certain aspects of the scene graph description while leaving other aspects intact, and also reuse portions of the scene graph with different parameters. To this end, mutable values are provided, which provide the higher level code with hooks into the scene graph enabling the scene description to be changed. The mutable values may be varied over time to provide animation. A parameterized graph container is also described that enables a scene graph portion to be templatized for reuse throughout a scene in a generic way. In this manner, a single parameterized graph container may be efficiently reused in a scene graph, with different values for its parameters.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an arc-quenching device for circuit breakers having double-break contacts for use in low-voltage distribution systems. Provided around a prechamber (41) is a magnetic shield (91) for the purpose of intensifying the magnetic blowing action on an arc formed between the arc guide rails (51, 61) of the prechamber. In addition, a blowing loop (81) is inserted in the arc-quenching circuit and extends in sections parallel to an arc guide rail (61). Prechamber insulation having a bulge constricting the arc area likewise serves the purpose of optimizing the arc run.

Abstract: An apparatus for supporting a substrate is described that has a ball adapted to minimize damage between the substrate support and the substrate supported thereon. In one embodiment, an apparatus for supporting a substrate includes ball disposed on an inclined ball support surface. The ball support surface is adapted to bias the ball toward one side of the ball support surface thereby providing space for the ball to roll as the substrate supported thereon changes in length when exposed to thermal influences. In another embodiment, the apparatus further comprises a cage adapted to capture the ball to the ball support surface.

Abstract: A media integration layer including an application programming interface (API) and an object model allows program code developers to interface in a consistent manner with a scene graph data structure in order to output graphics. Via the interfaces, program code adds child visuals to other visuals to build up a hierarchical scene graph, writes Instruction Lists such as geometry data, image data, animation data and other data for output, and may specify transform, clipping and opacity properties on visuals. The media integration layer and API enable programmers to accomplish composition effects within their applications in a straightforward manner, while leveraging the graphics processing unit in a manner that does not adversely impact normal application performance. A multiple-level system includes the ability to combine different media types (such as 2D, 3D, Video, Audio, text and imaging) and animate them smoothly and seamlessly.

Abstract: A network termination (NT) which is universally applicable and permits fair billing. The network termination (NT) according to the invention is characterized in that it comprises a switching facility (DET, 1, 2, 3) whereby the interface (a/b, U) on the network side is switchable from an analog one (a/b) to a digital one (U). A subscriber who needs a digital interface, for example because he wants to have two B channels of the ISDN at his free disposal, can release a digital interface (U) or have it released. A subscriber who wants only an analog access can release an analog access or have it released. To accomplish this, the network termination (NT) contains a switch (3) and a detector (DET). The switching between analog access and digital access on the network side can be effected without replacement of the network termination (NT).

Abstract: A wireless peripheral interface is used for coupling with a Universal Serial Bus (USB) port for connecting a wireless peripheral with a host computer or controller. Wireless peripheral devices (e.g., keyboard, mouse, trackball, touch pad, joysticks, and game controllers) transmit communication signals, e.g., radio frequency (RF) signals, to the peripheral interface, which are received and processed into formats suitable for transmission to the host computer or controller via USB, either alone or in combination with other standard external bus systems, such as serial and PS/2.