Abstract: A method and system for decoding and storing encoded control data delivered via the horizontal overscan area of a video signal. An interactive device such as a toy performs behavior defined by control data that can be encoded into a video signal. The toy is equipped with a decoder for extracting data from the horizontal overscan portion of the video signal, and a non-volatile memory that permits the control data to be stored for use after the video signal is no longer being received. The control data are delivered as a series of words that include genus codes and sequence codes. Genus codes identify the specific toy to which the word is directed, as more than one toy may receive the video signal. Error grading is used to minimize the effect of such signal deterioration, so the toy will replace previously received words if newer words are of higher quality.

Abstract: A memory controller is utilized to overcome NAND flash memory's propensity for comprising bad blocks of memory. The memory controller utilizes minimal hardware and is essentially transparent to a device requesting access to the NAND memory. A NAND flash memory device is configured to comprise a set of main blocks of memory and a set of auxiliary blocks of memory. Each block is divided into pages of memory and each page includes metadata. The metadata includes a block status indicator, indicating whether a block is good or bad. When receiving a request to access a page in the NAND flash memory, if the block in which the page resides is good, that block is accessed. If the block is bad, auxiliary memory is searched until a block containing the address of the bad block in its metadata is found. The found block is accessed in lieu of the bad block.

Abstract: A circuit board with vias that are suitable for use as test pads can be made according to a method whereby a first end of a via is blocked prior to heating solder paste that covers the opposite end of the via. As a result, air is trapped in the via when the solder paste is heated, which prevents melted solder paste from flowing in. Instead, the solder paste forms a dome shaped test pad over the via, which facilitates contact with the test probe. When applied to OSP circuit boards, the result is an OSP board with at least via that has a blocking material at one end and a solder dome over the opposite end.

Abstract: The present invention provides compounds of formula (I); wherein each of R1 to R4 is independently selected from hydrogen, a halogen, a substituted or unsubstituted cyclic and heterocyclic moiety, substituted or unsubstituted, linear or branched alkyl, alkyloxy, alkylcarbonyl, alkyloxycarbonyl, alkenyl, alkenyloxy, alkenylcarbonyl, alkenyloxycarbonyl, alkynyl, alkynyloxy, alkynylcarbonyl, alkynyloxycarbonyl, aryl, benzyl, arlyoxy, arylcarbonyl, aryloxycarbonyl and sulphur equivalents of said oxy, carbonyl and oxycarbonyl moieties, and A is NH, or (CH2)n, where n is preferably 0, 1 or 2. The invention also relates to methods for preparing the compounds and their uses as CCK receptor ligands and CCK antagonists.

Abstract: The present invention relates to compounds of formula (I). The invention also relates to methods for preparing the compounds and their uses as CCK receptor ligands and CCK antagonists.

Abstract: A circuit board with vias that are suitable for use as test pads can be made according to a method whereby a first end of a via is blocked prior to heating solder paste that covers the opposite end of the via. As a result, air is trapped in the via when the solder paste is heated, which prevents melted solder paste from flowing in. Instead, the solder paste forms a dome shaped test pad over the via, which facilitates contact with the test probe. When applied to OSP circuit boards, the result is an OSP board with at least via that has a blocking material at one end and a solder dome over the opposite end.

Abstract: Detecting a connection between two circuits utilizing a high-speed interface. Interface circuitry internal to a computing device performs an initialization process between two processors automatically to determine the state of the interface connection. Test circuitry retrieves the interface state from the interface circuitry. Neither the configuration process, the interface circuitry or the test circuitry require full functionality of an IC on which they reside in order to operate.

Abstract: A memory controller is utilized to overcome NAND flash memory's propensity for comprising bad blocks of memory. The memory controller utilizes minimal hardware and is essentially transparent to a device requesting access to the NAND memory. A NAND flash memory device is configured to comprise a set of main blocks of memory and a set of auxiliary blocks of memory. Each block is divided into pages of memory and each page includes metadata. The metadata includes a block status indicator, indicating whether a block is good or bad. When receiving a request to access a page in the NAND flash memory, if the block in which the page resides is good, that block is accessed. If the block is bad, auxiliary memory is searched until a block containing the address of the bad block in its metadata is found. The found block is accessed in lieu of the bad block.

Abstract: Detecting a connection between two circuits utilizing a high-speed interface. Interface circuitry internal to a computing device performs an initialization process between two processors automatically to determine the state of the interface connection. Test circuitry retrieves the interface state from the interface circuitry. Neither the configuration process, the interface circuitry or the test circuitry require full functionality of an IC on which they reside in order to operate.

Abstract: An extension to the Universal Serial Bus (USB) protocol that utilizes reserved bits in the OHCI Endpoint Descriptors to signal which root hub port(s) should transmit the data. Typically, all ports transmit (broadcast) data. The present invention encodes transmission information that can be used by the hardware to effectively control which port(s) need to be tri-stated. However, by setting, the “on” bits for all the ports, the present invention retains standard USB functionality. Also provided is a method to increase the bandwidth of low speed devices connected to the USB bus by increasing the data payload for such devices.

Abstract: A device (e.g., a vending machine) and method for preparing a consumable beverage include mixing an agglomerated natural milk powder having a scorched particle mass not greater than fifteen milligrams with hot water to produce the consumable beverage. The hot water and milk powder may be mixed prior to or during their placement of the beverage in a beverage cup, such as part of operation of a vending machine. Alternatively, the hot water and milk powder may be mixed with one or more additional ingredients, such as coffee, tea, cocoa powder, and/or sugar, to produce the beverage. Further, the hot water and milk powder may be whipped together or with an additional ingredient to produce a foaming beverage, such as cappuccino.

Abstract: A method and system for decoding and storing encoded control data delivered via the horizontal overscan area of a video signal. An interactive device such as a toy performs behavior defined by control data that can be encoded into a video signal. The toy is equipped with a decoder for extracting data from the horizontal overscan portion of the video signal, and a non-volatile memory that permits the control data to be stored for use after the video signal is no longer being received. The control data are delivered as a series of words that include genus codes and sequence codes. Genus codes identify the specific toy to which the word is directed, as more than one toy may receive the video signal. Error grading is used to minimize the effect of such signal deterioration, so the toy will replace previously received words if newer words are of higher quality.

Abstract: A method and system for decoding and storing encoded control data delivered via the horizontal overscan area of a video signal. An interactive device such as an interactive toy performs behavior defined by control data that can be encoded into a video signal that can be broadcast or played-back from video tape. The interactive device is equipped with a non-volatile memory that permits the control data to be stored for performance subsequent to the transmission session (e.g., a televised program). The interactive device also may be equipped to perform behavior during the transmission session. The control data is delivered as a series of control data words that include genus codes and sequence codes. Genus codes identify the interactive device to which the data word is directed, so that a particular interactive device will respond (i.e., perform behavior) only in accordance with the control data words including the appropriate genus code.

Abstract: An indication of sharpness of focus is provided to a user to assist in focusing a camera. In one embodiment, the camera is coupled to a personal computer. An algorithm is implemented by the personal computer to determine a sharpness of focus based upon differences between the luminance of adjacent pixels in a selected region of an image produced by the camera. A visual or aural indication of the sharpness of focus is provided to the user to enable the user to focus the camera to the sharpest possible focus. Alternatively, the algorithm can be implemented by a processor within a camera so that a visual or aural indicator on the camera provides the indication of sharpness of focus as a user adjusts the focus of the camera.

Abstract: The invention comprises a method of preparing an imaged member comprising a substrate having an imagable coating on a face thereof, the method comprising the steps of: (a) imaging a precursor of the member to produce an imaged member which includes image and non-image areas on the coated face; and (b) treating the substrate to increase its dimensional stability, the treatment comprising at least one of: (i) effecting a change in the chemical structure of the substrate, or (ii) coating a non-coated face of the substrate with a fluid, gel, or particulate solid.

Abstract: A process for preparing a consumable beverage containing a natural dairy beverage additive in the form of agglomerated natural milk powder. The powder is combined with other ingredients, either prior to being placed in the vending machine or upon demand within the vending machine, for the subsequent creation of a consumable beverage which includes the natural dairy beverage additive.

Abstract: The invention comprises a precursor to an imaged member comprising a dimensionally stable substrate including an imagable coating, on a surface thereon, wherein the non-coated dimensionally stable substrate comprises dimensionally stable paper comprising at least one of the following characteristics: (i) an elastic yield such that the tensile force required to exceed the elastic yield is greater than 60 Nmm−2; (ii) a percentage elongation of the paper under a tensile load or strain at the elastic yield point smaller than 1%; and (iii) a Young's Modulus under tensile load greater than 7 GPa. The invention further extends to a method of manufacturing an imaged member from an imaged member precursor of the invention.

Abstract: A process for preparing a consumable beverage containing a natural dairy beverage additive in the form of agglomerated natural milk powder. The powder is combined with other ingredients, either prior to being placed in the vending machine or upon demand within the vending machine, for the subsequent creation of a consumable beverage which includes the natural dairy beverage additive.

Abstract: The invention comprises a method of preparing an imaged member comprising a substrate having an imagable coating on a face thereof, the method comprising the steps of:

Abstract: A method and apparatus for identifying a module installed in a base from a plurality of different modules and selecting a set of functions corresponding to the installed module. A preferred embodiment is the Intelli-Table™ toy that includes three modules, each of which can be installed into an annular channel in the base. When a module is installed, a unique pattern of recesses or flat surfaces on the bottom of the module is detected by a first set of switches in the channel. Based on the unique state of these switches, the base selects a set of functions corresponding to the installed module. Each module includes a plurality of different movable elements that activate a second set of switches in the base. Moving an element activates a switch, causing the base to perform a function unique to that element and to the module installed.