Abstract: A method of transporting and processing a set of three-dimensional dentition models includes (a) providing a container having an outer shell containing a shock-absorbing core, wherein the core defines a plurality of compartments each configured to hold one model in the set of three-dimensional dentition models; (b) loading each of the dentition models into its respective compartment; (c) transporting the container to a processing site; and (d) processing the dentition models while they are in the container.

Abstract: System and method for providing a passivation layer for a phase shift mask (“PSM”) are described. In one embodiment, a PSM comprises a transparent substrate; a phase shift pattern disposed on the transparent substrate; and a passivation layer disposed to substantially cover exposed surfaces of at least a portion of the phase shift pattern.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus enabling use of a light source emitting a light of changing intensity and changing spectrum as a flash with a camera module having a white-balance routine and an exposure routine, wherein an initial value representative of a color spectrum emitted by the light source is transmitted to the camera module, the light source is turned on, and the camera module is signaled to scan a plurality of images of the scene while the light source is turned on, allowing the white-balance and exposure algorithms to be employed with each image scanned to refine the first initial value to refine the degree of compensation employed in correcting a color and a light level in the last one of the images of the plurality of images scanned.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus enabling use of a light source emitting a spectrum of light not following characteristics of a blackbody source of light with a camera module programmed for use with light sources following characteristics of blackbody sources of light, wherein a white-balance patch is transmitted to the camera module to cause the camera module to accept color coordinates representing a point on a chromaticity chart that partly defines a region of color coordinates on the chromaticity chart into which color coordinates of the light source fall and to which color coordinates of a reference white color derived by a white-balance routine of the camera module are constrained.

Abstract: An improved handheld electronic device and camera apparatus upon which can be executed an improved method enable a modular camera to be used in conjunction with a flash. In one implementation, compensation parameters that are intended for use in a non-flash situation are overwritten with compensation parameters that are configured to compensate for the combined effects of the camera and the flash and are used by an embedded compensation routine executed on the camera. In another implementation, an image signal is processed by the embedded compensation routine using the original compensation parameters, but if it is determined that the image signal is a flash image signal, the image signal is further processed by the embedded compensation routine employing an additional set of parameters which compensate the image signal for the effect of the flash.

Abstract: A touchscreen liquid crystal display that includes a liquid crystal display including a viewing surface, a liquid crystal area containing liquid crystal located behind the viewing surface, a plurality of spaced apart elongate first electrodes located on a viewing surface side of the liquid crystal area and a plurality of spaced apart elongate second electrodes located on an opposite side of the liquid crystal area, the first and second electrodes overlapping to form an array of liquid crystal pixel elements, at least some of the first electrodes being displaceable towards the second electrodes in response to external pressure applied to the viewing surface. A control circuit is connected to the first and second electrodes for controlling the operation of the liquid crystal display.

Abstract: A mask and method for forming the same including carrying out a photolithographic patterning process the method including providing a substantially light transparent portion; forming a substantially light shielding layer disposed over the substantially light transparent portion; forming at least one barrier layer disposed over the substantially light shielding layer; forming a resist layer disposed over the at least one barrier layer; patterning the resist layer for producing a circuitry pattern; and, carrying out an etching process according to the circuitry pattern to expose a portion of the substantially light transparent portion to form a mask.

Abstract: A dual-chamber package for the constituent materials for preparing an alginate dental impression paste includes a first chamber containing a pre-measured volume of water, and a second chamber, attached to and isolated from, the first chamber, and containing a pre-measured quantity of alginate powder, wherein the quantity of powder and the volume of water are in a pre-determined ratio for making a dental impression paste when mixed together. The powder and the water may be mixed outside of the package by dispensing the water and the powder respectively from the first and second chambers. Alternatively, the powder and water may be mixed within the second chamber by breaching a barrier between the first and second chambers to allow water to flow from the first chamber into the second chamber, after which the alginate dental impression paste is dispensed from the second chamber.

Abstract: A touchscreen liquid crystal display, method for using a liquid crystal display as a user input, and a mobile electronic device are provided.

Abstract: A container for transporting set of three-dimensional dentition models includes an outer shell containing a shock-absorbing core, wherein the core includes compartments configured to receive separately a bite registration and upper and lower dental arch models. The shell and core are preferably transparent to a pre-selected scanning radiation A method of transporting and processing a set of dentition models includes the steps of (a) providing a container having an outer shell and an inner shock-absorbing core configured to hold a bite registration and upper and lower dental arch models in separate compartments; (b) loading the bite registration and the dental arch models into their respective compartments; (c) transporting the container to a processing site; and (d) processing (e.g., by scanning) the dental arch models and the bite registration while they are in the container. The container containing the dental arch models and the bite registration may then be stored.

Abstract: A method is set forth for automatically adjusting screen and keypad brightness on a mobile electronic device having a light sensor, display screen and keypad, for optimum legibility under varying lighting conditions, with minimal eye strain and distraction to the user. The method includes obtaining light level samples from the light sensor, and independently adjusting backlight intensity of the display screen and keypad responsive to the light level samples. Preferably, correct screen and keypad adjustments are made responsive to the user pulling his or her handheld device out of its holster notwithstanding non-optimal ambient light detection while the device is being removed from the holster. According to another aspect, the described method allows for ambient light detection in a handheld device where the light sensor and a message notification indicator share a common light pipe.

Abstract: A touchscreen liquid crystal display that includes a liquid crystal display including a viewing surface, a liquid crystal area containing liquid crystal located behind the viewing surface, a plurality of spaced apart elongate first electrodes located on a viewing surface side of the liquid crystal area and a plurality of spaced apart elongate second electrodes located on an opposite side of the liquid crystal area, the first and second electrodes overlapping to form an array of liquid crystal pixel elements, at least some of the first electrodes being displaceable towards the second electrodes in response to external pressure applied to the viewing surface. A control circuit is connected to the first and second electrodes for controlling the operation of the liquid crystal display.

Abstract: Set top box including an IR module, a decoder, a reset unit, a super I.O. and a CPU. The IR module serves to receive controlling signal code sent from a remote controller. The controlling code is decoded by the decoder. According to the decoding result, the decoder selectively generates a first decoding signal to control the reset unit to execute reset operation or generate a second decoding signal which is sent through the super I.O. to the CPU to execute screen power-saving operation.