Abstract: This disclosure provides systems, methods, and apparatus related to imaging elements. In one aspect, a system includes an electromagnetic radiation source, a detector, and an imaging element. The electromagnetic radiation source is configured to generate electromagnetic radiation. The imaging element is configured to simultaneously project a plurality of images of an object onto the detector after the electromagnetic radiation interacts with the object. Each of the plurality of images of the object has different properties from others of the plurality of images.

Abstract: A novel micron-scale lens, a microlens, is engineered to concentrate light efficiently onto an area of interest, such as a small, light-sensitive detector element in an integrated electronic device. Existing microlens designs imitate the form of large-scale lenses and are less effective at small sizes. The microlenses described herein have been designed to accommodate diffraction effects, which dominate the behavior of light at small length scales. Thus a new class of light-concentrating optical elements with much higher relative performance has been created. Furthermore, the new designs are much easier to fabricate than previous designs.

Abstract: A novel micron-scale lens, a microlens, is engineered to concentrate light efficiently onto an area of interest, such as a small, light-sensitive detector element in an integrated electronic device. Existing microlens designs imitate the form of large-scale lenses and are less effective at small sizes. The microlenses described herein have been designed to accommodate diffraction effects, which dominate the behavior of light at small length scales. Thus a new class of light-concentrating optical elements with much higher relative performance has been created. Furthermore, the new designs are much easier to fabricate than previous designs.

Abstract: An archiving method that includes a step of identifying a residential property. Items contained within the residential property can be categorized. Entries for each of the categorized items can be recorded within a household asset tracking database. Digital images of the residential property can be obtained, where the digital images are images taken of actual items of the residential property. The digital images can be linked to the entries for the items which are shown in the digital pictures. The linked images and entries can be stored in a data store remotely located from the residential property. An authorized user can be provided with searchable access to the entries and linked images of data store.

Abstract: A method for handling information associated with property information in conjunction with a recordation service. The method including a step of enrolling a client with a recordation service. During the enrolling step the client can identify a property. The property can have at least one building located upon it. An agent can be sent to the property. The agent can capture images of the building. The images can be digitally stored in a data store remotely located from the property. A communication can be received from an authorized entity to access the images. Responsive to the communication, the authorized entity can be provided with at least a selected one of the digitally stored images.

Abstract: Disclosed is a system for percutaneously steering a surgical needle. Needle steering is accomplished by taking advantage of a deflection force imparted on the bevel tip of the needle by the tissue medium as the needle is pushed through the tissue. By controlling the translation speed and rotation angle of the bevel, a flexible needle may be steered substantially without deflecting or distorting the tissue. The control inputs (translation speed and rotation angle) are computed based on a “bicycle” non-holonomic kinematic model that is a function of mechanical properties of the tissue medium. The system may be used with image-based feedback, which may provide for feedback-based refinement of the model as the needle propagates through the tissue.

Abstract: A system providing members with cash rewards and other promotional benefits for purchases that they make from vendors participating in a network. Additional benefits may be furnished by manufacturers and/or distributors on the purchase of specific products, services, or brands. The amount of member benefits with respect to any period may be subject to a network-wide and/or vendor-specific cap. The members' cash rewards and other promotional benefits are charged to the participating vendors. These vendor charges are allocated among the vendors in proportion to their respective shares of network-wide sales to members. Members pay membership fees to the central system. All or part of the membership fees are paid over to the participating vendors, or are credited against their vendor charges.

Abstract: A game and method for playing a game is provided. The game includes a field of play depicting a race track or course divided into spaces for the movement of tokens from start to finish. The game involves dice or another random data generator that produces data corresponding to the tokens, with each token advancing one space forward with each production of the item of data to which it corresponds. The possible outcomes of the game have varying probabilities of occurring. These probabilities depend on the different preferences and handicaps that are placed on the occurrence of the possible outcomes relative to each other. Players can select possible outcomes and can make a wager on the occurrence of their selected outcomes. Payouts are made on selections that actually occur based on their probabilities and any probability modifications made by the Sponsor.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for at-wavelength EUV mask-blank characterization for inspection of moderate and low spatial frequency coating uniformity using a synchrotron or other source of EUV light. The apparatus provides for rapid, non-destruction, non-contact, at-wavelength qualification of large mask areas, and can be self-calibrating or be calibrated to well-characterized reference samples. It can further check for spatial variation of mask reflectivity or for global differences among masks. The apparatus and method is particularly suited for inspection of coating uniformity and quality and can detect defects in the order of 50 ?m and above.

Abstract: A serving tray stand includes two frames pivotably coupled at a pivot point located on a common axis. The frames may be substantially the same size and coupled offset from each other, or differently sized and coupled one inside the other. Also included are two cross bars, each attached to one of the frames below its pivot point. The cross bars are connected to each other by at least one restraining strap.

Abstract: A cigarette receptacle and information display assembly including a base forming a cavity therein. The base is removably attached to an upper portion, which comprises a cover and a tube. The cover covers the cavity and is coupled to the tube. A passageway is formed within the tube, and the tube has openings at bottom and top ends of the tube so that the passageway is in communication with the cavity. A crown having an opening formed therein is positioned over the top end of the tube. Smoking refuse is inserted into the crown opening and is directed through the passageway and into the cavity, where the refuse is concealed and extinguished. An information display unit is coupled to the tube so that passers-by and smokers are exposed to the information displayed in the display unit.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for at-wavelength EUV mask-blank characterization for inspection of moderate and low spatial frequency coating uniformity using a synchrotron or other source of EUV light. The apparatus provides for rapid, non-destruction, non-contact, at-wavelength qualification of large mask areas, and can be self-calibrating or be calibrated to well-characterized reference samples. It can further check for spatial variation of mask reflectivity or for global differences among masks. The apparatus and method is particularly suited for inspection of coating uniformity and quality and can detect defects in the order of 50 &mgr;m and above.

Abstract: An event-driven GUI-based image acquisition interface for the IDL programming environment designed for CCD camera control and image acquisition directly into the IDL environment where image manipulation and data analysis can be performed, and a toolbox of real-time analysis applications. Running the image acquisition hardware directly from IDL removes the necessity of first saving images in one program and then importing the data into IDL for analysis in a second step. Bringing the data directly into IDL creates an opportunity for the implementation of IDL image processing and display functions in real-time. program allows control over the available charge coupled device (CCD) detector parameters, data acquisition, file saving and loading, and image manipulation and processing, all from within IDL. The program is built using IDL's widget libraries to control the on-screen display and user interface.

Abstract: Interferometric methods are presented to facilitate alignment of image-plane components within an interferometer and for the magnified viewing of interferometer masks in situ. Fourier-transforms are performed on intensity patterns that are detected with the interferometer and are used to calculate pseudo-images of the electric field in the image plane of the test optic where the critical alignment of various components is being performed. Fine alignment is aided by the introduction and optimization of a global contrast parameter that is easily calculated from the Fourier-transform.

Abstract: A collapsible storage rack assembly includes a plurality of upstanding, generally inverted U-shaped frame members between which extend a plurality of vertically spaced, hingedly collapsible shelf assemblies. The storage rack construction is preassembled, and can be easily and quickly opened for use by moving the frame members away from each other. In a similar manner, the storage rack can be easily collapsed by moving the frame members toward each other and into juxtaposition, with the shelf assemblies collapsing by upward hinging movement. In the closed and collapsed position, the shelf assemblies are substantially completely nested within the frame members, thereby facilitating convenient handling, shipment, and storage of the construction.