Abstract: Processor-controlled objects, such as inter-communicating processor-controlled blocks, are adapted to present changeable individual characterizations to a user. A user manipulating the objects can cause, over time, a designated object to inherit characterizations and properties from other interacting objects to permit scalability in a set of such objects. The communication of individual characterization between interacting objects allows generation of sensory responses (in a response generator of a specific object or otherwise in a response generator associated with at least one other similar objects) based on proximity, relative position and the individual characterization presented on and by those interacting objects at the time of interaction. In this way, a set of objects has vastly extended interactive capabilities since each object is capable of dynamically taking on different characterizations arising from a meaningful combination of properties from different conjoined objects.

Abstract: Processor-controlled objects, such as inter-communicating processor-controlled blocks, present changeable individual characterizations to a user. The objects comprise a processor, a power source, a communications unit, a response generator and a proximity sensor adapted to sense the close proximity and relative position of similar objects. A user manipulating the objects can cause, over time, designated objects to inherit characterizations and properties from other interacting objects to permit scalability in a set of such objects. Interactions further generate sensory responses in the response generator of a specific object or otherwise in a response generator associated with another similar object based on proximity, relative position and the individual characterization presented on and by those interacting objects at the time of interaction.

Abstract: A manually manipulable device adapted to present an individual characterization to a user comprising a processor, a power source, a communications unit, a response generator, and a proximity sensor adapted to sense the close proximity of a similar device, such that a user can manipulate the device and generate a sensory response in the response generator or a response generator of another, at least similar, device, in accordance with the proximity of the other device.

Abstract: The invention provides a transparent conducting film which comprises a compound of formula (I): Zn1-x[M]xO1-y[X]y(I) wherein: x is greater than 0 and less than or equal to 0.25; y is from 0 to 0.1; [X] is at least one dopant element which is a halogen; and [M] is: (a) a dopant element which is selected from: a group 14 element other than carbon; a lanthanide element which has an oxidation state of +4; and a transition metal which has an oxidation state of +4 and which is other than Ti or Zr; or (b) a combination of two or more different dopant elements, at least one of which is selected from: a group 14 element other than carbon; a lanthanide element which has an oxidation state of +4; and a transition metal which has an oxidation state of +4 and which is other than Ti or Zr. The invention further provides coatings comprising the films of the invention, processes for producing such films and coatings, and various uses of the films and coatings.

Abstract: A method of producing NH2 (R2), the method comprising reacting a metal hydride with a compound having the general formula: M1x (BH4)y (NH2 (R2))n wherein M1 comprises one or more of Li, Na, K, Rb, Cs, Be, Mg, Ca, Sr, Ba, La, Al, Ga and Sc; 0<n?4; R2 comprises —H, alkyl and an aromatic substituent; and x and y are selected so as to maintain electroneutrality.

Abstract: A manually manipulable device adapted to present an individual characterisation to a user comprising a processor, a power source, a communications unit, a response generator, and a proximity sensor adapted to sense the close proximity of a similar device, such that a user can manipulate the device and generate a sensory response in said response generator or a response generator of another, at least similar, device, in accordance with the proximity of said other device.

Abstract: A service platform provides automated speech based services over a telephone network. It includes a speech processor with associated memory, to provide services such as speech recognition, speaker recognition, speaker verification and speech synthesis. A line interface terminates a number of telephony channels of the network while a speech bus carries speech signals between the line interface and the speech processor. A control processor controls routing of speech signals over the speech bus and a control bus connects the control processor with the speech processor and the line interface. A separate memory holds speech processing software and a data link connects the memory with the speech processor to load programs into the speech processor during run time in the event that appropriate software does not exist on the speech processor in a free state.

Abstract: Thin films of 2H .alpha.-silicon carbide are produced by pulsed laser ablation.