Abstract: A sparse FIR filter can be used to process an image in order to rectify imaging artifacts. In a first example application, the sparse FIR filter is applied as a selective sparse FIR filter that examines a set of selected neighboring pixels of an original pixel in order to identify smooth areas of the image and to selectively apply filtering to only the smooth areas of the image. The parameters of selective filtering are selected based on the characteristics of an inter-layer predictor. In a second example application, the sparse FIR filter is applied as an edge aware selective sparse FIR filter that examines additional neighboring pixels to the set of selected pixels in order to identify edges and carry out selective filtering of smooth areas of the image. Examples for detecting and removing banding artifacts during the coding of high-dynamic range images are provided.

Abstract: A back plate, a method for manufacturing the back plate and a backlight module are provided. The method for manufacturing the back plate includes the following steps. A main body is provided. The main body includes a bottom portion and at least one sidewall connected to the bottom portion. The sidewall has a plurality of grooves, and each of the grooves has a first side surface and a second side surface. A first recess and a second recess corresponding to the first recess are respectively disposed on the first side surface and the second side surface. An external force is applied on the bottom portion to form each of the bottom portion and the sidewalls into arc shape, in which the first side surface contacts the second side surface of each groove, and a hole portion is formed between the first recess and the second recess.

Abstract: Methods and compositions of improving plant yield by introducing into a plant the K-domain of a MADS box gene are disclosed. The expression of the K-domain provides plants with altered flower development, plant size and leaf development.

Abstract: A back plate, a method for manufacturing the back plate and a backlight module are provided. The method for manufacturing the back plate includes the following steps. A main body is provided. The main body includes a bottom portion and at least one sidewall connected to the bottom portion. The sidewall has a plurality of grooves, and each of the grooves has a first side surface and a second side surface. A first recess and a second recess corresponding to the first recess are respectively disposed on the first side surface and the second side surface. An external force is applied on the bottom portion to form each of the bottom portion and the sidewalls into arc shape, in which the first side surface contacts the second side surface of each groove, and a hole portion is formed between the first recess and the second recess.

Abstract: A sparse FIR filter can be used to process an image in order to rectify imaging artifacts. In a first example application, the sparse FIR filter is applied as a selective sparse FIR filter that examines a set of selected neighboring pixels of an original pixel in order to identify smooth areas of the image and to selectively apply filtering to only the smooth areas of the image. The parameters of selective filtering are selected based on the characteristics of an inter-layer predictor. In a second example application, the sparse FIR filter is applied as an edge aware selective sparse FIR filter that examines additional neighboring pixels to the set of selected pixels in order to identify edges and carry out selective filtering of smooth areas of the image. Examples for detecting and removing banding artifacts during the coding of high-dynamic range images are provided.

Abstract: A clamping assembly includes a base, a clamping block, a first linkage, and a second linkage. The clamping block includes a rotating portion and a clamping portion. The rotating portion is rotatably connected to the base. The clamping portion extends out from the rotating portion towards the base. The first linkage is rotatably connected to the base, and includes a first rod portion and a second rod portion extending from the first rod portion. The second linkage includes a third rod portion and a fourth rod portion extending from the third rod portion. The third rod portion rotatably connects with the first rod portion. The fourth rod portion rotatably connects with the rotating portion of the clamping block.

Abstract: A system and method for enabling content to be displayable in association with a local client printing system associated with a printer provider. The local client printing system, in response to commands entered through the user interface, communicates with a remote printer provider server to retrieve displayable content associated with the commands entered through a user interface. The local client printing system, in response to commands entered through the user interface, communicates with the remote printer provider server to identify the display device upon which the retrieved displayable content is to be displayed. The display device receives, from the remote printer provider server, the retrieved displayable content and displays the retrieved displayable content thereupon.

Abstract: A system and method for providing printing services to a mobile device connected to a network provides a remote print service provider server and local printers. The mobile device transmits a printer location request to the remote print service provider server. The remote print service provider server determines a physical location of the mobile device; determines which local printers are located within a predetermined parameter of the physical location of the mobile device; and transmits information to the mobile device identifying physical locations of local printers with respect to the physical location of the mobile device. The mobile device selects a local printer identified by the remote print service provider server and transmits, to the remote print service provider server, a print request. The remote print service provider server transmits the print request to the selected local printer.

Abstract: A system and method provide a la carte reproduction services wherein a printing system is capable of performing multiple operational printing modes, but is configured, in a normal operational printing state, to perform a subset of the multiple operational printing modes. The printing system includes a user interface to enable a user to select an operational printing mode. The printing system, in response to a user selecting an operational printing mode not included in subset of the multiple operational printing modes, communicates with a printer service provider server to request authorization to perform the user selected operational printing mode. The printer service provider server requests predetermined information from the printing system, and, upon processing and verification of information received from the printing system, configures the printing system to perform the selected operational printing mode.

Abstract: A multifunctional castor with steering, directional and brake functions and is provided with a mounting seat, a rotary seat, an engaging member, a wheel, a brake swing member, a longitudinal rod assembly, an engaging assembly, a transverse rod, a brake pedal and a brake-release pedal. Pressing down or pushing up the brake pedal can activate the steering, direction and brake functions of the castor, and then the steering, direction and brake functions of the castor can be deactivated by controlling the brake-release pedal.

Abstract: A castor with separate brake device and brake release device is provided with a shell, a brake piece, a brake unit and a brake-release unit. The brake unit and the brake-release unit are two separate members, while they are interactively linked by a push portion and the notch portion, so as to ensure the accuracy of the brake operation. Whenever the castor is in a brake-activated status or brake-deactivated status, the brake pedal and the brake-release pedal pivot in opposite direction to present different angles, which makes it easier for the user to see the status of the castor (in brake position or non-brake position), and prevents confusion or accidental operation.

Abstract: A clamping mechanism includes a positioning member, a support plate, a frame, a fastening assembly, and an operating assembly. The support plate defines a through hole. The fastening assembly is fixed to the frame. The fastening assembly includes a fastening member and an elastic member. The positioning member extends through the through hole of the support plate, and is fastened by the fastening member under an elastic force of the elastic member. The operating assembly resists the fastening member, thereby driving the fastening member away from the positioning member.

Abstract: A castor with separate brake device and brake release device is provided with a shell, a brake piece, a brake unit and a brake-release unit. The brake unit and the brake-release unit are two separate members, while they are interactively linked by a push portion and the notch portion, so as to ensure the accuracy of the brake operation. Whenever the castor is in a brake-activated status or brake-deactivated status, the brake pedal and the brake-release pedal pivot in opposite direction to present different angles, which makes it easier for the user to see the status of the castor (in brake position or non-brake position), and prevents confusion or accidental operation.

Abstract: A multifunctional castor with steering, directional and brake functions and is provided with a mounting seat, a rotary seat, an engaging member, a wheel, a brake swing member, a longitudinal rod assembly, an engaging assembly, a transverse rod, a brake pedal and a brake-release pedal. Pressing down or pushing up the brake pedal can activate the steering, direction and brake functions of the castor, and then the steering, direction and brake functions of the castor can be deactivated by controlling the brake-release pedal.

Abstract: A positioning apparatus includes a base plate and a deflection mechanism mounted upon the base plate. The deflection mechanism includes a stationary platform, a rocker assembly and a deflection platform. The stationary platform is mounted over the base plate for placing and positioning a workpiece. The deflection platform is tiltably mounted over the stationary platform via the rocker assembly and the height of the stationary platform itself is adjustable. The rocker assembly comprises a first rocker and a second rocker of different lengths.

Abstract: A method of forming CuFeS2 chalcopyrite nanoparticles. The method includes, in the presence of one or more ligands, reacting an iron-containing compound, a copper-containing compound and a sulfur-containing compound to form CuFeS2 chalcopyrite nanoparticles; and wherein at least one of the ligands forms a coordination complex with copper, and at least one of the ligands forms a coordination complex with iron. Also a method of forming metal-doped CuFeS2 chalcopyrite nanoparticles such as Zn-doped CuFeS2 chalcopyrite nanoparticles. Also, a CuFeS2 chalcopyrite nanoparticle layer on a substrate. Also, a composition of matter including Zn-doped CuFeS2 chalcopyrite nanoparticles. Also, a Zn-doped CuFeS2 chalcopyrite nanoparticle layer on a substrate.

Abstract: An electronic device of the present application includes a case (1), a stem-shaped leg (3), and a leg fixing part (4). The leg fixing part (4) is provided on one face of the case (1) and includes a case thread ridge portion (4a) that is formed on an inside face of a hole, into which the leg (3) is inserted, and that is divided into isolated thread ridge portions. A peripheral face of a stem portion of the leg (3) has a first screw structure portion (3a), which is engaged with the case thread ridge portion (4a), and a second screw structure portion (3b) which is engaged with the case thread ridge portion (4a) before being engaged with the first screw structure portion (3a). The second screw structure portion (3b) has a guide portion (5a) and an idle turn inducing portion (5b). The guide portion (5a) guides the case thread ridge portion (4a) to the second screw structure portion (3b) when the leg (3) is inserted into the hole while being turned in a direction in which the leg (3) enters the case (1).

Abstract: A method for molecular haplotyping of a subject is disclosed. The method comprises: randomly selecting a set of chromosomes in each of a plurality of lyzed diploid cells of the subject, collecting the selected chromosomes from said plurality of cells into a plurality of sample tubes, wherein each sample tube contains chromosomes selected from one or more cells, genotyping genomic DNA in each sample tube, and determining haplotype of the alleles based on allele nucleotide sequence information and corresponding nucleotide signal intensities from genotyping data. Other methods for molecular haplotyping using single cell lysate or single cell microdissection are also disclosed.