Abstract: An improved system and method for an extensible metadata architecture for digital images is provided. Executable software code may be operably coupled to a metadata query reader and a metadata query writer for requesting operations for manipulating metadata in an image file. The metadata query reader may be operably coupled to a decoder having a block reader for identifying metadata blocks in an image file and associating a metadata reader with each metadata block. Each metadata reader may then enumerate the metadata in the metadata block associated with that metadata reader. The metadata query writer may be operably coupled to an encoder having a block writer for associating a metadata writer with each metadata block to be written to an image file. Each metadata writer may then write metadata in the metadata block associated with that metadata writer.

Abstract: An improved system and method for an extensible metadata architecture for digital images is provided. Executable software code may be operably coupled to a metadata query reader and a metadata query writer for requesting operations for manipulating metadata in an image file. The metadata query reader may be operably coupled to a decoder having a block reader for identifying metadata blocks in an image file and associating a metadata reader with each metadata block. Each metadata reader may then enumerate the metadata in the metadata block associated with that metadata reader. The metadata query writer may be operably coupled to an encoder having a block writer for associating a metadata writer with each metadata block to be written to an image file. Each metadata writer may then write metadata in the metadata block associated with that metadata writer.

Abstract: An improved system and method for an extensible codec architecture for digital images is provided. Executable software code may be operably coupled to a codec manager for requesting imaging operations to be performed on a digital image. The codec manager may receive the request to perform an imaging operation on the digital image and may select an imaging component, such as a codec, from one or more imaging components registered in the computer system for performing an imaging operation on the digital image. An arbitration manager may include functionality for requesting enumeration of the operations an imaging component may perform on a particular digital image. One or more pixel format converters may then convert the pixel format in the digital image to a pixel format supported by an imaging component installed on the system.

Abstract: A computing environment can dynamically respond to user preferences and personal abilities by enabling computer users to configure their computing experience by implicitly gathering information about the users' needs. The system can detect users' issues during the natural course of interaction with the system and offer to make adjustments to make their tasks simpler and more enjoyable. The system can allow for the configuration of settings that can impact users' abilities to receive important information from the system or provide input to the system.

Abstract: The invention embeds an emulation module in removable media, for use in replicating an operating environment on a laptop or other remote machines. The emulation module prompts the user to capture environmental settings on an originating machine, such as display settings, network settings, input/output, applications, working data files and other parameters on a removable media. The user may then insert the removable media in a compatible reader attached to the laptop or other secondary or host machine, and upon activation of the emulation module reproduce the screen display, applications, data files and other resources on the host machine. When the user is finished working on the host machine, the emulation module may restore the settings of the operating environment on that machine to their preexisting state. Working data may be synchronized between the originating and host machines.

Abstract: A compressed building block formed of a pre-mix of fly ash, either of the Class C type, is combined with either ground or pulverized wood chips, or with fine sand, and a plasticizer, and accelerator, then moisturized, and lastly either extruded or compressed in a mold into the configuration of a block. The block lacks a binder, except Portland cement for select military applications. A mold retardant may be added to the mixture, to provide the formed block with further beneficial attributes. The blocks may be formed by a system for extruding such blocks from the formulation, or they may be formed by means of a hydraulic or other press and pressed into the configuration of the desired block, needed for the construction.

Abstract: Disclosed is a theme property sheet system that supports presentation themes by coordinating values provided to elements used in a user interface. When an interface user expresses a preference for a particular presentation theme, that theme's property sheet is given precedence over other mechanisms for setting property values. By appropriately setting these values in the interface, the theme property sheet enhances the coherence of the interface. The theme property sheet allows an interface designer to add new presentation elements to a user interface without being concerned about presentation themes. The default for each property as set by the designer is overridden, when necessary, by the theme sheet. In a few particular cases, an application designer needs to override even the user's theme preferences. A mechanism is provided to support these exceptional cases.

Abstract: The invention embeds an emulation module in removable media, for use in replicating an operating environment on a laptop or other remote machines. The emulation module prompts the user to capture environmental settings on an originating machine, such as display settings, network settings, input/output, applications, working data files and other parameters on a removable media. The user may then insert the removable media in a compatible reader attached to the laptop or other secondary or host machine, and upon activation of the emulation module reproduce the screen display, applications, data files and other resources on the host machine. When the user is finished working on the host machine, the emulation module may restore the settings of the operating environment on that machine to their preexisting state. Working data may be synchronized between the originating and host machines.

Abstract: A method and system for adapting a computing device in response to changes in an environment surrounding the computing device, or in response to the user's stated preferences. The computing device includes one or more sensors that sense the environment. A changed characteristic of the environment is detected. A determination is made as to one or more settings to change in response to the changed characteristic. Then one or more of the settings are changed to cause the computing device to interact with the user in a different mode. A mode may include which inputs, outputs, and/or processes are used to communicate with the user. A mode may also include how an application formats output or receives input.

Abstract: Described herein are APIs that enable generating identifier information for a user interface element of interest within a user interface of a computer program based on a description of a hierarchical element path comprising parent elements that the user interface element inherits from. Unlike more fragile identifiers, an element path identifier persists across instances of the computer program, across different computers, across different builds of the program etc. Also described herein, are APIs that enable searching for a location of a user interface element of interest in a target program using the element path identifier for the user interface. The element path identifier may be represented in a string data type or a user defined data type. APIs for converting between a user-defined data type and a string type and vice versa are also provided. The element path identifier may be composed from common identifier information of component elements of an element path.

Abstract: A method and system providing a client with user interface information are described. The method and system implement a set of application program interfaces for providing user interface information to a client through an accessibility system. The accessibility system includes a mechanism for transferring user interface information from a provider side to the client side and a logical tree for selectively revealing user interface information. The application program interface system includes client side application program interfaces for assisting the client in obtaining user interface information. The client side application program interfaces include an automation class, a logical element class, a raw element class, control pattern classes, and an input class. The provider side application program interfaces include a provider automation class, a provider automation interface, a raw element interface, and control pattern provider interfaces.

Abstract: A method and system providing a client with user interface information are described. An event mechanism within a client-server environment for keeping a client notified of user interface events. The event mechanism comprises a registration mechanism for allowing the client to register to receive interesting user interface information. A user interface automation client receives registration information from the client and conveys the interesting user interface information to the client upon receipt. A user interface automation server receives registration information from the user interface automation client and advises a user interface engine of the registration. The user interface automation server additionally receives the user interface information from the user interface engine.

Abstract: A method and system for providing user interface information through the use of a logical element tree are provided. The logical element tree is provided within a client side interface. The logical element tree provides user interface information to a client. The logical element tree includes a plurality of logical elements, each representing a user interface component. The logical element tree additionally includes a framework for connecting the logical elements so that the connected logical elements provide a logical representation of a user interface. A computer-implemented method for constructing a logical element tree includes locating native elements of underlying application technologies. The method further includes combining native elements to form a raw element tree and determining which portions of the raw element tree are interesting to the client. Finally, the logical element tree is constructed by inserting hints in the raw element tree to modify portions of the raw element tree.

Abstract: A method and system providing a client with user interface information are described. An accessibility system for providing user interface information to a client. The accessibility system comprises an accessibility system core including user interface automation services and APIs. The user interface automation tools filter information based on whether the user interface information is interesting to the client. The accessibility system additionally comprises a client side interface including a logical tree for revealing user interface information that is interesting to the client and for hiding user interface information that is not interesting to the client. The accessibility system also comprises a server side interface for facilitating information transfer from a server side regardless of the server side technology.

Abstract: The invention provides compounds having the formula: wherein Rf is CnF2n+1—(CH2)m—, wherein n is 1 to 22 and m is 0, or an integer from 1 to 3; X is —CO2—, —SO3—, —CONH—, —O—, —S— a covalent bond, —SO2NR—, or —NR—, wherein R is H or C1 to C5 alkylene; Y is —CH2— wherein z is 0 or 1; and R1 is H, lower alkyl or Rf—X—Yz— with the provisos that when X is —S—, or —O—, m is 0, sand z is 0, n is ≧7 and when X is a covalent bond, m or z is at least 1, and uses thereof.

Abstract: The invention features a non-invasive method for diagnosing bovine spongiform encephalopathy in a mammal, e.g., a cow. The method entails measuring changes in pupil area in response to a neurotransmitter agonist or antagonist applied to the eye.

Abstract: A [(Pt/Co/Pt)/Pd] multilayer thin film (40) provides improved perpendicular anisotropy and magnetic coercivity relative to Pt/Co multilayer thin films (10) without reducing the Kerr rotations provided by the component Pt/Co layers (44, 48, 46). [(Pt/Co/Pt)/Pd] multilayer thin films (40) comprise a substrate (26), an optional underlayer (110) including a crystallographically textured layer (114) of Pt and a crystallographically textured layer (116) of Pd, and several quadlayers (42) of Pt, Co, and Pd forming a periodic array (43) in the direction of the normal to the substrate (26). Each quadlayer (42) of the periodic array (43) typically comprises a first layer (44) of Pt atoms approximately one to two atomic monolayers thick, a layer (46) of Co between one and three atomic monolayers thick, a second layer (48) of Pt of substantially the same thickness as the first layer (44) of Pt, and a layer (50) of Pd that is at least as thick as the Pt layers.

Abstract: A method for making oriented thin films of a ternary intermetallic compound and such films having a tetragonal structure and generally uniaxial magnetic, optical, electronic, and mechanical properties, as well as a generally lower Curie temperature than oriented binary intermetallic films. The steps of the method involve selecting a substrate material for biasing the orientation of the ternary intermetallic compound and exhibiting no chemical reactiveness to the ternary intermetallic compound. Preferably, such substrate is a single crystal, such as MgO or Al.sub.2 O.sub.3, or an amorphous material such as pure SiO.sub.2, amorphous carbon, or glass. In a second step the substrate is heated to a temperature above 450.degree. C. and then, a first metal, a second metal, and a third metal are simultaneously deposited on the substrate material.

Abstract: Packaging is provided for canisters of hazardous materials. The packaging includes a box and identical upper and lower cushions which isolate the canister within the box so that the canister is spaced from the walls of the box and prevented from moving within the box. The cushions include outer, middle, and inner portions which are hinged together to define three layers. The middle and inner portions each have a hole formed in the center thereof. The inner portion hole is slightly larger than the middle portion hole to accommodate lock rings which are used to maintain the canister lid closed. In one embodiment, the middle and inner portions each define knockouts which may be removed to enlarge the size of the respective holes. This allows for a single cushion to selectively be used with one of at least two canister sizes.

Abstract: A pressure-sensitive adhesive layer is crosslinked between carboxyl groups along one surface by polyvalent cations, thus making that surface substantially tack-free while leaving at least one broad surface of the layer tacky and pressure-sensitive. When a broad surface of the adhesive layer is thus made completely tack-free, the adhesive layer can be wound upon itself in roll form without a backing for convenient storage and shipment. Preferably a low-adhesion backsize coating covers the broad tack-free surface to insure that the adhesive layer can be unwound after prolonged storage without delaminating.