Abstract: A method of communication with a user includes initiating a campaign which in turn includes sending a series of communications to the user. Further, the method awards at least one credit to the user for each response received from the user relating to the series of communication, maintains a credit balance of the awarded at least one credit in a database and allows the user to redeem a quantity of credits from the credit balance on successfully responding to at least one of one or more conditions, the one or more conditions correspond to the campaign.

Abstract: A body implantable electrode includes a platinum wire or filament compressed and bundled into a serpentine configuration and retained within a platinum screen, thus to form a highly porous electrode. The electrode body is then surface treated by vapor deposition or vapor deposition in combination with electroplating, to provide an adhesion layer, a texturizing layer, and one or more catalytic cover layers. The texturizing layer, which can be titanium, carbon black or aluminum, is formed with multiple nodules and depressions which substantially increase the reactive surface area of the electrode. The catalytic layer can be platinum, platinum-black or platinum followed by a layer of carbon. The combination of macro porosity and micro texture provides an electrode that promotes tissue ingrowth after implant and maintains a low chronic stimulation threshold due to its large reactive surface area in proportion to its geometric size.

Abstract: A high quality image scanner is provided which processes multiple scanned images into a composite image with a large dynamic range. The two scanned images are processed to identify maximum local similarity.

Abstract: Laser scan/electrophotographic non-impact printer is disclosed which comprises one or more laser diodes mounted on a rotating turntable, the angular scan of the laser diode being generated by rotation of the turntable. An optical system is provided for each beam emitted from the laser diode to shape and direct the beam toward the photosensitive surface. The information is carried on the beam by modulating the beam with the information output of the computer at the source of the beam. To increase the efficiency of the output of the device, the front and rear surfaces of the laser diodes may both be used.To overcome the difficulty of providing the necessary power to drive the laser diodes to the rotating turntable, a power source comprising a solar cell array illuminated by a lamp is provided. Preferably, this solar cell array is mounted on a surface above the surface of the laser diodes, so that it is easily carried by the rotating turntable. A rotating battery or power generator could also be used.