Abstract: A computer-implemented method and a computing system are provided for training a matting neural network to generate mattes for creating portraits to be used on identity documents. The matting neural network is trained by using standardized images conforming to a template which prescribes that each standardized image should depict a human face. A standardized image is obtained by adjusting an input image which includes an area representing a face of the person and was, e.g., taken with a camera, so that a relationship between the size of the adjusted input image and the distance between target points (which represent parts of the person) in the adjusted input image satisfies a condition determined by the template, and in the adjusted input image the area is in a position defined by the template.

Abstract: A method for managing design files shared by multiple users is provided. A plurality of design files are stored in a design library. A lock table is moved to a memory of a first computer when information of the lock table indicates that the design files were locked by a first process corresponding to a first user, wherein the memory is only accessible to performance of the first process. The lock table is moved from the memory to a common memory of the first computer when one design file is locked by a second process corresponding to a second user. The first and second processes are being performed in the first computer. The lock table is moved from the memory to the design library when the one design file is locked by the second process corresponding to the second user, wherein the second process is performed in a second computer.

Abstract: A method of control in a system, which includes a media reader and a host unit, includes configuring the host unit to detect whether the media reader is responding, and configuring the host unit to reset the media reader when it is detected that the media reader stops responding. A system that includes the media reader and the host unit is also disclosed.

Abstract: The ionic strength or the specific gravity of an aqueous test sample is determined by mixing the sample with a reagent composition on a test strip. The strip includes a bibulous carrier containing an organic phosphonic acid, such as 1-hydroxyethlidene-1,1 -Diphosphonic acid and aminotris(methylenephosphonic acid), or inorganic phosphate having one of the structure formulas, ##STR1## where M stands for one equivalent of an alkali metal, ammonium, lower alkyl ammonium, or hydrogen ion, with the proviso that at least one of the M is hydrogen; x is an integer ranging from zero to two and y is also an integer ranging from zero to one, and serving to buffer the metal ions, and a chromogenic indicator capable of providing a detectable response of the ions being sequestered and coordinated within the complex in the mixture.

Abstract: The ionic strength or the specific gravity of an aqueous test sample is determined by mixing the sample with a reagent composition on the test strips. The strips comprise a bibulous carrier containing an organic phosphonic acid, such as 1-hydroxyethlidene-1,1-diphosphonic acid and aminotris(methylenephosphonic acid), or inorganic phosphate having one of the structure formulas, ##STR1## where M stands for one equivalent of an alkali metal, ammonium, lower alkyl ammonium, or hydrogen ion, with the proviso that at least one of the M is hydrogen; x is an integer ranging from zero to two and y is also an integer ranging from zero to one, and serving to buffer the metal ions, and a chromogenic indicator capable of providing a detectable response of the ions being sequestered and coordinated within the complex in the mixture.