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A display assembly having a first backlit display including a first panel with a first color image formed thereon, the first color image including a first transparent portion of a first color and a second transparent portion of a second color, a second panel including a first transparent portion of a first color and an opaque portion so that light from the light source does not pass through a corresponding portion of the first panel, and a light source that emits at least a first color light and a second color light, wherein the first color of the first transparent portion of the first panel is a different color than the first color of the first transparent portion of the second panel, and light from the light source passes through the first transparent portions of both the first panel and the second panel.

1. A display assembly, comprising: a first backlit display, including a first panel including a first color image formed thereon, the first color image including a first transparent portion of a first color and a second transparent portion of a second color that differs from the first color of the first transparent portion of the first panel; a second panel including a first transparent portion of a first color, the second panel being adjacent the first panel such that the first transparent portion of the first panel is aligned with the first transparent portion of the second panel; and a light source that emits at least a first color light and a second color light, wherein the first color of the first transparent portion of the first panel is a different color than the first color of the first transparent portion of the second panel, and light from the light source passes through the first transparent portions of both the first panel and the second panel. 2. The display assembly of claim 1, wherein the first color light of the first light source is a different color than the first color of the first transparent portion of the first panel and the first color of the first transparent portion of the second panel.

A display assembly having a first backlit display including a first panel with a first color image formed thereon, the first color image including a first transparent portion of a first color and a second transparent portion of a second color, a second panel including a first transparent portion of a first color and an opaque portion so that light from the light source does not pass through a corresponding portion of the first panel, and a light source that emits at least a first color light and a second color light, wherein the first color of the first transparent portion of the first panel is a different color than the first color of the first transparent portion of the second panel, and light from the light source passes through the first transparent portions of both the first panel and the second panel.1. A display assembly, comprising: a first backlit display, including a first panel including a first color image formed thereon, the first color image including a first transparent portion of a first color and a second transparent portion of a second color that differs from the first color of the first transparent portion of the first panel; a second panel including a first transparent portion of a first color, the second panel being adjacent the first panel such that the first transparent portion of the first panel is aligned with the first transparent portion of the second panel; and a light source that emits at least a first color light and a second color light, wherein the first color of the first transparent portion of the first panel is a different color than the first color of the first transparent portion of the second panel, and light from the light source passes through the first transparent portions of both the first panel and the second panel. 2. The display assembly of claim 1, wherein the first color light of the first light source is a different color than the first color of the first transparent portion of the first panel and the first color of the first transparent portion of the second panel.

A corrugated display sign with a former panel secured to a backer panel. The former panel includes a central section opposed by two lateral sections, two support members partially cut away from the central section and maintaining a connection with the central section via at least one fold line, and two or more preformed slots, with one slot positioned adjacent to the support members. The display sign further includes a graphic panel operable to be wrapped around exterior edges of the lateral sections, and having ends secured to the backer panel. The display sign is capable of being erected from a knockdown configuration to an erected configuration by folding the lateral sections away from the central section and wrapping the graphic panel about the lateral sections.

1. A corrugated display sign comprising: a former panel, said former panel comprising: opposed first and second lateral sections having opposed inner and outer edges, respectively, said first lateral section being movable between a stowed configuration and a deployed configuration; and a first support member having a proximal end extending at least partially between respective inner edges of said first and second lateral sections, said first support member being movable between a stowed configuration and a deployed configuration, the stowed and deployed configurations of said first support member being associated with respective stowed and deployed configurations of said first lateral section, wherein said first support member comprises a first tab member displaced from said proximal end of said first support member; and a graphic panel operable to be wrapped about an exterior edge of said first lateral section when said first lateral section is in the deployed configuration such that said graphic panel is generally perpendicular to said first lateral section. 2. The corrugated display sign of claim 1, wherein said display sign is formed from corrugated paperboard material. 3. The corrugated display sign of claim 1, wherein said first support member is configured to be moved between the stowed and deployed configurations by being folded about said proximal end of said first support member. 4. The corrugated display sign of claim 1, wherein said first lateral section is configured to be moved between the stowed and deployed configurations by being folded about said inner edge of said first lateral section. 5. The corrugated display sign of claim 4, wherein said first support member is configured to be moved between the stowed and deployed configurations by being folded about said proximal end of said first support member. 6. The corrugated display sign of claim 5, wherein said first lateral section comprises an inner surface extending between said inner and outer edges, wherein said first support member comprises a first edge extending at least partially between said first tab member and said proximal end, and wherein said inner surface of said first lateral section abuts said first edge of said first support member when said first lateral section and said first support member are in their respective deployed configurations. 7. The corrugated display sign of claim 6, wherein said first tab member of said first support member is mated with a first preformed slot of said first lateral section when said first lateral section and said first support member are in their respective deployed configurations. 8. The corrugated display sign of claim 7, wherein said former panel further comprises a second support member having a proximal end extending at least partially between respective inner edges of said first and second lateral sections, wherein: said second support member is displaced from said first support member; said second support member is movable between a stowed configuration and a deployed configuration, said stowed and deployed configurations of said second support member being associated with respective stowed and deployed configurations of said first lateral section; said second support member comprises a first tab member displaced from said proximal end of said second support member; and said first tab member of said second support member is mated with a second preformed slot of said first lateral section when said first lateral section and said second support member are in their respective deployed configurations. 9. The corrugated display sign of claim 1, wherein: said graphic panel is operable to be wrapped about said exterior edges of said first and second lateral sections; and said exterior edges of said first and second lateral sections have an arcuate shape, such that said graphic panel being wrapped about said exterior edges of said first and second lateral sections has a corresponding arcuate shape. 10. The corrugated display sign of claim 1, wherein: said graphic panel is operable to be wrapped about said exterior edges of said first and second lateral sections; and said exterior edges of said first and second lateral sections have a linear segmented shape, such that said graphic panel being wrapped about said exterior edges of said first and second lateral sections has a corresponding linear segmented shape. 11. A method of making a corrugated display sign, comprising: cutting outer edges of opposed first and second lateral sections to form a former panel, the first lateral section being moveable between a stowed configuration and a deployed configuration; cutting the former panel to present a first support member, the first support member having a proximal end extending at least partially between respective inner edges of the first and second lateral sections such that the first support member is movable between a stowed configuration and a deployed configuration, the stowed and deployed configurations of the first support member being associated with respective stowed and deployed configurations of the first lateral section; and forming a graphic panel, the graphic panel being configured to wrap about the exterior edges of the first lateral section when the first lateral section is in the deployed configuration such that the graphic panel is generally perpendicular to the first lateral section, and wherein the first support member comprises a first tab member displaced from the proximal end of the first support member. 12. The method of claim 11, wherein the first lateral section comprises an inner surface extending between the inner and outer edges, wherein the first support member comprises a first edge extending at least partially between the first tab member and the proximal end, and wherein the inner surface of the first lateral section abuts the first edge of the first support member when the first lateral section and the first support member are in their respective deployed configurations. 13. The method of claim 11, further comprising forming a first slot in the first lateral section, the first slot being configured to receive the first tab member of the first support member when the first lateral section and the first support member are in their respective deployed configurations. 14. A method of erecting a corrugated display sign, comprising: providing the display sign in a knockdown configuration, wherein the display sign-comprises: a former panel, the former panel including: opposed first and second lateral sections having inner and outer edges, respectively; and a first support member having a proximal end extending at least partially between respective inner edges of the first and second lateral sections, wherein the first lateral section is moveable between a stowed configuration and a deployed configuration, wherein the first support member comprises a first tab member displaced from the proximal end of the first support member, and wherein the first support member is movable between a stowed configuration and a deployed configuration, the stowed and deployed configurations of the first support member being associated with respective stowed and deployed configurations of the first lateral section; folding the first support member to the deployed configuration; folding the first lateral section until the first lateral section abuts the first support member, while the first support member remains in the deployed configuration, thereby moving the first lateral section to its respective deployed configuration; and wrapping a graphic panel about exterior edges of the first and second lateral sections while the first lateral section remains in its deployed configuration such that the graphic panel is generally perpendicular to the first lateral section. 15. The method of claim 14, wherein the display sign is formed from corrugated paperboard material. 16. The method of claim 14, wherein the first lateral section comprises an inner surface extending between the inner and outer edges, wherein the first support member comprises a first edge extending at least partially between the first tab member and the proximal end, and wherein the inner surface of the first lateral section abuts the first edge of the first support member when the first lateral section and the first support member are in their respective deployed configurations. 17. The method of claim 16, further comprising: mating the first tab member of the first support member with a preformed slot of the first lateral section. 18. The method of claim 14, further comprising mating the first tab member of the first support member with a preformed slot of the first lateral section. 19. The corrugated display sign of claim 14, further comprising: wrapping the graphic panel about the exterior edges, such that the graphic panel presents an arcuate shape. 20. The corrugated display sign of claim 14, further comprising: wrapping the graphic panel about the exterior edges, such that the graphic panel presents a linear segmented shape.

A corrugated display sign with a former panel secured to a backer panel. The former panel includes a central section opposed by two lateral sections, two support members partially cut away from the central section and maintaining a connection with the central section via at least one fold line, and two or more preformed slots, with one slot positioned adjacent to the support members. The display sign further includes a graphic panel operable to be wrapped around exterior edges of the lateral sections, and having ends secured to the backer panel. The display sign is capable of being erected from a knockdown configuration to an erected configuration by folding the lateral sections away from the central section and wrapping the graphic panel about the lateral sections.1. A corrugated display sign comprising: a former panel, said former panel comprising: opposed first and second lateral sections having opposed inner and outer edges, respectively, said first lateral section being movable between a stowed configuration and a deployed configuration; and a first support member having a proximal end extending at least partially between respective inner edges of said first and second lateral sections, said first support member being movable between a stowed configuration and a deployed configuration, the stowed and deployed configurations of said first support member being associated with respective stowed and deployed configurations of said first lateral section, wherein said first support member comprises a first tab member displaced from said proximal end of said first support member; and a graphic panel operable to be wrapped about an exterior edge of said first lateral section when said first lateral section is in the deployed configuration such that said graphic panel is generally perpendicular to said first lateral section. 2. The corrugated display sign of claim 1, wherein said display sign is formed from corrugated paperboard material. 3. The corrugated display sign of claim 1, wherein said first support member is configured to be moved between the stowed and deployed configurations by being folded about said proximal end of said first support member. 4. The corrugated display sign of claim 1, wherein said first lateral section is configured to be moved between the stowed and deployed configurations by being folded about said inner edge of said first lateral section. 5. The corrugated display sign of claim 4, wherein said first support member is configured to be moved between the stowed and deployed configurations by being folded about said proximal end of said first support member. 6. The corrugated display sign of claim 5, wherein said first lateral section comprises an inner surface extending between said inner and outer edges, wherein said first support member comprises a first edge extending at least partially between said first tab member and said proximal end, and wherein said inner surface of said first lateral section abuts said first edge of said first support member when said first lateral section and said first support member are in their respective deployed configurations. 7. The corrugated display sign of claim 6, wherein said first tab member of said first support member is mated with a first preformed slot of said first lateral section when said first lateral section and said first support member are in their respective deployed configurations. 8. The corrugated display sign of claim 7, wherein said former panel further comprises a second support member having a proximal end extending at least partially between respective inner edges of said first and second lateral sections, wherein: said second support member is displaced from said first support member; said second support member is movable between a stowed configuration and a deployed configuration, said stowed and deployed configurations of said second support member being associated with respective stowed and deployed configurations of said first lateral section; said second support member comprises a first tab member displaced from said proximal end of said second support member; and said first tab member of said second support member is mated with a second preformed slot of said first lateral section when said first lateral section and said second support member are in their respective deployed configurations. 9. The corrugated display sign of claim 1, wherein: said graphic panel is operable to be wrapped about said exterior edges of said first and second lateral sections; and said exterior edges of said first and second lateral sections have an arcuate shape, such that said graphic panel being wrapped about said exterior edges of said first and second lateral sections has a corresponding arcuate shape. 10. The corrugated display sign of claim 1, wherein: said graphic panel is operable to be wrapped about said exterior edges of said first and second lateral sections; and said exterior edges of said first and second lateral sections have a linear segmented shape, such that said graphic panel being wrapped about said exterior edges of said first and second lateral sections has a corresponding linear segmented shape. 11. A method of making a corrugated display sign, comprising: cutting outer edges of opposed first and second lateral sections to form a former panel, the first lateral section being moveable between a stowed configuration and a deployed configuration; cutting the former panel to present a first support member, the first support member having a proximal end extending at least partially between respective inner edges of the first and second lateral sections such that the first support member is movable between a stowed configuration and a deployed configuration, the stowed and deployed configurations of the first support member being associated with respective stowed and deployed configurations of the first lateral section; and forming a graphic panel, the graphic panel being configured to wrap about the exterior edges of the first lateral section when the first lateral section is in the deployed configuration such that the graphic panel is generally perpendicular to the first lateral section, and wherein the first support member comprises a first tab member displaced from the proximal end of the first support member. 12. The method of claim 11, wherein the first lateral section comprises an inner surface extending between the inner and outer edges, wherein the first support member comprises a first edge extending at least partially between the first tab member and the proximal end, and wherein the inner surface of the first lateral section abuts the first edge of the first support member when the first lateral section and the first support member are in their respective deployed configurations. 13. The method of claim 11, further comprising forming a first slot in the first lateral section, the first slot being configured to receive the first tab member of the first support member when the first lateral section and the first support member are in their respective deployed configurations. 14. A method of erecting a corrugated display sign, comprising: providing the display sign in a knockdown configuration, wherein the display sign-comprises: a former panel, the former panel including: opposed first and second lateral sections having inner and outer edges, respectively; and a first support member having a proximal end extending at least partially between respective inner edges of the first and second lateral sections, wherein the first lateral section is moveable between a stowed configuration and a deployed configuration, wherein the first support member comprises a first tab member displaced from the proximal end of the first support member, and wherein the first support member is movable between a stowed configuration and a deployed configuration, the stowed and deployed configurations of the first support member being associated with respective stowed and deployed configurations of the first lateral section; folding the first support member to the deployed configuration; folding the first lateral section until the first lateral section abuts the first support member, while the first support member remains in the deployed configuration, thereby moving the first lateral section to its respective deployed configuration; and wrapping a graphic panel about exterior edges of the first and second lateral sections while the first lateral section remains in its deployed configuration such that the graphic panel is generally perpendicular to the first lateral section. 15. The method of claim 14, wherein the display sign is formed from corrugated paperboard material. 16. The method of claim 14, wherein the first lateral section comprises an inner surface extending between the inner and outer edges, wherein the first support member comprises a first edge extending at least partially between the first tab member and the proximal end, and wherein the inner surface of the first lateral section abuts the first edge of the first support member when the first lateral section and the first support member are in their respective deployed configurations. 17. The method of claim 16, further comprising: mating the first tab member of the first support member with a preformed slot of the first lateral section. 18. The method of claim 14, further comprising mating the first tab member of the first support member with a preformed slot of the first lateral section. 19. The corrugated display sign of claim 14, further comprising: wrapping the graphic panel about the exterior edges, such that the graphic panel presents an arcuate shape. 20. The corrugated display sign of claim 14, further comprising: wrapping the graphic panel about the exterior edges, such that the graphic panel presents a linear segmented shape.

The main board abutment sidewall is parallel to the main board outside mounting groove. The first attachment board outside mounting groove is parallel to the main board outside mounting groove. A first attachment board abutment sidewall formed on the first attachment board. The first attachment board abutment sidewall abuts the main board abutment sidewall when the first attachment board is mounted to the main board. The pair of prongs includes an inside prong and an outside prong. The inside prong is installed to the main board outside mounting groove, and the outside prong is installed to the first attachment board outside mounting groove. The inside grip and the outside grip are both elastomeric.

1. An ornamental board connection system comprising: a. a main board; b. a main board outside mounting groove formed on the main board; c. a main board abutment sidewall formed on the main board, wherein the main board abutment sidewall is parallel to the main board outside mounting groove; d. a first attachment board; e. a first attachment board outside mounting groove formed on the first attachment board, wherein the first attachment board outside mounting groove is parallel to the main board outside mounting groove; f. a first attachment board abutment sidewall formed on the first attachment board, wherein the first attachment board abutment sidewall abuts the main board abutment sidewall, wherein the first attachment board is mounted to the main board; g. a clip having a clip body and a pair of prongs extending from the clip body, wherein the pair of prongs includes an inside prong and an outside prong, wherein the inside prong installed to the main board outside mounting groove, and when the outside prong is installed to the first attachment board outside mounting groove; and h. an inside grip attached to the inside prong, and an outside grip attached to the outside prong, wherein the inside grip and the outside grip are both elastomeric. 2. The ornamental board connection system of claim 1, further comprising: a main board inside mounting groove formed on the main board, wherein the main board inside mounting groove is configured to receive a second clip, wherein the second clip is mounted to both the main board inside mounting groove and the main board outside mounting groove. 3. The ornamental board connection system of claim 1, further comprising: connector clip openings formed on the second clip. 4. The ornamental board connection system of claim 1, further comprising: a second attachment board, wherein the second attachment board has a second attachment board abutment sidewall, wherein the second attachment board abutment sidewall abuts the main board abutment sidewall when the second attachment board is mounted to the main board, wherein the second attachment board also has a second attachment board outside mounting groove that is formed parallel to the main board outside mounting groove. 5. The ornamental board connection system of claim 1, wherein the inside prong and the outside prong have a pair of grips such that the inside prong receives an inside grip and the outside prong receives an outside grip, wherein the inside prong has an inside prong tip, wherein the outside prong has an outside prong tip. 6. The ornamental board connection system of claim 5, further comprising: a main board inside mounting groove formed on the main board, wherein the main board inside mounting groove is configured to receive a second clip, wherein the second clip is mounted to both the main board inside mounting groove and the main board outside mounting groove. 7. The ornamental board connection system of claim 5, further comprising: connector clip openings formed on the second clip. 8. The ornamental board connection system of claim 5, further comprising: a second attachment board, wherein the second attachment board has a second attachment board abutment sidewall, wherein the second attachment board abutment sidewall abuts the main board abutment sidewall when the second attachment board is mounted to the main board, wherein the second attachment board also has a second attachment board outside mounting groove that is formed parallel to the main board outside mounting groove. 9. The ornamental board connection system of claim 5, wherein the pair of grips have a first grip area, a second grip area at a third grip area, wherein the first grip area and the third grip area have a difference of compressive pressure when the first attachment board is mounted to the main board. 10. The ornamental board connection system of claim 9, further comprising: a main board inside mounting groove formed on the main board, wherein the main board inside mounting groove is configured to receive a second clip, wherein the second clip is mounted to both the main board inside mounting groove and the main board outside mounting groove. 11. The ornamental board connection system of claim 9, further comprising: connector clip openings formed on the second clip. 12. The ornamental board connection system of claim 9, further comprising: a second attachment board, wherein the second attachment board has a second attachment board abutment sidewall, wherein the second attachment board abutment sidewall abuts the main board abutment sidewall when the second attachment board is mounted to the main board, wherein the second attachment board also has a second attachment board outside mounting groove that is formed parallel to the main board outside mounting groove. 13. The ornamental board connection system of claim 9, wherein the first grip area has widthwise ridges, wherein the third grip area has widthwise ridges, and wherein the second grip area has lengthwise ridges, wherein the second grip area is formed between the first grip area and the third grip area. 14. The ornamental board connection system of claim 13, further comprising: a main board inside mounting groove formed on the main board, wherein the main board inside mounting groove is configured to receive a second clip, wherein the second clip is mounted to both the main board inside mounting groove and the main board outside mounting groove. 15. The ornamental board connection system of claim 13, further comprising: connector clip openings formed on the second clip. 16. The ornamental board connection system of claim 13, further comprising: a second attachment board, wherein the second attachment board has a second attachment board abutment sidewall, wherein the second attachment board abutment sidewall abuts the main board abutment sidewall when the second attachment board is mounted to the main board, wherein the second attachment board also has a second attachment board outside mounting groove that is formed parallel to the main board outside mounting groove.

The main board abutment sidewall is parallel to the main board outside mounting groove. The first attachment board outside mounting groove is parallel to the main board outside mounting groove. A first attachment board abutment sidewall formed on the first attachment board. The first attachment board abutment sidewall abuts the main board abutment sidewall when the first attachment board is mounted to the main board. The pair of prongs includes an inside prong and an outside prong. The inside prong is installed to the main board outside mounting groove, and the outside prong is installed to the first attachment board outside mounting groove. The inside grip and the outside grip are both elastomeric.1. An ornamental board connection system comprising: a. a main board; b. a main board outside mounting groove formed on the main board; c. a main board abutment sidewall formed on the main board, wherein the main board abutment sidewall is parallel to the main board outside mounting groove; d. a first attachment board; e. a first attachment board outside mounting groove formed on the first attachment board, wherein the first attachment board outside mounting groove is parallel to the main board outside mounting groove; f. a first attachment board abutment sidewall formed on the first attachment board, wherein the first attachment board abutment sidewall abuts the main board abutment sidewall, wherein the first attachment board is mounted to the main board; g. a clip having a clip body and a pair of prongs extending from the clip body, wherein the pair of prongs includes an inside prong and an outside prong, wherein the inside prong installed to the main board outside mounting groove, and when the outside prong is installed to the first attachment board outside mounting groove; and h. an inside grip attached to the inside prong, and an outside grip attached to the outside prong, wherein the inside grip and the outside grip are both elastomeric. 2. The ornamental board connection system of claim 1, further comprising: a main board inside mounting groove formed on the main board, wherein the main board inside mounting groove is configured to receive a second clip, wherein the second clip is mounted to both the main board inside mounting groove and the main board outside mounting groove. 3. The ornamental board connection system of claim 1, further comprising: connector clip openings formed on the second clip. 4. The ornamental board connection system of claim 1, further comprising: a second attachment board, wherein the second attachment board has a second attachment board abutment sidewall, wherein the second attachment board abutment sidewall abuts the main board abutment sidewall when the second attachment board is mounted to the main board, wherein the second attachment board also has a second attachment board outside mounting groove that is formed parallel to the main board outside mounting groove. 5. The ornamental board connection system of claim 1, wherein the inside prong and the outside prong have a pair of grips such that the inside prong receives an inside grip and the outside prong receives an outside grip, wherein the inside prong has an inside prong tip, wherein the outside prong has an outside prong tip. 6. The ornamental board connection system of claim 5, further comprising: a main board inside mounting groove formed on the main board, wherein the main board inside mounting groove is configured to receive a second clip, wherein the second clip is mounted to both the main board inside mounting groove and the main board outside mounting groove. 7. The ornamental board connection system of claim 5, further comprising: connector clip openings formed on the second clip. 8. The ornamental board connection system of claim 5, further comprising: a second attachment board, wherein the second attachment board has a second attachment board abutment sidewall, wherein the second attachment board abutment sidewall abuts the main board abutment sidewall when the second attachment board is mounted to the main board, wherein the second attachment board also has a second attachment board outside mounting groove that is formed parallel to the main board outside mounting groove. 9. The ornamental board connection system of claim 5, wherein the pair of grips have a first grip area, a second grip area at a third grip area, wherein the first grip area and the third grip area have a difference of compressive pressure when the first attachment board is mounted to the main board. 10. The ornamental board connection system of claim 9, further comprising: a main board inside mounting groove formed on the main board, wherein the main board inside mounting groove is configured to receive a second clip, wherein the second clip is mounted to both the main board inside mounting groove and the main board outside mounting groove. 11. The ornamental board connection system of claim 9, further comprising: connector clip openings formed on the second clip. 12. The ornamental board connection system of claim 9, further comprising: a second attachment board, wherein the second attachment board has a second attachment board abutment sidewall, wherein the second attachment board abutment sidewall abuts the main board abutment sidewall when the second attachment board is mounted to the main board, wherein the second attachment board also has a second attachment board outside mounting groove that is formed parallel to the main board outside mounting groove. 13. The ornamental board connection system of claim 9, wherein the first grip area has widthwise ridges, wherein the third grip area has widthwise ridges, and wherein the second grip area has lengthwise ridges, wherein the second grip area is formed between the first grip area and the third grip area. 14. The ornamental board connection system of claim 13, further comprising: a main board inside mounting groove formed on the main board, wherein the main board inside mounting groove is configured to receive a second clip, wherein the second clip is mounted to both the main board inside mounting groove and the main board outside mounting groove. 15. The ornamental board connection system of claim 13, further comprising: connector clip openings formed on the second clip. 16. The ornamental board connection system of claim 13, further comprising: a second attachment board, wherein the second attachment board has a second attachment board abutment sidewall, wherein the second attachment board abutment sidewall abuts the main board abutment sidewall when the second attachment board is mounted to the main board, wherein the second attachment board also has a second attachment board outside mounting groove that is formed parallel to the main board outside mounting groove.

Provided is a geometric model establishment method based on medical image data, including: a step of reading medical image data; a step of defining a tissue type by a conversion relationship between the medical image data and the tissue type; a step of deciding the number of tissue clusters; a step of defining a tissue density by a conversion relationship between the medical image data and the density; a step of establishing 3D encoding matrix with information about the tissue and the density; and a step of generating a geometric model. According to a conversion relationship between medical image data and a tissue type, the number of tissue clusters can be determined according to actual requirements, so that the tissue type, the element composition and the density are provided more accurately, and an established geometric model is better matched to the real situation reflected by the medical image data.

1. A geometric model establishment method based on medical image data, the method comprising the steps of: reading medical image data; defining a tissue type by a conversion relationship between the medical image data and the tissue type; deciding the number of tissue clusters; defining a tissue density by a conversion relationship between the medical image data and the tissue density; establishing 3D encoding matrix with information about the tissue and the density; and generating a geometric model. 2. The geometric model establishment method based on medical image data according to claim 1, wherein the geometric model establishment method is used for neutron capture therapy and further comprises a step of assigning a B-10 concentration and a step of establishing a 3D encoding matrix with B-10 concentration information. 3. The geometric model establishment method based on medical image data according to claim 1, wherein the number of the tissue clusters is the number of the tissue clusters manually defined by the user plus the four tissue clusters or fourteen tissue clusters already existing in the database. 4. The geometric model establishment method based on medical image data according to claim 3, wherein the geometric model establishment method further comprises a step of establishing a 3D tissue encoding matrix and a step of establishing a 3D density encoding matrix. 5. The geometric model establishment method based on medical image data according to claim 1, wherein the geometric model comprises a lattice card, a cell card, a surface card and a material card required by the input file of MCNP software. 6. A geometric model establishment method based on medical image data, the method comprising the steps of: reading medical image data; defining or reading an ROI boundary; determining whether a medical image voxel is within an ROI boundary; if yes, then proceeding to a step of manually defining a tissue type and density by assigning a particular tissue and density to voxels within each ROI boundary or proceeding to a step of automatically defining a ROI tissue type and density by a conversion relationship between the medical image data and the tissue type/density, if no, then proceeding to a step of automatically defining a tissue type by a conversion relationship between the medical image data and the tissue type, and defining a tissue density by a conversion relationship between the medical image data and the density; establishing 3D encoding matrix with information about the tissue and the density; and generating a geometric model. 7. The geometric model establishment method based on medical image data according to claim 6, wherein the geometric model establishment method is used for neutron capture therapy and further comprises a step of assigning a B-10 concentration and a step of establishing a 3D encoding matrix with B-10 concentration information. 8. The geometric model establishment method based on medical image data according to claim 6, wherein the number of the tissue clusters is the number of the tissue clusters manually defined by the user plus the four tissue clusters or fourteen tissue clusters already existing in the database. 9. The geometric model establishment method based on medical image data according to claim 8, wherein the geometric model establishment method further comprises a step of establishing a 3D tissue encoding matrix and a step of establishing a 3D density encoding matrix. 10. The geometric model establishment method based on medical image data according to claim 6, wherein the geometric model comprises a lattice card, a cell card, a surface card and a material card required by the input file of MCNP software.

Provided is a geometric model establishment method based on medical image data, including: a step of reading medical image data; a step of defining a tissue type by a conversion relationship between the medical image data and the tissue type; a step of deciding the number of tissue clusters; a step of defining a tissue density by a conversion relationship between the medical image data and the density; a step of establishing 3D encoding matrix with information about the tissue and the density; and a step of generating a geometric model. According to a conversion relationship between medical image data and a tissue type, the number of tissue clusters can be determined according to actual requirements, so that the tissue type, the element composition and the density are provided more accurately, and an established geometric model is better matched to the real situation reflected by the medical image data.1. A geometric model establishment method based on medical image data, the method comprising the steps of: reading medical image data; defining a tissue type by a conversion relationship between the medical image data and the tissue type; deciding the number of tissue clusters; defining a tissue density by a conversion relationship between the medical image data and the tissue density; establishing 3D encoding matrix with information about the tissue and the density; and generating a geometric model. 2. The geometric model establishment method based on medical image data according to claim 1, wherein the geometric model establishment method is used for neutron capture therapy and further comprises a step of assigning a B-10 concentration and a step of establishing a 3D encoding matrix with B-10 concentration information. 3. The geometric model establishment method based on medical image data according to claim 1, wherein the number of the tissue clusters is the number of the tissue clusters manually defined by the user plus the four tissue clusters or fourteen tissue clusters already existing in the database. 4. The geometric model establishment method based on medical image data according to claim 3, wherein the geometric model establishment method further comprises a step of establishing a 3D tissue encoding matrix and a step of establishing a 3D density encoding matrix. 5. The geometric model establishment method based on medical image data according to claim 1, wherein the geometric model comprises a lattice card, a cell card, a surface card and a material card required by the input file of MCNP software. 6. A geometric model establishment method based on medical image data, the method comprising the steps of: reading medical image data; defining or reading an ROI boundary; determining whether a medical image voxel is within an ROI boundary; if yes, then proceeding to a step of manually defining a tissue type and density by assigning a particular tissue and density to voxels within each ROI boundary or proceeding to a step of automatically defining a ROI tissue type and density by a conversion relationship between the medical image data and the tissue type/density, if no, then proceeding to a step of automatically defining a tissue type by a conversion relationship between the medical image data and the tissue type, and defining a tissue density by a conversion relationship between the medical image data and the density; establishing 3D encoding matrix with information about the tissue and the density; and generating a geometric model. 7. The geometric model establishment method based on medical image data according to claim 6, wherein the geometric model establishment method is used for neutron capture therapy and further comprises a step of assigning a B-10 concentration and a step of establishing a 3D encoding matrix with B-10 concentration information. 8. The geometric model establishment method based on medical image data according to claim 6, wherein the number of the tissue clusters is the number of the tissue clusters manually defined by the user plus the four tissue clusters or fourteen tissue clusters already existing in the database. 9. The geometric model establishment method based on medical image data according to claim 8, wherein the geometric model establishment method further comprises a step of establishing a 3D tissue encoding matrix and a step of establishing a 3D density encoding matrix. 10. The geometric model establishment method based on medical image data according to claim 6, wherein the geometric model comprises a lattice card, a cell card, a surface card and a material card required by the input file of MCNP software.

A disclosed adjustable display assembly includes a display viewable by a vehicle occupant, a mount supporting the display relative to the vehicle occupant. The mount is movable to adjust a position of the display relative to the vehicle occupant. A controller receives information utilized to determine an orientation of the display that would result in a reflection effecting viewing of the display by the vehicle occupant and commanding movement of the mount to eliminate reflections on the display viewable by the vehicle occupant.

1. An adjustable display assembly for a vehicle comprising: a display viewable by a vehicle occupant; a mount supporting the display relative to the vehicle occupant, the mount movable to adjust a position of the display relative to the vehicle occupant; and a controller for receiving information utilized to determine an orientation of the display that would result in a reflection effecting viewing of the display by the vehicle occupant and commanding movement of the mount to eliminate reflections on the display viewable by the vehicle occupant. 2. The adjustable display assembly as recited in claim 1, wherein the controller receives information indicative of a position of the sun relative to the display and the controller moves the mount to adjust a position of the display relative to the vehicle occupant to eliminate reflections from the sun. 3. The adjustable display assembly as recited in claim 2, wherein the controller receives information indicative of a time and position of the vehicle and determines a position of the sun relative to a horizon based on the received time and position. 4. The adjustable display assembly as recited in claim 2, wherein the controller receives information indicative of a position of the vehicle occupant relative to the display and the controller uses the information indicative of the position of the vehicle occupant and the position of the sun to prevent specular reflections on the display from being viewable by the vehicle occupant. 5. The adjustable display assembly as recited in claim 2, wherein the controller modifies how information is shown on the display to correspond with a relative orientation between the display and the vehicle occupant. 6. The adjustable display assembly as recited in claim 5, wherein modification of information on the display changes a visual appearance of information on the display based on an angle of the display relative to the vehicle occupant. 7. The adjustable display assembly as recited in claim 1, including an instrument panel and the display is supported by the mount above and separate from the instrument panel. 8. The adjustable display assembly as recited in claim 1, wherein movement of the display comprises movement about a horizontal axis. 9. The adjustable display assembly as recited in claim 8, wherein movement of the display comprise movement in one of a clockwise and counterclockwise direction. 10. The adjustable display assembly as recited in claim 1, wherein the display provides a display of a rear of the vehicle and the mount supports the display above an instrument panel. 11. A method of improving readability of a display in a motor vehicle comprising: receiving information with a controller indicative of position of the vehicle relative to the sun; receiving information with a controller indicative of a position of a vehicle occupant; and adjusting a position of a display automatically with the controller utilizing information indicative of the position of the vehicle, sun and the vehicle occupant to direct any reflection away for the vehicle occupant. 12. The method as recited in claim 11, wherein the display is mounted for rotation about a horizontal axis and adjusting the position of the display includes adjusting an angle of the display relative to the sun about the horizontal axis. 13. The method as recited in claim 12, wherein the claim 10, including obtaining information of the vehicle position from a global positioning system within the vehicle. 14. The method as recited in claim 13, including using information obtained pertaining to a position of the sun relative to the horizon to adjust an angle of the display. 15. The method as recited in claim 11, wherein the display is mounted above an instrument cluster of the vehicle. 16. The method as recited in claim 11, including modifying an image shown on the display based on an angle of the display relative to a vehicle occupant. 17. The method as recited in claim 11, including detecting a position of the vehicle occupant with a camera located in the vehicle. 18. The method as recited in claim 11, wherein the controller receives information indicative of a location of the vehicle, date and time and determines the location of the sun relative to the horizon and vehicle based on the position of the received information. 19. The method as recited in claim 18, wherein the controller adjusts the images shown on the display to accommodate an angular position of the display.

A disclosed adjustable display assembly includes a display viewable by a vehicle occupant, a mount supporting the display relative to the vehicle occupant. The mount is movable to adjust a position of the display relative to the vehicle occupant. A controller receives information utilized to determine an orientation of the display that would result in a reflection effecting viewing of the display by the vehicle occupant and commanding movement of the mount to eliminate reflections on the display viewable by the vehicle occupant.1. An adjustable display assembly for a vehicle comprising: a display viewable by a vehicle occupant; a mount supporting the display relative to the vehicle occupant, the mount movable to adjust a position of the display relative to the vehicle occupant; and a controller for receiving information utilized to determine an orientation of the display that would result in a reflection effecting viewing of the display by the vehicle occupant and commanding movement of the mount to eliminate reflections on the display viewable by the vehicle occupant. 2. The adjustable display assembly as recited in claim 1, wherein the controller receives information indicative of a position of the sun relative to the display and the controller moves the mount to adjust a position of the display relative to the vehicle occupant to eliminate reflections from the sun. 3. The adjustable display assembly as recited in claim 2, wherein the controller receives information indicative of a time and position of the vehicle and determines a position of the sun relative to a horizon based on the received time and position. 4. The adjustable display assembly as recited in claim 2, wherein the controller receives information indicative of a position of the vehicle occupant relative to the display and the controller uses the information indicative of the position of the vehicle occupant and the position of the sun to prevent specular reflections on the display from being viewable by the vehicle occupant. 5. The adjustable display assembly as recited in claim 2, wherein the controller modifies how information is shown on the display to correspond with a relative orientation between the display and the vehicle occupant. 6. The adjustable display assembly as recited in claim 5, wherein modification of information on the display changes a visual appearance of information on the display based on an angle of the display relative to the vehicle occupant. 7. The adjustable display assembly as recited in claim 1, including an instrument panel and the display is supported by the mount above and separate from the instrument panel. 8. The adjustable display assembly as recited in claim 1, wherein movement of the display comprises movement about a horizontal axis. 9. The adjustable display assembly as recited in claim 8, wherein movement of the display comprise movement in one of a clockwise and counterclockwise direction. 10. The adjustable display assembly as recited in claim 1, wherein the display provides a display of a rear of the vehicle and the mount supports the display above an instrument panel. 11. A method of improving readability of a display in a motor vehicle comprising: receiving information with a controller indicative of position of the vehicle relative to the sun; receiving information with a controller indicative of a position of a vehicle occupant; and adjusting a position of a display automatically with the controller utilizing information indicative of the position of the vehicle, sun and the vehicle occupant to direct any reflection away for the vehicle occupant. 12. The method as recited in claim 11, wherein the display is mounted for rotation about a horizontal axis and adjusting the position of the display includes adjusting an angle of the display relative to the sun about the horizontal axis. 13. The method as recited in claim 12, wherein the claim 10, including obtaining information of the vehicle position from a global positioning system within the vehicle. 14. The method as recited in claim 13, including using information obtained pertaining to a position of the sun relative to the horizon to adjust an angle of the display. 15. The method as recited in claim 11, wherein the display is mounted above an instrument cluster of the vehicle. 16. The method as recited in claim 11, including modifying an image shown on the display based on an angle of the display relative to a vehicle occupant. 17. The method as recited in claim 11, including detecting a position of the vehicle occupant with a camera located in the vehicle. 18. The method as recited in claim 11, wherein the controller receives information indicative of a location of the vehicle, date and time and determines the location of the sun relative to the horizon and vehicle based on the position of the received information. 19. The method as recited in claim 18, wherein the controller adjusts the images shown on the display to accommodate an angular position of the display.

Methods, systems and computer program products are provided for facilitating cable plugging in a network by wirelessly reading, by a mobile device, connector identifying information from a tag associated with a cable connector at one end of a cable to be plugged in the network. The mobile device uses the connector identifying information to ascertain guidance for where to properly plug the cable connector in the network, and based on ascertaining the guidance, an action is performed to assist in properly plugging the cable connector in the network.

1. A method of facilitating cable plugging in a network, the method comprising: wirelessly reading, by a mobile device, connector identifying information from a tag associated with a cable connector at one end of a cable to be plugged in the network; using, by the mobile device, the connector identifying information to ascertain guidance for where to properly plug the cable connector in the network; based on ascertaining the guidance, performing an action to assist in properly plugging the cable connector in the network; and wherein the tag is a passive near-field communication (NFC) tag, and the wirelessly reading comprises powering by the mobile device the NFC tag to read the connector identifying information from the NFC tag, the NFC tag being located in association with the cable connector at the one end of the cable. 2. The method of claim 1, wherein the performing comprises obtaining, by the mobile device, an image of at least a portion of the network and superimposing the guidance on the image to assist in plugging the cable connector in the network. 3. The method of claim 2, wherein superimposing the guidance comprises providing in augmented reality the guidance on the image. 4. (canceled) 5. The method of claim 1, wherein the using comprises using, by the mobile device, the connector identifying information to obtain from a database containing applicable cable rules the guidance for where to properly plug the cable connector in the network. 6. The method of claim 5, further comprising ascertaining the applicable cable rules by imaging, using the mobile device, at least a portion of the network and determining, via image recognition, details about the network to identify the applicable cable rules. 7. The method of claim 5, wherein the applicable cable rules are stored on the mobile device. 8. The method of claim 5, wherein the applicable cable rules reside remote from the mobile device and remote from the network. 9. The method of claim 1, further comprising imaging where the cable connector is subsequently plugged into the network, and maintaining a log identifying, based at least in part on the imaging, which cable connectors are plugged into which plug locations of the network. 10. The method of claim 1, wherein the guidance comprises identifying multiple acceptable plug locations for the cable connector in the network. 11. The method of claim 1, wherein the performing comprises providing the guidance on a device separate from the mobile device, the device comprising smart glasses worn by an operator plugging the cable connector in the network. 12. The method of claim 1, further comprising: storing an indication of where the cable connector is subsequently plugged into the network; wirelessly reading, by the mobile device, connector identifying information from another tag associated with another cable connector at another end of the cable to be plugged in the network; using, by the mobile device, the stored indication of where the cable connector is plugged into the network, and the connector identifying information from the another tag associated with the another cable connector at the another end of the cable, to ascertain further guidance for where to properly plug the another cable connector in the network; and based on ascertaining the further guidance, performing a further action to assist in properly plugging the another cable connector at the another end of the cable in the network. 13. The method of claim 12, wherein the performing comprises obtaining, by the mobile device, an image of at least a portion of the network and superimposing in augmented reality the guidance on the image. 14. A system of facilitating cable plugging in a network, the system comprising: a memory; and a processor communicatively coupled to the memory, wherein the system performs a method comprising: receiving wirelessly read connector identifying information from a tag associated with a cable connector at one end of a cable to be plugged in the network; using the connector identifying information to ascertain guidance for where to properly plug the cable connector in the network; based on ascertaining the guidance, performing an action to assist in properly plugging the cable connector in the network; and wherein the tag is a passive near-field communication (NFC) tag, and the wirelessly reading comprises powering by the mobile device the NFC tag to read the connector identifying information from the NFC tag, the NFC tag being located in association with the cable connector at the one end of the cable. 15. The system of claim 14, wherein the performing comprises obtaining, by the mobile device, an image of at least a portion of the network and superimposing the guidance on the image to assist in plugging the cable connector in the network wherein superimposing the guidance comprises providing in augmented reality the guidance on the image. 16. The system of claim 14, wherein the using comprises using, by the mobile device, the connector identifying information to obtain from a database containing applicable cable rules the guidance for where to properly plug the cable connector in the network. 17. The system of claim 16, further comprising ascertaining the applicable cable rules by imaging, using the mobile device, at least a portion of the network and determining, via image recognition, details about the network to identify the applicable cable rules. 18. The system of claim 14, further comprising: storing an indication of where the cable connector is subsequently plugged into the network; wirelessly reading, by the mobile device, connector identifying information from another tag associated with another cable connector at another end of the cable to be plugged in the network; using, by the mobile device, the stored indication of where the cable connector is plugged into the network, and the connector identifying information from the another tag associated with the another cable connector at the another end of the cable, to ascertain further guidance for where to properly plug the another cable connector in the network; and based on ascertaining the further guidance, performing a further action to assist in properly plugging the another cable connector at the another end of the cable in the network. 19.-20. (canceled)

Methods, systems and computer program products are provided for facilitating cable plugging in a network by wirelessly reading, by a mobile device, connector identifying information from a tag associated with a cable connector at one end of a cable to be plugged in the network. The mobile device uses the connector identifying information to ascertain guidance for where to properly plug the cable connector in the network, and based on ascertaining the guidance, an action is performed to assist in properly plugging the cable connector in the network.1. A method of facilitating cable plugging in a network, the method comprising: wirelessly reading, by a mobile device, connector identifying information from a tag associated with a cable connector at one end of a cable to be plugged in the network; using, by the mobile device, the connector identifying information to ascertain guidance for where to properly plug the cable connector in the network; based on ascertaining the guidance, performing an action to assist in properly plugging the cable connector in the network; and wherein the tag is a passive near-field communication (NFC) tag, and the wirelessly reading comprises powering by the mobile device the NFC tag to read the connector identifying information from the NFC tag, the NFC tag being located in association with the cable connector at the one end of the cable. 2. The method of claim 1, wherein the performing comprises obtaining, by the mobile device, an image of at least a portion of the network and superimposing the guidance on the image to assist in plugging the cable connector in the network. 3. The method of claim 2, wherein superimposing the guidance comprises providing in augmented reality the guidance on the image. 4. (canceled) 5. The method of claim 1, wherein the using comprises using, by the mobile device, the connector identifying information to obtain from a database containing applicable cable rules the guidance for where to properly plug the cable connector in the network. 6. The method of claim 5, further comprising ascertaining the applicable cable rules by imaging, using the mobile device, at least a portion of the network and determining, via image recognition, details about the network to identify the applicable cable rules. 7. The method of claim 5, wherein the applicable cable rules are stored on the mobile device. 8. The method of claim 5, wherein the applicable cable rules reside remote from the mobile device and remote from the network. 9. The method of claim 1, further comprising imaging where the cable connector is subsequently plugged into the network, and maintaining a log identifying, based at least in part on the imaging, which cable connectors are plugged into which plug locations of the network. 10. The method of claim 1, wherein the guidance comprises identifying multiple acceptable plug locations for the cable connector in the network. 11. The method of claim 1, wherein the performing comprises providing the guidance on a device separate from the mobile device, the device comprising smart glasses worn by an operator plugging the cable connector in the network. 12. The method of claim 1, further comprising: storing an indication of where the cable connector is subsequently plugged into the network; wirelessly reading, by the mobile device, connector identifying information from another tag associated with another cable connector at another end of the cable to be plugged in the network; using, by the mobile device, the stored indication of where the cable connector is plugged into the network, and the connector identifying information from the another tag associated with the another cable connector at the another end of the cable, to ascertain further guidance for where to properly plug the another cable connector in the network; and based on ascertaining the further guidance, performing a further action to assist in properly plugging the another cable connector at the another end of the cable in the network. 13. The method of claim 12, wherein the performing comprises obtaining, by the mobile device, an image of at least a portion of the network and superimposing in augmented reality the guidance on the image. 14. A system of facilitating cable plugging in a network, the system comprising: a memory; and a processor communicatively coupled to the memory, wherein the system performs a method comprising: receiving wirelessly read connector identifying information from a tag associated with a cable connector at one end of a cable to be plugged in the network; using the connector identifying information to ascertain guidance for where to properly plug the cable connector in the network; based on ascertaining the guidance, performing an action to assist in properly plugging the cable connector in the network; and wherein the tag is a passive near-field communication (NFC) tag, and the wirelessly reading comprises powering by the mobile device the NFC tag to read the connector identifying information from the NFC tag, the NFC tag being located in association with the cable connector at the one end of the cable. 15. The system of claim 14, wherein the performing comprises obtaining, by the mobile device, an image of at least a portion of the network and superimposing the guidance on the image to assist in plugging the cable connector in the network wherein superimposing the guidance comprises providing in augmented reality the guidance on the image. 16. The system of claim 14, wherein the using comprises using, by the mobile device, the connector identifying information to obtain from a database containing applicable cable rules the guidance for where to properly plug the cable connector in the network. 17. The system of claim 16, further comprising ascertaining the applicable cable rules by imaging, using the mobile device, at least a portion of the network and determining, via image recognition, details about the network to identify the applicable cable rules. 18. The system of claim 14, further comprising: storing an indication of where the cable connector is subsequently plugged into the network; wirelessly reading, by the mobile device, connector identifying information from another tag associated with another cable connector at another end of the cable to be plugged in the network; using, by the mobile device, the stored indication of where the cable connector is plugged into the network, and the connector identifying information from the another tag associated with the another cable connector at the another end of the cable, to ascertain further guidance for where to properly plug the another cable connector in the network; and based on ascertaining the further guidance, performing a further action to assist in properly plugging the another cable connector at the another end of the cable in the network. 19.-20. (canceled)

Methods, systems, and devices for frequency synchronization and phase correction at a rendering device are described. One method may include receiving, from a display device (e.g., a head-mounted display (HMD) device), a vertical sync count and an indication of one or more frame repeats. The rendering device may estimate a vertical sync frequency based on the received vertical sync count, and determine a phase corresponding to a minimum frame repeat based on the indication of the one or more frame repeats. The rendering device may adjust a vertical sync frequency to the estimated vertical sync frequency and a phase to the determined phase. The rendering device may transmit one or more frames to the display device using the adjusted frequency and/or the adjusted phase.

1. A method for performing frequency synchronization and phase correction at a rendering device, comprising: receiving, from a display device, a vertical sync count and an indication of one or more frame repeats; estimating a vertical sync frequency based at least in part on the received vertical sync count; determining a phase corresponding to a minimum frame repeat based at least in part on the indication of the one or more frame repeats; adjusting a vertical sync frequency of the rendering device to the estimated vertical sync frequency and a phase of the rendering device to the determined phase; and transmitting one or more frames to the display device using the adjusted frequency and the adjusted phase. 2. The method of claim 1, further comprising: comparing the vertical sync count and a preceding vertical sync count received from the display device over a time interval, wherein estimating the vertical sync frequency is further based at least in part on the comparing. 3. The method of claim 1, further comprising: identifying a quantity of predicted frames (P-frames) and a quantity of intra-frames (I-frames), wherein the one or more frames comprise at least one of the P-frames and at least one of the I-frames; initiating rendering the I-frames at a first time; initiating rendering the P-frames at a second time after the first time; and transmitting the I-frames and the P-frames to the display device based at least in part on initiating the rendering such that the rendered I-frames arrive at the display device at a same phase as the P-frames. 4. The method of claim 1, further comprising: determining a quantity of frame repeats occurring within a time interval based at least in part on the indication; determining the minimum frame repeat based at least in part on the quantity of frame repeats occurring within the time interval; and identifying a phase corresponding to the determined minimum frame repeat. 5. The method of claim 4, further comprising: comparing the quantity of frame repeats, one or more vertical syncs, or a frame frequency, or a combination thereof, wherein determining the minimum frame repeat and identifying the phase corresponding to the minimum frame repeat is further based at least in part on the comparison. 6. The method of claim 4, further comprising: generating a phase model representing a relationship between the quantity of frame repeats, one or more vertical syncs, or a frame frequency, or a combination thereof. 7. The method of claim 6, wherein determining the phase corresponding to the minimum frame repeat further comprises: determining the minimum frame repeat using the phase model based at least in part on comparing values across the phase model; and identifying a phase corresponding to the determined minimum frame repeat using the phase model. 8. The method of claim 7, wherein comparing values across the phase model further comprises: selecting a step size from a set of step sizes for comparing values across the phase model; determining a direction for comparing values across the phase model based at least in part on the quantity of frame repeats occurring within the time interval; and iterating across the phase model using the selected step size and in the determined direction. 9. The method of claim 8, wherein determining the direction further comprises: comparing the quantity of frame repeats occurring within the time interval to a second quantity of frame repeats occurring within a previous time interval. 10. The method of claim 9, further comprising: determining that the quantity of frame repeats occurring within the time interval are below a threshold; and reducing an asynchronous time wrap (ATW) by shifting the identified phase closer to a vertical sync node of the phase model based at least in part on the quantity of frame repeats occurring within the time interval being below the threshold. 11. The method of claim 1, wherein estimating the vertical sync frequency further comprises: determining a vertical sync count difference between the vertical sync count and a preceding vertical sync count received from the display device, wherein the vertical sync count and the preceding vertical sync count are received during a time interval; and determining a quotient of the vertical sync count difference and the time interval, wherein the quotient comprises the estimated vertical sync frequency. 12. The method of claim 1, further comprising: determining a timing of at least two vertical sync counts, wherein determining the phase corresponding to the minimum frame repeat is performed during a time interval corresponding to the at least two vertical sync counts. 13. The method of claim 1, further comprising: setting a duration of an asynchronous time wrap (ATW) based at least in part on the adjusted vertical sync frequency of the rendering device. 14. The method of claim 1, wherein a duration of an asynchronous time wrap (ATW) is based at least in part on the one or more frames arriving at the display device before or after a vertical sync. 15. An apparatus for performing frequency synchronization and phase correction, comprising: receiving, from a display device, a vertical sync count and an indication of one or more frame repeats; estimating a vertical sync frequency based at least in part on the received vertical sync count; determining a phase corresponding to a minimum frame repeat based at least in part on the indication of the one or more frame repeats; adjusting a vertical sync frequency of the apparatus to the estimated vertical sync frequency and a phase of the apparatus to the determined phase; and transmitting one or more frames to the display device using the adjusted frequency and the adjusted phase. 16. A rendering device, comprising: a processor; memory in electronic communication with the processor; and instructions stored in the memory and executable by the processor to cause the rendering device to: receive, from a display device, a vertical sync count and an indication of one or more frame repeats; estimate a vertical sync frequency based at least in part on the received vertical sync count; determine a phase corresponding to a minimum frame repeat based at least in part on the indication of the one or more frame repeats; adjust a vertical sync frequency of the apparatus to the estimated vertical sync frequency and a phase of the apparatus to the determined phase; and transmit one or more frames to the display device using the adjusted frequency and the adjusted phase. 17. The rendering device of claim 16, wherein the instructions are further executable by the processor to cause the rendering device to: compare the vertical sync count and a preceding vertical sync count received from the display device over a time interval, wherein the instructions to estimate the vertical sync frequency are further based at least in part on the comparing. 18. The rendering device of claim 16, wherein the instructions are further executable by the processor to cause the rendering device to: identify a quantity of predicted frames (P-frames) and a quantity of intra-frames (I-frames), wherein the one or more frames comprise at least one of the P-frames and at least one of the I-frames; initiate rendering the I-frames at a first time; initiate rendering the P-frames at a second time after the first time; and transmit the I-frames and the P-frames to the display device based at least in part on initiating the rendering such that the rendered I-frames arrive at the display device at a same phase as the P-frames. 19. The rendering device of claim 18, wherein the instructions are further executable by the processor to cause the rendering device to: determine a quantity of frame repeats occurring within a time interval based at least in part on the indication; determine the minimum frame repeat based at least in part on the quantity of frame repeats occurring within the time interval; and identify a phase corresponding to the determined minimum frame repeat. 20. The rendering device of claim 19, wherein the instructions are further executable by the processor to cause the rendering device to: compare the quantity of frame repeats, one or more vertical syncs, or a frame frequency, or a combination thereof, wherein the instructions to determine the minimum frame repeat and identify the phase corresponding to the minimum frame repeat is further based at least in part on the comparing.

Methods, systems, and devices for frequency synchronization and phase correction at a rendering device are described. One method may include receiving, from a display device (e.g., a head-mounted display (HMD) device), a vertical sync count and an indication of one or more frame repeats. The rendering device may estimate a vertical sync frequency based on the received vertical sync count, and determine a phase corresponding to a minimum frame repeat based on the indication of the one or more frame repeats. The rendering device may adjust a vertical sync frequency to the estimated vertical sync frequency and a phase to the determined phase. The rendering device may transmit one or more frames to the display device using the adjusted frequency and/or the adjusted phase.1. A method for performing frequency synchronization and phase correction at a rendering device, comprising: receiving, from a display device, a vertical sync count and an indication of one or more frame repeats; estimating a vertical sync frequency based at least in part on the received vertical sync count; determining a phase corresponding to a minimum frame repeat based at least in part on the indication of the one or more frame repeats; adjusting a vertical sync frequency of the rendering device to the estimated vertical sync frequency and a phase of the rendering device to the determined phase; and transmitting one or more frames to the display device using the adjusted frequency and the adjusted phase. 2. The method of claim 1, further comprising: comparing the vertical sync count and a preceding vertical sync count received from the display device over a time interval, wherein estimating the vertical sync frequency is further based at least in part on the comparing. 3. The method of claim 1, further comprising: identifying a quantity of predicted frames (P-frames) and a quantity of intra-frames (I-frames), wherein the one or more frames comprise at least one of the P-frames and at least one of the I-frames; initiating rendering the I-frames at a first time; initiating rendering the P-frames at a second time after the first time; and transmitting the I-frames and the P-frames to the display device based at least in part on initiating the rendering such that the rendered I-frames arrive at the display device at a same phase as the P-frames. 4. The method of claim 1, further comprising: determining a quantity of frame repeats occurring within a time interval based at least in part on the indication; determining the minimum frame repeat based at least in part on the quantity of frame repeats occurring within the time interval; and identifying a phase corresponding to the determined minimum frame repeat. 5. The method of claim 4, further comprising: comparing the quantity of frame repeats, one or more vertical syncs, or a frame frequency, or a combination thereof, wherein determining the minimum frame repeat and identifying the phase corresponding to the minimum frame repeat is further based at least in part on the comparison. 6. The method of claim 4, further comprising: generating a phase model representing a relationship between the quantity of frame repeats, one or more vertical syncs, or a frame frequency, or a combination thereof. 7. The method of claim 6, wherein determining the phase corresponding to the minimum frame repeat further comprises: determining the minimum frame repeat using the phase model based at least in part on comparing values across the phase model; and identifying a phase corresponding to the determined minimum frame repeat using the phase model. 8. The method of claim 7, wherein comparing values across the phase model further comprises: selecting a step size from a set of step sizes for comparing values across the phase model; determining a direction for comparing values across the phase model based at least in part on the quantity of frame repeats occurring within the time interval; and iterating across the phase model using the selected step size and in the determined direction. 9. The method of claim 8, wherein determining the direction further comprises: comparing the quantity of frame repeats occurring within the time interval to a second quantity of frame repeats occurring within a previous time interval. 10. The method of claim 9, further comprising: determining that the quantity of frame repeats occurring within the time interval are below a threshold; and reducing an asynchronous time wrap (ATW) by shifting the identified phase closer to a vertical sync node of the phase model based at least in part on the quantity of frame repeats occurring within the time interval being below the threshold. 11. The method of claim 1, wherein estimating the vertical sync frequency further comprises: determining a vertical sync count difference between the vertical sync count and a preceding vertical sync count received from the display device, wherein the vertical sync count and the preceding vertical sync count are received during a time interval; and determining a quotient of the vertical sync count difference and the time interval, wherein the quotient comprises the estimated vertical sync frequency. 12. The method of claim 1, further comprising: determining a timing of at least two vertical sync counts, wherein determining the phase corresponding to the minimum frame repeat is performed during a time interval corresponding to the at least two vertical sync counts. 13. The method of claim 1, further comprising: setting a duration of an asynchronous time wrap (ATW) based at least in part on the adjusted vertical sync frequency of the rendering device. 14. The method of claim 1, wherein a duration of an asynchronous time wrap (ATW) is based at least in part on the one or more frames arriving at the display device before or after a vertical sync. 15. An apparatus for performing frequency synchronization and phase correction, comprising: receiving, from a display device, a vertical sync count and an indication of one or more frame repeats; estimating a vertical sync frequency based at least in part on the received vertical sync count; determining a phase corresponding to a minimum frame repeat based at least in part on the indication of the one or more frame repeats; adjusting a vertical sync frequency of the apparatus to the estimated vertical sync frequency and a phase of the apparatus to the determined phase; and transmitting one or more frames to the display device using the adjusted frequency and the adjusted phase. 16. A rendering device, comprising: a processor; memory in electronic communication with the processor; and instructions stored in the memory and executable by the processor to cause the rendering device to: receive, from a display device, a vertical sync count and an indication of one or more frame repeats; estimate a vertical sync frequency based at least in part on the received vertical sync count; determine a phase corresponding to a minimum frame repeat based at least in part on the indication of the one or more frame repeats; adjust a vertical sync frequency of the apparatus to the estimated vertical sync frequency and a phase of the apparatus to the determined phase; and transmit one or more frames to the display device using the adjusted frequency and the adjusted phase. 17. The rendering device of claim 16, wherein the instructions are further executable by the processor to cause the rendering device to: compare the vertical sync count and a preceding vertical sync count received from the display device over a time interval, wherein the instructions to estimate the vertical sync frequency are further based at least in part on the comparing. 18. The rendering device of claim 16, wherein the instructions are further executable by the processor to cause the rendering device to: identify a quantity of predicted frames (P-frames) and a quantity of intra-frames (I-frames), wherein the one or more frames comprise at least one of the P-frames and at least one of the I-frames; initiate rendering the I-frames at a first time; initiate rendering the P-frames at a second time after the first time; and transmit the I-frames and the P-frames to the display device based at least in part on initiating the rendering such that the rendered I-frames arrive at the display device at a same phase as the P-frames. 19. The rendering device of claim 18, wherein the instructions are further executable by the processor to cause the rendering device to: determine a quantity of frame repeats occurring within a time interval based at least in part on the indication; determine the minimum frame repeat based at least in part on the quantity of frame repeats occurring within the time interval; and identify a phase corresponding to the determined minimum frame repeat. 20. The rendering device of claim 19, wherein the instructions are further executable by the processor to cause the rendering device to: compare the quantity of frame repeats, one or more vertical syncs, or a frame frequency, or a combination thereof, wherein the instructions to determine the minimum frame repeat and identify the phase corresponding to the minimum frame repeat is further based at least in part on the comparing.

A substrate includes first and second image processing circuits performing image processing of an image displayed by a display apparatus, a clock signal generator generating a plurality of spread spectrum clocks, which are a plurality of clock signals subjected to spread spectrum processing, and a transmitter transmitting a first spread spectrum clock, which is one of the plurality of spread spectrum clocks, to the first image processing circuit and a second spread spectrum clock, which is one of the plurality of spread spectrum clocks to the second image processing circuit. The clock signal generator includes a signal generator that generates a clock signal subjected to the spread spectrum processing and a signal divider that divides the clock signal into the plurality of spread spectrum clocks. The first and second image processing circuits synchronize with each other in accordance with the first and second spread spectrum clocks.

1-9. (canceled) 10. An electric circuit used for a display apparatus that displays an image, comprising: a first image processor configured to perform image processing of the image displayed by the display apparatus; a second image processor configured to perform image processing of the image displayed by the display apparatus; a clock signal generator configured to generate a plurality of spread spectrum clocks, which are a plurality of clock signals subjected to spread spectrum processing; a transmitter configured to transmit a first spread spectrum clock, which is one of the plurality of spread spectrum clocks, to the first image processor and a second spread spectrum clock, which is another one of the plurality of spread spectrum clocks, to the second image processor; and a phase difference adjuster configured to adjust a phase difference between the first and second spread spectrum clocks, wherein the clock signal generator includes a signal generator that generates a clock signal subjected to the spread spectrum processing and a signal divider that divides the clock signal subjected to the spread spectrum processing into the plurality of spread spectrum clocks, and wherein the first and second image processors synchronize with each other in accordance with the first and second spread spectrum clocks. 11. The electric circuit according to claim 10, wherein the phase difference adjuster delays transmission time of the first spread spectrum clock from the signal divider to the first image processor or transmission time of the second spread spectrum clock from the signal divider to the second image processor. 12. The electric circuit according to claim 10, wherein the phase difference adjuster includes meander wiring. 13. The electric circuit according to claim 10, wherein the first image processor transmits a synchronization signal synchronized with the first spread spectrum clock to the second image processor, and wherein the phase difference adjuster adjusts the phase difference on the basis of transmission time of the synchronization signal from the first image processor to the second image processor. 14. The electric circuit according to claim 13, wherein the phase difference adjuster adjusts the phase difference to maximize a time margin for taking in the synchronization signal by the second spread spectrum clock inputted into the second image processor. 15. The electric circuit according to claim 10, wherein output timing of respective image signals output from the first and second image processor synchronizes with each other. 16. The electric circuit according to claim 10, further comprising: a displayer; and a display drive circuit configured to drive the displayer, 17. The electric circuit according to claim 10, wherein the first image processor transmits a synchronization signal synchronized with the first spread spectrum clock to the second image processor, and wherein the second image processor outputs an image signal on the basis of the second spread spectrum clock and the synchronization signal. 18. The electric circuit according to claim 13, wherein the second image processor outputs an image signal on the basis of the second spread spectrum clock and the synchronization signal. 19. The electric circuit according to claim 10, wherein the first image processor operates at least a first clock for internal processing and the first spread spectrum clock to output an image signal, and wherein the second image processor operates at least a second clock for internal processing and the second spread spectrum clock to output an image signal. 20. The electric circuit according to claim 10 further comprising: an input signal processor configured to receive an input image signal, wherein the input signal processor outputs the input image signal to the first and second image processors. 21. A display apparatus comprising: an electric circuit; a displayer configured to display an image on the basis of an image signal output from the electric circuit, wherein the electric circuit includes a first image processor configured to perform image processing of the image displayed by the displayer, a second image processor configured to perform image processing of the image displayed by the displayer, a clock signal generator configured to generate a plurality of spread spectrum clocks, which are a plurality of clock signals subjected to spread spectrum processing, a transmitter configured to transmit a first spread spectrum clock, which is one of the plurality of spread spectrum clocks, to the first image processing circuit and a second spread spectrum clock, which is another one of the plurality of spread spectrum clocks, to the second image processing circuit, a phase difference adjuster configured to adjust a phase difference between the first and second spread spectrum clocks, and a display drive circuit configured to drive the displayer, wherein the clock signal generator includes a signal generator that generates a clock signal subjected to the spread spectrum processing and a signal divider that divides the clock signal subjected to the spread spectrum processing into the plurality of spread spectrum clocks, and wherein the first and second image processors synchronize with each other in accordance with the first and second spread spectrum clocks, and wherein the first and second image processors respectively output the image signal synchronized with the clock signal subjected to the spread spectrum processing to the display drive circuit.

A substrate includes first and second image processing circuits performing image processing of an image displayed by a display apparatus, a clock signal generator generating a plurality of spread spectrum clocks, which are a plurality of clock signals subjected to spread spectrum processing, and a transmitter transmitting a first spread spectrum clock, which is one of the plurality of spread spectrum clocks, to the first image processing circuit and a second spread spectrum clock, which is one of the plurality of spread spectrum clocks to the second image processing circuit. The clock signal generator includes a signal generator that generates a clock signal subjected to the spread spectrum processing and a signal divider that divides the clock signal into the plurality of spread spectrum clocks. The first and second image processing circuits synchronize with each other in accordance with the first and second spread spectrum clocks.1-9. (canceled) 10. An electric circuit used for a display apparatus that displays an image, comprising: a first image processor configured to perform image processing of the image displayed by the display apparatus; a second image processor configured to perform image processing of the image displayed by the display apparatus; a clock signal generator configured to generate a plurality of spread spectrum clocks, which are a plurality of clock signals subjected to spread spectrum processing; a transmitter configured to transmit a first spread spectrum clock, which is one of the plurality of spread spectrum clocks, to the first image processor and a second spread spectrum clock, which is another one of the plurality of spread spectrum clocks, to the second image processor; and a phase difference adjuster configured to adjust a phase difference between the first and second spread spectrum clocks, wherein the clock signal generator includes a signal generator that generates a clock signal subjected to the spread spectrum processing and a signal divider that divides the clock signal subjected to the spread spectrum processing into the plurality of spread spectrum clocks, and wherein the first and second image processors synchronize with each other in accordance with the first and second spread spectrum clocks. 11. The electric circuit according to claim 10, wherein the phase difference adjuster delays transmission time of the first spread spectrum clock from the signal divider to the first image processor or transmission time of the second spread spectrum clock from the signal divider to the second image processor. 12. The electric circuit according to claim 10, wherein the phase difference adjuster includes meander wiring. 13. The electric circuit according to claim 10, wherein the first image processor transmits a synchronization signal synchronized with the first spread spectrum clock to the second image processor, and wherein the phase difference adjuster adjusts the phase difference on the basis of transmission time of the synchronization signal from the first image processor to the second image processor. 14. The electric circuit according to claim 13, wherein the phase difference adjuster adjusts the phase difference to maximize a time margin for taking in the synchronization signal by the second spread spectrum clock inputted into the second image processor. 15. The electric circuit according to claim 10, wherein output timing of respective image signals output from the first and second image processor synchronizes with each other. 16. The electric circuit according to claim 10, further comprising: a displayer; and a display drive circuit configured to drive the displayer, 17. The electric circuit according to claim 10, wherein the first image processor transmits a synchronization signal synchronized with the first spread spectrum clock to the second image processor, and wherein the second image processor outputs an image signal on the basis of the second spread spectrum clock and the synchronization signal. 18. The electric circuit according to claim 13, wherein the second image processor outputs an image signal on the basis of the second spread spectrum clock and the synchronization signal. 19. The electric circuit according to claim 10, wherein the first image processor operates at least a first clock for internal processing and the first spread spectrum clock to output an image signal, and wherein the second image processor operates at least a second clock for internal processing and the second spread spectrum clock to output an image signal. 20. The electric circuit according to claim 10 further comprising: an input signal processor configured to receive an input image signal, wherein the input signal processor outputs the input image signal to the first and second image processors. 21. A display apparatus comprising: an electric circuit; a displayer configured to display an image on the basis of an image signal output from the electric circuit, wherein the electric circuit includes a first image processor configured to perform image processing of the image displayed by the displayer, a second image processor configured to perform image processing of the image displayed by the displayer, a clock signal generator configured to generate a plurality of spread spectrum clocks, which are a plurality of clock signals subjected to spread spectrum processing, a transmitter configured to transmit a first spread spectrum clock, which is one of the plurality of spread spectrum clocks, to the first image processing circuit and a second spread spectrum clock, which is another one of the plurality of spread spectrum clocks, to the second image processing circuit, a phase difference adjuster configured to adjust a phase difference between the first and second spread spectrum clocks, and a display drive circuit configured to drive the displayer, wherein the clock signal generator includes a signal generator that generates a clock signal subjected to the spread spectrum processing and a signal divider that divides the clock signal subjected to the spread spectrum processing into the plurality of spread spectrum clocks, and wherein the first and second image processors synchronize with each other in accordance with the first and second spread spectrum clocks, and wherein the first and second image processors respectively output the image signal synchronized with the clock signal subjected to the spread spectrum processing to the display drive circuit.

Distances between geographic real-world entities modeled as geometric shapes are measured. At least two shapes are positioned in a coordinate space based on their respective sets of points. A non-empty quadrant set from a plurality of non-empty quadrant sets formed of non-empty quadrants in the coordinate space is identified such that the non-empty quadrants of the identified quadrant set associated with each of the at least two shapes satisfy a predetermined condition and a distance between portions of the at least two shapes in the non-empty quadrants of the identified non-empty quadrant set is an optimal value for the requested distance. The distance between the portions of the shapes in the identified quadrant set is determined to be the requested distance.

1. A system for estimating distances between geographic real-world entities modeled as geometric shapes, comprising a processor to: receive a request for determining a distance between at least two shapes and input data comprising a respective set of points for each of the at least two shapes, the requested distance being one of a minimum distance and a maximum distance between the at least two shapes; identify a non-empty quadrant set comprising non-empty quadrants in a coordinate space respectively associated with each of the at least two shapes, the identified non-empty quadrant set satisfies a predetermined condition of PM (Polygonal Map) quadtree rules and a distance between portions of the at least two shapes in the non-empty quadrants of the identified non-empty quadrant set is an optimal value for the requested distance; and select based on the request, that the distance between the portions of the at least two shapes in the non-empty quadrants of the identified non-empty quadrant set satisfying the predetermined condition is the requested distance. 2. The system of claim 1, wherein the processor is to: transmit the distance between the portions in the non-empty quadrants as the requested distance between the at least two shapes. 3. The system of claim 1, wherein to identify the non-empty quadrant set in the coordinate space satisfying the predetermined condition the processor is to: divide the coordinate space into four quadrants with respect to each of the at least two shapes; identify from the four quadrants, the non-empty quadrants comprising at least a subset of the respective sets of points of each of the at least two shapes; form a plurality of sets of the non-empty quadrants with respective keys; identify a subset of the non-empty quadrant sets based on respective MBR distances that are indicative of the non-empty quadrants in the subset of the non-empty quadrant sets as likely to contain the portions of the at least two shapes, the respective minimum bounding rectangle (MBR) distances being distances between respective minimum bounding rectangles (MBRs) enclosing the at least two shapes comprised in the non-empty quadrants. 4. The system of claim 3, the processor is to: for each particular portion of the at least two shapes comprised in the set of quadrants having the MBR distance: determine distances of the particular portion from other portions comprised in other quadrants of the set of quadrants; record as a global variable, the optimal value of one of the distances between the portions in the non-empty quadrant sets having the MBR distance; and transmit the optimal value recorded value of the global variable as the requested distance between the shapes. 5. The system of claim 3, wherein the processor is to: determine distance between each non-empty quadrant of the particular shape and each of the non-empty quadrants of other shapes of the at least two shapes. 6. The system of claim 1, wherein to identify the quadrant set, the processor is to: determine if the non-empty quadrant sets satisfy the predetermined condition; and when a subset of non-empty quadrants do not satisfy the predetermined condition: iteratively repeat the steps of the dividing the coordinate space, the identifying non-empty quadrants and the determining if the non-empty quadrants satisfy the predetermined condition until all the non-empty quadrants satisfy the predetermined condition. 7. The system of claim 1, wherein the at least two shapes are one or more of areal shapes and non-areal shapes. 8. A method, comprising: receiving, by a computing device, input data of at least two polygons respectively representing at least two real-world entities, the input data comprising a respective set of vertices for each polygon; receiving, by the computing device, a request to compute a minimum distance between the polygons; positioning, by the computing device, the at least two polygons in a coordinate space based on the respective set of vertices; identifying, by the computing device, a quadrant set from a plurality of quadrant sets formed from quadrants in the coordinate space associated with each of the at least two polygons, the quadrant set satisfies a predetermined condition per PM quadtree rules; determining, by the computing device, a distance between most proximal edges of the at least two polygons in the quadrants the identified quadrant set satisfying the predetermined condition; and transmitting, by the computing device, the distance of the most proximal edges as a minimum distance between the at least two polygons. 9. The method of claim 8, wherein identifying the quadrant set in the coordinate space further comprises: dividing, by the computing device, the coordinate space into the quadrants with respect to each of the at least two polygons. 10. The method of claim 9, further comprising: identifying, by the computing device, non-empty quadrants of the quadrants comprising at least a portion of each of the at least two polygons. 11. The method of claim 10, further comprising: determine distance between each non-empty quadrant of the particular polygon and the non-empty quadrants of other polygons of the at least two polygons. 12. The method of claim 8, wherein determining the minimum distance of edges in the quadrants further comprises: forming, by the computing device, the plurality of quadrant sets from the quadrants satisfying the predetermined condition wherein each set comprises one quadrant associated with each of the at least two polygons. 13. The method of claim 12, further comprising: identifying, by the computing device, one of the quadrant sets wherein the quadrants in the set have minimum distance based on distances between respective minimum bounding rectangles (MBRs) enclosing the at least two polygons; for each particular edge of the at least two polygons comprised in the set of quadrants having the minimum distance: determining, by the computing device, distances of the particular edge from other edges comprised in other quadrants of the set of quadrants; recording, by the computing device, a lowest value of the distances between the edges in the set of quadrants having the minimum distance as a global variable. 14. The method of claim 13, wherein identifying one of the sets of the quadrants that have minimum distance based on distances between respective minimum bounding rectangles (MBRs) further comprises: for each particular set of quadrants: for each particular edge of the MBRs comprised in a quadrant of the particular set of quadrants: determining, by the computing device, distance of the edge of the MBR from other edges of the MBRs comprised in other quadrants of the particular set. 15. A non-transitory computer readable medium, comprising instructions for: receiving an instruction for determining a requested distance between at least two geographic entities, the distance being one of a maximum distance and a minimum distance between the at least two geographic entities; accessing input data of at least two shapes respectively modeling the at least two geographic entities, the input data comprising a respective set of points defining each shape in a coordinate space; determining distance between at least portions of the shapes comprised in quadrants of the coordinate space that comprises the at least two shapes and the quadrants further satisfying a predetermined condition of a PM (polygonal map) quadtree rules; and transmitting as the requested distance, the distance between the portions of the shapes in the quadrants satisfying the predetermined condition.

Distances between geographic real-world entities modeled as geometric shapes are measured. At least two shapes are positioned in a coordinate space based on their respective sets of points. A non-empty quadrant set from a plurality of non-empty quadrant sets formed of non-empty quadrants in the coordinate space is identified such that the non-empty quadrants of the identified quadrant set associated with each of the at least two shapes satisfy a predetermined condition and a distance between portions of the at least two shapes in the non-empty quadrants of the identified non-empty quadrant set is an optimal value for the requested distance. The distance between the portions of the shapes in the identified quadrant set is determined to be the requested distance.1. A system for estimating distances between geographic real-world entities modeled as geometric shapes, comprising a processor to: receive a request for determining a distance between at least two shapes and input data comprising a respective set of points for each of the at least two shapes, the requested distance being one of a minimum distance and a maximum distance between the at least two shapes; identify a non-empty quadrant set comprising non-empty quadrants in a coordinate space respectively associated with each of the at least two shapes, the identified non-empty quadrant set satisfies a predetermined condition of PM (Polygonal Map) quadtree rules and a distance between portions of the at least two shapes in the non-empty quadrants of the identified non-empty quadrant set is an optimal value for the requested distance; and select based on the request, that the distance between the portions of the at least two shapes in the non-empty quadrants of the identified non-empty quadrant set satisfying the predetermined condition is the requested distance. 2. The system of claim 1, wherein the processor is to: transmit the distance between the portions in the non-empty quadrants as the requested distance between the at least two shapes. 3. The system of claim 1, wherein to identify the non-empty quadrant set in the coordinate space satisfying the predetermined condition the processor is to: divide the coordinate space into four quadrants with respect to each of the at least two shapes; identify from the four quadrants, the non-empty quadrants comprising at least a subset of the respective sets of points of each of the at least two shapes; form a plurality of sets of the non-empty quadrants with respective keys; identify a subset of the non-empty quadrant sets based on respective MBR distances that are indicative of the non-empty quadrants in the subset of the non-empty quadrant sets as likely to contain the portions of the at least two shapes, the respective minimum bounding rectangle (MBR) distances being distances between respective minimum bounding rectangles (MBRs) enclosing the at least two shapes comprised in the non-empty quadrants. 4. The system of claim 3, the processor is to: for each particular portion of the at least two shapes comprised in the set of quadrants having the MBR distance: determine distances of the particular portion from other portions comprised in other quadrants of the set of quadrants; record as a global variable, the optimal value of one of the distances between the portions in the non-empty quadrant sets having the MBR distance; and transmit the optimal value recorded value of the global variable as the requested distance between the shapes. 5. The system of claim 3, wherein the processor is to: determine distance between each non-empty quadrant of the particular shape and each of the non-empty quadrants of other shapes of the at least two shapes. 6. The system of claim 1, wherein to identify the quadrant set, the processor is to: determine if the non-empty quadrant sets satisfy the predetermined condition; and when a subset of non-empty quadrants do not satisfy the predetermined condition: iteratively repeat the steps of the dividing the coordinate space, the identifying non-empty quadrants and the determining if the non-empty quadrants satisfy the predetermined condition until all the non-empty quadrants satisfy the predetermined condition. 7. The system of claim 1, wherein the at least two shapes are one or more of areal shapes and non-areal shapes. 8. A method, comprising: receiving, by a computing device, input data of at least two polygons respectively representing at least two real-world entities, the input data comprising a respective set of vertices for each polygon; receiving, by the computing device, a request to compute a minimum distance between the polygons; positioning, by the computing device, the at least two polygons in a coordinate space based on the respective set of vertices; identifying, by the computing device, a quadrant set from a plurality of quadrant sets formed from quadrants in the coordinate space associated with each of the at least two polygons, the quadrant set satisfies a predetermined condition per PM quadtree rules; determining, by the computing device, a distance between most proximal edges of the at least two polygons in the quadrants the identified quadrant set satisfying the predetermined condition; and transmitting, by the computing device, the distance of the most proximal edges as a minimum distance between the at least two polygons. 9. The method of claim 8, wherein identifying the quadrant set in the coordinate space further comprises: dividing, by the computing device, the coordinate space into the quadrants with respect to each of the at least two polygons. 10. The method of claim 9, further comprising: identifying, by the computing device, non-empty quadrants of the quadrants comprising at least a portion of each of the at least two polygons. 11. The method of claim 10, further comprising: determine distance between each non-empty quadrant of the particular polygon and the non-empty quadrants of other polygons of the at least two polygons. 12. The method of claim 8, wherein determining the minimum distance of edges in the quadrants further comprises: forming, by the computing device, the plurality of quadrant sets from the quadrants satisfying the predetermined condition wherein each set comprises one quadrant associated with each of the at least two polygons. 13. The method of claim 12, further comprising: identifying, by the computing device, one of the quadrant sets wherein the quadrants in the set have minimum distance based on distances between respective minimum bounding rectangles (MBRs) enclosing the at least two polygons; for each particular edge of the at least two polygons comprised in the set of quadrants having the minimum distance: determining, by the computing device, distances of the particular edge from other edges comprised in other quadrants of the set of quadrants; recording, by the computing device, a lowest value of the distances between the edges in the set of quadrants having the minimum distance as a global variable. 14. The method of claim 13, wherein identifying one of the sets of the quadrants that have minimum distance based on distances between respective minimum bounding rectangles (MBRs) further comprises: for each particular set of quadrants: for each particular edge of the MBRs comprised in a quadrant of the particular set of quadrants: determining, by the computing device, distance of the edge of the MBR from other edges of the MBRs comprised in other quadrants of the particular set. 15. A non-transitory computer readable medium, comprising instructions for: receiving an instruction for determining a requested distance between at least two geographic entities, the distance being one of a maximum distance and a minimum distance between the at least two geographic entities; accessing input data of at least two shapes respectively modeling the at least two geographic entities, the input data comprising a respective set of points defining each shape in a coordinate space; determining distance between at least portions of the shapes comprised in quadrants of the coordinate space that comprises the at least two shapes and the quadrants further satisfying a predetermined condition of a PM (polygonal map) quadtree rules; and transmitting as the requested distance, the distance between the portions of the shapes in the quadrants satisfying the predetermined condition.

The present disclosure relates to a three-dimensional (3D) scanning apparatus and a 3D modeling method. The 3D scanning apparatus includes an image capture element and a processor. The image capture element is configured to capture multiple sets of images of an object. The processor is configured to obtain image information of a first set of image and image information of an Nth set of image of the captured images of the object, compare the image information of the first set of image and the image information of the Nth set of image to obtain corresponding information between the first set of image and the Nth set of image, and determine whether the corresponding information between the first set of image and the Nth set of image is greater than a threshold. If the corresponding information between the first set of image and the Nth set of image is greater than the threshold, the processor is configured to combine the first set of image and the Nth set of image. N is an integer greater than or equal to 2.

1. A three-dimensional (3D) scanning apparatus, comprising: an image capture element, configured to capture multiple sets of images of an object; and a processor, configured to obtain image information of a first set of image and image information of an Nth set of image of the captured images of the object, compare the image information of the first set of image and the image information of the Nth set of image to obtain corresponding information between the first set of image and the Nth set of image, and determine whether the corresponding information between the first set of image and the Nth set of image is greater than a threshold, wherein if the corresponding information between the first set of image and the Nth set of image is greater than the threshold, the processor is configured to combine the first set of image and the Nth set of image, wherein N is an integer greater than or equal to 2. 2. The 3D scanning apparatus according to claim 1, wherein if the corresponding information between the first set of image and the Nth set of image is less than the threshold, the processor is configured to compare the image information of the first set of image and image information of a (N−1)th set of image of the captured images of the object to obtain corresponding information between the first set of image and the (N−1)th set of image. 3. The 3D scanning apparatus according to claim 2, wherein if the corresponding information between the first set of image and the (N−1)th set of image is greater than the threshold, the processor is configured to combine the first set of image and the (N−1)th set of image. 4. The 3D scanning apparatus according to claim 2, wherein N is an integer greater than or equal to 3. 5. The 3D scanning apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the image information of the first set of image or the image information of the Nth set of image comprises at least one of the following of the object or a combination thereof: a geometrical structure, a color, a surface albedo, a surface roughness, a surface curvature, a surface normal vector, and a relative location. 6. The 3D scanning apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the threshold is a minimum value of a quantity of corresponding information of needed for being capable of successfully combining the first set of image and the Nth set of image. 7. The 3D scanning apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the processor is configured to control the image capture element to capture an image of the object each time the image capture element moves by a predetermined distance. 8. The 3D scanning apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the processor is configured to control the image capture element to capture an image of the object at an interval of a predetermined time. 9. A 3D modeling method, wherein the method comprises: (a) capturing multiple sets of images of an object; (b) obtaining image information of a first set of image and image information of an Nth set of image of the captured images of the object; (c) comparing the image information of the first set of image and the image information of the Nth set of image to obtain corresponding information between the first set of image and the Nth set of image; (d) determining whether the corresponding information between the first set of image and the Nth set of image is greater than a threshold; and (e) if the corresponding information between the first set of image and the Nth set of image is greater than the threshold, combining the first set of image and the Nth set of image, wherein N is an integer greater than or equal to 2. 10. The method according to claim 9, further comprising: if the corresponding information between the first set of image and the Nth set of image is less than the threshold, comparing the image information of the first set of image and image information of a (N−1)th set of image of the captured images of the object to obtain corresponding information between the first set of image and the (N−1)th set of image; and determining whether the corresponding information between the first set of image and the (N−1)th set of image is greater than the threshold. 11. The method according to claim 10, further comprising: if the corresponding information between the first set of image and the (N−1)th set of image is greater than the threshold, combining the first set of image and the (N−1)th set of image. 12. The method according to claim 11, wherein N is an integer greater than or equal to 3. 13. The method according to claim 9, wherein the image information of the first set of image or the image information of the Nth set of image comprises at least one of the following of the object or a combination thereof: a geometrical structure, a color, a surface albedo, a surface roughness, a surface curvature, a surface normal vector, and a relative location. 14. The method according to claim 9, wherein the threshold is a minimum value of a quantity of corresponding information of needed for being capable of successfully combining the first set of image and the Nth set of image. 15. The method according to claim 9, wherein step (a) further comprises: capturing an image of the object at an interval of a predetermined distance. 16. The method according to claim 9, wherein before step (b), the method further comprises: determining whether a quantity of the captured images of the object is greater than or equal to N. 17. The method according to claim 16, further comprising: if the quantity of the captured images of the object is less than N, continuing to capture images of the object until a quantity of captured images of the object is greater than or equal to N.

The present disclosure relates to a three-dimensional (3D) scanning apparatus and a 3D modeling method. The 3D scanning apparatus includes an image capture element and a processor. The image capture element is configured to capture multiple sets of images of an object. The processor is configured to obtain image information of a first set of image and image information of an Nth set of image of the captured images of the object, compare the image information of the first set of image and the image information of the Nth set of image to obtain corresponding information between the first set of image and the Nth set of image, and determine whether the corresponding information between the first set of image and the Nth set of image is greater than a threshold. If the corresponding information between the first set of image and the Nth set of image is greater than the threshold, the processor is configured to combine the first set of image and the Nth set of image. N is an integer greater than or equal to 2.1. A three-dimensional (3D) scanning apparatus, comprising: an image capture element, configured to capture multiple sets of images of an object; and a processor, configured to obtain image information of a first set of image and image information of an Nth set of image of the captured images of the object, compare the image information of the first set of image and the image information of the Nth set of image to obtain corresponding information between the first set of image and the Nth set of image, and determine whether the corresponding information between the first set of image and the Nth set of image is greater than a threshold, wherein if the corresponding information between the first set of image and the Nth set of image is greater than the threshold, the processor is configured to combine the first set of image and the Nth set of image, wherein N is an integer greater than or equal to 2. 2. The 3D scanning apparatus according to claim 1, wherein if the corresponding information between the first set of image and the Nth set of image is less than the threshold, the processor is configured to compare the image information of the first set of image and image information of a (N−1)th set of image of the captured images of the object to obtain corresponding information between the first set of image and the (N−1)th set of image. 3. The 3D scanning apparatus according to claim 2, wherein if the corresponding information between the first set of image and the (N−1)th set of image is greater than the threshold, the processor is configured to combine the first set of image and the (N−1)th set of image. 4. The 3D scanning apparatus according to claim 2, wherein N is an integer greater than or equal to 3. 5. The 3D scanning apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the image information of the first set of image or the image information of the Nth set of image comprises at least one of the following of the object or a combination thereof: a geometrical structure, a color, a surface albedo, a surface roughness, a surface curvature, a surface normal vector, and a relative location. 6. The 3D scanning apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the threshold is a minimum value of a quantity of corresponding information of needed for being capable of successfully combining the first set of image and the Nth set of image. 7. The 3D scanning apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the processor is configured to control the image capture element to capture an image of the object each time the image capture element moves by a predetermined distance. 8. The 3D scanning apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the processor is configured to control the image capture element to capture an image of the object at an interval of a predetermined time. 9. A 3D modeling method, wherein the method comprises: (a) capturing multiple sets of images of an object; (b) obtaining image information of a first set of image and image information of an Nth set of image of the captured images of the object; (c) comparing the image information of the first set of image and the image information of the Nth set of image to obtain corresponding information between the first set of image and the Nth set of image; (d) determining whether the corresponding information between the first set of image and the Nth set of image is greater than a threshold; and (e) if the corresponding information between the first set of image and the Nth set of image is greater than the threshold, combining the first set of image and the Nth set of image, wherein N is an integer greater than or equal to 2. 10. The method according to claim 9, further comprising: if the corresponding information between the first set of image and the Nth set of image is less than the threshold, comparing the image information of the first set of image and image information of a (N−1)th set of image of the captured images of the object to obtain corresponding information between the first set of image and the (N−1)th set of image; and determining whether the corresponding information between the first set of image and the (N−1)th set of image is greater than the threshold. 11. The method according to claim 10, further comprising: if the corresponding information between the first set of image and the (N−1)th set of image is greater than the threshold, combining the first set of image and the (N−1)th set of image. 12. The method according to claim 11, wherein N is an integer greater than or equal to 3. 13. The method according to claim 9, wherein the image information of the first set of image or the image information of the Nth set of image comprises at least one of the following of the object or a combination thereof: a geometrical structure, a color, a surface albedo, a surface roughness, a surface curvature, a surface normal vector, and a relative location. 14. The method according to claim 9, wherein the threshold is a minimum value of a quantity of corresponding information of needed for being capable of successfully combining the first set of image and the Nth set of image. 15. The method according to claim 9, wherein step (a) further comprises: capturing an image of the object at an interval of a predetermined distance. 16. The method according to claim 9, wherein before step (b), the method further comprises: determining whether a quantity of the captured images of the object is greater than or equal to N. 17. The method according to claim 16, further comprising: if the quantity of the captured images of the object is less than N, continuing to capture images of the object until a quantity of captured images of the object is greater than or equal to N.

To prevent virtual content from occluding physical objects in an augmented reality (AR) system, the embodiments herein describe generating a pass-through texture using a pre-generated model of a physical object. In one embodiment, the AR system determines the location of the physical object as well as its orientation. With this information, the system rotates and re-sizes the pre-generated model of the object to match its location and orientation in the real-world. The system then generates the pass-through texture from the pre-generated model and inserts the texture into the virtual content. When the virtual content is displayed, the pass-through texture permits light from the real-world view to pass through substantially unaffected by the virtual content. In this manner, the physical object (which aligns with the location of the pass-through texture in the virtual content) can be seen by the user—i.e., is not occluded by the virtual content.

1. A method, comprising: determining a location of a peripheral device of an augmented reality (AR) system in a real-world environment; determining an orientation of the peripheral device in the real-world environment; orienting and sizing a pre-generated model of the peripheral device to match a size and the orientation of the peripheral device relative to a viewpoint of a user; generating a pass-through texture using the pre-generated model; inserting the pass-through texture into the virtual content, wherein the pass-through texture permits light emitted from the real-world environment to be seen by the user without being occluded by virtual content; and outputting for display the pass-through texture and the virtual content. 2. The method of claim 1, further comprising: determining that the peripheral device has a location in the real-world environment that overlaps a location of the virtual content in an AR image. 3. The method of claim 1, wherein the pre-generated model is a 3D model, and wherein generating the pass-through texture comprises: converting the pre-generated model into the pass-through texture, wherein the pass-through texture comprises a 2D displayable texture; and assigning a color to the pass-through texture such that a display in the AR system is black in an area displaying the pass-through texture. 4. The method of claim 1, wherein the peripheral device comprises a game controller for interacting with the virtual content; the method comprising: outputting for display projected virtual content that extends from the peripheral device. 5. The method of claim 1, further comprising: receiving inertial measurement unit (IMU) data from the peripheral device, wherein the orientation of the peripheral device is determined using the IMU data. 6. The method of claim 1, wherein determining the location of the peripheral device in the real-world environment comprises: capturing an image of the peripheral device using a light sensor in the AR system, wherein the peripheral device comprises an illuminated light source detectable by the light sensor; and tracking the illuminated light source using the captured image to determine the location of the peripheral device. 7. A computer-readable storage medium comprising computer-readable program code embodied therewith, the computer-readable program code is configured to perform, when executed by a processor, an operation, the operation comprising: determining a location of a peripheral device of an AR system in a real-world environment; determining an orientation of the peripheral device in the real-world environment; orienting and sizing a pre-generated model of the peripheral device to match a size and the orientation of the peripheral device relative to a viewpoint of a user; generating a pass-through texture using the pre-generated model; inserting the pass-through texture into the virtual content, wherein the pass-through texture permits light emitted from the real-world environment to be seen by the user without being occluded by virtual content; and outputting for display the pass-through texture and the virtual content. 8. The computer-readable storage medium of claim 7, the operation further comprising: determining that the peripheral device has a location in the real-world environment that overlaps a location of the virtual content in an AR image. 9. The computer-readable storage medium of claim 7, wherein the pre-generated model is a 3D model, and wherein generating the pass-through texture comprises: converting the pre-generated model into the pass-through texture, wherein the pass-through texture comprises a 2D displayable texture; and assigning a color to the pass-through texture such that a display in the AR system is black in an area displaying the pass-through texture. 10. The computer-readable storage medium of claim 7, wherein the peripheral device comprises a game controller for interacting with the virtual content; the operation comprising: outputting for display projected virtual content that extends from the peripheral device. 11. The computer-readable storage medium of claim 7, the operation further comprising: receiving inertial measurement unit (IMU) data from the peripheral device, wherein the orientation of the peripheral device is determined using the IMU data. 12. The computer-readable storage medium of claim 7, wherein determining the location of the peripheral device in the real-world environment comprises: capturing an image of the peripheral device using a light sensor in the AR system, wherein the peripheral device comprises an illuminated light source detectable by the light sensor; and tracking the illuminated light source using the captured image to determine the location of the peripheral device. 13. A computer-readable storage medium comprising computer-readable program code embodied therewith, the computer-readable program code is configured to perform, when executed by a processor, an operation, the operation comprising: determining a location of a physical object in a real-world environment; determining an orientation of the physical object in the real-world environment; orienting and sizing a pre-generated model of the physical object to match a size and the orientation of the physical object relative to a viewpoint of a user, wherein the pre-generated model was generated before determining the location and orientation of the physical object; generating a black texture using the pre-generated model; inserting the black texture into a portion of virtual content that corresponds to the location of the physical object in the real-world environment; and outputting for display the black texture and the virtual content to generate an AR image. 14. The computer-readable storage medium of claim 13, wherein the pre-generated model is a 3D model, and wherein generating the black texture comprises: converting the pre-generated model into the black texture, wherein the black texture comprises a 2D displayable texture; and assigning black to the black texture such that a display in an AR system outputs black in an area displaying the black texture. 15. The computer-readable storage medium of claim 13, wherein the physical object comprises a game controller for interacting with the virtual content; the operation comprising: outputting for display projected virtual content that extends from the peripheral device. 16. The computer-readable storage medium of claim 13, the operation further comprising: receiving inertial measurement unit (IMU) data from the physical object, wherein the orientation of the physical object is determined using the IMU data. 17. The computer-readable storage medium of claim 13, wherein determining the location of the physical object in the real-world environment comprises: capturing an image of the physical object using a light sensor, tracking the physical object using the captured image to determine the location of the physical object. 18. The computer-readable storage medium of claim 17, wherein the physical object comprises an illuminated light source detectable by the light sensor, and wherein tracking the physical object using the captured image comprises: tracking the light source using the captured image. 19. The computer-readable storage medium of claim 13, the operation further comprising: estimating a location and an orientation of a body part of the user supporting the physical object; and modifying the black texture based on the estimating. 20. The computer-readable storage medium of claim 19, wherein the modified black texture, when displayed, prevents the virtual content from occluding the body part of the user.

To prevent virtual content from occluding physical objects in an augmented reality (AR) system, the embodiments herein describe generating a pass-through texture using a pre-generated model of a physical object. In one embodiment, the AR system determines the location of the physical object as well as its orientation. With this information, the system rotates and re-sizes the pre-generated model of the object to match its location and orientation in the real-world. The system then generates the pass-through texture from the pre-generated model and inserts the texture into the virtual content. When the virtual content is displayed, the pass-through texture permits light from the real-world view to pass through substantially unaffected by the virtual content. In this manner, the physical object (which aligns with the location of the pass-through texture in the virtual content) can be seen by the user—i.e., is not occluded by the virtual content.1. A method, comprising: determining a location of a peripheral device of an augmented reality (AR) system in a real-world environment; determining an orientation of the peripheral device in the real-world environment; orienting and sizing a pre-generated model of the peripheral device to match a size and the orientation of the peripheral device relative to a viewpoint of a user; generating a pass-through texture using the pre-generated model; inserting the pass-through texture into the virtual content, wherein the pass-through texture permits light emitted from the real-world environment to be seen by the user without being occluded by virtual content; and outputting for display the pass-through texture and the virtual content. 2. The method of claim 1, further comprising: determining that the peripheral device has a location in the real-world environment that overlaps a location of the virtual content in an AR image. 3. The method of claim 1, wherein the pre-generated model is a 3D model, and wherein generating the pass-through texture comprises: converting the pre-generated model into the pass-through texture, wherein the pass-through texture comprises a 2D displayable texture; and assigning a color to the pass-through texture such that a display in the AR system is black in an area displaying the pass-through texture. 4. The method of claim 1, wherein the peripheral device comprises a game controller for interacting with the virtual content; the method comprising: outputting for display projected virtual content that extends from the peripheral device. 5. The method of claim 1, further comprising: receiving inertial measurement unit (IMU) data from the peripheral device, wherein the orientation of the peripheral device is determined using the IMU data. 6. The method of claim 1, wherein determining the location of the peripheral device in the real-world environment comprises: capturing an image of the peripheral device using a light sensor in the AR system, wherein the peripheral device comprises an illuminated light source detectable by the light sensor; and tracking the illuminated light source using the captured image to determine the location of the peripheral device. 7. A computer-readable storage medium comprising computer-readable program code embodied therewith, the computer-readable program code is configured to perform, when executed by a processor, an operation, the operation comprising: determining a location of a peripheral device of an AR system in a real-world environment; determining an orientation of the peripheral device in the real-world environment; orienting and sizing a pre-generated model of the peripheral device to match a size and the orientation of the peripheral device relative to a viewpoint of a user; generating a pass-through texture using the pre-generated model; inserting the pass-through texture into the virtual content, wherein the pass-through texture permits light emitted from the real-world environment to be seen by the user without being occluded by virtual content; and outputting for display the pass-through texture and the virtual content. 8. The computer-readable storage medium of claim 7, the operation further comprising: determining that the peripheral device has a location in the real-world environment that overlaps a location of the virtual content in an AR image. 9. The computer-readable storage medium of claim 7, wherein the pre-generated model is a 3D model, and wherein generating the pass-through texture comprises: converting the pre-generated model into the pass-through texture, wherein the pass-through texture comprises a 2D displayable texture; and assigning a color to the pass-through texture such that a display in the AR system is black in an area displaying the pass-through texture. 10. The computer-readable storage medium of claim 7, wherein the peripheral device comprises a game controller for interacting with the virtual content; the operation comprising: outputting for display projected virtual content that extends from the peripheral device. 11. The computer-readable storage medium of claim 7, the operation further comprising: receiving inertial measurement unit (IMU) data from the peripheral device, wherein the orientation of the peripheral device is determined using the IMU data. 12. The computer-readable storage medium of claim 7, wherein determining the location of the peripheral device in the real-world environment comprises: capturing an image of the peripheral device using a light sensor in the AR system, wherein the peripheral device comprises an illuminated light source detectable by the light sensor; and tracking the illuminated light source using the captured image to determine the location of the peripheral device. 13. A computer-readable storage medium comprising computer-readable program code embodied therewith, the computer-readable program code is configured to perform, when executed by a processor, an operation, the operation comprising: determining a location of a physical object in a real-world environment; determining an orientation of the physical object in the real-world environment; orienting and sizing a pre-generated model of the physical object to match a size and the orientation of the physical object relative to a viewpoint of a user, wherein the pre-generated model was generated before determining the location and orientation of the physical object; generating a black texture using the pre-generated model; inserting the black texture into a portion of virtual content that corresponds to the location of the physical object in the real-world environment; and outputting for display the black texture and the virtual content to generate an AR image. 14. The computer-readable storage medium of claim 13, wherein the pre-generated model is a 3D model, and wherein generating the black texture comprises: converting the pre-generated model into the black texture, wherein the black texture comprises a 2D displayable texture; and assigning black to the black texture such that a display in an AR system outputs black in an area displaying the black texture. 15. The computer-readable storage medium of claim 13, wherein the physical object comprises a game controller for interacting with the virtual content; the operation comprising: outputting for display projected virtual content that extends from the peripheral device. 16. The computer-readable storage medium of claim 13, the operation further comprising: receiving inertial measurement unit (IMU) data from the physical object, wherein the orientation of the physical object is determined using the IMU data. 17. The computer-readable storage medium of claim 13, wherein determining the location of the physical object in the real-world environment comprises: capturing an image of the physical object using a light sensor, tracking the physical object using the captured image to determine the location of the physical object. 18. The computer-readable storage medium of claim 17, wherein the physical object comprises an illuminated light source detectable by the light sensor, and wherein tracking the physical object using the captured image comprises: tracking the light source using the captured image. 19. The computer-readable storage medium of claim 13, the operation further comprising: estimating a location and an orientation of a body part of the user supporting the physical object; and modifying the black texture based on the estimating. 20. The computer-readable storage medium of claim 19, wherein the modified black texture, when displayed, prevents the virtual content from occluding the body part of the user.

The present application discloses a method and device of labeling laser point cloud. The method comprises: receiving data of a laser point cloud; constructing a 3D scene and establishing a 3D coordinate system corresponding to the 3D scene; converting a coordinate of each laser point in the laser point cloud into a 3D coordinate in the 3D coordinate system; mapping laser points included in the laser point cloud into the 3D scene respectively according to the 3D coordinate of the laser points; labeling the laser points in the 3D scene.

1. A method of labeling laser point cloud, comprising: receiving, by a device of labeling laser point cloud, data of a laser point cloud; constructing a 3D scene and establishing a 3D coordinate system corresponding to the 3D scene; converting a coordinate of each laser point in the laser point cloud into a 3D coordinate in the 3D coordinate system; mapping laser points included in the laser point cloud into the 3D scene respectively according to the 3D coordinate of the laser points; labeling the laser points in the 3D scene. 2. The method according to claim 1, labeling the laser points in the 3D scene comprises: determining types to which the laser points in the 3D scene belong; labeling the laser points by using labeling manners corresponding to the types to which the laser points belong, wherein different types correspond to different labeling manners. 3. The method according to claim 2, after constructing the 3D scene, the method further comprises: constructing at least one camera in the 3D scene, to adjust an angle and a range of viewing the laser point cloud in the 3D scene by adjusting a position and a direction of the at least one camera in the 3D scene, during the process of labeling the laser points in the 3D scene. 4. The method according to claim 3, determining the type to which the laser point in the 3D scene belongs comprises: determining the types to which the laser points in the 3D scene belongs according to a first mode or a second mode: the first mode: generating a 3D selecting box according to first size information set by a user; moving a position of the 3D selecting box in the 3D scene according to a first moving instruction input by the user; when receiving a labeling instruction carrying a target type, taking laser points currently falling within the 3D selecting box as target laser points and taking the target type in the labeling instruction as a type to which the target laser points belong; the second mode: generating a ray by taking the position of a camera of the at least one camera as a start point and taking a screen position point selected by the user as an end point; taking laser points meeting the following conditions as target laser points: a distance of a laser point from the start point is between a first distance threshold and a second distance threshold, and a vertical distance of the laser point from the ray is less than or equal to a third distance threshold; when receiving a labeling instruction carrying a target type, taking the target type in the labeling instruction as a type to which the target laser points belong. 5. The method according to claim 4, the labeling instruction further contains a labeling color corresponding to the target type, and labeling the laser points according to the labeling manners corresponding to the type to which the laser points belong comprises: setting a color of the target laser points to be the labeling color in the labeling instruction, wherein different target types correspond to different labeling colors; or, the labeling instruction further contains a labeling box pattern corresponding to the target type, and labeling the laser points according to the labeling manner corresponding to the type to which the laser points belong specifically comprises: generating a 3D labeling box according to the labeling box pattern, and labeling each target laser point respectively by using the 3D labeling box, wherein different target types correspond to different labeling box patterns. 6. The method according to claim 5, setting the color of the target laser points to be the labeling color in the labeling instruction comprises: generating a 3D coloring box according to second size information set by the user; moving the 3D coloring box according to a second moving instruction input by the user, to paint the color of the target laser points falling within the 3D coloring box during the moving process into the labeling color in the labeling instruction; the method further comprises: setting the 3D coloring box with an eraser attribute according to an erasure instruction input by the user; moving the 3D coloring box according to a third moving instruction input by the user, to erase the color of the laser points falling within the 3D coloring box during the moving process. 7. The method according to claim 3, labeling the laser point according to the labeling manner corresponding to the type to which the laser points belong comprises: determining a labeling color corresponding to the type to which the laser points belong according to a preset correspondence between types and labeling colors, and setting a color of the laser points to be the labeling color corresponding to the type to which the laser points belong; or determining a labeling box pattern corresponding to the type to which the laser points belong according to a preset correspondence between types and labeling box patterns, generating a 3D labeling box according to the labeling box pattern corresponding to the type to which the laser points belong, and labeling the laser points by using the 3D labeling box. 8. A device of labeling laser point cloud, comprising: a receiving unit configured to receive data of a laser point cloud; a constructing unit configured to construct a 3D scene and establish a 3D coordinate system corresponding to the 3D scene; a converting unit configured to convert a coordinate of each laser point in the laser point cloud into a 3D coordinate in the 3D coordinate system; a mapping unit configured to map the laser points included in the laser point cloud into the 3D scene respectively according to the 3D coordinate of the laser points; a labeling unit configured to label the laser points in the 3D scene. 9. The device according to claim 8, the labeling unit specifically comprises: a determining subunit configured to determine types to which the laser points in the 3D scene belong; a labeling subunit configured to label the laser points by using labeling manners corresponding to the types to which the laser points belong, wherein different types correspond to different labeling manners. 10. The device according to claim 9, the device further comprises: a camera constructing unit configured to construct at least one camera in the 3D scene, to adjust an angle and a range of viewing the laser point cloud in the 3D scene by adjusting a position and a direction of the at least one camera in the 3D scene during the process of labeling the laser points in the 3D scene. 11. The device according to claim 10, the determining subunit is specifically configured to determine types to which the laser points in the 3D scene belongs according to a first mode or a second mode: the first mode: generating a 3D selecting box according to first size information set by a user; moving a position of the 3D selecting box in the 3D scene according to a first moving instruction input by the user; when receiving a labeling instruction carrying a target type, taking laser points currently falling within the 3D selecting box as target laser points and taking the target type in the labeling instruction as a type to which the target laser points belong; or the second mode: generating a ray by taking the position of a camera of the at least one camera as a start point and taking a screen position point selected by the user as an end point; taking laser points meeting the following conditions as target laser points: a distance of a laser point from the start point is between a first distance threshold and a second distance threshold, and a vertical distance of the laser point from the ray is less than or equal to a third distance threshold; when receiving a labeling instruction carrying a target type, taking the target type in the labeling instruction as a type to which the target laser points belong. 12. The device according to claim 11, the labeling instruction further contains a labeling color corresponding to the target type, and the labeling subunit is specifically configured to: set a color of the target laser points to be the labeling color in the labeling instruction, wherein different target types correspond to different labeling colors; or, the labeling instruction further contains a labeling box pattern corresponding to the target type, and the labeling subunit is specifically configured to: generate a 3D labeling box according to the labeling box pattern, and label each target laser point respectively by using the 3D labeling box, wherein different target types correspond to different labeling box patterns. 13. The device according to claim 12, the labeling subunit sets the color of the target laser point to be the labeling color in the labeling instruction, which is specifically configured to: generate a 3D coloring box according to second size information set by the user; move the 3D coloring box according to a second moving instruction input by the user, to paint the color of the target laser point falling within the 3D coloring box during the moving process into the labeling color in the labeling instruction; the labeling subunit is further configured to: set the 3D coloring box with an eraser attribute according to an erasure instruction input by the user; move the 3D coloring box according to a third moving instruction input by the user, to erase the color of the laser points falling within the 3D coloring box during the moving process. 14. The device according to claim 9, the labeling subunit is specifically configured to: determine a labeling color corresponding to the type to which the laser points belong according to a preset correspondence between types and labeling colors, and set a color of the laser points to be the labeling color corresponding to the type to which the laser points belong; or determine a labeling box pattern corresponding to the type to which the laser points belong according to a preset correspondence between types and labeling box patterns, generate a 3D labeling box according to the labeling box pattern corresponding to the type to which the laser points belong, and label the laser points by using the 3D labeling box. 15. A device of labeling laser point cloud, the device comprises: a processor and at least one memory, the at least one memory storing at least one machine executable instruction which is executed by the processor to: receive data of a laser point cloud; construct a 3D scene and establish a 3D coordinate system corresponding to the 3D scene; convert a coordinate of each laser point in the laser point cloud into a 3D coordinate in the 3D coordinate system; map the laser points included in the laser point cloud into the 3D scene respectively according to the 3D coordinate of the laser points; label the laser points in the 3D scene. 16. The device according to claim 15, the processor executes the at least one machine executable instruction to label the laser point in the 3D scene, which comprises: determine types to which the laser point in the 3D scene belongs; label the laser points by using labeling manners corresponding to the types to which the laser points belong, wherein different types correspond to different labeling manners. 17. The device according to claim 16, the processor executes the at least one machine executable instruction to construct the 3D scene and then further to: construct at least one camera in the 3D scene, to adjust an angle and a range of viewing the laser point cloud in the 3D scene by adjusting a position and a direction of the at least one camera in the 3D scene during the process of labeling the laser points in the 3D scene. 18. The device according to claim 17, the processor executes the at least one machine executable instruction to determine the types to which the laser points in the 3D scene belongs according to a first mode or a second mode: the first mode: generating a 3D selecting box according to first size information set by a user; moving a position of the 3D selecting box in the 3D scene according to a first moving instruction input by the user; when receiving a labeling instruction carrying a target type, taking laser points currently falling within the 3D selecting box as target laser points and taking the target type in the labeling instruction as a type to which the target laser points belong; the second mode: generating a ray by taking the position of a camera of the at least one camera as a start point and taking a screen position point selected by the user as an end point; taking laser points meeting the following conditions as target laser points: a distance of a laser point from the start point is between a first distance threshold and a second distance threshold, and a vertical distance of the laser point from the ray is less than or equal to a third distance threshold; when receiving a labeling instruction carrying a target type, taking the target type in the labeling instruction as a type to which the target laser points belong. 19. The device according to claim 18, the labeling instruction further contains a labeling color corresponding to the target type, then the processor executes the at least one machine executable instruction to label the laser points according to the labeling manners corresponding to the type to which the laser points belong, which comprises: set a color of the target laser points to be the labeling color in the labeling instruction, wherein different target types correspond to different labeling colors; or, the labeling instruction further contains a labeling box pattern corresponding to the target type, then the processor executes the at least one machine executable instruction to label the laser points according to the labeling manner corresponding to the type to which the laser points belong, which specifically comprises: generate a 3D labeling box according to the labeling box pattern, and label each target laser point respectively by using the 3D labeling box, wherein different target types correspond to different labeling box patterns; wherein the processor executes the at least one machine executable instruction to set the color of the target laser point to be the labeling color in the labeling instruction, which comprises: generate a 3D coloring box according to second size information set by the user; move the 3D coloring box according to a second moving instruction input by the user, to paint the color of the target laser points falling within the 3D coloring box during the moving process into the labeling color in the labeling instruction; the processor further executes the at least one machine executable instruction to: set the 3D coloring box with an eraser attribute according to an erasure instruction input by the user; move the 3D coloring box according to a third moving instruction input by the user, to erase the color of the laser points falling within the 3D coloring box during the moving process. 20. The device according to claim 17, the processor executes the at least one machine executable instruction to label the laser point according to the labeling manner corresponding to the type to which the laser points belong, which comprises: determine a labeling color corresponding to the type to which the laser points belong according to a preset correspondence between types and labeling colors, and set a color of the laser points to be the labeling color corresponding to the type to which the laser points belong; or determine a labeling box pattern corresponding to the type to which the laser points belong according to a preset correspondence between types and labeling box patterns, generate a 3D labeling box according to the labeling box pattern corresponding to the type to which the laser points belong, and label the laser point by using the 3D labeling box.

The present application discloses a method and device of labeling laser point cloud. The method comprises: receiving data of a laser point cloud; constructing a 3D scene and establishing a 3D coordinate system corresponding to the 3D scene; converting a coordinate of each laser point in the laser point cloud into a 3D coordinate in the 3D coordinate system; mapping laser points included in the laser point cloud into the 3D scene respectively according to the 3D coordinate of the laser points; labeling the laser points in the 3D scene.1. A method of labeling laser point cloud, comprising: receiving, by a device of labeling laser point cloud, data of a laser point cloud; constructing a 3D scene and establishing a 3D coordinate system corresponding to the 3D scene; converting a coordinate of each laser point in the laser point cloud into a 3D coordinate in the 3D coordinate system; mapping laser points included in the laser point cloud into the 3D scene respectively according to the 3D coordinate of the laser points; labeling the laser points in the 3D scene. 2. The method according to claim 1, labeling the laser points in the 3D scene comprises: determining types to which the laser points in the 3D scene belong; labeling the laser points by using labeling manners corresponding to the types to which the laser points belong, wherein different types correspond to different labeling manners. 3. The method according to claim 2, after constructing the 3D scene, the method further comprises: constructing at least one camera in the 3D scene, to adjust an angle and a range of viewing the laser point cloud in the 3D scene by adjusting a position and a direction of the at least one camera in the 3D scene, during the process of labeling the laser points in the 3D scene. 4. The method according to claim 3, determining the type to which the laser point in the 3D scene belongs comprises: determining the types to which the laser points in the 3D scene belongs according to a first mode or a second mode: the first mode: generating a 3D selecting box according to first size information set by a user; moving a position of the 3D selecting box in the 3D scene according to a first moving instruction input by the user; when receiving a labeling instruction carrying a target type, taking laser points currently falling within the 3D selecting box as target laser points and taking the target type in the labeling instruction as a type to which the target laser points belong; the second mode: generating a ray by taking the position of a camera of the at least one camera as a start point and taking a screen position point selected by the user as an end point; taking laser points meeting the following conditions as target laser points: a distance of a laser point from the start point is between a first distance threshold and a second distance threshold, and a vertical distance of the laser point from the ray is less than or equal to a third distance threshold; when receiving a labeling instruction carrying a target type, taking the target type in the labeling instruction as a type to which the target laser points belong. 5. The method according to claim 4, the labeling instruction further contains a labeling color corresponding to the target type, and labeling the laser points according to the labeling manners corresponding to the type to which the laser points belong comprises: setting a color of the target laser points to be the labeling color in the labeling instruction, wherein different target types correspond to different labeling colors; or, the labeling instruction further contains a labeling box pattern corresponding to the target type, and labeling the laser points according to the labeling manner corresponding to the type to which the laser points belong specifically comprises: generating a 3D labeling box according to the labeling box pattern, and labeling each target laser point respectively by using the 3D labeling box, wherein different target types correspond to different labeling box patterns. 6. The method according to claim 5, setting the color of the target laser points to be the labeling color in the labeling instruction comprises: generating a 3D coloring box according to second size information set by the user; moving the 3D coloring box according to a second moving instruction input by the user, to paint the color of the target laser points falling within the 3D coloring box during the moving process into the labeling color in the labeling instruction; the method further comprises: setting the 3D coloring box with an eraser attribute according to an erasure instruction input by the user; moving the 3D coloring box according to a third moving instruction input by the user, to erase the color of the laser points falling within the 3D coloring box during the moving process. 7. The method according to claim 3, labeling the laser point according to the labeling manner corresponding to the type to which the laser points belong comprises: determining a labeling color corresponding to the type to which the laser points belong according to a preset correspondence between types and labeling colors, and setting a color of the laser points to be the labeling color corresponding to the type to which the laser points belong; or determining a labeling box pattern corresponding to the type to which the laser points belong according to a preset correspondence between types and labeling box patterns, generating a 3D labeling box according to the labeling box pattern corresponding to the type to which the laser points belong, and labeling the laser points by using the 3D labeling box. 8. A device of labeling laser point cloud, comprising: a receiving unit configured to receive data of a laser point cloud; a constructing unit configured to construct a 3D scene and establish a 3D coordinate system corresponding to the 3D scene; a converting unit configured to convert a coordinate of each laser point in the laser point cloud into a 3D coordinate in the 3D coordinate system; a mapping unit configured to map the laser points included in the laser point cloud into the 3D scene respectively according to the 3D coordinate of the laser points; a labeling unit configured to label the laser points in the 3D scene. 9. The device according to claim 8, the labeling unit specifically comprises: a determining subunit configured to determine types to which the laser points in the 3D scene belong; a labeling subunit configured to label the laser points by using labeling manners corresponding to the types to which the laser points belong, wherein different types correspond to different labeling manners. 10. The device according to claim 9, the device further comprises: a camera constructing unit configured to construct at least one camera in the 3D scene, to adjust an angle and a range of viewing the laser point cloud in the 3D scene by adjusting a position and a direction of the at least one camera in the 3D scene during the process of labeling the laser points in the 3D scene. 11. The device according to claim 10, the determining subunit is specifically configured to determine types to which the laser points in the 3D scene belongs according to a first mode or a second mode: the first mode: generating a 3D selecting box according to first size information set by a user; moving a position of the 3D selecting box in the 3D scene according to a first moving instruction input by the user; when receiving a labeling instruction carrying a target type, taking laser points currently falling within the 3D selecting box as target laser points and taking the target type in the labeling instruction as a type to which the target laser points belong; or the second mode: generating a ray by taking the position of a camera of the at least one camera as a start point and taking a screen position point selected by the user as an end point; taking laser points meeting the following conditions as target laser points: a distance of a laser point from the start point is between a first distance threshold and a second distance threshold, and a vertical distance of the laser point from the ray is less than or equal to a third distance threshold; when receiving a labeling instruction carrying a target type, taking the target type in the labeling instruction as a type to which the target laser points belong. 12. The device according to claim 11, the labeling instruction further contains a labeling color corresponding to the target type, and the labeling subunit is specifically configured to: set a color of the target laser points to be the labeling color in the labeling instruction, wherein different target types correspond to different labeling colors; or, the labeling instruction further contains a labeling box pattern corresponding to the target type, and the labeling subunit is specifically configured to: generate a 3D labeling box according to the labeling box pattern, and label each target laser point respectively by using the 3D labeling box, wherein different target types correspond to different labeling box patterns. 13. The device according to claim 12, the labeling subunit sets the color of the target laser point to be the labeling color in the labeling instruction, which is specifically configured to: generate a 3D coloring box according to second size information set by the user; move the 3D coloring box according to a second moving instruction input by the user, to paint the color of the target laser point falling within the 3D coloring box during the moving process into the labeling color in the labeling instruction; the labeling subunit is further configured to: set the 3D coloring box with an eraser attribute according to an erasure instruction input by the user; move the 3D coloring box according to a third moving instruction input by the user, to erase the color of the laser points falling within the 3D coloring box during the moving process. 14. The device according to claim 9, the labeling subunit is specifically configured to: determine a labeling color corresponding to the type to which the laser points belong according to a preset correspondence between types and labeling colors, and set a color of the laser points to be the labeling color corresponding to the type to which the laser points belong; or determine a labeling box pattern corresponding to the type to which the laser points belong according to a preset correspondence between types and labeling box patterns, generate a 3D labeling box according to the labeling box pattern corresponding to the type to which the laser points belong, and label the laser points by using the 3D labeling box. 15. A device of labeling laser point cloud, the device comprises: a processor and at least one memory, the at least one memory storing at least one machine executable instruction which is executed by the processor to: receive data of a laser point cloud; construct a 3D scene and establish a 3D coordinate system corresponding to the 3D scene; convert a coordinate of each laser point in the laser point cloud into a 3D coordinate in the 3D coordinate system; map the laser points included in the laser point cloud into the 3D scene respectively according to the 3D coordinate of the laser points; label the laser points in the 3D scene. 16. The device according to claim 15, the processor executes the at least one machine executable instruction to label the laser point in the 3D scene, which comprises: determine types to which the laser point in the 3D scene belongs; label the laser points by using labeling manners corresponding to the types to which the laser points belong, wherein different types correspond to different labeling manners. 17. The device according to claim 16, the processor executes the at least one machine executable instruction to construct the 3D scene and then further to: construct at least one camera in the 3D scene, to adjust an angle and a range of viewing the laser point cloud in the 3D scene by adjusting a position and a direction of the at least one camera in the 3D scene during the process of labeling the laser points in the 3D scene. 18. The device according to claim 17, the processor executes the at least one machine executable instruction to determine the types to which the laser points in the 3D scene belongs according to a first mode or a second mode: the first mode: generating a 3D selecting box according to first size information set by a user; moving a position of the 3D selecting box in the 3D scene according to a first moving instruction input by the user; when receiving a labeling instruction carrying a target type, taking laser points currently falling within the 3D selecting box as target laser points and taking the target type in the labeling instruction as a type to which the target laser points belong; the second mode: generating a ray by taking the position of a camera of the at least one camera as a start point and taking a screen position point selected by the user as an end point; taking laser points meeting the following conditions as target laser points: a distance of a laser point from the start point is between a first distance threshold and a second distance threshold, and a vertical distance of the laser point from the ray is less than or equal to a third distance threshold; when receiving a labeling instruction carrying a target type, taking the target type in the labeling instruction as a type to which the target laser points belong. 19. The device according to claim 18, the labeling instruction further contains a labeling color corresponding to the target type, then the processor executes the at least one machine executable instruction to label the laser points according to the labeling manners corresponding to the type to which the laser points belong, which comprises: set a color of the target laser points to be the labeling color in the labeling instruction, wherein different target types correspond to different labeling colors; or, the labeling instruction further contains a labeling box pattern corresponding to the target type, then the processor executes the at least one machine executable instruction to label the laser points according to the labeling manner corresponding to the type to which the laser points belong, which specifically comprises: generate a 3D labeling box according to the labeling box pattern, and label each target laser point respectively by using the 3D labeling box, wherein different target types correspond to different labeling box patterns; wherein the processor executes the at least one machine executable instruction to set the color of the target laser point to be the labeling color in the labeling instruction, which comprises: generate a 3D coloring box according to second size information set by the user; move the 3D coloring box according to a second moving instruction input by the user, to paint the color of the target laser points falling within the 3D coloring box during the moving process into the labeling color in the labeling instruction; the processor further executes the at least one machine executable instruction to: set the 3D coloring box with an eraser attribute according to an erasure instruction input by the user; move the 3D coloring box according to a third moving instruction input by the user, to erase the color of the laser points falling within the 3D coloring box during the moving process. 20. The device according to claim 17, the processor executes the at least one machine executable instruction to label the laser point according to the labeling manner corresponding to the type to which the laser points belong, which comprises: determine a labeling color corresponding to the type to which the laser points belong according to a preset correspondence between types and labeling colors, and set a color of the laser points to be the labeling color corresponding to the type to which the laser points belong; or determine a labeling box pattern corresponding to the type to which the laser points belong according to a preset correspondence between types and labeling box patterns, generate a 3D labeling box according to the labeling box pattern corresponding to the type to which the laser points belong, and label the laser point by using the 3D labeling box.

A computer-implemented method for rendering views to an output device and controlling a vehicle. The method includes determining a maneuver path for the vehicle within a spatial environment around the vehicle based on vehicle data from one or more vehicle systems of the vehicle. The method includes updating a view based on the spatial environment and the maneuver path, by augmenting one or more components of a model to provide a representation of the maneuver path virtually in the view as an available maneuver path or an unavailable maneuver path. The view is rendered to an output device and a vehicle maneuver request is generated based on the maneuver path. Further, the one or more vehicle systems are controlled to execute the vehicle maneuver request.

1. A computer-implemented method for rendering views to an output device and controlling a vehicle, comprising: determining a maneuver path for the vehicle within a spatial environment around the vehicle based on vehicle data from one or more vehicle systems of the vehicle; updating a view based on the spatial environment and the maneuver path, by augmenting one or more components of a model to provide a representation of the maneuver path virtually in the view as an available maneuver path or an unavailable maneuver path; rendering the view to the output device by controlling the output device to update display of the view on the output device; generating a vehicle maneuver request for the vehicle based on the maneuver path in the view and user input associated with the view; and controlling the one or more vehicle systems of the vehicle to execute the vehicle maneuver request. 2. The computer-implemented method of claim 1, wherein generating the vehicle maneuver request includes determining one or more vehicle maneuver options and updating the view to display the one or more vehicle maneuver options. 3. The computer-implemented method of claim 2, wherein generating the vehicle maneuver request includes receiving a user input selecting one of the one or more vehicle maneuver options and generating the vehicle maneuver request based on the user input. 4. The computer-implemented method of claim 1, including determining an availability status of the vehicle maneuver request based on an updated spatial environment around the vehicle. 5. The computer-implemented method of claim 4, wherein upon determining the availability status of the vehicle maneuver request is invalid, transmitting an inter-vehicle request based on the vehicle maneuver request to one or more vehicles in the spatial environment. 6. The computer-implemented method of claim 5, wherein the inter-vehicle request includes a vehicle command that when executed by the one or more vehicles in the spatial environment thereby changes the availability status of the vehicle maneuver request to valid. 7. The computer-implemented method of claim 5, including upon receiving an authorization status in response to the inter-vehicle request, controlling the one or more vehicle systems of the vehicle to execute the vehicle maneuver request. 8. The computer-implemented method of claim 1, including updating the view based on the vehicle maneuver request by augmenting one or more components of the model to provide a representation of the vehicle maneuver request virtually in the view, and rendering the view to the output device by controlling the output device to update display of the view on the output device. 9. A computing system for rendering views to an output device in a vehicle, comprising: a processor operably connected to the output device and the vehicle, the processor, comprising: a virtual reality data module determines a maneuver path for the vehicle within a spatial environment around the vehicle based on vehicle data from one or more vehicle systems of the vehicle; a dynamic virtual reality module updates a view based on the spatial environment and the maneuver path, by augmenting one or more components of a model to provide a representation of the maneuver path virtually in the view as an available maneuver path or an unavailable maneuver path; a rendering module renders the view to the output device by controlling the output device to update display of the view on the output device; and the dynamic virtual reality module generates a vehicle maneuver request for the vehicle based on the maneuver path in the view and user input associated with the view, and the dynamic virtual reality module controls one or more vehicle systems of the vehicle to execute the vehicle maneuver request. 10. The computing system of claim 10, wherein the dynamic virtual reality module updates the view based on the spatial environment and the maneuver path, by augmenting one or more components of a model to provide a representation of the maneuver path virtually in the view that affects behavior between another component of the model and the maneuver path being the available maneuver path or the unavailable maneuver path. 11. The computing system of claim 9, wherein the dynamic virtual reality module generates the vehicle maneuver request by determining one or more vehicle maneuver options and updating the view to display the one or more vehicle maneuver options. 12. The computing system of claim 11, wherein the dynamic virtual reality module generates the vehicle maneuver request by receiving a user input selecting one of the one or more vehicle maneuver options and generating the vehicle maneuver request based on the user input. 13. The computing system of claim 9, wherein the dynamic virtual reality module determines an availability status of the vehicle maneuver request based on an updated spatial environment around the vehicle. 14. The computing system of claim 13, wherein upon determining the availability status of the vehicle maneuver request is invalid, the dynamic virtual reality module transmits an inter-vehicle request based on the vehicle maneuver request to one or more vehicles in the spatial environment. 15. The computing system of claim 14, wherein the inter-vehicle request includes a vehicle command that when executed by the one or more vehicles in the spatial environment thereby changes the availability status of the vehicle maneuver request to valid. 16. A non-transitory computer-readable storage medium storing instructions that, when executed by a computer, causes the computer to perform a method comprising: determining a maneuver path for a vehicle within a spatial environment around the vehicle based on vehicle data from one or more vehicle systems of the vehicle; updating a view based on the spatial environment and the maneuver path, by augmenting one or more components of a model to provide a representation of the maneuver path virtually in the view as an available maneuver path or an unavailable maneuver path; rendering the view to an output device by controlling the output device to update display of the view on the output device; generating a vehicle maneuver request for the vehicle based on the maneuver path in the view and user input associated with the view; and controlling the one or more vehicle systems of the vehicle to execute the vehicle maneuver request. 17. The non-transitory computer-readable storage medium of claim 16, including updating the view based on the vehicle maneuver request by augmenting one or more components of the model to provide a representation of the vehicle maneuver request virtually in the view, and rendering the view to the output device by controlling the output device to update display of the view on the output device. 18. The non-transitory computer-readable storage medium of claim 16, wherein generating the vehicle maneuver request includes determining one or more vehicle maneuver options and updating the view to display the one or more vehicle maneuver options. 19. The non-transitory computer-readable storage medium of claim 18, wherein generating the vehicle maneuver request includes receiving a user input selecting one of the one or more vehicle maneuver options and generating the vehicle maneuver request based on the user input. 20. The non-transitory computer-readable storage medium of claim 16, including determining an availability status of the vehicle maneuver request based on an updated spatial environment around the vehicle.

A computer-implemented method for rendering views to an output device and controlling a vehicle. The method includes determining a maneuver path for the vehicle within a spatial environment around the vehicle based on vehicle data from one or more vehicle systems of the vehicle. The method includes updating a view based on the spatial environment and the maneuver path, by augmenting one or more components of a model to provide a representation of the maneuver path virtually in the view as an available maneuver path or an unavailable maneuver path. The view is rendered to an output device and a vehicle maneuver request is generated based on the maneuver path. Further, the one or more vehicle systems are controlled to execute the vehicle maneuver request.1. A computer-implemented method for rendering views to an output device and controlling a vehicle, comprising: determining a maneuver path for the vehicle within a spatial environment around the vehicle based on vehicle data from one or more vehicle systems of the vehicle; updating a view based on the spatial environment and the maneuver path, by augmenting one or more components of a model to provide a representation of the maneuver path virtually in the view as an available maneuver path or an unavailable maneuver path; rendering the view to the output device by controlling the output device to update display of the view on the output device; generating a vehicle maneuver request for the vehicle based on the maneuver path in the view and user input associated with the view; and controlling the one or more vehicle systems of the vehicle to execute the vehicle maneuver request. 2. The computer-implemented method of claim 1, wherein generating the vehicle maneuver request includes determining one or more vehicle maneuver options and updating the view to display the one or more vehicle maneuver options. 3. The computer-implemented method of claim 2, wherein generating the vehicle maneuver request includes receiving a user input selecting one of the one or more vehicle maneuver options and generating the vehicle maneuver request based on the user input. 4. The computer-implemented method of claim 1, including determining an availability status of the vehicle maneuver request based on an updated spatial environment around the vehicle. 5. The computer-implemented method of claim 4, wherein upon determining the availability status of the vehicle maneuver request is invalid, transmitting an inter-vehicle request based on the vehicle maneuver request to one or more vehicles in the spatial environment. 6. The computer-implemented method of claim 5, wherein the inter-vehicle request includes a vehicle command that when executed by the one or more vehicles in the spatial environment thereby changes the availability status of the vehicle maneuver request to valid. 7. The computer-implemented method of claim 5, including upon receiving an authorization status in response to the inter-vehicle request, controlling the one or more vehicle systems of the vehicle to execute the vehicle maneuver request. 8. The computer-implemented method of claim 1, including updating the view based on the vehicle maneuver request by augmenting one or more components of the model to provide a representation of the vehicle maneuver request virtually in the view, and rendering the view to the output device by controlling the output device to update display of the view on the output device. 9. A computing system for rendering views to an output device in a vehicle, comprising: a processor operably connected to the output device and the vehicle, the processor, comprising: a virtual reality data module determines a maneuver path for the vehicle within a spatial environment around the vehicle based on vehicle data from one or more vehicle systems of the vehicle; a dynamic virtual reality module updates a view based on the spatial environment and the maneuver path, by augmenting one or more components of a model to provide a representation of the maneuver path virtually in the view as an available maneuver path or an unavailable maneuver path; a rendering module renders the view to the output device by controlling the output device to update display of the view on the output device; and the dynamic virtual reality module generates a vehicle maneuver request for the vehicle based on the maneuver path in the view and user input associated with the view, and the dynamic virtual reality module controls one or more vehicle systems of the vehicle to execute the vehicle maneuver request. 10. The computing system of claim 10, wherein the dynamic virtual reality module updates the view based on the spatial environment and the maneuver path, by augmenting one or more components of a model to provide a representation of the maneuver path virtually in the view that affects behavior between another component of the model and the maneuver path being the available maneuver path or the unavailable maneuver path. 11. The computing system of claim 9, wherein the dynamic virtual reality module generates the vehicle maneuver request by determining one or more vehicle maneuver options and updating the view to display the one or more vehicle maneuver options. 12. The computing system of claim 11, wherein the dynamic virtual reality module generates the vehicle maneuver request by receiving a user input selecting one of the one or more vehicle maneuver options and generating the vehicle maneuver request based on the user input. 13. The computing system of claim 9, wherein the dynamic virtual reality module determines an availability status of the vehicle maneuver request based on an updated spatial environment around the vehicle. 14. The computing system of claim 13, wherein upon determining the availability status of the vehicle maneuver request is invalid, the dynamic virtual reality module transmits an inter-vehicle request based on the vehicle maneuver request to one or more vehicles in the spatial environment. 15. The computing system of claim 14, wherein the inter-vehicle request includes a vehicle command that when executed by the one or more vehicles in the spatial environment thereby changes the availability status of the vehicle maneuver request to valid. 16. A non-transitory computer-readable storage medium storing instructions that, when executed by a computer, causes the computer to perform a method comprising: determining a maneuver path for a vehicle within a spatial environment around the vehicle based on vehicle data from one or more vehicle systems of the vehicle; updating a view based on the spatial environment and the maneuver path, by augmenting one or more components of a model to provide a representation of the maneuver path virtually in the view as an available maneuver path or an unavailable maneuver path; rendering the view to an output device by controlling the output device to update display of the view on the output device; generating a vehicle maneuver request for the vehicle based on the maneuver path in the view and user input associated with the view; and controlling the one or more vehicle systems of the vehicle to execute the vehicle maneuver request. 17. The non-transitory computer-readable storage medium of claim 16, including updating the view based on the vehicle maneuver request by augmenting one or more components of the model to provide a representation of the vehicle maneuver request virtually in the view, and rendering the view to the output device by controlling the output device to update display of the view on the output device. 18. The non-transitory computer-readable storage medium of claim 16, wherein generating the vehicle maneuver request includes determining one or more vehicle maneuver options and updating the view to display the one or more vehicle maneuver options. 19. The non-transitory computer-readable storage medium of claim 18, wherein generating the vehicle maneuver request includes receiving a user input selecting one of the one or more vehicle maneuver options and generating the vehicle maneuver request based on the user input. 20. The non-transitory computer-readable storage medium of claim 16, including determining an availability status of the vehicle maneuver request based on an updated spatial environment around the vehicle.

A firearm system includes a firearm and a computer. Electronics in the firearm determine data that includes a pathway between different points of aim of the firearm as the firearm moves. The computer receives this data and builds an image of the pathway between the different points of aim of the firearm.

1.-20. (canceled) 21. A method executed by a firearm system, comprising: determining, with electronics in a handgun, events that include tracking a continuous path between different points of aim of the handgun as the handgun moves between the different points of aim while at a location, determining a compass direction of the different points of aim, and determining a duration of time that the handgun is pointed at the compass direction; wirelessly transmitting, from the handgun and to a remote computer, event data that includes the continuous path between the different points of aim of the handgun as the handgun moves between the different points of aim while at the location, the compass direction of the different points of aim, and the duration of time that the handgun is pointed at the compass direction; reconstructing, at the remote computer and from the event data, the events that include the continuous path between the different points of aim of the handgun as the handgun moves between the different points of aim while at the location, the compass direction of the different points of aim, and the duration of time that the handgun is pointed at the compass direction; and displaying, at the remote computer, a reconstruction of the events that includes showing an image of the location, an image of the handgun, the continuous path between the different points of aim of the handgun on the image of the location, the compass direction of the different points of aim, and the duration of time that the handgun is pointed at the compass direction. 22. The method of claim 21, further comprising: displaying, at the remote computer, the continuous path as one or more lines on a display of the remote computer such that the lines copy movement of the handgun as the handgun moved between the different points of aim. 23. The method of claim 21, further comprising: displaying, at the remote computer and on the image of the location and on the continuous path between the different points of aim of the handgun, locations where the handgun fired while the handgun was at the location. 24. The method of claim 21, further comprising: displaying, at the remote computer and on the image of the location and on the continuous path between the different points of aim of the handgun, locations where the handgun was aimed when a user of the handgun placed a finger on the trigger of the handgun while the handgun was at the location. 25. The method of claim 21, further comprising: displaying, at the remote computer and on the image of the location and on the continuous path between the different points of aim of the handgun, a time of day when the handgun was pointed at the different points of aim. 26. The method of claim 21, further comprising: activating the electronics in the handgun to track the continuous path between the different points of aim of the handgun when a user grips the handgun; and deactivating the electronics in the handgun to track the continuous path between the different points of aim of the handgun when the user releases the handgun. 27. The method of claim 21, further comprising: building, at the remote computer and from the event data, a three-dimensional model that shows different locations where a user holding the handgun was located while at the location and that shows both an angle of elevation and a direction of where the handgun was pointed at each of the different locations where the user holding the handgun was located. 28. A firearm system, comprising: a handgun with a body that houses electronics that track a continuous pathway between different points of aim of the handgun as the handgun moves between the different points of aim at a location; and a computer that receives data from the handgun and includes an event tracker that builds an image of the pathway between the different points of aim of the handgun and displays the image of the pathway over an image of the location, wherein the electronics in the handgun include a compass that determines a direction of a point of aim of the handgun, and a clock that determines a duration of time that the handgun is pointed at each compass direction. 29. The firearm system of claim 28, wherein the electronics in the handgun include a gyroscope and an accelerometer that determine an angle of inclination for the direction of the point of aim of the handgun. 30. The firearm system of claim 28, wherein the electronics include sensors that record an event each time the point of aim of the handgun moves along an X-axis while the handgun is being held by a user, each time the point of aim of the handgun moves along a Y-axis while the handgun is being held by the user, and each time the point of aim of the handgun moves along a Z-axis while the handgun is being held by the user. 31. The firearm system of claim 28, wherein the electronics further include: a sensor that determines a height of the handgun from ground; and a transmitter in the handgun that transmits the height and the compass direction to the computer. 32. The firearm system of claim 28, wherein the event tracker builds and displays the image that includes both the different points of aim of the handgun and a point of impact of a bullet fired from the handgun. 33. The firearm system of claim 28, wherein the computer further includes a predictor that predicts, based on a previous points of aim, a predicted path of where a user of the handgun will point the handgun at a future time, and a display of the computer displays the predicted path of where the user of handgun will point the handgun at the future time. 34. The firearm system of claim 28, wherein the electronics in the handgun include a three-axis gyroscope, a three-axis accelerometer, and an electronic compass that computes direction based on a Hall effect. 35. A method executed by a firearm system, comprising: determining, with electronics in a handgun, event data that includes different points of impact of a bullet if the bullet were fired from the handgun as the handgun moves in a hand of a user while at a location, height of the handgun from ground, and a compass direction of a point of aim of the handgun; wirelessly transmitting, from the handgun and to a remote computer, the event data; building, at the remote computer and based on the event data, an image of the location that includes a continuous pathway that extends between the different points of impact of the bullet if the bullet were fired from the handgun as the handgun moves in the hand of the user while at the location, the height of the handgun from ground, and the compass direction of the point of aim of the handgun; and displaying, at the remote computer, the image of the location that includes the continuous pathway that extends between the different points of impact of the bullet if the bullet were fired from the handgun as the handgun moves while at the location, the height of the handgun from ground, and the compass direction of the point of aim of the handgun. 36. The method of claim 35, further comprising: building, at the remote computer and based on the event data, the image of the location to include an impact location on an object that shows where the bullet fired from the handgun struck the object; and displaying, at the remote computer, the image of the location that includes the impact location on the object that shows where the bullet fired from the handgun struck the object. 37. The method of claim 35, further comprising: displaying, at the remote computer, the continuous pathway to include a location where the handgun was pointed when the user of the handgun placed a finger on a trigger of the handgun and a location where the handgun was pointed when the user of the handgun removed the finger from the trigger of the handgun. 38. The method of claim 35, further comprising: calculating, at the remote computer and based on the event data, a trajectory path of the bullet if the bullet were fired from the handgun while the handgun is directed at a point of aim; and re-calculating, at the remote computer and each time the handgun moves to a different point of aim, another trajectory path of the bullet if the bullet were fired from the handgun while the handgun is directed at the different point of aim. 39. The method of claim 35, further comprising: predicting, at the remote computer and based on the event data, a path that shows where the user of the handgun will point the handgun at a future time; and displaying, at the remote computer, the path that shows where the user of the handgun will point the handgun at the future time. 40. The method of claim 35, further comprising: displaying, at the remote computer, images in space of a path where the user moved the handgun in the space.

A firearm system includes a firearm and a computer. Electronics in the firearm determine data that includes a pathway between different points of aim of the firearm as the firearm moves. The computer receives this data and builds an image of the pathway between the different points of aim of the firearm.1.-20. (canceled) 21. A method executed by a firearm system, comprising: determining, with electronics in a handgun, events that include tracking a continuous path between different points of aim of the handgun as the handgun moves between the different points of aim while at a location, determining a compass direction of the different points of aim, and determining a duration of time that the handgun is pointed at the compass direction; wirelessly transmitting, from the handgun and to a remote computer, event data that includes the continuous path between the different points of aim of the handgun as the handgun moves between the different points of aim while at the location, the compass direction of the different points of aim, and the duration of time that the handgun is pointed at the compass direction; reconstructing, at the remote computer and from the event data, the events that include the continuous path between the different points of aim of the handgun as the handgun moves between the different points of aim while at the location, the compass direction of the different points of aim, and the duration of time that the handgun is pointed at the compass direction; and displaying, at the remote computer, a reconstruction of the events that includes showing an image of the location, an image of the handgun, the continuous path between the different points of aim of the handgun on the image of the location, the compass direction of the different points of aim, and the duration of time that the handgun is pointed at the compass direction. 22. The method of claim 21, further comprising: displaying, at the remote computer, the continuous path as one or more lines on a display of the remote computer such that the lines copy movement of the handgun as the handgun moved between the different points of aim. 23. The method of claim 21, further comprising: displaying, at the remote computer and on the image of the location and on the continuous path between the different points of aim of the handgun, locations where the handgun fired while the handgun was at the location. 24. The method of claim 21, further comprising: displaying, at the remote computer and on the image of the location and on the continuous path between the different points of aim of the handgun, locations where the handgun was aimed when a user of the handgun placed a finger on the trigger of the handgun while the handgun was at the location. 25. The method of claim 21, further comprising: displaying, at the remote computer and on the image of the location and on the continuous path between the different points of aim of the handgun, a time of day when the handgun was pointed at the different points of aim. 26. The method of claim 21, further comprising: activating the electronics in the handgun to track the continuous path between the different points of aim of the handgun when a user grips the handgun; and deactivating the electronics in the handgun to track the continuous path between the different points of aim of the handgun when the user releases the handgun. 27. The method of claim 21, further comprising: building, at the remote computer and from the event data, a three-dimensional model that shows different locations where a user holding the handgun was located while at the location and that shows both an angle of elevation and a direction of where the handgun was pointed at each of the different locations where the user holding the handgun was located. 28. A firearm system, comprising: a handgun with a body that houses electronics that track a continuous pathway between different points of aim of the handgun as the handgun moves between the different points of aim at a location; and a computer that receives data from the handgun and includes an event tracker that builds an image of the pathway between the different points of aim of the handgun and displays the image of the pathway over an image of the location, wherein the electronics in the handgun include a compass that determines a direction of a point of aim of the handgun, and a clock that determines a duration of time that the handgun is pointed at each compass direction. 29. The firearm system of claim 28, wherein the electronics in the handgun include a gyroscope and an accelerometer that determine an angle of inclination for the direction of the point of aim of the handgun. 30. The firearm system of claim 28, wherein the electronics include sensors that record an event each time the point of aim of the handgun moves along an X-axis while the handgun is being held by a user, each time the point of aim of the handgun moves along a Y-axis while the handgun is being held by the user, and each time the point of aim of the handgun moves along a Z-axis while the handgun is being held by the user. 31. The firearm system of claim 28, wherein the electronics further include: a sensor that determines a height of the handgun from ground; and a transmitter in the handgun that transmits the height and the compass direction to the computer. 32. The firearm system of claim 28, wherein the event tracker builds and displays the image that includes both the different points of aim of the handgun and a point of impact of a bullet fired from the handgun. 33. The firearm system of claim 28, wherein the computer further includes a predictor that predicts, based on a previous points of aim, a predicted path of where a user of the handgun will point the handgun at a future time, and a display of the computer displays the predicted path of where the user of handgun will point the handgun at the future time. 34. The firearm system of claim 28, wherein the electronics in the handgun include a three-axis gyroscope, a three-axis accelerometer, and an electronic compass that computes direction based on a Hall effect. 35. A method executed by a firearm system, comprising: determining, with electronics in a handgun, event data that includes different points of impact of a bullet if the bullet were fired from the handgun as the handgun moves in a hand of a user while at a location, height of the handgun from ground, and a compass direction of a point of aim of the handgun; wirelessly transmitting, from the handgun and to a remote computer, the event data; building, at the remote computer and based on the event data, an image of the location that includes a continuous pathway that extends between the different points of impact of the bullet if the bullet were fired from the handgun as the handgun moves in the hand of the user while at the location, the height of the handgun from ground, and the compass direction of the point of aim of the handgun; and displaying, at the remote computer, the image of the location that includes the continuous pathway that extends between the different points of impact of the bullet if the bullet were fired from the handgun as the handgun moves while at the location, the height of the handgun from ground, and the compass direction of the point of aim of the handgun. 36. The method of claim 35, further comprising: building, at the remote computer and based on the event data, the image of the location to include an impact location on an object that shows where the bullet fired from the handgun struck the object; and displaying, at the remote computer, the image of the location that includes the impact location on the object that shows where the bullet fired from the handgun struck the object. 37. The method of claim 35, further comprising: displaying, at the remote computer, the continuous pathway to include a location where the handgun was pointed when the user of the handgun placed a finger on a trigger of the handgun and a location where the handgun was pointed when the user of the handgun removed the finger from the trigger of the handgun. 38. The method of claim 35, further comprising: calculating, at the remote computer and based on the event data, a trajectory path of the bullet if the bullet were fired from the handgun while the handgun is directed at a point of aim; and re-calculating, at the remote computer and each time the handgun moves to a different point of aim, another trajectory path of the bullet if the bullet were fired from the handgun while the handgun is directed at the different point of aim. 39. The method of claim 35, further comprising: predicting, at the remote computer and based on the event data, a path that shows where the user of the handgun will point the handgun at a future time; and displaying, at the remote computer, the path that shows where the user of the handgun will point the handgun at the future time. 40. The method of claim 35, further comprising: displaying, at the remote computer, images in space of a path where the user moved the handgun in the space.

The present disclosure provides a data visualization method and apparatus. The method includes: displaying a distribution curve diagram by using a display device, where the distribution curve diagram is used to represent time-based distribution of multiple pieces of spatial-temporal data, and the distribution curve diagram includes a timeline, a curve changing with the timeline, and an irregular region enclosed by the curve; and displaying a tree map in the irregular region by using the display device, where the tree map divides the irregular region into m sub-regions that are in a one-to-one correspondence with m regions, and an area of each of the m sub-regions is used to indicate an amount of spatial-temporal data distributed in a region corresponding to each sub-region. The present disclosure implements visualization of spatial-temporal data by using the tree map.

1. A data visualization method, comprising: obtaining multiple pieces of spatial-temporal data, wherein each of the multiple pieces of spatial-temporal data records a time and a location at which an event occurs, locations recorded by the multiple pieces of spatial-temporal data are distributed in m preset regions, and m≥2; determining time-based distribution of the multiple pieces of spatial-temporal data according to time recorded by the multiple pieces of spatial-temporal data; displaying a distribution curve diagram by using a display device, wherein the distribution curve diagram is used to represent the time-based distribution of the multiple pieces of spatial-temporal data, and the distribution curve diagram comprises a timeline, a curve changing with the timeline, and an irregular region enclosed by the curve; determining distribution of the multiple pieces of spatial-temporal data in the m regions according to the locations recorded by the multiple pieces of spatial-temporal data; and displaying, by using the display device, a tree map in the irregular region according to the distribution of the multiple pieces of spatial-temporal data in the m regions, wherein the tree map divides the irregular region into m sub-regions that are in a one-to-one correspondence with the m regions, and an area of each of the m sub-regions is used to indicate an amount of spatial-temporal data distributed in a region corresponding to each sub-region. 2. The method according to claim 1, wherein the timeline is a circular timeline based on polar coordinates, the curve is located in a circle enclosed by the circular timeline, and the irregular region is enclosed by the curve and radii of the circle. 3. The method according to claim 1, wherein the timeline is a rectilinear coordinate axis, and the irregular region is enclosed by the curve, the rectilinear timeline, and a vertical line perpendicular to the timeline. 4. The method according to claim 1, wherein the multiple pieces of spatial-temporal data are spatial-temporal data in a first subset of a spatial-temporal data set, the spatial-temporal data set comprises n subsets, the first subset is any subset in the n subsets, the n subsets are in a one-to-one correspondence with n consecutive time segments, and a time recorded by spatial-temporal data in each subset falls within a time segment corresponding to each subset; and the method further comprises: displaying, on the timeline by using the display device, a distribution curve diagram and a tree map that are corresponding to another subset, other than the first subset, in the n subsets. 5. The method according to claim 1, wherein the timeline is a circular timeline based on polar coordinates, and a time corresponding to the circular timeline is 24 hours of a day. 6. A data visualization apparatus, comprising: an obtaining module, configured to obtain multiple pieces of spatial-temporal data, wherein each of the multiple pieces of spatial-temporal data records a time and a location at which an event occurs, locations recorded by the multiple pieces of spatial-temporal data are distributed in m preset regions, and m≥2; a first determining module, configured to determine time-based distribution of the multiple pieces of spatial-temporal data according to time recorded by the multiple pieces of spatial-temporal data; a first display module, configured to display a distribution curve diagram by using a display device, wherein the distribution curve diagram is used to represent the time-based distribution of the multiple pieces of spatial-temporal data, and the distribution curve diagram comprises a timeline, a curve changing with the timeline, and an irregular region enclosed by the curve; a second determining module, configured to determine distribution of the multiple pieces of spatial-temporal data in the m regions according to the locations recorded by the multiple pieces of spatial-temporal data; and a second display module, configured to display, by using the display device, a tree map in the irregular region according to the distribution of the multiple pieces of spatial-temporal data in the m regions, wherein the tree map divides the irregular region into m sub-regions that are in a one-to-one correspondence with the m regions, and an area of each of the m sub-regions is used to indicate an amount of spatial-temporal data distributed in a region corresponding to each sub-region. 7. The apparatus according to claim 6, wherein the timeline is a circular timeline based on polar coordinates, the curve is located in a circle enclosed by the circular timeline, and the irregular region is enclosed by the curve and radii of the circle. 8. The apparatus according to claim 6, wherein the timeline is a rectilinear coordinate axis, and the irregular region is enclosed by the curve, the rectilinear timeline, and a vertical line perpendicular to the timeline. 9. The apparatus according to claim 6, wherein the multiple pieces of spatial-temporal data are spatial-temporal data in a first subset of a spatial-temporal data set, the spatial-temporal data set comprises n subsets, the first subset is any subset in the n subsets, the n subsets are in a one-to-one correspondence with n consecutive time segments, and a time recorded by spatial-temporal data in each subset falls within a time segment corresponding to each subset; and the apparatus further comprises: a third display module, configured to display, on the timeline by using the display device, a distribution curve diagram and a tree map that are corresponding to another subset, other than the first subset, in the n subsets. 10. The apparatus according to claim 6, wherein the timeline is a circular timeline based on polar coordinates, and a time corresponding to the circular timeline is 24 hours of a day. 11. A non-transitory computer-readable medium comprising code which, when executed by a processor, causes the processor to perform a method comprising: obtaining multiple pieces of spatial-temporal data, wherein each of the multiple pieces of spatial-temporal data records a time and a location at which an event occurs, locations recorded by the multiple pieces of spatial-temporal data are distributed in m preset regions, and m≥2; determining time-based distribution of the multiple pieces of spatial-temporal data according to time recorded by the multiple pieces of spatial-temporal data; displaying a distribution curve diagram by using a display device, wherein the distribution curve diagram is used to represent the time-based distribution of the multiple pieces of spatial-temporal data, and the distribution curve diagram comprises a timeline, a curve changing with the timeline, and an irregular region enclosed by the curve; determining distribution of the multiple pieces of spatial-temporal data in the m regions according to the locations recorded by the multiple pieces of spatial-temporal data; and displaying, by using the display device, a tree map in the irregular region according to the distribution of the multiple pieces of spatial-temporal data in the m regions, wherein the tree map divides the irregular region into m sub-regions that are in a one-to-one correspondence with the m regions, and an area of each of the m sub-regions is used to indicate an amount of spatial-temporal data distributed in a region corresponding to each sub-region. 12. The non-transitory computer-readable medium according to claim 11, wherein the timeline is a circular timeline based on polar coordinates, the curve is located in a circle enclosed by the circular timeline, and the irregular region is enclosed by the curve and radii of the circle. 13. The non-transitory computer-readable medium according to claim 11, wherein the timeline is a rectilinear coordinate axis, and the irregular region is enclosed by the curve, the rectilinear timeline, and a vertical line perpendicular to the timeline. 14. The non-transitory computer-readable medium according to claim 11, wherein the multiple pieces of spatial-temporal data are spatial-temporal data in a first subset of a spatial-temporal data set, the spatial-temporal data set comprises n subsets, the first subset is any subset in the n subsets, the n subsets are in a one-to-one correspondence with n consecutive time segments, and a time recorded by spatial-temporal data in each subset falls within a time segment corresponding to each subset; and the method further comprises: displaying, on the timeline by using the display device, a distribution curve diagram and a tree map that are corresponding to another subset, other than the first subset, in the n subsets. 15. The non-transitory computer-readable medium according to claim 11, wherein the timeline is a circular timeline based on polar coordinates, and a time corresponding to the circular timeline is 24 hours of a day.

The present disclosure provides a data visualization method and apparatus. The method includes: displaying a distribution curve diagram by using a display device, where the distribution curve diagram is used to represent time-based distribution of multiple pieces of spatial-temporal data, and the distribution curve diagram includes a timeline, a curve changing with the timeline, and an irregular region enclosed by the curve; and displaying a tree map in the irregular region by using the display device, where the tree map divides the irregular region into m sub-regions that are in a one-to-one correspondence with m regions, and an area of each of the m sub-regions is used to indicate an amount of spatial-temporal data distributed in a region corresponding to each sub-region. The present disclosure implements visualization of spatial-temporal data by using the tree map.1. A data visualization method, comprising: obtaining multiple pieces of spatial-temporal data, wherein each of the multiple pieces of spatial-temporal data records a time and a location at which an event occurs, locations recorded by the multiple pieces of spatial-temporal data are distributed in m preset regions, and m≥2; determining time-based distribution of the multiple pieces of spatial-temporal data according to time recorded by the multiple pieces of spatial-temporal data; displaying a distribution curve diagram by using a display device, wherein the distribution curve diagram is used to represent the time-based distribution of the multiple pieces of spatial-temporal data, and the distribution curve diagram comprises a timeline, a curve changing with the timeline, and an irregular region enclosed by the curve; determining distribution of the multiple pieces of spatial-temporal data in the m regions according to the locations recorded by the multiple pieces of spatial-temporal data; and displaying, by using the display device, a tree map in the irregular region according to the distribution of the multiple pieces of spatial-temporal data in the m regions, wherein the tree map divides the irregular region into m sub-regions that are in a one-to-one correspondence with the m regions, and an area of each of the m sub-regions is used to indicate an amount of spatial-temporal data distributed in a region corresponding to each sub-region. 2. The method according to claim 1, wherein the timeline is a circular timeline based on polar coordinates, the curve is located in a circle enclosed by the circular timeline, and the irregular region is enclosed by the curve and radii of the circle. 3. The method according to claim 1, wherein the timeline is a rectilinear coordinate axis, and the irregular region is enclosed by the curve, the rectilinear timeline, and a vertical line perpendicular to the timeline. 4. The method according to claim 1, wherein the multiple pieces of spatial-temporal data are spatial-temporal data in a first subset of a spatial-temporal data set, the spatial-temporal data set comprises n subsets, the first subset is any subset in the n subsets, the n subsets are in a one-to-one correspondence with n consecutive time segments, and a time recorded by spatial-temporal data in each subset falls within a time segment corresponding to each subset; and the method further comprises: displaying, on the timeline by using the display device, a distribution curve diagram and a tree map that are corresponding to another subset, other than the first subset, in the n subsets. 5. The method according to claim 1, wherein the timeline is a circular timeline based on polar coordinates, and a time corresponding to the circular timeline is 24 hours of a day. 6. A data visualization apparatus, comprising: an obtaining module, configured to obtain multiple pieces of spatial-temporal data, wherein each of the multiple pieces of spatial-temporal data records a time and a location at which an event occurs, locations recorded by the multiple pieces of spatial-temporal data are distributed in m preset regions, and m≥2; a first determining module, configured to determine time-based distribution of the multiple pieces of spatial-temporal data according to time recorded by the multiple pieces of spatial-temporal data; a first display module, configured to display a distribution curve diagram by using a display device, wherein the distribution curve diagram is used to represent the time-based distribution of the multiple pieces of spatial-temporal data, and the distribution curve diagram comprises a timeline, a curve changing with the timeline, and an irregular region enclosed by the curve; a second determining module, configured to determine distribution of the multiple pieces of spatial-temporal data in the m regions according to the locations recorded by the multiple pieces of spatial-temporal data; and a second display module, configured to display, by using the display device, a tree map in the irregular region according to the distribution of the multiple pieces of spatial-temporal data in the m regions, wherein the tree map divides the irregular region into m sub-regions that are in a one-to-one correspondence with the m regions, and an area of each of the m sub-regions is used to indicate an amount of spatial-temporal data distributed in a region corresponding to each sub-region. 7. The apparatus according to claim 6, wherein the timeline is a circular timeline based on polar coordinates, the curve is located in a circle enclosed by the circular timeline, and the irregular region is enclosed by the curve and radii of the circle. 8. The apparatus according to claim 6, wherein the timeline is a rectilinear coordinate axis, and the irregular region is enclosed by the curve, the rectilinear timeline, and a vertical line perpendicular to the timeline. 9. The apparatus according to claim 6, wherein the multiple pieces of spatial-temporal data are spatial-temporal data in a first subset of a spatial-temporal data set, the spatial-temporal data set comprises n subsets, the first subset is any subset in the n subsets, the n subsets are in a one-to-one correspondence with n consecutive time segments, and a time recorded by spatial-temporal data in each subset falls within a time segment corresponding to each subset; and the apparatus further comprises: a third display module, configured to display, on the timeline by using the display device, a distribution curve diagram and a tree map that are corresponding to another subset, other than the first subset, in the n subsets. 10. The apparatus according to claim 6, wherein the timeline is a circular timeline based on polar coordinates, and a time corresponding to the circular timeline is 24 hours of a day. 11. A non-transitory computer-readable medium comprising code which, when executed by a processor, causes the processor to perform a method comprising: obtaining multiple pieces of spatial-temporal data, wherein each of the multiple pieces of spatial-temporal data records a time and a location at which an event occurs, locations recorded by the multiple pieces of spatial-temporal data are distributed in m preset regions, and m≥2; determining time-based distribution of the multiple pieces of spatial-temporal data according to time recorded by the multiple pieces of spatial-temporal data; displaying a distribution curve diagram by using a display device, wherein the distribution curve diagram is used to represent the time-based distribution of the multiple pieces of spatial-temporal data, and the distribution curve diagram comprises a timeline, a curve changing with the timeline, and an irregular region enclosed by the curve; determining distribution of the multiple pieces of spatial-temporal data in the m regions according to the locations recorded by the multiple pieces of spatial-temporal data; and displaying, by using the display device, a tree map in the irregular region according to the distribution of the multiple pieces of spatial-temporal data in the m regions, wherein the tree map divides the irregular region into m sub-regions that are in a one-to-one correspondence with the m regions, and an area of each of the m sub-regions is used to indicate an amount of spatial-temporal data distributed in a region corresponding to each sub-region. 12. The non-transitory computer-readable medium according to claim 11, wherein the timeline is a circular timeline based on polar coordinates, the curve is located in a circle enclosed by the circular timeline, and the irregular region is enclosed by the curve and radii of the circle. 13. The non-transitory computer-readable medium according to claim 11, wherein the timeline is a rectilinear coordinate axis, and the irregular region is enclosed by the curve, the rectilinear timeline, and a vertical line perpendicular to the timeline. 14. The non-transitory computer-readable medium according to claim 11, wherein the multiple pieces of spatial-temporal data are spatial-temporal data in a first subset of a spatial-temporal data set, the spatial-temporal data set comprises n subsets, the first subset is any subset in the n subsets, the n subsets are in a one-to-one correspondence with n consecutive time segments, and a time recorded by spatial-temporal data in each subset falls within a time segment corresponding to each subset; and the method further comprises: displaying, on the timeline by using the display device, a distribution curve diagram and a tree map that are corresponding to another subset, other than the first subset, in the n subsets. 15. The non-transitory computer-readable medium according to claim 11, wherein the timeline is a circular timeline based on polar coordinates, and a time corresponding to the circular timeline is 24 hours of a day.

An ultrasound simulation method for rendering an ultrasound image of an anatomy model, comprises acquiring, with at least one model sensor, a position and/or orientation of the model; acquiring, with at least one probe replicate sensor, a position and/or orientation of an ultrasound imaging probe replicate, the ultrasound imaging probe replicate interacting with low friction with at least one anatomy model surface, the model surface being deformed by the pressure of the ultrasound imaging probe replicate; aligning a VR/AR model to the tracked position and orientation of the anatomy model and the ultrasound imaging probe replicate; interpolating a 2D ultrasound slice by sampling through a standard reconstructed 3D ultrasound volume, as a function of the tracked position and orientation of the anatomy model and the ultrasound imaging probe replicate.

1-9. (canceled) 10. An ultrasound simulation method for rendering on a display an ultrasound image of an anatomy model, the method comprising: acquiring, with at least one anatomy model sensor, a position and orientation of an anatomy model; acquiring, with at least one probe replicate sensor, a position and orientation of an ultrasound imaging probe replicate, the ultrasound imaging probe replicate being adapted to interact with low friction with at least one deformable anatomy model surface without requiring the use of ultrasound gel, the anatomy model surface being deformed under the pressure of the ultrasound imaging probe replicate; aligning a virtual reality/augmented reality (VR/AR) model to the acquired position and orientation of the anatomy model and of the ultrasound imaging probe replicate; measuring a deformation depth as the distance between the ultrasound imaging probe replicate surface position and the initial anatomy model surface position before anatomy model surface deformation; identifying at least one anatomy element in a two dimensional (2D) ultrasound slice to be sampled through a standard reconstructed three dimensional (3D) ultrasound volume; identifying a deformation property for the anatomy element; interpolating the anatomy element area in the 2D ultrasound slice by sampling through a standard reconstructed 3D ultrasound volume, as a function of the measured deformation depth and the identified anatomy element deformation property; rendering on a display the 2D ultrasound slice comprising the interpolated anatomy element. 11. The method of claim 10, wherein the deformation property for the anatomy element is pre-defined stiffness parameter. 12. The method of claim 10, wherein interpolating a 2D ultrasound slice further comprises: attaching at least two 3D ultrasound volumes to the tracked position and orientation of the anatomy model and interpolating a 2D ultrasound slice by sampling through the combined ultrasound as a function of the tracked position and orientation of the anatomy model and the probe replicate. 13. The method of claim 10, wherein interpolating a 2D ultrasound slice further comprises: attaching at least two 3D ultrasound volumes to the tracked position and orientation of the anatomy model and interpolating a 2D ultrasound slice by sampling through the combined 3D ultrasound volumes as a function of the deformation depth. 14. The method of claim 10, further comprising: acquiring a position and orientation of a tool which does not deform with the ultrasound probe compression; aligning a VR/AR model to the acquired position and orientation of the anatomy model, of the ultrasound imaging probe replicate and of the tool; generating an ultrasound simulation image for static VR/AR model elements of the tool which do not deform with the ultrasound probe replicate compression, that are not represented in the reconstructed 3D ultrasound volume, as a function of the tracked position and orientation of the VR/AR simulator elements; blending the 2D ultrasound slice and the ultrasound simulation image for static VR/AR model elements into a blended ultrasound image; rendering the blended ultrasound image onto a display. 15. The method of claim 14, wherein the position and orientation of a tool is acquired with a position and orientation sensor. 16. The method of claim 14, wherein the tool is fixed to an anatomy model element and the tool position and orientation of the tool is derived from the anatomy model position and orientation. 17. The method of claim 14, wherein the ultrasound simulation image for the static VR/AR model elements not represented in the reconstructed 3D ultrasound volume is a 2D overlay image. 18. The method of claim 14, wherein the ultrasound simulation image for additional VR/AR model elements not represented in the reconstructed 3D ultrasound volume is derived from a pre-recorded 3D model. 19. The method of claim 14, wherein the tool is made of metal and casts shield shadows in the ultrasound simulation image according to its relative position to the ultrasound probe replicate. 20. The method of claim 17, further comprising: calculating a fading of a simulated ultrasound image as a function of the tracked position and orientation of the anatomy model and the ultrasound probe replicate; rendering the faded simulated ultrasound image onto a display. 21. The method of claim 11, wherein interpolating a 2D ultrasound slice further comprises: attaching at least two 3D ultrasound volumes to the tracked position and orientation of the anatomy model and interpolating a 2D ultrasound slice by sampling through the combined ultrasound as a function of the tracked position and orientation of the anatomy model and the probe replicate. 22. The method of claim 11, wherein interpolating a 2D ultrasound slice further comprises: attaching at least two 3D ultrasound volumes to the tracked position and orientation of the anatomy model and interpolating a 2D ultrasound slice by sampling through the combined 3D ultrasound volumes as a function of the deformation depth. 23. The method of claim 12, wherein interpolating a 2D ultrasound slice further comprises: attaching at least two 3D ultrasound volumes to the tracked position and orientation of the anatomy model and interpolating a 2D ultrasound slice by sampling through the combined 3D ultrasound volumes as a function of the deformation depth. 24. The method of claim 11, further comprising: acquiring a position and orientation of a tool which does not deform with the ultrasound probe compression; aligning a VR/AR model to the acquired position and orientation of the anatomy model, of the ultrasound imaging probe replicate and of the tool; generating an ultrasound simulation image for static VR/AR model elements of the tool which do not deform with the ultrasound probe replicate compression, that are not represented in the reconstructed 3D ultrasound volume, as a function of the tracked position and orientation of the VR/AR simulator elements; blending the 2D ultrasound slice and the ultrasound simulation image for static VR/AR model elements into a blended ultrasound image; rendering the blended ultrasound image onto a display. 25. The method of claim 12, further comprising: acquiring a position and orientation of a tool which does not deform with the ultrasound probe compression; aligning a VR/AR model to the acquired position and orientation of the anatomy model, of the ultrasound imaging probe replicate and of the tool; generating an ultrasound simulation image for static VR/AR model elements of the tool which do not deform with the ultrasound probe replicate compression, that are not represented in the reconstructed 3D ultrasound volume, as a function of the tracked position and orientation of the VR/AR simulator elements; blending the 2D ultrasound slice and the ultrasound simulation image for static VR/AR model elements into a blended ultrasound image; rendering the blended ultrasound image onto a display. 26. The method of claim 13, further comprising: acquiring a position and orientation of a tool which does not deform with the ultrasound probe compression; aligning a VR/AR model to the acquired position and orientation of the anatomy model, of the ultrasound imaging probe replicate and of the tool; generating an ultrasound simulation image for static VR/AR model elements of the tool which do not deform with the ultrasound probe replicate compression, that are not represented in the reconstructed 3D ultrasound volume, as a function of the tracked position and orientation of the VR/AR simulator elements; blending the 2D ultrasound slice and the ultrasound simulation image for static VR/AR model elements into a blended ultrasound image; rendering the blended ultrasound image onto a display. 27. The method of claim 15, wherein the ultrasound simulation image for the static VR/AR model elements not represented in the reconstructed 3D ultrasound volume is a 2D overlay image. 28. The method of claim 16, wherein the ultrasound simulation image for the static VR/AR model elements not represented in the reconstructed 3D ultrasound volume is a 2D overlay image. 29. The method of claim 15, wherein the ultrasound simulation image for additional VR/AR model elements not represented in the reconstructed 3D ultrasound volume is derived from a pre-recorded 3D model.

An ultrasound simulation method for rendering an ultrasound image of an anatomy model, comprises acquiring, with at least one model sensor, a position and/or orientation of the model; acquiring, with at least one probe replicate sensor, a position and/or orientation of an ultrasound imaging probe replicate, the ultrasound imaging probe replicate interacting with low friction with at least one anatomy model surface, the model surface being deformed by the pressure of the ultrasound imaging probe replicate; aligning a VR/AR model to the tracked position and orientation of the anatomy model and the ultrasound imaging probe replicate; interpolating a 2D ultrasound slice by sampling through a standard reconstructed 3D ultrasound volume, as a function of the tracked position and orientation of the anatomy model and the ultrasound imaging probe replicate.1-9. (canceled) 10. An ultrasound simulation method for rendering on a display an ultrasound image of an anatomy model, the method comprising: acquiring, with at least one anatomy model sensor, a position and orientation of an anatomy model; acquiring, with at least one probe replicate sensor, a position and orientation of an ultrasound imaging probe replicate, the ultrasound imaging probe replicate being adapted to interact with low friction with at least one deformable anatomy model surface without requiring the use of ultrasound gel, the anatomy model surface being deformed under the pressure of the ultrasound imaging probe replicate; aligning a virtual reality/augmented reality (VR/AR) model to the acquired position and orientation of the anatomy model and of the ultrasound imaging probe replicate; measuring a deformation depth as the distance between the ultrasound imaging probe replicate surface position and the initial anatomy model surface position before anatomy model surface deformation; identifying at least one anatomy element in a two dimensional (2D) ultrasound slice to be sampled through a standard reconstructed three dimensional (3D) ultrasound volume; identifying a deformation property for the anatomy element; interpolating the anatomy element area in the 2D ultrasound slice by sampling through a standard reconstructed 3D ultrasound volume, as a function of the measured deformation depth and the identified anatomy element deformation property; rendering on a display the 2D ultrasound slice comprising the interpolated anatomy element. 11. The method of claim 10, wherein the deformation property for the anatomy element is pre-defined stiffness parameter. 12. The method of claim 10, wherein interpolating a 2D ultrasound slice further comprises: attaching at least two 3D ultrasound volumes to the tracked position and orientation of the anatomy model and interpolating a 2D ultrasound slice by sampling through the combined ultrasound as a function of the tracked position and orientation of the anatomy model and the probe replicate. 13. The method of claim 10, wherein interpolating a 2D ultrasound slice further comprises: attaching at least two 3D ultrasound volumes to the tracked position and orientation of the anatomy model and interpolating a 2D ultrasound slice by sampling through the combined 3D ultrasound volumes as a function of the deformation depth. 14. The method of claim 10, further comprising: acquiring a position and orientation of a tool which does not deform with the ultrasound probe compression; aligning a VR/AR model to the acquired position and orientation of the anatomy model, of the ultrasound imaging probe replicate and of the tool; generating an ultrasound simulation image for static VR/AR model elements of the tool which do not deform with the ultrasound probe replicate compression, that are not represented in the reconstructed 3D ultrasound volume, as a function of the tracked position and orientation of the VR/AR simulator elements; blending the 2D ultrasound slice and the ultrasound simulation image for static VR/AR model elements into a blended ultrasound image; rendering the blended ultrasound image onto a display. 15. The method of claim 14, wherein the position and orientation of a tool is acquired with a position and orientation sensor. 16. The method of claim 14, wherein the tool is fixed to an anatomy model element and the tool position and orientation of the tool is derived from the anatomy model position and orientation. 17. The method of claim 14, wherein the ultrasound simulation image for the static VR/AR model elements not represented in the reconstructed 3D ultrasound volume is a 2D overlay image. 18. The method of claim 14, wherein the ultrasound simulation image for additional VR/AR model elements not represented in the reconstructed 3D ultrasound volume is derived from a pre-recorded 3D model. 19. The method of claim 14, wherein the tool is made of metal and casts shield shadows in the ultrasound simulation image according to its relative position to the ultrasound probe replicate. 20. The method of claim 17, further comprising: calculating a fading of a simulated ultrasound image as a function of the tracked position and orientation of the anatomy model and the ultrasound probe replicate; rendering the faded simulated ultrasound image onto a display. 21. The method of claim 11, wherein interpolating a 2D ultrasound slice further comprises: attaching at least two 3D ultrasound volumes to the tracked position and orientation of the anatomy model and interpolating a 2D ultrasound slice by sampling through the combined ultrasound as a function of the tracked position and orientation of the anatomy model and the probe replicate. 22. The method of claim 11, wherein interpolating a 2D ultrasound slice further comprises: attaching at least two 3D ultrasound volumes to the tracked position and orientation of the anatomy model and interpolating a 2D ultrasound slice by sampling through the combined 3D ultrasound volumes as a function of the deformation depth. 23. The method of claim 12, wherein interpolating a 2D ultrasound slice further comprises: attaching at least two 3D ultrasound volumes to the tracked position and orientation of the anatomy model and interpolating a 2D ultrasound slice by sampling through the combined 3D ultrasound volumes as a function of the deformation depth. 24. The method of claim 11, further comprising: acquiring a position and orientation of a tool which does not deform with the ultrasound probe compression; aligning a VR/AR model to the acquired position and orientation of the anatomy model, of the ultrasound imaging probe replicate and of the tool; generating an ultrasound simulation image for static VR/AR model elements of the tool which do not deform with the ultrasound probe replicate compression, that are not represented in the reconstructed 3D ultrasound volume, as a function of the tracked position and orientation of the VR/AR simulator elements; blending the 2D ultrasound slice and the ultrasound simulation image for static VR/AR model elements into a blended ultrasound image; rendering the blended ultrasound image onto a display. 25. The method of claim 12, further comprising: acquiring a position and orientation of a tool which does not deform with the ultrasound probe compression; aligning a VR/AR model to the acquired position and orientation of the anatomy model, of the ultrasound imaging probe replicate and of the tool; generating an ultrasound simulation image for static VR/AR model elements of the tool which do not deform with the ultrasound probe replicate compression, that are not represented in the reconstructed 3D ultrasound volume, as a function of the tracked position and orientation of the VR/AR simulator elements; blending the 2D ultrasound slice and the ultrasound simulation image for static VR/AR model elements into a blended ultrasound image; rendering the blended ultrasound image onto a display. 26. The method of claim 13, further comprising: acquiring a position and orientation of a tool which does not deform with the ultrasound probe compression; aligning a VR/AR model to the acquired position and orientation of the anatomy model, of the ultrasound imaging probe replicate and of the tool; generating an ultrasound simulation image for static VR/AR model elements of the tool which do not deform with the ultrasound probe replicate compression, that are not represented in the reconstructed 3D ultrasound volume, as a function of the tracked position and orientation of the VR/AR simulator elements; blending the 2D ultrasound slice and the ultrasound simulation image for static VR/AR model elements into a blended ultrasound image; rendering the blended ultrasound image onto a display. 27. The method of claim 15, wherein the ultrasound simulation image for the static VR/AR model elements not represented in the reconstructed 3D ultrasound volume is a 2D overlay image. 28. The method of claim 16, wherein the ultrasound simulation image for the static VR/AR model elements not represented in the reconstructed 3D ultrasound volume is a 2D overlay image. 29. The method of claim 15, wherein the ultrasound simulation image for additional VR/AR model elements not represented in the reconstructed 3D ultrasound volume is derived from a pre-recorded 3D model.

A data visualization method and apparatus, where the method includes displaying a first density distribution diagram on a first map, where the first density distribution diagram represents density distribution, in a region, of source locations of flow events whose destinations are located in a target reference region, and displaying a second density distribution diagram on a second map, where the second density distribution diagram represents density distribution, in a region, of destinations of flow events whose source locations are located in the target reference region. Hence, bidirectional density distribution associated with each other using the target reference region are displayed on two maps in a linked manner, thereby implementing visualization of bidirectional density distribution data.

1. A data visualization method, comprising: obtaining a flow data set, each piece of data in the flow data set recording a source location and a destination of a flow event, the flow data set comprises comprising an inflow data set and an outflow data set, all destinations recorded by data in the inflow data set being located in m preset reference regions, and all source locations recorded by data in the outflow data set being located in the m preset reference regions; obtaining input information of a user instructing to select a target reference region from the m preset reference regions; selecting an inflow data subset from the inflow data set according to the target reference region, all destinations recorded by data in the inflow data subset being located in the target reference region; displaying a first density distribution diagram representing density distribution, in a region, of source locations of flow events whose destinations being located in the target reference region on a first map according to a source location recorded by the data in the inflow data subset; selecting an outflow data subset from the outflow data set according to the target reference region, wherein-all source locations recorded by data in the outflow data subset being located in the target reference region; and displaying a second density distribution diagram representing density distribution, in a region, of destinations of the flow events whose source locations being located in the target reference region on a second map according to a destination recorded by the data in the outflow data subset. 2. The method of claim 1, further comprising displaying a third density distribution diagram representing density distribution, in a region, of source locations of the flow events whose destinations being located in the m preset reference regions on the first map according to a source location recorded by the data in the inflow data set. 3. The method of claim 2, wherein the first density distribution diagram and the third density distribution diagram comprise density distribution diagrams in different forms and overlapping with each other. 4. The method of claim 3, wherein the third density distribution diagram comprises a thermodynamic diagram, and the first density distribution diagram comprises a hot spot map. 5. The method of claim 1, comprising displaying a fourth density distribution diagram representing density distribution, in a region, of destinations of the flow events whose source locations being located in the m preset reference regions on the second map according to a destination recorded by the data in the outflow data set. 6. The method of claim 5, wherein the second density distribution diagram and the fourth density distribution diagram comprise density distribution diagrams in different forms and overlapping with each other. 7. The method of claim 6, wherein the fourth density distribution diagram comprises a thermodynamic diagram, and the second density distribution diagram comprises a hot spot map. 8. A data visualization apparatus, comprising: a memory comprising instructions; and processor coupled to the memory, the instructions causing Pre processor to be configured to: obtain a flow data set, wherein each piece of data in the flow data set recording a source location and a destination of a flow event, the flow data set comprising an inflow data set and an outflow data set, all destinations recorded by data in the inflow data set being located in m preset reference regions, and all source locations recorded by data in the outflow data set being located in the m preset reference regions; obtain input information of a user instructing to select a target reference region from the m preset reference regions; select an inflow data subset from the inflow data set according to the target reference region, wherein all destinations recorded by data in the inflow data subset being located in the target reference region; display a first, density distribution diagram representing density distribution, in a region, of source locations of flow events whose destinations being located in the target reference region on a first map according to a source location recorded by the data in the inflow data subset; select an outflow data subset from the outflow data set according to the target reference region, all source locations recorded by data in the outflow data subset being located in the target reference region; and display a second density distribution diagram representing density distribution, in a region, of destinations of the flow events whose source locations being located in the target reference region on a second map according to a destination recorded by the data in the outflow data subset. 9. The apparatus of claim 8, wherein the instructions further cause the processor to be configured to display a third density distribution diagram representing density distribution, in a region, of source locations of the flow events whose destinations being located in the m preset reference regions on the first map according to a source location recorded by the data in the inflow data set. 10. The apparatus of claim 9, wherein the first density distribution diagram and the third density distribution diagram comprise density distribution diagrams in different forms and overlap with each other. 11. The apparatus of claim 10, wherein the third density distribution diagram comprises a thermodynamic diagram, and the first density distribution diagram comprises a hot spot map. 12. The apparatus of claim 8, wherein the instructions further cause the processor to be configured to display a fourth density distribution diagram representing density distribution, in a region, of destinations of the flow events whose source locations being located in the m preset reference regions on the second map according to a destination recorded by the data in the outflow data set. 13. The apparatus of claim 12, wherein the second density distribution diagram and the fourth density distribution diagram comprise density distribution diagrams in different forms and overlap with each other. 14. The apparatus of claim 13, wherein the fourth density distribution diagram comprises a thermodynamic diagram, and the second density distribution diagram comprises a hot spot map.

A data visualization method and apparatus, where the method includes displaying a first density distribution diagram on a first map, where the first density distribution diagram represents density distribution, in a region, of source locations of flow events whose destinations are located in a target reference region, and displaying a second density distribution diagram on a second map, where the second density distribution diagram represents density distribution, in a region, of destinations of flow events whose source locations are located in the target reference region. Hence, bidirectional density distribution associated with each other using the target reference region are displayed on two maps in a linked manner, thereby implementing visualization of bidirectional density distribution data.1. A data visualization method, comprising: obtaining a flow data set, each piece of data in the flow data set recording a source location and a destination of a flow event, the flow data set comprises comprising an inflow data set and an outflow data set, all destinations recorded by data in the inflow data set being located in m preset reference regions, and all source locations recorded by data in the outflow data set being located in the m preset reference regions; obtaining input information of a user instructing to select a target reference region from the m preset reference regions; selecting an inflow data subset from the inflow data set according to the target reference region, all destinations recorded by data in the inflow data subset being located in the target reference region; displaying a first density distribution diagram representing density distribution, in a region, of source locations of flow events whose destinations being located in the target reference region on a first map according to a source location recorded by the data in the inflow data subset; selecting an outflow data subset from the outflow data set according to the target reference region, wherein-all source locations recorded by data in the outflow data subset being located in the target reference region; and displaying a second density distribution diagram representing density distribution, in a region, of destinations of the flow events whose source locations being located in the target reference region on a second map according to a destination recorded by the data in the outflow data subset. 2. The method of claim 1, further comprising displaying a third density distribution diagram representing density distribution, in a region, of source locations of the flow events whose destinations being located in the m preset reference regions on the first map according to a source location recorded by the data in the inflow data set. 3. The method of claim 2, wherein the first density distribution diagram and the third density distribution diagram comprise density distribution diagrams in different forms and overlapping with each other. 4. The method of claim 3, wherein the third density distribution diagram comprises a thermodynamic diagram, and the first density distribution diagram comprises a hot spot map. 5. The method of claim 1, comprising displaying a fourth density distribution diagram representing density distribution, in a region, of destinations of the flow events whose source locations being located in the m preset reference regions on the second map according to a destination recorded by the data in the outflow data set. 6. The method of claim 5, wherein the second density distribution diagram and the fourth density distribution diagram comprise density distribution diagrams in different forms and overlapping with each other. 7. The method of claim 6, wherein the fourth density distribution diagram comprises a thermodynamic diagram, and the second density distribution diagram comprises a hot spot map. 8. A data visualization apparatus, comprising: a memory comprising instructions; and processor coupled to the memory, the instructions causing Pre processor to be configured to: obtain a flow data set, wherein each piece of data in the flow data set recording a source location and a destination of a flow event, the flow data set comprising an inflow data set and an outflow data set, all destinations recorded by data in the inflow data set being located in m preset reference regions, and all source locations recorded by data in the outflow data set being located in the m preset reference regions; obtain input information of a user instructing to select a target reference region from the m preset reference regions; select an inflow data subset from the inflow data set according to the target reference region, wherein all destinations recorded by data in the inflow data subset being located in the target reference region; display a first, density distribution diagram representing density distribution, in a region, of source locations of flow events whose destinations being located in the target reference region on a first map according to a source location recorded by the data in the inflow data subset; select an outflow data subset from the outflow data set according to the target reference region, all source locations recorded by data in the outflow data subset being located in the target reference region; and display a second density distribution diagram representing density distribution, in a region, of destinations of the flow events whose source locations being located in the target reference region on a second map according to a destination recorded by the data in the outflow data subset. 9. The apparatus of claim 8, wherein the instructions further cause the processor to be configured to display a third density distribution diagram representing density distribution, in a region, of source locations of the flow events whose destinations being located in the m preset reference regions on the first map according to a source location recorded by the data in the inflow data set. 10. The apparatus of claim 9, wherein the first density distribution diagram and the third density distribution diagram comprise density distribution diagrams in different forms and overlap with each other. 11. The apparatus of claim 10, wherein the third density distribution diagram comprises a thermodynamic diagram, and the first density distribution diagram comprises a hot spot map. 12. The apparatus of claim 8, wherein the instructions further cause the processor to be configured to display a fourth density distribution diagram representing density distribution, in a region, of destinations of the flow events whose source locations being located in the m preset reference regions on the second map according to a destination recorded by the data in the outflow data set. 13. The apparatus of claim 12, wherein the second density distribution diagram and the fourth density distribution diagram comprise density distribution diagrams in different forms and overlap with each other. 14. The apparatus of claim 13, wherein the fourth density distribution diagram comprises a thermodynamic diagram, and the second density distribution diagram comprises a hot spot map.

A virtual reality system provides users with visual and/or audible representations of various characteristics of items that are virtually included within a simulation. To provide such representations to a user, embodiments compile data regarding aesthetic and/or sound characteristics of one or more items included in a simulation and virtually build a simulated environment including the one or more items. The simulation may include a visual rendering including visual aspects of the one or more items included in the simulated environment and/or one or more audio files representing one or more sound characteristics of the items included in the simulation.

1. A virtual reality system for simulating sound characteristics of items included within a simulation, the virtual reality system comprising: an onboard computing system having one or more non-transitory memory storage areas and one or more processors, the onboard computing system configured to: compile data regarding aesthetic and sound characteristics of one or more items included within a simulation; virtually build a simulated environment including the one or more items by: rendering, via a display device in electronic communication with the onboard computing system, visual aspects of the one or more items within the simulated environment; retrieving one or more selected item-agnostic audio files from a plurality of item-agnostic audio files, based at least in part on matching sound characteristic data associated with the one or more selected item-agnostic audio files with sound characteristics of the one or more items based on item data stored in the one or more memory storage areas; and output, via the display device and one or more audio output devices, the simulated environment, wherein the one or more selected item-agnostic audio files are executed to output a calibrated sound representative of the sound characteristics of the one or more items included in the simulated environment. 2. The virtual reality system of claim 1, wherein each of the plurality of item-agnostic audio files comprise data indicative of an item sound rating represented by audio of the item-agnostic audio files. 3. The virtual reality system of claim 2, wherein each of the plurality of item-agnostic audio files comprises audio recorded during a sound rating test. 4. The virtual reality system of claim 1, wherein the one or more items included within the simulation are selected from a plurality of items represented in data stored within the one or more memory storage areas. 5. The virtual reality system of claim 4, wherein the one or more items included within the simulation are selected based on user input provided to a user menu generated by the onboard computing system. 6. The virtual reality system of claim 1, wherein the onboard computing system is configured to electronically communicate with a central server comprising one or more central non-transitory memory storage areas storing data indicative of a plurality of items available for display via the virtual reality system. 7. The virtual reality system of claim 1, wherein virtually building a simulated environment further comprises: receiving image data of a real-world environment; and augmenting the image data by rendering visual aspects of the one or more items over portions of the image data. 8. The virtual reality system of claim 1, wherein the one or more audio output devices are calibrated such that the executed audio files cause the one or more audio output devices to output a sound at a volume corresponding to a sound rating of the one or more items. 9. The virtual reality system of claim 1, wherein the onboard computing system is configured to determine combined audio characteristics of a plurality of items included within the simulation, and wherein the one or more selected audio files are determined to be representative of the combined audio characteristics of the plurality of items included within the simulation. 10. The virtual reality system of claim 1, wherein the one or more audio files contain a sound selected from: a ping, a tapper output, a high-heels walking example, or a sample conversation. 11. A method for virtually simulating characteristics of an environment, the method comprising: compiling data regarding aesthetic and sound characteristics of one or more items to be included within a simulation; virtually building a simulated environment including the one or more items by: rendering, via a display device, visual aspects of the one or more items within the simulated environment; retrieving one or more selected item-agnostic audio files from a plurality of item-agnostic audio files, based at least in part on matching sound characteristic data associated with the one or more selected item-agnostic audio files with sound characteristics of the one or more items based on item data stored in one or more memory storage areas; and outputting, via the display device and one or more audio output devices, the simulated environment, wherein the one or more selected audio files are executed to output a calibrated sound representative of sound characteristics of the one or more items included in the simulated environment. 12. The method for virtually simulating characteristics of an environment of claim 11, wherein each of the plurality of item-agnostic audio files comprise data indicative of an item sound rating represented by audio of the item-agnostic audio files, and wherein compiling one or more selected audio files comprises identifying item-agnostic audio files representing an item sound rating matching data identifying an item sound rating for the one or more items included in the simulation. 13. The method for virtually simulating characteristics of an environment of claim 11, further comprising: selecting the one or more items included within the simulation from a plurality of items represented in data stored within the one or more memory storage areas. 14. The method for virtually simulating characteristics of an environment of claim 13, further comprising: generating a visual user menu identifying a plurality of available items to be included within the simulation; and receiving user input identifying the one or more selected items via the user menu. 15. The method for virtually simulating characteristics of an environment of claim 11, further comprising: retrieving, from a central server comprising one or more central non-transitory memory storage areas, item data indicative of the one or more items included within the simulation. 16. The method for virtually simulating characteristics of an environment of claim 11, further comprising: receiving image data of a real-world environment; and augmenting the image data by rendering visual aspects of the one or more items over portions of the image data. 17. The method for virtually simulating characteristics of an environment of claim 11, further comprising: calibrating the one or more audio output devices such that the executed audio files cause the one or more audio output devices to output a sound at a volume corresponding to a sound rating of the one or more items. 18. The method for virtually simulating characteristics of an environment of claim 11, further comprising: determining combined audio characteristics of a plurality of items included within the simulation, and wherein compiling the one or more selected audio files comprises selecting the one or more audio files to be representative of the combined audio characteristics of the plurality of items included within the simulation. 19. The method for virtually simulating characteristics of an environment of claim 11, wherein the one or more audio files contain a sound selected from: a ping, a tapper output, a high-heels walking example, or a sample conversation.

A virtual reality system provides users with visual and/or audible representations of various characteristics of items that are virtually included within a simulation. To provide such representations to a user, embodiments compile data regarding aesthetic and/or sound characteristics of one or more items included in a simulation and virtually build a simulated environment including the one or more items. The simulation may include a visual rendering including visual aspects of the one or more items included in the simulated environment and/or one or more audio files representing one or more sound characteristics of the items included in the simulation.1. A virtual reality system for simulating sound characteristics of items included within a simulation, the virtual reality system comprising: an onboard computing system having one or more non-transitory memory storage areas and one or more processors, the onboard computing system configured to: compile data regarding aesthetic and sound characteristics of one or more items included within a simulation; virtually build a simulated environment including the one or more items by: rendering, via a display device in electronic communication with the onboard computing system, visual aspects of the one or more items within the simulated environment; retrieving one or more selected item-agnostic audio files from a plurality of item-agnostic audio files, based at least in part on matching sound characteristic data associated with the one or more selected item-agnostic audio files with sound characteristics of the one or more items based on item data stored in the one or more memory storage areas; and output, via the display device and one or more audio output devices, the simulated environment, wherein the one or more selected item-agnostic audio files are executed to output a calibrated sound representative of the sound characteristics of the one or more items included in the simulated environment. 2. The virtual reality system of claim 1, wherein each of the plurality of item-agnostic audio files comprise data indicative of an item sound rating represented by audio of the item-agnostic audio files. 3. The virtual reality system of claim 2, wherein each of the plurality of item-agnostic audio files comprises audio recorded during a sound rating test. 4. The virtual reality system of claim 1, wherein the one or more items included within the simulation are selected from a plurality of items represented in data stored within the one or more memory storage areas. 5. The virtual reality system of claim 4, wherein the one or more items included within the simulation are selected based on user input provided to a user menu generated by the onboard computing system. 6. The virtual reality system of claim 1, wherein the onboard computing system is configured to electronically communicate with a central server comprising one or more central non-transitory memory storage areas storing data indicative of a plurality of items available for display via the virtual reality system. 7. The virtual reality system of claim 1, wherein virtually building a simulated environment further comprises: receiving image data of a real-world environment; and augmenting the image data by rendering visual aspects of the one or more items over portions of the image data. 8. The virtual reality system of claim 1, wherein the one or more audio output devices are calibrated such that the executed audio files cause the one or more audio output devices to output a sound at a volume corresponding to a sound rating of the one or more items. 9. The virtual reality system of claim 1, wherein the onboard computing system is configured to determine combined audio characteristics of a plurality of items included within the simulation, and wherein the one or more selected audio files are determined to be representative of the combined audio characteristics of the plurality of items included within the simulation. 10. The virtual reality system of claim 1, wherein the one or more audio files contain a sound selected from: a ping, a tapper output, a high-heels walking example, or a sample conversation. 11. A method for virtually simulating characteristics of an environment, the method comprising: compiling data regarding aesthetic and sound characteristics of one or more items to be included within a simulation; virtually building a simulated environment including the one or more items by: rendering, via a display device, visual aspects of the one or more items within the simulated environment; retrieving one or more selected item-agnostic audio files from a plurality of item-agnostic audio files, based at least in part on matching sound characteristic data associated with the one or more selected item-agnostic audio files with sound characteristics of the one or more items based on item data stored in one or more memory storage areas; and outputting, via the display device and one or more audio output devices, the simulated environment, wherein the one or more selected audio files are executed to output a calibrated sound representative of sound characteristics of the one or more items included in the simulated environment. 12. The method for virtually simulating characteristics of an environment of claim 11, wherein each of the plurality of item-agnostic audio files comprise data indicative of an item sound rating represented by audio of the item-agnostic audio files, and wherein compiling one or more selected audio files comprises identifying item-agnostic audio files representing an item sound rating matching data identifying an item sound rating for the one or more items included in the simulation. 13. The method for virtually simulating characteristics of an environment of claim 11, further comprising: selecting the one or more items included within the simulation from a plurality of items represented in data stored within the one or more memory storage areas. 14. The method for virtually simulating characteristics of an environment of claim 13, further comprising: generating a visual user menu identifying a plurality of available items to be included within the simulation; and receiving user input identifying the one or more selected items via the user menu. 15. The method for virtually simulating characteristics of an environment of claim 11, further comprising: retrieving, from a central server comprising one or more central non-transitory memory storage areas, item data indicative of the one or more items included within the simulation. 16. The method for virtually simulating characteristics of an environment of claim 11, further comprising: receiving image data of a real-world environment; and augmenting the image data by rendering visual aspects of the one or more items over portions of the image data. 17. The method for virtually simulating characteristics of an environment of claim 11, further comprising: calibrating the one or more audio output devices such that the executed audio files cause the one or more audio output devices to output a sound at a volume corresponding to a sound rating of the one or more items. 18. The method for virtually simulating characteristics of an environment of claim 11, further comprising: determining combined audio characteristics of a plurality of items included within the simulation, and wherein compiling the one or more selected audio files comprises selecting the one or more audio files to be representative of the combined audio characteristics of the plurality of items included within the simulation. 19. The method for virtually simulating characteristics of an environment of claim 11, wherein the one or more audio files contain a sound selected from: a ping, a tapper output, a high-heels walking example, or a sample conversation.

A method and system for positioning based device control. The method includes receiving device control instructions associated with function control of a device based on a positioning of a wearable hardware device of a user. Communications between the device and the wearable hardware device are synchronized and a position signal indicating a current position of the wearable hardware device with respect to a body of the user is received. In response, a command associated with controlling a specified function of the device is received and a command is executed resulting in the specified function of the device being modified.

1. A positioning based control method comprising: receiving, by a processor of a device of a user, device control instructions associated with function control of said device based on a positioning of a display portion of a wearable hardware device of said user, wherein said wearable hardware device comprises a band portion comprising said display portion; receiving, by said processor from said wearable hardware device, a position signal indicating a current position of said display portion of said wearable hardware device with respect to a body of said user, wherein said current position results from performing a sequence of differing degrees of rotational movement of said display portion and said band portion of said wearable hardware device around an axis of a wrist of said user, wherein said differing degrees of rotational movement comprise specified degree rotation values comprising a 90 degree rotational movement value, a 180 degree rotational movement value, a 270 degree rotational movement value, and a 360 degree rotational movement value, and wherein said sequence comprises clockwise rotations followed by counter clockwise rotations comprising said differing degrees of rotational movement of said display portion and said band portion of said wearable hardware device around said axis of said wrist of said user; and executing, by said processor, a command determined based on said position signal resulting in a specified function of said device being modified. 2. The method of claim 1, wherein communications between said device and said wearable hardware device comprise wireless pairing communications. 3. The method of claim 1, wherein said current position additionally results from a specified degree of rotation of said wearable hardware device around said axis of said body portion of said user. 4. The method of claim 1, wherein said wearable hardware device comprises a sensor for monitoring positions of said wearable hardware device around said axis of said body portion of said user. 5. The method of claim 4, wherein said sensor is selected from the group consisting of an accelerometer, a humidity sensor, a pressure sensor, a proximity sensor, a temperature sensor, a heart rate monitor, an optical sensor, and a motion sensor. 6. The method of claim 1, wherein modifying said specified function of said device comprises a modification selected from the group consisting of disabling power of said device, enabling power of said device, disabling an audio signal of said device, enabling an audio signal of said device, reducing an audio signal level of said device, increasing an audio signal level of said device, enabling a vibration function of said device, disabling a vibration function of said device, enabling a running application of said device, terminating a running application of said device, enabling a recording function of said device, disabling a recording function of said device, enabling a display light function of said device, disabling a display light function of said device, requesting a password input to said device, and requesting a communication function between said device and an additional device. 7. The method of claim 1, further comprising: receiving, by said processor from said wearable hardware device, an additional position signal indicating a new current position of said wearable hardware device with respect to an axis of a body portion of said user; determining, by said processor based on said additional position signal, a new command associated with controlling a new specified function of said device; and executing, by said processor, said new command resulting in said new specified function of said device being modified, wherein said new specified function differs from said specified function. 8. The method of claim 1, further comprising: receiving, by said processor from said wearable hardware device, an additional position signal indicating a new current position of said wearable hardware device with respect to an axis of a body portion of said user; determining, by said processor based on said additional position signal, a new command associated with additionally controlling said specified function of said device; and executing, by said processor, said new command resulting in said specified function of said device being modified again. 9. The method of claim 1, further comprising: providing at least one support service for at least one of creating, integrating, hosting, maintaining, and deploying computer-readable code in the control hardware, said code being executed by the computer processor to implement: said receiving said device control instructions, said receiving said position signal, and said executing. 10. A computer program product, comprising a computer readable hardware storage device storing a computer readable program code, said computer readable program code comprising an algorithm that when executed by a processor of a device of a user implements a positioning based control method, said method comprising: receiving, by said processor, device control instructions associated with function control of said device based on a positioning of a display portion of a wearable hardware device of said user, wherein said wearable hardware device comprises a band portion comprising said display portion; receiving, by said processor from said wearable hardware device, a position signal indicating a current position of said display portion of said wearable hardware device with respect to a body of said user, wherein said current position results from performing a sequence of differing degrees of rotational movement of said display portion and said band portion of said wearable hardware device around an axis of a wrist of said user, wherein said differing degrees of rotational movement comprise specified degree rotation values comprising a 90 degree rotational movement value, a 180 degree rotational movement value, a 270 degree rotational movement value, and a 360 degree rotational movement value, and wherein said sequence comprises clockwise rotations followed by counter clockwise rotations comprising said differing degrees of rotational movement of said display portion and said band portion of said wearable hardware device around said axis of said wrist of said user; and executing, by said processor, a command determined based on said position signal resulting in a specified function of said device being modified. 11. The computer program product of claim 10, wherein communications between said device and said wearable hardware device comprise wireless pairing communications. 12. The computer program product of claim 10, wherein said current position additionally results from a specified degree of rotation of said wearable hardware device around said axis of said body portion of said user. 13. The computer program product of claim 10, wherein said wearable hardware device comprises a sensor for monitoring positions of said wearable hardware device around said axis of said body portion of said user. 14. The computer program product of claim 13, wherein said sensor is selected from the group consisting of an accelerometer, a humidity sensor, a pressure sensor, a proximity sensor, a temperature sensor, a heart rate monitor, an optical sensor, and a motion sensor. 15. The computer program product of claim 10, wherein modifying said specified function of said device comprises a modification selected from the group consisting of disabling power of said device, enabling power of said device, disabling an audio signal of said device, enabling an audio signal of said device, reducing an audio signal level of said device, increasing an audio signal level of said device, enabling a vibration function of said device, disabling a vibration function of said device, enabling a running application of said device, terminating a running application of said device, enabling a recording function of said device, disabling a recording function of said device, enabling a display light function of said device, disabling a display light function of said device, requesting a password input to said device, and requesting a communication function between said device and an additional device. 16. A device of a user comprising a processor coupled to a computer-readable memory unit, said memory unit comprising instructions that when executed by the computer processor implements a positioning based control method comprising: receiving, by said processor, device control instructions associated with function control of said device based on a positioning of a display portion of a wearable hardware device of said user, wherein said wearable hardware device comprises a band portion comprising said display portion; receiving, by said processor from said wearable hardware device, a position signal indicating a current position of said display portion of said wearable hardware device with respect to a body of said user, wherein said current position results from performing a sequence of differing degrees of rotational movement of said display portion and said band portion of said wearable hardware device around an axis of a wrist of said user, wherein said differing degrees of rotational movement comprise specified degree rotation values comprising a 90 degree rotational movement value, a 180 degree rotational movement value, a 270 degree rotational movement value, and a 360 degree rotational movement value, and wherein said sequence comprises clockwise rotations followed by counter clockwise rotations comprising said differing degrees of rotational movement of said display portion and said band portion of said wearable hardware device around said axis of said wrist of said user; and executing, by said processor, a command determined based on said position signal resulting in a specified function of said device being modified. 17. The device of claim 16, wherein communications between said device and said wearable hardware device comprise wireless pairing communications. 18. The device of claim 16, wherein said current position additionally results from a specified degree of rotation of said wearable hardware device around said axis of said body portion of said user. 19. The device of claim 16, wherein said wearable hardware device comprises a sensor for monitoring positions of said wearable hardware device around said axis of said body portion of said user. 20. The device of claim 19, wherein said sensor is selected from the group consisting of an accelerometer, a humidity sensor, a pressure sensor, a proximity sensor, a temperature sensor, a heart rate monitor, an optical sensor, and a motion sensor.

A method and system for positioning based device control. The method includes receiving device control instructions associated with function control of a device based on a positioning of a wearable hardware device of a user. Communications between the device and the wearable hardware device are synchronized and a position signal indicating a current position of the wearable hardware device with respect to a body of the user is received. In response, a command associated with controlling a specified function of the device is received and a command is executed resulting in the specified function of the device being modified.1. A positioning based control method comprising: receiving, by a processor of a device of a user, device control instructions associated with function control of said device based on a positioning of a display portion of a wearable hardware device of said user, wherein said wearable hardware device comprises a band portion comprising said display portion; receiving, by said processor from said wearable hardware device, a position signal indicating a current position of said display portion of said wearable hardware device with respect to a body of said user, wherein said current position results from performing a sequence of differing degrees of rotational movement of said display portion and said band portion of said wearable hardware device around an axis of a wrist of said user, wherein said differing degrees of rotational movement comprise specified degree rotation values comprising a 90 degree rotational movement value, a 180 degree rotational movement value, a 270 degree rotational movement value, and a 360 degree rotational movement value, and wherein said sequence comprises clockwise rotations followed by counter clockwise rotations comprising said differing degrees of rotational movement of said display portion and said band portion of said wearable hardware device around said axis of said wrist of said user; and executing, by said processor, a command determined based on said position signal resulting in a specified function of said device being modified. 2. The method of claim 1, wherein communications between said device and said wearable hardware device comprise wireless pairing communications. 3. The method of claim 1, wherein said current position additionally results from a specified degree of rotation of said wearable hardware device around said axis of said body portion of said user. 4. The method of claim 1, wherein said wearable hardware device comprises a sensor for monitoring positions of said wearable hardware device around said axis of said body portion of said user. 5. The method of claim 4, wherein said sensor is selected from the group consisting of an accelerometer, a humidity sensor, a pressure sensor, a proximity sensor, a temperature sensor, a heart rate monitor, an optical sensor, and a motion sensor. 6. The method of claim 1, wherein modifying said specified function of said device comprises a modification selected from the group consisting of disabling power of said device, enabling power of said device, disabling an audio signal of said device, enabling an audio signal of said device, reducing an audio signal level of said device, increasing an audio signal level of said device, enabling a vibration function of said device, disabling a vibration function of said device, enabling a running application of said device, terminating a running application of said device, enabling a recording function of said device, disabling a recording function of said device, enabling a display light function of said device, disabling a display light function of said device, requesting a password input to said device, and requesting a communication function between said device and an additional device. 7. The method of claim 1, further comprising: receiving, by said processor from said wearable hardware device, an additional position signal indicating a new current position of said wearable hardware device with respect to an axis of a body portion of said user; determining, by said processor based on said additional position signal, a new command associated with controlling a new specified function of said device; and executing, by said processor, said new command resulting in said new specified function of said device being modified, wherein said new specified function differs from said specified function. 8. The method of claim 1, further comprising: receiving, by said processor from said wearable hardware device, an additional position signal indicating a new current position of said wearable hardware device with respect to an axis of a body portion of said user; determining, by said processor based on said additional position signal, a new command associated with additionally controlling said specified function of said device; and executing, by said processor, said new command resulting in said specified function of said device being modified again. 9. The method of claim 1, further comprising: providing at least one support service for at least one of creating, integrating, hosting, maintaining, and deploying computer-readable code in the control hardware, said code being executed by the computer processor to implement: said receiving said device control instructions, said receiving said position signal, and said executing. 10. A computer program product, comprising a computer readable hardware storage device storing a computer readable program code, said computer readable program code comprising an algorithm that when executed by a processor of a device of a user implements a positioning based control method, said method comprising: receiving, by said processor, device control instructions associated with function control of said device based on a positioning of a display portion of a wearable hardware device of said user, wherein said wearable hardware device comprises a band portion comprising said display portion; receiving, by said processor from said wearable hardware device, a position signal indicating a current position of said display portion of said wearable hardware device with respect to a body of said user, wherein said current position results from performing a sequence of differing degrees of rotational movement of said display portion and said band portion of said wearable hardware device around an axis of a wrist of said user, wherein said differing degrees of rotational movement comprise specified degree rotation values comprising a 90 degree rotational movement value, a 180 degree rotational movement value, a 270 degree rotational movement value, and a 360 degree rotational movement value, and wherein said sequence comprises clockwise rotations followed by counter clockwise rotations comprising said differing degrees of rotational movement of said display portion and said band portion of said wearable hardware device around said axis of said wrist of said user; and executing, by said processor, a command determined based on said position signal resulting in a specified function of said device being modified. 11. The computer program product of claim 10, wherein communications between said device and said wearable hardware device comprise wireless pairing communications. 12. The computer program product of claim 10, wherein said current position additionally results from a specified degree of rotation of said wearable hardware device around said axis of said body portion of said user. 13. The computer program product of claim 10, wherein said wearable hardware device comprises a sensor for monitoring positions of said wearable hardware device around said axis of said body portion of said user. 14. The computer program product of claim 13, wherein said sensor is selected from the group consisting of an accelerometer, a humidity sensor, a pressure sensor, a proximity sensor, a temperature sensor, a heart rate monitor, an optical sensor, and a motion sensor. 15. The computer program product of claim 10, wherein modifying said specified function of said device comprises a modification selected from the group consisting of disabling power of said device, enabling power of said device, disabling an audio signal of said device, enabling an audio signal of said device, reducing an audio signal level of said device, increasing an audio signal level of said device, enabling a vibration function of said device, disabling a vibration function of said device, enabling a running application of said device, terminating a running application of said device, enabling a recording function of said device, disabling a recording function of said device, enabling a display light function of said device, disabling a display light function of said device, requesting a password input to said device, and requesting a communication function between said device and an additional device. 16. A device of a user comprising a processor coupled to a computer-readable memory unit, said memory unit comprising instructions that when executed by the computer processor implements a positioning based control method comprising: receiving, by said processor, device control instructions associated with function control of said device based on a positioning of a display portion of a wearable hardware device of said user, wherein said wearable hardware device comprises a band portion comprising said display portion; receiving, by said processor from said wearable hardware device, a position signal indicating a current position of said display portion of said wearable hardware device with respect to a body of said user, wherein said current position results from performing a sequence of differing degrees of rotational movement of said display portion and said band portion of said wearable hardware device around an axis of a wrist of said user, wherein said differing degrees of rotational movement comprise specified degree rotation values comprising a 90 degree rotational movement value, a 180 degree rotational movement value, a 270 degree rotational movement value, and a 360 degree rotational movement value, and wherein said sequence comprises clockwise rotations followed by counter clockwise rotations comprising said differing degrees of rotational movement of said display portion and said band portion of said wearable hardware device around said axis of said wrist of said user; and executing, by said processor, a command determined based on said position signal resulting in a specified function of said device being modified. 17. The device of claim 16, wherein communications between said device and said wearable hardware device comprise wireless pairing communications. 18. The device of claim 16, wherein said current position additionally results from a specified degree of rotation of said wearable hardware device around said axis of said body portion of said user. 19. The device of claim 16, wherein said wearable hardware device comprises a sensor for monitoring positions of said wearable hardware device around said axis of said body portion of said user. 20. The device of claim 19, wherein said sensor is selected from the group consisting of an accelerometer, a humidity sensor, a pressure sensor, a proximity sensor, a temperature sensor, a heart rate monitor, an optical sensor, and a motion sensor.

A device for two-way detection of the approach of a portable apparatus for near-field hands-free access to a vehicle, said device including a communication antenna having a near-field communication frequency, the device including: a first passive inductive sensor oriented towards the outside of the vehicle, a second passive inductive sensor oriented towards the inside of the vehicle, the two sensors being arranged so as to face one another, separated by a ferrite, and receiving the electromagnetic field emitted by the communication antenna, and being capable of detecting the approach of the portable apparatus; a device for measuring a first voltage across the terminals of the first sensor and a device for measuring a second voltage across the terminals of the second sensor; a device for comparing the first voltage and the second voltage in order to detect the approach of the portable apparatus coming from outside or coming from inside the vehicle.

1. A device for the bidirectional detection of the approach of a portable apparatus for near-field hands-free access to a vehicle, said device comprising: a communication antenna having a near-field communication frequency and a predetermined quality factor and maximum bandwidth so as to communicate with said portable apparatus, a reader, linked to a microcontroller, and the portable apparatus being equipped with wireless near-field communication means, a first passive inductive sensor, directed toward an outside of the vehicle, having a first resonant frequency situated within a window with a value around the communication frequency and different from said communication frequency, and having a first quality factor greater than the quality factor of the communication antenna, a second passive inductive sensor, directed toward an inside of the vehicle, having a second resonant frequency situated within a window with a value around the communication frequency and different from the communication frequency and different from the first resonant frequency, and having a second quality factor greater than the quality factor of the communication antenna, the first passive inductive sensor and the second passive inductive sensor being situated opposite one another, separated by a ferrite, and receiving an electromagnetic field emitted by the communication antenna, means for measuring a first voltage across terminals of the first passive inductive sensor and means for measuring a second voltage across the terminals of the second passive inductive sensor, and means for comparing between the first voltage and the second voltage so as to detect the approach of the portable apparatus coming from outside or coming from inside the vehicle. 2. The bidirectional approach detection device as claimed in claim 1, wherein an absolute value of a first difference between the first resonant frequency and the communication frequency and an absolute value of a second difference between the second resonant frequency and the communication frequency is greater than the maximum bandwidth of the communication antenna. 3. The bidirectional approach detection device as claimed in claim 1, wherein the first passive inductive sensor and the second passive inductive sensor respectively comprise a first coil linked to a first capacitor, and a second coil linked to a second capacitor, the first and the second coils having identical dimensions and the first quality factor being equal to the second quality factor. 4. The bidirectional approach detection device as claimed in claim 3, wherein the communication antenna, the first coil, the second coil and the ferrite are concentric and are arranged in parallel planes. 5. The bidirectional approach detection device as claimed in claim 3, wherein the first and the second coils each have dimensions that are smaller than the dimensions of the communication antenna. 6. The bidirectional approach detection device as claimed in claim 3, wherein the ferrite has dimensions that are substantially equal to either one of the first or second coil. 7. A bidirectional approach detection method using the detection device as claimed in claim 1, said detection method comprising: measuring a first voltage across the terminals of the first passive inductive sensor, and measuring a second voltage across the terminals of the second passive inductive sensor, and comparing the first voltage with the second voltage so as to distinguish the approach of the portable apparatus coming from outside the vehicle from the approach of the portable apparatus coming from inside the vehicle, if the first voltage is lower than the second voltage, then the portable apparatus is situated outside the vehicle, otherwise the portable apparatus is situated inside the vehicle. 8. A motor vehicle, comprising a bidirectional approach detection device as claimed in claim 1. 9. The bidirectional approach detection device as claimed in claim 2, wherein the first passive inductive sensor and the second passive inductive sensor respectively comprise a first coil linked to a first capacitor, and a second coil linked to a second capacitor, the first and the second coils having identical dimensions and the first quality factor being equal to the second quality factor. 10. The bidirectional approach detection device as claimed in claim 4, wherein the first and the second coils each have dimensions that are smaller than the dimensions of the communication antenna. 11. The bidirectional approach detection device as claimed in claim 4, wherein the ferrite has dimensions that are substantially equal to either one of the first or second coil. 12. The bidirectional approach detection device as claimed in claim 5, wherein the ferrite has dimensions that are substantially equal to either one of the first or second coil.

A device for two-way detection of the approach of a portable apparatus for near-field hands-free access to a vehicle, said device including a communication antenna having a near-field communication frequency, the device including: a first passive inductive sensor oriented towards the outside of the vehicle, a second passive inductive sensor oriented towards the inside of the vehicle, the two sensors being arranged so as to face one another, separated by a ferrite, and receiving the electromagnetic field emitted by the communication antenna, and being capable of detecting the approach of the portable apparatus; a device for measuring a first voltage across the terminals of the first sensor and a device for measuring a second voltage across the terminals of the second sensor; a device for comparing the first voltage and the second voltage in order to detect the approach of the portable apparatus coming from outside or coming from inside the vehicle.1. A device for the bidirectional detection of the approach of a portable apparatus for near-field hands-free access to a vehicle, said device comprising: a communication antenna having a near-field communication frequency and a predetermined quality factor and maximum bandwidth so as to communicate with said portable apparatus, a reader, linked to a microcontroller, and the portable apparatus being equipped with wireless near-field communication means, a first passive inductive sensor, directed toward an outside of the vehicle, having a first resonant frequency situated within a window with a value around the communication frequency and different from said communication frequency, and having a first quality factor greater than the quality factor of the communication antenna, a second passive inductive sensor, directed toward an inside of the vehicle, having a second resonant frequency situated within a window with a value around the communication frequency and different from the communication frequency and different from the first resonant frequency, and having a second quality factor greater than the quality factor of the communication antenna, the first passive inductive sensor and the second passive inductive sensor being situated opposite one another, separated by a ferrite, and receiving an electromagnetic field emitted by the communication antenna, means for measuring a first voltage across terminals of the first passive inductive sensor and means for measuring a second voltage across the terminals of the second passive inductive sensor, and means for comparing between the first voltage and the second voltage so as to detect the approach of the portable apparatus coming from outside or coming from inside the vehicle. 2. The bidirectional approach detection device as claimed in claim 1, wherein an absolute value of a first difference between the first resonant frequency and the communication frequency and an absolute value of a second difference between the second resonant frequency and the communication frequency is greater than the maximum bandwidth of the communication antenna. 3. The bidirectional approach detection device as claimed in claim 1, wherein the first passive inductive sensor and the second passive inductive sensor respectively comprise a first coil linked to a first capacitor, and a second coil linked to a second capacitor, the first and the second coils having identical dimensions and the first quality factor being equal to the second quality factor. 4. The bidirectional approach detection device as claimed in claim 3, wherein the communication antenna, the first coil, the second coil and the ferrite are concentric and are arranged in parallel planes. 5. The bidirectional approach detection device as claimed in claim 3, wherein the first and the second coils each have dimensions that are smaller than the dimensions of the communication antenna. 6. The bidirectional approach detection device as claimed in claim 3, wherein the ferrite has dimensions that are substantially equal to either one of the first or second coil. 7. A bidirectional approach detection method using the detection device as claimed in claim 1, said detection method comprising: measuring a first voltage across the terminals of the first passive inductive sensor, and measuring a second voltage across the terminals of the second passive inductive sensor, and comparing the first voltage with the second voltage so as to distinguish the approach of the portable apparatus coming from outside the vehicle from the approach of the portable apparatus coming from inside the vehicle, if the first voltage is lower than the second voltage, then the portable apparatus is situated outside the vehicle, otherwise the portable apparatus is situated inside the vehicle. 8. A motor vehicle, comprising a bidirectional approach detection device as claimed in claim 1. 9. The bidirectional approach detection device as claimed in claim 2, wherein the first passive inductive sensor and the second passive inductive sensor respectively comprise a first coil linked to a first capacitor, and a second coil linked to a second capacitor, the first and the second coils having identical dimensions and the first quality factor being equal to the second quality factor. 10. The bidirectional approach detection device as claimed in claim 4, wherein the first and the second coils each have dimensions that are smaller than the dimensions of the communication antenna. 11. The bidirectional approach detection device as claimed in claim 4, wherein the ferrite has dimensions that are substantially equal to either one of the first or second coil. 12. The bidirectional approach detection device as claimed in claim 5, wherein the ferrite has dimensions that are substantially equal to either one of the first or second coil.

Dynamically configurable traffic controllers and methods of using the same are disclosed. An example apparatus includes a first sensor to face a first direction to detect oncoming traffic in a first area, a second sensor to face a second direction to detect oncoming traffic in a second area, and a first display to face the first area. The first display is to display a first signal in response to (1) the first sensor not detecting the oncoming traffic in the first area and (2) the second sensor detecting the oncoming traffic in the second area. The first display is to display a second signal in response to (1) the first sensor detecting the oncoming traffic in the first area and (2) the second sensor detecting the oncoming traffic in the second area. The first signal is different than the second signal.

1. An apparatus, comprising: a first sensor to face a first direction to detect oncoming traffic in a first area; a second sensor to face a second direction to detect oncoming traffic in a second area; and a first display to face the first area, the first display to display a first signal in response to (1) the first sensor not detecting the oncoming traffic in the first area and (2) the second sensor detecting the oncoming traffic in the second area, the first display to display a second signal in response to (1) the first sensor detecting the oncoming traffic in the first area and (2) the second sensor detecting the oncoming traffic in the second area, the first signal being different than the second signal. 2. The apparatus as defined in claim 1, wherein the first signal is indicative of a first warning level, and the second signal is indicative of a second warning level greater than the first warning level. 3. The apparatus as defined in claim 1, further including a second display to face the second area. 4. The apparatus as defined in claim 3, wherein the second display to display the first signal in response to (1) the first sensor detecting the oncoming traffic in the first area and (2) the second sensor not detecting the oncoming traffic in the second area, the second display to display the second signal in response to (1) the first sensor detecting the oncoming traffic in the first area and (2) the second sensor detecting the oncoming traffic in the second area. 5. The apparatus as defined in claim 3, wherein the first and second displays display no signal when (1) the first sensor does not detect the oncoming traffic in the first area and (2) the second sensor does not detect the oncoming traffic in the second area. 6. The apparatus as defined in claim 3, further including a housing, the housing including the first sensor and the first display, at least one of the second sensor or the second display to be spaced apart from the housing. 7. The apparatus as defined in claim 3, further including: a housing including the first sensor, the second sensor, the first display, and the second display; and a third sensor to detect the oncoming traffic in the first area, the third sensor to be spaced apart from the housing, the first sensor to detect the oncoming traffic in a first zone of the first area, and the third sensor to detect the oncoming traffic in a second zone of the first area different than the first zone. 8. The apparatus as defined in claim 7, wherein the second display is to display the first signal in response to (1) at least one of the first or third sensors detecting the oncoming traffic in the first area and (2) the second sensor not detecting the oncoming traffic in the second area, the second display to display the second signal in response to (1) at least one of the first or third sensors detecting the oncoming traffic in the first area and (2) the second sensor detecting the oncoming traffic in the second area. 9. The apparatus as defined in claim 7, wherein the first and second zones overlap. 10. The apparatus as defined in claim 7, wherein the first and second zones do not overlap. 11. The apparatus as defined in claim 3, further including: a housing including the first sensor, the second sensor, the first display, and the second display; and a third display to face the first area, the third display to be spaced apart from the housing, the third display to display a same signal as displayed by the first display. 12. The apparatus as defined in claim 1, further including a projector to project light toward a floor in response to (1) the first sensor detecting the oncoming traffic in the first area and (2) the second sensor detecting the oncoming traffic in the second area, the light to be visible from the first and second areas. 13. A non-transitory computer readable medium comprising instructions that, when executed, cause a machine to at least: detect oncoming traffic in a first area based on a first input from a first sensor facing in a first direction; detect oncoming traffic in a second area based on a second input from a second sensor facing in a second direction; and display, via a first display facing toward the first area, a first signal in response to (1) receiving no input from the first sensor and (2) receiving the second input from the second sensor; and display, via the first display, a second signal in response to (1) receiving the first input from the first sensor and (2) receiving the second input from the second sensor, the first signal being different than the second signal. 14. The non-transitory computer readable medium as defined in claim 13, wherein the instructions further cause the machine to: display, via a second display facing toward the second area, the first signal in response to (1) receiving the first input from the first sensor and (2) receiving no input from the second sensor; and display, via the second display, the second signal in response to (1) receiving the first input from the first sensor and (2) receiving the second input from the second sensor. 15. The non-transitory computer readable medium as defined in claim 14, wherein the instructions further cause the machine to: display, via the second display, the first signal in response to (1) receiving at least one of the first input from the first sensor or a third input from a third sensor and (2) receiving no input from the second sensor, the first input from the first sensor indicative of the oncoming traffic of the first area associated with a first zone, the third input from the third sensor indicative of the oncoming traffic in the first area associated with a second zone different than the first zone, the third sensor to be spaced apart from the first sensor; and display, via the second display, the second signal in response to (1) receiving at least one of the first input from the first sensor or the third input from the third sensor and (2) receiving the second input from the second sensor. 16. The non-transitory computer readable medium as defined in claim 13, wherein the instructions further cause the machine to display, via a third display, a same signal as displayed by the first display, the third display to face the first area from a location spaced apart from the first display. 17. The non-transitory computer readable medium as defined in claim 13, wherein the instructions further cause the machine to project light toward a floor of a third area in response to (1) receiving the first input from the first sensor and (2) receiving the second input from the second sensor, the third area corresponding to an intersection between the first area and the second area. 18. A method, comprising: monitoring, with a first sensor, oncoming traffic in a first area; monitoring, with a second sensor, oncoming traffic in a second area; displaying, with a first display facing toward the first area, a first signal in response to (1) the first sensor not detecting the oncoming traffic in the first area and (2) the second sensor detecting the oncoming traffic in the second area; and displaying, with the first display, a second signal in response to (1) the first sensor detecting the oncoming traffic in the first area and (2) the second sensor detecting the oncoming traffic in the second area, the first signal being different than the second signal. 19. The method as defined in claim 18, further including: monitoring, with a third sensor, the oncoming traffic in the first area, the first sensor monitoring a first zone of the first area and the third sensor monitoring a second zone of the first area, the third sensor being spaced apart from the first sensor; and displaying, with a second display facing toward the second area, the first signal in response to (1) at least one of the first or third sensors detecting the oncoming traffic in the first area and (2) the second sensor not detecting the oncoming traffic in the second area; and displaying, with the second display, the second signal in response to (1) at least one of the first or third sensors detecting the oncoming traffic in the first area and (2) the second sensor detecting the oncoming traffic in the second area. 20. The method as defined in claim 18, further including displaying, with a third display facing toward the first area, a same signal as displayed by the first display, the third display spaced apart from the first display.

Dynamically configurable traffic controllers and methods of using the same are disclosed. An example apparatus includes a first sensor to face a first direction to detect oncoming traffic in a first area, a second sensor to face a second direction to detect oncoming traffic in a second area, and a first display to face the first area. The first display is to display a first signal in response to (1) the first sensor not detecting the oncoming traffic in the first area and (2) the second sensor detecting the oncoming traffic in the second area. The first display is to display a second signal in response to (1) the first sensor detecting the oncoming traffic in the first area and (2) the second sensor detecting the oncoming traffic in the second area. The first signal is different than the second signal.1. An apparatus, comprising: a first sensor to face a first direction to detect oncoming traffic in a first area; a second sensor to face a second direction to detect oncoming traffic in a second area; and a first display to face the first area, the first display to display a first signal in response to (1) the first sensor not detecting the oncoming traffic in the first area and (2) the second sensor detecting the oncoming traffic in the second area, the first display to display a second signal in response to (1) the first sensor detecting the oncoming traffic in the first area and (2) the second sensor detecting the oncoming traffic in the second area, the first signal being different than the second signal. 2. The apparatus as defined in claim 1, wherein the first signal is indicative of a first warning level, and the second signal is indicative of a second warning level greater than the first warning level. 3. The apparatus as defined in claim 1, further including a second display to face the second area. 4. The apparatus as defined in claim 3, wherein the second display to display the first signal in response to (1) the first sensor detecting the oncoming traffic in the first area and (2) the second sensor not detecting the oncoming traffic in the second area, the second display to display the second signal in response to (1) the first sensor detecting the oncoming traffic in the first area and (2) the second sensor detecting the oncoming traffic in the second area. 5. The apparatus as defined in claim 3, wherein the first and second displays display no signal when (1) the first sensor does not detect the oncoming traffic in the first area and (2) the second sensor does not detect the oncoming traffic in the second area. 6. The apparatus as defined in claim 3, further including a housing, the housing including the first sensor and the first display, at least one of the second sensor or the second display to be spaced apart from the housing. 7. The apparatus as defined in claim 3, further including: a housing including the first sensor, the second sensor, the first display, and the second display; and a third sensor to detect the oncoming traffic in the first area, the third sensor to be spaced apart from the housing, the first sensor to detect the oncoming traffic in a first zone of the first area, and the third sensor to detect the oncoming traffic in a second zone of the first area different than the first zone. 8. The apparatus as defined in claim 7, wherein the second display is to display the first signal in response to (1) at least one of the first or third sensors detecting the oncoming traffic in the first area and (2) the second sensor not detecting the oncoming traffic in the second area, the second display to display the second signal in response to (1) at least one of the first or third sensors detecting the oncoming traffic in the first area and (2) the second sensor detecting the oncoming traffic in the second area. 9. The apparatus as defined in claim 7, wherein the first and second zones overlap. 10. The apparatus as defined in claim 7, wherein the first and second zones do not overlap. 11. The apparatus as defined in claim 3, further including: a housing including the first sensor, the second sensor, the first display, and the second display; and a third display to face the first area, the third display to be spaced apart from the housing, the third display to display a same signal as displayed by the first display. 12. The apparatus as defined in claim 1, further including a projector to project light toward a floor in response to (1) the first sensor detecting the oncoming traffic in the first area and (2) the second sensor detecting the oncoming traffic in the second area, the light to be visible from the first and second areas. 13. A non-transitory computer readable medium comprising instructions that, when executed, cause a machine to at least: detect oncoming traffic in a first area based on a first input from a first sensor facing in a first direction; detect oncoming traffic in a second area based on a second input from a second sensor facing in a second direction; and display, via a first display facing toward the first area, a first signal in response to (1) receiving no input from the first sensor and (2) receiving the second input from the second sensor; and display, via the first display, a second signal in response to (1) receiving the first input from the first sensor and (2) receiving the second input from the second sensor, the first signal being different than the second signal. 14. The non-transitory computer readable medium as defined in claim 13, wherein the instructions further cause the machine to: display, via a second display facing toward the second area, the first signal in response to (1) receiving the first input from the first sensor and (2) receiving no input from the second sensor; and display, via the second display, the second signal in response to (1) receiving the first input from the first sensor and (2) receiving the second input from the second sensor. 15. The non-transitory computer readable medium as defined in claim 14, wherein the instructions further cause the machine to: display, via the second display, the first signal in response to (1) receiving at least one of the first input from the first sensor or a third input from a third sensor and (2) receiving no input from the second sensor, the first input from the first sensor indicative of the oncoming traffic of the first area associated with a first zone, the third input from the third sensor indicative of the oncoming traffic in the first area associated with a second zone different than the first zone, the third sensor to be spaced apart from the first sensor; and display, via the second display, the second signal in response to (1) receiving at least one of the first input from the first sensor or the third input from the third sensor and (2) receiving the second input from the second sensor. 16. The non-transitory computer readable medium as defined in claim 13, wherein the instructions further cause the machine to display, via a third display, a same signal as displayed by the first display, the third display to face the first area from a location spaced apart from the first display. 17. The non-transitory computer readable medium as defined in claim 13, wherein the instructions further cause the machine to project light toward a floor of a third area in response to (1) receiving the first input from the first sensor and (2) receiving the second input from the second sensor, the third area corresponding to an intersection between the first area and the second area. 18. A method, comprising: monitoring, with a first sensor, oncoming traffic in a first area; monitoring, with a second sensor, oncoming traffic in a second area; displaying, with a first display facing toward the first area, a first signal in response to (1) the first sensor not detecting the oncoming traffic in the first area and (2) the second sensor detecting the oncoming traffic in the second area; and displaying, with the first display, a second signal in response to (1) the first sensor detecting the oncoming traffic in the first area and (2) the second sensor detecting the oncoming traffic in the second area, the first signal being different than the second signal. 19. The method as defined in claim 18, further including: monitoring, with a third sensor, the oncoming traffic in the first area, the first sensor monitoring a first zone of the first area and the third sensor monitoring a second zone of the first area, the third sensor being spaced apart from the first sensor; and displaying, with a second display facing toward the second area, the first signal in response to (1) at least one of the first or third sensors detecting the oncoming traffic in the first area and (2) the second sensor not detecting the oncoming traffic in the second area; and displaying, with the second display, the second signal in response to (1) at least one of the first or third sensors detecting the oncoming traffic in the first area and (2) the second sensor detecting the oncoming traffic in the second area. 20. The method as defined in claim 18, further including displaying, with a third display facing toward the first area, a same signal as displayed by the first display, the third display spaced apart from the first display.

A security device is provided including a product presence sensor configured to sense a change in product presence relative to the product presence sensor and a directional element configured to direct the product presence sensor in a sensing direction.

1. A security device comprising: a product presence sensor configured to sense a change in product presence relative to the product presence sensor; and a directional element configured to direct the product presence sensor in a sensing direction. 2. The security device of claim 1, wherein the product presence sensor comprises: a ground; and a capacitance sensor configured to sense an electromagnetic field established between the capacitance sensor and the ground, wherein a change in capacitance between the capacitance sensor and the ground is indicative of a change in product presence. 3. The security device of claim 2, wherein the ground is shaped as ground ring and the capacitance sensor is disposed within the ground ring, and wherein the product presence sensor further comprises a driven shield disposed between the ground ring and the capacitance sensor. 4. The security device of claim 2, wherein the ground is shaped as ground ring and the capacitance sensor is disposed within the ground ring, and wherein the security device further comprises a driven shield disposed between the capacitance sensor and the ground ring and the directional element. 5. The security device of claim 1 further comprising: an alarm configured to cause an alert based on a sensed change in product presence. 6. The security device of claim 5, wherein the alarm causes different alerts based on a change in the product presence magnitude. 7. The security device of claim 1, wherein the directional element comprises a backplane shield. 8. The security device of claim 1 wherein the security device is configured to be operably coupled to product packaging. 9. The security device of claim 1, further comprising: a motion sensor configured to detect motion of the security device, wherein the product presence sensor is configured to sense a presence of a product in response to detecting motion of the security device. 10. The security device of claim 2, wherein the product presence sensor comprises: processing circuitry configured to determine if the change in product presence satisfies a predetermined change threshold, wherein an alert is in response to the change in product presence satisfying the predetermined change threshold. 11. A method of loss prevention comprising: providing a security device comprising: a product presence sensor configured to sense a change in product presence relative to the product presence sensor; and a directional element configured to direct the product presence sensor in a sensing direction; and operably coupling the security device to product packaging. 12. The method of claim 11, wherein the product presence sensor comprises: a ground ring; and a capacitance sensor disposed within the ground ring configured to sense an electromagnetic field established between the capacitance sensor and the ground ring, wherein a change in capacitance is indicative of the change in product presence. 13. The method of claim 12, wherein the product presence sensor further comprises: a driven shield disposed between the ground ring and the capacitance sensor. 14. The method of claim 12, wherein the product presence sensor further comprises: a driven shield disposed between the capacitance sensor and the ground ring and directional element. 15. The method of claim 11, wherein the security device further comprises: an alarm configured to cause an alert based on a change in product presence magnitude. 16. The method of claim 15, wherein the alarm is configured to cause different alerts based on a change in product presence magnitude. 17. The method of claim 16 further comprising: determining a high product presence position on the product packaging based on the different alerts, and wherein the operably coupling the security device is based on the high product presence position. 18. The method of claim 11, wherein the directional element comprises a backplane. 19. The method of claim 11, wherein the security device further comprises: a motion sensor configured to determine motion of the security device, wherein the product presence sensor is configured to sense the product presence in response to a determination of motion of the security device. 20. The method of claim 11, wherein the security device further comprises: processing circuitry configured to determine if the change in product presence satisfies a predetermined change threshold, wherein an alert is in response to the change in product presence satisfying the predetermined change threshold.

A security device is provided including a product presence sensor configured to sense a change in product presence relative to the product presence sensor and a directional element configured to direct the product presence sensor in a sensing direction.1. A security device comprising: a product presence sensor configured to sense a change in product presence relative to the product presence sensor; and a directional element configured to direct the product presence sensor in a sensing direction. 2. The security device of claim 1, wherein the product presence sensor comprises: a ground; and a capacitance sensor configured to sense an electromagnetic field established between the capacitance sensor and the ground, wherein a change in capacitance between the capacitance sensor and the ground is indicative of a change in product presence. 3. The security device of claim 2, wherein the ground is shaped as ground ring and the capacitance sensor is disposed within the ground ring, and wherein the product presence sensor further comprises a driven shield disposed between the ground ring and the capacitance sensor. 4. The security device of claim 2, wherein the ground is shaped as ground ring and the capacitance sensor is disposed within the ground ring, and wherein the security device further comprises a driven shield disposed between the capacitance sensor and the ground ring and the directional element. 5. The security device of claim 1 further comprising: an alarm configured to cause an alert based on a sensed change in product presence. 6. The security device of claim 5, wherein the alarm causes different alerts based on a change in the product presence magnitude. 7. The security device of claim 1, wherein the directional element comprises a backplane shield. 8. The security device of claim 1 wherein the security device is configured to be operably coupled to product packaging. 9. The security device of claim 1, further comprising: a motion sensor configured to detect motion of the security device, wherein the product presence sensor is configured to sense a presence of a product in response to detecting motion of the security device. 10. The security device of claim 2, wherein the product presence sensor comprises: processing circuitry configured to determine if the change in product presence satisfies a predetermined change threshold, wherein an alert is in response to the change in product presence satisfying the predetermined change threshold. 11. A method of loss prevention comprising: providing a security device comprising: a product presence sensor configured to sense a change in product presence relative to the product presence sensor; and a directional element configured to direct the product presence sensor in a sensing direction; and operably coupling the security device to product packaging. 12. The method of claim 11, wherein the product presence sensor comprises: a ground ring; and a capacitance sensor disposed within the ground ring configured to sense an electromagnetic field established between the capacitance sensor and the ground ring, wherein a change in capacitance is indicative of the change in product presence. 13. The method of claim 12, wherein the product presence sensor further comprises: a driven shield disposed between the ground ring and the capacitance sensor. 14. The method of claim 12, wherein the product presence sensor further comprises: a driven shield disposed between the capacitance sensor and the ground ring and directional element. 15. The method of claim 11, wherein the security device further comprises: an alarm configured to cause an alert based on a change in product presence magnitude. 16. The method of claim 15, wherein the alarm is configured to cause different alerts based on a change in product presence magnitude. 17. The method of claim 16 further comprising: determining a high product presence position on the product packaging based on the different alerts, and wherein the operably coupling the security device is based on the high product presence position. 18. The method of claim 11, wherein the directional element comprises a backplane. 19. The method of claim 11, wherein the security device further comprises: a motion sensor configured to determine motion of the security device, wherein the product presence sensor is configured to sense the product presence in response to a determination of motion of the security device. 20. The method of claim 11, wherein the security device further comprises: processing circuitry configured to determine if the change in product presence satisfies a predetermined change threshold, wherein an alert is in response to the change in product presence satisfying the predetermined change threshold.

According to another example, a wearable medical device controller is provided. The device controller includes a memory and a processor coupled to the memory. The processor is configured to determine a correlation between a phenomenon identifiable by the wearable medical device controller and at least one response pattern associated with a patient and store, responsive to detecting the correlation, an adaptation path to address the at least one response pattern, the adaptation path specifying an adaptation of at least one characteristic of an alarm. The at least one response pattern may include a plurality of response patterns and the adaptation path may reflect adaptations made to address at least some of the plurality of response patterns.

1. A system comprising: an ambulatory medical device comprising at least one sensor configured to acquire electrocardiogram (ECG) signals from a patient; a network interface configured to communicate wirelessly with an electronic device distinct from the ambulatory medical device; a user interface; a memory storing alarm information specifying one or more alarms and one or more conduits through which the one or more alarms are to be provided; and at least one processor coupled to the memory, the network interface, the user interface, and the at least one sensor and configured to monitor ECG data based on the ECG signals to detect a cardiac abnormality in the patient; identify, based on the alarm information, an alarm of the one or more alarms triggered by the cardiac abnormality; adapt, based on the alarm information, the alarm to output via at least one conduit of the one or more conduits, the one or more conduits comprising the network interface configured to communicate wirelessly with the electronic device, and the user interface of the ambulatory medical device; and the electronic device, the electronic device being configured to receive the alarm; and issue the alarm. 2. The system of claim 1, wherein the electronic device comprises one or more of an earpiece, a smart phone, a tablet computing device, an article of clothing, and in-vehicle entertainment system, and a home security system. 3. The system of claim 1, wherein the ambulatory medical device further comprises a therapy delivery interface coupled to the at least one processor and the at least one processor is further configured to adapt, based on the alarm information, the alarm to issue via the therapy delivery interface. 4. The system of claim 1, wherein to adapt the alarm comprises to change the at least one conduit to comprise the network interface, the user interface, or both the network interface and the user interface. 5. The system of claim 4, wherein to change the one or more conduits comprises to transmit the alarm to the electronic device via the network interface. 6. The system of claim 5, wherein the electronic device comprises an earpiece and to issue the alarm comprises to issue an alarm via the earpiece. 7. The system of claim 5, wherein the electronic device comprises an article of clothing and to issue the alarm comprises to issue an alarm via the article of clothing. 8. The system of claim 5, wherein the electronic device comprises an in-vehicle entertainment system and to issue the alarm comprises to issue an alarm via the in-vehicle entertainment system. 9. The system of claim 5, wherein the electronic device comprises a personal electronic device and to issue the alarm comprises to issue an alarm via the personal electronic device. 10. The system of claim 9, wherein the personal electronic device comprises a smart phone and to issue the alarm via the personal electronic device comprises to issue an alarm via the smart phone. 11. The system of claim 9, wherein the the personal electronic device comprises a smart phone and to issue the alarm via the personal electronic device comprises to place a phone call or send a text message. 12. The system of claim 9, wherein to issue the alarm via the personal electronic device comprises to preempt normal functioning of the personal electronic device. 13. The system of claim 9, wherein the personal electronic device comprises a smart phone and to preempt normal functioning of the personal electronic device comprises to send an alarm via an active phone call. 14. The system of claim 9, wherein the the personal electronic device comprises a tablet computing device and to issue the alarm via the personal electronic device to issue an alarm via the tablet computing device. 15. The system of claim 5, wherein the electronic device comprises a display and to issue the alarm comprises to issue an alarm via the display. 16. The system of claim 5, wherein the electronic device comprises a home security system and to issue the alarm comprises to issue an alarm via the home security system. 17. The system of claim 5, wherein the at least one sensor is coupled to a light emitting diode and the at least one processor is configured to issue the alarm via the light emitting diode. 18. A method of adapting alarms in an ambulatory medical device, comprising: storing, in a memory of the ambulatory medical device, alarm information specifying one or more alarms and one or more conduits through which the one or more alarms are to be provided; acquiring electrocardiogram (ECG) signals from a patient coupled to the ambulatory medical device; monitoring ECG data based on the ECG signals to detect a cardiac abnormality in the patient; identifying, based on the alarm information stored in the memory of the ambulatory medical device, an alarm of the one or more alarms triggered by the cardiac abnormality; adapting, based on the alarm information stored in the memory of the ambulatory medical device, the alarm to output via at least one conduit of the one or more conduits, the one or more conduits comprising a network interface configured to communicate wirelessly with an electronic device and a user interface of the ambulatory medical device; receiving the alarm at the electronic device via the network interface of the ambulatory medical device; and issuing the alarm via the electronic device. 19. The method of claim 18, wherein adapting the alarm comprises selecting the at least one conduit to output the alarm to be at least one of the network interface, the user interface, or both the network interface and the user interface. 20. The method of claim 18, wherein the electronic device comprises a smart phone and issuing the alarm comprises issuing an alarm via the smart phone. 21-23. (canceled)

According to another example, a wearable medical device controller is provided. The device controller includes a memory and a processor coupled to the memory. The processor is configured to determine a correlation between a phenomenon identifiable by the wearable medical device controller and at least one response pattern associated with a patient and store, responsive to detecting the correlation, an adaptation path to address the at least one response pattern, the adaptation path specifying an adaptation of at least one characteristic of an alarm. The at least one response pattern may include a plurality of response patterns and the adaptation path may reflect adaptations made to address at least some of the plurality of response patterns.1. A system comprising: an ambulatory medical device comprising at least one sensor configured to acquire electrocardiogram (ECG) signals from a patient; a network interface configured to communicate wirelessly with an electronic device distinct from the ambulatory medical device; a user interface; a memory storing alarm information specifying one or more alarms and one or more conduits through which the one or more alarms are to be provided; and at least one processor coupled to the memory, the network interface, the user interface, and the at least one sensor and configured to monitor ECG data based on the ECG signals to detect a cardiac abnormality in the patient; identify, based on the alarm information, an alarm of the one or more alarms triggered by the cardiac abnormality; adapt, based on the alarm information, the alarm to output via at least one conduit of the one or more conduits, the one or more conduits comprising the network interface configured to communicate wirelessly with the electronic device, and the user interface of the ambulatory medical device; and the electronic device, the electronic device being configured to receive the alarm; and issue the alarm. 2. The system of claim 1, wherein the electronic device comprises one or more of an earpiece, a smart phone, a tablet computing device, an article of clothing, and in-vehicle entertainment system, and a home security system. 3. The system of claim 1, wherein the ambulatory medical device further comprises a therapy delivery interface coupled to the at least one processor and the at least one processor is further configured to adapt, based on the alarm information, the alarm to issue via the therapy delivery interface. 4. The system of claim 1, wherein to adapt the alarm comprises to change the at least one conduit to comprise the network interface, the user interface, or both the network interface and the user interface. 5. The system of claim 4, wherein to change the one or more conduits comprises to transmit the alarm to the electronic device via the network interface. 6. The system of claim 5, wherein the electronic device comprises an earpiece and to issue the alarm comprises to issue an alarm via the earpiece. 7. The system of claim 5, wherein the electronic device comprises an article of clothing and to issue the alarm comprises to issue an alarm via the article of clothing. 8. The system of claim 5, wherein the electronic device comprises an in-vehicle entertainment system and to issue the alarm comprises to issue an alarm via the in-vehicle entertainment system. 9. The system of claim 5, wherein the electronic device comprises a personal electronic device and to issue the alarm comprises to issue an alarm via the personal electronic device. 10. The system of claim 9, wherein the personal electronic device comprises a smart phone and to issue the alarm via the personal electronic device comprises to issue an alarm via the smart phone. 11. The system of claim 9, wherein the the personal electronic device comprises a smart phone and to issue the alarm via the personal electronic device comprises to place a phone call or send a text message. 12. The system of claim 9, wherein to issue the alarm via the personal electronic device comprises to preempt normal functioning of the personal electronic device. 13. The system of claim 9, wherein the personal electronic device comprises a smart phone and to preempt normal functioning of the personal electronic device comprises to send an alarm via an active phone call. 14. The system of claim 9, wherein the the personal electronic device comprises a tablet computing device and to issue the alarm via the personal electronic device to issue an alarm via the tablet computing device. 15. The system of claim 5, wherein the electronic device comprises a display and to issue the alarm comprises to issue an alarm via the display. 16. The system of claim 5, wherein the electronic device comprises a home security system and to issue the alarm comprises to issue an alarm via the home security system. 17. The system of claim 5, wherein the at least one sensor is coupled to a light emitting diode and the at least one processor is configured to issue the alarm via the light emitting diode. 18. A method of adapting alarms in an ambulatory medical device, comprising: storing, in a memory of the ambulatory medical device, alarm information specifying one or more alarms and one or more conduits through which the one or more alarms are to be provided; acquiring electrocardiogram (ECG) signals from a patient coupled to the ambulatory medical device; monitoring ECG data based on the ECG signals to detect a cardiac abnormality in the patient; identifying, based on the alarm information stored in the memory of the ambulatory medical device, an alarm of the one or more alarms triggered by the cardiac abnormality; adapting, based on the alarm information stored in the memory of the ambulatory medical device, the alarm to output via at least one conduit of the one or more conduits, the one or more conduits comprising a network interface configured to communicate wirelessly with an electronic device and a user interface of the ambulatory medical device; receiving the alarm at the electronic device via the network interface of the ambulatory medical device; and issuing the alarm via the electronic device. 19. The method of claim 18, wherein adapting the alarm comprises selecting the at least one conduit to output the alarm to be at least one of the network interface, the user interface, or both the network interface and the user interface. 20. The method of claim 18, wherein the electronic device comprises a smart phone and issuing the alarm comprises issuing an alarm via the smart phone. 21-23. (canceled)

An apparatus for use with an item of personal protective equipment, where the item of personal protective equipment includes a sensor configured to detect when the personal protective equipment is being worn properly by the user. The apparatus is housed within a hand-held power tool that includes a power circuit. The apparatus includes an electrical isolation device configured to prevent current flow in at least one conductor included in the power circuit; a wireless communication device configured to wirelessly couple to a wireless communication device included in the personal protective equipment. The wireless communication device is configured to receive a wireless signal transmitted from the wireless communication device included the personal protective equipment, the wireless signal providing information concerning whether the user is wearing the item of personal protective equipment properly. The electrical isolation device operates to allow current flow in the at least one conductor when the information provided by the wireless signal indicates that the item of personal protective equipment is being worn properly by the user.

1. An apparatus for use with an item of personal protective equipment, the item of personal protective equipment including a first wireless communication device and a sensor configured to detect when the personal protective equipment is being worn properly by the user, the apparatus configured to be housed within a hand-held power tool that includes a power circuit to supply electrical power for operation of the hand-held power tool, the apparatus comprising: an electrical isolation device configured to prevent current flow in at least one conductor included in the power circuit; a second wireless communication device configured to wirelessly couple to the first wireless communication device, wherein the second wireless communication device is configured to receive a wireless signal transmitted from the first wireless communication device, the wireless signal providing information concerning whether the user is wearing the item of personal protective equipment properly, and wherein the electrical isolation device operates to allow current flow in the at least one conductor when the information provided by the wireless signal indicates that the item of personal protective equipment is being worn properly by the user. 2. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising a user interface configured to provide an indication of an operating state of the electrical isolation device, wherein the apparatus is oriented within the hand-held power tool to allow the user interface to be viewed by a user operating the hand-held power tool. 3. The apparatus of claim 2, further comprising a processor coupled to each of the electrical isolation device, the second wireless communication device and the user interface, wherein the processor is configured to process information provided by the second wireless communication device to determine whether the item of personal protective equipment is being worn properly by the user, and wherein the processor is configured to provide a signal to control the state of the electrical isolation device based on the determination. 4. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the hand-held power tool is a battery operated power tool including a removable battery pack, and wherein the apparatus is configured to be housed within the removable battery pack. 5. The apparatus of claim 4, wherein the apparatus is configured to place the electrical isolation device in a state that allows a flow of charging current when the removable battery pack is removed from the hand-held power tool for charging regardless of whether the item of personal protective equipment is being worn properly by the user. 6. The apparatus of claim 5, wherein the apparatus is configured to automatically place the electrical isolation device in the state that allows the flow of charging current when the removable battery pack is removed from the hand-held power tool. 7. The apparatus of claim 4, further comprising a user interface configured to provide an indication of an operating state of the electrical isolation device, wherein the apparatus is oriented within the hand-held power tool to allow the user interface to be viewed by a user operating the hand-held power tool. 8. The apparatus of claim 7, further comprising a processor coupled to each of the electrical isolation device, the second wireless communication device and the user interface, wherein the processor is configured to process information provided by the second wireless communication device to determine whether the item of personal protective equipment is being worn properly by the user, and wherein the processor is configured to provide a signal to control the state of the electrical isolation device based on the determination. 9. The apparatus of claim 7, wherein the apparatus is configured to be housed in a removable battery pack that is provided as a retrofit for a battery pack originally supplied with the hand-held power tool. 10. A safety system for a user employing each of eye protection hardware including a first wireless communication device, a first power cord including a male plug and a second power cord including a female socket, the system comprising: a first component configured to secure to a respective one of the first power cord and the second power cord; a second component including: a longitudinal axis; at least one line conductor; an electrical isolation device configured to prevent current flow in the at least one line conductor; a second wireless communication device configured to wirelessly couple to the first wireless communication device; a body housing the electrical isolation device and the second wireless communication device, the body including: a first end defining a female electrical socket coupled to the at least one line conductor included in the body, the female electrical socket configured to electrically couple to the first power cord; a second end defining a male electrical plug coupled to the at least one line conductor, the male electrical plug included in the body configured to electrically couple to the second power cord; and a distal end selected from one of the first end and the second end; and a fastening device coupled to the body and including a distal end, the fastening device configured to move in a direction parallel to the longitudinal axis from a first position to a second position in which the distal end of the fastening device extends beyond the distal end of the body to receive the respective one of the first power cord and the second power cord and properly align the fastening device to secure the first component to the second component; wherein the second wireless communication device is configured to receive a wireless signal transmitted from the first wireless communication device, the wireless signal providing information concerning whether the user is wearing the safety glasses, and wherein the electrical isolation device is configured to allow current flow in the at least one line conductor when the information provided by the wireless signal indicates that the safety glasses are being worn by the user. 11. The safety system of claim 10, wherein the first component is configured to secure to at least one of the male plug included in the first power cord and the female socket included in the second power cord, and wherein the first component includes a first piece and a second piece configured to be secured together to form a cavity therein, the cavity sized and shaped to receive the at least one of the male plug and the female socket. 12. The safety system of claim 11, wherein the first component has a proximate end including at least a first part of a fastening system configured to secure the first piece and the second piece together. 13. The safety system of claim 12, wherein the fastening system is a first fastening system, wherein the safety system includes a second fastening system configured to secure the first component to the second component, and wherein at least a part of the second fastening system is included at the distal end of the fastening device. 14. The safety system of claim 13, wherein the second fastening system includes a mechanical fastener, and wherein the at least a part of the second fastening system is configured to receive at least a portion of the mechanical fastener, and wherein the mechanical fastener is selected from a group consisting of a threaded fastener and a push-to-release button. 15. The safety system of claim 10, wherein the eye protection hardware is selected from a group consisting of safety glasses and goggles. 16. The safety system of claim 15, wherein the eye protection hardware includes a processor coupled to the first wireless communication device and a sensor coupled to the processor, the sensor configured to sense whether the eye protection hardware is being worn by the user. 17. The safety system of claim 16, wherein the fastening device includes a collar. 18. The safety system of claim 17, the collar including an interior wall that defines a hollow region sized and configured to receive at least a portion of the body therein, the collar configured to secure to one of the female electrical socket and the male electrical plug with the respective one of first power cord and the second power cord electrically coupled to the distal end of the body and the collar at least partially extended from the body in a direction of the distal end. 19. The safety system of claim 18, wherein the interior wall includes a first set of threads, wherein a second set of threads is formed by on an exterior surface of the first component with the first component is secured to the respective one of the first power cord and the second power cord, the second set of threads configured to engage the first set of threads, and wherein the collar is free to rotate about the longitudinal axis while coupled to the body to engage the first set of threads and the second set of threads to thread the collar and the first component together. 20. An apparatus configured for use with a first power cord, a second power cord and safety glasses including a first wireless communication device, the apparatus comprising: at least one line conductor; an electrical isolation device configured to prevent current flow in the at least one line conductor; a second wireless communication device configured to wirelessly couple to the first wireless communication device; a body housing the electrical isolation device and the second wireless communication device, the body including: a longitudinal axis; a first end defining a female electrical socket coupled to the at least one line conductor, the female electrical socket configured to electrically couple to the first power cord; a second end defining a male electrical plug coupled to the at least one line conductor, the male electrical plug configured to electrically couple to the second power cord; and a distal end selected from one of the first end and the second end; and a collar configured to move in a direction parallel to the longitudinal axis while coupled to the body, the collar including an interior wall that defines a hollow region sized and configured to receive at least a portion of the body therein, the collar configured to secure to one of the female electrical socket and the male electrical plug with the respective one of first power cord and the second power cord electrically coupled to the distal end of the body and the collar at least partially extended from the body in a direction of the distal end, wherein the second wireless communication device is configured to receive a wireless signal transmitted from the first wireless communication device, the wireless signal providing information concerning whether the user is wearing the safety glasses, and wherein the electrical isolation device is configured to allow current flow in the at least one line conductor when the information provided by the wireless signal indicates that the safety glasses are being worn by the user. 21. The apparatus of claim 20, wherein the electrical isolation device is configured to prevent current flow in the at least one line conductor when the safety glasses are not being worn by the user. 22. The apparatus of claim 21, wherein the body includes an outer surface including a first abutment projecting therefrom, wherein the interior wall of the collar includes a second abutment, and wherein the first abutment and the second abutment are configured to prevent further travel of the fastening device in the direction of the distal end when the respective abutments make contact with one another. 23. The apparatus of claim 20, wherein the collar includes at least a first part of a mechanical fastening system configured to securely attach the collar to the respective one of the female electrical socket and the male electrical plug. 24. The apparatus of claim 23, wherein, with the first abutment and the second abutment located proximate to one another, the first part of the mechanical fastening system is located in a position that allows the collar to be fastened to the respective one of the female electrical socket and the male electrical plug using the mechanical fastening system.

An apparatus for use with an item of personal protective equipment, where the item of personal protective equipment includes a sensor configured to detect when the personal protective equipment is being worn properly by the user. The apparatus is housed within a hand-held power tool that includes a power circuit. The apparatus includes an electrical isolation device configured to prevent current flow in at least one conductor included in the power circuit; a wireless communication device configured to wirelessly couple to a wireless communication device included in the personal protective equipment. The wireless communication device is configured to receive a wireless signal transmitted from the wireless communication device included the personal protective equipment, the wireless signal providing information concerning whether the user is wearing the item of personal protective equipment properly. The electrical isolation device operates to allow current flow in the at least one conductor when the information provided by the wireless signal indicates that the item of personal protective equipment is being worn properly by the user.1. An apparatus for use with an item of personal protective equipment, the item of personal protective equipment including a first wireless communication device and a sensor configured to detect when the personal protective equipment is being worn properly by the user, the apparatus configured to be housed within a hand-held power tool that includes a power circuit to supply electrical power for operation of the hand-held power tool, the apparatus comprising: an electrical isolation device configured to prevent current flow in at least one conductor included in the power circuit; a second wireless communication device configured to wirelessly couple to the first wireless communication device, wherein the second wireless communication device is configured to receive a wireless signal transmitted from the first wireless communication device, the wireless signal providing information concerning whether the user is wearing the item of personal protective equipment properly, and wherein the electrical isolation device operates to allow current flow in the at least one conductor when the information provided by the wireless signal indicates that the item of personal protective equipment is being worn properly by the user. 2. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising a user interface configured to provide an indication of an operating state of the electrical isolation device, wherein the apparatus is oriented within the hand-held power tool to allow the user interface to be viewed by a user operating the hand-held power tool. 3. The apparatus of claim 2, further comprising a processor coupled to each of the electrical isolation device, the second wireless communication device and the user interface, wherein the processor is configured to process information provided by the second wireless communication device to determine whether the item of personal protective equipment is being worn properly by the user, and wherein the processor is configured to provide a signal to control the state of the electrical isolation device based on the determination. 4. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the hand-held power tool is a battery operated power tool including a removable battery pack, and wherein the apparatus is configured to be housed within the removable battery pack. 5. The apparatus of claim 4, wherein the apparatus is configured to place the electrical isolation device in a state that allows a flow of charging current when the removable battery pack is removed from the hand-held power tool for charging regardless of whether the item of personal protective equipment is being worn properly by the user. 6. The apparatus of claim 5, wherein the apparatus is configured to automatically place the electrical isolation device in the state that allows the flow of charging current when the removable battery pack is removed from the hand-held power tool. 7. The apparatus of claim 4, further comprising a user interface configured to provide an indication of an operating state of the electrical isolation device, wherein the apparatus is oriented within the hand-held power tool to allow the user interface to be viewed by a user operating the hand-held power tool. 8. The apparatus of claim 7, further comprising a processor coupled to each of the electrical isolation device, the second wireless communication device and the user interface, wherein the processor is configured to process information provided by the second wireless communication device to determine whether the item of personal protective equipment is being worn properly by the user, and wherein the processor is configured to provide a signal to control the state of the electrical isolation device based on the determination. 9. The apparatus of claim 7, wherein the apparatus is configured to be housed in a removable battery pack that is provided as a retrofit for a battery pack originally supplied with the hand-held power tool. 10. A safety system for a user employing each of eye protection hardware including a first wireless communication device, a first power cord including a male plug and a second power cord including a female socket, the system comprising: a first component configured to secure to a respective one of the first power cord and the second power cord; a second component including: a longitudinal axis; at least one line conductor; an electrical isolation device configured to prevent current flow in the at least one line conductor; a second wireless communication device configured to wirelessly couple to the first wireless communication device; a body housing the electrical isolation device and the second wireless communication device, the body including: a first end defining a female electrical socket coupled to the at least one line conductor included in the body, the female electrical socket configured to electrically couple to the first power cord; a second end defining a male electrical plug coupled to the at least one line conductor, the male electrical plug included in the body configured to electrically couple to the second power cord; and a distal end selected from one of the first end and the second end; and a fastening device coupled to the body and including a distal end, the fastening device configured to move in a direction parallel to the longitudinal axis from a first position to a second position in which the distal end of the fastening device extends beyond the distal end of the body to receive the respective one of the first power cord and the second power cord and properly align the fastening device to secure the first component to the second component; wherein the second wireless communication device is configured to receive a wireless signal transmitted from the first wireless communication device, the wireless signal providing information concerning whether the user is wearing the safety glasses, and wherein the electrical isolation device is configured to allow current flow in the at least one line conductor when the information provided by the wireless signal indicates that the safety glasses are being worn by the user. 11. The safety system of claim 10, wherein the first component is configured to secure to at least one of the male plug included in the first power cord and the female socket included in the second power cord, and wherein the first component includes a first piece and a second piece configured to be secured together to form a cavity therein, the cavity sized and shaped to receive the at least one of the male plug and the female socket. 12. The safety system of claim 11, wherein the first component has a proximate end including at least a first part of a fastening system configured to secure the first piece and the second piece together. 13. The safety system of claim 12, wherein the fastening system is a first fastening system, wherein the safety system includes a second fastening system configured to secure the first component to the second component, and wherein at least a part of the second fastening system is included at the distal end of the fastening device. 14. The safety system of claim 13, wherein the second fastening system includes a mechanical fastener, and wherein the at least a part of the second fastening system is configured to receive at least a portion of the mechanical fastener, and wherein the mechanical fastener is selected from a group consisting of a threaded fastener and a push-to-release button. 15. The safety system of claim 10, wherein the eye protection hardware is selected from a group consisting of safety glasses and goggles. 16. The safety system of claim 15, wherein the eye protection hardware includes a processor coupled to the first wireless communication device and a sensor coupled to the processor, the sensor configured to sense whether the eye protection hardware is being worn by the user. 17. The safety system of claim 16, wherein the fastening device includes a collar. 18. The safety system of claim 17, the collar including an interior wall that defines a hollow region sized and configured to receive at least a portion of the body therein, the collar configured to secure to one of the female electrical socket and the male electrical plug with the respective one of first power cord and the second power cord electrically coupled to the distal end of the body and the collar at least partially extended from the body in a direction of the distal end. 19. The safety system of claim 18, wherein the interior wall includes a first set of threads, wherein a second set of threads is formed by on an exterior surface of the first component with the first component is secured to the respective one of the first power cord and the second power cord, the second set of threads configured to engage the first set of threads, and wherein the collar is free to rotate about the longitudinal axis while coupled to the body to engage the first set of threads and the second set of threads to thread the collar and the first component together. 20. An apparatus configured for use with a first power cord, a second power cord and safety glasses including a first wireless communication device, the apparatus comprising: at least one line conductor; an electrical isolation device configured to prevent current flow in the at least one line conductor; a second wireless communication device configured to wirelessly couple to the first wireless communication device; a body housing the electrical isolation device and the second wireless communication device, the body including: a longitudinal axis; a first end defining a female electrical socket coupled to the at least one line conductor, the female electrical socket configured to electrically couple to the first power cord; a second end defining a male electrical plug coupled to the at least one line conductor, the male electrical plug configured to electrically couple to the second power cord; and a distal end selected from one of the first end and the second end; and a collar configured to move in a direction parallel to the longitudinal axis while coupled to the body, the collar including an interior wall that defines a hollow region sized and configured to receive at least a portion of the body therein, the collar configured to secure to one of the female electrical socket and the male electrical plug with the respective one of first power cord and the second power cord electrically coupled to the distal end of the body and the collar at least partially extended from the body in a direction of the distal end, wherein the second wireless communication device is configured to receive a wireless signal transmitted from the first wireless communication device, the wireless signal providing information concerning whether the user is wearing the safety glasses, and wherein the electrical isolation device is configured to allow current flow in the at least one line conductor when the information provided by the wireless signal indicates that the safety glasses are being worn by the user. 21. The apparatus of claim 20, wherein the electrical isolation device is configured to prevent current flow in the at least one line conductor when the safety glasses are not being worn by the user. 22. The apparatus of claim 21, wherein the body includes an outer surface including a first abutment projecting therefrom, wherein the interior wall of the collar includes a second abutment, and wherein the first abutment and the second abutment are configured to prevent further travel of the fastening device in the direction of the distal end when the respective abutments make contact with one another. 23. The apparatus of claim 20, wherein the collar includes at least a first part of a mechanical fastening system configured to securely attach the collar to the respective one of the female electrical socket and the male electrical plug. 24. The apparatus of claim 23, wherein, with the first abutment and the second abutment located proximate to one another, the first part of the mechanical fastening system is located in a position that allows the collar to be fastened to the respective one of the female electrical socket and the male electrical plug using the mechanical fastening system.

A secure access control method is provided that uses secure access control readers having radiocommunication associated to a microcontroller in connection with a remote processing unit and radiocommunication mobile terminals carried by a user. The method includes emitting an announcement signal having security parameters defining access conditions to mobile terminals that determines and evaluates the power of each signal, notifying the mobile terminal of an access action by the user on the mobile terminal or close reader, and translating it by an access pass. If the access pass and/or access conditions are met, a radiofrequency connection is established and inhibits the emission of the announcement signal by said close reader, and passes into an authentication phase.

1. A secure access control method using at least one secure access control reader comprising a box internally receiving radiocommunication device associated to a microcontroller in connection with a remote processing unit and at least one radiocommunication mobile terminal, in particular of the telephone terminal type, carried by a user, said secure access control method comprising: repeatedly emitting an announcement signal from the at least one secure access control reader to a radiocommunication mobile terminal, the announcement signal comprising security parameters defining at least one access condition for access to a communication with a corresponding access control reader; determining a receiving power of the announcement signal; evaluating the receiving power in order to establish a distance parameter translating a distance between the radiocommunication mobile terminal and a reader, and recognizes a secure access control reader as being a close reader depending on said evaluation of the receiving power; notifying the radiocommunication mobile terminal of an access action initiated by the user on the radiocommunication mobile terminal or on the close reader and translating said access action by an access pass to said close reader, said access pass being representative of said access action; checking whether the access pass corresponds to an access condition defined by security parameters contained in the announcement signal of said close reader; establishing a radiofrequency connection with the close reader if the access pass corresponds to at least one access condition is met, said radio frequency connection having the effect of inhibiting the emission of the announcement signal by said reader, and finally the method passes into the authentication phase; transmitting authenticated identification data specific to said radiocommunication mobile terminal from the microcontroller to a remote processing unit; and authenticating the identification data, wherein the access action corresponds to a predefined impact or displacement movement of the radiocommunication mobile terminal detected by an accelerometer integrated into the radiocommunication mobile terminal, and the radiocommunication mobile terminal translates the detection by the accelerometer into an access pass representative of said predefined movement. 2. The secure access control method according to claim 1, wherein the predefined movement corresponds to an impact movement comprising a succession of at least two consecutive blows to the radiocommunication mobile terminal. 3. The secure access control method according to claim 1, wherein at least two distinct secure access control readers repeatedly emit an announcement signal and the radiocommunication mobile terminal receives at least two announcement signals from the at least two distinct secure access control readers and determines the receiving powers of each announcement signal, and the radiocommunication mobile terminal compares the receiving powers of each secure access control reader and determines the close reader as being that whose corresponding receiving power is the highest. 4. The secure access control method according to claim 3, wherein the radiocommunication mobile terminal compares the receiving power of the announcement signal of the close reader with a predefined threshold and the radiocommunication mobile terminal establishes a radiofrequency connection with the close reader if said receiving power is greater than said threshold. 5. The secure access control method according to claim 1, wherein, prior to transmitting authenticated identification data, a complementary identification step is provided, based on an identification action of the user of the radiocommunication mobile terminal, said identification action comprising a predefined action on the radiocommunication mobile terminal to generate an identification signal which is received and analyzed by the microcontroller in order to authorize the transmission of the authenticated identification data specific to the radiocommunication mobile terminal to the remote processing unit. 6. The secure access control method according to claim 5, wherein the complementary identification step is managed by a computer program activated beforehand on the radiocommunication mobile terminal. 7. The secure access control method according to claim 5, wherein the identification action corresponds to an input of a code on a keyboard of the radiocommunication mobile terminal, a biometric control on a biometric device integrated into the radiocommunication mobile terminal, a facial recognition using an image capturing by a camera integrated into the radiocommunication mobile terminal, or to a voice recognition using a sound recording by a microphone integrated into the radiocommunication mobile terminal. 8. The secure access control method according to claim 1 wherein the emission of the announcement signal by each secure access control reader and the radiocommunication between the radiocommunication mobile terminal and the concerned access control reader are established according to a long-distance wireless communication protocol. 9. The secure access control method according to claim 1, wherein the secure access control reader further comprises at least one complementary access control system selected from the group consisting of an active radio-identification chip to allow a complementary access control according to the RFID technology, a biometric control device to allow a complementary access control by biometry, an image capturing device to allow a complementary access control by facial recognition, and a keyboard to allow a complementary access control by inputting a code. 10. The secure access control method according to claim 1, wherein the radiocommunication mobile terminal is notified of the access action without a warning being linked to the determination of the receiving power of the announcement signal. 11. The secure access control according to claim 1, wherein the radiocommunication mobile terminal is a telephone terminal. 12. The secure access control method according to claim 1, wherein the radiocommunication mobile terminal translates the access action by an access pass to said close reader depending on a distance parameter associated to said close reader.

A secure access control method is provided that uses secure access control readers having radiocommunication associated to a microcontroller in connection with a remote processing unit and radiocommunication mobile terminals carried by a user. The method includes emitting an announcement signal having security parameters defining access conditions to mobile terminals that determines and evaluates the power of each signal, notifying the mobile terminal of an access action by the user on the mobile terminal or close reader, and translating it by an access pass. If the access pass and/or access conditions are met, a radiofrequency connection is established and inhibits the emission of the announcement signal by said close reader, and passes into an authentication phase.1. A secure access control method using at least one secure access control reader comprising a box internally receiving radiocommunication device associated to a microcontroller in connection with a remote processing unit and at least one radiocommunication mobile terminal, in particular of the telephone terminal type, carried by a user, said secure access control method comprising: repeatedly emitting an announcement signal from the at least one secure access control reader to a radiocommunication mobile terminal, the announcement signal comprising security parameters defining at least one access condition for access to a communication with a corresponding access control reader; determining a receiving power of the announcement signal; evaluating the receiving power in order to establish a distance parameter translating a distance between the radiocommunication mobile terminal and a reader, and recognizes a secure access control reader as being a close reader depending on said evaluation of the receiving power; notifying the radiocommunication mobile terminal of an access action initiated by the user on the radiocommunication mobile terminal or on the close reader and translating said access action by an access pass to said close reader, said access pass being representative of said access action; checking whether the access pass corresponds to an access condition defined by security parameters contained in the announcement signal of said close reader; establishing a radiofrequency connection with the close reader if the access pass corresponds to at least one access condition is met, said radio frequency connection having the effect of inhibiting the emission of the announcement signal by said reader, and finally the method passes into the authentication phase; transmitting authenticated identification data specific to said radiocommunication mobile terminal from the microcontroller to a remote processing unit; and authenticating the identification data, wherein the access action corresponds to a predefined impact or displacement movement of the radiocommunication mobile terminal detected by an accelerometer integrated into the radiocommunication mobile terminal, and the radiocommunication mobile terminal translates the detection by the accelerometer into an access pass representative of said predefined movement. 2. The secure access control method according to claim 1, wherein the predefined movement corresponds to an impact movement comprising a succession of at least two consecutive blows to the radiocommunication mobile terminal. 3. The secure access control method according to claim 1, wherein at least two distinct secure access control readers repeatedly emit an announcement signal and the radiocommunication mobile terminal receives at least two announcement signals from the at least two distinct secure access control readers and determines the receiving powers of each announcement signal, and the radiocommunication mobile terminal compares the receiving powers of each secure access control reader and determines the close reader as being that whose corresponding receiving power is the highest. 4. The secure access control method according to claim 3, wherein the radiocommunication mobile terminal compares the receiving power of the announcement signal of the close reader with a predefined threshold and the radiocommunication mobile terminal establishes a radiofrequency connection with the close reader if said receiving power is greater than said threshold. 5. The secure access control method according to claim 1, wherein, prior to transmitting authenticated identification data, a complementary identification step is provided, based on an identification action of the user of the radiocommunication mobile terminal, said identification action comprising a predefined action on the radiocommunication mobile terminal to generate an identification signal which is received and analyzed by the microcontroller in order to authorize the transmission of the authenticated identification data specific to the radiocommunication mobile terminal to the remote processing unit. 6. The secure access control method according to claim 5, wherein the complementary identification step is managed by a computer program activated beforehand on the radiocommunication mobile terminal. 7. The secure access control method according to claim 5, wherein the identification action corresponds to an input of a code on a keyboard of the radiocommunication mobile terminal, a biometric control on a biometric device integrated into the radiocommunication mobile terminal, a facial recognition using an image capturing by a camera integrated into the radiocommunication mobile terminal, or to a voice recognition using a sound recording by a microphone integrated into the radiocommunication mobile terminal. 8. The secure access control method according to claim 1 wherein the emission of the announcement signal by each secure access control reader and the radiocommunication between the radiocommunication mobile terminal and the concerned access control reader are established according to a long-distance wireless communication protocol. 9. The secure access control method according to claim 1, wherein the secure access control reader further comprises at least one complementary access control system selected from the group consisting of an active radio-identification chip to allow a complementary access control according to the RFID technology, a biometric control device to allow a complementary access control by biometry, an image capturing device to allow a complementary access control by facial recognition, and a keyboard to allow a complementary access control by inputting a code. 10. The secure access control method according to claim 1, wherein the radiocommunication mobile terminal is notified of the access action without a warning being linked to the determination of the receiving power of the announcement signal. 11. The secure access control according to claim 1, wherein the radiocommunication mobile terminal is a telephone terminal. 12. The secure access control method according to claim 1, wherein the radiocommunication mobile terminal translates the access action by an access pass to said close reader depending on a distance parameter associated to said close reader.

A tactile sensation providing apparatus includes a base, a panel having an interface surface, and a piezoelectric actuator that is attached to the base and the panel and configured to allow lateral movement of the panel with respect to the interface surface. The panel moves laterally with respect to the interface surface in accordance with bending of the piezoelectric actuator to provide a tactile sensation on the interface surface.

1. A tactile sensation providing apparatus comprising: a base; a panel having an interface surface; and a piezoelectric actuator that is attached to the base and the panel and configured to allow lateral movement of the panel with respect to the interface surface, wherein the panel moves laterally with respect to the interface surface in accordance with bending of the piezoelectric actuator to provide a tactile sensation on the interface surface. 2. The tactile sensation providing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein a longitudinal center portion of the piezoelectric actuator is connected to the panel. 3. The tactile sensation providing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein a center portion of a peripheral edge surface of the panel is connected to the piezoelectric actuator. 4.-15. (canceled) 16. The tactile sensation providing apparatus according to claim 2, wherein a center portion of a peripheral edge surface of the panel is connected to the piezoelectric actuator. 17. The tactile sensation providing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein longitudinal ends of the piezoelectric actuator are connected to the base. 18. The tactile sensation providing apparatus according claim 1, wherein a longitudinal center portion of the piezoelectric actuator is connected to the base. 19. The tactile sensation providing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein longitudinal ends of the piezoelectric actuator are connected to the panel. 20. The tactile sensation providing apparatus according to claim 18, wherein longitudinal ends of the piezoelectric actuator are connected to the panel. 21. The tactile sensation providing apparatus according to claim 1, comprising a connection unit connecting at least one of the base and the panel to the piezoelectric actuator. 22. The tactile sensation providing apparatus according to claim 21, wherein the connection unit has a thickness larger than amplitude of the bending of the piezoelectric actuator. 23. An electronic device comprising: a tactile sensation providing apparatus provided with a base, a panel having an interface surface, and a piezoelectric actuator that is attached to the base and the panel and configured to allow lateral movement of the panel with respect to the interface surface, wherein the panel moves laterally with respect to the interface surface in accordance with bending of the piezoelectric actuator to provide a tactile sensation on the interface surface. 24. The electronic device according to claim 22, wherein a longitudinal center portion of the piezoelectric actuator is connected to the panel. 25. The electronic device according to claim 23, wherein a center portion of a peripheral edge surface of the panel is connected to the piezoelectric actuator. 26. The electronic device according to claim 24, wherein a center portion of a peripheral edge surface of the panel is connected to the piezoelectric actuator. 27. The electronic device according to claim 23, wherein longitudinal ends of the piezoelectric actuator are connected to the base. 28. The electronic device according to claim 23, wherein a longitudinal center portion of the piezoelectric actuator is connected to the base. 29. The electronic device according to claim 23, wherein longitudinal ends of the piezoelectric actuator are connected to the panel. 30. The electronic device according to claim 28, wherein longitudinal ends of the piezoelectric actuator are connected to the panel. 31. The electronic device according to claim 23, comprising a connection unit connecting at least one of the base and the panel to the piezoelectric actuator.

A tactile sensation providing apparatus includes a base, a panel having an interface surface, and a piezoelectric actuator that is attached to the base and the panel and configured to allow lateral movement of the panel with respect to the interface surface. The panel moves laterally with respect to the interface surface in accordance with bending of the piezoelectric actuator to provide a tactile sensation on the interface surface.1. A tactile sensation providing apparatus comprising: a base; a panel having an interface surface; and a piezoelectric actuator that is attached to the base and the panel and configured to allow lateral movement of the panel with respect to the interface surface, wherein the panel moves laterally with respect to the interface surface in accordance with bending of the piezoelectric actuator to provide a tactile sensation on the interface surface. 2. The tactile sensation providing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein a longitudinal center portion of the piezoelectric actuator is connected to the panel. 3. The tactile sensation providing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein a center portion of a peripheral edge surface of the panel is connected to the piezoelectric actuator. 4.-15. (canceled) 16. The tactile sensation providing apparatus according to claim 2, wherein a center portion of a peripheral edge surface of the panel is connected to the piezoelectric actuator. 17. The tactile sensation providing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein longitudinal ends of the piezoelectric actuator are connected to the base. 18. The tactile sensation providing apparatus according claim 1, wherein a longitudinal center portion of the piezoelectric actuator is connected to the base. 19. The tactile sensation providing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein longitudinal ends of the piezoelectric actuator are connected to the panel. 20. The tactile sensation providing apparatus according to claim 18, wherein longitudinal ends of the piezoelectric actuator are connected to the panel. 21. The tactile sensation providing apparatus according to claim 1, comprising a connection unit connecting at least one of the base and the panel to the piezoelectric actuator. 22. The tactile sensation providing apparatus according to claim 21, wherein the connection unit has a thickness larger than amplitude of the bending of the piezoelectric actuator. 23. An electronic device comprising: a tactile sensation providing apparatus provided with a base, a panel having an interface surface, and a piezoelectric actuator that is attached to the base and the panel and configured to allow lateral movement of the panel with respect to the interface surface, wherein the panel moves laterally with respect to the interface surface in accordance with bending of the piezoelectric actuator to provide a tactile sensation on the interface surface. 24. The electronic device according to claim 22, wherein a longitudinal center portion of the piezoelectric actuator is connected to the panel. 25. The electronic device according to claim 23, wherein a center portion of a peripheral edge surface of the panel is connected to the piezoelectric actuator. 26. The electronic device according to claim 24, wherein a center portion of a peripheral edge surface of the panel is connected to the piezoelectric actuator. 27. The electronic device according to claim 23, wherein longitudinal ends of the piezoelectric actuator are connected to the base. 28. The electronic device according to claim 23, wherein a longitudinal center portion of the piezoelectric actuator is connected to the base. 29. The electronic device according to claim 23, wherein longitudinal ends of the piezoelectric actuator are connected to the panel. 30. The electronic device according to claim 28, wherein longitudinal ends of the piezoelectric actuator are connected to the panel. 31. The electronic device according to claim 23, comprising a connection unit connecting at least one of the base and the panel to the piezoelectric actuator.

Cash transport bag tampering detection and controlled triggering of smoke dispenser in response to said detection. Additionally, techniques are addressed to pair a cash transport bag with a user fob or user fobs in response to a pairing control signal from a supervisory fob. With a cash transport bag having a zipper closure, techniques to issue proper zipper closure and detection of such closure are also addressed.

1. A mobile cash transport apparatus comprising: a cash storage container having a fastener; a sensing mechanism for sensing attempts to tamper with the mobile cash transport apparatus comprising; a radio signal processing circuit measuring distance from a fixed or mobile radio beacon, a detector arranged to monitor the state of the fastener, and an ambient light sensor positioned to monitor an interior of the cash storage container; an alarm device for attracting attention to an attempted tamper activity; and a controller receiving inputs from the sensing mechanism and determining if a detected attempt to tamper with the mobile cash transport apparatus warrants driving the alarm device to produce a theft countermeasure. 2. The mobile cash transport apparatus of claim 1 wherein the cash storage container comprises a cash transport bag which is closed with a zipper or a drawstring and clip arrangement. 3. The mobile cash transport apparatus of claim 2 wherein a detector detects tampering with the zipper or the drawstring and clip arrangement. 4. The mobile cash transport apparatus of claim 3 wherein said detector is retrofit to a preexisting cash transport bag lacking such a detector. 5. The mobile cash transport apparatus of claim 2 wherein the sensing mechanism electronically monitors a zipper closed position of the cash storage bag. 6. The mobile cash transport apparatus of claim 1 further comprising: a detector to detect if the mobile cash transport apparatus is more than a predetermined distance from a transmitter. 7. The mobile cash transport apparatus of claim 6 wherein the transmitter is contained in a first type of fob paired with the cash storage apparatus. 8. A mobile cash transport apparatus comprising: a receiver to receive a pairing control signal from a first supervisory fob and a pairing request signal from a first user fob; a controller to transition the mobile cash transport apparatus to a pairing mode upon receipt of the pairing control signal; the controller pairing the mobile cash transport apparatus with the first user fob after receiving the pairing request of the first user fob by the receiver after transition to the pairing mode. 9. The mobile cash transport apparatus of claim 8 wherein the receiver receives a pairing request signed from a second user fob while the mobile cash transport apparatus is still in the pairing mode and the controller pairs the mobile cash transport apparatus with the second user fob, as well as, the first user fob. 10. The mobile cash transport apparatus of claim 8 wherein after pairing, the controller determines a distance to the first user fob and if the distance is less than a first predetermined distance the first user fob is considered to be in a secure region, if the distance is greater than a second predetermined distance, the controller controls activation of a theft counter measure. 11. The mobile cash apparatus of claim 10 wherein the theft counter measure is release of a volume of smoke or emitting a loud warning sound to alert people in the vicinity of the mobile cash apparatus of a possible theft. 12. The mobile cash apparatus of claim 10 wherein the distance is greater than the predetermined first distance and less than the second predetermined distance, the controller activates a warning mechanism to produce a warning. 13. The mobile cash apparatus of claim 12 wherein the warning is a buzzer. 14. A mobile cash apparatus comprising: a cash storage container comprising a cash transport bag having a zipper as a closure mechanism; a magnet attached to a bottom of a zipper body of the zipper; a lock mechanism locking the zipper body in place when the zipper body is pulled to a fully closed position of the zipper and is locked in place; a magnetic sensing device to detect position of the magnet and produce a position signal; a zipper lock detector detecting when the zipper is locked; and a controller to determine that the zipper is fully closed and locked in place from the position signal. 15. The mobile cash apparatus of claim 14 wherein the controller causes an output device to provide a warning signal when the zipper is not closed and locked in place within a predetermined time of being opened. 16. The mobile cash transport apparatus of claim 15 further comprising; a sensing mechanism to sense attempts to tamper with the mobile cash transport apparatus. 17. The mobile cash transport apparatus of claim 16 wherein the lock mechanism and sensing mechanism are part of a cash bag retrofit kit. 18. The mobile cash transport apparatus of claim 15 further comprising an ambient light sensor positioned to monitor an interior of the cash transport apparatus. 19. The mobile cash transport apparatus of claim 15 further comprising: a smoke canister; and a siren. 20. The mobile cash transport of claim 15 further comprising: a user fob paired with the mobile cash transport apparatus.

Cash transport bag tampering detection and controlled triggering of smoke dispenser in response to said detection. Additionally, techniques are addressed to pair a cash transport bag with a user fob or user fobs in response to a pairing control signal from a supervisory fob. With a cash transport bag having a zipper closure, techniques to issue proper zipper closure and detection of such closure are also addressed.1. A mobile cash transport apparatus comprising: a cash storage container having a fastener; a sensing mechanism for sensing attempts to tamper with the mobile cash transport apparatus comprising; a radio signal processing circuit measuring distance from a fixed or mobile radio beacon, a detector arranged to monitor the state of the fastener, and an ambient light sensor positioned to monitor an interior of the cash storage container; an alarm device for attracting attention to an attempted tamper activity; and a controller receiving inputs from the sensing mechanism and determining if a detected attempt to tamper with the mobile cash transport apparatus warrants driving the alarm device to produce a theft countermeasure. 2. The mobile cash transport apparatus of claim 1 wherein the cash storage container comprises a cash transport bag which is closed with a zipper or a drawstring and clip arrangement. 3. The mobile cash transport apparatus of claim 2 wherein a detector detects tampering with the zipper or the drawstring and clip arrangement. 4. The mobile cash transport apparatus of claim 3 wherein said detector is retrofit to a preexisting cash transport bag lacking such a detector. 5. The mobile cash transport apparatus of claim 2 wherein the sensing mechanism electronically monitors a zipper closed position of the cash storage bag. 6. The mobile cash transport apparatus of claim 1 further comprising: a detector to detect if the mobile cash transport apparatus is more than a predetermined distance from a transmitter. 7. The mobile cash transport apparatus of claim 6 wherein the transmitter is contained in a first type of fob paired with the cash storage apparatus. 8. A mobile cash transport apparatus comprising: a receiver to receive a pairing control signal from a first supervisory fob and a pairing request signal from a first user fob; a controller to transition the mobile cash transport apparatus to a pairing mode upon receipt of the pairing control signal; the controller pairing the mobile cash transport apparatus with the first user fob after receiving the pairing request of the first user fob by the receiver after transition to the pairing mode. 9. The mobile cash transport apparatus of claim 8 wherein the receiver receives a pairing request signed from a second user fob while the mobile cash transport apparatus is still in the pairing mode and the controller pairs the mobile cash transport apparatus with the second user fob, as well as, the first user fob. 10. The mobile cash transport apparatus of claim 8 wherein after pairing, the controller determines a distance to the first user fob and if the distance is less than a first predetermined distance the first user fob is considered to be in a secure region, if the distance is greater than a second predetermined distance, the controller controls activation of a theft counter measure. 11. The mobile cash apparatus of claim 10 wherein the theft counter measure is release of a volume of smoke or emitting a loud warning sound to alert people in the vicinity of the mobile cash apparatus of a possible theft. 12. The mobile cash apparatus of claim 10 wherein the distance is greater than the predetermined first distance and less than the second predetermined distance, the controller activates a warning mechanism to produce a warning. 13. The mobile cash apparatus of claim 12 wherein the warning is a buzzer. 14. A mobile cash apparatus comprising: a cash storage container comprising a cash transport bag having a zipper as a closure mechanism; a magnet attached to a bottom of a zipper body of the zipper; a lock mechanism locking the zipper body in place when the zipper body is pulled to a fully closed position of the zipper and is locked in place; a magnetic sensing device to detect position of the magnet and produce a position signal; a zipper lock detector detecting when the zipper is locked; and a controller to determine that the zipper is fully closed and locked in place from the position signal. 15. The mobile cash apparatus of claim 14 wherein the controller causes an output device to provide a warning signal when the zipper is not closed and locked in place within a predetermined time of being opened. 16. The mobile cash transport apparatus of claim 15 further comprising; a sensing mechanism to sense attempts to tamper with the mobile cash transport apparatus. 17. The mobile cash transport apparatus of claim 16 wherein the lock mechanism and sensing mechanism are part of a cash bag retrofit kit. 18. The mobile cash transport apparatus of claim 15 further comprising an ambient light sensor positioned to monitor an interior of the cash transport apparatus. 19. The mobile cash transport apparatus of claim 15 further comprising: a smoke canister; and a siren. 20. The mobile cash transport of claim 15 further comprising: a user fob paired with the mobile cash transport apparatus.

Methods and systems for tracking objects are provided. A method includes: accessing, by a tracking server, a secure database that stores data about an object of personal property; determining, by the tracking server and from the data about the object, that a tracking state of the object is set to ON; obtaining, by the tracking server and in response to the determining, altitude data from an altitude sensor of an Internet of Things (IoT) device associated with the object; comparing, by the tracking server, the altitude data to a predefined criteria; and repeating, by the tracking server, the obtaining and the comparing until one of: the altitude data satisfies the predefined criteria, or the tracking state of the object is set to OFF.

1. A computer implemented method, comprising: accessing, by a tracking server, a secure database that stores data about an object of personal property; determining, by the tracking server and from the data about the object, that a tracking state of the object is set to ON; obtaining, by the tracking server and in response to the determining, altitude data from an altitude sensor of an Internet of Things (IoT) device associated with the object; comparing, by the tracking server, the altitude data to a predefined criteria; repeating, by the tracking server, the obtaining and the comparing until one of: the altitude data satisfies the predefined criteria, or the tracking state of the object is set to OFF; generating, by the tracking server, an alert in response to the altitude data satisfying the predefined criteria, wherein the generating the alert comprises sending an electronic message to a computer device of at least one designated alert recipient; periodically obtaining, by the tracking server and based on the generating the alert, location data from a location sensor of the IoT device; periodically obtaining, by the tracking server and based on the generating the alert, new altitude data from the altitude sensor of the IoT device; and sending, by the tracking server, updates including the location data and the new altitude data to the at least one designated alert recipient. 2. (canceled) 3. (canceled) 4. The method of claim 1, wherein the at least one designated alert recipient is selected from the group consisting of: an intended recipient that ordered the object; a merchant that received the order of the object; a shipping entity that shipped the object; and law enforcement, and further comprising the tracking server receiving and storing input defining contact information of the at least one designated alert recipient. 5. The method of claim 1, wherein the electronic message includes: an identifier of the object; a last known location of the object; and the altitude of the object. 6. A computer implemented method, comprising: accessing, by a tracking server, a secure database that stores data about an object of personal property; determining, by the tracking server and from the data about the object, that a tracking state of the object is set to ON; obtaining, by the tracking server and in response to the determining, altitude data from an altitude sensor of an Internet of Things (IoT) device associated with the object; comparing, by the tracking server, the altitude data to a predefined criteria; repeating, by the tracking server, the obtaining and the comparing until one of: the altitude data satisfies the predefined criteria, or the tracking state of the object is set to OFF; generating, by the tracking server, an alert in response to the altitude data satisfying the predefined criteria, wherein the generating the alert comprises sending an electronic message to a computer device of at least one designated alert recipient, wherein the electronic message includes: an identifier of the object; a last known location of the object; and the altitude of the object; periodically obtaining, by the tracking server and based on the generating the alert, new altitude data from the altitude sensor of the IoT device; and sending, by the tracking server, updates including the new altitude data to the at least one designated alert recipient. 7. (canceled) 8. The method of claim 1, wherein the secure database comprises a blockchain. 9. The method of claim 1, wherein: the secure database is configured such that the data about the object defines one or more trusted entities; and only the one or more trusted entities have permission to update the tracking state, of the object, that is stored in the secure database. 10. A computer implemented method, comprising: accessing, by a tracking server, a secure database that stores data about an object of personal property; determining, by the tracking server and from the data about the object, that a tracking state of the object is set to ON; obtaining, by the tracking server and in response to the determining, altitude data from an altitude sensor of an Internet of Things (IoT) device associated with the object; comparing, by the tracking server, the altitude data to a predefined criteria; and repeating, by the tracking server, the obtaining and the comparing until one of: the altitude data satisfies the predefined criteria, or the tracking state of the object is set to OFF; wherein the secure database is configured such that the data about the object defines one or more trusted entities; only the one or more trusted entities have permission to update the tracking state, of the object, that is stored in the secure database; and the one or more trusted entities include at least one selected from the group consisting of: a merchant that received an order for the object from an intended recipient of the object; and a shipping entity that ships the object from the merchant to the intended recipient. 11.-20. (canceled)

Methods and systems for tracking objects are provided. A method includes: accessing, by a tracking server, a secure database that stores data about an object of personal property; determining, by the tracking server and from the data about the object, that a tracking state of the object is set to ON; obtaining, by the tracking server and in response to the determining, altitude data from an altitude sensor of an Internet of Things (IoT) device associated with the object; comparing, by the tracking server, the altitude data to a predefined criteria; and repeating, by the tracking server, the obtaining and the comparing until one of: the altitude data satisfies the predefined criteria, or the tracking state of the object is set to OFF.1. A computer implemented method, comprising: accessing, by a tracking server, a secure database that stores data about an object of personal property; determining, by the tracking server and from the data about the object, that a tracking state of the object is set to ON; obtaining, by the tracking server and in response to the determining, altitude data from an altitude sensor of an Internet of Things (IoT) device associated with the object; comparing, by the tracking server, the altitude data to a predefined criteria; repeating, by the tracking server, the obtaining and the comparing until one of: the altitude data satisfies the predefined criteria, or the tracking state of the object is set to OFF; generating, by the tracking server, an alert in response to the altitude data satisfying the predefined criteria, wherein the generating the alert comprises sending an electronic message to a computer device of at least one designated alert recipient; periodically obtaining, by the tracking server and based on the generating the alert, location data from a location sensor of the IoT device; periodically obtaining, by the tracking server and based on the generating the alert, new altitude data from the altitude sensor of the IoT device; and sending, by the tracking server, updates including the location data and the new altitude data to the at least one designated alert recipient. 2. (canceled) 3. (canceled) 4. The method of claim 1, wherein the at least one designated alert recipient is selected from the group consisting of: an intended recipient that ordered the object; a merchant that received the order of the object; a shipping entity that shipped the object; and law enforcement, and further comprising the tracking server receiving and storing input defining contact information of the at least one designated alert recipient. 5. The method of claim 1, wherein the electronic message includes: an identifier of the object; a last known location of the object; and the altitude of the object. 6. A computer implemented method, comprising: accessing, by a tracking server, a secure database that stores data about an object of personal property; determining, by the tracking server and from the data about the object, that a tracking state of the object is set to ON; obtaining, by the tracking server and in response to the determining, altitude data from an altitude sensor of an Internet of Things (IoT) device associated with the object; comparing, by the tracking server, the altitude data to a predefined criteria; repeating, by the tracking server, the obtaining and the comparing until one of: the altitude data satisfies the predefined criteria, or the tracking state of the object is set to OFF; generating, by the tracking server, an alert in response to the altitude data satisfying the predefined criteria, wherein the generating the alert comprises sending an electronic message to a computer device of at least one designated alert recipient, wherein the electronic message includes: an identifier of the object; a last known location of the object; and the altitude of the object; periodically obtaining, by the tracking server and based on the generating the alert, new altitude data from the altitude sensor of the IoT device; and sending, by the tracking server, updates including the new altitude data to the at least one designated alert recipient. 7. (canceled) 8. The method of claim 1, wherein the secure database comprises a blockchain. 9. The method of claim 1, wherein: the secure database is configured such that the data about the object defines one or more trusted entities; and only the one or more trusted entities have permission to update the tracking state, of the object, that is stored in the secure database. 10. A computer implemented method, comprising: accessing, by a tracking server, a secure database that stores data about an object of personal property; determining, by the tracking server and from the data about the object, that a tracking state of the object is set to ON; obtaining, by the tracking server and in response to the determining, altitude data from an altitude sensor of an Internet of Things (IoT) device associated with the object; comparing, by the tracking server, the altitude data to a predefined criteria; and repeating, by the tracking server, the obtaining and the comparing until one of: the altitude data satisfies the predefined criteria, or the tracking state of the object is set to OFF; wherein the secure database is configured such that the data about the object defines one or more trusted entities; only the one or more trusted entities have permission to update the tracking state, of the object, that is stored in the secure database; and the one or more trusted entities include at least one selected from the group consisting of: a merchant that received an order for the object from an intended recipient of the object; and a shipping entity that ships the object from the merchant to the intended recipient. 11.-20. (canceled)

A drive-implemented method according to one embodiment includes determining that unthreading of a tape is to be performed, and in response to the determination that the unthreading of the tape is to be performed, determining whether to write an index on the tape prior to unthreading the tape. In response to a determination to write the index on the tape, the index is written on the tape prior to unthreading the tape. The tape is then unthreaded. The drive-implemented method further includes receiving a write request after the unthreading, rethreading the tape, and writing data corresponding to the write request on the tape. The index stored on the tape prior to the unthreading is overwritten with the data corresponding to the write request.

1. A drive-implemented method, comprising: determining that unthreading of a tape is to be performed; in response to the determination that the unthreading of the tape is to be performed, determining whether to write an index on the tape prior to unthreading the tape; in response to a determination to write the index on the tape, writing the index on the tape prior to unthreading the tape; unthreading the tape; receiving a write request after the unthreading; rethreading the tape; and writing data corresponding to the write request on the tape, wherein the index stored on the tape prior to the unthreading is overwritten with the data corresponding to the write request. 2. The method as recited in claim 1, wherein determining whether to write the index on the tape prior to unthreading the tape includes determining whether to write the index in a partition of the tape, the partition being selected from a group consisting of an index partition and a data partition of the tape. 3. The method as recited in claim 1, comprising setting a first flag to a first value during mounting processing; setting the first flag to a second value in response to making a change to at least one of a file and a directory on the tape; and setting the first flag to the first value in response to writing an index on the tape, wherein determining whether to write the index on the tape prior to unthreading the tape is based on the value of a first flag, wherein the index is written on the tape in response to the determination that the unthreading of the tape is to be performed when the first flag has the second value. 4. The method as recited in claim 1, comprising setting a first flag to a first value during mounting processing; setting the first flag to a second value in response to making a change to at least one of a file and a directory on the tape; setting the first flag to the first value in response to writing an index on the tape; receiving an unmount command; and writing an index on the tape in response to receiving the unmount command and determining that the first flag has the second value. 5. The method as recited in claim 1, comprising setting a second flag to a first value during mounting processing; and setting the second flag to a second value in response to making a change to at least one of a file and a directory on the tape, wherein determining whether to write the index on the tape prior to unthreading the tape is based on the value of a second flag, wherein the index is written on the tape in response to the determination that the unthreading of the tape is to be performed when the second flag has the second value. 6. The method as recited in claim 1, comprising setting a second flag to a first value during mounting processing; setting the second flag to a second value in response to making a change to at least one of a file and a directory on the tape; receiving an unmount command; and writing an index on the tape in response to receiving the unmount command and determining that the second flag has the second value. 7. The method as recited in claim 1, wherein the determination that unthreading of the tape is to be performed is based on a predetermined period of time passing since a most recent access to the tape. 8. The method as recited in claim 1, comprising, prior to determining that unthreading of the tape is to be performed, writing an index to a data partition of the tape in response to a predetermined period of time passing since a most recent access to the tape, wherein the index is not written to an index partition of the tape in response to the predetermined period of time passing since the most recent access to the tape. 9. The method as recited in claim 1, wherein the tape remains mounted after the unthreading. 10. A computer program product comprising a computer readable storage medium having program instructions embodied therewith, the program instructions executable by a controller to cause the controller to: determine, by the controller, that unthreading of a tape is to be performed; in response to the determination that the unthreading of the tape is to be performed, determining, by the controller, whether to write an index on the tape prior to unthreading the tape, wherein determining whether to write the index on the tape prior to unthreading the tape includes determining whether to write the index in a partition of the tape, the partition being selected from a group consisting of an index partition and a data partition of the tape; instruct, by the controller, writing of the index on the tape prior to unthreading the tape; and instruct, by the controller, a threading mechanism to unthread the tape. 11. The computer program product of claim 10, wherein the program instructions are executable by the controller to cause the controller to: set, by the controller, a first flag to a first value during mounting processing; set, by the controller, the first flag to a second value in response to making a change to at least one of a file and a directory on the tape; and set, by the controller, the first flag to the first value in response to writing an index on the tape, wherein determining whether to write the index on the tape prior to unthreading the tape is based on the value of the first flag, wherein the index is written on the tape in response to the determination that the unthreading of the tape is to be performed when the first flag has the second value. 12. The computer program product of claim 10, wherein the program instructions are executable by the controller to cause the controller to: set, by the controller, a first flag to a first value during mounting processing; set, by the controller, the first flag to a second value in response to making a change to at least one of a file and a directory on the tape; set, by the controller, the first flag to the first value in response to writing an index on the tape; receive, by the controller, an unmount command; and instruct, by the controller, writing of an index on the tape in response to receiving the unmount command and determining that the first flag has the second value. 13. The computer program product of claim 10, wherein the program instructions are executable by the controller to cause the controller to: set, by the controller, a second flag to a first value during mounting processing; and set, by the controller, the second flag to a second value in response to making a change to at least one of a file and a directory on the tape, wherein determining whether to write the index in the index partition of the tape prior to unthreading the tape is based on the value of a second flag, wherein the index is written in the index partition in response to the determination that the unthreading of the tape is to be performed when the second flag has the second value. 14. The computer program product of claim 10, wherein the program instructions are executable by the controller to cause the controller to: set, by the controller, a second flag to a first value during mounting processing; set, by the controller, the second flag to a second value in response to making a change to at least one of a file and a directory on the tape; receive, by the controller, an unmount command; and instruct, by the controller, writing of an index in the index partition in response to receiving the unmount command and determining that the second flag has the second value. 15. The computer program product of claim 10, wherein the program instructions are executable by the controller to cause the controller to: receive, by the controller, a write request after the unthreading; rethread, by the controller, the tape; and instruct, by the controller, writing of data corresponding to the write request in the data partition, wherein the index stored in the data partition prior to the unthreading is overwritten with the data corresponding to the write request. 16. The computer program product of claim 10, wherein the determination that unthreading of the tape is to be performed is based on a predetermined period of time passing since a most recent access to the tape. 17. The computer program product of claim 10, wherein the program instructions are executable by the controller to cause the controller to: prior to determining that unthreading of the tape is to be performed, instruct, by the controller, writing of an index to the data partition in response to a predetermined period of time passing since a most recent access to the tape, wherein the index is not written to the index partition in response to the predetermined period of time passing since the most recent access to the tape. 18. The computer program product of claim 10, wherein the tape remains mounted after the unthreading. 19. An apparatus, comprising: a controller; and logic integrated with the controller, executable by the controller, or integrated with and executable by the controller, the logic being configured to: determine, by the controller, that unthreading of a tape is to be performed; in response to determining that the unthreading of the tape is to be performed, determine, by the controller, whether to write an index on the tape prior to unthreading the tape; in response to a determination to write the index on the tape, write, by the controller, the index on the tape prior to unthreading the tape; determine, by the controller, whether to write the index in a partition of the tape, the partition being selected from a group consisting of an index partition and a data partition of the tape; and instruct, by the controller, a threading mechanism to unthread the tape. 20. The apparatus as recited in claim 19, wherein the logic is configured to: set, by the controller, a first flag to a first value during mounting processing; set, by the controller, the first flag to a second value in response to making a change to at least one of a file and a directory on the tape; and set, by the controller, the first flag to the first value in response to writing an index on the tape, wherein determining whether to write the index on the tape prior to unthreading the tape is based on the value of a first flag, wherein the index is written on the tape in response to the determination that the unthreading of the tape is to be performed when the first flag has the second value. 21. The apparatus as recited in claim 19, wherein the logic is configured to: set, by the controller, a first flag to a first value during mounting processing; set, by the controller, the first flag to a second value in response to making a change to at least one of a file and a directory on the tape; set the first flag to the first value in response to writing an index on the tape; receive, by the controller, an unmount command; and write, by the controller, an index on the tape in response to receiving the unmount command and determining that the first flag has the second value. 22. The apparatus as recited in claim 19, wherein the logic is configured to: receive, by the controller, a write request after the unthreading; rethread, by the controller, the tape; and write, by the controller, data corresponding to the write request on the tape, wherein the index stored on the tape prior to the unthreading is overwritten with the data corresponding to the write request. 23. The apparatus as recited in claim 19, further comprising: a magnetic head; a drive mechanism for passing a magnetic medium over the magnetic head; and the controller electrically coupled to the magnetic head.

A drive-implemented method according to one embodiment includes determining that unthreading of a tape is to be performed, and in response to the determination that the unthreading of the tape is to be performed, determining whether to write an index on the tape prior to unthreading the tape. In response to a determination to write the index on the tape, the index is written on the tape prior to unthreading the tape. The tape is then unthreaded. The drive-implemented method further includes receiving a write request after the unthreading, rethreading the tape, and writing data corresponding to the write request on the tape. The index stored on the tape prior to the unthreading is overwritten with the data corresponding to the write request.1. A drive-implemented method, comprising: determining that unthreading of a tape is to be performed; in response to the determination that the unthreading of the tape is to be performed, determining whether to write an index on the tape prior to unthreading the tape; in response to a determination to write the index on the tape, writing the index on the tape prior to unthreading the tape; unthreading the tape; receiving a write request after the unthreading; rethreading the tape; and writing data corresponding to the write request on the tape, wherein the index stored on the tape prior to the unthreading is overwritten with the data corresponding to the write request. 2. The method as recited in claim 1, wherein determining whether to write the index on the tape prior to unthreading the tape includes determining whether to write the index in a partition of the tape, the partition being selected from a group consisting of an index partition and a data partition of the tape. 3. The method as recited in claim 1, comprising setting a first flag to a first value during mounting processing; setting the first flag to a second value in response to making a change to at least one of a file and a directory on the tape; and setting the first flag to the first value in response to writing an index on the tape, wherein determining whether to write the index on the tape prior to unthreading the tape is based on the value of a first flag, wherein the index is written on the tape in response to the determination that the unthreading of the tape is to be performed when the first flag has the second value. 4. The method as recited in claim 1, comprising setting a first flag to a first value during mounting processing; setting the first flag to a second value in response to making a change to at least one of a file and a directory on the tape; setting the first flag to the first value in response to writing an index on the tape; receiving an unmount command; and writing an index on the tape in response to receiving the unmount command and determining that the first flag has the second value. 5. The method as recited in claim 1, comprising setting a second flag to a first value during mounting processing; and setting the second flag to a second value in response to making a change to at least one of a file and a directory on the tape, wherein determining whether to write the index on the tape prior to unthreading the tape is based on the value of a second flag, wherein the index is written on the tape in response to the determination that the unthreading of the tape is to be performed when the second flag has the second value. 6. The method as recited in claim 1, comprising setting a second flag to a first value during mounting processing; setting the second flag to a second value in response to making a change to at least one of a file and a directory on the tape; receiving an unmount command; and writing an index on the tape in response to receiving the unmount command and determining that the second flag has the second value. 7. The method as recited in claim 1, wherein the determination that unthreading of the tape is to be performed is based on a predetermined period of time passing since a most recent access to the tape. 8. The method as recited in claim 1, comprising, prior to determining that unthreading of the tape is to be performed, writing an index to a data partition of the tape in response to a predetermined period of time passing since a most recent access to the tape, wherein the index is not written to an index partition of the tape in response to the predetermined period of time passing since the most recent access to the tape. 9. The method as recited in claim 1, wherein the tape remains mounted after the unthreading. 10. A computer program product comprising a computer readable storage medium having program instructions embodied therewith, the program instructions executable by a controller to cause the controller to: determine, by the controller, that unthreading of a tape is to be performed; in response to the determination that the unthreading of the tape is to be performed, determining, by the controller, whether to write an index on the tape prior to unthreading the tape, wherein determining whether to write the index on the tape prior to unthreading the tape includes determining whether to write the index in a partition of the tape, the partition being selected from a group consisting of an index partition and a data partition of the tape; instruct, by the controller, writing of the index on the tape prior to unthreading the tape; and instruct, by the controller, a threading mechanism to unthread the tape. 11. The computer program product of claim 10, wherein the program instructions are executable by the controller to cause the controller to: set, by the controller, a first flag to a first value during mounting processing; set, by the controller, the first flag to a second value in response to making a change to at least one of a file and a directory on the tape; and set, by the controller, the first flag to the first value in response to writing an index on the tape, wherein determining whether to write the index on the tape prior to unthreading the tape is based on the value of the first flag, wherein the index is written on the tape in response to the determination that the unthreading of the tape is to be performed when the first flag has the second value. 12. The computer program product of claim 10, wherein the program instructions are executable by the controller to cause the controller to: set, by the controller, a first flag to a first value during mounting processing; set, by the controller, the first flag to a second value in response to making a change to at least one of a file and a directory on the tape; set, by the controller, the first flag to the first value in response to writing an index on the tape; receive, by the controller, an unmount command; and instruct, by the controller, writing of an index on the tape in response to receiving the unmount command and determining that the first flag has the second value. 13. The computer program product of claim 10, wherein the program instructions are executable by the controller to cause the controller to: set, by the controller, a second flag to a first value during mounting processing; and set, by the controller, the second flag to a second value in response to making a change to at least one of a file and a directory on the tape, wherein determining whether to write the index in the index partition of the tape prior to unthreading the tape is based on the value of a second flag, wherein the index is written in the index partition in response to the determination that the unthreading of the tape is to be performed when the second flag has the second value. 14. The computer program product of claim 10, wherein the program instructions are executable by the controller to cause the controller to: set, by the controller, a second flag to a first value during mounting processing; set, by the controller, the second flag to a second value in response to making a change to at least one of a file and a directory on the tape; receive, by the controller, an unmount command; and instruct, by the controller, writing of an index in the index partition in response to receiving the unmount command and determining that the second flag has the second value. 15. The computer program product of claim 10, wherein the program instructions are executable by the controller to cause the controller to: receive, by the controller, a write request after the unthreading; rethread, by the controller, the tape; and instruct, by the controller, writing of data corresponding to the write request in the data partition, wherein the index stored in the data partition prior to the unthreading is overwritten with the data corresponding to the write request. 16. The computer program product of claim 10, wherein the determination that unthreading of the tape is to be performed is based on a predetermined period of time passing since a most recent access to the tape. 17. The computer program product of claim 10, wherein the program instructions are executable by the controller to cause the controller to: prior to determining that unthreading of the tape is to be performed, instruct, by the controller, writing of an index to the data partition in response to a predetermined period of time passing since a most recent access to the tape, wherein the index is not written to the index partition in response to the predetermined period of time passing since the most recent access to the tape. 18. The computer program product of claim 10, wherein the tape remains mounted after the unthreading. 19. An apparatus, comprising: a controller; and logic integrated with the controller, executable by the controller, or integrated with and executable by the controller, the logic being configured to: determine, by the controller, that unthreading of a tape is to be performed; in response to determining that the unthreading of the tape is to be performed, determine, by the controller, whether to write an index on the tape prior to unthreading the tape; in response to a determination to write the index on the tape, write, by the controller, the index on the tape prior to unthreading the tape; determine, by the controller, whether to write the index in a partition of the tape, the partition being selected from a group consisting of an index partition and a data partition of the tape; and instruct, by the controller, a threading mechanism to unthread the tape. 20. The apparatus as recited in claim 19, wherein the logic is configured to: set, by the controller, a first flag to a first value during mounting processing; set, by the controller, the first flag to a second value in response to making a change to at least one of a file and a directory on the tape; and set, by the controller, the first flag to the first value in response to writing an index on the tape, wherein determining whether to write the index on the tape prior to unthreading the tape is based on the value of a first flag, wherein the index is written on the tape in response to the determination that the unthreading of the tape is to be performed when the first flag has the second value. 21. The apparatus as recited in claim 19, wherein the logic is configured to: set, by the controller, a first flag to a first value during mounting processing; set, by the controller, the first flag to a second value in response to making a change to at least one of a file and a directory on the tape; set the first flag to the first value in response to writing an index on the tape; receive, by the controller, an unmount command; and write, by the controller, an index on the tape in response to receiving the unmount command and determining that the first flag has the second value. 22. The apparatus as recited in claim 19, wherein the logic is configured to: receive, by the controller, a write request after the unthreading; rethread, by the controller, the tape; and write, by the controller, data corresponding to the write request on the tape, wherein the index stored on the tape prior to the unthreading is overwritten with the data corresponding to the write request. 23. The apparatus as recited in claim 19, further comprising: a magnetic head; a drive mechanism for passing a magnetic medium over the magnetic head; and the controller electrically coupled to the magnetic head.

A method of automatically programming a new load control device that replaces an old load control device takes advantage of a remote identification tag (e.g., an RFID tag) located in the vicinity of the old device. The remote identification tag stores an identifier that is representative of a location in which the old device is installed. The method includes the steps of: (1) storing a setting of an old device in a memory of a controller; (2) associating the setting with the identifier of the old device in the memory of the controller; (3) the new device retrieving the identifier from the remote identification tag after the new device is installed in the location of the old device; (4) the new device transmitting the identifier to the controller; and (5) the controller transmitting the setting of the old device to the new device in response to receiving the identifier.

1. A lighting control device for controlling an intensity of a lighting load, the lighting control device comprising: a load control circuit adapted to be coupled to the lighting load; a controller configured to control the load control circuit to control the intensity of the lighting load; a first communication circuit configured to transmit and receive digital messages; and an identifier-retrieval circuit comprising a second communication circuit, the identifier-retrieval circuit configured to receive a digital message including an identifier from an identifier-transmitting device when the lighting control device is mounted in close proximity to the identifier-transmitting device, wherein the identifier transmitted by the identifier-transmitting device is representative of a location of the identifier-transmitting device; wherein the controller is configured to transmit a digital message including the identifier via the first communication circuit, and to subsequently receive a digital message including a configuration setting associated with the identifier via the first communication circuit. 2. The lighting control device of claim 1, wherein, prior to receiving the digital message including the identifier via the second communication circuit, the controller is configured to transmit a digital message to the identifier-transmitting device via the second communication circuit of the identifier-retrieval circuit to cause the identifier-transmitting device to transmit the digital message including the identifier. 3. The lighting control device of claim 1, further comprising: a memory coupled to the controller for storing the identifier; wherein the controller is configured to receive the identifier from the identifier-transmitting device via the second communication circuit and to store the identifier in the memory. 4. The lighting control device of claim 1, wherein the controller is configured to receive a plurality of digital messages including a plurality of respective configuration settings associated with the identifier. 5. The lighting control device of claim 1, wherein, after transmitting the digital message including the identifier via the first communication circuit, the controller is configured to receive a short address associated with the identifier via the first communication circuit. 6. The lighting control device of claim 1, wherein the lighting control device comprises an LED driver for controlling the intensity of an LED lighting load. 7. The lighting control device of claim 1, wherein the control setting comprises one of a high-end trim, a low-end trim, a fade time, and a group of the lighting control device. 8. The lighting control device of claim 1, wherein the controller comprises a microprocessor. 9. The lighting control device of claim 1, wherein the controller is configured to control the intensity of the lighting load in response to a digital message received via the second communication circuit. 10. A lighting fixture comprising: a lighting load; an identifier-transmitting device including a first communication circuit and a memory configured to store an identifier, the identifier representative of a location at which the lighting fixture is mounted after the lighting fixture is installed; and a load control device adapted to be electrically coupled in series between a power source and the lighting load for controlling an intensity of the lighting load, the load control device comprising a second communication circuit configured to receive a digital message including the identifier from the identifier-transmitting device; wherein the load control device is configured to transmit a digital message including the identifier via a third communication circuit, and to subsequently receive a digital messages including a configuration setting associated with the identifier via the third communication circuit. 11. The lighting fixture of claim 10, wherein, prior to receiving the digital message including the identifier via the second communication circuit, the load control device is configured to transmit a digital message to the identifier-transmitting device via the second communication circuit to cause the identifier-transmitting device to transmit the digital message including the identifier. 12. The lighting fixture of claim 10, wherein, after transmitting the digital message including the identifier via the third communication circuit, the load control device is configured to receive a short address associated with the identifier via the third communication circuit. 13. The lighting fixture of claim 10, wherein the load control device comprises an LED driver and the lighting load comprises an LED lighting load. 14. The lighting fixture of claim 10, wherein the configuration setting comprises one of a high-end trim, a low-end trim, a fade time, and a group of the load control device. 15. A method of configuring a lighting control device for a lighting control system, the method comprising: associating a configuration setting for the lighting control device with an identifier of an identifier-transmitting device, the identifier representative of a location in which the identifier-transmitting device is installed; receiving by the lighting control device a first digital message including the identifier from the identifier-transmitting device when the lighting control device is located in the vicinity of the identifier-transmitting device; after receiving the first digital message, transmitting from the lighting control device a second digital message including the identifier; and after transmitting the second digital message, receiving by the lighting control device a third digital message including the configuration setting associated with the identifier. 16. The method of claim 15, wherein the lighting control device is a new lighting control device that is replacing an old lighting control device, the identifier is representative of a location of the old lighting control device, and the configuration setting is a configuration setting of the old lighting control device. 17. The method of claim 16, further comprising: storing the configuration setting in a memory of a controller; removing the old lighting control device from the lighting control system after the configuration setting is stored in the memory of the controller; and installing the new lighting control device in the location of the old lighting control device prior to the new lighting control device retrieving the identifier from the identifier-transmitting device. 18. The method of claim 15, further comprising: prior to the lighting control device receiving the first digital message from the identifier-transmitting device, transmitting from the lighting control device a fourth digital message to the identifier-transmitting device to cause the identifier-transmitting device to transmit the first digital message. 19. The method of claim 15, further comprising: receiving by the lighting control device a short address associated with the identifier. 20. The method of claim 15, wherein the configuration setting comprises one of a high-end trim, a low-end trim, a fade time, and a group of the load control device.

A method of automatically programming a new load control device that replaces an old load control device takes advantage of a remote identification tag (e.g., an RFID tag) located in the vicinity of the old device. The remote identification tag stores an identifier that is representative of a location in which the old device is installed. The method includes the steps of: (1) storing a setting of an old device in a memory of a controller; (2) associating the setting with the identifier of the old device in the memory of the controller; (3) the new device retrieving the identifier from the remote identification tag after the new device is installed in the location of the old device; (4) the new device transmitting the identifier to the controller; and (5) the controller transmitting the setting of the old device to the new device in response to receiving the identifier.1. A lighting control device for controlling an intensity of a lighting load, the lighting control device comprising: a load control circuit adapted to be coupled to the lighting load; a controller configured to control the load control circuit to control the intensity of the lighting load; a first communication circuit configured to transmit and receive digital messages; and an identifier-retrieval circuit comprising a second communication circuit, the identifier-retrieval circuit configured to receive a digital message including an identifier from an identifier-transmitting device when the lighting control device is mounted in close proximity to the identifier-transmitting device, wherein the identifier transmitted by the identifier-transmitting device is representative of a location of the identifier-transmitting device; wherein the controller is configured to transmit a digital message including the identifier via the first communication circuit, and to subsequently receive a digital message including a configuration setting associated with the identifier via the first communication circuit. 2. The lighting control device of claim 1, wherein, prior to receiving the digital message including the identifier via the second communication circuit, the controller is configured to transmit a digital message to the identifier-transmitting device via the second communication circuit of the identifier-retrieval circuit to cause the identifier-transmitting device to transmit the digital message including the identifier. 3. The lighting control device of claim 1, further comprising: a memory coupled to the controller for storing the identifier; wherein the controller is configured to receive the identifier from the identifier-transmitting device via the second communication circuit and to store the identifier in the memory. 4. The lighting control device of claim 1, wherein the controller is configured to receive a plurality of digital messages including a plurality of respective configuration settings associated with the identifier. 5. The lighting control device of claim 1, wherein, after transmitting the digital message including the identifier via the first communication circuit, the controller is configured to receive a short address associated with the identifier via the first communication circuit. 6. The lighting control device of claim 1, wherein the lighting control device comprises an LED driver for controlling the intensity of an LED lighting load. 7. The lighting control device of claim 1, wherein the control setting comprises one of a high-end trim, a low-end trim, a fade time, and a group of the lighting control device. 8. The lighting control device of claim 1, wherein the controller comprises a microprocessor. 9. The lighting control device of claim 1, wherein the controller is configured to control the intensity of the lighting load in response to a digital message received via the second communication circuit. 10. A lighting fixture comprising: a lighting load; an identifier-transmitting device including a first communication circuit and a memory configured to store an identifier, the identifier representative of a location at which the lighting fixture is mounted after the lighting fixture is installed; and a load control device adapted to be electrically coupled in series between a power source and the lighting load for controlling an intensity of the lighting load, the load control device comprising a second communication circuit configured to receive a digital message including the identifier from the identifier-transmitting device; wherein the load control device is configured to transmit a digital message including the identifier via a third communication circuit, and to subsequently receive a digital messages including a configuration setting associated with the identifier via the third communication circuit. 11. The lighting fixture of claim 10, wherein, prior to receiving the digital message including the identifier via the second communication circuit, the load control device is configured to transmit a digital message to the identifier-transmitting device via the second communication circuit to cause the identifier-transmitting device to transmit the digital message including the identifier. 12. The lighting fixture of claim 10, wherein, after transmitting the digital message including the identifier via the third communication circuit, the load control device is configured to receive a short address associated with the identifier via the third communication circuit. 13. The lighting fixture of claim 10, wherein the load control device comprises an LED driver and the lighting load comprises an LED lighting load. 14. The lighting fixture of claim 10, wherein the configuration setting comprises one of a high-end trim, a low-end trim, a fade time, and a group of the load control device. 15. A method of configuring a lighting control device for a lighting control system, the method comprising: associating a configuration setting for the lighting control device with an identifier of an identifier-transmitting device, the identifier representative of a location in which the identifier-transmitting device is installed; receiving by the lighting control device a first digital message including the identifier from the identifier-transmitting device when the lighting control device is located in the vicinity of the identifier-transmitting device; after receiving the first digital message, transmitting from the lighting control device a second digital message including the identifier; and after transmitting the second digital message, receiving by the lighting control device a third digital message including the configuration setting associated with the identifier. 16. The method of claim 15, wherein the lighting control device is a new lighting control device that is replacing an old lighting control device, the identifier is representative of a location of the old lighting control device, and the configuration setting is a configuration setting of the old lighting control device. 17. The method of claim 16, further comprising: storing the configuration setting in a memory of a controller; removing the old lighting control device from the lighting control system after the configuration setting is stored in the memory of the controller; and installing the new lighting control device in the location of the old lighting control device prior to the new lighting control device retrieving the identifier from the identifier-transmitting device. 18. The method of claim 15, further comprising: prior to the lighting control device receiving the first digital message from the identifier-transmitting device, transmitting from the lighting control device a fourth digital message to the identifier-transmitting device to cause the identifier-transmitting device to transmit the first digital message. 19. The method of claim 15, further comprising: receiving by the lighting control device a short address associated with the identifier. 20. The method of claim 15, wherein the configuration setting comprises one of a high-end trim, a low-end trim, a fade time, and a group of the load control device.

A tape drive-implemented method, according to one embodiment, includes: using information read from one or more servo bands on a magnetic tape to position a magnetic tape head relative to the magnetic tape. An array of data transducers is positioned along the magnetic tape head, the array extending perpendicular to a direction of travel of the magnetic tape. Moreover, a group of servo readers is positioned at each end of the array of data transducers. A distance between each of the immediately adjacent servo readers in each of the groups of servo readers is less than or equal to one third of a prespecified width of each of the servo bands. Furthermore, the distance between each of the servo readers in each of the groups and the prespecified width are both measured in a direction perpendicular to the direction of travel of the magnetic tape.

1. A tape drive-implemented method, comprising: using information read from one or more servo bands on a magnetic tape to position a magnetic tape head relative to the magnetic tape, wherein an array of data transducers is positioned along the magnetic tape head, the array extending perpendicular to a direction of travel of the magnetic tape, wherein a group of servo readers is positioned at each end of the array of data transducers, wherein a distance between each of the immediately adjacent servo readers in each of the groups of servo readers is less than or equal to one third of a prespecified width of each of the servo bands, wherein the distance between each of the servo readers in each of the groups and the prespecified width are both measured in a direction perpendicular to the direction of travel of the magnetic tape. 2. The tape drive-implemented method as recited in claim 1, comprising: determining a servo band configuration of the servo bands on the magnetic tape, wherein in response to determining that each of the servo bands is of a third configuration having a high density servo pattern and a timing based servo pattern, the high density servo pattern and the timing based servo pattern each having a width measured in the direction perpendicular to the direction of travel of the magnetic tape, each of the widths being one third of the prespecified width: using the servo readers to read the one or more of the servo bands includes: reading information from the timing based servo pattern with a first servo reader of one of the groups of servo readers; and reading information from the high density servo pattern with a second servo reader of the one of the groups of servo readers. 3. The tape drive-implemented method as recited in claim 2, wherein using information read from one or more servo bands on a magnetic tape to position the magnetic tape head relative to the magnetic tape includes: determining a lateral position of the magnetic tape head relative to the magnetic tape using: the information read from the timing based servo pattern, and the information read from the high density servo pattern; and determining a velocity of the magnetic tape using: the information read from the timing based servo pattern, and the information read from the high density servo pattern. 4. The tape drive-implemented method as recited in claim 1, comprising: determining a servo band configuration of the servo bands on the magnetic tape, wherein in response to determining that each of the servo bands is of a second configuration having two timing based servo patterns and a high density servo pattern sandwiched between the two timing based servo patterns, each of the timing based servo patterns and the high density servo pattern each having a width measured in the direction perpendicular to the direction of travel of the magnetic tape, each of the widths being one third of the prespecified width: using the servo readers to read the one or more of the servo bands includes: determining whether the magnetic tape is traveling in a forward direction; reading information from a first of the two timing based servo patterns with a first servo reader of one of the groups of servo readers in response to determining that the magnetic tape is traveling in a forward direction; reading information from the high density servo pattern with a second servo reader of the one of the groups of servo readers in response to determining that the magnetic tape is traveling in a forward direction; reading information from a second of the two timing based servo patterns with the second servo reader of the one of the groups of servo readers in response to determining that the magnetic tape is not traveling in a forward direction; and reading information from the high density servo pattern with the first servo reader of the one of the groups of servo readers in response to determining that the magnetic tape is not traveling in a forward direction. 5. The tape drive-implemented method as recited in claim 4, wherein using information read from one or more servo bands on a magnetic tape to position the magnetic tape head relative to the magnetic tape includes: determining a lateral position of the magnetic tape head relative to the magnetic tape using: the information read from the first or second of the two timing based servo patterns, and the information read from the high density servo pattern; and determining a velocity of the magnetic tape using: the information read from the first or second of the two timing based servo patterns, and the information read from the high density servo pattern. 6. The tape drive-implemented method as recited in claim 1, comprising: determining a servo band configuration of the servo bands on the magnetic tape, wherein in response to determining that each of the servo bands are of a first configuration having a timing based servo pattern with a width measured in the direction perpendicular to the direction of travel of the magnetic tape, the width being two thirds of the prespecified width: using the servo readers to read the one or more of the servo bands includes: reading information from the timing based servo pattern with a first servo reader of one of the groups of servo readers. 7. The tape drive-implemented method as recited in claim 6, wherein using information read from one or more servo bands on a magnetic tape to position the magnetic tape head relative to the magnetic tape includes: determining a lateral position of the magnetic tape head relative to the magnetic tape using: the information read from the timing based servo pattern; and determining a velocity of the magnetic tape using: the information read from the timing based servo pattern. 8. The tape drive-implemented method as recited in claim 7, comprising: determining whether a second servo reader of the one of the groups of servo readers is oriented over the timing based servo pattern; and in response to determining that the second servo reader of the one of the groups of servo readers is oriented over the timing based servo pattern: using the servo readers to read the one or more of the servo bands includes: reading information from the timing based servo pattern with the second servo reader of the one of the groups of servo readers, and using the information read from the one or more of the servo bands to position the magnetic tape head relative to the magnetic tape includes: determining a lateral position of the magnetic tape head relative to the magnetic tape using: the information read from the timing based servo pattern by the second servo reader of the one of the groups of servo readers; determining a velocity of the magnetic tape using: the information read from the timing based servo pattern by the second servo reader of the one of the groups of servo readers; determining a skew of the magnetic tape head relative to the magnetic tape; and determining tape dimensional stability information corresponding to the magnetic tape. 9. The tape drive-implemented method as recited in claim 1, wherein each group of servo readers includes a third servo reader, wherein a distance between each of the servo readers and an immediately adjacent one of the servo readers in the respective group of servo readers is less than or equal to one sixth of a prespecified width of each of the servo bands. 10. The tape drive-implemented method as recited in claim 9, wherein in response to determining that each of the servo bands are of a fifth configuration having a high density servo pattern and a timing based servo pattern, the high density servo pattern and the timing based servo pattern each having a width measured in the direction perpendicular to the direction of travel of the magnetic tape, each of the widths being one sixth of the prespecified width: using the servo readers to read the one or more of the servo bands, wherein using the servo readers to read the one or more of the servo bands includes: reading information from the timing based servo pattern with a first servo reader of one of the groups of servo readers; and reading information from the high density servo pattern with a second servo reader of the one of the groups of servo readers. 11. The tape drive-implemented method as recited in claim 10, wherein using the information read from the one or more of the servo bands to position the magnetic tape head relative to the magnetic tape includes: determining a lateral position of the magnetic tape head relative to the magnetic tape using: the information read from the timing based servo pattern, and the information read from the high density servo pattern; and determining a velocity of the magnetic tape using: the information read from the timing based servo pattern and the information read from the high density servo pattern. 12. The tape drive-implemented method as recited in claim 9, wherein in response to determining that each of the servo bands are of a fourth configuration having two timing based servo patterns and a high density servo pattern sandwiched between the two timing based servo patterns, each of the timing based servo patterns and the high density servo pattern each having a width measured in the direction perpendicular to the direction of travel of the magnetic tape, each of the widths being one sixth of the prespecified width: determining whether the magnetic tape is traveling in a forward direction; in response to determining that the magnetic tape is traveling in a forward direction: using the servo readers to read the one or more of the servo bands, wherein using the servo readers to read the one or more of the servo bands includes: reading information from a first of the two timing based servo patterns with a first servo reader of one of the groups of servo readers; and reading information from the high density servo pattern with a second servo reader of the one of the groups of servo readers, and using the information read from the one or more of the servo bands to position the magnetic tape head relative to the magnetic tape includes: determining a lateral position of the magnetic tape head relative to the magnetic tape using: the information read from the first of the two timing based servo patterns, and the information read from the high density servo pattern; and determining a velocity of the magnetic tape using: the information read from the first of the two timing based servo patterns, and the information read from the high density servo pattern. 13. The tape drive-implemented method as recited in claim 12, wherein in response to determining that the magnetic tape is not traveling in a forward direction, using the servo readers to read the one or more of the servo bands includes: reading information from a second of the two timing based servo patterns with the second servo reader of the one of the groups of servo readers; reading information from the high density servo pattern with the first servo reader of the one of the groups of servo readers; and reading information from the first of the two timing based servo patterns with the third servo reader positioned adjacent to the one of the groups of servo readers, and 14. The tape drive-implemented method as recited in claim 9, wherein in response to determining that each of the servo bands are of a third configuration having a high density servo pattern and a timing based servo pattern, the high density servo pattern and the timing based servo pattern each having a width measured in the direction perpendicular to the direction of travel of the magnetic tape, each of the widths being one third of the prespecified width: using the servo readers to read the one or more of the servo bands, wherein using the servo readers to read the one or more of the servo bands includes: reading information from the timing based servo pattern with a first servo reader of one of the groups of servo readers; and reading information from the high density servo pattern with a second servo reader of the one of the groups of servo readers, and using the information read from the one or more of the servo bands to position the magnetic tape head relative to the magnetic tape includes: determining a lateral position of the magnetic tape head relative to the magnetic tape using: the information read from the timing based servo pattern, and the information read from the high density servo pattern; and determining a velocity of the magnetic tape using: the information read from the timing based servo pattern, and the information read from the high density servo pattern. 15. The tape drive-implemented method as recited in claim 14, comprising: determining whether the third servo reader positioned adjacent to the one of the groups of servo readers is oriented over the timing based servo pattern; in response to determining that the third servo reader is oriented over the timing based servo pattern: using the servo readers to read the one or more of the servo bands includes: reading information from the timing based servo pattern with the third servo reader in response to determining that the third servo reader is oriented over the timing based servo pattern, and using the information read from the one or more of the servo bands to position the magnetic tape head relative to the magnetic tape includes: determining a lateral position of the magnetic tape head relative to the magnetic tape using: the information read from the timing based servo pattern by the third servo reader; determining a velocity of the magnetic tape using: the information read from the timing based servo pattern by the third servo reader; determining a skew of the magnetic tape head relative to the magnetic tape; and determining tape dimensional stability information corresponding to the magnetic tape. 16. An apparatus, comprising: a tape drive, comprising: a magnetic tape head; a controller; and logic integrated with the controller, executable by the controller, or integrated with and executable by the controller, the logic being configured to: perform the tape drive-implemented method of claim 1. 17. A product, comprising: a magnetic tape having a plurality of servo bands, wherein each of the servo bands includes a high density servo pattern and two timing based servo patterns, wherein a longitudinal axis of each of the two timing based servo patterns is parallel to a longitudinal axis of the high density servo pattern, wherein a combined width of the high density servo pattern and one of the two timing based servo patterns in a given servo band is less than or equal to two thirds of a prespecified width of each of the servo bands, wherein the combined width and the prespecified width are each measured in a direction perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the magnetic tape. 18. The product as recited in claim 17, wherein a width of each of the two timing based servo patterns and a width of the high density servo pattern are each less than or equal to one third of the prespecified width, wherein the width of each of the two timing based servo patterns and the width of the high density servo pattern are measured in the direction perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the magnetic tape. 19. The product as recited in claim 17, wherein a width of each of the two timing based servo patterns and a width of the high density servo pattern are each less than or equal to one sixth of the prespecified width, wherein the width of each of the two timing based servo patterns and the width of the high density servo pattern are measured in the direction perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the magnetic tape. 20. A computer program product for positioning a magnetic head, the computer program product comprising a computer readable storage medium having program instructions embodied therewith, wherein the computer readable storage medium is not a transitory signal per se, the program instructions executable by a tape drive to cause the tape drive to perform a method comprising: using, by the tape drive, information read from one or more servo bands on a magnetic tape to position a magnetic tape head relative to the magnetic tape, wherein an array of data transducers is positioned along the magnetic tape head, the array extending perpendicular to a direction of travel of the magnetic tape, wherein a group of servo readers is positioned at each end of the array of data transducers, wherein a distance between each of the immediately adjacent servo readers in each of the groups of servo readers is less than or equal to one third of a prespecified width of each of the servo bands, wherein the distance between each of the servo readers in each of the groups and the prespecified width are both measured in a direction perpendicular to the direction of travel of the magnetic tape.

A tape drive-implemented method, according to one embodiment, includes: using information read from one or more servo bands on a magnetic tape to position a magnetic tape head relative to the magnetic tape. An array of data transducers is positioned along the magnetic tape head, the array extending perpendicular to a direction of travel of the magnetic tape. Moreover, a group of servo readers is positioned at each end of the array of data transducers. A distance between each of the immediately adjacent servo readers in each of the groups of servo readers is less than or equal to one third of a prespecified width of each of the servo bands. Furthermore, the distance between each of the servo readers in each of the groups and the prespecified width are both measured in a direction perpendicular to the direction of travel of the magnetic tape.1. A tape drive-implemented method, comprising: using information read from one or more servo bands on a magnetic tape to position a magnetic tape head relative to the magnetic tape, wherein an array of data transducers is positioned along the magnetic tape head, the array extending perpendicular to a direction of travel of the magnetic tape, wherein a group of servo readers is positioned at each end of the array of data transducers, wherein a distance between each of the immediately adjacent servo readers in each of the groups of servo readers is less than or equal to one third of a prespecified width of each of the servo bands, wherein the distance between each of the servo readers in each of the groups and the prespecified width are both measured in a direction perpendicular to the direction of travel of the magnetic tape. 2. The tape drive-implemented method as recited in claim 1, comprising: determining a servo band configuration of the servo bands on the magnetic tape, wherein in response to determining that each of the servo bands is of a third configuration having a high density servo pattern and a timing based servo pattern, the high density servo pattern and the timing based servo pattern each having a width measured in the direction perpendicular to the direction of travel of the magnetic tape, each of the widths being one third of the prespecified width: using the servo readers to read the one or more of the servo bands includes: reading information from the timing based servo pattern with a first servo reader of one of the groups of servo readers; and reading information from the high density servo pattern with a second servo reader of the one of the groups of servo readers. 3. The tape drive-implemented method as recited in claim 2, wherein using information read from one or more servo bands on a magnetic tape to position the magnetic tape head relative to the magnetic tape includes: determining a lateral position of the magnetic tape head relative to the magnetic tape using: the information read from the timing based servo pattern, and the information read from the high density servo pattern; and determining a velocity of the magnetic tape using: the information read from the timing based servo pattern, and the information read from the high density servo pattern. 4. The tape drive-implemented method as recited in claim 1, comprising: determining a servo band configuration of the servo bands on the magnetic tape, wherein in response to determining that each of the servo bands is of a second configuration having two timing based servo patterns and a high density servo pattern sandwiched between the two timing based servo patterns, each of the timing based servo patterns and the high density servo pattern each having a width measured in the direction perpendicular to the direction of travel of the magnetic tape, each of the widths being one third of the prespecified width: using the servo readers to read the one or more of the servo bands includes: determining whether the magnetic tape is traveling in a forward direction; reading information from a first of the two timing based servo patterns with a first servo reader of one of the groups of servo readers in response to determining that the magnetic tape is traveling in a forward direction; reading information from the high density servo pattern with a second servo reader of the one of the groups of servo readers in response to determining that the magnetic tape is traveling in a forward direction; reading information from a second of the two timing based servo patterns with the second servo reader of the one of the groups of servo readers in response to determining that the magnetic tape is not traveling in a forward direction; and reading information from the high density servo pattern with the first servo reader of the one of the groups of servo readers in response to determining that the magnetic tape is not traveling in a forward direction. 5. The tape drive-implemented method as recited in claim 4, wherein using information read from one or more servo bands on a magnetic tape to position the magnetic tape head relative to the magnetic tape includes: determining a lateral position of the magnetic tape head relative to the magnetic tape using: the information read from the first or second of the two timing based servo patterns, and the information read from the high density servo pattern; and determining a velocity of the magnetic tape using: the information read from the first or second of the two timing based servo patterns, and the information read from the high density servo pattern. 6. The tape drive-implemented method as recited in claim 1, comprising: determining a servo band configuration of the servo bands on the magnetic tape, wherein in response to determining that each of the servo bands are of a first configuration having a timing based servo pattern with a width measured in the direction perpendicular to the direction of travel of the magnetic tape, the width being two thirds of the prespecified width: using the servo readers to read the one or more of the servo bands includes: reading information from the timing based servo pattern with a first servo reader of one of the groups of servo readers. 7. The tape drive-implemented method as recited in claim 6, wherein using information read from one or more servo bands on a magnetic tape to position the magnetic tape head relative to the magnetic tape includes: determining a lateral position of the magnetic tape head relative to the magnetic tape using: the information read from the timing based servo pattern; and determining a velocity of the magnetic tape using: the information read from the timing based servo pattern. 8. The tape drive-implemented method as recited in claim 7, comprising: determining whether a second servo reader of the one of the groups of servo readers is oriented over the timing based servo pattern; and in response to determining that the second servo reader of the one of the groups of servo readers is oriented over the timing based servo pattern: using the servo readers to read the one or more of the servo bands includes: reading information from the timing based servo pattern with the second servo reader of the one of the groups of servo readers, and using the information read from the one or more of the servo bands to position the magnetic tape head relative to the magnetic tape includes: determining a lateral position of the magnetic tape head relative to the magnetic tape using: the information read from the timing based servo pattern by the second servo reader of the one of the groups of servo readers; determining a velocity of the magnetic tape using: the information read from the timing based servo pattern by the second servo reader of the one of the groups of servo readers; determining a skew of the magnetic tape head relative to the magnetic tape; and determining tape dimensional stability information corresponding to the magnetic tape. 9. The tape drive-implemented method as recited in claim 1, wherein each group of servo readers includes a third servo reader, wherein a distance between each of the servo readers and an immediately adjacent one of the servo readers in the respective group of servo readers is less than or equal to one sixth of a prespecified width of each of the servo bands. 10. The tape drive-implemented method as recited in claim 9, wherein in response to determining that each of the servo bands are of a fifth configuration having a high density servo pattern and a timing based servo pattern, the high density servo pattern and the timing based servo pattern each having a width measured in the direction perpendicular to the direction of travel of the magnetic tape, each of the widths being one sixth of the prespecified width: using the servo readers to read the one or more of the servo bands, wherein using the servo readers to read the one or more of the servo bands includes: reading information from the timing based servo pattern with a first servo reader of one of the groups of servo readers; and reading information from the high density servo pattern with a second servo reader of the one of the groups of servo readers. 11. The tape drive-implemented method as recited in claim 10, wherein using the information read from the one or more of the servo bands to position the magnetic tape head relative to the magnetic tape includes: determining a lateral position of the magnetic tape head relative to the magnetic tape using: the information read from the timing based servo pattern, and the information read from the high density servo pattern; and determining a velocity of the magnetic tape using: the information read from the timing based servo pattern and the information read from the high density servo pattern. 12. The tape drive-implemented method as recited in claim 9, wherein in response to determining that each of the servo bands are of a fourth configuration having two timing based servo patterns and a high density servo pattern sandwiched between the two timing based servo patterns, each of the timing based servo patterns and the high density servo pattern each having a width measured in the direction perpendicular to the direction of travel of the magnetic tape, each of the widths being one sixth of the prespecified width: determining whether the magnetic tape is traveling in a forward direction; in response to determining that the magnetic tape is traveling in a forward direction: using the servo readers to read the one or more of the servo bands, wherein using the servo readers to read the one or more of the servo bands includes: reading information from a first of the two timing based servo patterns with a first servo reader of one of the groups of servo readers; and reading information from the high density servo pattern with a second servo reader of the one of the groups of servo readers, and using the information read from the one or more of the servo bands to position the magnetic tape head relative to the magnetic tape includes: determining a lateral position of the magnetic tape head relative to the magnetic tape using: the information read from the first of the two timing based servo patterns, and the information read from the high density servo pattern; and determining a velocity of the magnetic tape using: the information read from the first of the two timing based servo patterns, and the information read from the high density servo pattern. 13. The tape drive-implemented method as recited in claim 12, wherein in response to determining that the magnetic tape is not traveling in a forward direction, using the servo readers to read the one or more of the servo bands includes: reading information from a second of the two timing based servo patterns with the second servo reader of the one of the groups of servo readers; reading information from the high density servo pattern with the first servo reader of the one of the groups of servo readers; and reading information from the first of the two timing based servo patterns with the third servo reader positioned adjacent to the one of the groups of servo readers, and 14. The tape drive-implemented method as recited in claim 9, wherein in response to determining that each of the servo bands are of a third configuration having a high density servo pattern and a timing based servo pattern, the high density servo pattern and the timing based servo pattern each having a width measured in the direction perpendicular to the direction of travel of the magnetic tape, each of the widths being one third of the prespecified width: using the servo readers to read the one or more of the servo bands, wherein using the servo readers to read the one or more of the servo bands includes: reading information from the timing based servo pattern with a first servo reader of one of the groups of servo readers; and reading information from the high density servo pattern with a second servo reader of the one of the groups of servo readers, and using the information read from the one or more of the servo bands to position the magnetic tape head relative to the magnetic tape includes: determining a lateral position of the magnetic tape head relative to the magnetic tape using: the information read from the timing based servo pattern, and the information read from the high density servo pattern; and determining a velocity of the magnetic tape using: the information read from the timing based servo pattern, and the information read from the high density servo pattern. 15. The tape drive-implemented method as recited in claim 14, comprising: determining whether the third servo reader positioned adjacent to the one of the groups of servo readers is oriented over the timing based servo pattern; in response to determining that the third servo reader is oriented over the timing based servo pattern: using the servo readers to read the one or more of the servo bands includes: reading information from the timing based servo pattern with the third servo reader in response to determining that the third servo reader is oriented over the timing based servo pattern, and using the information read from the one or more of the servo bands to position the magnetic tape head relative to the magnetic tape includes: determining a lateral position of the magnetic tape head relative to the magnetic tape using: the information read from the timing based servo pattern by the third servo reader; determining a velocity of the magnetic tape using: the information read from the timing based servo pattern by the third servo reader; determining a skew of the magnetic tape head relative to the magnetic tape; and determining tape dimensional stability information corresponding to the magnetic tape. 16. An apparatus, comprising: a tape drive, comprising: a magnetic tape head; a controller; and logic integrated with the controller, executable by the controller, or integrated with and executable by the controller, the logic being configured to: perform the tape drive-implemented method of claim 1. 17. A product, comprising: a magnetic tape having a plurality of servo bands, wherein each of the servo bands includes a high density servo pattern and two timing based servo patterns, wherein a longitudinal axis of each of the two timing based servo patterns is parallel to a longitudinal axis of the high density servo pattern, wherein a combined width of the high density servo pattern and one of the two timing based servo patterns in a given servo band is less than or equal to two thirds of a prespecified width of each of the servo bands, wherein the combined width and the prespecified width are each measured in a direction perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the magnetic tape. 18. The product as recited in claim 17, wherein a width of each of the two timing based servo patterns and a width of the high density servo pattern are each less than or equal to one third of the prespecified width, wherein the width of each of the two timing based servo patterns and the width of the high density servo pattern are measured in the direction perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the magnetic tape. 19. The product as recited in claim 17, wherein a width of each of the two timing based servo patterns and a width of the high density servo pattern are each less than or equal to one sixth of the prespecified width, wherein the width of each of the two timing based servo patterns and the width of the high density servo pattern are measured in the direction perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the magnetic tape. 20. A computer program product for positioning a magnetic head, the computer program product comprising a computer readable storage medium having program instructions embodied therewith, wherein the computer readable storage medium is not a transitory signal per se, the program instructions executable by a tape drive to cause the tape drive to perform a method comprising: using, by the tape drive, information read from one or more servo bands on a magnetic tape to position a magnetic tape head relative to the magnetic tape, wherein an array of data transducers is positioned along the magnetic tape head, the array extending perpendicular to a direction of travel of the magnetic tape, wherein a group of servo readers is positioned at each end of the array of data transducers, wherein a distance between each of the immediately adjacent servo readers in each of the groups of servo readers is less than or equal to one third of a prespecified width of each of the servo bands, wherein the distance between each of the servo readers in each of the groups and the prespecified width are both measured in a direction perpendicular to the direction of travel of the magnetic tape.

A doorbell apparatus and a method of controlling power supply to a doorbell apparatus are provided. The doorbell apparatus may include a power supplier, a battery device charged with power from the power supplier device, a doorbell controller driven using the power from the power supplier device or the power charged in the battery device, and a power supply controller configured to control supply of power to the doorbell controller according to whether the power is input from the power supplier device.

1. A doorbell apparatus comprising: a power supplier; a battery device charged with power from the power supplier ; a doorbell controller driven using the power from the power supplier or the power charged in the battery device; and a power supply controller configured to control supply of power to the doorbell controller according to whether the power is input from the power supplier, wherein the battery device includes a battery and a charge controller configured to control charging of the battery, when the power is input from the power supplier, the power from the power supplier is supplied to the doorbell controller through the power supply controller, when the power is not input from the power supplier, power from the battery is supplied to the doorbell controller through the power supply controller, and when a predetermined time has elapsed, the doorbell controller cuts off power supply from the power supply controller. 2. The doorbell apparatus of claim 1, wherein: when the power is not input from the power supplier, the charge controller notifies the doorbell controller that the power is not input from the power supplier; and when the predetermined time has elapsed, the doorbell controller blocks a path through which power flows from the battery device to the doorbell controller through the power supply controller. 3. The doorbell apparatus of claim 2, further comprising a regulator configured to convert the power input from the power supplier, wherein, when the power is input from the power supplier, the regulator transfers a control signal to the power supply controller such that the power supply controller maintains the path through which the power flows to the doorbell controller. 4. The doorbell apparatus of claim 3, wherein the power supply controller includes an input terminal connected to the battery, an output terminal connected to the doorbell controller, and a switch element provided between the input terminal and the output terminal, and whether to block the path through which the power is supplied to the doorbell controller depends on an on-state or an off-state of the switch. 5. The doorbell apparatus of claim 4, wherein the power supply controller further includes a first control terminal configured to receive a control signal output from the regulator and a second control terminal configured to receive a control signal output from a control device of the doorbell controller. 6. The doorbell apparatus of claim 5, wherein the switch element includes a first switch element and a second switch element, and when a predetermined signal is input from the first control terminal, the first switch element and the second switch element are sequentially turned on and power is supplied to the doorbell controller. 7. The doorbell apparatus of claim 6, wherein, when the predetermined signal is not input from the first control signal and is input from the second control terminal, the first switch element and the second switch element are sequentially turned off, and the path through which the power is supplied to the doorbell controller is blocked. 8. The doorbell apparatus of claim 7, wherein the first switch element is one of an N-field-effect transistor (FET) element and a P-FET element, and the second switch element is another of the N-FET element and the P-FET element. 9. The doorbell apparatus of claim 7, wherein a diode is connected to each of the first control terminal and the second control terminal. 10. The doorbell apparatus of claim 1, further comprising a doorbell interface controlled by the doorbell controller, wherein, when the power is not input from the power supplier, the doorbell controller performs a control to turn the doorbell interface off within the predetermined time. 11. The doorbell apparatus of claim 10, wherein: the doorbell controller notifies the power supply controller that the doorbell interface is turned off; and the power supply controller blocks a path through which power flows from the battery device to the doorbell controller. 12. The doorbell apparatus of claim 11, wherein the battery device or the doorbell controller includes a timer. 13. The doorbell apparatus of claim 1, further comprising: a doorbell button; and a sub controller turned on by receiving power from the battery device only in a state in which power supply is cut off from the power supply controller to the doorbell controller, wherein, when the doorbell button is pressed in a state in which the sub controller is turned on, the sub controller transmits a control signal to the power supply controller. 14. The doorbell apparatus of claim 13, wherein, when the power supply controller receives the control signal from the sub controller, the power supply controller temporarily opens a path through which power flows to the doorbell controller. 15. The doorbell apparatus of claim 1, further comprising: a doorbell button; and a sub controller configured to receive power from the battery device and sense an on-state or an off-state of a switch element included in the doorbell button, wherein, when the sub controller receives a signal from the charge controller and senses that the switch element included in the doorbell button is in the off-state, the sub controller notifies the doorbell controller that the switch element included in the doorbell button is in the off-state, the signal being a notification that the power is not input from the power supplier. 16. A control method of supplying power to a doorbell apparatus, the control method comprising: charging a battery using power from a power supplier; supplying the power from the power supplier to a power supply controller; and cutting off power supply from the power supply controller when the power is not input from the power supplier and a predetermined time has elapsed, wherein the cutting off of the power supply includes supplying power from the battery to the doorbell controller through the power supply controller, transmitting a control signal to the doorbell controller, the control signal notifying that the power is not input from the power supplier, and blocking a path through which the power flows from the battery device to the doorbell controller through the power supply controller when the predetermined time has elapsed. 17. The control method of claim 16, wherein the supplying of the power includes: receiving, by the power supply controller, a control signal indicating that power is input from the power supplier; opening a path from an input terminal to an output terminal of the power supply controller; and supplying the power to the doorbell controller. 18. The control method of claim 16, wherein the blocking of the path, through which the power flows from the battery device to the doorbell controller through the power supply controller when the predetermined time has elapsed, includes: turning off, by the doorbell controller, a doorbell interface; transmitting, by the doorbell controller, a signal to the power supply controller, the signal notifying that the doorbell interface is turned off; and blocking, by the power supply controller, the path through which the power flows from the battery device to the doorbell controller.

A doorbell apparatus and a method of controlling power supply to a doorbell apparatus are provided. The doorbell apparatus may include a power supplier, a battery device charged with power from the power supplier device, a doorbell controller driven using the power from the power supplier device or the power charged in the battery device, and a power supply controller configured to control supply of power to the doorbell controller according to whether the power is input from the power supplier device.1. A doorbell apparatus comprising: a power supplier; a battery device charged with power from the power supplier ; a doorbell controller driven using the power from the power supplier or the power charged in the battery device; and a power supply controller configured to control supply of power to the doorbell controller according to whether the power is input from the power supplier, wherein the battery device includes a battery and a charge controller configured to control charging of the battery, when the power is input from the power supplier, the power from the power supplier is supplied to the doorbell controller through the power supply controller, when the power is not input from the power supplier, power from the battery is supplied to the doorbell controller through the power supply controller, and when a predetermined time has elapsed, the doorbell controller cuts off power supply from the power supply controller. 2. The doorbell apparatus of claim 1, wherein: when the power is not input from the power supplier, the charge controller notifies the doorbell controller that the power is not input from the power supplier; and when the predetermined time has elapsed, the doorbell controller blocks a path through which power flows from the battery device to the doorbell controller through the power supply controller. 3. The doorbell apparatus of claim 2, further comprising a regulator configured to convert the power input from the power supplier, wherein, when the power is input from the power supplier, the regulator transfers a control signal to the power supply controller such that the power supply controller maintains the path through which the power flows to the doorbell controller. 4. The doorbell apparatus of claim 3, wherein the power supply controller includes an input terminal connected to the battery, an output terminal connected to the doorbell controller, and a switch element provided between the input terminal and the output terminal, and whether to block the path through which the power is supplied to the doorbell controller depends on an on-state or an off-state of the switch. 5. The doorbell apparatus of claim 4, wherein the power supply controller further includes a first control terminal configured to receive a control signal output from the regulator and a second control terminal configured to receive a control signal output from a control device of the doorbell controller. 6. The doorbell apparatus of claim 5, wherein the switch element includes a first switch element and a second switch element, and when a predetermined signal is input from the first control terminal, the first switch element and the second switch element are sequentially turned on and power is supplied to the doorbell controller. 7. The doorbell apparatus of claim 6, wherein, when the predetermined signal is not input from the first control signal and is input from the second control terminal, the first switch element and the second switch element are sequentially turned off, and the path through which the power is supplied to the doorbell controller is blocked. 8. The doorbell apparatus of claim 7, wherein the first switch element is one of an N-field-effect transistor (FET) element and a P-FET element, and the second switch element is another of the N-FET element and the P-FET element. 9. The doorbell apparatus of claim 7, wherein a diode is connected to each of the first control terminal and the second control terminal. 10. The doorbell apparatus of claim 1, further comprising a doorbell interface controlled by the doorbell controller, wherein, when the power is not input from the power supplier, the doorbell controller performs a control to turn the doorbell interface off within the predetermined time. 11. The doorbell apparatus of claim 10, wherein: the doorbell controller notifies the power supply controller that the doorbell interface is turned off; and the power supply controller blocks a path through which power flows from the battery device to the doorbell controller. 12. The doorbell apparatus of claim 11, wherein the battery device or the doorbell controller includes a timer. 13. The doorbell apparatus of claim 1, further comprising: a doorbell button; and a sub controller turned on by receiving power from the battery device only in a state in which power supply is cut off from the power supply controller to the doorbell controller, wherein, when the doorbell button is pressed in a state in which the sub controller is turned on, the sub controller transmits a control signal to the power supply controller. 14. The doorbell apparatus of claim 13, wherein, when the power supply controller receives the control signal from the sub controller, the power supply controller temporarily opens a path through which power flows to the doorbell controller. 15. The doorbell apparatus of claim 1, further comprising: a doorbell button; and a sub controller configured to receive power from the battery device and sense an on-state or an off-state of a switch element included in the doorbell button, wherein, when the sub controller receives a signal from the charge controller and senses that the switch element included in the doorbell button is in the off-state, the sub controller notifies the doorbell controller that the switch element included in the doorbell button is in the off-state, the signal being a notification that the power is not input from the power supplier. 16. A control method of supplying power to a doorbell apparatus, the control method comprising: charging a battery using power from a power supplier; supplying the power from the power supplier to a power supply controller; and cutting off power supply from the power supply controller when the power is not input from the power supplier and a predetermined time has elapsed, wherein the cutting off of the power supply includes supplying power from the battery to the doorbell controller through the power supply controller, transmitting a control signal to the doorbell controller, the control signal notifying that the power is not input from the power supplier, and blocking a path through which the power flows from the battery device to the doorbell controller through the power supply controller when the predetermined time has elapsed. 17. The control method of claim 16, wherein the supplying of the power includes: receiving, by the power supply controller, a control signal indicating that power is input from the power supplier; opening a path from an input terminal to an output terminal of the power supply controller; and supplying the power to the doorbell controller. 18. The control method of claim 16, wherein the blocking of the path, through which the power flows from the battery device to the doorbell controller through the power supply controller when the predetermined time has elapsed, includes: turning off, by the doorbell controller, a doorbell interface; transmitting, by the doorbell controller, a signal to the power supply controller, the signal notifying that the doorbell interface is turned off; and blocking, by the power supply controller, the path through which the power flows from the battery device to the doorbell controller.

The present invention is to provide a vehicle lighting system which can inform a predefined area outside a vehicle to a user. The microcomputer unlocks a door lock when the user approaches a drive area, and opens a sliding door. A lighting section illuminates the drive area of the ground and a movable area of the back door to inform the drive area and the movable area. The microcomputer causes the lighting section to illuminate the drive area and the movable area when detecting that there is a person around the stopped vehicle.

1. A vehicle lighting system mounted on a vehicle comprising: a lighting section illuminating a predefined area on a ground and informing the predefined area; a detection section detecting that there is a person in an approach area around the parked vehicle; and a control section causing the lighting section to illuminate the predefined area when the detection section detects that there is the person in the approach area. 2. The vehicle lighting system according to claim 1, wherein when the detection section detects that there is a mobile terminal in the approach area which is broader than the predefined area and includes the predefined area by wireless communication with the mobile terminal, the detection section determines that there is the person in the approach area. 3. The vehicle lighting system according to claim 1, wherein a first drive section driving a load when detecting that there is the mobile terminal in a drive area by wireless communication with the mobile terminal is mounted on the vehicle, and the predefined area is set to at least a part of the drive area. 4. The vehicle lighting system according to claim 2, wherein a first drive section driving a load when detecting that there is the mobile terminal in a drive area by wireless communication with the mobile terminal is mounted on the vehicle, and the predefined area is set to at least a part of the drive area. 5. The vehicle lighting system according to claim 3, wherein the load is a door lock mechanism, and the first drive section drives and unlocks the door lock mechanism when detecting that there is the mobile terminal in the drive area. 6. The vehicle lighting system according to claim 4, wherein the load is a door lock mechanism, and the first drive section drives and unlocks the door lock mechanism when detecting that there is the mobile terminal in the drive area. 7. The vehicle lighting system according to claim 3, wherein the load is a driving mechanism of a sliding door, and the first drive section drives and opens the sliding door when detecting that there is the mobile terminal in the drive area. 8. The vehicle lighting system according to claim 4, wherein the load is a driving mechanism of a sliding door, and the first drive section drives and opens the sliding door when detecting that there is the mobile terminal in the drive area. 9. The vehicle lighting system according to claim 1, wherein a second drive section driving a movable section is mounted on the vehicle, and the predefined area is set to include a movable area of the movable section. 10. The vehicle lighting system according to claim 2, wherein a second drive section driving a movable section is mounted on the vehicle, and the predefined area is set to include a movable area of the movable section. 11. The vehicle lighting system according to claim 3, wherein a second drive section driving a movable section is mounted on the vehicle, and the predefined area is set to include a movable area of the movable section. 12. The vehicle lighting system according to claim 4, wherein a second drive section driving a movable section is mounted on the vehicle, and the predefined area is set to include a movable area of the movable section. 13. The vehicle lighting system according to claim 5, wherein a second drive section driving a movable section is mounted on the vehicle, and the predefined area is set to include a movable area of the movable section. 14. The vehicle lighting system according to claim 6, wherein a second drive section driving a movable section is mounted on the vehicle, and the predefined area is set to include a movable area of the movable section. 15. The vehicle lighting system according to claim 7, wherein a second drive section driving a movable section is mounted on the vehicle, and the predefined area is set to include a movable area of the movable section. 16. The vehicle lighting system according to claim 8, wherein a second drive section driving a movable section is mounted on the vehicle, and the predefined area is set to include a movable area of the movable section. 17. The vehicle lighting system according to claim 5, wherein the movable section is a back door, a rail for lifting, a platform, or stairs. 18. The vehicle lighting system according to claim 6, wherein the movable section is a back door, a rail for lifting, a platform, or stairs.

The present invention is to provide a vehicle lighting system which can inform a predefined area outside a vehicle to a user. The microcomputer unlocks a door lock when the user approaches a drive area, and opens a sliding door. A lighting section illuminates the drive area of the ground and a movable area of the back door to inform the drive area and the movable area. The microcomputer causes the lighting section to illuminate the drive area and the movable area when detecting that there is a person around the stopped vehicle.1. A vehicle lighting system mounted on a vehicle comprising: a lighting section illuminating a predefined area on a ground and informing the predefined area; a detection section detecting that there is a person in an approach area around the parked vehicle; and a control section causing the lighting section to illuminate the predefined area when the detection section detects that there is the person in the approach area. 2. The vehicle lighting system according to claim 1, wherein when the detection section detects that there is a mobile terminal in the approach area which is broader than the predefined area and includes the predefined area by wireless communication with the mobile terminal, the detection section determines that there is the person in the approach area. 3. The vehicle lighting system according to claim 1, wherein a first drive section driving a load when detecting that there is the mobile terminal in a drive area by wireless communication with the mobile terminal is mounted on the vehicle, and the predefined area is set to at least a part of the drive area. 4. The vehicle lighting system according to claim 2, wherein a first drive section driving a load when detecting that there is the mobile terminal in a drive area by wireless communication with the mobile terminal is mounted on the vehicle, and the predefined area is set to at least a part of the drive area. 5. The vehicle lighting system according to claim 3, wherein the load is a door lock mechanism, and the first drive section drives and unlocks the door lock mechanism when detecting that there is the mobile terminal in the drive area. 6. The vehicle lighting system according to claim 4, wherein the load is a door lock mechanism, and the first drive section drives and unlocks the door lock mechanism when detecting that there is the mobile terminal in the drive area. 7. The vehicle lighting system according to claim 3, wherein the load is a driving mechanism of a sliding door, and the first drive section drives and opens the sliding door when detecting that there is the mobile terminal in the drive area. 8. The vehicle lighting system according to claim 4, wherein the load is a driving mechanism of a sliding door, and the first drive section drives and opens the sliding door when detecting that there is the mobile terminal in the drive area. 9. The vehicle lighting system according to claim 1, wherein a second drive section driving a movable section is mounted on the vehicle, and the predefined area is set to include a movable area of the movable section. 10. The vehicle lighting system according to claim 2, wherein a second drive section driving a movable section is mounted on the vehicle, and the predefined area is set to include a movable area of the movable section. 11. The vehicle lighting system according to claim 3, wherein a second drive section driving a movable section is mounted on the vehicle, and the predefined area is set to include a movable area of the movable section. 12. The vehicle lighting system according to claim 4, wherein a second drive section driving a movable section is mounted on the vehicle, and the predefined area is set to include a movable area of the movable section. 13. The vehicle lighting system according to claim 5, wherein a second drive section driving a movable section is mounted on the vehicle, and the predefined area is set to include a movable area of the movable section. 14. The vehicle lighting system according to claim 6, wherein a second drive section driving a movable section is mounted on the vehicle, and the predefined area is set to include a movable area of the movable section. 15. The vehicle lighting system according to claim 7, wherein a second drive section driving a movable section is mounted on the vehicle, and the predefined area is set to include a movable area of the movable section. 16. The vehicle lighting system according to claim 8, wherein a second drive section driving a movable section is mounted on the vehicle, and the predefined area is set to include a movable area of the movable section. 17. The vehicle lighting system according to claim 5, wherein the movable section is a back door, a rail for lifting, a platform, or stairs. 18. The vehicle lighting system according to claim 6, wherein the movable section is a back door, a rail for lifting, a platform, or stairs.

The invention is a service for sending and/or receiving messages in a first format intended for a recipient or authority, where the service identifies for the intended recipient a second format for receiving messages, and where the service formats a communication for delivery to the intended recipient, where the message is prepared to be presented to the recipient in the first and/or the second format.

1. A computer-implemented method suitable for communicating emergency information from a user emergency location, said method comprising the steps of: continuously monitoring user location data at a removable autonomous survival emergency location transmitter activation device, the user location data including at least one of software, text content, speech, voice, audio, video information, control signal, time, tracking signal, transmitter signal, Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) position coordinates, and geo-location data; providing a user-accessible removable autonomous survival emergency location transmitter (ELT); when determined by said removable autonomous survival emergency location transmitter activation device that at least one of an emergency or a technical problem is identified in monitored user location data; processing said monitored user location data into a computer readable instruction; and using said computer readable instruction to automatically activate and control said removable autonomous survival emergency location transmitter, said removable autonomous survival emergency location transmitter functioning to automatically trigger real-time tracking of said removable autonomous survival emergency location transmitter via satellite; wherein monitored user location data for said real-time tracking includes at least one of software, text content, speech, voice, audio, video information, control signal, time, tracking signal, tracking signal, transmitter signal, Global Navigation Satellite System position coordinates, and geo-location data; wherein the removable autonomous survival emergency location transmitter conforms to removable autonomous survival emergency location transmitter standards defined by the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) in functioning to broadcast distinctive signals on designated frequencies, and wherein said removable autonomous survival emergency location transmitter is normally manually activated; and wherein said removable autonomous survival emergency location transmitter activation device includes a processor configured to monitor and process data, and to automatically activate and control said removable autonomous survival emergency location transmitter when said emergency or technical problem is identified. 2. The computer-implemented method of claim 1, further comprising the step of initiating tracking of said removable autonomous survival emergency location transmitter by at least one government authority in response to said step of using said computer readable instruction to automatically activate and control said removable autonomous survival emergency location transmitter. 3. The computer-implemented method of claim 1, further comprising the step of enabling remote control of said removable autonomous survival emergency location transmitter by a ground-based emergency service authority in response to said step of using said computer readable instruction to automatically activate and control said removable autonomous survival emergency location transmitter. 4. The computer-implemented method of claim 1, wherein said autonomous survival emergency location transmitter conforms to emergency beacon used to transmit distress signals as defined by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), the defined emergency beacon functioning to broadcast distinctive signals on designated frequencies. 5. The computer-implemented method of claim 1 further comprising the steps of initiating at least one of: an alarm, location indicator light or horn signal on said removable autonomous survival emergency location transmitter in response to said step of using said computer readable instruction to automatically activate and control said removable autonomous survival emergency location transmitter. 6. The computer-implemented method of claim 1, wherein said computer readable instruction comprises information about at least one of: real-time tracking of the removable autonomous survival emergency location transmitter by Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) position coordinates, real-time tracking of the removable autonomous survival emergency location transmitter outgoing tracking signal, Global Navigation Satellite System position coordinates included in the removable autonomous survival emergency location transmitter outgoing tracking signal, geo-location information for the removable autonomous survival emergency location transmitter, a removable autonomous survival emergency location transmitter position obtained by a distress beacon signal, triangulation, and communication satellite information for the location of said removable autonomous survival emergency location transmitter. 7. The computer-implemented method of claim 1, further comprising the step of remotely accessing said monitored user location data by at least one government authority in response to said step of using said computer readable instruction to automatically activate and control said removable autonomous survival emergency location transmitter. 8. The computer-implemented method of claim 1, further comprising the step of remotely controlling said removable autonomous survival emergency location transmitter by at least one ground-based government authority in response to automatically activating and controlling said removable autonomous survival emergency location transmitter activation device to trigger said removable autonomous survival emergency location transmitter. 9. A computer-implemented method suitable for automatically responding to an emergency situation detected at a user location, said method comprising the steps of: continuously monitoring user location data with a removable autonomous survival emergency location transmitter activation device for an indication that the emergency situation has been detected; providing a user-accessible removable autonomous survival emergency location transmitter (ELT) configured to provide an outgoing tracking signal; if the emergency situation is detected, processing monitored user location data into a computer readable instruction; and executing said computer readable instruction by said removable autonomous survival emergency location transmitter activation device to automatically activate said removable autonomous survival emergency location transmitter so as to automatically trigger tracking of the aircraft accident location and establish a remote interface between said removable autonomous survival emergency location transmitter activation device and said removable autonomous survival emergency location transmitter; wherein said removable autonomous survival emergency location transmitter conforms to removable autonomous survival emergency location transmitter standards defined by the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) in functioning to broadcast distinctive signals on designated frequencies, and wherein said removable autonomous survival emergency location transmitter is normally manually activated; and wherein said removable autonomous survival emergency location transmitter activation device includes a processor configured to monitor and process data, and to automatically include Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) position coordinates in said outgoing tracking signal. 10. The computer-implemented method of claim 9 further comprising the steps of: automatically generating at least one of an aural notification of the emergency situation and a visual notification of the emergency situation; and sending said at least one of said aural notification and said visual notification to ground-based government authority via an air-to-ground communication connection. 11. The computer-implemented method of claim 9, further comprising the step of notifying at least one ground-based government authority of activation of said removable autonomous survival emergency location transmitter. 12. The computer-implemented method of claim 11 wherein said at least one ground-based government authority comprises one or more of: the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA), International Maritime Organization (IMO), the Federal Aviation Authority (FAA), the Federal Emergency Management Association (FEMA), the Office of Homeland Security, and a safety and emergency response team. 13. The computer-implemented method of claim 9, further comprising the steps of: in response to said step of executing said computer readable instruction to automatically activate said removable autonomous survival emergency location transmitter, sending an emergency message to at least one ground-based government authority via a satellite-to-ground communication connection; said emergency message including real-time Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) position coordinates; and sending at least one of a real-time emergency signal to ground-based personnel to determine the location of the removable autonomous survival emergency location transmitter using said Global Navigation Satellite System position coordinates and a real-time emergency signal to said ground-based personnel to enable real-time tracking of said removable autonomous survival emergency location transmitter using said Global Navigation Satellite System position coordinates. 14. The computer-implemented method of claim 9 wherein said autonomous survival emergency location transmitter activation device remotely controls a location signal light independently of said removable autonomous survival emergency location transmitter when said removable autonomous survival emergency location transmitter is activated. 15. The computer-implemented method of claim 9 wherein user location data from a programmable attitude sensor device functions to activate said removable autonomous survival emergency location transmitter. 16. The computer-implemented method of claim 9 wherein said monitored user location data comprises data obtained from at least one of a user location, an aircraft, a seaplane, or a marine vessel and includes at least one of an alarm, a transmitter, a radar system, an automatic broadcasting surveillance system, a data recorder, a data acquisition unit, an attitude sensor, a differential pressure sensor, an analog sensor, a temperature sensor, an instability sensor, an emergency frequency sensor, a proximity sensor, and a transponder on board said aircraft, said seaplane, or said marine vessel. 17. The computer-implemented method of claim 9 further comprising the step of recording, either internally or remotely, removable autonomous survival emergency location transmitter communication, information, data, and content for transmittal to a ground-based computer database over an air-to-ground communication connection. 18. The computer-implemented method of claim 9 further comprising the step of establishing an air-to-ground communication connection using one or more of: a control signal, a data command, text content, an e mail, voice, a real-time audio/video communication, a real-time audio/video recording, and an instant message. 19. The computer-implemented method of claim 9 wherein said emergency situation comprises one or more of: a change in attitude greater than a specified amount; a change in altitude greater than a specified amount; a change in speed greater than a specified amount; a change in cabin pressure greater than a specified amount, a change in location greater than a specified distance; a change in a flight plan greater than a specified amount, a change in a transit plan greater than a specified amount, a change in destination location, and a variance in tracking information greater than a specified value. 20. The computer-implemented method of claim 9 wherein said emergency location transmitter conforms to emergency beacons used to transmit distress signals as defined by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), the defined emergency beacon functioning to broadcast distinctive signals on designated frequencies. 21. A removable autonomous survival emergency location transmitter tracking system suitable for use at a user emergency location, said system comprising: a removable autonomous survival emergency location transmitter activation device functioning to obtain monitored emergency location data; a user-accessible removable autonomous survival emergency location transmitter activation device having a user interface configured to provide access to modify, monitor and control of said removable autonomous survival emergency location transmitter activation device, said removable autonomous survival emergency location transmitter activation device further configured to provide access to monitor said monitored emergency location data for identification of a possible emergency or technical problem; and wherein said removable autonomous survival emergency location transmitter activation device further functions to obtain a determination of at least one of said emergency or technical problem, said removable autonomous survival emergency location transmitter activation device further functioning to process said emergency location data into a computer readable instruction; such that said removable autonomous survival emergency location transmitter activation device automatically activates a removable autonomous survival emergency location transmitter (ELT) to continuously communicate with a satellite tracking system and to track and report geo-location of said removable autonomous survival emergency location transmitter in specified and designated time intervals in response to said determination of at least one of said emergency or technical problem, via said computer readable instruction; wherein said removable autonomous survival emergency location transmitter conforms to removable autonomous survival emergency location transmitter standards defined by the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) in functioning to broadcast distinctive signals on designated frequencies, and wherein said removable autonomous survival emergency location transmitter is normally manually activated; and wherein said removable autonomous survival emergency location transmitter activation device includes a processor configured to monitor and process said emergency location data, and to automatically activate and control said removable autonomous survival emergency location transmitter when said at least one of said emergency or technical problem is identified. 22. The removable autonomous survival emergency location transmitter tracking system of claim 21 wherein said user interface comprises hardware and software to enable at least one of local access or remote access to at least one of said removable autonomous survival emergency location transmitter activation device and said removable autonomous survival emergency location transmitter. 23. The removable autonomous survival emergency location transmitter tracking system of claim 21 wherein said removable autonomous survival emergency location transmitter activation device functions; in response to said identification of a possible emergency or technical problem, to activate said removable autonomous survival emergency location transmitter to transmit, via said satellite tracking system, said monitored emergency location data sent for said real-time tracking, said monitored emergency location data including at least one of software, text content, speech, voice, audio, video information, control signal, time, tracking signal, transmitter signal, Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) position coordinates, and geo-location data. 24. The removable autonomous survival emergency location transmitter tracking system of claim 21 wherein said removable autonomous survival emergency location transmitter confirms to emergency beacons used to transmit distress signals as defined by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) and International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), the defined emergency location transmitter functioning to broadcast distinctive signals on designated frequencies, wherein said distress signals and emergency location transmissions include Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) position coordinates included in an outgoing tracking signal. 25. The removable autonomous survival emergency location transmitter tracking system of claim 21 wherein said removable autonomous survival emergency location transmitter activation device comprises a digital programmable passenger personal telemetry sensor device, said programmable passenger personal telemetry sensor device functioning to activate said removable autonomous survival emergency location transmitter to communicate with said satellite tracking system in response to said identification of said possible technical problem or emergency. 26. The removable autonomous survival emergency location transmitter tracking system of claim 21 wherein said removable autonomous survival emergency location transmitter is configured for at least one of: manual activation, manual deactivation, automatic activation, automatic deactivation, activation by remote control, and deactivation by remote control. 27. The removable autonomous survival emergency location transmitter tracking system of claim 21 wherein said automatic activation of said removable autonomous survival emergency location transmitter is initiated on an amphibious aircraft, a seaplane, or a marine vessel by at least one of: an alarm, a transmitter, a radar system, an automatic broadcasting surveillance system, a pressurization system, an engine indicating and crew alerting system, a data recorder, a data acquisition unit, an attitude sensor, a differential pressure sensor, an analog sensor, a temperature sensor, an instability sensor, an emergency frequency sensor, a proximity sensor, transponder, an amphibious aircraft gauge, a seaplane gauge, and a marine vessel gauge. 28. The removable autonomous survival emergency location transmitter tracking system of claim 21 wherein said removable autonomous survival emergency location transmitter responds to activation by remote control and to deactivation by remote control initiated by at least one of a ground station or air traffic control via at least one of a web interface or a satellite communication system. 29. The removable autonomous survival emergency location transmitter tracking system of claim 21 wherein said activation by said removable autonomous survival emergency location transmitter activation device comprises activation in response to at least one of: passenger position indicating beacon, a lost passenger, a passenger personal telemetry signal, a passenger parachute deployment, a passenger raft, a passenger seat, a passenger vest, a passenger vessel emergency or technical problem, a vehicle roll-over, a vehicle attitude change, and a variance in removable autonomous survival emergency location transmitter activation device tracking information different from a specified value. 30. A method suitable for communicating emergency information from a user emergency location, said method comprising: continuously receiving user location data at a removable autonomous survival emergency location transmitter activation device; automatically monitoring user location data information obtained from said received aircraft data, said monitored aircraft data for said real-time tracking including at least one of software, text content, speech, voice, audio, video information, control signal, time, tracking signal, transmitter signal, Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) position coordinates, and geo-location data; when determined from said monitored user location data that an emergency or technical problem is identified, triggering said removable autonomous survival emergency location transmitter activation device to automatically initiate real-time tracking of the removable autonomous survival emergency location transmitter via satellite by activating a removable autonomous survival emergency location transmitter (ELT); wherein said removable autonomous survival emergency location transmitter conforms to emergency beacons used to transmit distress signals as defined by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) and International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), the defined emergency location transmitter functioning to broadcast distinctive signals on designated frequencies, and wherein said removable autonomous survival emergency location transmitter activation device includes a processor configured to monitor and process data, and to automatically activate and control said removable autonomous survival emergency location transmitter when said emergency or technical problem is identified.

The invention is a service for sending and/or receiving messages in a first format intended for a recipient or authority, where the service identifies for the intended recipient a second format for receiving messages, and where the service formats a communication for delivery to the intended recipient, where the message is prepared to be presented to the recipient in the first and/or the second format.1. A computer-implemented method suitable for communicating emergency information from a user emergency location, said method comprising the steps of: continuously monitoring user location data at a removable autonomous survival emergency location transmitter activation device, the user location data including at least one of software, text content, speech, voice, audio, video information, control signal, time, tracking signal, transmitter signal, Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) position coordinates, and geo-location data; providing a user-accessible removable autonomous survival emergency location transmitter (ELT); when determined by said removable autonomous survival emergency location transmitter activation device that at least one of an emergency or a technical problem is identified in monitored user location data; processing said monitored user location data into a computer readable instruction; and using said computer readable instruction to automatically activate and control said removable autonomous survival emergency location transmitter, said removable autonomous survival emergency location transmitter functioning to automatically trigger real-time tracking of said removable autonomous survival emergency location transmitter via satellite; wherein monitored user location data for said real-time tracking includes at least one of software, text content, speech, voice, audio, video information, control signal, time, tracking signal, tracking signal, transmitter signal, Global Navigation Satellite System position coordinates, and geo-location data; wherein the removable autonomous survival emergency location transmitter conforms to removable autonomous survival emergency location transmitter standards defined by the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) in functioning to broadcast distinctive signals on designated frequencies, and wherein said removable autonomous survival emergency location transmitter is normally manually activated; and wherein said removable autonomous survival emergency location transmitter activation device includes a processor configured to monitor and process data, and to automatically activate and control said removable autonomous survival emergency location transmitter when said emergency or technical problem is identified. 2. The computer-implemented method of claim 1, further comprising the step of initiating tracking of said removable autonomous survival emergency location transmitter by at least one government authority in response to said step of using said computer readable instruction to automatically activate and control said removable autonomous survival emergency location transmitter. 3. The computer-implemented method of claim 1, further comprising the step of enabling remote control of said removable autonomous survival emergency location transmitter by a ground-based emergency service authority in response to said step of using said computer readable instruction to automatically activate and control said removable autonomous survival emergency location transmitter. 4. The computer-implemented method of claim 1, wherein said autonomous survival emergency location transmitter conforms to emergency beacon used to transmit distress signals as defined by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), the defined emergency beacon functioning to broadcast distinctive signals on designated frequencies. 5. The computer-implemented method of claim 1 further comprising the steps of initiating at least one of: an alarm, location indicator light or horn signal on said removable autonomous survival emergency location transmitter in response to said step of using said computer readable instruction to automatically activate and control said removable autonomous survival emergency location transmitter. 6. The computer-implemented method of claim 1, wherein said computer readable instruction comprises information about at least one of: real-time tracking of the removable autonomous survival emergency location transmitter by Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) position coordinates, real-time tracking of the removable autonomous survival emergency location transmitter outgoing tracking signal, Global Navigation Satellite System position coordinates included in the removable autonomous survival emergency location transmitter outgoing tracking signal, geo-location information for the removable autonomous survival emergency location transmitter, a removable autonomous survival emergency location transmitter position obtained by a distress beacon signal, triangulation, and communication satellite information for the location of said removable autonomous survival emergency location transmitter. 7. The computer-implemented method of claim 1, further comprising the step of remotely accessing said monitored user location data by at least one government authority in response to said step of using said computer readable instruction to automatically activate and control said removable autonomous survival emergency location transmitter. 8. The computer-implemented method of claim 1, further comprising the step of remotely controlling said removable autonomous survival emergency location transmitter by at least one ground-based government authority in response to automatically activating and controlling said removable autonomous survival emergency location transmitter activation device to trigger said removable autonomous survival emergency location transmitter. 9. A computer-implemented method suitable for automatically responding to an emergency situation detected at a user location, said method comprising the steps of: continuously monitoring user location data with a removable autonomous survival emergency location transmitter activation device for an indication that the emergency situation has been detected; providing a user-accessible removable autonomous survival emergency location transmitter (ELT) configured to provide an outgoing tracking signal; if the emergency situation is detected, processing monitored user location data into a computer readable instruction; and executing said computer readable instruction by said removable autonomous survival emergency location transmitter activation device to automatically activate said removable autonomous survival emergency location transmitter so as to automatically trigger tracking of the aircraft accident location and establish a remote interface between said removable autonomous survival emergency location transmitter activation device and said removable autonomous survival emergency location transmitter; wherein said removable autonomous survival emergency location transmitter conforms to removable autonomous survival emergency location transmitter standards defined by the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) in functioning to broadcast distinctive signals on designated frequencies, and wherein said removable autonomous survival emergency location transmitter is normally manually activated; and wherein said removable autonomous survival emergency location transmitter activation device includes a processor configured to monitor and process data, and to automatically include Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) position coordinates in said outgoing tracking signal. 10. The computer-implemented method of claim 9 further comprising the steps of: automatically generating at least one of an aural notification of the emergency situation and a visual notification of the emergency situation; and sending said at least one of said aural notification and said visual notification to ground-based government authority via an air-to-ground communication connection. 11. The computer-implemented method of claim 9, further comprising the step of notifying at least one ground-based government authority of activation of said removable autonomous survival emergency location transmitter. 12. The computer-implemented method of claim 11 wherein said at least one ground-based government authority comprises one or more of: the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA), International Maritime Organization (IMO), the Federal Aviation Authority (FAA), the Federal Emergency Management Association (FEMA), the Office of Homeland Security, and a safety and emergency response team. 13. The computer-implemented method of claim 9, further comprising the steps of: in response to said step of executing said computer readable instruction to automatically activate said removable autonomous survival emergency location transmitter, sending an emergency message to at least one ground-based government authority via a satellite-to-ground communication connection; said emergency message including real-time Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) position coordinates; and sending at least one of a real-time emergency signal to ground-based personnel to determine the location of the removable autonomous survival emergency location transmitter using said Global Navigation Satellite System position coordinates and a real-time emergency signal to said ground-based personnel to enable real-time tracking of said removable autonomous survival emergency location transmitter using said Global Navigation Satellite System position coordinates. 14. The computer-implemented method of claim 9 wherein said autonomous survival emergency location transmitter activation device remotely controls a location signal light independently of said removable autonomous survival emergency location transmitter when said removable autonomous survival emergency location transmitter is activated. 15. The computer-implemented method of claim 9 wherein user location data from a programmable attitude sensor device functions to activate said removable autonomous survival emergency location transmitter. 16. The computer-implemented method of claim 9 wherein said monitored user location data comprises data obtained from at least one of a user location, an aircraft, a seaplane, or a marine vessel and includes at least one of an alarm, a transmitter, a radar system, an automatic broadcasting surveillance system, a data recorder, a data acquisition unit, an attitude sensor, a differential pressure sensor, an analog sensor, a temperature sensor, an instability sensor, an emergency frequency sensor, a proximity sensor, and a transponder on board said aircraft, said seaplane, or said marine vessel. 17. The computer-implemented method of claim 9 further comprising the step of recording, either internally or remotely, removable autonomous survival emergency location transmitter communication, information, data, and content for transmittal to a ground-based computer database over an air-to-ground communication connection. 18. The computer-implemented method of claim 9 further comprising the step of establishing an air-to-ground communication connection using one or more of: a control signal, a data command, text content, an e mail, voice, a real-time audio/video communication, a real-time audio/video recording, and an instant message. 19. The computer-implemented method of claim 9 wherein said emergency situation comprises one or more of: a change in attitude greater than a specified amount; a change in altitude greater than a specified amount; a change in speed greater than a specified amount; a change in cabin pressure greater than a specified amount, a change in location greater than a specified distance; a change in a flight plan greater than a specified amount, a change in a transit plan greater than a specified amount, a change in destination location, and a variance in tracking information greater than a specified value. 20. The computer-implemented method of claim 9 wherein said emergency location transmitter conforms to emergency beacons used to transmit distress signals as defined by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), the defined emergency beacon functioning to broadcast distinctive signals on designated frequencies. 21. A removable autonomous survival emergency location transmitter tracking system suitable for use at a user emergency location, said system comprising: a removable autonomous survival emergency location transmitter activation device functioning to obtain monitored emergency location data; a user-accessible removable autonomous survival emergency location transmitter activation device having a user interface configured to provide access to modify, monitor and control of said removable autonomous survival emergency location transmitter activation device, said removable autonomous survival emergency location transmitter activation device further configured to provide access to monitor said monitored emergency location data for identification of a possible emergency or technical problem; and wherein said removable autonomous survival emergency location transmitter activation device further functions to obtain a determination of at least one of said emergency or technical problem, said removable autonomous survival emergency location transmitter activation device further functioning to process said emergency location data into a computer readable instruction; such that said removable autonomous survival emergency location transmitter activation device automatically activates a removable autonomous survival emergency location transmitter (ELT) to continuously communicate with a satellite tracking system and to track and report geo-location of said removable autonomous survival emergency location transmitter in specified and designated time intervals in response to said determination of at least one of said emergency or technical problem, via said computer readable instruction; wherein said removable autonomous survival emergency location transmitter conforms to removable autonomous survival emergency location transmitter standards defined by the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) in functioning to broadcast distinctive signals on designated frequencies, and wherein said removable autonomous survival emergency location transmitter is normally manually activated; and wherein said removable autonomous survival emergency location transmitter activation device includes a processor configured to monitor and process said emergency location data, and to automatically activate and control said removable autonomous survival emergency location transmitter when said at least one of said emergency or technical problem is identified. 22. The removable autonomous survival emergency location transmitter tracking system of claim 21 wherein said user interface comprises hardware and software to enable at least one of local access or remote access to at least one of said removable autonomous survival emergency location transmitter activation device and said removable autonomous survival emergency location transmitter. 23. The removable autonomous survival emergency location transmitter tracking system of claim 21 wherein said removable autonomous survival emergency location transmitter activation device functions; in response to said identification of a possible emergency or technical problem, to activate said removable autonomous survival emergency location transmitter to transmit, via said satellite tracking system, said monitored emergency location data sent for said real-time tracking, said monitored emergency location data including at least one of software, text content, speech, voice, audio, video information, control signal, time, tracking signal, transmitter signal, Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) position coordinates, and geo-location data. 24. The removable autonomous survival emergency location transmitter tracking system of claim 21 wherein said removable autonomous survival emergency location transmitter confirms to emergency beacons used to transmit distress signals as defined by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) and International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), the defined emergency location transmitter functioning to broadcast distinctive signals on designated frequencies, wherein said distress signals and emergency location transmissions include Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) position coordinates included in an outgoing tracking signal. 25. The removable autonomous survival emergency location transmitter tracking system of claim 21 wherein said removable autonomous survival emergency location transmitter activation device comprises a digital programmable passenger personal telemetry sensor device, said programmable passenger personal telemetry sensor device functioning to activate said removable autonomous survival emergency location transmitter to communicate with said satellite tracking system in response to said identification of said possible technical problem or emergency. 26. The removable autonomous survival emergency location transmitter tracking system of claim 21 wherein said removable autonomous survival emergency location transmitter is configured for at least one of: manual activation, manual deactivation, automatic activation, automatic deactivation, activation by remote control, and deactivation by remote control. 27. The removable autonomous survival emergency location transmitter tracking system of claim 21 wherein said automatic activation of said removable autonomous survival emergency location transmitter is initiated on an amphibious aircraft, a seaplane, or a marine vessel by at least one of: an alarm, a transmitter, a radar system, an automatic broadcasting surveillance system, a pressurization system, an engine indicating and crew alerting system, a data recorder, a data acquisition unit, an attitude sensor, a differential pressure sensor, an analog sensor, a temperature sensor, an instability sensor, an emergency frequency sensor, a proximity sensor, transponder, an amphibious aircraft gauge, a seaplane gauge, and a marine vessel gauge. 28. The removable autonomous survival emergency location transmitter tracking system of claim 21 wherein said removable autonomous survival emergency location transmitter responds to activation by remote control and to deactivation by remote control initiated by at least one of a ground station or air traffic control via at least one of a web interface or a satellite communication system. 29. The removable autonomous survival emergency location transmitter tracking system of claim 21 wherein said activation by said removable autonomous survival emergency location transmitter activation device comprises activation in response to at least one of: passenger position indicating beacon, a lost passenger, a passenger personal telemetry signal, a passenger parachute deployment, a passenger raft, a passenger seat, a passenger vest, a passenger vessel emergency or technical problem, a vehicle roll-over, a vehicle attitude change, and a variance in removable autonomous survival emergency location transmitter activation device tracking information different from a specified value. 30. A method suitable for communicating emergency information from a user emergency location, said method comprising: continuously receiving user location data at a removable autonomous survival emergency location transmitter activation device; automatically monitoring user location data information obtained from said received aircraft data, said monitored aircraft data for said real-time tracking including at least one of software, text content, speech, voice, audio, video information, control signal, time, tracking signal, transmitter signal, Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) position coordinates, and geo-location data; when determined from said monitored user location data that an emergency or technical problem is identified, triggering said removable autonomous survival emergency location transmitter activation device to automatically initiate real-time tracking of the removable autonomous survival emergency location transmitter via satellite by activating a removable autonomous survival emergency location transmitter (ELT); wherein said removable autonomous survival emergency location transmitter conforms to emergency beacons used to transmit distress signals as defined by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) and International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), the defined emergency location transmitter functioning to broadcast distinctive signals on designated frequencies, and wherein said removable autonomous survival emergency location transmitter activation device includes a processor configured to monitor and process data, and to automatically activate and control said removable autonomous survival emergency location transmitter when said emergency or technical problem is identified.

The invention is a service for sending and/or receiving messages in a first format intended for a recipient or authority, where the service identifies for the intended recipient a second format for receiving messages, and where the service formats a communication for delivery to the intended recipient, where the message is prepared to be presented to the recipient in the first and/or the second format.

1. A computer-implemented method suitable for communicating emergency information from an aircraft having on-board avionics, said method comprising the steps of: continuously monitoring avionics data from the aircraft avionics at an autonomous Satellite Communications (SATCOM) activation device, the avionics data including at least one of software, text content, speech, voice, audio, video information, time, Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) data and geo-location data; providing a Satellite Communications (SATCOM) transceiver; when determined by said SATCOM activation device that at least one of an emergency or a technical problem is identified in monitored avionics data, processing said monitored avionics data into a computer readable instruction; and using said computer readable instruction to automatically activate and control said SATCOM transceiver, said SATCOM transceiver functioning to automatically trigger real-time tracking of the aircraft via Satellite; wherein the aircraft SATCOM transceiver conforms to SATCOM transceiver standards defined by the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) in functioning to provide aircraft positioning on broadcast distinctive signals in designated frequencies; and wherein said autonomous Satellite Communications (SATCOM) transceiver activation device includes a processor configured to monitor and process avionics data, and to automatically activate and control said aircraft SATCOM transceiver, when said emergency or technical problem is identified. 2. The computer-implemented method of claim 1, further comprising the step of initiating tracking of the aircraft by at least one government authority in response to said step of using said computer readable instruction to automatically activate and control said aircraft Satellite Communications (SATCOM) transceiver. 3. The computer-implemented method of claim 1, further comprising the step of enabling remote control of said on-board aircraft avionics by a ground-based emergency service authority in response to said step of using said computer readable instruction to automatically activate and control said aircraft Satellite Communications (SATCOM) transceiver. 4. The computer-implemented method of claim 1, wherein said monitored avionics data comprises information from at least one of: aircraft avionics, an aircraft computer, an aircraft sensor, and an aircraft instrument and may be included said real-time tracking information. 5. The computer-implemented method of claim 1, further comprising the step of initiating an on-board alarm in response to said step of using said computer readable instruction to automatically activate and control said aircraft Satellite Communications (SATCOM) transceiver. 6. The computer-implemented method of claim 1, wherein said computer readable instruction comprises information about at least one of: real-time tracking of the aircraft by Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) data, real-time tracking of the aircraft by Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) data included in the Satellite Communications (SATCOM) transceiver signal, Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) location and coordinates for the aircraft, geo-location information for the aircraft, an aircraft position obtained by triangulation, and communication satellite information for the location of the aircraft. 7. The computer-implemented method of claim 1, further comprising the step of remotely accessing said monitored avionics data by at least one government authority in response to said step of using said computer readable instruction to automatically activate and control said aircraft Satellite Communications (SATCOM) transceiver. 8. The computer-implemented method of claim 1, further comprising the step of remotely controlling at least one of an aircraft instrument, an aircraft device, and an aircraft avionics component by at least one ground-based government authority in response to said step of using said computer readable instruction to automatically activate and control said aircraft Satellite Communications (SATCOM) transceiver. 9. A computer-implemented method suitable for automatically responding to an emergency detected from aircraft avionics data, said method comprising the steps of: continuously monitoring the aircraft avionics data for an indication of an inflight emergency situation; providing an autonomous aircraft Satellite Communications (SATCOM) transceiver; providing a Satellite Communications (SATCOM) transceiver activation device; if said inflight emergency situation is determined, processing the avionics data into a computer readable instruction; and executing said computer readable instruction by said Satellite Communications (SATCOM) transceiver activation device to automatically activate said aircraft location Satellite Communications (SATCOM) transceiver so as to automatically trigger tracking of the aircraft and establish a remote interface with said Satellite Communications (SATCOM) transceiver activation device; wherein said aircraft Satellite Communications (SATCOM) transceiver conforms to Satellite Communications (SATCOM) transceiver standards defined by the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) in functioning to broadcast distinctive signals on designated frequencies; and wherein said Satellite Communications (SATCOM) transceiver activation device includes a processor configured to monitor and process avionics data, and to automatically activate and control said aircraft Satellite Communications (SATCOM) transceiver when said emergency or technical problem is identified. 10. The computer-implemented method of claim 9, further comprising the steps of: automatically generating at least one of an aural notification of the emergency detected from aircraft avionics data and a visual notification of the emergency detected from aircraft avionics data; and sending said at least one of said aural notification and said visual notification to ground-based air traffic personnel via an air-to-ground communication connection. 11. The computer-implemented method of claim 9, further comprising the step of: notifying at least one ground-based government authority of activation of said aircraft Satellite Communications (SATCOM) transceiver. 12. The computer-implemented method of claim 9, wherein said at least one ground-based government authority comprises one or more of: the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA), Air-Sea Rescue (ASR), the Federal Aviation Authority (FAA), the Federal Emergency Management Association (FEMA), the Office of Homeland Security, and a safety and emergency response team. 13. The computer-implemented method of claim 9, further comprising the steps of: in response to said step of automatically activating said aircraft Satellite Communications (SATCOM) transceiver, sending an inflight emergency message to at least one ground-based government authority via an air-to-ground communication connection; and sending a real-time Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) data and or geo-location data for the aircraft to said ground-based air traffic personnel to enable tracking of said aircraft location. 14. The computer-implemented method of claim 9, wherein said step of sending said real-time Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) data and or geo-location data for the aircraft comprises the step of using satellite positioning to determine aircraft airspeed, altitude, latitude and longitude. 15. The computer-implemented method of claim 9, wherein the autonomous Satellite Communications (SATCOM) activation device comprises a programmable attitude sensor device functioning to activate said aircraft Satellite Communications (SATCOM) transceiver. 16. The computer-implemented method of claim 9, wherein the aircraft avionics comprises at least one of: an aircraft sensor, an aircraft alarm, an aircraft transmitter, an aircraft radar system, a surveillance system, an automatic broadcasting surveillance system, a flight data recorder, a flight data acquisition unit, an attitude sensor, a differential pressure sensor, an analog sensor, a temperature sensor, an aircraft instability sensor, an emergency frequency sensor, a cockpit door sensor, a proximity sensor, a transponder, and an aircraft gauge. 17. The computer-implemented method of claim 9, further comprising the step of remotely recording inflight aircraft communication, information, data, and content for transmittal to a ground-based computer database over an air-to-ground communication connection. 18. The computer-implemented method of claim 9, further comprising the step of establishing an air-to-ground communication connection using at least one of: text content, e-mail, voice, a real-time audio/video communication, a real-time audio/video recording, and an instant message. 19. The computer-implemented method of claim 9, wherein said emergency or technical problem identified in monitored avionics data comprise at least one of: a change in aircraft attitude greater than a specified amount; a change in aircraft altitude greater than a specified amount; a change in aircraft speed greater than a specified amount; a change in cabin pressure greater than a specified amount; a change in aircraft location greater than a specified distance; a change in the flight plan greater than a specified amount; a change in aircraft destination location; and a variance in aircraft tracking information greater than a specified value. 20. The computer-implemented method of claim 9, further comprising the step of populating a flight information display panel with aircraft data including at least one of: a flight destination of the aircraft, a flight origin of the aircraft, an aircraft flight number, and a category of emergency information from the aircraft. 21. An aircraft tracking system suitable for use onboard an aircraft, said system comprising: an autonomous Satellite Communications (SATCOM) transceiver activation device functioning to obtain monitored aircraft avionics data; a Satellite Communications (SATCOM) transceiver activation device user interface configured to provide access to modify, monitor and control of the Satellite Communications (SATCOM) transceiver activation device and configured to provide access to monitor at least one of aircraft avionics, aircraft gauges and aircraft devices for identification of possible inflight emergency or inflight technical problems; wherein said Satellite Communications (SATCOM) transceiver activation device functions to obtain a determination of at least one said inflight emergency or technical problem in said monitored avionics data, said Satellite Communications (SATCOM) transceiver activation device further functioning to process said monitored avionics data into a computer readable instruction, such that said Satellite Communications (SATCOM) transceiver activation device functions to automatically activate an Satellite Communications (SATCOM) transceiver in the aircraft to continuously communicate with a satellite tracking system and to track and report geo-location of the aircraft, in specified and designated time intervals in response to said determination of at least one said inflight technical problem, via said computer readable instruction; wherein said aircraft Satellite Communications (SATCOM) transceiver conforms to Satellite Communications (SATCOM) transceiver standards defined by the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) in functioning to broadcast distinctive signals on designated frequencies; and wherein said Satellite Communications (SATCOM) transceiver activation device includes a processor configured to monitor and process avionics data, and to automatically activate and control said aircraft Satellite Communications (SATCOM) transceiver when said emergency or technical problem is identified. 22. The aircraft tracking system of claim 21, wherein said user interface comprises hardware and software to enable access to at least one of: said aircraft avionics, said aircraft gauges, and said aircraft devices. 23. The aircraft tracking system of claim 21, further comprising an onboard Satellite Communications (SATCOM) device, said onboard Satellite Communications (SATCOM) device functioning to activate said aircraft tracking system in response to said identification of a possible inflight technical problem or inflight emergency. 24. The aircraft tracking system of claim 21, wherein said aircraft avionics comprises a digital programmable attitude sensor device, said programmable attitude sensor device functioning to activate said aircraft-to-satellite tracking system in response to said identification of a possible inflight technical problem or inflight emergency. 25. The aircraft tracking system of claim 21, wherein said aircraft-to-satellite tracking system is configured for at least one of: manual activation, manual deactivation, automatic activation, automatic deactivation, activation by remote control, and deactivation by remote control; said activation by remote control and said deactivation by remote control are initiated by one of a ground station or air traffic control via a web interface and a satellite communication system. 26. The aircraft tracking system of claim 21, wherein said automatic activation of said aircraft-to-satellite tracking system is initiated by at least one of: an aircraft sensor, an aircraft avionic component, an aircraft alarm, an aircraft transmitter, an aircraft transponder, an aircraft radar system, a surveillance system, an automatic dependent surveillance system, a pressurization system, an engine indicating and crew alerting system, an aircraft flight data recorder, an aircraft flight data acquisition unit, an aircraft attitude sensor, a differential pressure sensor, an analog sensor, a temperature sensor, an aircraft instability sensor, an emergency frequency sensor, a cockpit door sensor, an aircraft gauge, and a proximity sensor. 27. The aircraft tracking system of claim 21, wherein said automatic activation of said aircraft-to-satellite tracking system tracks the aircraft by at least one of; Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) data, aircraft geo-location information or aircraft Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) location coordinates to automatically track the aircraft by acquiring at least one of; time-stamped Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) data, aircraft geo-location information or time-stamped aircraft Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) location coordinates, a distress beacon signal or Air-Sea Rescue (ASR) data and satellite coordinates. 28. The aircraft tracking system of claim 21, wherein said activation by said Satellite Communications (SATCOM) transceiver activation device comprises activation of at least one: Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) location coordinates, Emergency Location Transmitter (ELT) or Emergency Location Transmitter Distress Tracker (ELT-DT), Automatic Dependent Surveillance System (ADS) concurrent to activation of said Satellite Communications (SATCOM) transceiver for real-time aircraft tracking. 29. The aircraft tracking system of claim 21, wherein said activation by said Satellite Communications (SATCOM) transceiver activation device comprises activation in response to at least one of: a change in aircraft attitude greater than a specified amount; a change in aircraft location greater than a specified distance; a change in aircraft altitude greater than a specified amount; a change in aircraft speed greater than a specified amount; a change in the flight plan greater than a specified amount, a change in aircraft destination location, and a variance in aircraft tracking information greater than a specified value. 30. A method suitable for communicating emergency information from an aircraft having on-board aircraft avionics, the method comprising: continuously receiving aircraft avionics data at an autonomous Satellite Communications (SATCOM) transceiver activation device; automatically monitoring avionics device information obtained from said aircraft avionics data; when determined from said monitored avionics device information that an emergency or technical problem is identified:

The invention is a service for sending and/or receiving messages in a first format intended for a recipient or authority, where the service identifies for the intended recipient a second format for receiving messages, and where the service formats a communication for delivery to the intended recipient, where the message is prepared to be presented to the recipient in the first and/or the second format.1. A computer-implemented method suitable for communicating emergency information from an aircraft having on-board avionics, said method comprising the steps of: continuously monitoring avionics data from the aircraft avionics at an autonomous Satellite Communications (SATCOM) activation device, the avionics data including at least one of software, text content, speech, voice, audio, video information, time, Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) data and geo-location data; providing a Satellite Communications (SATCOM) transceiver; when determined by said SATCOM activation device that at least one of an emergency or a technical problem is identified in monitored avionics data, processing said monitored avionics data into a computer readable instruction; and using said computer readable instruction to automatically activate and control said SATCOM transceiver, said SATCOM transceiver functioning to automatically trigger real-time tracking of the aircraft via Satellite; wherein the aircraft SATCOM transceiver conforms to SATCOM transceiver standards defined by the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) in functioning to provide aircraft positioning on broadcast distinctive signals in designated frequencies; and wherein said autonomous Satellite Communications (SATCOM) transceiver activation device includes a processor configured to monitor and process avionics data, and to automatically activate and control said aircraft SATCOM transceiver, when said emergency or technical problem is identified. 2. The computer-implemented method of claim 1, further comprising the step of initiating tracking of the aircraft by at least one government authority in response to said step of using said computer readable instruction to automatically activate and control said aircraft Satellite Communications (SATCOM) transceiver. 3. The computer-implemented method of claim 1, further comprising the step of enabling remote control of said on-board aircraft avionics by a ground-based emergency service authority in response to said step of using said computer readable instruction to automatically activate and control said aircraft Satellite Communications (SATCOM) transceiver. 4. The computer-implemented method of claim 1, wherein said monitored avionics data comprises information from at least one of: aircraft avionics, an aircraft computer, an aircraft sensor, and an aircraft instrument and may be included said real-time tracking information. 5. The computer-implemented method of claim 1, further comprising the step of initiating an on-board alarm in response to said step of using said computer readable instruction to automatically activate and control said aircraft Satellite Communications (SATCOM) transceiver. 6. The computer-implemented method of claim 1, wherein said computer readable instruction comprises information about at least one of: real-time tracking of the aircraft by Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) data, real-time tracking of the aircraft by Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) data included in the Satellite Communications (SATCOM) transceiver signal, Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) location and coordinates for the aircraft, geo-location information for the aircraft, an aircraft position obtained by triangulation, and communication satellite information for the location of the aircraft. 7. The computer-implemented method of claim 1, further comprising the step of remotely accessing said monitored avionics data by at least one government authority in response to said step of using said computer readable instruction to automatically activate and control said aircraft Satellite Communications (SATCOM) transceiver. 8. The computer-implemented method of claim 1, further comprising the step of remotely controlling at least one of an aircraft instrument, an aircraft device, and an aircraft avionics component by at least one ground-based government authority in response to said step of using said computer readable instruction to automatically activate and control said aircraft Satellite Communications (SATCOM) transceiver. 9. A computer-implemented method suitable for automatically responding to an emergency detected from aircraft avionics data, said method comprising the steps of: continuously monitoring the aircraft avionics data for an indication of an inflight emergency situation; providing an autonomous aircraft Satellite Communications (SATCOM) transceiver; providing a Satellite Communications (SATCOM) transceiver activation device; if said inflight emergency situation is determined, processing the avionics data into a computer readable instruction; and executing said computer readable instruction by said Satellite Communications (SATCOM) transceiver activation device to automatically activate said aircraft location Satellite Communications (SATCOM) transceiver so as to automatically trigger tracking of the aircraft and establish a remote interface with said Satellite Communications (SATCOM) transceiver activation device; wherein said aircraft Satellite Communications (SATCOM) transceiver conforms to Satellite Communications (SATCOM) transceiver standards defined by the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) in functioning to broadcast distinctive signals on designated frequencies; and wherein said Satellite Communications (SATCOM) transceiver activation device includes a processor configured to monitor and process avionics data, and to automatically activate and control said aircraft Satellite Communications (SATCOM) transceiver when said emergency or technical problem is identified. 10. The computer-implemented method of claim 9, further comprising the steps of: automatically generating at least one of an aural notification of the emergency detected from aircraft avionics data and a visual notification of the emergency detected from aircraft avionics data; and sending said at least one of said aural notification and said visual notification to ground-based air traffic personnel via an air-to-ground communication connection. 11. The computer-implemented method of claim 9, further comprising the step of: notifying at least one ground-based government authority of activation of said aircraft Satellite Communications (SATCOM) transceiver. 12. The computer-implemented method of claim 9, wherein said at least one ground-based government authority comprises one or more of: the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA), Air-Sea Rescue (ASR), the Federal Aviation Authority (FAA), the Federal Emergency Management Association (FEMA), the Office of Homeland Security, and a safety and emergency response team. 13. The computer-implemented method of claim 9, further comprising the steps of: in response to said step of automatically activating said aircraft Satellite Communications (SATCOM) transceiver, sending an inflight emergency message to at least one ground-based government authority via an air-to-ground communication connection; and sending a real-time Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) data and or geo-location data for the aircraft to said ground-based air traffic personnel to enable tracking of said aircraft location. 14. The computer-implemented method of claim 9, wherein said step of sending said real-time Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) data and or geo-location data for the aircraft comprises the step of using satellite positioning to determine aircraft airspeed, altitude, latitude and longitude. 15. The computer-implemented method of claim 9, wherein the autonomous Satellite Communications (SATCOM) activation device comprises a programmable attitude sensor device functioning to activate said aircraft Satellite Communications (SATCOM) transceiver. 16. The computer-implemented method of claim 9, wherein the aircraft avionics comprises at least one of: an aircraft sensor, an aircraft alarm, an aircraft transmitter, an aircraft radar system, a surveillance system, an automatic broadcasting surveillance system, a flight data recorder, a flight data acquisition unit, an attitude sensor, a differential pressure sensor, an analog sensor, a temperature sensor, an aircraft instability sensor, an emergency frequency sensor, a cockpit door sensor, a proximity sensor, a transponder, and an aircraft gauge. 17. The computer-implemented method of claim 9, further comprising the step of remotely recording inflight aircraft communication, information, data, and content for transmittal to a ground-based computer database over an air-to-ground communication connection. 18. The computer-implemented method of claim 9, further comprising the step of establishing an air-to-ground communication connection using at least one of: text content, e-mail, voice, a real-time audio/video communication, a real-time audio/video recording, and an instant message. 19. The computer-implemented method of claim 9, wherein said emergency or technical problem identified in monitored avionics data comprise at least one of: a change in aircraft attitude greater than a specified amount; a change in aircraft altitude greater than a specified amount; a change in aircraft speed greater than a specified amount; a change in cabin pressure greater than a specified amount; a change in aircraft location greater than a specified distance; a change in the flight plan greater than a specified amount; a change in aircraft destination location; and a variance in aircraft tracking information greater than a specified value. 20. The computer-implemented method of claim 9, further comprising the step of populating a flight information display panel with aircraft data including at least one of: a flight destination of the aircraft, a flight origin of the aircraft, an aircraft flight number, and a category of emergency information from the aircraft. 21. An aircraft tracking system suitable for use onboard an aircraft, said system comprising: an autonomous Satellite Communications (SATCOM) transceiver activation device functioning to obtain monitored aircraft avionics data; a Satellite Communications (SATCOM) transceiver activation device user interface configured to provide access to modify, monitor and control of the Satellite Communications (SATCOM) transceiver activation device and configured to provide access to monitor at least one of aircraft avionics, aircraft gauges and aircraft devices for identification of possible inflight emergency or inflight technical problems; wherein said Satellite Communications (SATCOM) transceiver activation device functions to obtain a determination of at least one said inflight emergency or technical problem in said monitored avionics data, said Satellite Communications (SATCOM) transceiver activation device further functioning to process said monitored avionics data into a computer readable instruction, such that said Satellite Communications (SATCOM) transceiver activation device functions to automatically activate an Satellite Communications (SATCOM) transceiver in the aircraft to continuously communicate with a satellite tracking system and to track and report geo-location of the aircraft, in specified and designated time intervals in response to said determination of at least one said inflight technical problem, via said computer readable instruction; wherein said aircraft Satellite Communications (SATCOM) transceiver conforms to Satellite Communications (SATCOM) transceiver standards defined by the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) in functioning to broadcast distinctive signals on designated frequencies; and wherein said Satellite Communications (SATCOM) transceiver activation device includes a processor configured to monitor and process avionics data, and to automatically activate and control said aircraft Satellite Communications (SATCOM) transceiver when said emergency or technical problem is identified. 22. The aircraft tracking system of claim 21, wherein said user interface comprises hardware and software to enable access to at least one of: said aircraft avionics, said aircraft gauges, and said aircraft devices. 23. The aircraft tracking system of claim 21, further comprising an onboard Satellite Communications (SATCOM) device, said onboard Satellite Communications (SATCOM) device functioning to activate said aircraft tracking system in response to said identification of a possible inflight technical problem or inflight emergency. 24. The aircraft tracking system of claim 21, wherein said aircraft avionics comprises a digital programmable attitude sensor device, said programmable attitude sensor device functioning to activate said aircraft-to-satellite tracking system in response to said identification of a possible inflight technical problem or inflight emergency. 25. The aircraft tracking system of claim 21, wherein said aircraft-to-satellite tracking system is configured for at least one of: manual activation, manual deactivation, automatic activation, automatic deactivation, activation by remote control, and deactivation by remote control; said activation by remote control and said deactivation by remote control are initiated by one of a ground station or air traffic control via a web interface and a satellite communication system. 26. The aircraft tracking system of claim 21, wherein said automatic activation of said aircraft-to-satellite tracking system is initiated by at least one of: an aircraft sensor, an aircraft avionic component, an aircraft alarm, an aircraft transmitter, an aircraft transponder, an aircraft radar system, a surveillance system, an automatic dependent surveillance system, a pressurization system, an engine indicating and crew alerting system, an aircraft flight data recorder, an aircraft flight data acquisition unit, an aircraft attitude sensor, a differential pressure sensor, an analog sensor, a temperature sensor, an aircraft instability sensor, an emergency frequency sensor, a cockpit door sensor, an aircraft gauge, and a proximity sensor. 27. The aircraft tracking system of claim 21, wherein said automatic activation of said aircraft-to-satellite tracking system tracks the aircraft by at least one of; Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) data, aircraft geo-location information or aircraft Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) location coordinates to automatically track the aircraft by acquiring at least one of; time-stamped Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) data, aircraft geo-location information or time-stamped aircraft Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) location coordinates, a distress beacon signal or Air-Sea Rescue (ASR) data and satellite coordinates. 28. The aircraft tracking system of claim 21, wherein said activation by said Satellite Communications (SATCOM) transceiver activation device comprises activation of at least one: Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) location coordinates, Emergency Location Transmitter (ELT) or Emergency Location Transmitter Distress Tracker (ELT-DT), Automatic Dependent Surveillance System (ADS) concurrent to activation of said Satellite Communications (SATCOM) transceiver for real-time aircraft tracking. 29. The aircraft tracking system of claim 21, wherein said activation by said Satellite Communications (SATCOM) transceiver activation device comprises activation in response to at least one of: a change in aircraft attitude greater than a specified amount; a change in aircraft location greater than a specified distance; a change in aircraft altitude greater than a specified amount; a change in aircraft speed greater than a specified amount; a change in the flight plan greater than a specified amount, a change in aircraft destination location, and a variance in aircraft tracking information greater than a specified value. 30. A method suitable for communicating emergency information from an aircraft having on-board aircraft avionics, the method comprising: continuously receiving aircraft avionics data at an autonomous Satellite Communications (SATCOM) transceiver activation device; automatically monitoring avionics device information obtained from said aircraft avionics data; when determined from said monitored avionics device information that an emergency or technical problem is identified:

One illustrative system disclosed herein includes a computing device that comprises a memory and a processor in communication with the memory. The system also includes an xPC target machine that is capable of achieving sampling rates of at least 100 khz and in communication with the computing device and a user device that includes a sensor and a haptic output device. The processor generates a simulate reality environment and determines a haptic effect based on the simulated reality environment or a sensor signal from the sensor. The processor transmits data about a parameter of the haptic effect or the sensor signal to the xPC target machine, which determines the parameter of the haptic effect and generates, in substantially real time, a haptic signal. The xPC target machine transmits the haptic signal to the haptic output device, which is configured to receive the haptic signal and output the haptic effect.

1. (canceled) 2. A computing device comprising: a processor and a non-transitory computer-readable medium communicatively coupled to the processor, wherein the processor is configured to execute processor executable instructions stored in the non-transitory computer-readable medium to: generate a simulated reality environment; obtain data indicating a parameter of a haptic effect associated with the simulated reality environment; determine, based on the parameter of the haptic effect, whether the haptic effect is a static haptic effect or a dynamic haptic effect; determine, based on the parameter of the haptic effect, whether the haptic effect is a periodic haptic effect or an aperiodic haptic effect; generate, in substantially real time as the processor receives the data about the parameter of the haptic effect, a haptic signal associated with the haptic effect, wherein the processor is capable of processing the data about the parameter of the haptic effect at sampling rates of at least 20 kHz and generating the haptic signal that has a frequency between substantially 1 Hz and 20 kHz; and transmit the haptic signal associated with the haptic effect to a haptic output device. 3. The computing device of claim 2, wherein the processor is further configured to execute processor executable instructions stored in the non-transitory computer-readable medium to: receive, from a sensor configured to capture information about a user, a sensor signal indicating information about the user; and determine that the haptic effect is a dynamic haptic effect based at least in part on the sensor signal, wherein the haptic signal is based on the dynamic haptic effect. 4. The computing device of claim 3, wherein the processor is further configured to execute processor executable instructions stored in the non-transitory computer-readable medium to determine, based on the parameter of the haptic effect, that the dynamic haptic effect is a periodic dynamic haptic effect, wherein the periodic dynamic haptic effect is based on a periodic waveform, and wherein the haptic signal is based on the periodic waveform. 5. The computing device of claim 3, wherein the processor is further configured to execute processor executable instructions stored in the non-transitory computer-readable medium to determine, based on the parameter of the haptic effect, that the dynamic haptic effect is an aperiodic dynamic haptic effect, wherein the aperiodic dynamic haptic effect is based on an aperiodic waveform, and wherein the haptic signal is based on the aperiodic waveform. 6. The computing device of claim 2, wherein the processor is further configured to execute processor executable instructions stored in the non-transitory computer-readable medium to determine, based on the parameter of the haptic effect, that the haptic effect is a static haptic effect, wherein the static haptic effect is a predetermined haptic effect, and wherein the haptic signal is associated with the static haptic effect. 7. The computing device of claim 6, wherein the processor is further configured to execute processor executable instructions stored in the non-transitory computer-readable medium to determine, based on the parameter of the haptic effect, that the static haptic effect is a periodic static haptic effect, wherein the periodic static haptic effect is based on a periodic waveform, and wherein the haptic signal based on the periodic waveform. 8. The computing device of claim 6, wherein the processor is further configured to execute processor executable instructions stored in the non-transitory computer-readable medium to determine, based on the parameter of the haptic effect, that the static haptic effect is an aperiodic static haptic effect, wherein the aperiodic static haptic effect is based on an aperiodic waveform and wherein the haptic signal is based on the aperiodic waveform. 9. A method comprising: generating, by a processor, a simulated reality environment; obtaining, by the processor, data indicating a parameter of a haptic effect associated with the simulated reality environment; determining, by the processor and based on the parameter of the haptic effect, whether the haptic effect is a static haptic effect or a dynamic haptic effect; determining, by the processor and based on the parameter of the haptic effect, whether the haptic effect is a periodic haptic effect or an aperiodic haptic effect; generating, by the processor and in substantially real time as the processor receives the data about the parameter of the haptic effect, a haptic signal associated with the haptic effect, wherein the processor is capable of processing the data about the parameter of the haptic effect at sampling rates of at least 20 kHz and generating the haptic signal that has a frequency between substantially 1 Hz and 20 kHz; and transmitting, by the processor, the haptic signal associated with the haptic effect to a haptic output device. 10. The method of claim 9, further comprising: receiving, by the processor, a sensor signal indicating information about a user; and determining, by the processor, that the haptic effect is a dynamic haptic effect based at least in part on the sensor signal, wherein the haptic signal is based on the dynamic haptic effect. 11. The method of claim 10, further comprising: determining, by the processor and based on the parameter of the haptic effect, that the dynamic haptic effect is a periodic dynamic haptic effect and wherein the periodic dynamic haptic effect is based on a periodic waveform, and wherein the haptic signal is based on the periodic waveform. 12. The method of claim 10, further comprising: determining, by the processor and based on the parameter of the haptic effect, that the dynamic haptic effect is an aperiodic dynamic haptic effect, wherein the aperiodic dynamic haptic effect is based on an aperiodic waveform, and wherein the haptic signal is based on the aperiodic waveform. 13. The method of claim 9, further comprising: determining, by the processor and based on the parameter of the haptic effect, that the haptic effect is a static haptic effect, wherein the static haptic effect is a predetermined haptic effect, and wherein the haptic signal is based on the static haptic effect. 14. The method of claim 13, further comprising: determining, by the processor and based on the parameter of the haptic effect, that the static haptic effect is a periodic static haptic effect, wherein the periodic static haptic effect is based on a periodic waveform, and wherein the haptic signal based on the periodic waveform. 15. The method of claim 13, further comprising: determining, by the processor and based on the parameter of the haptic effect, that the static haptic effect is an aperiodic static haptic effect, wherein the aperiodic static haptic effect is based on an aperiodic waveform and wherein the haptic signal is based on the aperiodic waveform. 16. A non-transitory computer-readable medium comprising processor-executable program code configured to cause a processor to: generate a simulated reality environment; obtain data indicating a parameter of a haptic effect associated with the simulated reality environment; determine, based on the parameter of the haptic effect, whether the haptic effect is a static haptic effect or a dynamic haptic effect; determine, based on the parameter of the haptic effect, whether the haptic effect is a periodic haptic effect or an aperiodic haptic effect; generate, in substantially real time as the processor receives the data about the parameter of the haptic effect, a haptic signal associated with the haptic effect, wherein the processor is capable of processing the data about the parameter of the haptic effect at sampling rates of at least 20 kHz and generating the haptic signal that has a frequency between substantially 1 Hz and 20 kHz; and transmit the haptic signal associated with the haptic effect to a haptic output device. 17. The non-transitory computer-readable medium of claim 16, wherein the processor is further configured to execute processor-executable program code stored in the non-transitory computer-readable medium to: receive a sensor signal indicating information about a user; and determine that the haptic effect is a dynamic haptic effect based at least in part on the sensor signal, wherein the haptic signal is based on the dynamic haptic effect. 18. The non-transitory computer-readable medium of claim 17, wherein the processor is further configured to execute processor-executable program code stored in the non-transitory computer-readable medium to determine, based on the parameter of the haptic effect, that the dynamic haptic effect is a periodic dynamic haptic effect or an aperiodic dynamic haptic effect, wherein the periodic dynamic haptic effect is based on a periodic waveform and the aperiodic dynamic haptic effect is based on an aperiodic waveform, and wherein the haptic signal is based on the periodic waveform or the aperiodic waveform. 19. The non-transitory computer-readable medium of claim 16, wherein the processor is further configured to execute processor-executable program code stored in the non-transitory computer-readable medium to determine, based on the parameter of the haptic effect, that the haptic effect is a static haptic effect, wherein the static haptic effect is a predetermined haptic effect, and wherein the haptic signal is associated with the static haptic effect. 20. The non-transitory computer-readable medium of claim 19, wherein the processor is further configured to execute processor-executable program code stored in the non-transitory computer-readable medium to determine, based on the parameter of the haptic effect, that the static haptic effect is a periodic static haptic effect or an aperiodic static haptic effect, wherein the periodic static haptic effect is based on a periodic waveform and the aperiodic static haptic effect is based on an aperiodic waveform, and wherein the haptic signal based on the periodic waveform or the aperiodic waveform.

One illustrative system disclosed herein includes a computing device that comprises a memory and a processor in communication with the memory. The system also includes an xPC target machine that is capable of achieving sampling rates of at least 100 khz and in communication with the computing device and a user device that includes a sensor and a haptic output device. The processor generates a simulate reality environment and determines a haptic effect based on the simulated reality environment or a sensor signal from the sensor. The processor transmits data about a parameter of the haptic effect or the sensor signal to the xPC target machine, which determines the parameter of the haptic effect and generates, in substantially real time, a haptic signal. The xPC target machine transmits the haptic signal to the haptic output device, which is configured to receive the haptic signal and output the haptic effect.1. (canceled) 2. A computing device comprising: a processor and a non-transitory computer-readable medium communicatively coupled to the processor, wherein the processor is configured to execute processor executable instructions stored in the non-transitory computer-readable medium to: generate a simulated reality environment; obtain data indicating a parameter of a haptic effect associated with the simulated reality environment; determine, based on the parameter of the haptic effect, whether the haptic effect is a static haptic effect or a dynamic haptic effect; determine, based on the parameter of the haptic effect, whether the haptic effect is a periodic haptic effect or an aperiodic haptic effect; generate, in substantially real time as the processor receives the data about the parameter of the haptic effect, a haptic signal associated with the haptic effect, wherein the processor is capable of processing the data about the parameter of the haptic effect at sampling rates of at least 20 kHz and generating the haptic signal that has a frequency between substantially 1 Hz and 20 kHz; and transmit the haptic signal associated with the haptic effect to a haptic output device. 3. The computing device of claim 2, wherein the processor is further configured to execute processor executable instructions stored in the non-transitory computer-readable medium to: receive, from a sensor configured to capture information about a user, a sensor signal indicating information about the user; and determine that the haptic effect is a dynamic haptic effect based at least in part on the sensor signal, wherein the haptic signal is based on the dynamic haptic effect. 4. The computing device of claim 3, wherein the processor is further configured to execute processor executable instructions stored in the non-transitory computer-readable medium to determine, based on the parameter of the haptic effect, that the dynamic haptic effect is a periodic dynamic haptic effect, wherein the periodic dynamic haptic effect is based on a periodic waveform, and wherein the haptic signal is based on the periodic waveform. 5. The computing device of claim 3, wherein the processor is further configured to execute processor executable instructions stored in the non-transitory computer-readable medium to determine, based on the parameter of the haptic effect, that the dynamic haptic effect is an aperiodic dynamic haptic effect, wherein the aperiodic dynamic haptic effect is based on an aperiodic waveform, and wherein the haptic signal is based on the aperiodic waveform. 6. The computing device of claim 2, wherein the processor is further configured to execute processor executable instructions stored in the non-transitory computer-readable medium to determine, based on the parameter of the haptic effect, that the haptic effect is a static haptic effect, wherein the static haptic effect is a predetermined haptic effect, and wherein the haptic signal is associated with the static haptic effect. 7. The computing device of claim 6, wherein the processor is further configured to execute processor executable instructions stored in the non-transitory computer-readable medium to determine, based on the parameter of the haptic effect, that the static haptic effect is a periodic static haptic effect, wherein the periodic static haptic effect is based on a periodic waveform, and wherein the haptic signal based on the periodic waveform. 8. The computing device of claim 6, wherein the processor is further configured to execute processor executable instructions stored in the non-transitory computer-readable medium to determine, based on the parameter of the haptic effect, that the static haptic effect is an aperiodic static haptic effect, wherein the aperiodic static haptic effect is based on an aperiodic waveform and wherein the haptic signal is based on the aperiodic waveform. 9. A method comprising: generating, by a processor, a simulated reality environment; obtaining, by the processor, data indicating a parameter of a haptic effect associated with the simulated reality environment; determining, by the processor and based on the parameter of the haptic effect, whether the haptic effect is a static haptic effect or a dynamic haptic effect; determining, by the processor and based on the parameter of the haptic effect, whether the haptic effect is a periodic haptic effect or an aperiodic haptic effect; generating, by the processor and in substantially real time as the processor receives the data about the parameter of the haptic effect, a haptic signal associated with the haptic effect, wherein the processor is capable of processing the data about the parameter of the haptic effect at sampling rates of at least 20 kHz and generating the haptic signal that has a frequency between substantially 1 Hz and 20 kHz; and transmitting, by the processor, the haptic signal associated with the haptic effect to a haptic output device. 10. The method of claim 9, further comprising: receiving, by the processor, a sensor signal indicating information about a user; and determining, by the processor, that the haptic effect is a dynamic haptic effect based at least in part on the sensor signal, wherein the haptic signal is based on the dynamic haptic effect. 11. The method of claim 10, further comprising: determining, by the processor and based on the parameter of the haptic effect, that the dynamic haptic effect is a periodic dynamic haptic effect and wherein the periodic dynamic haptic effect is based on a periodic waveform, and wherein the haptic signal is based on the periodic waveform. 12. The method of claim 10, further comprising: determining, by the processor and based on the parameter of the haptic effect, that the dynamic haptic effect is an aperiodic dynamic haptic effect, wherein the aperiodic dynamic haptic effect is based on an aperiodic waveform, and wherein the haptic signal is based on the aperiodic waveform. 13. The method of claim 9, further comprising: determining, by the processor and based on the parameter of the haptic effect, that the haptic effect is a static haptic effect, wherein the static haptic effect is a predetermined haptic effect, and wherein the haptic signal is based on the static haptic effect. 14. The method of claim 13, further comprising: determining, by the processor and based on the parameter of the haptic effect, that the static haptic effect is a periodic static haptic effect, wherein the periodic static haptic effect is based on a periodic waveform, and wherein the haptic signal based on the periodic waveform. 15. The method of claim 13, further comprising: determining, by the processor and based on the parameter of the haptic effect, that the static haptic effect is an aperiodic static haptic effect, wherein the aperiodic static haptic effect is based on an aperiodic waveform and wherein the haptic signal is based on the aperiodic waveform. 16. A non-transitory computer-readable medium comprising processor-executable program code configured to cause a processor to: generate a simulated reality environment; obtain data indicating a parameter of a haptic effect associated with the simulated reality environment; determine, based on the parameter of the haptic effect, whether the haptic effect is a static haptic effect or a dynamic haptic effect; determine, based on the parameter of the haptic effect, whether the haptic effect is a periodic haptic effect or an aperiodic haptic effect; generate, in substantially real time as the processor receives the data about the parameter of the haptic effect, a haptic signal associated with the haptic effect, wherein the processor is capable of processing the data about the parameter of the haptic effect at sampling rates of at least 20 kHz and generating the haptic signal that has a frequency between substantially 1 Hz and 20 kHz; and transmit the haptic signal associated with the haptic effect to a haptic output device. 17. The non-transitory computer-readable medium of claim 16, wherein the processor is further configured to execute processor-executable program code stored in the non-transitory computer-readable medium to: receive a sensor signal indicating information about a user; and determine that the haptic effect is a dynamic haptic effect based at least in part on the sensor signal, wherein the haptic signal is based on the dynamic haptic effect. 18. The non-transitory computer-readable medium of claim 17, wherein the processor is further configured to execute processor-executable program code stored in the non-transitory computer-readable medium to determine, based on the parameter of the haptic effect, that the dynamic haptic effect is a periodic dynamic haptic effect or an aperiodic dynamic haptic effect, wherein the periodic dynamic haptic effect is based on a periodic waveform and the aperiodic dynamic haptic effect is based on an aperiodic waveform, and wherein the haptic signal is based on the periodic waveform or the aperiodic waveform. 19. The non-transitory computer-readable medium of claim 16, wherein the processor is further configured to execute processor-executable program code stored in the non-transitory computer-readable medium to determine, based on the parameter of the haptic effect, that the haptic effect is a static haptic effect, wherein the static haptic effect is a predetermined haptic effect, and wherein the haptic signal is associated with the static haptic effect. 20. The non-transitory computer-readable medium of claim 19, wherein the processor is further configured to execute processor-executable program code stored in the non-transitory computer-readable medium to determine, based on the parameter of the haptic effect, that the static haptic effect is a periodic static haptic effect or an aperiodic static haptic effect, wherein the periodic static haptic effect is based on a periodic waveform and the aperiodic static haptic effect is based on an aperiodic waveform, and wherein the haptic signal based on the periodic waveform or the aperiodic waveform.

A reading device includes an antenna having a signal radiating surface and configured to output a linearly polarized wave from the radiating surface, a movable and rotatable stage supporting the antenna and configured to move the antenna along a first direction parallel to the radiating surface of the antenna and rotate the antenna on an axis that is normal to the radiating surface of the antenna, and a tag reader connected to the antenna and configured to supply signals to the antenna for reading information from a wireless tag and to receive signals from the antenna including information read from the wireless tag.

1. A reading device, comprising: an antenna having a signal radiating surface and configured to output a linearly polarized wave from the radiating surface, the antenna being movable along a first direction and a second direction, the first and second directions being parallel to the radiating surface and perpendicular to each other, and rotatable on an axis that is normal to the radiating surface; and a tag reader connected to the antenna and configured to supply signals to the antenna for reading information from a wireless tag and to receive signals from the antenna including information read from the wireless tag. 2. The reading device according to claim 1, wherein the antenna moves from a first position to a second position and from the second position to the first position, rotates by a predetermined amount when the antenna is at the second position after being moved from the first position, and rotates by the predetermined amount when the antenna is at the first position after being moved from the second position, and the tag reader supplies signals to the antenna for reading information from the wireless tag while the antenna is traversing between the first and second positions. 3. The reading device according to claim 2, wherein the predetermined amount is 30°. 4. The reading device according to claim 1, wherein the antenna moves from a first position to a second position and from the second position to the first position, rotates by a predetermined amount while the antenna traversing from the first position to second position, and rotates by the predetermined amount while the antenna traversing from the second position to the first position, and the tag reader supplies signals to the antenna for reading information from the wireless tag while the antenna is traversing between the first and second positions. 5. The reading device according to claim 4, wherein the predetermined amount is 30°. 6. The reading device according to claim 1, wherein the antenna is a planar patch antenna. 7. The reading device according to claim 1, wherein the wireless tag is an RFID tag. 8. The reading device according to claim 1, further comprising: a countertop having a portion that is transparent to a radio wave emitted by the antenna, the portion being disposed above the antenna in the first direction. 9. A tag reading apparatus, comprising: an antenna having a signal radiating surface and configured to output a linearly polarized signal in a first direction normal to a radiating surface; a countertop having a portion that is transparent to a radio wave emitted by the antenna, the portion being disposed above the antenna in the first direction; a linear movement mechanism configured to move the antenna along a second direction perpendicular to the first direction; and a rotational movement mechanism configured to rotate the antenna about an axis parallel to the first direction. 10. The tag reading apparatus according to claim 8, further comprising a controller configured to: cause the linear movement mechanism to move the antenna along the second direction between a first position and a second position during a tag reading process, and cause the rotational movement mechanism to rotate the antenna about the axis by a predetermined amount during the tag reading process. 11. The tag reading apparatus according to claim 9, wherein the controller causes the rotational movement mechanism to rotate the antenna about the axis by the predetermined amount when the antenna is at the second position during the tag reading process. 12. The tag reading apparatus according to claim 9, wherein the controller causes the rotational movement mechanism to rotate the antenna about the axis by the predetermined amount while the linear movement mechanism is moving the antenna along the second direction between the first position and the second position during the tag reading process. 13. The tag reading apparatus according to claim 9, wherein the controller causes the rotational movement mechanism to rotate a total of 90° about the axis from an initial position during the tag reading process. 14. The tag reading apparatus according to claim 8, further comprising: a tag reader connected to the antenna and configured to supply signals to the antenna for reading information from a wireless tag and to output the information read from the wireless tag. 15. The tag reading apparatus according to claim 14, wherein the wireless tag is an RFID tag. 16. The reading device according to claim 8, wherein the antenna is a planar patch antenna. 17. A non-transitory computer readable medium storing program instructions that when executed by a wireless tag reading device causes: an antenna having a signal radiating surface to output a linearly polarized wave from the radiating surface, the antenna being movable along a first direction and a second direction, the first and second directions being parallel to the radiating surface and perpendicular to each other, and rotatable on an axis that is normal to the radiating surface; and a tag reader connected to the antenna, to supply signals to the antenna for reading information from a wireless tag and to receive signals from the antenna including information read from the wireless tag. 18. The non-transitory computer readable medium according to claim 17, wherein the program instructions when executed further cause: the antenna to move from a first position to a second position and from the second position to the first position, to rotate by a predetermined amount when the antenna is at the second position after being moved from the first position, and to rotate by the predetermined amount when the antenna is at the first position after being moved from the second position, and the tag reader to supply the signals to the antenna for reading information from the wireless tag while the antenna is traversing between the first and second positions. 19. The non-transitory computer readable medium according to claim 18, wherein the program instructions when executed further cause: the antenna to move from a first position to a second position and from the second position to the first position, to rotate by a predetermined amount while the antenna traversing from the first position to second position, and to rotate by the predetermined amount while the antenna traversing from the second position to the first position, and the tag reader to supply signals to the antenna for reading information from the wireless tag while the antenna is traversing between the first and second positions. 20. The non-transitory computer readable medium according claim 17, wherein the antenna is a planar patch antenna.

A reading device includes an antenna having a signal radiating surface and configured to output a linearly polarized wave from the radiating surface, a movable and rotatable stage supporting the antenna and configured to move the antenna along a first direction parallel to the radiating surface of the antenna and rotate the antenna on an axis that is normal to the radiating surface of the antenna, and a tag reader connected to the antenna and configured to supply signals to the antenna for reading information from a wireless tag and to receive signals from the antenna including information read from the wireless tag.1. A reading device, comprising: an antenna having a signal radiating surface and configured to output a linearly polarized wave from the radiating surface, the antenna being movable along a first direction and a second direction, the first and second directions being parallel to the radiating surface and perpendicular to each other, and rotatable on an axis that is normal to the radiating surface; and a tag reader connected to the antenna and configured to supply signals to the antenna for reading information from a wireless tag and to receive signals from the antenna including information read from the wireless tag. 2. The reading device according to claim 1, wherein the antenna moves from a first position to a second position and from the second position to the first position, rotates by a predetermined amount when the antenna is at the second position after being moved from the first position, and rotates by the predetermined amount when the antenna is at the first position after being moved from the second position, and the tag reader supplies signals to the antenna for reading information from the wireless tag while the antenna is traversing between the first and second positions. 3. The reading device according to claim 2, wherein the predetermined amount is 30°. 4. The reading device according to claim 1, wherein the antenna moves from a first position to a second position and from the second position to the first position, rotates by a predetermined amount while the antenna traversing from the first position to second position, and rotates by the predetermined amount while the antenna traversing from the second position to the first position, and the tag reader supplies signals to the antenna for reading information from the wireless tag while the antenna is traversing between the first and second positions. 5. The reading device according to claim 4, wherein the predetermined amount is 30°. 6. The reading device according to claim 1, wherein the antenna is a planar patch antenna. 7. The reading device according to claim 1, wherein the wireless tag is an RFID tag. 8. The reading device according to claim 1, further comprising: a countertop having a portion that is transparent to a radio wave emitted by the antenna, the portion being disposed above the antenna in the first direction. 9. A tag reading apparatus, comprising: an antenna having a signal radiating surface and configured to output a linearly polarized signal in a first direction normal to a radiating surface; a countertop having a portion that is transparent to a radio wave emitted by the antenna, the portion being disposed above the antenna in the first direction; a linear movement mechanism configured to move the antenna along a second direction perpendicular to the first direction; and a rotational movement mechanism configured to rotate the antenna about an axis parallel to the first direction. 10. The tag reading apparatus according to claim 8, further comprising a controller configured to: cause the linear movement mechanism to move the antenna along the second direction between a first position and a second position during a tag reading process, and cause the rotational movement mechanism to rotate the antenna about the axis by a predetermined amount during the tag reading process. 11. The tag reading apparatus according to claim 9, wherein the controller causes the rotational movement mechanism to rotate the antenna about the axis by the predetermined amount when the antenna is at the second position during the tag reading process. 12. The tag reading apparatus according to claim 9, wherein the controller causes the rotational movement mechanism to rotate the antenna about the axis by the predetermined amount while the linear movement mechanism is moving the antenna along the second direction between the first position and the second position during the tag reading process. 13. The tag reading apparatus according to claim 9, wherein the controller causes the rotational movement mechanism to rotate a total of 90° about the axis from an initial position during the tag reading process. 14. The tag reading apparatus according to claim 8, further comprising: a tag reader connected to the antenna and configured to supply signals to the antenna for reading information from a wireless tag and to output the information read from the wireless tag. 15. The tag reading apparatus according to claim 14, wherein the wireless tag is an RFID tag. 16. The reading device according to claim 8, wherein the antenna is a planar patch antenna. 17. A non-transitory computer readable medium storing program instructions that when executed by a wireless tag reading device causes: an antenna having a signal radiating surface to output a linearly polarized wave from the radiating surface, the antenna being movable along a first direction and a second direction, the first and second directions being parallel to the radiating surface and perpendicular to each other, and rotatable on an axis that is normal to the radiating surface; and a tag reader connected to the antenna, to supply signals to the antenna for reading information from a wireless tag and to receive signals from the antenna including information read from the wireless tag. 18. The non-transitory computer readable medium according to claim 17, wherein the program instructions when executed further cause: the antenna to move from a first position to a second position and from the second position to the first position, to rotate by a predetermined amount when the antenna is at the second position after being moved from the first position, and to rotate by the predetermined amount when the antenna is at the first position after being moved from the second position, and the tag reader to supply the signals to the antenna for reading information from the wireless tag while the antenna is traversing between the first and second positions. 19. The non-transitory computer readable medium according to claim 18, wherein the program instructions when executed further cause: the antenna to move from a first position to a second position and from the second position to the first position, to rotate by a predetermined amount while the antenna traversing from the first position to second position, and to rotate by the predetermined amount while the antenna traversing from the second position to the first position, and the tag reader to supply signals to the antenna for reading information from the wireless tag while the antenna is traversing between the first and second positions. 20. The non-transitory computer readable medium according claim 17, wherein the antenna is a planar patch antenna.

A method and a system for detecting an adhesion of a relay are disclosed. In a high voltage circuit, a voltage is measured across a load multiple times within a specified time period when a first relay and a second relay are open and a third relay is closed, where the second relay may be a main negative relay of the high voltage circuit. The second relay is declared to have an adhesion malfunction when a change in the value of the measured load voltage satisfies a specified condition. Using the change in the sampled load voltages external to the main negative relay, the adhesion malfunction of the main negative relay may be diagnosed, so that corrective action may be taken. The potential safety hazard caused by the adhesion malfunction of the main negative relay may be prevented, such as may occur in an electric vehicle high voltage circuit.

1. A method for detecting an adhesion malfunction of a relay of a high voltage circuit, the high voltage circuit comprising a battery pack, a first relay, a load, a series branch, and a second relay, wherein the first relay is connected to a positive electrode of the battery pack, the second relay is connected to a negative electrode of the battery pack, the series branch includes a third relay and a first resistor, and wherein the series branch is connected in parallel with the first relay, the method comprising: measuring a second voltage across the load multiple times within a time period when the first relay and the second relay are open and the third relay is closed; and determining that the second relay has the adhesion malfunction when a change in a value of the second voltage satisfies a condition. 2. The method according to claim 1, further comprising: measuring a first voltage across the load when the first relay, the second relay, and the third relay each is closed; and determining that a difference between the first voltage and a voltage of the battery pack is greater than a first threshold value as a precondition to measuring the second voltage. 3. The method according to claim 1, further comprising: determining that the second relay does not have the adhesion malfunction when the change in the value of the second voltage does not satisfy the condition. 4. The method according to claim 1, further comprising: outputting a warning message of the adhesion malfunction after the second relay has the adhesion malfunction. 5. The method according to claim 1, wherein measuring the second voltage across the load multiple times within the specified time period comprises measuring the second voltage across the load according to one or more sampling time intervals. 6. The method according to claim 1, wherein the condition comprises: a number of instances over the time period when a percentage increase in the second voltage measured in two consecutive sampling times exceeds a second threshold value is N, wherein N is a natural number; and after the time period, a ratio of a measured second voltage to the voltage of the battery pack is greater than a third threshold value. 7. The method according to claim 2, wherein the difference between the first voltage and the voltage of the battery pack comprises a ratio of the first voltage to the voltage of the battery pack or a difference in voltages between the first voltage and the voltage of the battery pack. 8. A system configured to detect an adhesion malfunction of a relay of a high voltage circuit, the high voltage circuit comprising a battery pack, a first relay, a load, a series branch, and a second relay, wherein the first relay is connected to a positive electrode of the battery pack, the second relay is connected to a negative electrode of the battery pack, the series branch includes a third relay and a first resistor, and wherein the series branch is connected in parallel with the first relay, the system comprising: an acquiring module configured to measure a second voltage across the load multiple times within a time period when the first relay and the second relay are open and the third relay is closed; and a determining module configured to determine that the second relay has the adhesion malfunction when a change in a value of the second voltage satisfies a condition. 9. The system according to claim 8, wherein the acquiring module is further configured to measure a first voltage across the load when the first relay, the second relay, and the third relay each is closed. 10. The system according to claim 9, wherein the acquiring module is further configured to determine that a difference between the first voltage and a voltage of the battery pack is greater than a first threshold value as a precondition to the acquiring module being configured to measure the second voltage. 11. The system according to claim 8, wherein the system further comprises: an output module configured to output a warning message of the adhesion malfunction. 12. The system according to claim 8, wherein the acquiring module is configured to measure the second voltage across the load multiple times within the time period comprises the acquiring module is configured to measure the second voltage across the load according to one or more sampling time intervals. 13. The system according to claim 8, wherein the condition comprises: a number of instances over the time period when a percentage increase in the second voltage measured in two consecutive sampling times exceeds a second threshold value is N, wherein N is a natural number; and after the time period, a ratio of a measured second voltage to the voltage of the battery pack is greater than a third threshold value. 14. The system according to claim 10, wherein the difference between the first voltage and the voltage of the battery pack comprises a ratio of the first voltage to the voltage of the battery pack or a difference in voltages between the first voltage and the voltage of the battery pack.

A method and a system for detecting an adhesion of a relay are disclosed. In a high voltage circuit, a voltage is measured across a load multiple times within a specified time period when a first relay and a second relay are open and a third relay is closed, where the second relay may be a main negative relay of the high voltage circuit. The second relay is declared to have an adhesion malfunction when a change in the value of the measured load voltage satisfies a specified condition. Using the change in the sampled load voltages external to the main negative relay, the adhesion malfunction of the main negative relay may be diagnosed, so that corrective action may be taken. The potential safety hazard caused by the adhesion malfunction of the main negative relay may be prevented, such as may occur in an electric vehicle high voltage circuit.1. A method for detecting an adhesion malfunction of a relay of a high voltage circuit, the high voltage circuit comprising a battery pack, a first relay, a load, a series branch, and a second relay, wherein the first relay is connected to a positive electrode of the battery pack, the second relay is connected to a negative electrode of the battery pack, the series branch includes a third relay and a first resistor, and wherein the series branch is connected in parallel with the first relay, the method comprising: measuring a second voltage across the load multiple times within a time period when the first relay and the second relay are open and the third relay is closed; and determining that the second relay has the adhesion malfunction when a change in a value of the second voltage satisfies a condition. 2. The method according to claim 1, further comprising: measuring a first voltage across the load when the first relay, the second relay, and the third relay each is closed; and determining that a difference between the first voltage and a voltage of the battery pack is greater than a first threshold value as a precondition to measuring the second voltage. 3. The method according to claim 1, further comprising: determining that the second relay does not have the adhesion malfunction when the change in the value of the second voltage does not satisfy the condition. 4. The method according to claim 1, further comprising: outputting a warning message of the adhesion malfunction after the second relay has the adhesion malfunction. 5. The method according to claim 1, wherein measuring the second voltage across the load multiple times within the specified time period comprises measuring the second voltage across the load according to one or more sampling time intervals. 6. The method according to claim 1, wherein the condition comprises: a number of instances over the time period when a percentage increase in the second voltage measured in two consecutive sampling times exceeds a second threshold value is N, wherein N is a natural number; and after the time period, a ratio of a measured second voltage to the voltage of the battery pack is greater than a third threshold value. 7. The method according to claim 2, wherein the difference between the first voltage and the voltage of the battery pack comprises a ratio of the first voltage to the voltage of the battery pack or a difference in voltages between the first voltage and the voltage of the battery pack. 8. A system configured to detect an adhesion malfunction of a relay of a high voltage circuit, the high voltage circuit comprising a battery pack, a first relay, a load, a series branch, and a second relay, wherein the first relay is connected to a positive electrode of the battery pack, the second relay is connected to a negative electrode of the battery pack, the series branch includes a third relay and a first resistor, and wherein the series branch is connected in parallel with the first relay, the system comprising: an acquiring module configured to measure a second voltage across the load multiple times within a time period when the first relay and the second relay are open and the third relay is closed; and a determining module configured to determine that the second relay has the adhesion malfunction when a change in a value of the second voltage satisfies a condition. 9. The system according to claim 8, wherein the acquiring module is further configured to measure a first voltage across the load when the first relay, the second relay, and the third relay each is closed. 10. The system according to claim 9, wherein the acquiring module is further configured to determine that a difference between the first voltage and a voltage of the battery pack is greater than a first threshold value as a precondition to the acquiring module being configured to measure the second voltage. 11. The system according to claim 8, wherein the system further comprises: an output module configured to output a warning message of the adhesion malfunction. 12. The system according to claim 8, wherein the acquiring module is configured to measure the second voltage across the load multiple times within the time period comprises the acquiring module is configured to measure the second voltage across the load according to one or more sampling time intervals. 13. The system according to claim 8, wherein the condition comprises: a number of instances over the time period when a percentage increase in the second voltage measured in two consecutive sampling times exceeds a second threshold value is N, wherein N is a natural number; and after the time period, a ratio of a measured second voltage to the voltage of the battery pack is greater than a third threshold value. 14. The system according to claim 10, wherein the difference between the first voltage and the voltage of the battery pack comprises a ratio of the first voltage to the voltage of the battery pack or a difference in voltages between the first voltage and the voltage of the battery pack.

Embodiments of the present invention are directed to recoilers, merchandise security systems, and methods for displaying and protecting an article of merchandise from theft. In one example, the merchandise security system includes a sensor configured to be secured to the article of merchandise and a base for removably supporting the sensor and the item of merchandise thereon. The system also includes a recoiler operably coupled to the sensor. The recoiler includes a rotatable member defining a helical recess. The system further includes a cable configured to connect to the sensor and to be unwound from and wound on the rotatable member as the cable is extended and retracted. The cable is configured to be extended from the recoiler in response to the sensor being lifted off of the base, and the cable is configured to be retracted into the recoiler in response to the sensor being moved to a seated position on the base. The helical recess is configured to at least partially receive the cable therein as the cable is wound on the rotatable member.

1. A merchandise security system for displaying and protecting an article of merchandise from theft, comprising: a sensor that is secured to the article of merchandise and that detects removal of the article of merchandise from the sensor; a base that removably supports the sensor and the article of merchandise thereon; a cable connected to the sensor and the base; a recoiler comprising a spool, wherein the cable is configured to unwind from the spool when the sensor is lifted off of the base and to retract within the recoiler when the sensor is returned to the base; and a lock mechanism configured to engage the spool to lock the sensor to the base in a locked position when the sensor is seated on the base to thereby prevent the sensor from being lifted off of the base and to be unlocked to allow removal of the sensor from the base in an unlocked position. 2. The merchandise security system of claim 1, wherein each of the base and the sensor comprises one or more electrical contacts that are configured to contact one another when the sensor is seated on the base for transferring electrical power for charging the article of merchandise. 3. The merchandise security system of claim 1, wherein the cable comprises one or more electrical conductors defining a sense loop for conducting a security signal. 4. The merchandise security system of claim 1, wherein a security signal is configured to be transmitted through the cable for detecting the cable being cut, shorted, or disconnected. 5. The merchandise security system of claim 1, wherein the sensor or the base comprises an alarm for generating an audible and/or a visible alarm. 6. The merchandise security system of claim 5, wherein the sensor or the base is configured to be disarmed with a key. 7. The merchandise security system of claim 1, wherein the lock mechanism is configured to prevent the spool from rotating in the locked position. 8. The merchandise security system of claim 1, wherein the recoiler is located within the base. 9. The merchandise security system of claim 1, wherein the lock mechanism comprises a locking member configured to be rotated between the locked position and the unlocked position. 10. The merchandise security system of claim 9, wherein the locking member comprises a fastener. 11. The merchandise security system of claim 1, wherein the lock mechanism is disposed in the base. 12. The merchandise security system of claim 1, wherein the lock mechanism comprises a fastener configured to be rotated to engage the spool to prevent rotation of the spool in the locked position. 13. The merchandise security system of claim 1, wherein the lock mechanism comprises a fastener extending through the base. 14. The merchandise security system of claim 1, wherein the base comprises a top surface for supporting the sensor, a bottom surface for being positioned on a display surface, and a side surface extending between the top and bottom surfaces, wherein the lock mechanism is accessible on the side surface. 15. A method for displaying and protecting an article of merchandise from theft, comprising: securing a sensor to the article of merchandise that detects removal of the article of merchandise from the sensor; attaching a base to a support surface that removably supports the sensor and the article of merchandise thereon; connecting a cable to the sensor, wherein the cable is configured to unwind from a spool when the sensor is lifted off of the base and to wind on the spool when the sensor is returned to the base; and engaging the spool with a lock mechanism to lock the sensor to the base in a locked position when the sensor is seated on the base to thereby prevent the sensor from being lifted off of the base. 16. The method of claim 15, further comprising disengaging the lock mechanism to allow removal of the sensor from the base in an unlocked position. 17. The method of claim 16, wherein disengaging comprises rotating a fastener. 18. The method of claim 15, wherein engaging comprises rotating a fastener. 19. The method of claim 15, wherein engaging comprises rotating the lock mechanism from an unlocked position to the locked position. 20. A merchandise security system for displaying and protecting an article of merchandise from theft, comprising: a sensor that is secured to the article of merchandise and that detects removal of the article of merchandise from the sensor; a base that removably supports the sensor and the article of merchandise thereon; a cable connected to the sensor and the base; a spool located within the base, wherein the cable is configured to unwind from the spool when the sensor is lifted off of the base and to wind on the spool when the sensor is returned to the base; and a lock mechanism configured to engage the spool to lock the sensor to the base in a locked position when the sensor is seated on the base to thereby prevent the sensor from being lifted off of the base and to be unlocked to allow removal of the sensor from the base in an unlocked position. 21. The merchandise security system of claim 20, wherein the lock mechanism comprises a fastener configured to be rotated between the locked position and the unlocked position. 22. The merchandise security system of claim 20, wherein each of the base and the sensor comprises one or more electrical contacts that are configured to contact one another when the sensor is seated on the base for transferring electrical power for charging the article of merchandise. 23. The merchandise security system of claim 20, wherein the sensor or the base comprises an alarm for generating an audible and/or a visible alarm. 24. The merchandise security system of claim 23, wherein the sensor or the base is configured to be disarmed with a key. 25. The merchandise security system of claim 20, wherein the lock mechanism is configured to prevent the spool from rotating in the locked position. 26. The merchandise security system of claim 20, wherein the lock mechanism comprises a locking member configured to be rotated between the locked position and the unlocked position. 27. The merchandise security system of claim 26, wherein the locking member comprises a fastener. 28. The merchandise security system of claim 20, wherein the lock mechanism is disposed in the base. 29. The merchandise security system of claim 20, wherein the lock mechanism comprises a fastener configured to be rotated to engage the spool to prevent rotation of the spool in the locked position. 30. The merchandise security system of claim 20, wherein the lock mechanism comprises a fastener extending through the base. 31. The merchandise security system of claim 20, wherein the base comprises a top surface for supporting the sensor, a bottom surface for being positioned on a display surface, and a side surface extending between the top and bottom surfaces, wherein the lock mechanism is accessible on the side surface. 32. The merchandise security system of claim 21, wherein the fastener comprises a proprietary fastener. 33. The merchandise security system of claim 20, wherein the lock mechanism comprises a fastener rotatable about an axis and locking member extending perpendicular to the axis. 34. The merchandise security system of claim 20, wherein the lock mechanism comprises a rotatable member and a locking member extending perpendicular to the rotatable member. 35. The merchandise security system of claim 20, wherein the base is configured to be mounted to a display surface.

Embodiments of the present invention are directed to recoilers, merchandise security systems, and methods for displaying and protecting an article of merchandise from theft. In one example, the merchandise security system includes a sensor configured to be secured to the article of merchandise and a base for removably supporting the sensor and the item of merchandise thereon. The system also includes a recoiler operably coupled to the sensor. The recoiler includes a rotatable member defining a helical recess. The system further includes a cable configured to connect to the sensor and to be unwound from and wound on the rotatable member as the cable is extended and retracted. The cable is configured to be extended from the recoiler in response to the sensor being lifted off of the base, and the cable is configured to be retracted into the recoiler in response to the sensor being moved to a seated position on the base. The helical recess is configured to at least partially receive the cable therein as the cable is wound on the rotatable member.1. A merchandise security system for displaying and protecting an article of merchandise from theft, comprising: a sensor that is secured to the article of merchandise and that detects removal of the article of merchandise from the sensor; a base that removably supports the sensor and the article of merchandise thereon; a cable connected to the sensor and the base; a recoiler comprising a spool, wherein the cable is configured to unwind from the spool when the sensor is lifted off of the base and to retract within the recoiler when the sensor is returned to the base; and a lock mechanism configured to engage the spool to lock the sensor to the base in a locked position when the sensor is seated on the base to thereby prevent the sensor from being lifted off of the base and to be unlocked to allow removal of the sensor from the base in an unlocked position. 2. The merchandise security system of claim 1, wherein each of the base and the sensor comprises one or more electrical contacts that are configured to contact one another when the sensor is seated on the base for transferring electrical power for charging the article of merchandise. 3. The merchandise security system of claim 1, wherein the cable comprises one or more electrical conductors defining a sense loop for conducting a security signal. 4. The merchandise security system of claim 1, wherein a security signal is configured to be transmitted through the cable for detecting the cable being cut, shorted, or disconnected. 5. The merchandise security system of claim 1, wherein the sensor or the base comprises an alarm for generating an audible and/or a visible alarm. 6. The merchandise security system of claim 5, wherein the sensor or the base is configured to be disarmed with a key. 7. The merchandise security system of claim 1, wherein the lock mechanism is configured to prevent the spool from rotating in the locked position. 8. The merchandise security system of claim 1, wherein the recoiler is located within the base. 9. The merchandise security system of claim 1, wherein the lock mechanism comprises a locking member configured to be rotated between the locked position and the unlocked position. 10. The merchandise security system of claim 9, wherein the locking member comprises a fastener. 11. The merchandise security system of claim 1, wherein the lock mechanism is disposed in the base. 12. The merchandise security system of claim 1, wherein the lock mechanism comprises a fastener configured to be rotated to engage the spool to prevent rotation of the spool in the locked position. 13. The merchandise security system of claim 1, wherein the lock mechanism comprises a fastener extending through the base. 14. The merchandise security system of claim 1, wherein the base comprises a top surface for supporting the sensor, a bottom surface for being positioned on a display surface, and a side surface extending between the top and bottom surfaces, wherein the lock mechanism is accessible on the side surface. 15. A method for displaying and protecting an article of merchandise from theft, comprising: securing a sensor to the article of merchandise that detects removal of the article of merchandise from the sensor; attaching a base to a support surface that removably supports the sensor and the article of merchandise thereon; connecting a cable to the sensor, wherein the cable is configured to unwind from a spool when the sensor is lifted off of the base and to wind on the spool when the sensor is returned to the base; and engaging the spool with a lock mechanism to lock the sensor to the base in a locked position when the sensor is seated on the base to thereby prevent the sensor from being lifted off of the base. 16. The method of claim 15, further comprising disengaging the lock mechanism to allow removal of the sensor from the base in an unlocked position. 17. The method of claim 16, wherein disengaging comprises rotating a fastener. 18. The method of claim 15, wherein engaging comprises rotating a fastener. 19. The method of claim 15, wherein engaging comprises rotating the lock mechanism from an unlocked position to the locked position. 20. A merchandise security system for displaying and protecting an article of merchandise from theft, comprising: a sensor that is secured to the article of merchandise and that detects removal of the article of merchandise from the sensor; a base that removably supports the sensor and the article of merchandise thereon; a cable connected to the sensor and the base; a spool located within the base, wherein the cable is configured to unwind from the spool when the sensor is lifted off of the base and to wind on the spool when the sensor is returned to the base; and a lock mechanism configured to engage the spool to lock the sensor to the base in a locked position when the sensor is seated on the base to thereby prevent the sensor from being lifted off of the base and to be unlocked to allow removal of the sensor from the base in an unlocked position. 21. The merchandise security system of claim 20, wherein the lock mechanism comprises a fastener configured to be rotated between the locked position and the unlocked position. 22. The merchandise security system of claim 20, wherein each of the base and the sensor comprises one or more electrical contacts that are configured to contact one another when the sensor is seated on the base for transferring electrical power for charging the article of merchandise. 23. The merchandise security system of claim 20, wherein the sensor or the base comprises an alarm for generating an audible and/or a visible alarm. 24. The merchandise security system of claim 23, wherein the sensor or the base is configured to be disarmed with a key. 25. The merchandise security system of claim 20, wherein the lock mechanism is configured to prevent the spool from rotating in the locked position. 26. The merchandise security system of claim 20, wherein the lock mechanism comprises a locking member configured to be rotated between the locked position and the unlocked position. 27. The merchandise security system of claim 26, wherein the locking member comprises a fastener. 28. The merchandise security system of claim 20, wherein the lock mechanism is disposed in the base. 29. The merchandise security system of claim 20, wherein the lock mechanism comprises a fastener configured to be rotated to engage the spool to prevent rotation of the spool in the locked position. 30. The merchandise security system of claim 20, wherein the lock mechanism comprises a fastener extending through the base. 31. The merchandise security system of claim 20, wherein the base comprises a top surface for supporting the sensor, a bottom surface for being positioned on a display surface, and a side surface extending between the top and bottom surfaces, wherein the lock mechanism is accessible on the side surface. 32. The merchandise security system of claim 21, wherein the fastener comprises a proprietary fastener. 33. The merchandise security system of claim 20, wherein the lock mechanism comprises a fastener rotatable about an axis and locking member extending perpendicular to the axis. 34. The merchandise security system of claim 20, wherein the lock mechanism comprises a rotatable member and a locking member extending perpendicular to the rotatable member. 35. The merchandise security system of claim 20, wherein the base is configured to be mounted to a display surface.

A reproducing device (100) includes (i) an optical pickup (6) for irradiating, with reproduction light, an optical disk (1) which is a super-resolution medium, (ii) an RF signal processing circuit (9) for converting, into a reproduction signal, light which reflected off optical disk (1), (iii) an i-MLSE detecting section (141) for evaluating quality of the reproduction signal, and (iv) a spherical aberration correcting section (142) for correcting a spherical aberration by using a result of evaluation of the quality of the reproduction signal.

1. A reproducing device capable of reproducing content from an optical information recording medium in which the content is recorded in a form of a pit group including one or more pits shorter than an optical system resolution limit of the reproducing device, comprising: an irradiation section for irradiating the optical information recording medium with reproduction light; a conversion section for converting, into reproduction signal indicative of the content, light which reflected off the optical information recording medium; a signal quality evaluating section for evaluating quality of the reproduction signal converted by the conversion section; and a spherical aberration correcting section for correcting a spherical aberration caused by the irradiation section, by using a result of evaluation of the quality of the reproduction signal which quality has been evaluated by the signal quality evaluating section; wherein the signal quality evaluating section is an i-MLSE (Integrated-Maximum Likelihood Sequence Estimation) detecting section for (a) detecting an i-MLSE which is an evaluation index for evaluating a signal characteristic of the reproduction signal and (b) evaluating quality of the reproduction signal, the optical information recording medium has a BCA (Burst Cutting Area) recording region, and the reproducing device further comprises a BCA reproduction control section for reproducing information recorded in the BCA recording region. 2. A reproducing device capable of reproducing content by irradiating, via an objective lens having a numerical aperture of 0.85, an optical information recording medium with reproduction light having a wavelength of 405 nm, the optical information recording medium including (a) a light transmitting layer having a surface which the reproduction light enters, (b) an information recording layer which the reproduction light reflects off so that information is reproduced, and (c) a substrate on which a pit group is provided in a scanning direction, the pit group including one or more pits shorter than 119 nm which is an optical system resolution limit of the reproducing device, the light transmitting layer, the information recording layer, and the substrate being provided in this order from a side from which the reproduction light enters, the content being recorded in the information recording layer by use of the pit group, comprising: an irradiation section for irradiating the optical information recording medium with reproduction light; a conversion section for converting, into reproduction signal indicative of the content, light which reflected off the optical information recording medium; a signal quality evaluating section for evaluating quality of the reproduction signal converted by the conversion section; and a spherical aberration correcting section for correcting a spherical aberration caused by the irradiation section, by using a result of evaluation of the quality of the reproduction signal which quality has been evaluated by the signal quality evaluating section; wherein the signal quality evaluating section is an i-MLSE (Integrated-Maximum Likelihood Sequence Estimation) detecting section for (a) detecting an i-MLSE which is an evaluation index for evaluating a signal characteristic of the reproduction signal and (b) evaluating quality of the reproduction signal, the optical information recording medium has a BCA (Burst Cutting Area) recording region, and the reproducing device further comprises a BCA reproduction control section for reproducing information recorded in the BCA recording region.

A reproducing device (100) includes (i) an optical pickup (6) for irradiating, with reproduction light, an optical disk (1) which is a super-resolution medium, (ii) an RF signal processing circuit (9) for converting, into a reproduction signal, light which reflected off optical disk (1), (iii) an i-MLSE detecting section (141) for evaluating quality of the reproduction signal, and (iv) a spherical aberration correcting section (142) for correcting a spherical aberration by using a result of evaluation of the quality of the reproduction signal.1. A reproducing device capable of reproducing content from an optical information recording medium in which the content is recorded in a form of a pit group including one or more pits shorter than an optical system resolution limit of the reproducing device, comprising: an irradiation section for irradiating the optical information recording medium with reproduction light; a conversion section for converting, into reproduction signal indicative of the content, light which reflected off the optical information recording medium; a signal quality evaluating section for evaluating quality of the reproduction signal converted by the conversion section; and a spherical aberration correcting section for correcting a spherical aberration caused by the irradiation section, by using a result of evaluation of the quality of the reproduction signal which quality has been evaluated by the signal quality evaluating section; wherein the signal quality evaluating section is an i-MLSE (Integrated-Maximum Likelihood Sequence Estimation) detecting section for (a) detecting an i-MLSE which is an evaluation index for evaluating a signal characteristic of the reproduction signal and (b) evaluating quality of the reproduction signal, the optical information recording medium has a BCA (Burst Cutting Area) recording region, and the reproducing device further comprises a BCA reproduction control section for reproducing information recorded in the BCA recording region. 2. A reproducing device capable of reproducing content by irradiating, via an objective lens having a numerical aperture of 0.85, an optical information recording medium with reproduction light having a wavelength of 405 nm, the optical information recording medium including (a) a light transmitting layer having a surface which the reproduction light enters, (b) an information recording layer which the reproduction light reflects off so that information is reproduced, and (c) a substrate on which a pit group is provided in a scanning direction, the pit group including one or more pits shorter than 119 nm which is an optical system resolution limit of the reproducing device, the light transmitting layer, the information recording layer, and the substrate being provided in this order from a side from which the reproduction light enters, the content being recorded in the information recording layer by use of the pit group, comprising: an irradiation section for irradiating the optical information recording medium with reproduction light; a conversion section for converting, into reproduction signal indicative of the content, light which reflected off the optical information recording medium; a signal quality evaluating section for evaluating quality of the reproduction signal converted by the conversion section; and a spherical aberration correcting section for correcting a spherical aberration caused by the irradiation section, by using a result of evaluation of the quality of the reproduction signal which quality has been evaluated by the signal quality evaluating section; wherein the signal quality evaluating section is an i-MLSE (Integrated-Maximum Likelihood Sequence Estimation) detecting section for (a) detecting an i-MLSE which is an evaluation index for evaluating a signal characteristic of the reproduction signal and (b) evaluating quality of the reproduction signal, the optical information recording medium has a BCA (Burst Cutting Area) recording region, and the reproducing device further comprises a BCA reproduction control section for reproducing information recorded in the BCA recording region.

A wear mitigation system can be implemented in a data storage device. A data storage medium may be separated from a transducing head by an air bearing. A controller connected to the data storage medium and transducing head can be configured to reassign a physical address of the data storage medium from an unusable condition to a usable condition as a result of a self-healing of the data storage medium predicted by the controller.

1. An apparatus comprising a controller connected to a data storage medium and a transducing head, the data storage medium separated from the transducing head by an air bearing, the controller configured to reassign a physical address of the data storage medium from an unusable condition to a usable condition as a result of a self-healing operation of the data storage medium predicted by the controller, the self-healing operation corresponding with a portion of the data storage medium reflowed with a laser of the transducing head. 2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the transducing head comprises a reader, writer, and the laser. 3. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the unusable condition corresponds with a lube layer of the data storage medium having a first thickness that is less than a thickness threshold. 4. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the usable condition corresponding to the lube layer having second thickness that is greater than the thickness threshold. 5. A method comprising: predicting wear in a data storage device with a controller, the controller connected to a data storage medium and a transducing head of the data storage device, the data storage medium separated from the transducing head by an air bearing; assigning a physical address of the data storage medium as an unusable condition as a result of the predicted wear; and reassigning the physical address to a usable condition in response to a self-healing operation of the data storage medium predicted by the controller, the self-healing operation comprising activating a laser of the transducing head to reflow a portion of the data storage medium. 6. The method of claim 5, wherein the controller compiles a plurality of different metrics about the data storage medium and transducing head to predict wear. 7. The method of claim 5, wherein the predicted wear is a lube layer of the data storage medium being below a minimum thickness. 8. The method of claim 5, wherein the predicted wear is write power on hour of the transducing head exceeding a threshold value. 9. The method of claim 5, wherein the predicted wear is based on wear detected by the controller. 10. The method of claim 5, wherein the self-healing operation of the data storage medium comprises a lube layer of the data storage medium reflowing to fill at least one reduction in lube layer thickness. 11. The method of claim 9, wherein the reflowing is a result of data access operations to a common recording surface of the data storage medium. 12. The method of claim 9, wherein the controller assigns pending write data to locations proximal to the physical address to induce the self-healing operation. 13. The method of claim 5, wherein the controller delays at least one pending data access operation to the physical address until the usable condition is assigned. 14. The method of claim 5, wherein the controller assigns the physical address as read-only until the usable condition is assigned. 15. A method comprising: detecting wear in a data storage device with a controller, the controller connected to a data storage medium and a transducing head of the data storage device, the data storage medium separated from the transducing head by an air bearing; predicting wear in a physical address of the data storage medium with the controller; generating a wear map for a plurality of different physical addresses of the data storage medium; assigning a physical address of the data storage medium as an unusable condition as a result of the predicted wear; and reassigning the physical address to a usable condition in response to a self-healing of the data storage medium predicted by the controller. 16. The method of claim 15, wherein the wear map identifies at least two different degrees of wear for at least two of the plurality of different physical addresses. 17. The method of claim 15, wherein the wear map identifies the detected wear and the predicted wear. 18. The method of claim 15, wherein the wear map identifies read wear separately from write wear. 19. The method of claim 15, wherein the controller compiles a log of historical activity to the plurality of different physical addresses, the wear map derived from the log by the controller. 20. The method of claim 19, wherein the controller applies a bloom filter to compile the wear map.

A wear mitigation system can be implemented in a data storage device. A data storage medium may be separated from a transducing head by an air bearing. A controller connected to the data storage medium and transducing head can be configured to reassign a physical address of the data storage medium from an unusable condition to a usable condition as a result of a self-healing of the data storage medium predicted by the controller.1. An apparatus comprising a controller connected to a data storage medium and a transducing head, the data storage medium separated from the transducing head by an air bearing, the controller configured to reassign a physical address of the data storage medium from an unusable condition to a usable condition as a result of a self-healing operation of the data storage medium predicted by the controller, the self-healing operation corresponding with a portion of the data storage medium reflowed with a laser of the transducing head. 2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the transducing head comprises a reader, writer, and the laser. 3. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the unusable condition corresponds with a lube layer of the data storage medium having a first thickness that is less than a thickness threshold. 4. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the usable condition corresponding to the lube layer having second thickness that is greater than the thickness threshold. 5. A method comprising: predicting wear in a data storage device with a controller, the controller connected to a data storage medium and a transducing head of the data storage device, the data storage medium separated from the transducing head by an air bearing; assigning a physical address of the data storage medium as an unusable condition as a result of the predicted wear; and reassigning the physical address to a usable condition in response to a self-healing operation of the data storage medium predicted by the controller, the self-healing operation comprising activating a laser of the transducing head to reflow a portion of the data storage medium. 6. The method of claim 5, wherein the controller compiles a plurality of different metrics about the data storage medium and transducing head to predict wear. 7. The method of claim 5, wherein the predicted wear is a lube layer of the data storage medium being below a minimum thickness. 8. The method of claim 5, wherein the predicted wear is write power on hour of the transducing head exceeding a threshold value. 9. The method of claim 5, wherein the predicted wear is based on wear detected by the controller. 10. The method of claim 5, wherein the self-healing operation of the data storage medium comprises a lube layer of the data storage medium reflowing to fill at least one reduction in lube layer thickness. 11. The method of claim 9, wherein the reflowing is a result of data access operations to a common recording surface of the data storage medium. 12. The method of claim 9, wherein the controller assigns pending write data to locations proximal to the physical address to induce the self-healing operation. 13. The method of claim 5, wherein the controller delays at least one pending data access operation to the physical address until the usable condition is assigned. 14. The method of claim 5, wherein the controller assigns the physical address as read-only until the usable condition is assigned. 15. A method comprising: detecting wear in a data storage device with a controller, the controller connected to a data storage medium and a transducing head of the data storage device, the data storage medium separated from the transducing head by an air bearing; predicting wear in a physical address of the data storage medium with the controller; generating a wear map for a plurality of different physical addresses of the data storage medium; assigning a physical address of the data storage medium as an unusable condition as a result of the predicted wear; and reassigning the physical address to a usable condition in response to a self-healing of the data storage medium predicted by the controller. 16. The method of claim 15, wherein the wear map identifies at least two different degrees of wear for at least two of the plurality of different physical addresses. 17. The method of claim 15, wherein the wear map identifies the detected wear and the predicted wear. 18. The method of claim 15, wherein the wear map identifies read wear separately from write wear. 19. The method of claim 15, wherein the controller compiles a log of historical activity to the plurality of different physical addresses, the wear map derived from the log by the controller. 20. The method of claim 19, wherein the controller applies a bloom filter to compile the wear map.

A hand held probe (200) for detecting voltage in a body of water includes voltage sensors (VS) installed in a probe head (204) with each sensor separately sensing a voltage present in the water and supplying an electrical output signal representative of the voltage level. A processor (206) processes the signals and produces an output representing a voltage gradient, a resultant electrical current, and a direction of current flow. A multiplexer (214) interposed between the sensors and processor transmits signals from the sensors to the processor in a predetermined sequence. Results of the processing including any voltage gradient, the resultant electrical current, and the direction of current flow are displayed and this information is used to determine if a currently dangerous or potentially dangerous condition exists in the water, and if a voltage is present in the water, its source.

1. A hand held probe for detecting the presence of a voltage in a body of water comprising: a plurality of voltage sensors and a probe head in which the sensors are installed in a predetermined pattern, each sensor separately sensing a voltage present in the body of water and supplying an electrical output signal representative of a level of the voltage; a processor responsive to the signals supplied by the sensors to process the signals, an output from the processor representing a gradient of any voltage present in the water, a resultant electrical current, and a direction of flow of the electrical current; a housing in which the processor is installed, the probe head being physically attached to the housing; a multiplexer interposed between the sensors and the processor for transmitting signals from the respective sensors to the processor in a predetermined sequence; and, a display displaying the results of the processing including any voltage gradient, the resultant electrical current, and the direction of current flow, this information being used to determine if a currently dangerous or potentially dangerous condition exists in the water, and if a voltage is present in the water, the source of the voltage. 2. The system of claim 1 in which the housing includes a handhold for grasping by a user to move the probe from one location to another over the body of water. 3. The probe of claim 2 in which the probe head is fixedly attached to the housing. 4. The probe of claim 2 in which the probe head is telescopically attached to the housing. 5. The probe of claim 1 in which the display includes a visual display located on the housing. 6. The probe of claim 5 in which the visual display displays one or more of: a voltage gradient; a level of a current and a direction of current flow; and, whether any level of detected voltage or current is approaching, has reached, or exceeds a predetermined level of danger to someone in or near the body of water. 7. The probe of claim 1 further including means communicating the results of the processing by the processor to both local and remote monitoring devices. 8. The probe of claim 7 in which communications are wirelessly transmitted between the probe and the monitoring devices. 9. The probe of claim 1 further including a battery for supplying power to the probe and its components. 10. The probe of claim 9 in which the battery is a rechargeable battery. 11. The probe of claim 1 further including a signal conditioner to which signals from the sensors propagated through the multiplexer are supplied for conditioning prior to being processed by the processor. 12. The probe of claim 11 wherein the signal conditioner includes: amplification means for amplifying each sensor signal propagated through the multiplexer; a filter filtering each amplified sensor signal; and, signal processing means performing an initial processing of each amplified and filtered signal prior to the processing thereof. 13. The probe of claim 10 further including a probe docking station for storing the probe when not in use. 14. The probe of claim 13 wherein the docking station includes a battery charger for recharging the probe's rechargeable battery. 15. The probe of claim 1 in which the housing and the probe head are of an electrically non-conductive material.

A hand held probe (200) for detecting voltage in a body of water includes voltage sensors (VS) installed in a probe head (204) with each sensor separately sensing a voltage present in the water and supplying an electrical output signal representative of the voltage level. A processor (206) processes the signals and produces an output representing a voltage gradient, a resultant electrical current, and a direction of current flow. A multiplexer (214) interposed between the sensors and processor transmits signals from the sensors to the processor in a predetermined sequence. Results of the processing including any voltage gradient, the resultant electrical current, and the direction of current flow are displayed and this information is used to determine if a currently dangerous or potentially dangerous condition exists in the water, and if a voltage is present in the water, its source.1. A hand held probe for detecting the presence of a voltage in a body of water comprising: a plurality of voltage sensors and a probe head in which the sensors are installed in a predetermined pattern, each sensor separately sensing a voltage present in the body of water and supplying an electrical output signal representative of a level of the voltage; a processor responsive to the signals supplied by the sensors to process the signals, an output from the processor representing a gradient of any voltage present in the water, a resultant electrical current, and a direction of flow of the electrical current; a housing in which the processor is installed, the probe head being physically attached to the housing; a multiplexer interposed between the sensors and the processor for transmitting signals from the respective sensors to the processor in a predetermined sequence; and, a display displaying the results of the processing including any voltage gradient, the resultant electrical current, and the direction of current flow, this information being used to determine if a currently dangerous or potentially dangerous condition exists in the water, and if a voltage is present in the water, the source of the voltage. 2. The system of claim 1 in which the housing includes a handhold for grasping by a user to move the probe from one location to another over the body of water. 3. The probe of claim 2 in which the probe head is fixedly attached to the housing. 4. The probe of claim 2 in which the probe head is telescopically attached to the housing. 5. The probe of claim 1 in which the display includes a visual display located on the housing. 6. The probe of claim 5 in which the visual display displays one or more of: a voltage gradient; a level of a current and a direction of current flow; and, whether any level of detected voltage or current is approaching, has reached, or exceeds a predetermined level of danger to someone in or near the body of water. 7. The probe of claim 1 further including means communicating the results of the processing by the processor to both local and remote monitoring devices. 8. The probe of claim 7 in which communications are wirelessly transmitted between the probe and the monitoring devices. 9. The probe of claim 1 further including a battery for supplying power to the probe and its components. 10. The probe of claim 9 in which the battery is a rechargeable battery. 11. The probe of claim 1 further including a signal conditioner to which signals from the sensors propagated through the multiplexer are supplied for conditioning prior to being processed by the processor. 12. The probe of claim 11 wherein the signal conditioner includes: amplification means for amplifying each sensor signal propagated through the multiplexer; a filter filtering each amplified sensor signal; and, signal processing means performing an initial processing of each amplified and filtered signal prior to the processing thereof. 13. The probe of claim 10 further including a probe docking station for storing the probe when not in use. 14. The probe of claim 13 wherein the docking station includes a battery charger for recharging the probe's rechargeable battery. 15. The probe of claim 1 in which the housing and the probe head are of an electrically non-conductive material.

A parking assist method for assisting parking of a subject vehicle uses a parking assist apparatus comprising a controller that guides the subject vehicle to a parking space and a display that displays the parking space. The parking assist method comprises: specifying an available parking space into which the subject vehicle can be parked; displaying the available parking space on the display; when the available parking space is in a parking-unavailable state that represents a state in which the subject vehicle cannot be parked into the available parking space, determining whether or not the parking-unavailable state is canceled; and when the parking-unavailable state is canceled before a first time passes, maintaining a display form of the available parking space on the display.

1. A parking assist method for assisting parking of a subject vehicle using a parking assist apparatus comprising a controller that guides the subject vehicle to a parking space and a display that displays the parking space, the parking assist method comprising: specifying an available parking space into which the subject vehicle can be parked; displaying the available parking space on the display in a display form that represents that parking is possible; detecting a state of the available parking space or a state of a travel route for the subject vehicle; determining whether or not the available parking space comes to a state in which parking is possible before a first time passes on a basis of the detected state of the available parking space or the detected state of the travel route for the subject vehicle; and when the available parking space comes to the state in which parking is possible, maintaining, on the display, the display form representing that parking is possible. 2. The parking assist method according to claim 1, wherein a determination is made as to whether or not a parking-unavailable state of the available parking space is canceled before the first time passes, and when the parking-unavailable state of the available parking space is canceled, a determination is made that the available parking space comes to the state in which parking is possible before the first time passes. 3. The parking assist method according to claim 2, comprising: when the available parking space does not come to the state in which parking is possible before the first time passes, changing the display form of the available parking space on the display. 4. The parking assist method according to claim 1, comprising: when the available parking space does not come to the state in which parking is possible before the first time passes, setting another available parking space different from the available parking space displayed on the display; and displaying the other available parking space on the display. 5. The parking assist method according to claim 4, comprising: calculating a required time for parking when the subject vehicle is parked into the available parking space by automated control with the controller, the required time for parking being calculated for each of a plurality of available parking spaces; and setting the available parking space with which the required time for parking is shorter than a predetermined time, among the plurality of available parking spaces, as the other available parking space. 6. The parking assist method according to claim 1, comprising: detecting an attribute of an obstacle; and setting the first time in accordance with the attribute. 7. The parking assist method according to claim 1, comprising: detecting a size an obstacle; and setting the first time in accordance with the size. 8. The parking assist method according to claim 1, comprising: setting the available parking space displayed on the display as a target parking space for the subject vehicle on a basis of an operation by a driver or passenger of the subject vehicle; displaying the target parking space on the display; detecting whether or not the target parking space is in a parking-unavailable state that represents a state in which the subject vehicle cannot be parked into the target parking space; detecting whether or not the parking-unavailable state is canceled as an obstacle moves before a second time passes; and when the parking-unavailable state is canceled before the second time passes, maintaining a display form of the target parking space on the display. 9. The parking assist method according to claim 1, wherein the available parking space is a recommended available parking space among available parking spaces into which the subject vehicle can be parked, wherein the recommended available parking space is suitable for parking of the subject vehicle in accordance with a traveling state of the subject vehicle. 10. The parking assist method according to claim 1, wherein when the available parking space comes to the state in which parking is possible, the available parking space is maintained to be displayed on the display. 11. The parking assist method according to claim 1, wherein the state of the available parking space or the state of the travel route for the subject vehicle is detected before starting automated driving that parks the subject vehicle into the available parking space, and a determination is made as to whether or not the available parking space comes to the state in which parking is possible before the first time passes on the basis of the detected state of the available parking space or the detected state of the travel route for the subject vehicle, wherein the determination is made before starting the automated driving. 12. A parking assist apparatus comprising: a display that displays a parking space; and a controller that guides the subject vehicle to the parking space, the controller: specifying an available parking space into which the subject vehicle can be parked; detecting a state of the available parking space or a state of a travel route for the subject vehicle; determining whether or not the available parking space comes to a state in which parking is possible before a first time passes on a basis of the detected state of the available parking space or the detected state of the travel route for the subject vehicle; and when the available parking space comes to the state in which parking is possible, maintaining a display form of the available parking space on the display.

A parking assist method for assisting parking of a subject vehicle uses a parking assist apparatus comprising a controller that guides the subject vehicle to a parking space and a display that displays the parking space. The parking assist method comprises: specifying an available parking space into which the subject vehicle can be parked; displaying the available parking space on the display; when the available parking space is in a parking-unavailable state that represents a state in which the subject vehicle cannot be parked into the available parking space, determining whether or not the parking-unavailable state is canceled; and when the parking-unavailable state is canceled before a first time passes, maintaining a display form of the available parking space on the display.1. A parking assist method for assisting parking of a subject vehicle using a parking assist apparatus comprising a controller that guides the subject vehicle to a parking space and a display that displays the parking space, the parking assist method comprising: specifying an available parking space into which the subject vehicle can be parked; displaying the available parking space on the display in a display form that represents that parking is possible; detecting a state of the available parking space or a state of a travel route for the subject vehicle; determining whether or not the available parking space comes to a state in which parking is possible before a first time passes on a basis of the detected state of the available parking space or the detected state of the travel route for the subject vehicle; and when the available parking space comes to the state in which parking is possible, maintaining, on the display, the display form representing that parking is possible. 2. The parking assist method according to claim 1, wherein a determination is made as to whether or not a parking-unavailable state of the available parking space is canceled before the first time passes, and when the parking-unavailable state of the available parking space is canceled, a determination is made that the available parking space comes to the state in which parking is possible before the first time passes. 3. The parking assist method according to claim 2, comprising: when the available parking space does not come to the state in which parking is possible before the first time passes, changing the display form of the available parking space on the display. 4. The parking assist method according to claim 1, comprising: when the available parking space does not come to the state in which parking is possible before the first time passes, setting another available parking space different from the available parking space displayed on the display; and displaying the other available parking space on the display. 5. The parking assist method according to claim 4, comprising: calculating a required time for parking when the subject vehicle is parked into the available parking space by automated control with the controller, the required time for parking being calculated for each of a plurality of available parking spaces; and setting the available parking space with which the required time for parking is shorter than a predetermined time, among the plurality of available parking spaces, as the other available parking space. 6. The parking assist method according to claim 1, comprising: detecting an attribute of an obstacle; and setting the first time in accordance with the attribute. 7. The parking assist method according to claim 1, comprising: detecting a size an obstacle; and setting the first time in accordance with the size. 8. The parking assist method according to claim 1, comprising: setting the available parking space displayed on the display as a target parking space for the subject vehicle on a basis of an operation by a driver or passenger of the subject vehicle; displaying the target parking space on the display; detecting whether or not the target parking space is in a parking-unavailable state that represents a state in which the subject vehicle cannot be parked into the target parking space; detecting whether or not the parking-unavailable state is canceled as an obstacle moves before a second time passes; and when the parking-unavailable state is canceled before the second time passes, maintaining a display form of the target parking space on the display. 9. The parking assist method according to claim 1, wherein the available parking space is a recommended available parking space among available parking spaces into which the subject vehicle can be parked, wherein the recommended available parking space is suitable for parking of the subject vehicle in accordance with a traveling state of the subject vehicle. 10. The parking assist method according to claim 1, wherein when the available parking space comes to the state in which parking is possible, the available parking space is maintained to be displayed on the display. 11. The parking assist method according to claim 1, wherein the state of the available parking space or the state of the travel route for the subject vehicle is detected before starting automated driving that parks the subject vehicle into the available parking space, and a determination is made as to whether or not the available parking space comes to the state in which parking is possible before the first time passes on the basis of the detected state of the available parking space or the detected state of the travel route for the subject vehicle, wherein the determination is made before starting the automated driving. 12. A parking assist apparatus comprising: a display that displays a parking space; and a controller that guides the subject vehicle to the parking space, the controller: specifying an available parking space into which the subject vehicle can be parked; detecting a state of the available parking space or a state of a travel route for the subject vehicle; determining whether or not the available parking space comes to a state in which parking is possible before a first time passes on a basis of the detected state of the available parking space or the detected state of the travel route for the subject vehicle; and when the available parking space comes to the state in which parking is possible, maintaining a display form of the available parking space on the display.

The present invention relates to a vibration device for providing tactile feedbacks. The vibration device includes a case having an accommodation space; and a vibration unit accommodated in the accommodation space and fastened with the case, for transmitting vibration produced by the vibration unit to the case and further driving the case to vibrate. The vibration unit includes a housing attached to the case by latching or soldering, and a tactile actuator fixed in the housing.

1. A Vibration device, comprising: a case having an accommodation space; a vibration unit accommodated in the accommodation space and fastened with the case, for transmitting vibration produced by the vibration unit to the case and further driving the case to vibrate; wherein the vibration unit includes a housing attached to the case by latching or soldering, and a tactile actuator fixed in the housing. 2. The vibration device as described in claim 1, wherein the case includes a frame and a supporting part extending from the frame into the accommodation space, and the housing is fixed with the supporting part. 3. The vibration device as described in claim 2, wherein the supporting part has a mounting hole formed therethrough, the supporting part further includes an upper side perpendicular to a vibration direction of the tactile actuator, a lower side parallel and opposite to the upper side, and an inner side connecting the upper side to the lower side for forming the mounting hole; the housing is mounted in the mounting hole; the housing includes a first elastic latch extending from an edge thereof toward the upper side and including a first extending part extending toward the inner side and a first elastic arm extending from the first extending part toward the upper side, the first elastic arm locates between the inner side and the housing and forms a latching protrusion abutting against the upper side. 4. The vibration device as described in claim 3, wherein the housing includes a protruding part extending toward the lower side and opposite to the first elastic latch, the protruding part extends from an edge of the housing perpendicularly and abuts against the lower side. 5. The vibration device as described in claim 3, wherein the housing includes a second elastic latch extending toward the lower side and opposite to first elastic latch, the second elastic latch and the first elastic latch are disposed at two sides of the supporting part symmetrically. 6. The vibration device as described in claim 2, wherein the frame include a pair of first sides parallel to each other and a pair of second sides connecting the first sides for forming the accommodation space, a length of the first side is greater than that of the second side. 7. The vibration device as described in claim 6, wherein the supporting part extends from one of the second sides into the accommodation space. 8. The vibration device as described in claim 6, wherein the case further includes a pair of connecting parts extending from the first sides, respectively, two sides of the supporting part connects to the connecting parts, respectively, and the supporting part is suspended between the first sides by the connecting parts. 9. The vibration device as described in claim 7, wherein the frame is formed integrally with the supporting part. 10. The vibration device as described in claim 6, wherein the frame and the supporting part are made of one of amorphous metal, ceramic, and glass. 11. The vibration device as described in claim 2, wherein the frame is made of metal, the supporting part is made of plastic, and both of the frame and the supporting part is formed by Nano-forming process.

The present invention relates to a vibration device for providing tactile feedbacks. The vibration device includes a case having an accommodation space; and a vibration unit accommodated in the accommodation space and fastened with the case, for transmitting vibration produced by the vibration unit to the case and further driving the case to vibrate. The vibration unit includes a housing attached to the case by latching or soldering, and a tactile actuator fixed in the housing.1. A Vibration device, comprising: a case having an accommodation space; a vibration unit accommodated in the accommodation space and fastened with the case, for transmitting vibration produced by the vibration unit to the case and further driving the case to vibrate; wherein the vibration unit includes a housing attached to the case by latching or soldering, and a tactile actuator fixed in the housing. 2. The vibration device as described in claim 1, wherein the case includes a frame and a supporting part extending from the frame into the accommodation space, and the housing is fixed with the supporting part. 3. The vibration device as described in claim 2, wherein the supporting part has a mounting hole formed therethrough, the supporting part further includes an upper side perpendicular to a vibration direction of the tactile actuator, a lower side parallel and opposite to the upper side, and an inner side connecting the upper side to the lower side for forming the mounting hole; the housing is mounted in the mounting hole; the housing includes a first elastic latch extending from an edge thereof toward the upper side and including a first extending part extending toward the inner side and a first elastic arm extending from the first extending part toward the upper side, the first elastic arm locates between the inner side and the housing and forms a latching protrusion abutting against the upper side. 4. The vibration device as described in claim 3, wherein the housing includes a protruding part extending toward the lower side and opposite to the first elastic latch, the protruding part extends from an edge of the housing perpendicularly and abuts against the lower side. 5. The vibration device as described in claim 3, wherein the housing includes a second elastic latch extending toward the lower side and opposite to first elastic latch, the second elastic latch and the first elastic latch are disposed at two sides of the supporting part symmetrically. 6. The vibration device as described in claim 2, wherein the frame include a pair of first sides parallel to each other and a pair of second sides connecting the first sides for forming the accommodation space, a length of the first side is greater than that of the second side. 7. The vibration device as described in claim 6, wherein the supporting part extends from one of the second sides into the accommodation space. 8. The vibration device as described in claim 6, wherein the case further includes a pair of connecting parts extending from the first sides, respectively, two sides of the supporting part connects to the connecting parts, respectively, and the supporting part is suspended between the first sides by the connecting parts. 9. The vibration device as described in claim 7, wherein the frame is formed integrally with the supporting part. 10. The vibration device as described in claim 6, wherein the frame and the supporting part are made of one of amorphous metal, ceramic, and glass. 11. The vibration device as described in claim 2, wherein the frame is made of metal, the supporting part is made of plastic, and both of the frame and the supporting part is formed by Nano-forming process.

A garment for cycling, having indicating lights associated with sleeves of the garment; first and second accelerometers provided on respective sleeves; and a controller configured to receive data from the accelerometers and determine from the date whether a wearer of the garment has raised an arm to indicate a maneuver. The controller is further configured to illuminate the appropriate indicating light depending on which arm has been raised, and to compare the data from the first and second accelerometers to filter out movements common to both the first and second accelerometers and determine when the sleeves are being moved independently of one another in a manner to indicate a turn.

1. A garment for cycling comprising: first and second accelerometers provided on respective first and second sleeves; a signal light provided on the garment; and a controller operative to receive from the first and second accelerometers respective movement-indicating signals, and based thereupon to control illumination of the signal light as follows: illuminate the signal light if the respective accelerometer signals indicate relative movement between the accelerometers exceeds a threshold; and suppress illumination of the signal light if respective movements of the accelerometers are in opposite directions along vertical and/or longitudinal axes and approximately equal in magnitude. 2. The garment of claim 1, wherein the controller is further operative to determine when the accelerometers are moving in a common direction with substantially equal magnitude, and thereby determine that the sleeves are not being moved independently of one another. 3. The garment of claim 1, wherein the controller is further operative to determine when the accelerometers are moving relative to one another along vertical and/or longitudinal axes with a substantially different magnitude and thereby determine that the sleeves are being moved independently of one another. 4. The garment of claim 1, wherein the controller is operative to determine when the accelerometers are moving relative to one another along the lateral axis and determine therefrom that the sleeves are being moved independently of one another. 5. The garment of claim 1, wherein the controller is further operative to receive signals from a third accelerometer and compare the signals from the third accelerometer against signals from the first and/or second accelerometers to filter out movements common to the first and second sleeves and determine when the sleeves are being moved independently of one another. 6. The garment of claim 5, wherein the third accelerometer is provided on a body portion of the garment. 7. The garment of claim 6, further comprising a pocket on a body portion of the garment, and wherein the third accelerometer comprises a smartphone carried in the pocket. 8. The garment of claim 5, wherein the controller is further operative to compare data from the accelerometers to determine a deceleration event that is common to the accelerometers and is indicative of a braking event. 9. The garment of claim 1, further comprising first and second vibration modules in the first and second sleeves of the garment respectively, the vibration modules being operative to provide a wearer of the garment with an alert. 10. A garment for cycling comprising: first and second accelerometers on respective first and second sleeves; and a controller receiving signals from the accelerometers and, if the signals indicate approximately equal movement of the accelerometers in opposite directions in vertical and/or longitudinal axes, determining therefrom that a garment wearer's arms have not moved to indicate a turn, and suppressing illumination of a turn signal light. 11. The garment of claim 10, wherein the controller is further operative to determine when the accelerometers are moving in a common direction with substantially equal magnitude, and thereby determine that the sleeves are not being moved independently of one another. 12. The garment of claim 10, wherein the controller is further operative to determine when the accelerometers are moving relative to one another in vertical and/or longitudinal axes with a substantially different magnitude and thereby determine that the sleeves are being moved independently of one another. 13. The garment of claim 10, wherein the controller is operative to determine when the accelerometers are moving relative to one another along the lateral axis and determine therefrom that the sleeves are being moved independently of one another. 14. The garment of claim 10, wherein the controller is further operative to receive signals from a third accelerometer and compare the signals from the third accelerometer against signals from the first and/or second accelerometers to filter out movements common to the first and second sleeves and determine when the sleeves are being moved independently of one another. 15. The garment of claim 14, wherein the third accelerometer is provided on a body portion of the garment. 16. The garment of claim 15, further comprising a pocket on a body portion of the garment, and wherein the third accelerometer comprises a smartphone carried in the pocket. 17. The garment of claim 14, wherein the controller is further operative to compare data from the accelerometers to determine a deceleration event that is common to the accelerometers and is indicative of a braking event. 18. The garment of claim 10, further comprising first and second vibration modules in the first and second sleeves of the garment respectively, the vibration modules being operative to provide the garment wearer with an alert. 19. The garment of claim 18, wherein each of the first and second vibration modules is integral with a respective one of the first and second accelerometers. 20. A method comprising: operating first and second accelerometers on respective first and second sleeves of a cycling garment to detect movement of the sleeves; and operating a controller to analyze data received from the accelerometers, and a) illuminate a signal light if the respective accelerometer signals indicate relative movement between the accelerometers exceeding a threshold, and b) suppress illumination of the signal light if the data indicate approximately equal movement of the accelerometers in opposite directions in vertical and/or longitudinal axes.

A garment for cycling, having indicating lights associated with sleeves of the garment; first and second accelerometers provided on respective sleeves; and a controller configured to receive data from the accelerometers and determine from the date whether a wearer of the garment has raised an arm to indicate a maneuver. The controller is further configured to illuminate the appropriate indicating light depending on which arm has been raised, and to compare the data from the first and second accelerometers to filter out movements common to both the first and second accelerometers and determine when the sleeves are being moved independently of one another in a manner to indicate a turn.1. A garment for cycling comprising: first and second accelerometers provided on respective first and second sleeves; a signal light provided on the garment; and a controller operative to receive from the first and second accelerometers respective movement-indicating signals, and based thereupon to control illumination of the signal light as follows: illuminate the signal light if the respective accelerometer signals indicate relative movement between the accelerometers exceeds a threshold; and suppress illumination of the signal light if respective movements of the accelerometers are in opposite directions along vertical and/or longitudinal axes and approximately equal in magnitude. 2. The garment of claim 1, wherein the controller is further operative to determine when the accelerometers are moving in a common direction with substantially equal magnitude, and thereby determine that the sleeves are not being moved independently of one another. 3. The garment of claim 1, wherein the controller is further operative to determine when the accelerometers are moving relative to one another along vertical and/or longitudinal axes with a substantially different magnitude and thereby determine that the sleeves are being moved independently of one another. 4. The garment of claim 1, wherein the controller is operative to determine when the accelerometers are moving relative to one another along the lateral axis and determine therefrom that the sleeves are being moved independently of one another. 5. The garment of claim 1, wherein the controller is further operative to receive signals from a third accelerometer and compare the signals from the third accelerometer against signals from the first and/or second accelerometers to filter out movements common to the first and second sleeves and determine when the sleeves are being moved independently of one another. 6. The garment of claim 5, wherein the third accelerometer is provided on a body portion of the garment. 7. The garment of claim 6, further comprising a pocket on a body portion of the garment, and wherein the third accelerometer comprises a smartphone carried in the pocket. 8. The garment of claim 5, wherein the controller is further operative to compare data from the accelerometers to determine a deceleration event that is common to the accelerometers and is indicative of a braking event. 9. The garment of claim 1, further comprising first and second vibration modules in the first and second sleeves of the garment respectively, the vibration modules being operative to provide a wearer of the garment with an alert. 10. A garment for cycling comprising: first and second accelerometers on respective first and second sleeves; and a controller receiving signals from the accelerometers and, if the signals indicate approximately equal movement of the accelerometers in opposite directions in vertical and/or longitudinal axes, determining therefrom that a garment wearer's arms have not moved to indicate a turn, and suppressing illumination of a turn signal light. 11. The garment of claim 10, wherein the controller is further operative to determine when the accelerometers are moving in a common direction with substantially equal magnitude, and thereby determine that the sleeves are not being moved independently of one another. 12. The garment of claim 10, wherein the controller is further operative to determine when the accelerometers are moving relative to one another in vertical and/or longitudinal axes with a substantially different magnitude and thereby determine that the sleeves are being moved independently of one another. 13. The garment of claim 10, wherein the controller is operative to determine when the accelerometers are moving relative to one another along the lateral axis and determine therefrom that the sleeves are being moved independently of one another. 14. The garment of claim 10, wherein the controller is further operative to receive signals from a third accelerometer and compare the signals from the third accelerometer against signals from the first and/or second accelerometers to filter out movements common to the first and second sleeves and determine when the sleeves are being moved independently of one another. 15. The garment of claim 14, wherein the third accelerometer is provided on a body portion of the garment. 16. The garment of claim 15, further comprising a pocket on a body portion of the garment, and wherein the third accelerometer comprises a smartphone carried in the pocket. 17. The garment of claim 14, wherein the controller is further operative to compare data from the accelerometers to determine a deceleration event that is common to the accelerometers and is indicative of a braking event. 18. The garment of claim 10, further comprising first and second vibration modules in the first and second sleeves of the garment respectively, the vibration modules being operative to provide the garment wearer with an alert. 19. The garment of claim 18, wherein each of the first and second vibration modules is integral with a respective one of the first and second accelerometers. 20. A method comprising: operating first and second accelerometers on respective first and second sleeves of a cycling garment to detect movement of the sleeves; and operating a controller to analyze data received from the accelerometers, and a) illuminate a signal light if the respective accelerometer signals indicate relative movement between the accelerometers exceeding a threshold, and b) suppress illumination of the signal light if the data indicate approximately equal movement of the accelerometers in opposite directions in vertical and/or longitudinal axes.

An apparatus-implemented method according to one embodiment includes passing a magnetic recording tape over a plurality of modules having write transducers. Associated pairs of the write transducers are aligned along an intended direction of tape travel thereacross, and planes of deposition of write gaps of the write transducers in each associated pair are oriented at an angle of greater than 4 degrees relative to each other. The method further includes controlling a timing of writing of each of the write transducers individually for causing each pair of write transducers to write magnetic bars on the magnetic recording tape that are offset from one another in the intended direction of tape travel thereacross.

1. An apparatus-implemented method, comprising: passing a magnetic recording tape over a plurality of modules having write transducers, wherein associated pairs of the write transducers are aligned along an intended direction of tape travel thereacross, wherein planes of deposition of write gaps of the write transducers in each associated pair are oriented at an angle of greater than 4 degrees relative to each other; and controlling a timing of writing of each of the write transducers individually for causing each pair of write transducers to write magnetic bars on the magnetic recording tape that are offset from one another in the intended direction of tape travel thereacross. 2. The method as recited in claim 1, wherein the magnetic bars are timing-based servo patterns. 3. The method as recited in claim 1, wherein at least one of the modules has a read transducer configured to detect a magnetic bar written by a leading one of the modules, wherein the read transducer is positioned between the write transducers in an associated pair thereof, and comprising causing a trailing one of the write transducers in the associated pair to write a magnetic bar in response to detecting the magnetic bar. 4. The method as recited in claim 1, wherein signals to the write transducers are individually applied for controlling the timing of writing of each write transducer independently. 5. The method as recited in claim 1, wherein the timing of writing is controlled such that the resulting magnetic bars written by each associated pair are offset from one another in the intended direction of tape travel. 6. The method as recited in claim 1, wherein the associated pairs of write transducers write magnetic bars simultaneously. 7. The method as recited in claim 1, wherein the write transducers are arranged in leading and trailing arrays, wherein longitudinal axes of the arrays are non-parallel. 8. The method as recited in claim 1, wherein a read transducer is in a third module coupled to at least one of the modules, the read transducer being configured to detect a magnetic bar written by a leading one of the modules, and comprising causing a trailing one of the write transducers in the associated pair to write a magnetic bar in response to detecting the magnetic bar. 9. The method as recited in claim 1, wherein a read transducer is positioned downstream of a trailing one of the write transducers, the read transducer being configured to detect a magnetic bar written by a leading one of the modules, and comprising causing the trailing one of the write transducers in the associated pair to write a magnetic bar in response to detecting the magnetic bar. 10. A computer program product, the computer program product comprising a computer readable storage medium having program instructions embodied therewith, wherein the computer readable storage medium is not a transitory signal per se, the program instructions readable and/or executable by a controller to cause the controller to perform a method comprising: causing, by the controller, a magnetic recording tape to pass over a plurality of modules having write transducers, wherein associated pairs of the write transducers are aligned along an intended direction of tape travel thereacross, wherein planes of deposition of write gaps of the write transducers in each associated pair are oriented at an angle of greater than 4 degrees relative to each other; and controlling, by the controller, a timing of writing of each of the write transducers individually for causing each pair of write transducers to write magnetic bars on the magnetic recording tape that are offset from one another in the intended direction of tape travel thereacross. 11. The computer program product as recited in claim 10, wherein the magnetic bars are timing-based servo patterns. 12. The computer program product as recited in claim 10, wherein at least one of the modules has a read transducer configured to detect a magnetic bar written by a leading one of the modules, wherein the read transducer is positioned between the write transducers in an associated pair thereof, and comprising causing a trailing one of the write transducers in the associated pair to write a magnetic bar in response to detecting the magnetic bar. 13. The computer program product as recited in claim 10, wherein signals to the write transducers are individually applied for controlling the timing of writing of each write transducer independently. 14. The computer program product as recited in claim 10, wherein the timing of writing is controlled such that the resulting magnetic bars written by each associated pair are offset from one another in the intended direction of tape travel. 15. The computer program product as recited in claim 10, wherein the associated pairs of write transducers write magnetic bars simultaneously. 16. The computer program product as recited in claim 10, wherein the write transducers are arranged in leading and trailing arrays, wherein longitudinal axes of the arrays are non-parallel. 17. An apparatus, comprising: a plurality of modules having write transducers, wherein associated pairs of the write transducers are aligned along an intended direction of tape travel thereacross, wherein planes of deposition of write gaps of the write transducers in each associated pair are oriented at an angle of greater than 4 degrees relative to each other; a drive mechanism for passing a magnetic recording tape over the modules; and a controller configured to control a timing of writing of each of the write transducers individually for causing each pair of write transducers to write magnetic bars on the magnetic recording tape that are offset from one another in the intended direction of tape travel thereacross. 18. An apparatus as recited in claim 17, wherein the magnetic bars are timing-based servo patterns. 19. An apparatus as recited in claim 17, wherein at least one of the modules has a read transducer configured to detect a magnetic bar written by a leading one of the modules, wherein the read transducer is positioned between the write transducers in an associated pair thereof, and comprising causing a trailing one of the write transducers in the associated pair to write a magnetic bar in response to detecting the magnetic bar. 20. An apparatus as recited in claim 17, wherein signals to the write transducers are individually applied for controlling the timing of writing of each write transducer independently.

An apparatus-implemented method according to one embodiment includes passing a magnetic recording tape over a plurality of modules having write transducers. Associated pairs of the write transducers are aligned along an intended direction of tape travel thereacross, and planes of deposition of write gaps of the write transducers in each associated pair are oriented at an angle of greater than 4 degrees relative to each other. The method further includes controlling a timing of writing of each of the write transducers individually for causing each pair of write transducers to write magnetic bars on the magnetic recording tape that are offset from one another in the intended direction of tape travel thereacross.1. An apparatus-implemented method, comprising: passing a magnetic recording tape over a plurality of modules having write transducers, wherein associated pairs of the write transducers are aligned along an intended direction of tape travel thereacross, wherein planes of deposition of write gaps of the write transducers in each associated pair are oriented at an angle of greater than 4 degrees relative to each other; and controlling a timing of writing of each of the write transducers individually for causing each pair of write transducers to write magnetic bars on the magnetic recording tape that are offset from one another in the intended direction of tape travel thereacross. 2. The method as recited in claim 1, wherein the magnetic bars are timing-based servo patterns. 3. The method as recited in claim 1, wherein at least one of the modules has a read transducer configured to detect a magnetic bar written by a leading one of the modules, wherein the read transducer is positioned between the write transducers in an associated pair thereof, and comprising causing a trailing one of the write transducers in the associated pair to write a magnetic bar in response to detecting the magnetic bar. 4. The method as recited in claim 1, wherein signals to the write transducers are individually applied for controlling the timing of writing of each write transducer independently. 5. The method as recited in claim 1, wherein the timing of writing is controlled such that the resulting magnetic bars written by each associated pair are offset from one another in the intended direction of tape travel. 6. The method as recited in claim 1, wherein the associated pairs of write transducers write magnetic bars simultaneously. 7. The method as recited in claim 1, wherein the write transducers are arranged in leading and trailing arrays, wherein longitudinal axes of the arrays are non-parallel. 8. The method as recited in claim 1, wherein a read transducer is in a third module coupled to at least one of the modules, the read transducer being configured to detect a magnetic bar written by a leading one of the modules, and comprising causing a trailing one of the write transducers in the associated pair to write a magnetic bar in response to detecting the magnetic bar. 9. The method as recited in claim 1, wherein a read transducer is positioned downstream of a trailing one of the write transducers, the read transducer being configured to detect a magnetic bar written by a leading one of the modules, and comprising causing the trailing one of the write transducers in the associated pair to write a magnetic bar in response to detecting the magnetic bar. 10. A computer program product, the computer program product comprising a computer readable storage medium having program instructions embodied therewith, wherein the computer readable storage medium is not a transitory signal per se, the program instructions readable and/or executable by a controller to cause the controller to perform a method comprising: causing, by the controller, a magnetic recording tape to pass over a plurality of modules having write transducers, wherein associated pairs of the write transducers are aligned along an intended direction of tape travel thereacross, wherein planes of deposition of write gaps of the write transducers in each associated pair are oriented at an angle of greater than 4 degrees relative to each other; and controlling, by the controller, a timing of writing of each of the write transducers individually for causing each pair of write transducers to write magnetic bars on the magnetic recording tape that are offset from one another in the intended direction of tape travel thereacross. 11. The computer program product as recited in claim 10, wherein the magnetic bars are timing-based servo patterns. 12. The computer program product as recited in claim 10, wherein at least one of the modules has a read transducer configured to detect a magnetic bar written by a leading one of the modules, wherein the read transducer is positioned between the write transducers in an associated pair thereof, and comprising causing a trailing one of the write transducers in the associated pair to write a magnetic bar in response to detecting the magnetic bar. 13. The computer program product as recited in claim 10, wherein signals to the write transducers are individually applied for controlling the timing of writing of each write transducer independently. 14. The computer program product as recited in claim 10, wherein the timing of writing is controlled such that the resulting magnetic bars written by each associated pair are offset from one another in the intended direction of tape travel. 15. The computer program product as recited in claim 10, wherein the associated pairs of write transducers write magnetic bars simultaneously. 16. The computer program product as recited in claim 10, wherein the write transducers are arranged in leading and trailing arrays, wherein longitudinal axes of the arrays are non-parallel. 17. An apparatus, comprising: a plurality of modules having write transducers, wherein associated pairs of the write transducers are aligned along an intended direction of tape travel thereacross, wherein planes of deposition of write gaps of the write transducers in each associated pair are oriented at an angle of greater than 4 degrees relative to each other; a drive mechanism for passing a magnetic recording tape over the modules; and a controller configured to control a timing of writing of each of the write transducers individually for causing each pair of write transducers to write magnetic bars on the magnetic recording tape that are offset from one another in the intended direction of tape travel thereacross. 18. An apparatus as recited in claim 17, wherein the magnetic bars are timing-based servo patterns. 19. An apparatus as recited in claim 17, wherein at least one of the modules has a read transducer configured to detect a magnetic bar written by a leading one of the modules, wherein the read transducer is positioned between the write transducers in an associated pair thereof, and comprising causing a trailing one of the write transducers in the associated pair to write a magnetic bar in response to detecting the magnetic bar. 20. An apparatus as recited in claim 17, wherein signals to the write transducers are individually applied for controlling the timing of writing of each write transducer independently.

A motion inducing system for playing sounds over a gramophone is provided. An electrical signal such as that from a digital music player is converted to lateral movement of a surface using a linear motion transducer. The lateral movement moves the stylus of a gramophone, and the music from the digital music source is played through the horn of the gramophone.

1. A device for playing sound, the device comprising: at least one transducer configured to receive an audio input from an electronic source and convert the audio input into linear motion; and a soundbox coupled to the transducer and including a diaphragm, the diaphragm mechanically connected to the transducer, and wherein linear motion of the transducer moves the diaphragm to produce at least one sound wave in response to receipt of the audio input. 2. The device of claim 1, wherein the at least one transducer is one of a linear motor, a linear actuator, a modulator, and an exciter. 3. The device of claim 1 further comprising an arm operatively coupled to the transducer and the soundbox, the arm configured to push and/or pull the diaphragm to produce the at least one sound wave. 4. The device of claim 3, wherein the arm is affixed to the diaphragm of the soundbox. 5. The device of claim 3, wherein the arm pivotally joins the soundbox to the transducer. 6. The device of claim 1, wherein the electronic source is one of a microphone, a radio, a television, and an online audio feed. 7. The device of claim 1, wherein the electronic source is one of streaming data or stored audio data. 8. The device of claim 1, wherein the soundbox includes an airtight portion, such that movement of the diaphragm within the soundbox causes compression and expansion of airspace on either side of the diaphragm. 9. The device of claim 8, wherein compression and expansion of the airspace on either side of the diaphragm is done in an alternating fashion. 10. The device of claim 1, wherein the diaphragm is supported between at least two gaskets of the soundbox. 11. The device of claim 1, wherein the diaphragm is constructed and arranged within the soundbox so that the soundbox includes at least two air spaces. 12. The device of claim 11, wherein one of the air spaces being in fluid communication with a soundbox tube, a taper tube, and a horn. 13. The device of claim 1 further comprising an electrical circuit constructed and arranged to receive the audio input from the electronic source and provide the audio input to the transducer. 14. The device of claim 1 further comprising a digital storage device, the digital storage device being the electronic source of the audio input. 15. A system for playing sound, the system comprising: an electronic sound source configured to provide an audio input; a motion inducing device in communication with the electronic sound source, the motion inducing device including an electrical circuit constructed and arranged to receive the audio input from the electronic sound source, and at least one transducer configured to receive the audio input from the electrical circuit and convert the audio input into linear motion; and a soundbox coupled to the motion inducing device and including a diaphragm, the diaphragm mechanically connected to the transducer, and wherein linear motion of the transducer moves the diaphragm to produce at least one sound wave in response to receipt of the audio input from the electronic sound source. 16. The device of claim 15, wherein the electrical circuit further comprises an input, the input being in electrical communication with an output of the electronic sound source. 17. The device of claim 15, wherein the electrical circuit is configured to modify the audio input so as to provide a modified audio input to the at least one transducer. 18. The device of claim 15, wherein the motion inducing device is a linear motor transducer. 19. The device of claim 15, wherein the electrical circuit further comprises at least one of a conditioner and an amplifier to modify the audio input from the electronic sound source. 20. The device of claim 19, wherein the conditioner is configured to combine at least two audio inputs to provide a mono output.

A motion inducing system for playing sounds over a gramophone is provided. An electrical signal such as that from a digital music player is converted to lateral movement of a surface using a linear motion transducer. The lateral movement moves the stylus of a gramophone, and the music from the digital music source is played through the horn of the gramophone.1. A device for playing sound, the device comprising: at least one transducer configured to receive an audio input from an electronic source and convert the audio input into linear motion; and a soundbox coupled to the transducer and including a diaphragm, the diaphragm mechanically connected to the transducer, and wherein linear motion of the transducer moves the diaphragm to produce at least one sound wave in response to receipt of the audio input. 2. The device of claim 1, wherein the at least one transducer is one of a linear motor, a linear actuator, a modulator, and an exciter. 3. The device of claim 1 further comprising an arm operatively coupled to the transducer and the soundbox, the arm configured to push and/or pull the diaphragm to produce the at least one sound wave. 4. The device of claim 3, wherein the arm is affixed to the diaphragm of the soundbox. 5. The device of claim 3, wherein the arm pivotally joins the soundbox to the transducer. 6. The device of claim 1, wherein the electronic source is one of a microphone, a radio, a television, and an online audio feed. 7. The device of claim 1, wherein the electronic source is one of streaming data or stored audio data. 8. The device of claim 1, wherein the soundbox includes an airtight portion, such that movement of the diaphragm within the soundbox causes compression and expansion of airspace on either side of the diaphragm. 9. The device of claim 8, wherein compression and expansion of the airspace on either side of the diaphragm is done in an alternating fashion. 10. The device of claim 1, wherein the diaphragm is supported between at least two gaskets of the soundbox. 11. The device of claim 1, wherein the diaphragm is constructed and arranged within the soundbox so that the soundbox includes at least two air spaces. 12. The device of claim 11, wherein one of the air spaces being in fluid communication with a soundbox tube, a taper tube, and a horn. 13. The device of claim 1 further comprising an electrical circuit constructed and arranged to receive the audio input from the electronic source and provide the audio input to the transducer. 14. The device of claim 1 further comprising a digital storage device, the digital storage device being the electronic source of the audio input. 15. A system for playing sound, the system comprising: an electronic sound source configured to provide an audio input; a motion inducing device in communication with the electronic sound source, the motion inducing device including an electrical circuit constructed and arranged to receive the audio input from the electronic sound source, and at least one transducer configured to receive the audio input from the electrical circuit and convert the audio input into linear motion; and a soundbox coupled to the motion inducing device and including a diaphragm, the diaphragm mechanically connected to the transducer, and wherein linear motion of the transducer moves the diaphragm to produce at least one sound wave in response to receipt of the audio input from the electronic sound source. 16. The device of claim 15, wherein the electrical circuit further comprises an input, the input being in electrical communication with an output of the electronic sound source. 17. The device of claim 15, wherein the electrical circuit is configured to modify the audio input so as to provide a modified audio input to the at least one transducer. 18. The device of claim 15, wherein the motion inducing device is a linear motor transducer. 19. The device of claim 15, wherein the electrical circuit further comprises at least one of a conditioner and an amplifier to modify the audio input from the electronic sound source. 20. The device of claim 19, wherein the conditioner is configured to combine at least two audio inputs to provide a mono output.

A remote controlling device includes a host including a power cord, a power socket, a 433 MHz wireless transceiver, and an MCU; and a battery powered remoter control includes buttons, an MCU, a 433 MHz wireless transceiver, and an LCD. In response to pressing the button, the MCU of the remoter control processes an instruction and instructs the 433 MHz wireless transceiver of the remoter control to send out an RF signal representing the instruction to the 433 MHz wireless transceiver of the host, the 433 MHz wireless transceiver of the host sends the received RF signal to the MCU of the host, and the MCU of the host reads the RF signal and causes an electrical device connected to the power socket to respond.

1. A remote controlling device comprising: a host including a power cord, a power socket, a 433 MHz wireless transceiver, and a microcontroller unit (MCU); and a battery powered remote control includes a plurality of buttons, an MCU, a 433 MHz wireless transceiver, and a display; wherein, in response to pressing one or more of the buttons, the MCU of the remote control processes an instruction and instructs the 433 MHz wireless transceiver of the remote control to send out a first radio frequency (RF) signal representing the instruction to the 433 MHz wireless transceiver of the host, the 433 MHz wireless transceiver of the host sends the received first RF signal to the MCU of the host, and the MCU of the host reads the first RF signal and causes a mechanical fan connected to the power socket to respond according to the instruction and wherein a response signal confirming response of the mechanical fan to the instruction is encoded into a second RF signal by the MCU of the host, the MCU of the host sends the second RF signal representing the confirming response to the 433 MHz wireless transceiver of the host, the 433 MHz wireless transceiver of the host transmits the second RF signal to the 433 MHz wireless transceiver of the remote control, the 433 MHz wireless transceiver of the remote control sends the received second RF signal to the MCU of the remote control, and the MCU of the remote control decodes the second RF signal and sends information contained in the decoded second RF signal and displays the confirming response on the display. 2. (canceled) 3. A remote controlling device comprising: a host including a power cord, a power socket, a 433 MHz wireless transceiver, and a microcontroller unit (MCU); and a battery powered remote control includes a plurality of buttons, an MCU, a 433 MHz wireless transceiver, and a display; wherein in response to pressing one or more of the buttons, the MCU of the remote control processes an instruction and instructs the 433 MHz wireless transceiver of the remote control to send out a first radio frequency (RF) signal representing the instruction to the 433 MHz wireless transceiver of the host, the 433 MHz wireless transceiver of the host sends the received first RF signal to the MCU of the host, and the MCU of the host reads the first RF signal and causes an electric heater connected to the power socket to respond according to the instruction and wherein a response signal confirming response of the electric heater to the instruction is encoded into a second RF signal by the MCU of the host, the MCU of the host sends the second RF signal representing the confirming response to the 433 MHz wireless transceiver of the host, the 433 MHz wireless transceiver of the host transmits the second RF signal to the 433 MHz wireless transceiver of the remote control, the 433 MHz wireless transceiver of the remote control sends the received second RF signal to the MCU of the remote control, and the MCU of the remote control decodes the second RF signal and sends information contained in the decoded second RF signal and displays the confirming response on the display. 4. (canceled) 5. The remote controlling device of claim 3, further comprising an overcurrent protection member in series with the power cord.

A remote controlling device includes a host including a power cord, a power socket, a 433 MHz wireless transceiver, and an MCU; and a battery powered remoter control includes buttons, an MCU, a 433 MHz wireless transceiver, and an LCD. In response to pressing the button, the MCU of the remoter control processes an instruction and instructs the 433 MHz wireless transceiver of the remoter control to send out an RF signal representing the instruction to the 433 MHz wireless transceiver of the host, the 433 MHz wireless transceiver of the host sends the received RF signal to the MCU of the host, and the MCU of the host reads the RF signal and causes an electrical device connected to the power socket to respond.1. A remote controlling device comprising: a host including a power cord, a power socket, a 433 MHz wireless transceiver, and a microcontroller unit (MCU); and a battery powered remote control includes a plurality of buttons, an MCU, a 433 MHz wireless transceiver, and a display; wherein, in response to pressing one or more of the buttons, the MCU of the remote control processes an instruction and instructs the 433 MHz wireless transceiver of the remote control to send out a first radio frequency (RF) signal representing the instruction to the 433 MHz wireless transceiver of the host, the 433 MHz wireless transceiver of the host sends the received first RF signal to the MCU of the host, and the MCU of the host reads the first RF signal and causes a mechanical fan connected to the power socket to respond according to the instruction and wherein a response signal confirming response of the mechanical fan to the instruction is encoded into a second RF signal by the MCU of the host, the MCU of the host sends the second RF signal representing the confirming response to the 433 MHz wireless transceiver of the host, the 433 MHz wireless transceiver of the host transmits the second RF signal to the 433 MHz wireless transceiver of the remote control, the 433 MHz wireless transceiver of the remote control sends the received second RF signal to the MCU of the remote control, and the MCU of the remote control decodes the second RF signal and sends information contained in the decoded second RF signal and displays the confirming response on the display. 2. (canceled) 3. A remote controlling device comprising: a host including a power cord, a power socket, a 433 MHz wireless transceiver, and a microcontroller unit (MCU); and a battery powered remote control includes a plurality of buttons, an MCU, a 433 MHz wireless transceiver, and a display; wherein in response to pressing one or more of the buttons, the MCU of the remote control processes an instruction and instructs the 433 MHz wireless transceiver of the remote control to send out a first radio frequency (RF) signal representing the instruction to the 433 MHz wireless transceiver of the host, the 433 MHz wireless transceiver of the host sends the received first RF signal to the MCU of the host, and the MCU of the host reads the first RF signal and causes an electric heater connected to the power socket to respond according to the instruction and wherein a response signal confirming response of the electric heater to the instruction is encoded into a second RF signal by the MCU of the host, the MCU of the host sends the second RF signal representing the confirming response to the 433 MHz wireless transceiver of the host, the 433 MHz wireless transceiver of the host transmits the second RF signal to the 433 MHz wireless transceiver of the remote control, the 433 MHz wireless transceiver of the remote control sends the received second RF signal to the MCU of the remote control, and the MCU of the remote control decodes the second RF signal and sends information contained in the decoded second RF signal and displays the confirming response on the display. 4. (canceled) 5. The remote controlling device of claim 3, further comprising an overcurrent protection member in series with the power cord.

A Data Storage Device (DSD) includes a magnetic storage medium and a head configured to read and write data using a current default write policy that affects an amount of power output by at least one write-assistive component of the head. One or more experimental writes are performed by writing data on the magnetic storage medium using an experimental write policy for the at least one write-assistive component, and the data is read from the magnetic storage medium. An experimental performance of the one or more experimental writes is evaluated based on the reading of the data. An experimental prediction value is determined indicating a predicted usable life of the head based on the evaluation of the experimental performance. Based on the experimental prediction value, it is determined whether to change the current default write policy for the at least one write-assistive component for future non-experimental writes.

1. A Data Storage Device (DSD), comprising: a magnetic storage medium; a head configured to read and write data on the magnetic storage medium, and wherein the head includes at least one write-assistive component configured to assist in writing data on the magnetic storage medium using a current default write policy that affects the amount of power output by the at least one write-assistive component; and a controller configured to: perform one or more experimental writes by writing data on the magnetic storage medium using an experimental write policy for the at least one write-assistive component; read the data from the magnetic storage medium that was written for the one or more experimental writes; evaluate an experimental performance of the one or more experimental writes based on the reading of the data written for the one or more experimental writes; determine an experimental prediction value indicating a predicted usable life of the head based on the evaluation of the experimental performance of the one or more experimental writes; and based on the experimental prediction value, determine whether to change the current default write policy for the at least one write-assistive component for future non-experimental writes. 2. The DSD of claim 1, wherein the at least one write-assistive component includes at least one of a heater configured to adjust a fly height of the head over the magnetic storage medium, a laser diode configured to heat a surface of the magnetic storage medium, and a microwave field generator configured to generate a microwave field. 3. The DSD of claim 1, wherein the controller is further configured to: estimate a workload of the head; and determine the experimental prediction value based on the estimated workload and the evaluation of the experimental performance of the one or more experimental writes. 4. The DSD of claim 1, wherein the controller is further configured to: evaluate a default performance of one or more non-experimental writes based on the reading of data written for the one or more non-experimental writes using the current default write policy; determine a default prediction value indicating a usable life of the head based on the evaluation of the default performance of the one or more non-experimental writes; compare the default prediction value with the experimental prediction value; and determine whether to replace the current default write policy with the experimental write policy based on the comparison of the default prediction value with the experimental prediction value. 5. The DSD of claim 1, wherein in evaluating the experimental performance of the one or more experimental writes, the controller is further configured to evaluate at least one of a signal quality for the read data and a latency in reading the data. 6. The DSD of claim 1, wherein the controller is further configured to determine the experimental write policy based on an evaluation of one or more earlier experimental writes for one or more earlier experimental write policies. 7. The DSD of claim 1, wherein the head includes a plurality of write-assistive components each configured to assist in writing data on the magnetic storage medium for the one or more experimental writes by using respective experimental settings that cumulatively form the experimental write policy, and wherein the controller is further configured to determine the experimental prediction value based on the respective experimental settings. 8. The DSD of claim 7, wherein the controller is further configured to determine a first experimental setting for a first write-assistive component and determine a second experimental setting for a second write-assistive component based on an evaluation of one or more earlier experimental writes for one or more earlier experimental write policies. 9. The DSD of claim 1, wherein the controller is further configured to: include an indication of the experimental write policy in the data written for the one or more experimental writes; and identify the data written for the one or more experimental writes using the indication of the experimental write policy after performing non-experimental read operations on the magnetic storage medium. 10. The DSD of claim 1, wherein the controller is further configured to perform the one or more experimental writes as part of a maintenance operation of the DSD. 11. The DSD of claim 1, wherein the controller is further configured to: evaluate a default performance of one or more non-experimental writes based on the reading of data written for one or more non-experimental writes using the current default write policy; and determine the experimental write policy based on the evaluation of the default performance of the one or more non-experimental writes. 12. The DSD of claim 1, wherein the one or more experimental writes include a plurality of experimental writes at different radial locations on the magnetic storage medium. 13. The DSD of claim 1, wherein the experimental write policy and the current default write policy include respective sets of write settings for different radial locations on the magnetic storage medium. 14. A method of operating a Data Storage Device (DSD) including a magnetic storage medium and a head configured to read and write data on the magnetic storage medium using a current default write policy that affects an amount of power output by at least one write-assistive component of the head, the method comprising: performing one or more experimental writes by writing data on the magnetic storage medium using an experimental write policy for the at least one write-assistive component; reading the data from the magnetic storage medium that was written for the one or more experimental writes; evaluating an experimental performance of the one or more experimental writes based on the reading of the data written for the one or more experimental writes; determining an experimental prediction value indicating a predicted usable life of the head based on the evaluation of the experimental performance of the one or more experimental writes; and based on the experimental prediction value, determining whether to change the current default write policy for the at least one write-assistive component for future non-experimental writes. 15. The method of claim 14, wherein the at least one write-assistive component includes at least one of a heater configured to adjust a fly height of the head over the magnetic storage medium, a laser diode configured to heat a surface of the magnetic storage medium, and a microwave field generator configured to generate a microwave field. 16. The method of claim 14, further comprising: estimating a workload of the head; and determining the experimental prediction value based on the estimated workload and the evaluation of the experimental performance of the one or more experimental writes. 17. The method of claim 14, further comprising: evaluating a default performance of one or more non-experimental writes based on the reading of data written for the one or more non-experimental writes using the current default write policy; determining a default prediction value indicating a predicted usable life of the head based on the evaluation of the default performance of the one or more non-experimental writes; comparing the default prediction value with the experimental prediction value; and determining whether to replace the current default write policy with the experimental write policy based on the comparison of the default prediction value with the experimental prediction value. 18. The method of claim 14, wherein in evaluating the performance of the one or more experimental writes, the method further comprises evaluating at least one of a signal quality for the read data and a latency in reading the data. 19. The method of claim 14, further comprising determining the experimental write policy based on an evaluation of one or more earlier experimental writes for one or more earlier experimental write policies. 20. The method of claim 14, wherein the head includes a plurality of write-assistive components each configured to assist in writing data on the magnetic storage medium for the one or more experimental writes by using respective experimental settings that cumulatively form the experimental write policy, and wherein the method further comprises determining the experimental prediction value based on the respective experimental settings. 21. The method of claim 20, further comprising determining a first experimental setting for a first write-assistive component and determining a second experimental setting for a second write-assistive component based on an evaluation of one or more earlier experimental writes for one or more earlier experimental write policies. 22. The method of claim 14, further comprising: including an indication of the experimental write policy in the data written for the one or more experimental writes; and identifying the data written for the one or more experimental writes using the indication of the experimental write policy after performing non-experimental read operations on the magnetic storage medium. 23. The method of claim 14, further comprising performing the one or more experimental writes as part of a maintenance operation of the DSD. 24. The method of claim 14, further comprising: evaluating a default performance of one or more non-experimental writes based on the reading of data written for the one or more non-experimental writes using the current default write policy; and determining the experimental write policy based on the evaluation of the default performance of the one or more non-experimental writes. 25. The method of claim 14, wherein the one or more experimental writes include a plurality of experimental writes at different radial locations on the magnetic storage medium. 26. The method of claim 14, wherein the experimental write policy and the current default write policy include respective sets of write settings for different radial locations on the magnetic storage medium. 27. A non-transitory computer readable medium storing computer-executable instructions, wherein when the computer-executable instructions are executed by a controller of a Data Storage Device (DSD) including a magnetic storage medium and a head configured to read and write data on the magnetic storage medium, the computer-executable instructions cause the controller to: perform one or more experimental writes by writing data on the magnetic storage medium using an experimental write policy for at least one write-assistive component of the head; read the data from the magnetic storage medium that was written for the one or more experimental writes; evaluate an experimental performance of the one or more experimental writes based on the reading of the data written for the one or more experimental writes; determine an experimental prediction value indicating a predicted usable life of the head based on the evaluation of the experimental performance of the one or more experimental writes; and based on the experimental prediction value, determine whether to change a current default write policy for the at least one write-assistive component for future non-experimental writes.

A Data Storage Device (DSD) includes a magnetic storage medium and a head configured to read and write data using a current default write policy that affects an amount of power output by at least one write-assistive component of the head. One or more experimental writes are performed by writing data on the magnetic storage medium using an experimental write policy for the at least one write-assistive component, and the data is read from the magnetic storage medium. An experimental performance of the one or more experimental writes is evaluated based on the reading of the data. An experimental prediction value is determined indicating a predicted usable life of the head based on the evaluation of the experimental performance. Based on the experimental prediction value, it is determined whether to change the current default write policy for the at least one write-assistive component for future non-experimental writes.1. A Data Storage Device (DSD), comprising: a magnetic storage medium; a head configured to read and write data on the magnetic storage medium, and wherein the head includes at least one write-assistive component configured to assist in writing data on the magnetic storage medium using a current default write policy that affects the amount of power output by the at least one write-assistive component; and a controller configured to: perform one or more experimental writes by writing data on the magnetic storage medium using an experimental write policy for the at least one write-assistive component; read the data from the magnetic storage medium that was written for the one or more experimental writes; evaluate an experimental performance of the one or more experimental writes based on the reading of the data written for the one or more experimental writes; determine an experimental prediction value indicating a predicted usable life of the head based on the evaluation of the experimental performance of the one or more experimental writes; and based on the experimental prediction value, determine whether to change the current default write policy for the at least one write-assistive component for future non-experimental writes. 2. The DSD of claim 1, wherein the at least one write-assistive component includes at least one of a heater configured to adjust a fly height of the head over the magnetic storage medium, a laser diode configured to heat a surface of the magnetic storage medium, and a microwave field generator configured to generate a microwave field. 3. The DSD of claim 1, wherein the controller is further configured to: estimate a workload of the head; and determine the experimental prediction value based on the estimated workload and the evaluation of the experimental performance of the one or more experimental writes. 4. The DSD of claim 1, wherein the controller is further configured to: evaluate a default performance of one or more non-experimental writes based on the reading of data written for the one or more non-experimental writes using the current default write policy; determine a default prediction value indicating a usable life of the head based on the evaluation of the default performance of the one or more non-experimental writes; compare the default prediction value with the experimental prediction value; and determine whether to replace the current default write policy with the experimental write policy based on the comparison of the default prediction value with the experimental prediction value. 5. The DSD of claim 1, wherein in evaluating the experimental performance of the one or more experimental writes, the controller is further configured to evaluate at least one of a signal quality for the read data and a latency in reading the data. 6. The DSD of claim 1, wherein the controller is further configured to determine the experimental write policy based on an evaluation of one or more earlier experimental writes for one or more earlier experimental write policies. 7. The DSD of claim 1, wherein the head includes a plurality of write-assistive components each configured to assist in writing data on the magnetic storage medium for the one or more experimental writes by using respective experimental settings that cumulatively form the experimental write policy, and wherein the controller is further configured to determine the experimental prediction value based on the respective experimental settings. 8. The DSD of claim 7, wherein the controller is further configured to determine a first experimental setting for a first write-assistive component and determine a second experimental setting for a second write-assistive component based on an evaluation of one or more earlier experimental writes for one or more earlier experimental write policies. 9. The DSD of claim 1, wherein the controller is further configured to: include an indication of the experimental write policy in the data written for the one or more experimental writes; and identify the data written for the one or more experimental writes using the indication of the experimental write policy after performing non-experimental read operations on the magnetic storage medium. 10. The DSD of claim 1, wherein the controller is further configured to perform the one or more experimental writes as part of a maintenance operation of the DSD. 11. The DSD of claim 1, wherein the controller is further configured to: evaluate a default performance of one or more non-experimental writes based on the reading of data written for one or more non-experimental writes using the current default write policy; and determine the experimental write policy based on the evaluation of the default performance of the one or more non-experimental writes. 12. The DSD of claim 1, wherein the one or more experimental writes include a plurality of experimental writes at different radial locations on the magnetic storage medium. 13. The DSD of claim 1, wherein the experimental write policy and the current default write policy include respective sets of write settings for different radial locations on the magnetic storage medium. 14. A method of operating a Data Storage Device (DSD) including a magnetic storage medium and a head configured to read and write data on the magnetic storage medium using a current default write policy that affects an amount of power output by at least one write-assistive component of the head, the method comprising: performing one or more experimental writes by writing data on the magnetic storage medium using an experimental write policy for the at least one write-assistive component; reading the data from the magnetic storage medium that was written for the one or more experimental writes; evaluating an experimental performance of the one or more experimental writes based on the reading of the data written for the one or more experimental writes; determining an experimental prediction value indicating a predicted usable life of the head based on the evaluation of the experimental performance of the one or more experimental writes; and based on the experimental prediction value, determining whether to change the current default write policy for the at least one write-assistive component for future non-experimental writes. 15. The method of claim 14, wherein the at least one write-assistive component includes at least one of a heater configured to adjust a fly height of the head over the magnetic storage medium, a laser diode configured to heat a surface of the magnetic storage medium, and a microwave field generator configured to generate a microwave field. 16. The method of claim 14, further comprising: estimating a workload of the head; and determining the experimental prediction value based on the estimated workload and the evaluation of the experimental performance of the one or more experimental writes. 17. The method of claim 14, further comprising: evaluating a default performance of one or more non-experimental writes based on the reading of data written for the one or more non-experimental writes using the current default write policy; determining a default prediction value indicating a predicted usable life of the head based on the evaluation of the default performance of the one or more non-experimental writes; comparing the default prediction value with the experimental prediction value; and determining whether to replace the current default write policy with the experimental write policy based on the comparison of the default prediction value with the experimental prediction value. 18. The method of claim 14, wherein in evaluating the performance of the one or more experimental writes, the method further comprises evaluating at least one of a signal quality for the read data and a latency in reading the data. 19. The method of claim 14, further comprising determining the experimental write policy based on an evaluation of one or more earlier experimental writes for one or more earlier experimental write policies. 20. The method of claim 14, wherein the head includes a plurality of write-assistive components each configured to assist in writing data on the magnetic storage medium for the one or more experimental writes by using respective experimental settings that cumulatively form the experimental write policy, and wherein the method further comprises determining the experimental prediction value based on the respective experimental settings. 21. The method of claim 20, further comprising determining a first experimental setting for a first write-assistive component and determining a second experimental setting for a second write-assistive component based on an evaluation of one or more earlier experimental writes for one or more earlier experimental write policies. 22. The method of claim 14, further comprising: including an indication of the experimental write policy in the data written for the one or more experimental writes; and identifying the data written for the one or more experimental writes using the indication of the experimental write policy after performing non-experimental read operations on the magnetic storage medium. 23. The method of claim 14, further comprising performing the one or more experimental writes as part of a maintenance operation of the DSD. 24. The method of claim 14, further comprising: evaluating a default performance of one or more non-experimental writes based on the reading of data written for the one or more non-experimental writes using the current default write policy; and determining the experimental write policy based on the evaluation of the default performance of the one or more non-experimental writes. 25. The method of claim 14, wherein the one or more experimental writes include a plurality of experimental writes at different radial locations on the magnetic storage medium. 26. The method of claim 14, wherein the experimental write policy and the current default write policy include respective sets of write settings for different radial locations on the magnetic storage medium. 27. A non-transitory computer readable medium storing computer-executable instructions, wherein when the computer-executable instructions are executed by a controller of a Data Storage Device (DSD) including a magnetic storage medium and a head configured to read and write data on the magnetic storage medium, the computer-executable instructions cause the controller to: perform one or more experimental writes by writing data on the magnetic storage medium using an experimental write policy for at least one write-assistive component of the head; read the data from the magnetic storage medium that was written for the one or more experimental writes; evaluate an experimental performance of the one or more experimental writes based on the reading of the data written for the one or more experimental writes; determine an experimental prediction value indicating a predicted usable life of the head based on the evaluation of the experimental performance of the one or more experimental writes; and based on the experimental prediction value, determine whether to change a current default write policy for the at least one write-assistive component for future non-experimental writes.

The disclosed technology provides a method that improves SMR throughput in vibration in storage systems. In one implementation, the method comprises receiving a write command to write data on a first track in a band of a storage medium, performing a vibration detection scheme to identify vibration events, determining if a number of vibration events is above a predetermined threshold, skipping the first track responsive to determining the number of vibration events is above a predetermined threshold, seeking to a second track adjacent to the first track, increasing an OCLIM on the second track adjacent to the first track from a default OCLIM to an increased OCLIM, and shifting the writer center on the second track adjacent to the first track.

1. A method comprising: receiving a write command to write data on a first track in a band of a storage medium; skipping the first track responsive to determining a number of vibration events is above a vibration predetermined threshold; seeking to a second track adjacent to the first track; and increasing an on-cylinder limit (OCLIM) on the second track adjacent to the first track from a default OCLIM to an increased OCLIM. 2. The method of claim 1, further comprising: writing data on the first track with the default OCLIM responsive to determining a frequency of vibration events is below a predetermined frequency threshold. 3. The method of claim 1, further comprising: performing a vibration detection scheme to identify vibration events; and determining if a number of vibration events is above a predetermined vibration threshold. 4. The method of claim 1, wherein determining a frequency of vibration events is below a predetermined frequency threshold is responsive to determining no vibration is detected. 5. The method of claim 1, further comprising: designating the skipped first track as skipped in a mapping table. 6. The method of claim 1, further comprising: shifting a writer center on the second track adjacent to the first track. 7. The method of claim 1, further comprising: writing data on the second track adjacent to the first track. 8. A storage device system, comprising: a storage controller configured to: receive a write command to write data to a first track in a band of a storage medium; seek to a first track in the band; skip the first track responsive to determining a number of vibration events is above a vibration predetermined threshold; and increase an on-cylinder limit (OCLIM) on a second track from a default OCLIM to an increased OCLIM by a predetermined amount. 9. The storage device system of claim 8, further comprising: a vibration sensor configured to detect vibration in a storage device. 10. The storage device system of claim 8, wherein the storage medium includes a media cache with segment-based dynamic mapping and the storage controller is configured to skip at least one unmapped segment on a track in the band. 11. The storage device system of claim 8, wherein the storage medium is a shingled magnetic recording storage medium. 12. The storage device system of claim 8, wherein the storage controller is further configured to shift a writer center on the second track adjacent to the first track. 13. The storage device system of claim 8, wherein the storage controller is further configured to write data on the second track adjacent to the first track. 14. The storage device system of claim 8, wherein the storage controller is further configured to write data on the first track with a default OCLIM responsive to determining a frequency of vibration events is below a predetermined threshold. 15. The storage device system of claim 8, wherein the storage controller is further configured to: perform a vibration detection scheme via vibration detection module to identify a number of vibration events detected by the vibration sensor; determine if the number of vibration events is above a predetermined threshold; skip to a second track adjacent to the first track responsive to determining the number of vibration events is above a predetermined threshold; and increase the on-cylinder limit (OCLIM) on the first track from a default OCLIM to an increased OCLIM. 16. The storage device system of claim 15, wherein the storage controller is further configured to designate a skipped track as skipped in a mapping table. 17. One or more non-transitory computer-readable storage media encoding computer-executable instructions for executing on a computer system a computer process, the computer process comprising: receiving a write command to write data on a first track in a band of a storage medium; skipping the first track responsive to determining a number of vibration events is above a vibration predetermined threshold; seeking to a second track adjacent to the first track; and increasing an on-cylinder limit (OCLIM) on the second track adjacent to the first track from a default OCLIM to an increased OCLIM. 18. The one or more non-transitory computer-readable storage media of claim 17, further comprising: performing a vibration detection scheme to identify vibration events; and determining if a number of vibration events is above a predetermined vibration threshold. 19. The one or more non-transitory computer-readable storage media of claim 17, further comprising designating the skipped first track as skipped in a mapping table. 20. The one or more non-transitory computer-readable storage media of claim 17, further comprising shifting a writer center on the second track adjacent to the first track.

The disclosed technology provides a method that improves SMR throughput in vibration in storage systems. In one implementation, the method comprises receiving a write command to write data on a first track in a band of a storage medium, performing a vibration detection scheme to identify vibration events, determining if a number of vibration events is above a predetermined threshold, skipping the first track responsive to determining the number of vibration events is above a predetermined threshold, seeking to a second track adjacent to the first track, increasing an OCLIM on the second track adjacent to the first track from a default OCLIM to an increased OCLIM, and shifting the writer center on the second track adjacent to the first track.1. A method comprising: receiving a write command to write data on a first track in a band of a storage medium; skipping the first track responsive to determining a number of vibration events is above a vibration predetermined threshold; seeking to a second track adjacent to the first track; and increasing an on-cylinder limit (OCLIM) on the second track adjacent to the first track from a default OCLIM to an increased OCLIM. 2. The method of claim 1, further comprising: writing data on the first track with the default OCLIM responsive to determining a frequency of vibration events is below a predetermined frequency threshold. 3. The method of claim 1, further comprising: performing a vibration detection scheme to identify vibration events; and determining if a number of vibration events is above a predetermined vibration threshold. 4. The method of claim 1, wherein determining a frequency of vibration events is below a predetermined frequency threshold is responsive to determining no vibration is detected. 5. The method of claim 1, further comprising: designating the skipped first track as skipped in a mapping table. 6. The method of claim 1, further comprising: shifting a writer center on the second track adjacent to the first track. 7. The method of claim 1, further comprising: writing data on the second track adjacent to the first track. 8. A storage device system, comprising: a storage controller configured to: receive a write command to write data to a first track in a band of a storage medium; seek to a first track in the band; skip the first track responsive to determining a number of vibration events is above a vibration predetermined threshold; and increase an on-cylinder limit (OCLIM) on a second track from a default OCLIM to an increased OCLIM by a predetermined amount. 9. The storage device system of claim 8, further comprising: a vibration sensor configured to detect vibration in a storage device. 10. The storage device system of claim 8, wherein the storage medium includes a media cache with segment-based dynamic mapping and the storage controller is configured to skip at least one unmapped segment on a track in the band. 11. The storage device system of claim 8, wherein the storage medium is a shingled magnetic recording storage medium. 12. The storage device system of claim 8, wherein the storage controller is further configured to shift a writer center on the second track adjacent to the first track. 13. The storage device system of claim 8, wherein the storage controller is further configured to write data on the second track adjacent to the first track. 14. The storage device system of claim 8, wherein the storage controller is further configured to write data on the first track with a default OCLIM responsive to determining a frequency of vibration events is below a predetermined threshold. 15. The storage device system of claim 8, wherein the storage controller is further configured to: perform a vibration detection scheme via vibration detection module to identify a number of vibration events detected by the vibration sensor; determine if the number of vibration events is above a predetermined threshold; skip to a second track adjacent to the first track responsive to determining the number of vibration events is above a predetermined threshold; and increase the on-cylinder limit (OCLIM) on the first track from a default OCLIM to an increased OCLIM. 16. The storage device system of claim 15, wherein the storage controller is further configured to designate a skipped track as skipped in a mapping table. 17. One or more non-transitory computer-readable storage media encoding computer-executable instructions for executing on a computer system a computer process, the computer process comprising: receiving a write command to write data on a first track in a band of a storage medium; skipping the first track responsive to determining a number of vibration events is above a vibration predetermined threshold; seeking to a second track adjacent to the first track; and increasing an on-cylinder limit (OCLIM) on the second track adjacent to the first track from a default OCLIM to an increased OCLIM. 18. The one or more non-transitory computer-readable storage media of claim 17, further comprising: performing a vibration detection scheme to identify vibration events; and determining if a number of vibration events is above a predetermined vibration threshold. 19. The one or more non-transitory computer-readable storage media of claim 17, further comprising designating the skipped first track as skipped in a mapping table. 20. The one or more non-transitory computer-readable storage media of claim 17, further comprising shifting a writer center on the second track adjacent to the first track.

A misplacing prevention device capable of preventing leaving items inside and outside a predetermined area is provided. A microprocessor, when a user enters a vehicle interior, determines that the slave device having the ID stored in the memory is not in the vehicle interior based on a communication between a master device and a slave device, detects carrying-in leaving, and notifies the fact. The microprocessor, when the user enters an outside of the vehicle, also notifies a position of the slave device in the vehicle interior.

1. A misplacing prevention device, comprising: a master device for performing wireless communication with a slave device attached to an item; and a notification unit for performing notification to prevent leaving the item inside or outside a predetermined area based on the wireless communication between the slave device and the master device. 2. The misplacing prevention device according to claim 1, wherein the predetermined area is an inside of the vehicle. 3. The misplacing prevention device according to claim 1, further comprising a storage unit for storing an identification data of the slave device attached to the item required to be carried out from the predetermined area, a carrying-out leaving detection unit for detecting carrying-out leaving when determining that the slave device corresponding to the identification data stored in the storage unit exists within the predetermined area based on the communication between the master device and the slave device when a user leaves the predetermined area, wherein 4. The misplacing prevention device according to claim 3, further comprising a position detection unit for detecting a position of the slave device, wherein when the carrying-out leaving detection unit detects carrying-out leaving, the notification unit notifies the position of the slave device located in the predetermined area detected by the position detection unit. 5. The misplacing prevention device according to claim 1, further comprising a position detection unit for detecting a position of the slave device, wherein when a user is going to leave the predetermined area, the notification unit notifies the position of the slave device located in the predetermined area detected by the position detection unit. 6. The misplacing prevention device according to claim 4, wherein the notification unit has an illuminating unit, and notifies the position detected by the position detecting unit by illuminating with the illuminating unit. 7. The misplacing prevention device according to claim 5, wherein the notification unit has an illuminating unit, and notifies the position detected by the position detecting unit by illuminating with the illuminating unit. 8. The misplacing prevention device according to claim 1, further comprising a storage unit for storing an identification data of the slave device attached to the item required to be carried in the predetermined area, and a carrying-in leaving detection unit for detecting carrying-in leaving when determining that the slave device corresponding to the identification data stored in the storage unit exists out of the predetermined area based on the communication between the master device and the slave device when the user enters the predetermined area or when the user wants, wherein 9. The misplacing prevention device according to claim 8, wherein the carrying-in leaving detection unit determines whether each of all slave devices corresponding to the identification data stored in the storage unit locates within the predetermined area, and the notification unit displays a list of the slave devices determined not to exist in the predetermined area.

A misplacing prevention device capable of preventing leaving items inside and outside a predetermined area is provided. A microprocessor, when a user enters a vehicle interior, determines that the slave device having the ID stored in the memory is not in the vehicle interior based on a communication between a master device and a slave device, detects carrying-in leaving, and notifies the fact. The microprocessor, when the user enters an outside of the vehicle, also notifies a position of the slave device in the vehicle interior.1. A misplacing prevention device, comprising: a master device for performing wireless communication with a slave device attached to an item; and a notification unit for performing notification to prevent leaving the item inside or outside a predetermined area based on the wireless communication between the slave device and the master device. 2. The misplacing prevention device according to claim 1, wherein the predetermined area is an inside of the vehicle. 3. The misplacing prevention device according to claim 1, further comprising a storage unit for storing an identification data of the slave device attached to the item required to be carried out from the predetermined area, a carrying-out leaving detection unit for detecting carrying-out leaving when determining that the slave device corresponding to the identification data stored in the storage unit exists within the predetermined area based on the communication between the master device and the slave device when a user leaves the predetermined area, wherein 4. The misplacing prevention device according to claim 3, further comprising a position detection unit for detecting a position of the slave device, wherein when the carrying-out leaving detection unit detects carrying-out leaving, the notification unit notifies the position of the slave device located in the predetermined area detected by the position detection unit. 5. The misplacing prevention device according to claim 1, further comprising a position detection unit for detecting a position of the slave device, wherein when a user is going to leave the predetermined area, the notification unit notifies the position of the slave device located in the predetermined area detected by the position detection unit. 6. The misplacing prevention device according to claim 4, wherein the notification unit has an illuminating unit, and notifies the position detected by the position detecting unit by illuminating with the illuminating unit. 7. The misplacing prevention device according to claim 5, wherein the notification unit has an illuminating unit, and notifies the position detected by the position detecting unit by illuminating with the illuminating unit. 8. The misplacing prevention device according to claim 1, further comprising a storage unit for storing an identification data of the slave device attached to the item required to be carried in the predetermined area, and a carrying-in leaving detection unit for detecting carrying-in leaving when determining that the slave device corresponding to the identification data stored in the storage unit exists out of the predetermined area based on the communication between the master device and the slave device when the user enters the predetermined area or when the user wants, wherein 9. The misplacing prevention device according to claim 8, wherein the carrying-in leaving detection unit determines whether each of all slave devices corresponding to the identification data stored in the storage unit locates within the predetermined area, and the notification unit displays a list of the slave devices determined not to exist in the predetermined area.

A method is described for spatial modelling of an interior of a vehicle. The method includes transmitting a wireless signal, from each of multiple transmitters, each transmitter having a known location in the vehicle, receiving, by multiple receivers, multiple reflection signals having been reflected in the interior of the vehicle, each receiver having a known location in the vehicle. The method also includes, for the received reflection signals, determining a source data set by determining multipath propagation components, Doppler shifts, phase shifts and time differences of the received reflection signals, and determining a spatial model of at least a portion of the vehicle interior by applying a computer vision algorithm on the source data set. A system is also described for performing the method.

1. A method for spatial modelling of an interior of a vehicle, the method comprising: transmitting a wireless signal from each of a plurality of transmitters, each transmitter having a known location in the vehicle; receiving, by a plurality of receivers, a plurality of reflection signals having been reflected in the interior of the vehicle, each receiver having a known location in the vehicle; for the received reflection signals, determining a source data set by determining multipath propagation components, Doppler shifts, phase shifts and time differences of the received reflection signals; and determining a spatial model of at least a portion of the vehicle interior by applying a computer vision algorithm on the source data set. 2. The method according to claim 1 wherein applying the computer vision algorithm comprises performing generalized cross correlation with phase transform, GCC-PHAT. 3. The method according to claim 1 further comprising explicitly tracking the multi-path components. 4. The method according to claim 1 further comprising identifying and categorizing objects in the vehicle. 5. The method according to claim 1 wherein applying a computer vision algorithm comprises employing a neural network for analyzing the source data set. 6. The method according to claim 5 further comprising identifying locations of vehicle occupants. 7. The method according to claim 1 wherein the transmitted signals are audio signals having a frequency in the range of 20-30 kHz or in the range of 40-50 kHz. 8. The method according to claim 1 wherein the transmitted signals are radio signals having a frequency of 2.5 GHz or 5 GHz. 9. The method according to claim 1 wherein transmitting a wireless signal comprises transmitting a plurality of separate signals having different properties. 10. The method according to claim 1 wherein the transmitters comprise speakers of a vehicle entertainment system. 11. The method according to claim 1 further comprising determining a temperature and airflow properties in the vehicle, and wherein the spatial model is determined based on the determined temperature and airflow properties. 12. The method according to claim 1 further comprising identifying an object by comparing the determined spatial model with a predetermined spatial model of an empty vehicle. 13. A system for spatial modelling of an interior of a vehicle, the system comprising: a plurality of transmitters for arrangement at known locations within the vehicle, each transmitter configured to transmit a wireless signal; a plurality of receivers for arrangement at known locations within the vehicle, each receiver configured to receive a plurality of reflection signals reflected in the interior of the vehicle; a spatial modelling control unit connectable to the transmitters and the receivers and configured to, for the received reflection signals, determine a source data set by determining multipath propagation components, Doppler shifts, phase shifts and time differences of the received reflection signals, and to determine a spatial model of at least a portion of the vehicle interior by applying a computer vision algorithm on the source data set. 14. The system according to claim 13 wherein the transmitters comprise speakers of an entertainment system of the vehicle or ultrasonic transmitters. 15. The system according to claim 13 wherein the transmitters comprise a WiFi transmitter and receiver of the vehicle.

A method is described for spatial modelling of an interior of a vehicle. The method includes transmitting a wireless signal, from each of multiple transmitters, each transmitter having a known location in the vehicle, receiving, by multiple receivers, multiple reflection signals having been reflected in the interior of the vehicle, each receiver having a known location in the vehicle. The method also includes, for the received reflection signals, determining a source data set by determining multipath propagation components, Doppler shifts, phase shifts and time differences of the received reflection signals, and determining a spatial model of at least a portion of the vehicle interior by applying a computer vision algorithm on the source data set. A system is also described for performing the method.1. A method for spatial modelling of an interior of a vehicle, the method comprising: transmitting a wireless signal from each of a plurality of transmitters, each transmitter having a known location in the vehicle; receiving, by a plurality of receivers, a plurality of reflection signals having been reflected in the interior of the vehicle, each receiver having a known location in the vehicle; for the received reflection signals, determining a source data set by determining multipath propagation components, Doppler shifts, phase shifts and time differences of the received reflection signals; and determining a spatial model of at least a portion of the vehicle interior by applying a computer vision algorithm on the source data set. 2. The method according to claim 1 wherein applying the computer vision algorithm comprises performing generalized cross correlation with phase transform, GCC-PHAT. 3. The method according to claim 1 further comprising explicitly tracking the multi-path components. 4. The method according to claim 1 further comprising identifying and categorizing objects in the vehicle. 5. The method according to claim 1 wherein applying a computer vision algorithm comprises employing a neural network for analyzing the source data set. 6. The method according to claim 5 further comprising identifying locations of vehicle occupants. 7. The method according to claim 1 wherein the transmitted signals are audio signals having a frequency in the range of 20-30 kHz or in the range of 40-50 kHz. 8. The method according to claim 1 wherein the transmitted signals are radio signals having a frequency of 2.5 GHz or 5 GHz. 9. The method according to claim 1 wherein transmitting a wireless signal comprises transmitting a plurality of separate signals having different properties. 10. The method according to claim 1 wherein the transmitters comprise speakers of a vehicle entertainment system. 11. The method according to claim 1 further comprising determining a temperature and airflow properties in the vehicle, and wherein the spatial model is determined based on the determined temperature and airflow properties. 12. The method according to claim 1 further comprising identifying an object by comparing the determined spatial model with a predetermined spatial model of an empty vehicle. 13. A system for spatial modelling of an interior of a vehicle, the system comprising: a plurality of transmitters for arrangement at known locations within the vehicle, each transmitter configured to transmit a wireless signal; a plurality of receivers for arrangement at known locations within the vehicle, each receiver configured to receive a plurality of reflection signals reflected in the interior of the vehicle; a spatial modelling control unit connectable to the transmitters and the receivers and configured to, for the received reflection signals, determine a source data set by determining multipath propagation components, Doppler shifts, phase shifts and time differences of the received reflection signals, and to determine a spatial model of at least a portion of the vehicle interior by applying a computer vision algorithm on the source data set. 14. The system according to claim 13 wherein the transmitters comprise speakers of an entertainment system of the vehicle or ultrasonic transmitters. 15. The system according to claim 13 wherein the transmitters comprise a WiFi transmitter and receiver of the vehicle.

The disclosure relates to an integrated circuit for a radio-frequency identification (RFID) tag. Example embodiments include an integrated circuit (101) for an RFID tag, the integrated circuit (101) comprising: a memory (104) for storing data; a transceiver (107) for receiving signals from, and transmitting signals to, an antenna (102); and a controller (103) configured to process signals received via the transceiver (107) and to access data stored in the memory (104); wherein upon receiving, via the transceiver module (107), a lock command referring to a data block in the memory (104), the controller (103) is configured to generate error correction data for the data block and to store the error correction data in the memory.

1. An integrated circuit for an RFID tag, the integrated circuit comprising: a memory for storing data; a transceiver for receiving signals from, and transmitting signals to, an antenna; and a controller configured to process signals received via the transceiver and to access data stored in the memory, wherein upon receiving, via the transceiver module, a lock command referring to a data block in the memory, the controller is configured to generate error correction data for the data block and to store the error correction data in the memory. 2. The integrated circuit of claim 1, wherein the controller is configured to operate in an error correction mode associated with a data block in the memory, wherein when the error correction mode is activated the controller is configured to: perform an error check on the data block by comparing the data block to error correction data associated with the data block; and if the error check determines that the data block comprises an error, correct the data block using the error correction data. 3. The integrated circuit of claim 2, wherein the error correction mode for the data block is deactivated after the controller receives, via the transceiver, a lock command referring to that data block. 4. The integrated circuit of claim 3, wherein the controller is further configured to delete or over-write previous error correction data associated with the data block when the error correction mode for the data block is de-activated. 5. The integrated circuit of claim 2, wherein the error correction mode for the data block is activated after the controller generates the error correction data for that data block. 6. The integrated circuit of claim 2, wherein the error correction mode for the data block is deactivated after the controller receives, via the transceiver, an unlock command referring to that data block. 7. The integrated circuit of claim 1, wherein the controller is further configured to lock the data field in the memory, and wherein the controller is configured to generate the error correction data for the data field after locking the data field. 8. The integrated circuit of claim 1, wherein the lock command is a permanent lock command. 9. The integrated circuit of claim 1, wherein the controller is configured to transmit, via the transceiver, a signal indicating that the data field has been successfully locked. 10. An RFID tag comprising: an antenna for transmitting and receiving signals to and from an RFID interrogator; and an integrated circuit according to claim 1. 11. A method of correcting errors in a memory of an RFID tag, the method comprising: receiving, at an antenna of the RFID tag, a lock command referring to a data block; in response to receiving the lock command, generating error correction data for the data block and storing the error correction data in the memory; performing an error check on the data block by comparing the data block to the error correction data; and if the error check determines that the data block comprises an error, correct the data block using the error correction data.

The disclosure relates to an integrated circuit for a radio-frequency identification (RFID) tag. Example embodiments include an integrated circuit (101) for an RFID tag, the integrated circuit (101) comprising: a memory (104) for storing data; a transceiver (107) for receiving signals from, and transmitting signals to, an antenna (102); and a controller (103) configured to process signals received via the transceiver (107) and to access data stored in the memory (104); wherein upon receiving, via the transceiver module (107), a lock command referring to a data block in the memory (104), the controller (103) is configured to generate error correction data for the data block and to store the error correction data in the memory.1. An integrated circuit for an RFID tag, the integrated circuit comprising: a memory for storing data; a transceiver for receiving signals from, and transmitting signals to, an antenna; and a controller configured to process signals received via the transceiver and to access data stored in the memory, wherein upon receiving, via the transceiver module, a lock command referring to a data block in the memory, the controller is configured to generate error correction data for the data block and to store the error correction data in the memory. 2. The integrated circuit of claim 1, wherein the controller is configured to operate in an error correction mode associated with a data block in the memory, wherein when the error correction mode is activated the controller is configured to: perform an error check on the data block by comparing the data block to error correction data associated with the data block; and if the error check determines that the data block comprises an error, correct the data block using the error correction data. 3. The integrated circuit of claim 2, wherein the error correction mode for the data block is deactivated after the controller receives, via the transceiver, a lock command referring to that data block. 4. The integrated circuit of claim 3, wherein the controller is further configured to delete or over-write previous error correction data associated with the data block when the error correction mode for the data block is de-activated. 5. The integrated circuit of claim 2, wherein the error correction mode for the data block is activated after the controller generates the error correction data for that data block. 6. The integrated circuit of claim 2, wherein the error correction mode for the data block is deactivated after the controller receives, via the transceiver, an unlock command referring to that data block. 7. The integrated circuit of claim 1, wherein the controller is further configured to lock the data field in the memory, and wherein the controller is configured to generate the error correction data for the data field after locking the data field. 8. The integrated circuit of claim 1, wherein the lock command is a permanent lock command. 9. The integrated circuit of claim 1, wherein the controller is configured to transmit, via the transceiver, a signal indicating that the data field has been successfully locked. 10. An RFID tag comprising: an antenna for transmitting and receiving signals to and from an RFID interrogator; and an integrated circuit according to claim 1. 11. A method of correcting errors in a memory of an RFID tag, the method comprising: receiving, at an antenna of the RFID tag, a lock command referring to a data block; in response to receiving the lock command, generating error correction data for the data block and storing the error correction data in the memory; performing an error check on the data block by comparing the data block to the error correction data; and if the error check determines that the data block comprises an error, correct the data block using the error correction data.

The disclosure relates to an integrated circuit for a radio-frequency identification (RFID) tag. Example embodiments include an integrated circuit (101) for an RFID tag, the integrated circuit (101) comprising: a memory (104) for storing data; a transceiver (107) for receiving signals from, and transmitting signals to, an antenna (102); and a controller (103) configured to process signals received via the transceiver (107) and to access data stored in the memory (104); wherein upon receiving, via the transceiver module (107), a lock command referring to a data block in the memory (104), the controller (103) is configured to perform a data integrity check on the data block to determine whether the data block is stored correctly.

1. An integrated circuit for an RFID tag, the integrated circuit comprising: a memory for storing data; a transceiver for receiving signals from, and transmitting signals to, an antenna; and a controller configured to process signals received via the transceiver and to access data stored in the memory, wherein upon receiving, via the transceiver module, a lock command referring to a data block in the memory, the controller is configured to perform a data integrity check on the data block to determine whether the data block is stored correctly. 2. The integrated circuit of claim 1, wherein performing the data integrity check on the data block comprises: performing a read operation on the data block under a first read condition; performing the read operation on the data block under a second read condition different than the first read condition; and comparing a result of the read operation performed under the first read condition to a result of the read operation performed under the second read condition to determine whether the data block is stored correctly. 3. The integrated circuit of claim 2, wherein the controller is configured to determine that the data block is not stored correctly if the result of the read operation performed under the first read condition does not match the result of the read operation performed under the second read condition. 4. The integrated circuit of claim 2, wherein the memory comprises a read amplifier having a reference current, and wherein in the second read condition the reference current is lower than in the first read condition; or wherein the memory comprises a voltage offset generator, and wherein in the second read condition a larger offset voltage is applied to the memory than in the first read condition. 5. The integrated circuit of claim 2, wherein the read operation is a checksum operation. 6. The integrated circuit of claim 1 wherein: a) if the controller determines that the data block is not stored correctly, the controller is further configured to transmit an error signal; or b) if the controller determines that the data block is stored correctly, the controller is further configured to perform a lock operation on the data block in the memory. 7. An RFID tag comprising: an antenna for transmitting and receiving signals to and from an RFID interrogator; and an integrated circuit according to claim 1. 8. The RFID tag of claim 7, wherein the RFID tag is a passive RFID tag. 9. A method of determining whether a data block is correctly stored in a memory of an RFID tag, the method comprising: receiving, at an antenna of the RFID tag, a lock command referring to a data block; and in response to receiving the lock command, performing a data integrity check on the data block to determine whether the data block is stored correctly. 10. The method of claim 9, wherein performing the data integrity check on the data block comprises: performing a read operation on the data block under a first read condition; performing the read operation on the data block under a second read condition different than the first read condition; and comparing a result of the read operation performed under the first read condition to a result of the read operation performed under the second read condition to determine whether the data block is stored correctly. 11. The method of claim 10 wherein, if the result of the read operation performed under the first read condition does not match the result of the read operation performed under the second read condition, the method further comprises determining that the data block is not stored correctly. 12. The method of claim 10, wherein the memory comprises a read amplifier having a reference current and wherein, in the second read condition, the reference current is lower than in the first read condition; or wherein the memory comprises a voltage offset generator and wherein, in the second read condition, a larger offset voltage is applied to the memory than in the first read condition. 13. The method of claim 10, wherein performing the read operation comprises performing a checksum operation. 14. The method of claim 9 wherein: a) if the data block is not determined to be stored in the memory correctly, the method further comprises transmitting an error signal via the antenna; or b) if the data block is determined to be stored in the memory correctly, the method further comprises performing a lock operation on the data block stored in the memory. 15. A method of storing a data block on an RFID tag, the method comprising: transmitting to the RFID tag, from an RFID interrogator, a write command comprising the data block; storing the data block in a memory of the RFID tag; transmitting, from the RFID interrogator, a lock command to the RFID tag; performing a data integrity check on the data block to determine whether the data block is stored in the memory correctly; and if the data block is determined to be stored correctly, performing a lock operation on the data block in the memory.

The disclosure relates to an integrated circuit for a radio-frequency identification (RFID) tag. Example embodiments include an integrated circuit (101) for an RFID tag, the integrated circuit (101) comprising: a memory (104) for storing data; a transceiver (107) for receiving signals from, and transmitting signals to, an antenna (102); and a controller (103) configured to process signals received via the transceiver (107) and to access data stored in the memory (104); wherein upon receiving, via the transceiver module (107), a lock command referring to a data block in the memory (104), the controller (103) is configured to perform a data integrity check on the data block to determine whether the data block is stored correctly.1. An integrated circuit for an RFID tag, the integrated circuit comprising: a memory for storing data; a transceiver for receiving signals from, and transmitting signals to, an antenna; and a controller configured to process signals received via the transceiver and to access data stored in the memory, wherein upon receiving, via the transceiver module, a lock command referring to a data block in the memory, the controller is configured to perform a data integrity check on the data block to determine whether the data block is stored correctly. 2. The integrated circuit of claim 1, wherein performing the data integrity check on the data block comprises: performing a read operation on the data block under a first read condition; performing the read operation on the data block under a second read condition different than the first read condition; and comparing a result of the read operation performed under the first read condition to a result of the read operation performed under the second read condition to determine whether the data block is stored correctly. 3. The integrated circuit of claim 2, wherein the controller is configured to determine that the data block is not stored correctly if the result of the read operation performed under the first read condition does not match the result of the read operation performed under the second read condition. 4. The integrated circuit of claim 2, wherein the memory comprises a read amplifier having a reference current, and wherein in the second read condition the reference current is lower than in the first read condition; or wherein the memory comprises a voltage offset generator, and wherein in the second read condition a larger offset voltage is applied to the memory than in the first read condition. 5. The integrated circuit of claim 2, wherein the read operation is a checksum operation. 6. The integrated circuit of claim 1 wherein: a) if the controller determines that the data block is not stored correctly, the controller is further configured to transmit an error signal; or b) if the controller determines that the data block is stored correctly, the controller is further configured to perform a lock operation on the data block in the memory. 7. An RFID tag comprising: an antenna for transmitting and receiving signals to and from an RFID interrogator; and an integrated circuit according to claim 1. 8. The RFID tag of claim 7, wherein the RFID tag is a passive RFID tag. 9. A method of determining whether a data block is correctly stored in a memory of an RFID tag, the method comprising: receiving, at an antenna of the RFID tag, a lock command referring to a data block; and in response to receiving the lock command, performing a data integrity check on the data block to determine whether the data block is stored correctly. 10. The method of claim 9, wherein performing the data integrity check on the data block comprises: performing a read operation on the data block under a first read condition; performing the read operation on the data block under a second read condition different than the first read condition; and comparing a result of the read operation performed under the first read condition to a result of the read operation performed under the second read condition to determine whether the data block is stored correctly. 11. The method of claim 10 wherein, if the result of the read operation performed under the first read condition does not match the result of the read operation performed under the second read condition, the method further comprises determining that the data block is not stored correctly. 12. The method of claim 10, wherein the memory comprises a read amplifier having a reference current and wherein, in the second read condition, the reference current is lower than in the first read condition; or wherein the memory comprises a voltage offset generator and wherein, in the second read condition, a larger offset voltage is applied to the memory than in the first read condition. 13. The method of claim 10, wherein performing the read operation comprises performing a checksum operation. 14. The method of claim 9 wherein: a) if the data block is not determined to be stored in the memory correctly, the method further comprises transmitting an error signal via the antenna; or b) if the data block is determined to be stored in the memory correctly, the method further comprises performing a lock operation on the data block stored in the memory. 15. A method of storing a data block on an RFID tag, the method comprising: transmitting to the RFID tag, from an RFID interrogator, a write command comprising the data block; storing the data block in a memory of the RFID tag; transmitting, from the RFID interrogator, a lock command to the RFID tag; performing a data integrity check on the data block to determine whether the data block is stored in the memory correctly; and if the data block is determined to be stored correctly, performing a lock operation on the data block in the memory.

A computer-implemented method, according to one embodiment, includes: determining, by the computer, whether a difference between information and corresponding design values is in a range. The information corresponds to how an array of writers write and/or are expected to write to a magnetic medium during shingled recording. Moreover, the computer-implemented method further includes: computing, by the computer and using the information, data describing a lateral writing position to use during writing such that shingled track edges are aligned according to a format in response to determining that the difference between the information and corresponding design values is not in the range.

1. A computer-implemented method, comprising: determining, by the computer, whether a difference between information and corresponding design values is in a range, wherein the information corresponds to how an array of writers write and/or are expected to write to a magnetic medium during shingled recording; and computing, by the computer and using the information, data describing a lateral writing position to use during writing such that shingled track edges are aligned according to a format in response to determining that the difference between the information and corresponding design values is not in the range. 2. The computer-implemented method as recited in claim 1, wherein the information is gathered, wherein the data includes a lateral offset from the nominal writing position. 3. The computer-implemented method as recited in claim 1, wherein the information is gathered by: writing data to a magnetic recording medium using writers of the array, reading data at various lateral reading positions relative to tracks having the written data, and analyzing the data read at the various lateral reading positions. 4. The computer-implemented method as recited in claim 3, wherein the data is read by a drive, the drive also having the array of writers. 5. The computer-implemented method as recited in claim 3, wherein the data is read by a different drive than a drive having the array of writers. 6. The computer-implemented method as recited in claim 5, wherein the different drive is a calibrated drive. 7. The computer-implemented method as recited in claim 1, wherein the information is gathered by: writing data to a magnetic recording medium using writers of the array, repositioning the array between various lateral writing positions relative to the magnetic medium during the writing, reading data at a predefined reading position, and computing data describing a lateral writing position to use during subsequent writing based on readback information acquired during the reading. 8. The computer-implemented method as recited in claim 7, wherein the data is read by a drive, the drive also having the array of writers. 9. The computer-implemented method as recited in claim 7, wherein the data is read by a different drive than a drive having the array of writers. 10. The computer-implemented method as recited in claim 1, wherein the information is gathered by: imaging magnetic domains of data tracks written by the array of writers. 11. The computer-implemented method as recited in claim 1, wherein the information is gathered by: determining physical characteristics of magnetic poles of the writers in the array. 12. The computer-implemented method as recited in claim 1, comprising: applying, by the computer, the data describing the lateral writing position during subsequent shingled writing. 13. An apparatus, comprising: a drive mechanism for passing a magnetic medium over the array of writers; and the computer of claim 1 electrically coupled to the array of writers. 14. The apparatus as recited in claim 13, comprising logic configured to apply the lateral writing position for repositioning a writing position of the array of writers from a nominal writing position. 15. A computer-implemented method, comprising: applying, by the computer, a lateral offset for repositioning a writing position of an array of writers relative to a nominal writing position during writing in a first direction, wherein the lateral offset corresponds to a nominal writing position; applying, by the computer, a second lateral offset during writing in a second direction which is opposite the first direction; and creating, by the computer, an indication indicating that the lateral offset was applied during the writing. 16. The computer-implemented method as recited in claim 15, wherein the lateral offset, the second lateral offset, or the lateral offset and the second lateral offset are obtained from a tape drive memory. 17. The computer-implemented method as recited in claim 15, wherein the second lateral offset is different than the lateral offset. 18. The computer-implemented method as recited in claim 15, wherein creating the indication includes storing metadata in tape drive memory. 19. An apparatus, comprising: a drive mechanism for passing a magnetic medium over the array of writers; and the computer of claim 15 electrically coupled to the array of writers.

A computer-implemented method, according to one embodiment, includes: determining, by the computer, whether a difference between information and corresponding design values is in a range. The information corresponds to how an array of writers write and/or are expected to write to a magnetic medium during shingled recording. Moreover, the computer-implemented method further includes: computing, by the computer and using the information, data describing a lateral writing position to use during writing such that shingled track edges are aligned according to a format in response to determining that the difference between the information and corresponding design values is not in the range.1. A computer-implemented method, comprising: determining, by the computer, whether a difference between information and corresponding design values is in a range, wherein the information corresponds to how an array of writers write and/or are expected to write to a magnetic medium during shingled recording; and computing, by the computer and using the information, data describing a lateral writing position to use during writing such that shingled track edges are aligned according to a format in response to determining that the difference between the information and corresponding design values is not in the range. 2. The computer-implemented method as recited in claim 1, wherein the information is gathered, wherein the data includes a lateral offset from the nominal writing position. 3. The computer-implemented method as recited in claim 1, wherein the information is gathered by: writing data to a magnetic recording medium using writers of the array, reading data at various lateral reading positions relative to tracks having the written data, and analyzing the data read at the various lateral reading positions. 4. The computer-implemented method as recited in claim 3, wherein the data is read by a drive, the drive also having the array of writers. 5. The computer-implemented method as recited in claim 3, wherein the data is read by a different drive than a drive having the array of writers. 6. The computer-implemented method as recited in claim 5, wherein the different drive is a calibrated drive. 7. The computer-implemented method as recited in claim 1, wherein the information is gathered by: writing data to a magnetic recording medium using writers of the array, repositioning the array between various lateral writing positions relative to the magnetic medium during the writing, reading data at a predefined reading position, and computing data describing a lateral writing position to use during subsequent writing based on readback information acquired during the reading. 8. The computer-implemented method as recited in claim 7, wherein the data is read by a drive, the drive also having the array of writers. 9. The computer-implemented method as recited in claim 7, wherein the data is read by a different drive than a drive having the array of writers. 10. The computer-implemented method as recited in claim 1, wherein the information is gathered by: imaging magnetic domains of data tracks written by the array of writers. 11. The computer-implemented method as recited in claim 1, wherein the information is gathered by: determining physical characteristics of magnetic poles of the writers in the array. 12. The computer-implemented method as recited in claim 1, comprising: applying, by the computer, the data describing the lateral writing position during subsequent shingled writing. 13. An apparatus, comprising: a drive mechanism for passing a magnetic medium over the array of writers; and the computer of claim 1 electrically coupled to the array of writers. 14. The apparatus as recited in claim 13, comprising logic configured to apply the lateral writing position for repositioning a writing position of the array of writers from a nominal writing position. 15. A computer-implemented method, comprising: applying, by the computer, a lateral offset for repositioning a writing position of an array of writers relative to a nominal writing position during writing in a first direction, wherein the lateral offset corresponds to a nominal writing position; applying, by the computer, a second lateral offset during writing in a second direction which is opposite the first direction; and creating, by the computer, an indication indicating that the lateral offset was applied during the writing. 16. The computer-implemented method as recited in claim 15, wherein the lateral offset, the second lateral offset, or the lateral offset and the second lateral offset are obtained from a tape drive memory. 17. The computer-implemented method as recited in claim 15, wherein the second lateral offset is different than the lateral offset. 18. The computer-implemented method as recited in claim 15, wherein creating the indication includes storing metadata in tape drive memory. 19. An apparatus, comprising: a drive mechanism for passing a magnetic medium over the array of writers; and the computer of claim 15 electrically coupled to the array of writers.

Systems and methods for reducing latency through motion estimation and compensation techniques are disclosed. The systems and methods include a client device that uses transmitted lookup tables from a remote server to match user input to motion vectors, and tag and sum those motion vectors. When a remote server transmits encoded video frames to the client, the client decodes those video frames and applies the summed motion vectors to the decoded frames to estimate motion in those frames. In certain embodiments, the systems and methods generate motion vectors at a server based on predetermined criteria and transmit the generated motion vectors and one or more invalidators to a client, which caches those motion vectors and invalidators. The server instructs the client to receive input from a user, and use that input to match to cached motion vectors or invalidators. Based on that comparison, the client then applies the matched motion vectors or invalidators to effect motion compensation in a graphic interface. In other embodiments, the systems and methods cache repetitive motion vectors at a server, which transmits a previously generated motion vector library to a client. The client stores the motion vector library, and monitors for user input data. The server instructs the client to calculate a motion estimate from the input data and instructs the client to update the stored motion vector library based on the input data, so that the client applies the stored motion vector library to initiate motion in a graphic interface prior to receiving actual motion vector data from the server. In this manner, latency in video data streams is reduced.

1. A computer-implemented method of motion estimation comprising the steps of: transmitting a lookup table comprised of one or more user inputs and one or more associated motion vectors, wherein the lookup table is transmitted with an instruction to cache the lookup table; transmitting an instruction to query the lookup table for matching motion vectors upon the receipt of a player input; transmitting an instruction to associate a unique tag with the matching motion vectors from the lookup table and adding the tagged motion vectors to a queue, wherein the tagged motion vectors are summed; transmitting a frame with a unique identifier tag, wherein the tag indicates the chronological point to which the frame contains motion associated with the player input; transmitting an instruction to remove motion vectors from the queue that have a tag associated with the tagged frame received from the server; and wherein when a server transmits encoded video frames to a client, the client is instructed to decode the video frames and apply the summed motion vectors to the decoded frames to estimate motion prior to video output. 2. The computer-implemented method of claim 1, wherein the encoded video frames are decoded without residual handling. 3. The computer-implemented method of claim 1, further comprising the step of instructing the client to apply one or more smoothing functions to the summed tagged motion vectors in the queue. 4. The computer-implemented method of claim 1, wherein the unique tags associated with the motion vectors are chronological in nature. 5. The computer-implemented method of claim 1, wherein the summed tagged motion vectors are associated with a corresponding macroblock. 6. The computer-implemented method of claim 1, wherein the cached lookup table is configured to be modified based on player input. 7. The computer-implemented method of claim 1, wherein the summed tagged motion vectors are configured to be applied once. 8. The computer-implemented method of claim 1, wherein the summed tagged motion vectors describe motion of arbitrary complexity. 9. The computer-implemented method of claim 1, wherein the summed tagged motion vectors estimate future feedback for the player input. 10. The computer-implemented method of claim 1, wherein the summed tagged motion vectors are compliant to the H.264 coding standard. 11. A system for motion estimation, wherein, over a network, a server: transmits an instruction to a client to query a lookup table for matching motion vectors upon the receipt of a player input; transmits an instruction to the client to associate a unique tag with the matching motion vectors from the lookup table and adds the tagged motion vectors to a queue, wherein the tagged motion vectors are summed; transmits a frame with a unique identifier tag to the client, wherein the unique identifier tag indicates the chronological point to which the frame contains motion associated with the player input; and transmits an instruction to the client to remove motion vectors from the queue that have a tag associated with the tagged frame received from the server; and wherein when the server transmits encoded video frames to the client, the client is instructed to decode the video frames and apply the summed motion vectors to the decoded frames to estimate motion. 12. The system of claim 11, wherein the wherein the encoded video frames are decoded without residual handling. 13. The system of claim 11, wherein, the server further instructs the client to apply one or more smoothing functions to the summed tagged motion vectors in the queue. 14. The system of claim 11, wherein the tags associated with the motion vectors are chronological in nature. 15. The system of claim 11, wherein the summed tagged motion vectors are associated with a corresponding macroblock. 16. The system of claim 11, wherein the cached lookup table is configured to be modified based on player input. 17. The system of claim 11, wherein the summed tagged motion vectors are configured to be applied once. 18. The system of claim 11, wherein the summed tagged motion vectors describe motion of arbitrary complexity. 19. The system of claim 11, wherein the summed tagged motion vectors estimate future feedback for the player input. 20. The computer-implemented method of claim 11, wherein the summed tagged motion vectors are compliant to the H.264 coding standard.

Systems and methods for reducing latency through motion estimation and compensation techniques are disclosed. The systems and methods include a client device that uses transmitted lookup tables from a remote server to match user input to motion vectors, and tag and sum those motion vectors. When a remote server transmits encoded video frames to the client, the client decodes those video frames and applies the summed motion vectors to the decoded frames to estimate motion in those frames. In certain embodiments, the systems and methods generate motion vectors at a server based on predetermined criteria and transmit the generated motion vectors and one or more invalidators to a client, which caches those motion vectors and invalidators. The server instructs the client to receive input from a user, and use that input to match to cached motion vectors or invalidators. Based on that comparison, the client then applies the matched motion vectors or invalidators to effect motion compensation in a graphic interface. In other embodiments, the systems and methods cache repetitive motion vectors at a server, which transmits a previously generated motion vector library to a client. The client stores the motion vector library, and monitors for user input data. The server instructs the client to calculate a motion estimate from the input data and instructs the client to update the stored motion vector library based on the input data, so that the client applies the stored motion vector library to initiate motion in a graphic interface prior to receiving actual motion vector data from the server. In this manner, latency in video data streams is reduced.1. A computer-implemented method of motion estimation comprising the steps of: transmitting a lookup table comprised of one or more user inputs and one or more associated motion vectors, wherein the lookup table is transmitted with an instruction to cache the lookup table; transmitting an instruction to query the lookup table for matching motion vectors upon the receipt of a player input; transmitting an instruction to associate a unique tag with the matching motion vectors from the lookup table and adding the tagged motion vectors to a queue, wherein the tagged motion vectors are summed; transmitting a frame with a unique identifier tag, wherein the tag indicates the chronological point to which the frame contains motion associated with the player input; transmitting an instruction to remove motion vectors from the queue that have a tag associated with the tagged frame received from the server; and wherein when a server transmits encoded video frames to a client, the client is instructed to decode the video frames and apply the summed motion vectors to the decoded frames to estimate motion prior to video output. 2. The computer-implemented method of claim 1, wherein the encoded video frames are decoded without residual handling. 3. The computer-implemented method of claim 1, further comprising the step of instructing the client to apply one or more smoothing functions to the summed tagged motion vectors in the queue. 4. The computer-implemented method of claim 1, wherein the unique tags associated with the motion vectors are chronological in nature. 5. The computer-implemented method of claim 1, wherein the summed tagged motion vectors are associated with a corresponding macroblock. 6. The computer-implemented method of claim 1, wherein the cached lookup table is configured to be modified based on player input. 7. The computer-implemented method of claim 1, wherein the summed tagged motion vectors are configured to be applied once. 8. The computer-implemented method of claim 1, wherein the summed tagged motion vectors describe motion of arbitrary complexity. 9. The computer-implemented method of claim 1, wherein the summed tagged motion vectors estimate future feedback for the player input. 10. The computer-implemented method of claim 1, wherein the summed tagged motion vectors are compliant to the H.264 coding standard. 11. A system for motion estimation, wherein, over a network, a server: transmits an instruction to a client to query a lookup table for matching motion vectors upon the receipt of a player input; transmits an instruction to the client to associate a unique tag with the matching motion vectors from the lookup table and adds the tagged motion vectors to a queue, wherein the tagged motion vectors are summed; transmits a frame with a unique identifier tag to the client, wherein the unique identifier tag indicates the chronological point to which the frame contains motion associated with the player input; and transmits an instruction to the client to remove motion vectors from the queue that have a tag associated with the tagged frame received from the server; and wherein when the server transmits encoded video frames to the client, the client is instructed to decode the video frames and apply the summed motion vectors to the decoded frames to estimate motion. 12. The system of claim 11, wherein the wherein the encoded video frames are decoded without residual handling. 13. The system of claim 11, wherein, the server further instructs the client to apply one or more smoothing functions to the summed tagged motion vectors in the queue. 14. The system of claim 11, wherein the tags associated with the motion vectors are chronological in nature. 15. The system of claim 11, wherein the summed tagged motion vectors are associated with a corresponding macroblock. 16. The system of claim 11, wherein the cached lookup table is configured to be modified based on player input. 17. The system of claim 11, wherein the summed tagged motion vectors are configured to be applied once. 18. The system of claim 11, wherein the summed tagged motion vectors describe motion of arbitrary complexity. 19. The system of claim 11, wherein the summed tagged motion vectors estimate future feedback for the player input. 20. The computer-implemented method of claim 11, wherein the summed tagged motion vectors are compliant to the H.264 coding standard.

Systems and methods for reducing latency through motion estimation and compensation techniques are disclosed. The systems and methods include a client device that uses transmitted lookup tables from a remote server to match user input to motion vectors, and tag and sum those motion vectors. When a remote server transmits encoded video frames to the client, the client decodes those video frames and applies the summed motion vectors to the decoded frames to estimate motion in those frames. In certain embodiments, the systems and methods generate motion vectors at a server based on predetermined criteria and transmit the generated motion vectors and one or more invalidators to a client, which caches those motion vectors and invalidators. The server instructs the client to receive input from a user, and use that input to match to cached motion vectors or invalidators. Based on that comparison, the client then applies the matched motion vectors or invalidators to effect motion compensation in a graphic interface. In other embodiments, the systems and methods cache repetitive motion vectors at a server, which transmits a previously generated motion vector library to a client. The client stores the motion vector library, and monitors for user input data. The server instructs the client to calculate a motion estimate from the input data and instructs the client to update the stored motion vector library based on the input data, so that the client applies the stored motion vector library to initiate motion in a graphic interface prior to receiving actual motion vector data from the server. In this manner, latency in video data streams is reduced.

1. A computer-implemented method for caching motion vectors comprising: transmitting a previously generated motion vector library from a server to a client, wherein the motion vector library is configured to be stored at the client; transmitting an instruction to the client to monitor for input data from a user; transmitting an instruction to the client to calculate a motion estimate from the input data; and transmitting an instruction to the client to update the stored motion vector library based on the input data, wherein the client is configured to apply the stored motion vector library to initiate motion in a graphic interface prior to receiving actual motion vector data from the server. 2. The computer-implemented method of claim 1, further comprising the step of transmitting a context update from the server to the client to disable application of the stored motion vector library. 3. The computer-implemented method of claim 1, further comprising the step of transmitting an instruction to apply one or more scaling factors to the motion vector library. 4. The computer-implemented method of claim 3, wherein the scaling factor is calculated based on the general equation: 5. The computer-implemented method of claim 1, wherein the generated motion vector library is comprised of a plurality of motion vectors. 6. The computer-implemented method of claim 5, wherein the motion vectors are game-generated. 7. The computer-implemented method of claim 1, wherein the generated motion vector library is configured to be permanently stored on the client. 8. The computer-implemented method of claim 1, wherein the motion vector library is generated during the build process. 9. The computer-implemented method of claim 1, wherein the generated motion vector library is associated with the input data from the user. 10. The computer-implemented method of claim 1, wherein the instruction is comprised of a correlation tag, wherein the correlation tag is associated with the input data from the user. 11. A system for caching motion vectors, wherein, over a network, a server: transmits a previously generated motion vector library to a client, wherein the motion vector library is configured to be stored at the client; transmits an instruction to the client to monitor for input data from a user; transmits an instruction to the client to calculate a motion estimate from the input data; and transmits an instruction to the client to update the stored motion vector library based on the input data, wherein the client is configured to apply the stored motion vector library to initiate motion in a graphic interface prior to receiving actual motion vector data from the server. 12. The system of claim 11, further comprising the step of transmitting a context update from the server to the client to disable application of the stored motion vector library. 13. The system of claim 11, wherein the server further transmits an instruction to apply one or more scaling factors to the motion vector library. 14. The system of claim 13, wherein the scaling factor is calculated based on the general equation: 15. The system of claim 11, wherein the generated motion vector library is comprised of a plurality of motion vectors. 16. The system of claim 15, wherein the motion vectors are game-generated. 17. The system of claim 11, wherein the generated motion vector library is configured to be permanently stored on the client. 18. The system of claim 11, wherein the motion vector library is generated during the build process. 19. The system of claim 11, wherein the generated motion vector library is associated with the input data from the user. 20. The system of claim 11, wherein the instruction is comprised of a correlation tag, wherein the correlation tag is associated with the input data from the user.

Systems and methods for reducing latency through motion estimation and compensation techniques are disclosed. The systems and methods include a client device that uses transmitted lookup tables from a remote server to match user input to motion vectors, and tag and sum those motion vectors. When a remote server transmits encoded video frames to the client, the client decodes those video frames and applies the summed motion vectors to the decoded frames to estimate motion in those frames. In certain embodiments, the systems and methods generate motion vectors at a server based on predetermined criteria and transmit the generated motion vectors and one or more invalidators to a client, which caches those motion vectors and invalidators. The server instructs the client to receive input from a user, and use that input to match to cached motion vectors or invalidators. Based on that comparison, the client then applies the matched motion vectors or invalidators to effect motion compensation in a graphic interface. In other embodiments, the systems and methods cache repetitive motion vectors at a server, which transmits a previously generated motion vector library to a client. The client stores the motion vector library, and monitors for user input data. The server instructs the client to calculate a motion estimate from the input data and instructs the client to update the stored motion vector library based on the input data, so that the client applies the stored motion vector library to initiate motion in a graphic interface prior to receiving actual motion vector data from the server. In this manner, latency in video data streams is reduced.1. A computer-implemented method for caching motion vectors comprising: transmitting a previously generated motion vector library from a server to a client, wherein the motion vector library is configured to be stored at the client; transmitting an instruction to the client to monitor for input data from a user; transmitting an instruction to the client to calculate a motion estimate from the input data; and transmitting an instruction to the client to update the stored motion vector library based on the input data, wherein the client is configured to apply the stored motion vector library to initiate motion in a graphic interface prior to receiving actual motion vector data from the server. 2. The computer-implemented method of claim 1, further comprising the step of transmitting a context update from the server to the client to disable application of the stored motion vector library. 3. The computer-implemented method of claim 1, further comprising the step of transmitting an instruction to apply one or more scaling factors to the motion vector library. 4. The computer-implemented method of claim 3, wherein the scaling factor is calculated based on the general equation: 5. The computer-implemented method of claim 1, wherein the generated motion vector library is comprised of a plurality of motion vectors. 6. The computer-implemented method of claim 5, wherein the motion vectors are game-generated. 7. The computer-implemented method of claim 1, wherein the generated motion vector library is configured to be permanently stored on the client. 8. The computer-implemented method of claim 1, wherein the motion vector library is generated during the build process. 9. The computer-implemented method of claim 1, wherein the generated motion vector library is associated with the input data from the user. 10. The computer-implemented method of claim 1, wherein the instruction is comprised of a correlation tag, wherein the correlation tag is associated with the input data from the user. 11. A system for caching motion vectors, wherein, over a network, a server: transmits a previously generated motion vector library to a client, wherein the motion vector library is configured to be stored at the client; transmits an instruction to the client to monitor for input data from a user; transmits an instruction to the client to calculate a motion estimate from the input data; and transmits an instruction to the client to update the stored motion vector library based on the input data, wherein the client is configured to apply the stored motion vector library to initiate motion in a graphic interface prior to receiving actual motion vector data from the server. 12. The system of claim 11, further comprising the step of transmitting a context update from the server to the client to disable application of the stored motion vector library. 13. The system of claim 11, wherein the server further transmits an instruction to apply one or more scaling factors to the motion vector library. 14. The system of claim 13, wherein the scaling factor is calculated based on the general equation: 15. The system of claim 11, wherein the generated motion vector library is comprised of a plurality of motion vectors. 16. The system of claim 15, wherein the motion vectors are game-generated. 17. The system of claim 11, wherein the generated motion vector library is configured to be permanently stored on the client. 18. The system of claim 11, wherein the motion vector library is generated during the build process. 19. The system of claim 11, wherein the generated motion vector library is associated with the input data from the user. 20. The system of claim 11, wherein the instruction is comprised of a correlation tag, wherein the correlation tag is associated with the input data from the user.

Systems and methods for deferring post-process effects in video encoding are disclosed. The systems and methods are capable of calculating the capability of client hardware to defer load, and summing a known load of one or more deferral candidates to evaluate how many post-process deferral candidates are capable of being deferred to client hardware. The systems and methods are also capable of sending an updated deferral list of post-processes to a remote server that can apply the list of deferred post-process candidates during the post-processing phase of a first video frame.

1. A computer-implemented method for deferring post-processes comprising the steps of: transmitting an instruction to a client application to measure client hardware capability; and transmitting an instruction to a client application to sum a known load of one or more predetermined post-process deferral candidates to evaluate how many post-process deferral candidates are capable of being deferred to client hardware, wherein a post-process deferral list is compiled, wherein the post-process deferral list is built in reverse order, and wherein a server receives the post-process deferral list, skips the list of deferred post-processes during the post-processing phase of a first video frame, and transmits an instruction to a client application to render an image. 2. The method of claim 1, wherein the post-process deferral list is added to a benchmarking process. 3. The method of claim 1, wherein the client application re-measures the capability of the client hardware in response to one or more environmental changes. 4. The method of claim 3, wherein the client application performs a callback or polls one or more operating system events to determine whether to re-measure the capability of the client hardware. 5. The method of claim 1, wherein the client application evaluates how many post-process deferral candidates are capable of being deferred to the client hardware by measuring frame rate and/or resource usage. 6. The method of claim 1, wherein the server applies the updated deferral list to a next available video frame. 7. The method of claim 1, further comprising the step of the server transmitting encoded video data to the client application without metadata associated with post-processes. 8. The method of claim 1, wherein the capability of the client hardware is measured by detecting available instruction sets, memory, CPU, and/or GPU characteristics. 9. The method of claim 1, wherein the list of post-process deferral candidates is recalculated based on changes to the client hardware's battery state. 10. The method of claim 1, wherein the server returns the first or next available video frame to the client application with a metadata flag. 11. A system for deferring post-processes, wherein over a network, a server: transmits an instruction to a client application to measure client hardware capability; and transmits an instruction to a client application to sum a known load of one or more predetermined post-process deferral candidates to evaluate how many post-process deferral candidates are capable of being deferred to client hardware, wherein a post-process deferral list is compiled, wherein the post-process deferral list is built in reverse order, and wherein a server receives the post-process deferral list, skips the list of deferred post-processes during the post-processing phase of a first video frame, and transmits an instruction to a client application to render an image. 12. The system of claim 11, wherein the post-process deferral list is added to a benchmarking process. 13. The system of claim 11, wherein the client application re-measures the capability of the client hardware in response to one or more environmental changes. 14. The system of claim 13, wherein the client application performs a callback or polls one or more operating system events to determine whether to re-measure the capability of the client hardware. 15. The system of claim 11, wherein the client application evaluates how many post-process deferral candidates are capable of being deferred to the client hardware by measuring frame rate and/or resource usage. 16. The system of claim 11, wherein the server applies the updated list of post-process deferral candidates to a next available video frame. 17. The system of claim 11, wherein the server transmits encoded video data to the client application without metadata associated with post-processes. 18. The system of claim 11, wherein the capability of the client hardware is measured by detecting available instruction sets, memory, CPU, and/or GPU characteristics. 19. The system of claim 11, wherein the list of post-process deferral candidates is recalculated based on changes to the client hardware's battery state. 20. The system of claim 11, wherein the server returns the first or next available video frame to the client application with a metadata flag.

Systems and methods for deferring post-process effects in video encoding are disclosed. The systems and methods are capable of calculating the capability of client hardware to defer load, and summing a known load of one or more deferral candidates to evaluate how many post-process deferral candidates are capable of being deferred to client hardware. The systems and methods are also capable of sending an updated deferral list of post-processes to a remote server that can apply the list of deferred post-process candidates during the post-processing phase of a first video frame.1. A computer-implemented method for deferring post-processes comprising the steps of: transmitting an instruction to a client application to measure client hardware capability; and transmitting an instruction to a client application to sum a known load of one or more predetermined post-process deferral candidates to evaluate how many post-process deferral candidates are capable of being deferred to client hardware, wherein a post-process deferral list is compiled, wherein the post-process deferral list is built in reverse order, and wherein a server receives the post-process deferral list, skips the list of deferred post-processes during the post-processing phase of a first video frame, and transmits an instruction to a client application to render an image. 2. The method of claim 1, wherein the post-process deferral list is added to a benchmarking process. 3. The method of claim 1, wherein the client application re-measures the capability of the client hardware in response to one or more environmental changes. 4. The method of claim 3, wherein the client application performs a callback or polls one or more operating system events to determine whether to re-measure the capability of the client hardware. 5. The method of claim 1, wherein the client application evaluates how many post-process deferral candidates are capable of being deferred to the client hardware by measuring frame rate and/or resource usage. 6. The method of claim 1, wherein the server applies the updated deferral list to a next available video frame. 7. The method of claim 1, further comprising the step of the server transmitting encoded video data to the client application without metadata associated with post-processes. 8. The method of claim 1, wherein the capability of the client hardware is measured by detecting available instruction sets, memory, CPU, and/or GPU characteristics. 9. The method of claim 1, wherein the list of post-process deferral candidates is recalculated based on changes to the client hardware's battery state. 10. The method of claim 1, wherein the server returns the first or next available video frame to the client application with a metadata flag. 11. A system for deferring post-processes, wherein over a network, a server: transmits an instruction to a client application to measure client hardware capability; and transmits an instruction to a client application to sum a known load of one or more predetermined post-process deferral candidates to evaluate how many post-process deferral candidates are capable of being deferred to client hardware, wherein a post-process deferral list is compiled, wherein the post-process deferral list is built in reverse order, and wherein a server receives the post-process deferral list, skips the list of deferred post-processes during the post-processing phase of a first video frame, and transmits an instruction to a client application to render an image. 12. The system of claim 11, wherein the post-process deferral list is added to a benchmarking process. 13. The system of claim 11, wherein the client application re-measures the capability of the client hardware in response to one or more environmental changes. 14. The system of claim 13, wherein the client application performs a callback or polls one or more operating system events to determine whether to re-measure the capability of the client hardware. 15. The system of claim 11, wherein the client application evaluates how many post-process deferral candidates are capable of being deferred to the client hardware by measuring frame rate and/or resource usage. 16. The system of claim 11, wherein the server applies the updated list of post-process deferral candidates to a next available video frame. 17. The system of claim 11, wherein the server transmits encoded video data to the client application without metadata associated with post-processes. 18. The system of claim 11, wherein the capability of the client hardware is measured by detecting available instruction sets, memory, CPU, and/or GPU characteristics. 19. The system of claim 11, wherein the list of post-process deferral candidates is recalculated based on changes to the client hardware's battery state. 20. The system of claim 11, wherein the server returns the first or next available video frame to the client application with a metadata flag.

Systems and methods for hinting an encoder are disclosed in which a server monitors for information related to changes in frame rendering, calculates tolerance boundaries, rolling average frame time and/or short-term trends in frame time, and uses those calculations to identify a frame time peak. The server then hints a codec (encoder) to modulate the quality settings of frame output in proportion to the size of the frame time peak. In certain embodiments, a renderer records one or more playthroughs in a game environment, sorts a plurality of frames from one or more playthroughs into a plurality of cells on a heatmap, and collects the list of sorted frames. A codec may then encode one or more frames from the list of sorted frames to calculate an average encoded frame size for each cell in the heatmap, and associate each average encoded frame size with a per-cell normalized encoder quality setting.

1. A computer-implemented method for encoding data, comprising the steps of: recording one or more playthroughs in a game environment; sorting a plurality of frames from the one or more playthroughs into a plurality of cells on a heatmap, wherein said sorting results in a list of sorted frames associated with the heatmap; collecting the list of sorted frames at a renderer; encoding one or more frames from the list of sorted frames to calculate an average encoded frame size for each cell in the heatmap, wherein each average encoded frame size is associated with a per-cell normalized encoder quality setting; and calculating an average frame size for the heatmap from the average encoded frame size of each cell, wherein, during gameplay, the per-cell normalized encoder quality setting corresponding to the cell in the heatmap is used to hint an encoder to code a video sequence. 2. The method of claim 1, wherein the one or more frames are coded into the video sequence in a single pass. 3. The method of claim 1, further comprising the step of storing the per-cell normalized encoder quality settings at the renderer. 4. The method of claim 1, wherein the one or more playthroughs are stored at a telemetry server. 5. The method of claim 1, wherein the one or more playthroughs are comprised of a plurality of frames and a player location associated with each of the plurality of frames. 6. The method of claim 5, wherein the player location is used to select the per-cell normalized encoder quality setting that hints the encoder. 7. The method of claim 1, wherein the per-cell normalized encoder quality settings are calculated by the equation: 8. The method of claim 1, further comprising the step of combining the per-cell normalized encoder quality settings from a spatially-related sequence and a temporally-related sequence. 9. A system for encoding data, comprising: a renderer, wherein the renderer: records one or more playthroughs in a game environment; sorts a plurality of frames from the one or more playthroughs into a plurality of cells on a heatmap, wherein said sorting results in a list of sorted frames associated with the heatmap; collects the list of sorted frames; and calculates an average frame size for the heatmap from the average encoded frame size of each cell; and an encoder, wherein the encoder: encodes one or more frames from the list of sorted frames to calculate an average encoded frame size for each cell in the heatmap, wherein each average encoded frame size is associated with a per-cell normalized encoder quality setting, and wherein, during gameplay, the per-cell normalized encoder quality setting corresponding to the cell in the heatmap is used to hint the encoder to code a video sequence. 10. The system of claim 9, wherein the one or more frames are coded into the video sequence in a single pass. 11. The system of claim 9, wherein the renderer stores the per-cell normalized encoder quality settings. 12. The system of claim 9, wherein the one or more playthroughs are stored at a telemetry server. 13. The method of claim 9, wherein the one or more playthroughs are comprised of a plurality of frames and a player location associated with each of the plurality of frames. 14. The method of claim 13, wherein the player location is used to select the per-cell normalized encoder quality setting that hints the encoder. 15. The system of claim 9, wherein the per-cell normalized encoder quality settings are calculated by the equation: 16. The system of claim 9, wherein the per-cell normalized encoder quality settings are combined from a spatially-related sequence and a temporally-related sequence. 17. A system for encoding data, comprising: a renderer, wherein the renderer records a video sequence comprised of a plurality of frames; and an encoder, wherein the encoder codes the video sequence in a multi-pass mode that optimizes encoder quality settings against the first frame of the video sequence, and wherein the encoder records the encoder quality settings, wherein the renderer normalizes the encoder quality settings to the first frame of the video sequence, and wherein the normalized encoder quality settings are used to hint the encoder to code the video sequence. 18. The system of claim 17, wherein normalized encoder quality settings are calculated by the equation: 19. The system of claim 17, wherein the normalized encoder quality settings are stored as an ordered list of floats. 20. The system of claim 17, wherein the normalized encoder quality settings are multiplied by a runtime encoder quality setting, wherein the multiplied normalized encoder quality settings are used to hint the encoder to code the video sequence. 21. The system of claim 17, wherein the video sequence is temporally related to one or more other video sequences. 22. A computer-implemented method for encoding, comprising the steps of: recording a video sequence comprised of a plurality of frames; encoding the video sequence in a multi-pass mode that optimizes encoder quality settings against the first frame of the video sequence; recording the encoder quality settings; and normalizing the encoder quality settings to the first frame of the video sequence, wherein the normalized encoder quality settings are used to hint an encoder to code the video sequence. 23. The method of claim 22, wherein normalized encoder quality settings are calculated by the equation: 24. The method of claim 22, wherein the normalized encoder quality settings are stored as an ordered list of floats. 25. The method of claim 22, further comprising the step of multiplying the normalized encoder quality settings by a runtime encoder quality setting, wherein the multiplied normalized encoder quality settings are used to hint the encoder to code the video sequence. 26. The method of claim 22, wherein the video sequence is temporally related to one or more other video sequences.

Systems and methods for hinting an encoder are disclosed in which a server monitors for information related to changes in frame rendering, calculates tolerance boundaries, rolling average frame time and/or short-term trends in frame time, and uses those calculations to identify a frame time peak. The server then hints a codec (encoder) to modulate the quality settings of frame output in proportion to the size of the frame time peak. In certain embodiments, a renderer records one or more playthroughs in a game environment, sorts a plurality of frames from one or more playthroughs into a plurality of cells on a heatmap, and collects the list of sorted frames. A codec may then encode one or more frames from the list of sorted frames to calculate an average encoded frame size for each cell in the heatmap, and associate each average encoded frame size with a per-cell normalized encoder quality setting.1. A computer-implemented method for encoding data, comprising the steps of: recording one or more playthroughs in a game environment; sorting a plurality of frames from the one or more playthroughs into a plurality of cells on a heatmap, wherein said sorting results in a list of sorted frames associated with the heatmap; collecting the list of sorted frames at a renderer; encoding one or more frames from the list of sorted frames to calculate an average encoded frame size for each cell in the heatmap, wherein each average encoded frame size is associated with a per-cell normalized encoder quality setting; and calculating an average frame size for the heatmap from the average encoded frame size of each cell, wherein, during gameplay, the per-cell normalized encoder quality setting corresponding to the cell in the heatmap is used to hint an encoder to code a video sequence. 2. The method of claim 1, wherein the one or more frames are coded into the video sequence in a single pass. 3. The method of claim 1, further comprising the step of storing the per-cell normalized encoder quality settings at the renderer. 4. The method of claim 1, wherein the one or more playthroughs are stored at a telemetry server. 5. The method of claim 1, wherein the one or more playthroughs are comprised of a plurality of frames and a player location associated with each of the plurality of frames. 6. The method of claim 5, wherein the player location is used to select the per-cell normalized encoder quality setting that hints the encoder. 7. The method of claim 1, wherein the per-cell normalized encoder quality settings are calculated by the equation: 8. The method of claim 1, further comprising the step of combining the per-cell normalized encoder quality settings from a spatially-related sequence and a temporally-related sequence. 9. A system for encoding data, comprising: a renderer, wherein the renderer: records one or more playthroughs in a game environment; sorts a plurality of frames from the one or more playthroughs into a plurality of cells on a heatmap, wherein said sorting results in a list of sorted frames associated with the heatmap; collects the list of sorted frames; and calculates an average frame size for the heatmap from the average encoded frame size of each cell; and an encoder, wherein the encoder: encodes one or more frames from the list of sorted frames to calculate an average encoded frame size for each cell in the heatmap, wherein each average encoded frame size is associated with a per-cell normalized encoder quality setting, and wherein, during gameplay, the per-cell normalized encoder quality setting corresponding to the cell in the heatmap is used to hint the encoder to code a video sequence. 10. The system of claim 9, wherein the one or more frames are coded into the video sequence in a single pass. 11. The system of claim 9, wherein the renderer stores the per-cell normalized encoder quality settings. 12. The system of claim 9, wherein the one or more playthroughs are stored at a telemetry server. 13. The method of claim 9, wherein the one or more playthroughs are comprised of a plurality of frames and a player location associated with each of the plurality of frames. 14. The method of claim 13, wherein the player location is used to select the per-cell normalized encoder quality setting that hints the encoder. 15. The system of claim 9, wherein the per-cell normalized encoder quality settings are calculated by the equation: 16. The system of claim 9, wherein the per-cell normalized encoder quality settings are combined from a spatially-related sequence and a temporally-related sequence. 17. A system for encoding data, comprising: a renderer, wherein the renderer records a video sequence comprised of a plurality of frames; and an encoder, wherein the encoder codes the video sequence in a multi-pass mode that optimizes encoder quality settings against the first frame of the video sequence, and wherein the encoder records the encoder quality settings, wherein the renderer normalizes the encoder quality settings to the first frame of the video sequence, and wherein the normalized encoder quality settings are used to hint the encoder to code the video sequence. 18. The system of claim 17, wherein normalized encoder quality settings are calculated by the equation: 19. The system of claim 17, wherein the normalized encoder quality settings are stored as an ordered list of floats. 20. The system of claim 17, wherein the normalized encoder quality settings are multiplied by a runtime encoder quality setting, wherein the multiplied normalized encoder quality settings are used to hint the encoder to code the video sequence. 21. The system of claim 17, wherein the video sequence is temporally related to one or more other video sequences. 22. A computer-implemented method for encoding, comprising the steps of: recording a video sequence comprised of a plurality of frames; encoding the video sequence in a multi-pass mode that optimizes encoder quality settings against the first frame of the video sequence; recording the encoder quality settings; and normalizing the encoder quality settings to the first frame of the video sequence, wherein the normalized encoder quality settings are used to hint an encoder to code the video sequence. 23. The method of claim 22, wherein normalized encoder quality settings are calculated by the equation: 24. The method of claim 22, wherein the normalized encoder quality settings are stored as an ordered list of floats. 25. The method of claim 22, further comprising the step of multiplying the normalized encoder quality settings by a runtime encoder quality setting, wherein the multiplied normalized encoder quality settings are used to hint the encoder to code the video sequence. 26. The method of claim 22, wherein the video sequence is temporally related to one or more other video sequences.

Examples provided herein describe a method for real-time processing of IoT data. For example, a first physical processor of an edge computing device may receive a set of data from a first IoT device communicably coupled to the edge device. The first physical processor may split the set of data into a set of individual data packets. A second physical processor of the edge device process the set of individual data packets by: concurrently applying, by a plurality of instances of the second physical processor of the edge computing device, a learning model to each of a corresponding plurality of data packets from the set of individual data packets; and annotating, by a subset of the plurality of instances of the second physical processor, a corresponding subset of the plurality of data packets with a corresponding output from the concurrent application of the learning model.

1. A method for real-time processing of IoT data, the method comprising: receiving, by a first physical processor of an edge computing device, a set of data from a first IoT device communicably coupled to the edge device; splitting, by the first physical processor, the set of data into a set of individual data packets; processing, by a second physical processor of the edge device, the set of individual data packets by: concurrently applying, by a plurality of instances of the second physical processor of the edge computing device, a learning model to each of a corresponding plurality of data packets from the set of individual data packets; annotating, by a subset of the plurality of instances of the second physical processor, a corresponding subset of the plurality of data packets with a corresponding output from the concurrent application of the learning model. 2. The method of claim 1, wherein the set of data comprises a set of video data, and wherein the set of data is split responsive to decoding the set of video data. 3. The method of claim 2, further comprising: determining a number of the plurality of instances for processing the set of individual data packets based on a frame rate of the set of video data 4. The method of claim 2, wherein annotating a data packet comprises adding visual effects to an individual data packet. 5. The method of claim 1, further comprising: responsive to an instance of the second physical processor applying the learning model to an individual data packet, receiving, by the instance, a next data packet of the set of individual data packets for processing. 6. The method of claim 1, further comprising: responsive to annotating each of the plurality of data packets, re-ordering the plurality of data packets to match an order in which the set of individual data packets were processed 7. The method of claim 6, further comprising: responsive to re-ordering the plurality of data packets, transmitting the annotated, re-ordered plurality of data packets to a server communicably coupled to the edge device. 8. The method of claim 1, further comprising: determining the learning model to apply based on a set of characteristics of the set of data. 9. A non-transitory machine-readable storage medium comprising instructions executable by a physical processor of an edge device for real-time processing of IoT data, the machine-readable storage medium comprising: instructions to cause a first physical processor to receive a set of data from a first IoT device communicably coupled to the edge device; instructions to cause the first physical processor to split the set of data into a set of individual data packets; instructions to cause a second physical processor to process the set of individual data packets by: concurrently applying, by a plurality of instances of the second physical processor of the edge computing device, a learning model to each of a corresponding plurality of data packets from the set of individual data packets; annotating, by a subset of the plurality of instances of the second physical processor, a corresponding subset of the plurality of data packets with a corresponding output from the concurrent application of the learning model; and instructions to transmit the processed set of individual data packets to a server communicably coupled to the edge device. 10. The non-transitory machine-readable storage medium of claim 9, wherein the set of data comprises a set of video data, and wherein the instructions to cause the first processor to split the set of data comprises instructions to split the set of data responsive to decoding the received set of data, and wherein the storage medium further comprises: instructions to cause the processed set of individual data packets to be re-encoded. 11. The non-transitory machine-readable storage medium of claim 10, further comprising: instructions to cause the second physical processor to determine a number of the plurality of instances for processing the set of individual data packets based on a frame rate of the set of video data. 12. The non-transitory machine-readable storage medium of claim 10, wherein the instructions to cause the second physical processor to annotate a data packet comprise: instructions to cause the second physical processor to add visual effects to an individual data packet. 13. The non-transitory machine-readable storage medium of claim 9, further comprising: instructions to cause the second physical processor to, responsive to an instance of the second physical processor applying the learning model to an individual data packet, receive, by the instance, a next data packet of the set of individual data packets for processing. 14. The non-transitory machine-readable storage medium of claim 9, further comprising: instructions to cause the second physical processor to, responsive to annotating each of the plurality of data packets, re-order the plurality of data packets to match an order in which the set of individual data packets were processed. 15. A system for real-time processing of IoT data, the system comprising: a first physical processor of an edge device that implements machine readable instructions that cause the system to: receive a set of video data from a first IoT device communicably coupled to the edge device; split the set of data into a set of individual frames; transmit the set of individual frames to a second physical processor of the edge device, wherein the second physical processor is to implement machine readable instructions that cause the system to: process the set of individual frames by: concurrently applying, by a plurality of instances of the second physical processor, a learning model to each of a corresponding plurality of frames from the set of individual frames; annotating, by each of the plurality of instances of the second physical processor, each of the plurality of frames with a corresponding output from the concurrent application of the learning model. 16. The system of claim 15, wherein the first physical processor implements machine readable instructions to cause the system to: split the set of data into the set of individual frames responsive to decoding the received set of data; and re-encode the processed set of data. 17. The system of claim 15, wherein the second physical processor implements machine readable instructions to cause the system to: determine a number of the plurality of instances for processing the set of individual frames based on a frame rate of the set of video data. 18. The system of claim 15, wherein the second physical processor implements machine readable instructions to cause the system to: annotate an individual frame by adding visual effects to the individual frame. 19. The system of claim 15, wherein the second physical processor implements machine readable instructions to cause the system to: responsive to an instance of the second physical processor applying the learning model to an individual frame, receive, by the instance, a next frame of the set of frames for processing. 20. The system of claim 15, wherein the second physical processor implements machine readable instructions to cause the system to: responsive to annotating each of the plurality of frames, re-order the plurality of frames to match an order in which the set of individual frames were processed.

Examples provided herein describe a method for real-time processing of IoT data. For example, a first physical processor of an edge computing device may receive a set of data from a first IoT device communicably coupled to the edge device. The first physical processor may split the set of data into a set of individual data packets. A second physical processor of the edge device process the set of individual data packets by: concurrently applying, by a plurality of instances of the second physical processor of the edge computing device, a learning model to each of a corresponding plurality of data packets from the set of individual data packets; and annotating, by a subset of the plurality of instances of the second physical processor, a corresponding subset of the plurality of data packets with a corresponding output from the concurrent application of the learning model.1. A method for real-time processing of IoT data, the method comprising: receiving, by a first physical processor of an edge computing device, a set of data from a first IoT device communicably coupled to the edge device; splitting, by the first physical processor, the set of data into a set of individual data packets; processing, by a second physical processor of the edge device, the set of individual data packets by: concurrently applying, by a plurality of instances of the second physical processor of the edge computing device, a learning model to each of a corresponding plurality of data packets from the set of individual data packets; annotating, by a subset of the plurality of instances of the second physical processor, a corresponding subset of the plurality of data packets with a corresponding output from the concurrent application of the learning model. 2. The method of claim 1, wherein the set of data comprises a set of video data, and wherein the set of data is split responsive to decoding the set of video data. 3. The method of claim 2, further comprising: determining a number of the plurality of instances for processing the set of individual data packets based on a frame rate of the set of video data 4. The method of claim 2, wherein annotating a data packet comprises adding visual effects to an individual data packet. 5. The method of claim 1, further comprising: responsive to an instance of the second physical processor applying the learning model to an individual data packet, receiving, by the instance, a next data packet of the set of individual data packets for processing. 6. The method of claim 1, further comprising: responsive to annotating each of the plurality of data packets, re-ordering the plurality of data packets to match an order in which the set of individual data packets were processed 7. The method of claim 6, further comprising: responsive to re-ordering the plurality of data packets, transmitting the annotated, re-ordered plurality of data packets to a server communicably coupled to the edge device. 8. The method of claim 1, further comprising: determining the learning model to apply based on a set of characteristics of the set of data. 9. A non-transitory machine-readable storage medium comprising instructions executable by a physical processor of an edge device for real-time processing of IoT data, the machine-readable storage medium comprising: instructions to cause a first physical processor to receive a set of data from a first IoT device communicably coupled to the edge device; instructions to cause the first physical processor to split the set of data into a set of individual data packets; instructions to cause a second physical processor to process the set of individual data packets by: concurrently applying, by a plurality of instances of the second physical processor of the edge computing device, a learning model to each of a corresponding plurality of data packets from the set of individual data packets; annotating, by a subset of the plurality of instances of the second physical processor, a corresponding subset of the plurality of data packets with a corresponding output from the concurrent application of the learning model; and instructions to transmit the processed set of individual data packets to a server communicably coupled to the edge device. 10. The non-transitory machine-readable storage medium of claim 9, wherein the set of data comprises a set of video data, and wherein the instructions to cause the first processor to split the set of data comprises instructions to split the set of data responsive to decoding the received set of data, and wherein the storage medium further comprises: instructions to cause the processed set of individual data packets to be re-encoded. 11. The non-transitory machine-readable storage medium of claim 10, further comprising: instructions to cause the second physical processor to determine a number of the plurality of instances for processing the set of individual data packets based on a frame rate of the set of video data. 12. The non-transitory machine-readable storage medium of claim 10, wherein the instructions to cause the second physical processor to annotate a data packet comprise: instructions to cause the second physical processor to add visual effects to an individual data packet. 13. The non-transitory machine-readable storage medium of claim 9, further comprising: instructions to cause the second physical processor to, responsive to an instance of the second physical processor applying the learning model to an individual data packet, receive, by the instance, a next data packet of the set of individual data packets for processing. 14. The non-transitory machine-readable storage medium of claim 9, further comprising: instructions to cause the second physical processor to, responsive to annotating each of the plurality of data packets, re-order the plurality of data packets to match an order in which the set of individual data packets were processed. 15. A system for real-time processing of IoT data, the system comprising: a first physical processor of an edge device that implements machine readable instructions that cause the system to: receive a set of video data from a first IoT device communicably coupled to the edge device; split the set of data into a set of individual frames; transmit the set of individual frames to a second physical processor of the edge device, wherein the second physical processor is to implement machine readable instructions that cause the system to: process the set of individual frames by: concurrently applying, by a plurality of instances of the second physical processor, a learning model to each of a corresponding plurality of frames from the set of individual frames; annotating, by each of the plurality of instances of the second physical processor, each of the plurality of frames with a corresponding output from the concurrent application of the learning model. 16. The system of claim 15, wherein the first physical processor implements machine readable instructions to cause the system to: split the set of data into the set of individual frames responsive to decoding the received set of data; and re-encode the processed set of data. 17. The system of claim 15, wherein the second physical processor implements machine readable instructions to cause the system to: determine a number of the plurality of instances for processing the set of individual frames based on a frame rate of the set of video data. 18. The system of claim 15, wherein the second physical processor implements machine readable instructions to cause the system to: annotate an individual frame by adding visual effects to the individual frame. 19. The system of claim 15, wherein the second physical processor implements machine readable instructions to cause the system to: responsive to an instance of the second physical processor applying the learning model to an individual frame, receive, by the instance, a next frame of the set of frames for processing. 20. The system of claim 15, wherein the second physical processor implements machine readable instructions to cause the system to: responsive to annotating each of the plurality of frames, re-order the plurality of frames to match an order in which the set of individual frames were processed.

A method for scanning an object having depths is provided, using a plurality of rod lenses to limit the blurring range of a contour image of an object having depths to enable an image capture unit to capture an identifiable contour image, wherein either of the diameter of each rod lens and the spacing between the rod lenses is smaller than the average width of the target. A scanning system for scanning an object having depths is also disclosed herein.

1. A method for scanning an object having depths, comprising steps: using a light source to illuminate an object to generate a plurality of imaging lights respectively having different depths of field, wherein said object has a target having a depth; using a plurality of rod lenses to receive the plurality of said imaging lights from a plurality of visible regions of said rod lenses and output a plurality of localized imaging lights to a plurality of imaged areas, wherein either of a diameter of said rod lens and a spacing between said rod lenses is smaller than an average width of a contour of said target, and wherein all said imaged areas are identical in size; and using an image capture unit to capture the plurality of said localized imaging lights to form a corresponding contour image. 2. The method for scanning an object having depths according to claim 1, wherein either of said diameter of said rod lens and said spacing between said rod lenses is smaller than said depth of said target. 3. The method for scanning an object having depths according to claim 1, wherein an aperture of said rod lens is smaller than 1.1 mm. 4. The method for scanning an object having depths according to claim 1, wherein said step of using a light source to illuminate an object includes a step of using an exciting light source to illuminate said object and excite a fluorescent material in said object. 5. The method for scanning an object having depths according to claim 1 further comprising a step of providing a platform including a light-permeable material, wherein said object is placed on said platform. 6. The method for scanning an object having depths according to claim 1 further comprising a step of using a driving unit to drive said image capture unit and said object to move with respect to each other to scan said object. 7. A system for scanning an object having depths comprising a light source used to illuminate an object to generate a plurality of imaging lights respectively having different depths of field, wherein said object has a target having a depth; a plurality of rod lenses disposed side by side with optical axes thereof parallel to each other, used to receive the plurality of said imaging lights from a plurality of visible regions of said rod lenses and output a plurality of localized imaging lights, wherein either of a diameter of said rod lens and a spacing between said rod lenses is smaller than an average width of a contour of said target, and wherein blurred ranges of said localized imaging lights are identical in size; and an image capture unit disposed at a light output side of the plurality of said rod lenses to capture the plurality of said localized imaging lights to form a corresponding contour image. 8. The system for scanning an object having depths according to claim 7, wherein either of said diameter of said rod lens and said spacing between said rod lenses is smaller than said depth of said target. 9. The system for scanning an object having depths according to claim 7, wherein an aperture of said rod lens is smaller than 1.1 mm. 10. The system for scanning an object having depths according to claim 7, wherein said light source includes an exciting light source used to illuminate said object and excite a fluorescent material in said object. 11. The system for scanning an object having depths according to claim 7 further comprising a platform including a light-permeable material, wherein said object is placed on said platform. 12. The system for scanning an object having depths according to claim 7 further comprising a driving unit used to drive said image capture unit and said object to move with respect to each other to scan said object.

A method for scanning an object having depths is provided, using a plurality of rod lenses to limit the blurring range of a contour image of an object having depths to enable an image capture unit to capture an identifiable contour image, wherein either of the diameter of each rod lens and the spacing between the rod lenses is smaller than the average width of the target. A scanning system for scanning an object having depths is also disclosed herein.1. A method for scanning an object having depths, comprising steps: using a light source to illuminate an object to generate a plurality of imaging lights respectively having different depths of field, wherein said object has a target having a depth; using a plurality of rod lenses to receive the plurality of said imaging lights from a plurality of visible regions of said rod lenses and output a plurality of localized imaging lights to a plurality of imaged areas, wherein either of a diameter of said rod lens and a spacing between said rod lenses is smaller than an average width of a contour of said target, and wherein all said imaged areas are identical in size; and using an image capture unit to capture the plurality of said localized imaging lights to form a corresponding contour image. 2. The method for scanning an object having depths according to claim 1, wherein either of said diameter of said rod lens and said spacing between said rod lenses is smaller than said depth of said target. 3. The method for scanning an object having depths according to claim 1, wherein an aperture of said rod lens is smaller than 1.1 mm. 4. The method for scanning an object having depths according to claim 1, wherein said step of using a light source to illuminate an object includes a step of using an exciting light source to illuminate said object and excite a fluorescent material in said object. 5. The method for scanning an object having depths according to claim 1 further comprising a step of providing a platform including a light-permeable material, wherein said object is placed on said platform. 6. The method for scanning an object having depths according to claim 1 further comprising a step of using a driving unit to drive said image capture unit and said object to move with respect to each other to scan said object. 7. A system for scanning an object having depths comprising a light source used to illuminate an object to generate a plurality of imaging lights respectively having different depths of field, wherein said object has a target having a depth; a plurality of rod lenses disposed side by side with optical axes thereof parallel to each other, used to receive the plurality of said imaging lights from a plurality of visible regions of said rod lenses and output a plurality of localized imaging lights, wherein either of a diameter of said rod lens and a spacing between said rod lenses is smaller than an average width of a contour of said target, and wherein blurred ranges of said localized imaging lights are identical in size; and an image capture unit disposed at a light output side of the plurality of said rod lenses to capture the plurality of said localized imaging lights to form a corresponding contour image. 8. The system for scanning an object having depths according to claim 7, wherein either of said diameter of said rod lens and said spacing between said rod lenses is smaller than said depth of said target. 9. The system for scanning an object having depths according to claim 7, wherein an aperture of said rod lens is smaller than 1.1 mm. 10. The system for scanning an object having depths according to claim 7, wherein said light source includes an exciting light source used to illuminate said object and excite a fluorescent material in said object. 11. The system for scanning an object having depths according to claim 7 further comprising a platform including a light-permeable material, wherein said object is placed on said platform. 12. The system for scanning an object having depths according to claim 7 further comprising a driving unit used to drive said image capture unit and said object to move with respect to each other to scan said object.

Provided is a ferrule endface inspecting device for optical communication modules. The ferrule endface inspecting device includes an XY movement stage, a mount head moving in a two-axis direction including an X-axis direction and a Y-axis direction by the XY movement stage and rotating on an X-Y plane, a jig unit disposed under the mount head to fix optical communication modules with a built-in ferrule, and a control unit selecting a ferrule region located at an inspection start position from among a plurality of ferrule regions extracted from a whole image of the jig unit captured by a first camera and analyzing a ferrule endface image obtained through photographing by a second camera, which has rotated and moved to the inspection start position, to determine whether there is a defect of a ferrule endface. The first and second cameras are provided on a side of the mount head.

1. A ferrule endface inspecting device for optical communication modules, the ferrule endface inspecting device comprising: an XY movement stage; a mount head moving in a two-axis direction including an X-axis direction and a Y-axis direction by the XY movement stage and rotating on an X-Y plane, first and second cameras being provided on a side of the mount head; a jig unit disposed under the mount head to fix a plurality of optical communication modules with a built-in ferrule; and a control unit selecting a ferrule region located at an inspection start position from among a plurality of ferrule regions extracted from a whole image of the jig unit captured by the first camera and analyzing a ferrule endface image obtained through photographing by the second camera, which has rotated and moved to the inspection start position, to determine whether there is a defect of a ferrule endface. 2. The ferrule endface inspecting device of claim 1, wherein the control unit extracts the plurality of ferrule regions from the whole image of the jig unit according to image processing based on an object extraction algorithm. 3. The ferrule endface inspecting device of claim 1, wherein the control unit performs image processing based on a watershed algorithm on the ferrule endface image to determine whether there is the defect of the ferrule endface. 4. The ferrule endface inspecting device of claim 1, wherein the jig unit comprises: a jig fixing the plurality of optical communication modules in an array form; and an identification marker provided at a specific position of the jig to select the inspection start position. 5. The ferrule endface inspecting device of claim 4, wherein the control unit extracts a marker region corresponding to the identification marker from the whole image of the jig unit captured by the first camera and selects a ferrule region located at the inspection start position with respect to a position value of the extracted marker region. 6. The ferrule endface inspecting device of claim 5, wherein the control unit corrects a position of the marker region and a position of the ferrule region, based on the identification marker on the jig and an interval between a plurality of insertion grooves into which the plurality of optical communication modules are respectively inserted. 7. The ferrule endface inspecting device of claim 6, wherein the control unit controls a rotation of the mount head to move the second camera to the corrected position of the marker region and the corrected position of the ferrule region. 8. The ferrule endface inspecting device of claim 5, wherein the control unit selects, as the inspection start position, a position of a ferrule region closest to the extracted marker region among the plurality of ferrule regions. 9. The ferrule endface inspecting device of claim 1, wherein the ferrule is built into each of the plurality of optical communication modules in a female type. 10. The ferrule endface inspecting device of claim 1, further comprising: a pollutant remover provided on the side of the mount head, for removing pollutants of the ferrule endface, a micro brush being provided in an end of pollutant remover, wherein the pollutant remover moves in an up and down direction along the side. 11. A ferrule endface inspecting method for optical communication modules, the ferrule endface inspecting method comprising: transporting, by a jig transport robot, a jig unit to a jig fixing part, the jig unit fixing a plurality of optical communication modules with a built-in ferrule; moving, by an XY movement stage, a mount head to on the jig unit, the mount head being movable in an X-axis direction and a Y-axis direction; obtaining, by a first camera provided in the mount head, a whole image of the jig unit by photographing a whole region of the jig unit; extracting, by a control unit, a plurality of ferrule regions from the whole image of the jig unit to select a ferrule region located at an inspection start position from among the extracted plurality of ferrule regions; rotating and moving, by a second camera, to the inspection start position by the mount head to photograph the selected ferrule region; and analyzing, by the control unit, a ferrule endface image obtained by photographing the selected ferrule region to determine whether there is a defect of a ferrule endface. 12. The ferrule endface inspecting method of claim 11, wherein the selecting of the ferrule region comprises extracting the plurality of ferrule regions from the whole image of the jig unit. 13. The ferrule endface inspecting method of claim 11, wherein the selecting of the ferrule region comprises: extracting a marker region corresponding to an identification marker provided at a specific position of the jig unit and the plurality of ferrule regions from the whole image of the jig unit; and selecting a ferrule region closest to the extracted marker region as the ferrule region located at the inspection start position from among the plurality of ferrule regions. 14. The ferrule endface inspecting method of claim 11, further comprising: between the selecting of the ferrule region and the photographing of the selected ferrule region, rotating, by the mount head, to move a pollutant remover provided in the mount head to the selected ferrule region; descending, by the pollutant remover, along a side of the mount head; and removing pollutants from a ferrule endface in the selected ferrule region by using a micro brush provided in an end of the descended pollutant remover. 15. The ferrule endface inspecting method of claim 11, wherein the photographing of the selected ferrule region comprises: moving, by the second camera, to the inspection start position according to a rotation of the mount head; and photographing, by the second camera moved to the inspection start position, the selected ferrule region.

Provided is a ferrule endface inspecting device for optical communication modules. The ferrule endface inspecting device includes an XY movement stage, a mount head moving in a two-axis direction including an X-axis direction and a Y-axis direction by the XY movement stage and rotating on an X-Y plane, a jig unit disposed under the mount head to fix optical communication modules with a built-in ferrule, and a control unit selecting a ferrule region located at an inspection start position from among a plurality of ferrule regions extracted from a whole image of the jig unit captured by a first camera and analyzing a ferrule endface image obtained through photographing by a second camera, which has rotated and moved to the inspection start position, to determine whether there is a defect of a ferrule endface. The first and second cameras are provided on a side of the mount head.1. A ferrule endface inspecting device for optical communication modules, the ferrule endface inspecting device comprising: an XY movement stage; a mount head moving in a two-axis direction including an X-axis direction and a Y-axis direction by the XY movement stage and rotating on an X-Y plane, first and second cameras being provided on a side of the mount head; a jig unit disposed under the mount head to fix a plurality of optical communication modules with a built-in ferrule; and a control unit selecting a ferrule region located at an inspection start position from among a plurality of ferrule regions extracted from a whole image of the jig unit captured by the first camera and analyzing a ferrule endface image obtained through photographing by the second camera, which has rotated and moved to the inspection start position, to determine whether there is a defect of a ferrule endface. 2. The ferrule endface inspecting device of claim 1, wherein the control unit extracts the plurality of ferrule regions from the whole image of the jig unit according to image processing based on an object extraction algorithm. 3. The ferrule endface inspecting device of claim 1, wherein the control unit performs image processing based on a watershed algorithm on the ferrule endface image to determine whether there is the defect of the ferrule endface. 4. The ferrule endface inspecting device of claim 1, wherein the jig unit comprises: a jig fixing the plurality of optical communication modules in an array form; and an identification marker provided at a specific position of the jig to select the inspection start position. 5. The ferrule endface inspecting device of claim 4, wherein the control unit extracts a marker region corresponding to the identification marker from the whole image of the jig unit captured by the first camera and selects a ferrule region located at the inspection start position with respect to a position value of the extracted marker region. 6. The ferrule endface inspecting device of claim 5, wherein the control unit corrects a position of the marker region and a position of the ferrule region, based on the identification marker on the jig and an interval between a plurality of insertion grooves into which the plurality of optical communication modules are respectively inserted. 7. The ferrule endface inspecting device of claim 6, wherein the control unit controls a rotation of the mount head to move the second camera to the corrected position of the marker region and the corrected position of the ferrule region. 8. The ferrule endface inspecting device of claim 5, wherein the control unit selects, as the inspection start position, a position of a ferrule region closest to the extracted marker region among the plurality of ferrule regions. 9. The ferrule endface inspecting device of claim 1, wherein the ferrule is built into each of the plurality of optical communication modules in a female type. 10. The ferrule endface inspecting device of claim 1, further comprising: a pollutant remover provided on the side of the mount head, for removing pollutants of the ferrule endface, a micro brush being provided in an end of pollutant remover, wherein the pollutant remover moves in an up and down direction along the side. 11. A ferrule endface inspecting method for optical communication modules, the ferrule endface inspecting method comprising: transporting, by a jig transport robot, a jig unit to a jig fixing part, the jig unit fixing a plurality of optical communication modules with a built-in ferrule; moving, by an XY movement stage, a mount head to on the jig unit, the mount head being movable in an X-axis direction and a Y-axis direction; obtaining, by a first camera provided in the mount head, a whole image of the jig unit by photographing a whole region of the jig unit; extracting, by a control unit, a plurality of ferrule regions from the whole image of the jig unit to select a ferrule region located at an inspection start position from among the extracted plurality of ferrule regions; rotating and moving, by a second camera, to the inspection start position by the mount head to photograph the selected ferrule region; and analyzing, by the control unit, a ferrule endface image obtained by photographing the selected ferrule region to determine whether there is a defect of a ferrule endface. 12. The ferrule endface inspecting method of claim 11, wherein the selecting of the ferrule region comprises extracting the plurality of ferrule regions from the whole image of the jig unit. 13. The ferrule endface inspecting method of claim 11, wherein the selecting of the ferrule region comprises: extracting a marker region corresponding to an identification marker provided at a specific position of the jig unit and the plurality of ferrule regions from the whole image of the jig unit; and selecting a ferrule region closest to the extracted marker region as the ferrule region located at the inspection start position from among the plurality of ferrule regions. 14. The ferrule endface inspecting method of claim 11, further comprising: between the selecting of the ferrule region and the photographing of the selected ferrule region, rotating, by the mount head, to move a pollutant remover provided in the mount head to the selected ferrule region; descending, by the pollutant remover, along a side of the mount head; and removing pollutants from a ferrule endface in the selected ferrule region by using a micro brush provided in an end of the descended pollutant remover. 15. The ferrule endface inspecting method of claim 11, wherein the photographing of the selected ferrule region comprises: moving, by the second camera, to the inspection start position according to a rotation of the mount head; and photographing, by the second camera moved to the inspection start position, the selected ferrule region.

Certain exemplary embodiments relate to entertainment systems and, more particularly, certain exemplary embodiments relate to jukebox systems that incorporate digital downloading jukebox features along with karaoke jukebox and/or photo booth features. A combined karaoke/photo booth/jukebox may enable more integrated performance-like experiences in an in-home or out-of-home location or venue. By leveraging vast audio media libraries, trusted rights-respecting network infrastructure, and on-site image/video capturing from integrated recorders and/or remote portable devices, a more sociable experience may be created for karaoke jukebox patrons, e.g., where custom content can be generated and shared in a safe and legally appropriate manner.

1. A digital jukebox device provided in an out-of-home pay-for-play location, comprising: a fee collection mechanism configured to receive payment in exchange for credits usable on the digital jukebox device to play instances of media; a non-transitory computer readable storage medium storing instances of media available for playback via the digital jukebox device; a display; a camera; at least one processor configured to: cause a user interface to be displayed on the display; in respond to user inputs to the user interface, enable users to select instances of media for playback via the digital jukebox device in exchange for credits, and/or to enable users to use the camera to capture pictures, cause the digital jukebox device to: obtain pictures from the camera, and output the obtained pictures to multiple displays in the out-of-home location via a switching device. 2. The digital jukebox device of claim 1, wherein a printer is located in the out-of-home location and operably connected to the digital jukebox device, the printer being configured to print pictures taken via the camera of the digital jukebox device for a fee, the fee being payable with credits. 3. The digital jukebox device of claim 1, wherein the processor is further configured to cause the user interface to enable a user to specify a digital location to which pictures from the camera should be digitally transmitted. 4. The digital jukebox device of claim 3, wherein the digital location is an email address. 5. The digital jukebox device of claim 3, wherein the digital location is an MMS message destination. 6. The digital jukebox device of claim 3, wherein the digital location is a social networking site. 7. The digital jukebox device of claim 1, further comprising lighting elements configured to act as a flash for the camera. 8. The digital jukebox device of claim 7, further comprising program logic configured to (a) determine characteristics of the environment in which the digital jukebox device is provided, (b) calculate an offset for the lighting elements optimized for the environment based on the determination, and (c) adjust the flash using the offset when taking pictures. 9. The digital jukebox device of claim 1, wherein the processor is further configured to cause the user interface to show a preview of at least one picture that has been taken. 10. The digital jukebox device of claim 9, wherein the preview comprises a digital proof sheet comprising plural pictures taken in succession. 11. The digital jukebox device of claim 9, wherein the processor is further configured to cause the user interface to enable a user to select one or more digital effects to be applied to a picture and to adjust the preview in accordance with the one or more selected digital effects. 12. A method of operating a digital jukebox device provided in an out-of-home pay-for-play location, the method comprising: receiving payment in exchange for credits usable on the digital jukebox device to play instances of media; playing back, via the digital jukebox device, instances of media from a queue of selected instances of media; receiving user inputs via a user interface; in response to a user input, adding a user-selected instance of media to the queue in exchange for a predetermined number of credits; in response to a user input, causing a camera provided to the digital jukebox device to take a picture; and in response to a user input, obtaining the picture from the camera, and outputting the obtained picture to multiple displays in the out-of-home location via a switching device. 13. The method of claim 12, further comprising printing the picture to a printer located in the out-of-home location in exchange for a predetermined number of credits. 14. The method of claim 12, further comprising digitally transmitting the picture to a user-specified location, the user user-specified location being an email address, a MMS message destination, and/or a social networking site. 15. The method of claim 12, further comprising: determining characteristics of the environment in which the digital jukebox device is provided; calculating an offset for lighting elements integral with the digital jukebox device based on the determination, the offset being applicable to the lighting elements in order to improve picture quality; and controlling the lighting elements using the offset to serve as a flash when taking pictures. 16. The method of claim 12, further comprising displaying a preview of a picture that has been taken. 17. The method of claim 16, wherein the preview comprises a digital proof sheet comprising plural pictures taken in succession. 18. The method of claim 16, further comprising: applying to the picture one or more user-selected digital effects; and adjusting the display of the preview in accordance with the one or more user-selected digital effects. 19. The method of claim 12, further comprising adding pictures that have been taken to an attract loop of the digital jukebox device. 20. The method of claim 12, further comprising associating a picture that has been taken with a registered user of the digital jukebox device such that the associated picture is used as an avatar for the digital jukebox device. 21. A non-transitory computer readable storage medium tangibly storing instructions that, when performed using a processor of a digital jukebox device provided in an out-of-home pay-for-play location, control the digital jukebox device to at least: receive payment in exchange for credits usable on the digital jukebox device to play instances of media; play back, via the digital jukebox device, instances of media from a queue of selected instances of media; receive user inputs via a user interface; in response to a user input, add a user-selected instance of media to the queue in exchange for a predetermined number of credits; in response to a user input, cause a camera provided to the digital jukebox device to take a picture; and in response to a user input, obtain the picture from the camera, and output the obtained picture to multiple displays in the out-of-home location via a switching device. 22. The non-transitory computer readable storage medium of claim 21, further comprising instructions that control the digital jukebox device to at least cause the picture to be printed via a printer located in the out-of-home location and/or digitally transmit the picture to a user-specified location, in exchange for a predetermined number of credits. 23. The non-transitory computer readable storage medium of claim 21, further comprising instructions that control the digital jukebox device to at least: determine characteristics of the environment in which the digital jukebox device is provided; calculate an offset for lighting elements integral with the digital jukebox device based on the determination, the offset being applicable to the lighting elements in order to improve picture quality; and control the lighting elements using the offset to serve as a flash when taking pictures. 24. The non-transitory computer readable storage medium of claim 21, further comprising instructions that control the digital jukebox device to at least add pictures that have been taken to an attract loop of the digital jukebox device, provided that the users who took the pictures do not opt out of having their pictures added to the attract loop.

Certain exemplary embodiments relate to entertainment systems and, more particularly, certain exemplary embodiments relate to jukebox systems that incorporate digital downloading jukebox features along with karaoke jukebox and/or photo booth features. A combined karaoke/photo booth/jukebox may enable more integrated performance-like experiences in an in-home or out-of-home location or venue. By leveraging vast audio media libraries, trusted rights-respecting network infrastructure, and on-site image/video capturing from integrated recorders and/or remote portable devices, a more sociable experience may be created for karaoke jukebox patrons, e.g., where custom content can be generated and shared in a safe and legally appropriate manner.1. A digital jukebox device provided in an out-of-home pay-for-play location, comprising: a fee collection mechanism configured to receive payment in exchange for credits usable on the digital jukebox device to play instances of media; a non-transitory computer readable storage medium storing instances of media available for playback via the digital jukebox device; a display; a camera; at least one processor configured to: cause a user interface to be displayed on the display; in respond to user inputs to the user interface, enable users to select instances of media for playback via the digital jukebox device in exchange for credits, and/or to enable users to use the camera to capture pictures, cause the digital jukebox device to: obtain pictures from the camera, and output the obtained pictures to multiple displays in the out-of-home location via a switching device. 2. The digital jukebox device of claim 1, wherein a printer is located in the out-of-home location and operably connected to the digital jukebox device, the printer being configured to print pictures taken via the camera of the digital jukebox device for a fee, the fee being payable with credits. 3. The digital jukebox device of claim 1, wherein the processor is further configured to cause the user interface to enable a user to specify a digital location to which pictures from the camera should be digitally transmitted. 4. The digital jukebox device of claim 3, wherein the digital location is an email address. 5. The digital jukebox device of claim 3, wherein the digital location is an MMS message destination. 6. The digital jukebox device of claim 3, wherein the digital location is a social networking site. 7. The digital jukebox device of claim 1, further comprising lighting elements configured to act as a flash for the camera. 8. The digital jukebox device of claim 7, further comprising program logic configured to (a) determine characteristics of the environment in which the digital jukebox device is provided, (b) calculate an offset for the lighting elements optimized for the environment based on the determination, and (c) adjust the flash using the offset when taking pictures. 9. The digital jukebox device of claim 1, wherein the processor is further configured to cause the user interface to show a preview of at least one picture that has been taken. 10. The digital jukebox device of claim 9, wherein the preview comprises a digital proof sheet comprising plural pictures taken in succession. 11. The digital jukebox device of claim 9, wherein the processor is further configured to cause the user interface to enable a user to select one or more digital effects to be applied to a picture and to adjust the preview in accordance with the one or more selected digital effects. 12. A method of operating a digital jukebox device provided in an out-of-home pay-for-play location, the method comprising: receiving payment in exchange for credits usable on the digital jukebox device to play instances of media; playing back, via the digital jukebox device, instances of media from a queue of selected instances of media; receiving user inputs via a user interface; in response to a user input, adding a user-selected instance of media to the queue in exchange for a predetermined number of credits; in response to a user input, causing a camera provided to the digital jukebox device to take a picture; and in response to a user input, obtaining the picture from the camera, and outputting the obtained picture to multiple displays in the out-of-home location via a switching device. 13. The method of claim 12, further comprising printing the picture to a printer located in the out-of-home location in exchange for a predetermined number of credits. 14. The method of claim 12, further comprising digitally transmitting the picture to a user-specified location, the user user-specified location being an email address, a MMS message destination, and/or a social networking site. 15. The method of claim 12, further comprising: determining characteristics of the environment in which the digital jukebox device is provided; calculating an offset for lighting elements integral with the digital jukebox device based on the determination, the offset being applicable to the lighting elements in order to improve picture quality; and controlling the lighting elements using the offset to serve as a flash when taking pictures. 16. The method of claim 12, further comprising displaying a preview of a picture that has been taken. 17. The method of claim 16, wherein the preview comprises a digital proof sheet comprising plural pictures taken in succession. 18. The method of claim 16, further comprising: applying to the picture one or more user-selected digital effects; and adjusting the display of the preview in accordance with the one or more user-selected digital effects. 19. The method of claim 12, further comprising adding pictures that have been taken to an attract loop of the digital jukebox device. 20. The method of claim 12, further comprising associating a picture that has been taken with a registered user of the digital jukebox device such that the associated picture is used as an avatar for the digital jukebox device. 21. A non-transitory computer readable storage medium tangibly storing instructions that, when performed using a processor of a digital jukebox device provided in an out-of-home pay-for-play location, control the digital jukebox device to at least: receive payment in exchange for credits usable on the digital jukebox device to play instances of media; play back, via the digital jukebox device, instances of media from a queue of selected instances of media; receive user inputs via a user interface; in response to a user input, add a user-selected instance of media to the queue in exchange for a predetermined number of credits; in response to a user input, cause a camera provided to the digital jukebox device to take a picture; and in response to a user input, obtain the picture from the camera, and output the obtained picture to multiple displays in the out-of-home location via a switching device. 22. The non-transitory computer readable storage medium of claim 21, further comprising instructions that control the digital jukebox device to at least cause the picture to be printed via a printer located in the out-of-home location and/or digitally transmit the picture to a user-specified location, in exchange for a predetermined number of credits. 23. The non-transitory computer readable storage medium of claim 21, further comprising instructions that control the digital jukebox device to at least: determine characteristics of the environment in which the digital jukebox device is provided; calculate an offset for lighting elements integral with the digital jukebox device based on the determination, the offset being applicable to the lighting elements in order to improve picture quality; and control the lighting elements using the offset to serve as a flash when taking pictures. 24. The non-transitory computer readable storage medium of claim 21, further comprising instructions that control the digital jukebox device to at least add pictures that have been taken to an attract loop of the digital jukebox device, provided that the users who took the pictures do not opt out of having their pictures added to the attract loop.

A vision system for a vehicle includes a camera having an imaging array having multiple columns of photosensing elements and multiple rows of photosensing elements, with the columns of photosensing elements being generally vertically orientated and the rows of photosensing elements being generally horizontally orientated relative to ground. The multiple rows of photosensing elements comprising top rows, middle rows and bottom rows. When the vehicle is moving, top row brightness values at top rows, middle row brightness values at middle rows, and bottom row brightness values at bottom rows are determined by processing of captured image data by a processor. Contrast of middle row brightness values compared to bottom row brightness values or top row brightness values is determined and, based on determined contrast of middle row brightness values compared to bottom row brightness values or top row brightness values, an at least partial blockage of the camera is detected.

1. A vision system for a vehicle, said vision system comprising: a camera disposed at a vehicle and having a field of view exterior of the vehicle; wherein said camera comprises a lens and an imaging array comprising an array of photosensing elements having multiple columns of photosensing elements and multiple rows of photosensing elements; said multiple columns of photosensing elements being generally vertically orientated relative to ground when said camera is disposed at the vehicle; said multiple rows of photosensing elements being generally horizontally orientated relative to ground when said camera is disposed at the vehicle; said multiple rows of photosensing elements comprising top rows, middle rows and bottom rows; wherein, with said camera disposed at the vehicle, top rows are higher above ground than middle and bottom rows; wherein, with said camera disposed at the vehicle, middle rows are higher above ground than bottom rows and are lower above ground than top rows; wherein, with said camera disposed at the vehicle, middle rows are between top rows and bottom rows; a processor operable to process image data captured by said camera; wherein, when the vehicle is moving, top row brightness values at top rows are determined by processing of captured image data by said processor; wherein, when the vehicle is moving, middle row brightness values at middle rows are determined by processing of captured image data by said processor; wherein, when the vehicle is moving, bottom row brightness values at bottom rows are determined by processing of captured image data by said processor; wherein contrast of middle row brightness values compared to bottom row brightness values or top row brightness values is determined; and wherein, based on determined contrast of middle row brightness values compared to bottom row brightness values or top row brightness values, an at least partial blockage of said camera is detected. 2. The vision system of claim 1, wherein said processor is incorporated in circuitry of said camera. 3. The vision system of claim 1, wherein said processor is incorporated in circuitry of a control of the vehicle. 4. The vision system of claim 1, wherein said processor is operable to read a selected set of imager register values and compare a contrast of auto exposure control zones, and wherein, responsive to a determination that a range of contrast levels is less than a threshold level, said processor determines that there are contaminants at said lens of said camera. 5. The vision system of claim 4, wherein said processor is operable to compare a contrast of auto exposure control zones when an auto exposure function of said camera is enabled. 6. The vision system of claim 4, wherein said processor compares contrast levels between a generally middle zone and an upper or lower zone. 7. The vision system of claim 4, wherein said processor is incorporated in circuitry of said camera. 8. The vision system of claim 1, wherein the vehicle moving comprises the vehicle being driven forward on a road. 9. The vision system of claim 8, wherein determining contrast of middle row brightness values compared to bottom row brightness values or top row brightness values comprises determining the difference of middle row brightness values to bottom row brightness values or top row brightness values in the same column compared to in a different column. 10. The vision system of claim 8, wherein said processor is incorporated in circuitry of a control of the vehicle. 11. The vision system of claim 1, wherein, when an at least partial blockage of said camera is detected, said system at least one of (i) generates an alert, (ii) adapts processing of captured image data to at least partially accommodate for the at least partial blockage and (iii) cleans said lens. 12. The vision system of claim 1, wherein said camera comprises a CMOS camera. 13. The vision system of claim 12, wherein said imaging array comprises at least 640 columns of photosensing elements and at least 480 rows of photosensing elements. 14. The vision system of claim 13, wherein said camera is part of a multi-camera birds-eye surround view system of the equipped vehicle. 15. A vision system for a vehicle, said vision system comprising: a camera disposed at a vehicle and having a field of view exterior of the vehicle; wherein said camera comprises a lens and an imaging array comprising an array of photosensing elements having at least 640 columns of photosensing elements and at least 480 rows of photosensing elements; said at least 640 columns of photosensing elements being generally vertically orientated relative to ground when said camera is disposed at the vehicle; said at least 480 rows of photosensing elements being generally horizontally orientated relative to ground when said camera is disposed at the vehicle; said at least 480 rows of photosensing elements comprising top rows, middle rows and bottom rows; wherein, with said camera disposed at the vehicle, top rows are higher above ground than middle and bottom rows; wherein, with said camera disposed at the vehicle, middle rows are higher above ground than bottom rows and are lower above ground than top rows; wherein, with said camera disposed at the vehicle, middle rows are between top rows and bottom rows; a processor operable to process image data captured by said camera; wherein, when the vehicle is moving, top row brightness values at top rows are determined by processing of captured image data by said processor; wherein, when the vehicle is moving, middle row brightness values at middle rows are determined by processing of captured image data by said processor; wherein, when the vehicle is moving, bottom row brightness values at bottom rows are determined by processing of captured image data by said processor; wherein contrast of middle row brightness values compared to bottom row brightness values or top row brightness values is determined; wherein, based on determined contrast of middle row brightness values compared to bottom row brightness values or top row brightness values, an at least partial blockage of said camera is detected; and wherein, when an at least partial blockage of said camera is detected, said system at least one of (i) generates an alert, (ii) adapts processing of captured image data to at least partially accommodate for the at least partial blockage and (iii) cleans said lens. 16. The vision system of claim 15, wherein said processor is incorporated in circuitry of said camera. 17. The vision system of claim 15, wherein said processor is incorporated in circuitry of a control of the vehicle. 18. A vision system for a vehicle, said vision system comprising: a camera disposed at a vehicle and having a field of view exterior of the vehicle; wherein said camera comprises a lens and an imaging array comprising an array of photosensing elements having at least 640 columns of photosensing elements and at least 480 rows of photosensing elements; said at least 640 columns of photosensing elements being generally vertically orientated relative to ground when said camera is disposed at the vehicle; said at least 480 rows of photosensing elements being generally horizontally orientated relative to ground when said camera is disposed at the vehicle; said at least 480 rows of photosensing elements comprising top rows, middle rows and bottom rows; wherein, with said camera disposed at the vehicle, top rows are higher above ground than middle and bottom rows; wherein, with said camera disposed at the vehicle, middle rows are higher above ground than bottom rows and are lower above ground than top rows; wherein, with said camera disposed at the vehicle, middle rows are between top rows and bottom rows; a processor operable to process image data captured by said camera; wherein, when the vehicle is moving, top row brightness values at top rows are determined by processing of captured image data by said processor; wherein, when the vehicle is moving, middle row brightness values at middle rows are determined by processing of captured image data by said processor; wherein, when the vehicle is moving, bottom row brightness values at bottom rows are determined by processing of captured image data by said processor; wherein contrast of middle row brightness values compared to bottom row brightness values or top row brightness values is determined; wherein, based on determined contrast of middle row brightness values compared to bottom row brightness values or top row brightness values, an at least partial blockage of said camera is detected; wherein, when an at least partial blockage of said camera is detected, said system at least one of (i) generates an alert, (ii) adapts processing of captured image data to at least partially accommodate for the at least partial blockage and (iii) cleans said lens; wherein said camera comprises a CMOS camera; and wherein said camera is part of a multi-camera birds-eye surround view system of the equipped vehicle. 19. The vision system of claim 18, wherein said processor is incorporated in circuitry of said camera. 20. The vision system of claim 18, wherein said processor is incorporated in circuitry of a control of the vehicle.

A vision system for a vehicle includes a camera having an imaging array having multiple columns of photosensing elements and multiple rows of photosensing elements, with the columns of photosensing elements being generally vertically orientated and the rows of photosensing elements being generally horizontally orientated relative to ground. The multiple rows of photosensing elements comprising top rows, middle rows and bottom rows. When the vehicle is moving, top row brightness values at top rows, middle row brightness values at middle rows, and bottom row brightness values at bottom rows are determined by processing of captured image data by a processor. Contrast of middle row brightness values compared to bottom row brightness values or top row brightness values is determined and, based on determined contrast of middle row brightness values compared to bottom row brightness values or top row brightness values, an at least partial blockage of the camera is detected.1. A vision system for a vehicle, said vision system comprising: a camera disposed at a vehicle and having a field of view exterior of the vehicle; wherein said camera comprises a lens and an imaging array comprising an array of photosensing elements having multiple columns of photosensing elements and multiple rows of photosensing elements; said multiple columns of photosensing elements being generally vertically orientated relative to ground when said camera is disposed at the vehicle; said multiple rows of photosensing elements being generally horizontally orientated relative to ground when said camera is disposed at the vehicle; said multiple rows of photosensing elements comprising top rows, middle rows and bottom rows; wherein, with said camera disposed at the vehicle, top rows are higher above ground than middle and bottom rows; wherein, with said camera disposed at the vehicle, middle rows are higher above ground than bottom rows and are lower above ground than top rows; wherein, with said camera disposed at the vehicle, middle rows are between top rows and bottom rows; a processor operable to process image data captured by said camera; wherein, when the vehicle is moving, top row brightness values at top rows are determined by processing of captured image data by said processor; wherein, when the vehicle is moving, middle row brightness values at middle rows are determined by processing of captured image data by said processor; wherein, when the vehicle is moving, bottom row brightness values at bottom rows are determined by processing of captured image data by said processor; wherein contrast of middle row brightness values compared to bottom row brightness values or top row brightness values is determined; and wherein, based on determined contrast of middle row brightness values compared to bottom row brightness values or top row brightness values, an at least partial blockage of said camera is detected. 2. The vision system of claim 1, wherein said processor is incorporated in circuitry of said camera. 3. The vision system of claim 1, wherein said processor is incorporated in circuitry of a control of the vehicle. 4. The vision system of claim 1, wherein said processor is operable to read a selected set of imager register values and compare a contrast of auto exposure control zones, and wherein, responsive to a determination that a range of contrast levels is less than a threshold level, said processor determines that there are contaminants at said lens of said camera. 5. The vision system of claim 4, wherein said processor is operable to compare a contrast of auto exposure control zones when an auto exposure function of said camera is enabled. 6. The vision system of claim 4, wherein said processor compares contrast levels between a generally middle zone and an upper or lower zone. 7. The vision system of claim 4, wherein said processor is incorporated in circuitry of said camera. 8. The vision system of claim 1, wherein the vehicle moving comprises the vehicle being driven forward on a road. 9. The vision system of claim 8, wherein determining contrast of middle row brightness values compared to bottom row brightness values or top row brightness values comprises determining the difference of middle row brightness values to bottom row brightness values or top row brightness values in the same column compared to in a different column. 10. The vision system of claim 8, wherein said processor is incorporated in circuitry of a control of the vehicle. 11. The vision system of claim 1, wherein, when an at least partial blockage of said camera is detected, said system at least one of (i) generates an alert, (ii) adapts processing of captured image data to at least partially accommodate for the at least partial blockage and (iii) cleans said lens. 12. The vision system of claim 1, wherein said camera comprises a CMOS camera. 13. The vision system of claim 12, wherein said imaging array comprises at least 640 columns of photosensing elements and at least 480 rows of photosensing elements. 14. The vision system of claim 13, wherein said camera is part of a multi-camera birds-eye surround view system of the equipped vehicle. 15. A vision system for a vehicle, said vision system comprising: a camera disposed at a vehicle and having a field of view exterior of the vehicle; wherein said camera comprises a lens and an imaging array comprising an array of photosensing elements having at least 640 columns of photosensing elements and at least 480 rows of photosensing elements; said at least 640 columns of photosensing elements being generally vertically orientated relative to ground when said camera is disposed at the vehicle; said at least 480 rows of photosensing elements being generally horizontally orientated relative to ground when said camera is disposed at the vehicle; said at least 480 rows of photosensing elements comprising top rows, middle rows and bottom rows; wherein, with said camera disposed at the vehicle, top rows are higher above ground than middle and bottom rows; wherein, with said camera disposed at the vehicle, middle rows are higher above ground than bottom rows and are lower above ground than top rows; wherein, with said camera disposed at the vehicle, middle rows are between top rows and bottom rows; a processor operable to process image data captured by said camera; wherein, when the vehicle is moving, top row brightness values at top rows are determined by processing of captured image data by said processor; wherein, when the vehicle is moving, middle row brightness values at middle rows are determined by processing of captured image data by said processor; wherein, when the vehicle is moving, bottom row brightness values at bottom rows are determined by processing of captured image data by said processor; wherein contrast of middle row brightness values compared to bottom row brightness values or top row brightness values is determined; wherein, based on determined contrast of middle row brightness values compared to bottom row brightness values or top row brightness values, an at least partial blockage of said camera is detected; and wherein, when an at least partial blockage of said camera is detected, said system at least one of (i) generates an alert, (ii) adapts processing of captured image data to at least partially accommodate for the at least partial blockage and (iii) cleans said lens. 16. The vision system of claim 15, wherein said processor is incorporated in circuitry of said camera. 17. The vision system of claim 15, wherein said processor is incorporated in circuitry of a control of the vehicle. 18. A vision system for a vehicle, said vision system comprising: a camera disposed at a vehicle and having a field of view exterior of the vehicle; wherein said camera comprises a lens and an imaging array comprising an array of photosensing elements having at least 640 columns of photosensing elements and at least 480 rows of photosensing elements; said at least 640 columns of photosensing elements being generally vertically orientated relative to ground when said camera is disposed at the vehicle; said at least 480 rows of photosensing elements being generally horizontally orientated relative to ground when said camera is disposed at the vehicle; said at least 480 rows of photosensing elements comprising top rows, middle rows and bottom rows; wherein, with said camera disposed at the vehicle, top rows are higher above ground than middle and bottom rows; wherein, with said camera disposed at the vehicle, middle rows are higher above ground than bottom rows and are lower above ground than top rows; wherein, with said camera disposed at the vehicle, middle rows are between top rows and bottom rows; a processor operable to process image data captured by said camera; wherein, when the vehicle is moving, top row brightness values at top rows are determined by processing of captured image data by said processor; wherein, when the vehicle is moving, middle row brightness values at middle rows are determined by processing of captured image data by said processor; wherein, when the vehicle is moving, bottom row brightness values at bottom rows are determined by processing of captured image data by said processor; wherein contrast of middle row brightness values compared to bottom row brightness values or top row brightness values is determined; wherein, based on determined contrast of middle row brightness values compared to bottom row brightness values or top row brightness values, an at least partial blockage of said camera is detected; wherein, when an at least partial blockage of said camera is detected, said system at least one of (i) generates an alert, (ii) adapts processing of captured image data to at least partially accommodate for the at least partial blockage and (iii) cleans said lens; wherein said camera comprises a CMOS camera; and wherein said camera is part of a multi-camera birds-eye surround view system of the equipped vehicle. 19. The vision system of claim 18, wherein said processor is incorporated in circuitry of said camera. 20. The vision system of claim 18, wherein said processor is incorporated in circuitry of a control of the vehicle.

A moving picture coding apparatus includes an inter-pixel filter having filters for filtering decoded image data so as to remove block distortion which is high frequency noise around block boundaries. The inter-pixel filter includes filters having different filtering strengths. The coding apparatus also includes a filter processing control unit for determining a filtering strength of the inter-pixel filter.

1. A decoding apparatus which decodes a block in a P-picture and a B-picture, the decoding apparatus comprising: a non-transitory memory storing a program; and a hardware processor that executes the program and causes the decoding apparatus to: generate a predictive image for a current block to be decoded by referring to one reference picture in the case that the current block is a block in the P-picture and by referring to one or two reference pictures in the case that the current block is a block in the B-picture; decode coded data of the current block in a bit stream to obtain a decoded difference image between the current block and the predictive image of the current block, the coded data in the bit stream being generated by coding a transform coefficient that indicates a spatial frequency component resulting from an orthogonal transformation and a quantization of the difference image; generate a reconstructed block by adding the decoded difference image and the predictive image; determine a predetermined filtering strength from among a filtering strength corresponding to filtering not being performed, a weakest filtering strength, a second-weakest filtering strength, a third-weakest filtering strength, and a strongest filtering strength; remove a coding distortion between the current block and a neighboring block adjacent to the current block by performing a filtering on the current block and the neighboring block with the predetermined filtering strength; and store the reconstructed block for which a coding distortion is removed, into a memory, wherein, (a) in the case where both of the current block and the neighboring block are blocks in a P-picture and contain coded data of a transform coefficient in the bit stream, the determining of the predetermined filtering strength selects, as the filtering strength, a second-weakest filtering strength among the plurality of the filtering strengths, and (b) in the case where both of the current block and the neighboring block are blocks in a B-picture and contain coded data of a transform coefficient in the bit stream, the determining of the predetermined filtering strength selects, as the filtering strength, a second-weakest filtering strength among the plurality of the filtering strengths, and (c) in the case where both of the current block and the neighboring block are blocks in a P-picture and do not contain coded data of a transform coefficient in the bit stream, the determining of the predetermined filtering strength: selects, as the filtering strength, a weakest filtering strength among the plurality of the filtering strengths, excluding the one filtering strength corresponding to no filtering being performed, when the reference picture referred to by the current block and the reference picture referred to by the neighboring block are not the same; and selects, as the filtering strength, one of (i) a weakest filtering strength among the plurality of the filtering strengths, excluding the one filtering strength corresponding to no filtering being performed, and (ii) the filtering strength corresponding to no filtering being performed, when the reference picture referred to by the current block and the reference picture referred to by the neighboring block are the same, and (d) in the case where both of the current block and the neighboring block are blocks in a B-picture and do not contain coded data of a transform coefficient in the bit stream, the determining of the predetermined filtering strength: selects, as the filtering strength, a weakest filtering strength among the plurality of the filtering strengths, excluding the one filtering strength corresponding to no filtering being performed, when the number of reference pictures referred to by the current block and the number of reference pictures referred to by the neighboring block are not the same; and selects, as the filtering strength, one of (i) a weakest filtering strength among the plurality of the filtering strengths, excluding the one filtering strength corresponding to no filtering being performed, and (ii) the filtering strength corresponding to no filtering being performed, when the number of reference pictures referred to by the current block and the number of reference pictures referred to by the neighboring block are the same. 2. A decoding method for decoding a block in a P-picture and a B-picture, the decoding method comprising: generating a predictive image for a current block to be decoded by referring to one reference picture in the case that the current block is a block in the P-picture and by referring to one or two reference pictures in the case that the current block is a block in the B-picture; decoding coded data of the current block in a bit stream to obtain a decoded difference image between the current block and the predictive image of the current block, the coded data in the bit stream being generated by coding a transform coefficient that indicates a spatial frequency component resulting from an orthogonal transformation and a quantization of the difference image; generating a reconstructed block by adding the decoded difference image and the predictive image; determining a predetermined filtering strength from among a filtering strength corresponding to filtering not being performed, a weakest filtering strength, a second-weakest filtering strength, a third-weakest filtering strength, and a strongest filtering strength; removing a coding distortion between the current block and a neighboring block adjacent to the current block by performing a filtering on the current block and the neighboring block with the predetermined filtering strength; and storing the reconstructed block for which a coding distortion is removed, into a memory, wherein, (a) in the case where both of the current block and the neighboring block are blocks in a P-picture and contain coded data of a transform coefficient in the bit stream, the determining of the predetermined filtering strength selects, as the filtering strength, a second-weakest filtering strength among the plurality of the filtering strengths, and (b) in the case where both of the current block and the neighboring block are blocks in a B-picture and contain coded data of a transform coefficient in the bit stream, the determining of the predetermined filtering strength selects, as the filtering strength, a second-weakest filtering strength among the plurality of the filtering strengths, and (c) in the case where both of the current block and the neighboring block are blocks in a P-picture and do not contain coded data of a transform coefficient in the bit stream, the determining of the predetermined filtering strength: selects, as the filtering strength, a weakest filtering strength among the plurality of the filtering strengths, excluding the one filtering strength corresponding to no filtering being performed, when the reference picture referred to by the current block and the reference picture referred to by the neighboring block are not the same; and selects, as the filtering strength, one of (i) a weakest filtering strength among the plurality of the filtering strengths, excluding the one filtering strength corresponding to no filtering being performed, and (ii) the filtering strength corresponding to no filtering being performed, when the reference picture referred to by the current block and the reference picture referred to by the neighboring block are the same, and (d) in the case where both of the current block and the neighboring block are blocks in a B-picture and do not contain coded data of a transform coefficient in the bit stream, the determining of the predetermined filtering strength: selects, as the filtering strength, a weakest filtering strength among the plurality of the filtering strengths, excluding the one filtering strength corresponding to no filtering being performed, when the number of reference pictures referred to by the current block and the number of reference pictures referred to by the neighboring block are not the same; and selects, as the filtering strength, one of (i) a weakest filtering strength among the plurality of the filtering strengths, excluding the one filtering strength corresponding to no filtering being performed, and (ii) the filtering strength corresponding to no filtering being performed, when the number of reference pictures referred to by the current block and the number of reference pictures referred to by the neighboring block are the same.

A moving picture coding apparatus includes an inter-pixel filter having filters for filtering decoded image data so as to remove block distortion which is high frequency noise around block boundaries. The inter-pixel filter includes filters having different filtering strengths. The coding apparatus also includes a filter processing control unit for determining a filtering strength of the inter-pixel filter.1. A decoding apparatus which decodes a block in a P-picture and a B-picture, the decoding apparatus comprising: a non-transitory memory storing a program; and a hardware processor that executes the program and causes the decoding apparatus to: generate a predictive image for a current block to be decoded by referring to one reference picture in the case that the current block is a block in the P-picture and by referring to one or two reference pictures in the case that the current block is a block in the B-picture; decode coded data of the current block in a bit stream to obtain a decoded difference image between the current block and the predictive image of the current block, the coded data in the bit stream being generated by coding a transform coefficient that indicates a spatial frequency component resulting from an orthogonal transformation and a quantization of the difference image; generate a reconstructed block by adding the decoded difference image and the predictive image; determine a predetermined filtering strength from among a filtering strength corresponding to filtering not being performed, a weakest filtering strength, a second-weakest filtering strength, a third-weakest filtering strength, and a strongest filtering strength; remove a coding distortion between the current block and a neighboring block adjacent to the current block by performing a filtering on the current block and the neighboring block with the predetermined filtering strength; and store the reconstructed block for which a coding distortion is removed, into a memory, wherein, (a) in the case where both of the current block and the neighboring block are blocks in a P-picture and contain coded data of a transform coefficient in the bit stream, the determining of the predetermined filtering strength selects, as the filtering strength, a second-weakest filtering strength among the plurality of the filtering strengths, and (b) in the case where both of the current block and the neighboring block are blocks in a B-picture and contain coded data of a transform coefficient in the bit stream, the determining of the predetermined filtering strength selects, as the filtering strength, a second-weakest filtering strength among the plurality of the filtering strengths, and (c) in the case where both of the current block and the neighboring block are blocks in a P-picture and do not contain coded data of a transform coefficient in the bit stream, the determining of the predetermined filtering strength: selects, as the filtering strength, a weakest filtering strength among the plurality of the filtering strengths, excluding the one filtering strength corresponding to no filtering being performed, when the reference picture referred to by the current block and the reference picture referred to by the neighboring block are not the same; and selects, as the filtering strength, one of (i) a weakest filtering strength among the plurality of the filtering strengths, excluding the one filtering strength corresponding to no filtering being performed, and (ii) the filtering strength corresponding to no filtering being performed, when the reference picture referred to by the current block and the reference picture referred to by the neighboring block are the same, and (d) in the case where both of the current block and the neighboring block are blocks in a B-picture and do not contain coded data of a transform coefficient in the bit stream, the determining of the predetermined filtering strength: selects, as the filtering strength, a weakest filtering strength among the plurality of the filtering strengths, excluding the one filtering strength corresponding to no filtering being performed, when the number of reference pictures referred to by the current block and the number of reference pictures referred to by the neighboring block are not the same; and selects, as the filtering strength, one of (i) a weakest filtering strength among the plurality of the filtering strengths, excluding the one filtering strength corresponding to no filtering being performed, and (ii) the filtering strength corresponding to no filtering being performed, when the number of reference pictures referred to by the current block and the number of reference pictures referred to by the neighboring block are the same. 2. A decoding method for decoding a block in a P-picture and a B-picture, the decoding method comprising: generating a predictive image for a current block to be decoded by referring to one reference picture in the case that the current block is a block in the P-picture and by referring to one or two reference pictures in the case that the current block is a block in the B-picture; decoding coded data of the current block in a bit stream to obtain a decoded difference image between the current block and the predictive image of the current block, the coded data in the bit stream being generated by coding a transform coefficient that indicates a spatial frequency component resulting from an orthogonal transformation and a quantization of the difference image; generating a reconstructed block by adding the decoded difference image and the predictive image; determining a predetermined filtering strength from among a filtering strength corresponding to filtering not being performed, a weakest filtering strength, a second-weakest filtering strength, a third-weakest filtering strength, and a strongest filtering strength; removing a coding distortion between the current block and a neighboring block adjacent to the current block by performing a filtering on the current block and the neighboring block with the predetermined filtering strength; and storing the reconstructed block for which a coding distortion is removed, into a memory, wherein, (a) in the case where both of the current block and the neighboring block are blocks in a P-picture and contain coded data of a transform coefficient in the bit stream, the determining of the predetermined filtering strength selects, as the filtering strength, a second-weakest filtering strength among the plurality of the filtering strengths, and (b) in the case where both of the current block and the neighboring block are blocks in a B-picture and contain coded data of a transform coefficient in the bit stream, the determining of the predetermined filtering strength selects, as the filtering strength, a second-weakest filtering strength among the plurality of the filtering strengths, and (c) in the case where both of the current block and the neighboring block are blocks in a P-picture and do not contain coded data of a transform coefficient in the bit stream, the determining of the predetermined filtering strength: selects, as the filtering strength, a weakest filtering strength among the plurality of the filtering strengths, excluding the one filtering strength corresponding to no filtering being performed, when the reference picture referred to by the current block and the reference picture referred to by the neighboring block are not the same; and selects, as the filtering strength, one of (i) a weakest filtering strength among the plurality of the filtering strengths, excluding the one filtering strength corresponding to no filtering being performed, and (ii) the filtering strength corresponding to no filtering being performed, when the reference picture referred to by the current block and the reference picture referred to by the neighboring block are the same, and (d) in the case where both of the current block and the neighboring block are blocks in a B-picture and do not contain coded data of a transform coefficient in the bit stream, the determining of the predetermined filtering strength: selects, as the filtering strength, a weakest filtering strength among the plurality of the filtering strengths, excluding the one filtering strength corresponding to no filtering being performed, when the number of reference pictures referred to by the current block and the number of reference pictures referred to by the neighboring block are not the same; and selects, as the filtering strength, one of (i) a weakest filtering strength among the plurality of the filtering strengths, excluding the one filtering strength corresponding to no filtering being performed, and (ii) the filtering strength corresponding to no filtering being performed, when the number of reference pictures referred to by the current block and the number of reference pictures referred to by the neighboring block are the same.

A moving picture coding apparatus includes an inter-pixel filter having filters for filtering decoded image data so as to remove block distortion which is high frequency noise around block boundaries. The inter-pixel filter includes filters having different filtering strengths. The coding apparatus also includes a filter processing control unit for determining a filtering strength of the inter-pixel filter.

1. A picture coding apparatus which codes a block in a P-picture and a B-picture, the picture coding apparatus comprising: a non-transitory memory storing a program; and a hardware processor that executes the program and causes the picture coding apparatus to: generate a predictive image for a current block to be coded by referring to one reference picture in the case that the current block is a block in the P-picture and by referring to one or two reference pictures in the case that the current block is a block in the B-picture; generate a difference image between the current block to be coded and the predictive image of the current block; perform an orthogonal transformation and a quantization on the difference image, to obtain a transform coefficient indicating a spatial frequency component; variable-length code the transform coefficient to output coded data of the current block as a bit stream; generate a reconstructed block by adding the difference image and the predictive image; determine a predetermined filtering strength from among a filtering strength corresponding to filtering not being performed, a weakest filtering strength, a second-weakest filtering strength, a third-weakest filtering strength, and a strongest filtering strength; remove a coding distortion between the current block and a neighboring block adjacent to the current block by performing a filtering on the current block and the neighboring block with the predetermined filtering strength; and store the reconstructed block for which a coding distortion is removed, into a memory, 2. A picture coding method for coding a block in a P-picture and a B-picture, the picture coding method comprising: generating a predictive image for a current block to be coded by referring to one reference picture in the case that the current block is a block in the P-picture and by referring to one or two reference pictures in the case that the current block is a block in the B-picture; generating a difference image between the current block to be coded and the predictive image of the current block;

A moving picture coding apparatus includes an inter-pixel filter having filters for filtering decoded image data so as to remove block distortion which is high frequency noise around block boundaries. The inter-pixel filter includes filters having different filtering strengths. The coding apparatus also includes a filter processing control unit for determining a filtering strength of the inter-pixel filter.1. A picture coding apparatus which codes a block in a P-picture and a B-picture, the picture coding apparatus comprising: a non-transitory memory storing a program; and a hardware processor that executes the program and causes the picture coding apparatus to: generate a predictive image for a current block to be coded by referring to one reference picture in the case that the current block is a block in the P-picture and by referring to one or two reference pictures in the case that the current block is a block in the B-picture; generate a difference image between the current block to be coded and the predictive image of the current block; perform an orthogonal transformation and a quantization on the difference image, to obtain a transform coefficient indicating a spatial frequency component; variable-length code the transform coefficient to output coded data of the current block as a bit stream; generate a reconstructed block by adding the difference image and the predictive image; determine a predetermined filtering strength from among a filtering strength corresponding to filtering not being performed, a weakest filtering strength, a second-weakest filtering strength, a third-weakest filtering strength, and a strongest filtering strength; remove a coding distortion between the current block and a neighboring block adjacent to the current block by performing a filtering on the current block and the neighboring block with the predetermined filtering strength; and store the reconstructed block for which a coding distortion is removed, into a memory, 2. A picture coding method for coding a block in a P-picture and a B-picture, the picture coding method comprising: generating a predictive image for a current block to be coded by referring to one reference picture in the case that the current block is a block in the P-picture and by referring to one or two reference pictures in the case that the current block is a block in the B-picture; generating a difference image between the current block to be coded and the predictive image of the current block;

Innovations in adaptive encoding and decoding for units of a video sequence can improve coding efficiency when switching between color spaces during encoding and decoding. For example, some of the innovations relate to adjustment of quantization or scaling when an encoder switches color spaces between units within a video sequence during encoding. Other innovations relate to adjustment of inverse quantization or scaling when a decoder switches color spaces between units within a video sequence during decoding.

1. A computing device comprising: one or more buffers configured to store an image or video; and an image encoder or video encoder configured to perform operations comprising: encoding units of the image or video to produce encoded data, including, when switching from a first color space to a second color space between two of the units, adjusting quantization or scaling for color components of the second color space according to per component color space adjustment factors; and outputting the encoded data as part of a bitstream. 2.-4. (canceled) 5. The computing device of claim 1 wherein the units are coding units or blocks. 6. The computing device of claim 1 wherein the bitstream includes one or more syntax elements that indicate the per component color space adjustment factors. 7. The computing device of claim 6 wherein the one or more syntax elements are signaled at picture level or slice level, and wherein the one or more syntax elements include a syntax element that indicates (a) an initial quantization parameter value for a first color component of the second color space or (b) an offset for the first color component of the second color space relative to an initial quantization parameter value for the first color space. 8. (canceled) 9. The computing device of claim 7 wherein the one or more syntax elements further include syntax elements that indicate offsets for second and third color components of the second color space relative to quantization parameter values for second and third color components of the first color space. 10.-11. (canceled) 12. The computing device of claim 1 wherein the per component color space adjustment factors are derived by rule depending on the second color space without signaling of syntax elements that indicate the per component color space adjustment factors for the color components of the second color space. 13. The computing device of claim 1 wherein the adjusting includes adjusting final quantization parameter values or intermediate quantization parameter values for the color components of the second color space. 14. (canceled) 15. The computing device of claim 13 wherein the first color space is RGB and the second color space is YCoCg, and wherein the per component color space adjustment factors are −5, −3 and −5 for Y, Co and Cg components. 16.-19. (canceled) 20. The computing device of claim 1 wherein the per component color space adjustment factors depend on energy amplification for the respective color components of the second color space in inverse color space conversion operations. 21. The computing device of claim 1 wherein the per component color space adjustment factors compensate for amplification of energy of quantization error when converting from the second color space back to the first color space. 22. The computing device of claim 1 wherein the adjusting includes setting per component quantization parameter values on a unit-by-unit basis. 23.-27. (canceled) 28. In a computing device with an image decoder or video decoder, a method comprising: receiving encoded data as part of a bitstream; and decoding the encoded data to reconstruct units of an image or video, including, when switching from a first color space to a second color space between two of the units, adjusting inverse quantization or scaling for color components of the second color space according to per component color space adjustment factors. 29. The method of claim 28 wherein the units are coding units or blocks. 30. The method of claim 28 wherein the bitstream includes one or more syntax elements that indicate the per component color space adjustment factors. 31. The method of claim 30 wherein the one or more syntax elements are signaled at picture level or slice level, and wherein the one or more syntax elements include a syntax element that indicates (a) an initial quantization parameter value for a first color component of the second color space or (b) an offset for the first color component of the second color space relative to an initial quantization parameter value for the first color space. 32. The method of claim 31 wherein the one or more syntax elements further include syntax elements that indicate offsets for second and third color components of the second color space relative to quantization parameter values for second and third color components of the first color space. 33. The method of claim 28 wherein the per component color space adjustment factors are derived by rule depending on the second color space without signaling of syntax elements that indicate the per component color space adjustment factors for the color components of the second color space. 34. The method of claim 28 wherein the adjusting includes adjusting final quantization parameter values or intermediate quantization parameter values for the color components of the second color space. 35. The method of claim 34 wherein the first color space is RGB and the second color space is YCoCg, and wherein the per component color space adjustment factors are −5, −3 and −5 for Y, Co and Cg components. 36. One or more computer-readable media storing computer-executable instructions for causing a computing device, when programmed thereby, to perform operations comprising: receiving encoded data as part of a bitstream; and decoding the encoded data to reconstruct units of an image or video, including, when switching from a first color space to a second color space between two of the units, adjusting inverse quantization or scaling for color components of the second color space according to per component color space adjustment factors.

Innovations in adaptive encoding and decoding for units of a video sequence can improve coding efficiency when switching between color spaces during encoding and decoding. For example, some of the innovations relate to adjustment of quantization or scaling when an encoder switches color spaces between units within a video sequence during encoding. Other innovations relate to adjustment of inverse quantization or scaling when a decoder switches color spaces between units within a video sequence during decoding.1. A computing device comprising: one or more buffers configured to store an image or video; and an image encoder or video encoder configured to perform operations comprising: encoding units of the image or video to produce encoded data, including, when switching from a first color space to a second color space between two of the units, adjusting quantization or scaling for color components of the second color space according to per component color space adjustment factors; and outputting the encoded data as part of a bitstream. 2.-4. (canceled) 5. The computing device of claim 1 wherein the units are coding units or blocks. 6. The computing device of claim 1 wherein the bitstream includes one or more syntax elements that indicate the per component color space adjustment factors. 7. The computing device of claim 6 wherein the one or more syntax elements are signaled at picture level or slice level, and wherein the one or more syntax elements include a syntax element that indicates (a) an initial quantization parameter value for a first color component of the second color space or (b) an offset for the first color component of the second color space relative to an initial quantization parameter value for the first color space. 8. (canceled) 9. The computing device of claim 7 wherein the one or more syntax elements further include syntax elements that indicate offsets for second and third color components of the second color space relative to quantization parameter values for second and third color components of the first color space. 10.-11. (canceled) 12. The computing device of claim 1 wherein the per component color space adjustment factors are derived by rule depending on the second color space without signaling of syntax elements that indicate the per component color space adjustment factors for the color components of the second color space. 13. The computing device of claim 1 wherein the adjusting includes adjusting final quantization parameter values or intermediate quantization parameter values for the color components of the second color space. 14. (canceled) 15. The computing device of claim 13 wherein the first color space is RGB and the second color space is YCoCg, and wherein the per component color space adjustment factors are −5, −3 and −5 for Y, Co and Cg components. 16.-19. (canceled) 20. The computing device of claim 1 wherein the per component color space adjustment factors depend on energy amplification for the respective color components of the second color space in inverse color space conversion operations. 21. The computing device of claim 1 wherein the per component color space adjustment factors compensate for amplification of energy of quantization error when converting from the second color space back to the first color space. 22. The computing device of claim 1 wherein the adjusting includes setting per component quantization parameter values on a unit-by-unit basis. 23.-27. (canceled) 28. In a computing device with an image decoder or video decoder, a method comprising: receiving encoded data as part of a bitstream; and decoding the encoded data to reconstruct units of an image or video, including, when switching from a first color space to a second color space between two of the units, adjusting inverse quantization or scaling for color components of the second color space according to per component color space adjustment factors. 29. The method of claim 28 wherein the units are coding units or blocks. 30. The method of claim 28 wherein the bitstream includes one or more syntax elements that indicate the per component color space adjustment factors. 31. The method of claim 30 wherein the one or more syntax elements are signaled at picture level or slice level, and wherein the one or more syntax elements include a syntax element that indicates (a) an initial quantization parameter value for a first color component of the second color space or (b) an offset for the first color component of the second color space relative to an initial quantization parameter value for the first color space. 32. The method of claim 31 wherein the one or more syntax elements further include syntax elements that indicate offsets for second and third color components of the second color space relative to quantization parameter values for second and third color components of the first color space. 33. The method of claim 28 wherein the per component color space adjustment factors are derived by rule depending on the second color space without signaling of syntax elements that indicate the per component color space adjustment factors for the color components of the second color space. 34. The method of claim 28 wherein the adjusting includes adjusting final quantization parameter values or intermediate quantization parameter values for the color components of the second color space. 35. The method of claim 34 wherein the first color space is RGB and the second color space is YCoCg, and wherein the per component color space adjustment factors are −5, −3 and −5 for Y, Co and Cg components. 36. One or more computer-readable media storing computer-executable instructions for causing a computing device, when programmed thereby, to perform operations comprising: receiving encoded data as part of a bitstream; and decoding the encoded data to reconstruct units of an image or video, including, when switching from a first color space to a second color space between two of the units, adjusting inverse quantization or scaling for color components of the second color space according to per component color space adjustment factors.

Described are techniques in video coding and/or decoding that allow for selectively breaking prediction and/or in loop filtering across segment boundaries between different segments of a video picture. A high layer syntax element, such as a parameter set or a slice header, may contain one or more indications signalling to an encoder and/or decoder whether an associated prediction or loop filtering tool may be applied across the segment boundary. In response to such one or more indications, the encoder and/or decoder may then control the prediction or loop filtering tool accordingly.

1. (canceled) 2. An apparatus comprising a non-transitory computer-readable medium for storing data accessible by a decoder, the computer-readable medium comprising: a bitstream stored in the computer-readable medium, the bitstream including data representing: a first slice and a second slice of a coded video picture, wherein the first slice and the second slice are divided by at least one slice boundary, wherein at least the first slice is divided by a tile boundary to belong to two tiles, and wherein the two tiles do not have tile headers; a parameter set including a first flag that enables the decoder to determine whether to apply a sample adaptive offset operation across the tile boundary; and a slice header of the coded video picture including a second flag that enables the decoder to determine whether to apply a sample adaptive offset operation across the at least one slice boundary. 3. The apparatus of claim 2, wherein the second slice is spatially encompassed within a single tile of the coded video picture. 4. The apparatus of claim 2, wherein the sample adaptive offset operation across the at least one slice boundary is disabled across the at least one slice boundary in response to the second flag, and the sample adaptive offset operation across the tile boundary is enabled in response to the first flag. 5. The apparatus of claim 2, wherein the slice header is associated with the first slice and a different slice header is associated with the second slice. 6. The apparatus of claim 2, wherein the parameter set is a picture parameter set. 7. The apparatus of claim 2, wherein the parameter set is a sequence parameter set. 8. The apparatus of claim 2, wherein the parameter set includes tile boundary information for identifying the tile boundary. 9. The apparatus of claim 2, wherein the slice header includes slice boundary information for identifying the at least one slice boundary. 10. The apparatus of claim 2, comprising the decoder. 11. An apparatus comprising a non-transitory computer-readable medium for storing data accessible by a decoder, the computer-readable medium comprising: a bitstream stored in the computer-readable medium, the bitstream including data representing: a first slice and a second slice of a coded video picture that are divided by at least one slice boundary; a first tile and a second tile of the coded video picture that are divided by a tile boundary, wherein the first tile and the second tile do not have tile headers; a parameter set including a first flag that enables the decoder to determine whether to apply a sample adaptive offset operation across the tile boundary; and a slice header of the coded video picture including a second flag that enables the decoder to determine whether to apply a sample adaptive offset operation across the at least one slice boundary. 12. The computer-readable medium of claim 11, wherein the second slice is spatially encompassed within a single tile of the coded video picture. 13. The computer-readable medium of claim 11, wherein the sample adaptive offset operation across the at least one slice boundary is disabled across the at least one slice boundary in response to the second flag, and the sample adaptive offset operation across the tile boundary is enabled in response to the first flag. 14. The computer-readable medium of claim 11, wherein the slice header is associated with the first slice and a different slice header is associated with the second slice. 15. The computer-readable medium of claim 11, wherein the parameter set is a picture parameter set. 16. The computer-readable medium of claim 11, wherein the parameter set is a sequence parameter set. 17. The computer-readable medium of claim 11, wherein the parameter set includes tile boundary information for identifying the tile boundary. 18. The computer-readable medium of claim 11, wherein the slice header includes slice boundary information for identifying the at least one slice boundary.

Described are techniques in video coding and/or decoding that allow for selectively breaking prediction and/or in loop filtering across segment boundaries between different segments of a video picture. A high layer syntax element, such as a parameter set or a slice header, may contain one or more indications signalling to an encoder and/or decoder whether an associated prediction or loop filtering tool may be applied across the segment boundary. In response to such one or more indications, the encoder and/or decoder may then control the prediction or loop filtering tool accordingly.1. (canceled) 2. An apparatus comprising a non-transitory computer-readable medium for storing data accessible by a decoder, the computer-readable medium comprising: a bitstream stored in the computer-readable medium, the bitstream including data representing: a first slice and a second slice of a coded video picture, wherein the first slice and the second slice are divided by at least one slice boundary, wherein at least the first slice is divided by a tile boundary to belong to two tiles, and wherein the two tiles do not have tile headers; a parameter set including a first flag that enables the decoder to determine whether to apply a sample adaptive offset operation across the tile boundary; and a slice header of the coded video picture including a second flag that enables the decoder to determine whether to apply a sample adaptive offset operation across the at least one slice boundary. 3. The apparatus of claim 2, wherein the second slice is spatially encompassed within a single tile of the coded video picture. 4. The apparatus of claim 2, wherein the sample adaptive offset operation across the at least one slice boundary is disabled across the at least one slice boundary in response to the second flag, and the sample adaptive offset operation across the tile boundary is enabled in response to the first flag. 5. The apparatus of claim 2, wherein the slice header is associated with the first slice and a different slice header is associated with the second slice. 6. The apparatus of claim 2, wherein the parameter set is a picture parameter set. 7. The apparatus of claim 2, wherein the parameter set is a sequence parameter set. 8. The apparatus of claim 2, wherein the parameter set includes tile boundary information for identifying the tile boundary. 9. The apparatus of claim 2, wherein the slice header includes slice boundary information for identifying the at least one slice boundary. 10. The apparatus of claim 2, comprising the decoder. 11. An apparatus comprising a non-transitory computer-readable medium for storing data accessible by a decoder, the computer-readable medium comprising: a bitstream stored in the computer-readable medium, the bitstream including data representing: a first slice and a second slice of a coded video picture that are divided by at least one slice boundary; a first tile and a second tile of the coded video picture that are divided by a tile boundary, wherein the first tile and the second tile do not have tile headers; a parameter set including a first flag that enables the decoder to determine whether to apply a sample adaptive offset operation across the tile boundary; and a slice header of the coded video picture including a second flag that enables the decoder to determine whether to apply a sample adaptive offset operation across the at least one slice boundary. 12. The computer-readable medium of claim 11, wherein the second slice is spatially encompassed within a single tile of the coded video picture. 13. The computer-readable medium of claim 11, wherein the sample adaptive offset operation across the at least one slice boundary is disabled across the at least one slice boundary in response to the second flag, and the sample adaptive offset operation across the tile boundary is enabled in response to the first flag. 14. The computer-readable medium of claim 11, wherein the slice header is associated with the first slice and a different slice header is associated with the second slice. 15. The computer-readable medium of claim 11, wherein the parameter set is a picture parameter set. 16. The computer-readable medium of claim 11, wherein the parameter set is a sequence parameter set. 17. The computer-readable medium of claim 11, wherein the parameter set includes tile boundary information for identifying the tile boundary. 18. The computer-readable medium of claim 11, wherein the slice header includes slice boundary information for identifying the at least one slice boundary.

Described are techniques in video coding and/or decoding that allow for selectively breaking prediction and/or in loop filtering across segment boundaries between different segments of a video picture. A high layer syntax element, such as a parameter set or a slice header, may contain one or more indications signalling to an encoder and/or decoder whether an associated prediction or loop filtering tool may be applied across the segment boundary. In response to such one or more indications, the encoder and/or decoder may then control the prediction or loop filtering tool accordingly.

1. (canceled) 2. A decoder, comprising: one or more processors; and a storage medium coupled to the one or more processors having instructions stored thereon which, when executed by the one or more processors, cause the one or more processors to perform operations comprising: obtaining a coded video picture including a first slice and a second slice that are divided by at least one slice boundary and a first tile and a second tile that are divided by a tile boundary, wherein the first tile and the second tile do not have tile headers; obtaining, from the coded video picture, a parameter set including a first flag for controlling a deblocking filter operation across the tile boundary; determining that the first flag indicates an application of the deblocking filter operation across the tile boundary; and in response to determining that the first flag indicates the application of the deblocking filter operation across the tile boundary, applying the deblocking filter operation across the tile boundary; obtaining, from the coded video picture, a slice header including a second flag for controlling a deblocking filter operation across the at least one slice boundary; determining that the second flag indicates an application of the deblocking filter operation across the at least one slice boundary; and in response to determining that the second flag indicates the application of the deblocking filter operation across the at least one slice boundary, applying the deblocking filter operation across the at least one slice boundary. 3. The decoder of claim 2, wherein at least the first slice is divided by the tile boundary to belong to the first tile and the second tile. 4. The decoder of claim 2, wherein the second slice is spatially encompassed within a single tile of the coded video picture. 5. The decoder of claim 2, wherein the slice header is associated with the first slice and a different slice header is associated with the second slice. 6. The decoder of claim 2, wherein the parameter set is a picture parameter set. 7. The decoder of claim 2, wherein the parameter set is a sequence parameter set. 8. A method for decoding by a decoder a coded video picture, the method comprising: obtaining a coded video picture including a first slice and a second slice that are divided by at least one slice boundary and a first tile and a second tile that are divided by a tile boundary, wherein the first tile and the second tile do not have tile headers; obtaining, from the coded video picture, a parameter set including a first flag for controlling a deblocking filter operation across the tile boundary; determining that the first flag indicates an application of the deblocking filter operation across the tile boundary; and in response to determining that the first flag indicates the application of the deblocking filter operation across the tile boundary, applying the deblocking filter operation across the tile boundary; obtaining, from the coded video picture, a slice header including a second flag for controlling a deblocking filter operation across the at least one slice boundary; determining that the second flag indicates an application of the deblocking filter operation across the at least one slice boundary; and in response to determining that the second flag indicates the application of the deblocking filter operation across the at least one slice boundary, applying the deblocking filter operation across the at least one slice boundary. 9. The method of claim 8, wherein at least the first slice is divided by the tile boundary to belong to the first tile and the second tile. 10. The method of claim 8, wherein the second slice is spatially encompassed within a single tile of the coded video picture. 11. A non-transitory computer-readable medium having instructions stored thereon which, when executed by one or more processors, cause the one or more processors to perform operations comprising: obtaining a coded video picture including a first slice and a second slice that are divided by at least one slice boundary and a first tile and a second tile that are divided by a tile boundary, wherein the first tile and the second tile do not have tile headers; obtaining, from the coded video picture, a parameter set including a first flag for controlling a deblocking filter operation across the tile boundary; determining that the first flag indicates an application of the deblocking filter operation across the tile boundary; and in response to determining that the first flag indicates the application of the deblocking filter operation across the tile boundary, applying the deblocking filter operation across the tile boundary; obtaining, from the coded video picture, a slice header including a second flag for controlling a deblocking filter operation across the at least one slice boundary; determining that the second flag indicates an application of the deblocking filter operation across the at least one slice boundary; and in response to determining that the second flag indicates the application of the deblocking filter operation across the at least one slice boundary, applying the deblocking filter operation across the at least one slice boundary. 12. The computer-readable medium of claim 11, wherein at least the first slice is divided by the tile boundary to belong to the first tile and the second tile. 13. The computer-readable medium of claim 11, wherein the second slice is spatially encompassed within a single tile of the coded video picture.

Described are techniques in video coding and/or decoding that allow for selectively breaking prediction and/or in loop filtering across segment boundaries between different segments of a video picture. A high layer syntax element, such as a parameter set or a slice header, may contain one or more indications signalling to an encoder and/or decoder whether an associated prediction or loop filtering tool may be applied across the segment boundary. In response to such one or more indications, the encoder and/or decoder may then control the prediction or loop filtering tool accordingly.1. (canceled) 2. A decoder, comprising: one or more processors; and a storage medium coupled to the one or more processors having instructions stored thereon which, when executed by the one or more processors, cause the one or more processors to perform operations comprising: obtaining a coded video picture including a first slice and a second slice that are divided by at least one slice boundary and a first tile and a second tile that are divided by a tile boundary, wherein the first tile and the second tile do not have tile headers; obtaining, from the coded video picture, a parameter set including a first flag for controlling a deblocking filter operation across the tile boundary; determining that the first flag indicates an application of the deblocking filter operation across the tile boundary; and in response to determining that the first flag indicates the application of the deblocking filter operation across the tile boundary, applying the deblocking filter operation across the tile boundary; obtaining, from the coded video picture, a slice header including a second flag for controlling a deblocking filter operation across the at least one slice boundary; determining that the second flag indicates an application of the deblocking filter operation across the at least one slice boundary; and in response to determining that the second flag indicates the application of the deblocking filter operation across the at least one slice boundary, applying the deblocking filter operation across the at least one slice boundary. 3. The decoder of claim 2, wherein at least the first slice is divided by the tile boundary to belong to the first tile and the second tile. 4. The decoder of claim 2, wherein the second slice is spatially encompassed within a single tile of the coded video picture. 5. The decoder of claim 2, wherein the slice header is associated with the first slice and a different slice header is associated with the second slice. 6. The decoder of claim 2, wherein the parameter set is a picture parameter set. 7. The decoder of claim 2, wherein the parameter set is a sequence parameter set. 8. A method for decoding by a decoder a coded video picture, the method comprising: obtaining a coded video picture including a first slice and a second slice that are divided by at least one slice boundary and a first tile and a second tile that are divided by a tile boundary, wherein the first tile and the second tile do not have tile headers; obtaining, from the coded video picture, a parameter set including a first flag for controlling a deblocking filter operation across the tile boundary; determining that the first flag indicates an application of the deblocking filter operation across the tile boundary; and in response to determining that the first flag indicates the application of the deblocking filter operation across the tile boundary, applying the deblocking filter operation across the tile boundary; obtaining, from the coded video picture, a slice header including a second flag for controlling a deblocking filter operation across the at least one slice boundary; determining that the second flag indicates an application of the deblocking filter operation across the at least one slice boundary; and in response to determining that the second flag indicates the application of the deblocking filter operation across the at least one slice boundary, applying the deblocking filter operation across the at least one slice boundary. 9. The method of claim 8, wherein at least the first slice is divided by the tile boundary to belong to the first tile and the second tile. 10. The method of claim 8, wherein the second slice is spatially encompassed within a single tile of the coded video picture. 11. A non-transitory computer-readable medium having instructions stored thereon which, when executed by one or more processors, cause the one or more processors to perform operations comprising: obtaining a coded video picture including a first slice and a second slice that are divided by at least one slice boundary and a first tile and a second tile that are divided by a tile boundary, wherein the first tile and the second tile do not have tile headers; obtaining, from the coded video picture, a parameter set including a first flag for controlling a deblocking filter operation across the tile boundary; determining that the first flag indicates an application of the deblocking filter operation across the tile boundary; and in response to determining that the first flag indicates the application of the deblocking filter operation across the tile boundary, applying the deblocking filter operation across the tile boundary; obtaining, from the coded video picture, a slice header including a second flag for controlling a deblocking filter operation across the at least one slice boundary; determining that the second flag indicates an application of the deblocking filter operation across the at least one slice boundary; and in response to determining that the second flag indicates the application of the deblocking filter operation across the at least one slice boundary, applying the deblocking filter operation across the at least one slice boundary. 12. The computer-readable medium of claim 11, wherein at least the first slice is divided by the tile boundary to belong to the first tile and the second tile. 13. The computer-readable medium of claim 11, wherein the second slice is spatially encompassed within a single tile of the coded video picture.

In one embodiment, a method for a moving picture coding system to derive at least one motion vector of a bi-predictive block in a current picture from a motion vector of a first block in a first picture includes selecting, by the moving picture coding system, a list 1 motion vector of the first block in the first picture as a motion vector for deriving list 0 and list 1 motion vectors of the bi-predictive block if the first block only has the list 1 motion vector, the first picture being permitted to be located temporally before the current picture and permitted to be located temporally after the current picture, scaling the selected motion vector and deriving the list 0 and list 1 motion vectors of the bi-predictive block by applying a bit operation to the scaled motion vector, the bit operation including 8 bits right shift.

1. (canceled) 2. A method for a moving picture coding system to derive at least one motion vectors of a bi-predictive block in a current picture from a motion vector of a first block in a first picture, comprising: selecting, by the moving picture coding system, a list 1 motion vector of the first block in the first picture as a motion vector for deriving list 0 and list 1 motion vectors of the bi-predictive block if the first block only has the list 1 motion vector, the first picture being permitted to be located temporally before the current picture and permitted to be located temporally after the current picture; deriving a temporal distance between the current picture and a reference picture of the current picture; scaling the selected motion vector based on the temporal distance; and deriving the list 0 and list 1 motion vectors of the bi-predictive block based on the scaled motion vector.

In one embodiment, a method for a moving picture coding system to derive at least one motion vector of a bi-predictive block in a current picture from a motion vector of a first block in a first picture includes selecting, by the moving picture coding system, a list 1 motion vector of the first block in the first picture as a motion vector for deriving list 0 and list 1 motion vectors of the bi-predictive block if the first block only has the list 1 motion vector, the first picture being permitted to be located temporally before the current picture and permitted to be located temporally after the current picture, scaling the selected motion vector and deriving the list 0 and list 1 motion vectors of the bi-predictive block by applying a bit operation to the scaled motion vector, the bit operation including 8 bits right shift.1. (canceled) 2. A method for a moving picture coding system to derive at least one motion vectors of a bi-predictive block in a current picture from a motion vector of a first block in a first picture, comprising: selecting, by the moving picture coding system, a list 1 motion vector of the first block in the first picture as a motion vector for deriving list 0 and list 1 motion vectors of the bi-predictive block if the first block only has the list 1 motion vector, the first picture being permitted to be located temporally before the current picture and permitted to be located temporally after the current picture; deriving a temporal distance between the current picture and a reference picture of the current picture; scaling the selected motion vector based on the temporal distance; and deriving the list 0 and list 1 motion vectors of the bi-predictive block based on the scaled motion vector.

Certain exemplary embodiments relate to entertainment systems and, more particularly, certain exemplary embodiments relate to jukebox systems that incorporate digital downloading jukebox features along with karaoke jukebox and/or photo booth features. A combined karaoke/photo booth/jukebox may enable more integrated performance-like experiences in an in-home or out-of-home location or venue. By leveraging vast audio media libraries, trusted rights-respecting network infrastructure, and on-site image/video capturing from integrated recorders and/or remote portable devices, a more sociable experience may be created for karaoke jukebox patrons, e.g., where custom content can be generated and shared in a safe and legally appropriate manner.

1. A digital jukebox device provided in an out-of-home pay-for-play location, comprising: at least one processor and a memory; a fee collection mechanism configured to receive payment in exchange for credits usable on the digital jukebox device to play songs; a non-transitory computer readable storage medium storing songs available for playback via the digital jukebox device; a display; a camera; and a user interface controllable in connection with the at least one processor and configured to operate in at least first and second modes in connection with the display, wherein the first mode is configured to enable users to select songs for playback via the digital jukebox device in exchange for credits, wherein the second mode is configured to enable users to use the camera, while the digital jukebox device coordinates playback of songs selected while the user interface was operating in the first mode, to take pictures, and wherein the user interface, when operating in the second mode, is further configured to exit the second mode and enter the first mode, after a predetermined amount of time has been spent in the second mode. 2. The digital jukebox device of claim 1, wherein user interface elements provided in the first mode are not visible while the user interface is operating in the second mode in order to prevent selection of further songs for playback. 3. The digital jukebox device of claim 1, wherein a printer is located in the out-of-home location and operably connected to the digital jukebox device, the printer being configured to print pictures taken via the camera of the digital jukebox device for a fee, the fee being payable with credits. 4. The digital jukebox device of claim 1, wherein the user interface, when operating in the second mode, is further configured to enable users to specify a digital location to which pictures should be digitally transmitted. 5. The digital jukebox device of claim 4, wherein the digital location is an email address. 6. The digital jukebox device of claim 4, wherein the digital location is an MMS message destination. 7. The digital jukebox device of claim 4, wherein the digital location is a social networking site. 8. The digital jukebox device of claim 1, further comprising lighting elements configured to act as a flash for the camera when the user interface is operating in the second mode. 9. The digital jukebox device of claim 8, further comprising program logic configured to (a) determine characteristics of the environment in which the digital jukebox device is provided, (b) calculate an offset for the lighting elements optimized for the environment based on the determination, and (c) adjust the flash using the offset when taking pictures. 10. The digital jukebox device of claim 1, wherein the user interface, when operating in the second mode, is further configured to show a preview of a picture that has been taken. 11. The digital jukebox device of claim 10, wherein the preview comprises a digital proof sheet comprising plural pictures taken in succession. 12. The digital jukebox device of claim 10, wherein the user interface, when operating in the second mode, is further configured to enable a user to select one or more digital effects to be applied to a picture and to adjust the preview in accordance with the one or more selected digital effects. 13. A method of operating a digital jukebox device provided in an out-of-home pay-for-play location, the method comprising: receiving payment in exchange for credits usable on the digital jukebox device to play songs; playing back, via the digital jukebox device, songs from a queue of selected songs; receiving input via a user interface that is operable in at least first and second modes, wherein songs from the queue are playable regardless of the mode in which the user interface is operating; in response to input received during the first mode, adding a user-selected song to the queue in exchange for a predetermined number of credits; in response to input received during second mode, causing a camera provided to the digital jukebox device to take a picture; and causing the user interface to exit the second mode and enter the first mode, after a predetermined amount of time has been spent in the second mode. 14. The method of claim 13, further comprising printing the picture to a printer located in the out-of-home location in exchange for a second predetermined number of credits. 15. The method of claim 13, further comprising digitally transmitting the image to a user-specified location, the user user-specified location being an email address, MMS message destination, and/or social networking site. 16. The method of claim 13, further comprising: determining characteristics of the environment in which the digital jukebox device is provided; calculating an offset for lighting elements integral with the digital jukebox device based on the determination, the offset being applicable to the lighting elements in order to improve picture quality; and controlling the lighting elements using the offset to serve as a flash when taking pictures. 17. The method of claim 13, further comprising displaying a preview of a picture that has been taken. 18. The method of claim 17, wherein the preview comprises a digital proof sheet comprising plural pictures taken in succession. 19. The method of claim 17, further comprising: applying to the picture one or more user-selected digital effects; and adjusting the display of the preview in accordance with the one or more user-selected digital effects. 20. The method of claim 13, further comprising adding pictures that have been taken to an attract loop of the digital jukebox device. 21. The method of claim 13, further comprising associating a picture that has been taken with a registered user of the digital jukebox device such that the associated picture is used as an avatar for the digital jukebox device. 22. A non-transitory computer readable storage medium tangibly storing instructions that, when performed using a processor of a digital jukebox device provided in an out-of-home pay-for-play location, control the digital jukebox device to at least: receive payment in exchange for credits usable on the digital jukebox device to play songs; play back, via the digital jukebox device, songs from a queue of selected songs; receive input via a user interface that is operable in at least first and second modes, wherein songs from the queue are playable regardless of the mode in which the user interface is operating; in response to input received during the first mode, add a user-selected song to the queue in exchange for a predetermined number of credits; in response to input received during second mode, cause a camera provided to the digital jukebox device to take a picture; and cause the user interface to exit the second mode and enter the first mode, after a predetermined amount of time has been spent in the second mode. 23. The non-transitory computer readable storage medium of claim 22, further comprising instructions that control the digital jukebox device to at least cause the picture to be printed via a printer located in the out-of-home location and/or digitally transmit the image to a user-specified location, in exchange for a second predetermined number of credits. 24. The non-transitory computer readable storage medium of claim 22, further comprising instructions that control the digital jukebox device to at least: determine characteristics of the environment in which the digital jukebox device is provided; calculate an offset for lighting elements integral with the digital jukebox device based on the determination, the offset being applicable to the lighting elements in order to improve picture quality; and control the lighting elements using the offset to serve as a flash when taking pictures. 25. The non-transitory computer readable storage medium of claim 22, further comprising instructions that control the digital jukebox device to at least add pictures that have been taken to an attract loop of the digital jukebox device, provided that the users who took the pictures do not opt out of having their pictures added to the attract loop.

Certain exemplary embodiments relate to entertainment systems and, more particularly, certain exemplary embodiments relate to jukebox systems that incorporate digital downloading jukebox features along with karaoke jukebox and/or photo booth features. A combined karaoke/photo booth/jukebox may enable more integrated performance-like experiences in an in-home or out-of-home location or venue. By leveraging vast audio media libraries, trusted rights-respecting network infrastructure, and on-site image/video capturing from integrated recorders and/or remote portable devices, a more sociable experience may be created for karaoke jukebox patrons, e.g., where custom content can be generated and shared in a safe and legally appropriate manner.1. A digital jukebox device provided in an out-of-home pay-for-play location, comprising: at least one processor and a memory; a fee collection mechanism configured to receive payment in exchange for credits usable on the digital jukebox device to play songs; a non-transitory computer readable storage medium storing songs available for playback via the digital jukebox device; a display; a camera; and a user interface controllable in connection with the at least one processor and configured to operate in at least first and second modes in connection with the display, wherein the first mode is configured to enable users to select songs for playback via the digital jukebox device in exchange for credits, wherein the second mode is configured to enable users to use the camera, while the digital jukebox device coordinates playback of songs selected while the user interface was operating in the first mode, to take pictures, and wherein the user interface, when operating in the second mode, is further configured to exit the second mode and enter the first mode, after a predetermined amount of time has been spent in the second mode. 2. The digital jukebox device of claim 1, wherein user interface elements provided in the first mode are not visible while the user interface is operating in the second mode in order to prevent selection of further songs for playback. 3. The digital jukebox device of claim 1, wherein a printer is located in the out-of-home location and operably connected to the digital jukebox device, the printer being configured to print pictures taken via the camera of the digital jukebox device for a fee, the fee being payable with credits. 4. The digital jukebox device of claim 1, wherein the user interface, when operating in the second mode, is further configured to enable users to specify a digital location to which pictures should be digitally transmitted. 5. The digital jukebox device of claim 4, wherein the digital location is an email address. 6. The digital jukebox device of claim 4, wherein the digital location is an MMS message destination. 7. The digital jukebox device of claim 4, wherein the digital location is a social networking site. 8. The digital jukebox device of claim 1, further comprising lighting elements configured to act as a flash for the camera when the user interface is operating in the second mode. 9. The digital jukebox device of claim 8, further comprising program logic configured to (a) determine characteristics of the environment in which the digital jukebox device is provided, (b) calculate an offset for the lighting elements optimized for the environment based on the determination, and (c) adjust the flash using the offset when taking pictures. 10. The digital jukebox device of claim 1, wherein the user interface, when operating in the second mode, is further configured to show a preview of a picture that has been taken. 11. The digital jukebox device of claim 10, wherein the preview comprises a digital proof sheet comprising plural pictures taken in succession. 12. The digital jukebox device of claim 10, wherein the user interface, when operating in the second mode, is further configured to enable a user to select one or more digital effects to be applied to a picture and to adjust the preview in accordance with the one or more selected digital effects. 13. A method of operating a digital jukebox device provided in an out-of-home pay-for-play location, the method comprising: receiving payment in exchange for credits usable on the digital jukebox device to play songs; playing back, via the digital jukebox device, songs from a queue of selected songs; receiving input via a user interface that is operable in at least first and second modes, wherein songs from the queue are playable regardless of the mode in which the user interface is operating; in response to input received during the first mode, adding a user-selected song to the queue in exchange for a predetermined number of credits; in response to input received during second mode, causing a camera provided to the digital jukebox device to take a picture; and causing the user interface to exit the second mode and enter the first mode, after a predetermined amount of time has been spent in the second mode. 14. The method of claim 13, further comprising printing the picture to a printer located in the out-of-home location in exchange for a second predetermined number of credits. 15. The method of claim 13, further comprising digitally transmitting the image to a user-specified location, the user user-specified location being an email address, MMS message destination, and/or social networking site. 16. The method of claim 13, further comprising: determining characteristics of the environment in which the digital jukebox device is provided; calculating an offset for lighting elements integral with the digital jukebox device based on the determination, the offset being applicable to the lighting elements in order to improve picture quality; and controlling the lighting elements using the offset to serve as a flash when taking pictures. 17. The method of claim 13, further comprising displaying a preview of a picture that has been taken. 18. The method of claim 17, wherein the preview comprises a digital proof sheet comprising plural pictures taken in succession. 19. The method of claim 17, further comprising: applying to the picture one or more user-selected digital effects; and adjusting the display of the preview in accordance with the one or more user-selected digital effects. 20. The method of claim 13, further comprising adding pictures that have been taken to an attract loop of the digital jukebox device. 21. The method of claim 13, further comprising associating a picture that has been taken with a registered user of the digital jukebox device such that the associated picture is used as an avatar for the digital jukebox device. 22. A non-transitory computer readable storage medium tangibly storing instructions that, when performed using a processor of a digital jukebox device provided in an out-of-home pay-for-play location, control the digital jukebox device to at least: receive payment in exchange for credits usable on the digital jukebox device to play songs; play back, via the digital jukebox device, songs from a queue of selected songs; receive input via a user interface that is operable in at least first and second modes, wherein songs from the queue are playable regardless of the mode in which the user interface is operating; in response to input received during the first mode, add a user-selected song to the queue in exchange for a predetermined number of credits; in response to input received during second mode, cause a camera provided to the digital jukebox device to take a picture; and cause the user interface to exit the second mode and enter the first mode, after a predetermined amount of time has been spent in the second mode. 23. The non-transitory computer readable storage medium of claim 22, further comprising instructions that control the digital jukebox device to at least cause the picture to be printed via a printer located in the out-of-home location and/or digitally transmit the image to a user-specified location, in exchange for a second predetermined number of credits. 24. The non-transitory computer readable storage medium of claim 22, further comprising instructions that control the digital jukebox device to at least: determine characteristics of the environment in which the digital jukebox device is provided; calculate an offset for lighting elements integral with the digital jukebox device based on the determination, the offset being applicable to the lighting elements in order to improve picture quality; and control the lighting elements using the offset to serve as a flash when taking pictures. 25. The non-transitory computer readable storage medium of claim 22, further comprising instructions that control the digital jukebox device to at least add pictures that have been taken to an attract loop of the digital jukebox device, provided that the users who took the pictures do not opt out of having their pictures added to the attract loop.

A method, medium, and system encoding and/or decoding a moving picture. The moving picture encoding method may include selecting a prediction mode that is optimal for the macro blocks, which correspond to each other, of the color components of a current image based on the characteristics of a predetermined image, generating a predicted image for the current image according to the selected prediction mode, and encoding a moving picture using the predicted image. An optimal prediction mode can be adaptively applied to the macro blocks, which correspond to each other, of the color components, thereby increasing the moving picture's encoding and decoding efficiencies.

1. A decoding apparatus comprising: a predicted image generation unit to entropy decode a bitstream at a block level to restore intra prediction mode information, to obtain, from the restored intra prediction mode information, an intra luma prediction mode of a luma component of a current block, to obtain an intra chroma prediction mode of a chroma component corresponding to the intra luma prediction mode of the luma component according to one of predetermined modes, wherein the intra chroma prediction mode of the chroma component is identical to the intra luma prediction mode of the luma component, and to obtain a predicted block using the intra chroma prediction mode of the chroma component; and a restored image generation unit to obtain residue by decoding the bitstream, and obtain a restored image using the obtained residue and the obtained predicted block, wherein the intra luma prediction mode and the intra chroma prediction mode are used to determine a reference pixel from among adjacent pixels in a previously restored block when obtaining the predicted block.

A method, medium, and system encoding and/or decoding a moving picture. The moving picture encoding method may include selecting a prediction mode that is optimal for the macro blocks, which correspond to each other, of the color components of a current image based on the characteristics of a predetermined image, generating a predicted image for the current image according to the selected prediction mode, and encoding a moving picture using the predicted image. An optimal prediction mode can be adaptively applied to the macro blocks, which correspond to each other, of the color components, thereby increasing the moving picture's encoding and decoding efficiencies.1. A decoding apparatus comprising: a predicted image generation unit to entropy decode a bitstream at a block level to restore intra prediction mode information, to obtain, from the restored intra prediction mode information, an intra luma prediction mode of a luma component of a current block, to obtain an intra chroma prediction mode of a chroma component corresponding to the intra luma prediction mode of the luma component according to one of predetermined modes, wherein the intra chroma prediction mode of the chroma component is identical to the intra luma prediction mode of the luma component, and to obtain a predicted block using the intra chroma prediction mode of the chroma component; and a restored image generation unit to obtain residue by decoding the bitstream, and obtain a restored image using the obtained residue and the obtained predicted block, wherein the intra luma prediction mode and the intra chroma prediction mode are used to determine a reference pixel from among adjacent pixels in a previously restored block when obtaining the predicted block.

A method, medium, and system encoding and/or decoding a moving picture. The moving picture encoding method may include selecting a prediction mode that is optimal for the macro blocks, which correspond to each other, of the color components of a current image based on the characteristics of a predetermined image, generating a predicted image for the current image according to the selected prediction mode, and encoding a moving picture using the predicted image. An optimal prediction mode can be adaptively applied to the macro blocks, which correspond to each other, of the color components, thereby increasing the moving picture's encoding and decoding efficiencies.

1. A decoding method comprising: entropy decoding a bitstream at a block level to restore intra prediction mode information; obtaining, from the restored intra prediction mode information, an intra luma prediction mode of a luma component of a current block; obtaining an intra chroma prediction mode of a chroma component corresponding to the intra luma prediction mode of the luma component according to one of predetermined modes, wherein the intra chroma prediction mode of the chroma component is identical to the intra luma prediction mode of the luma component; obtaining a predicted block using the intra chroma prediction mode of the chroma component; obtaining residue by decoding the bitstream; and obtaining a restored image using the obtained residue and the obtained predicted block, wherein the intra luma prediction mode and the intra chroma prediction mode are used to determine a reference pixel from among adjacent pixels in a previously restored block when obtaining the predicted block. 2. A non-transitory computer readable medium comprising computer readable code to control at least one processing device to implement a decoding method, the method comprising: entropy decoding a bitstream at a block level to restore intra prediction mode information; obtaining, from the restored intra prediction mode information, an intra luma prediction mode of a luma component of a current block; obtaining an intra chroma prediction mode of a chroma component corresponding to the intra luma prediction mode of the luma component according to one of predetermined modes, wherein the intra chroma prediction mode of the chroma component is identical to the intra luma prediction mode of the luma component; obtaining a predicted block using the intra chroma prediction mode of the chroma component; obtaining residue by decoding the bitstream; and obtaining a restored image using the obtained residue and the obtained predicted block, wherein the intra luma prediction mode and the intra chroma prediction mode are used to determine a reference pixel from among adjacent pixels in a previously restored block when obtaining the predicted block.

A method, medium, and system encoding and/or decoding a moving picture. The moving picture encoding method may include selecting a prediction mode that is optimal for the macro blocks, which correspond to each other, of the color components of a current image based on the characteristics of a predetermined image, generating a predicted image for the current image according to the selected prediction mode, and encoding a moving picture using the predicted image. An optimal prediction mode can be adaptively applied to the macro blocks, which correspond to each other, of the color components, thereby increasing the moving picture's encoding and decoding efficiencies.1. A decoding method comprising: entropy decoding a bitstream at a block level to restore intra prediction mode information; obtaining, from the restored intra prediction mode information, an intra luma prediction mode of a luma component of a current block; obtaining an intra chroma prediction mode of a chroma component corresponding to the intra luma prediction mode of the luma component according to one of predetermined modes, wherein the intra chroma prediction mode of the chroma component is identical to the intra luma prediction mode of the luma component; obtaining a predicted block using the intra chroma prediction mode of the chroma component; obtaining residue by decoding the bitstream; and obtaining a restored image using the obtained residue and the obtained predicted block, wherein the intra luma prediction mode and the intra chroma prediction mode are used to determine a reference pixel from among adjacent pixels in a previously restored block when obtaining the predicted block. 2. A non-transitory computer readable medium comprising computer readable code to control at least one processing device to implement a decoding method, the method comprising: entropy decoding a bitstream at a block level to restore intra prediction mode information; obtaining, from the restored intra prediction mode information, an intra luma prediction mode of a luma component of a current block; obtaining an intra chroma prediction mode of a chroma component corresponding to the intra luma prediction mode of the luma component according to one of predetermined modes, wherein the intra chroma prediction mode of the chroma component is identical to the intra luma prediction mode of the luma component; obtaining a predicted block using the intra chroma prediction mode of the chroma component; obtaining residue by decoding the bitstream; and obtaining a restored image using the obtained residue and the obtained predicted block, wherein the intra luma prediction mode and the intra chroma prediction mode are used to determine a reference pixel from among adjacent pixels in a previously restored block when obtaining the predicted block.

A method, medium, and system encoding and/or decoding a moving picture. The moving picture encoding method may include selecting a prediction mode that is optimal for the macro blocks, which correspond to each other, of the color components of a current image based on the characteristics of a predetermined image, generating a predicted image for the current image according to the selected prediction mode, and encoding a moving picture using the predicted image. An optimal prediction mode can be adaptively applied to the macro blocks, which correspond to each other, of the color components, thereby increasing the moving picture's encoding and decoding efficiencies.

1. A decoding method comprising: obtaining a prediction mode by decoding a bitstream; obtaining by decoding the bitstream, an intra luma prediction mode of a luma component of a current block when the prediction mode is intra prediction; obtaining intra prediction mode information by decoding the bitstream; determining an intra chroma prediction mode of a chroma component which is identical to the intra luma prediction mode of the luma component, when the obtained intra prediction mode information represents that the intra chroma prediction mode is identical to the intra luma prediction mode; determining the intra chroma prediction mode of the chroma component which is different from the intra luma prediction mode of the luma component when the obtained intra prediction mode information represents that the intra chroma prediction mode is different from the intra luma prediction mode; obtaining a predicted block using the intra chroma prediction mode of the chroma component; obtaining residue by decoding the bitstream; and obtaining a restored image using the obtained residue and the obtained predicted block, wherein the intra luma prediction mode and the intra chroma prediction mode are used to determine a reference pixel from among adjacent pixels in a previously restored block when obtaining the predicted block, and wherein the obtained intra prediction mode information is decoded from the bitstream at a block level. 2. A non-transitory computer readable medium comprising computer readable code to control at least one processing device to implement a decoding method, the method comprising: obtaining a prediction mode by decoding a bitstream; obtaining by decoding the bitstream, an intra luma prediction mode of a luma component of a current block when the prediction mode is intra prediction; obtaining intra prediction mode information by decoding the bitstream; determining an intra chroma prediction mode of a chroma component which is identical to the intra luma prediction mode of the luma component, when the obtained intra prediction mode information represents that the intra chroma prediction mode is identical to the intra luma prediction mode; determining the intra chroma prediction mode of the chroma component which is different from the intra luma prediction mode of the luma component when the obtained intra prediction mode information represents that the intra chroma prediction mode is different from the intra luma prediction mode; obtaining a predicted block using the intra chroma prediction mode of the chroma component; obtaining residue by decoding the bitstream; and obtaining a restored image using the obtained residue and the obtained predicted block, wherein the intra luma prediction mode and the intra chroma prediction mode are used to determine a reference pixel from among adjacent pixels in a previously restored block when obtaining the predicted block, and wherein the obtained intra prediction mode information is decoded from the bitstream at a block level.

A method, medium, and system encoding and/or decoding a moving picture. The moving picture encoding method may include selecting a prediction mode that is optimal for the macro blocks, which correspond to each other, of the color components of a current image based on the characteristics of a predetermined image, generating a predicted image for the current image according to the selected prediction mode, and encoding a moving picture using the predicted image. An optimal prediction mode can be adaptively applied to the macro blocks, which correspond to each other, of the color components, thereby increasing the moving picture's encoding and decoding efficiencies.1. A decoding method comprising: obtaining a prediction mode by decoding a bitstream; obtaining by decoding the bitstream, an intra luma prediction mode of a luma component of a current block when the prediction mode is intra prediction; obtaining intra prediction mode information by decoding the bitstream; determining an intra chroma prediction mode of a chroma component which is identical to the intra luma prediction mode of the luma component, when the obtained intra prediction mode information represents that the intra chroma prediction mode is identical to the intra luma prediction mode; determining the intra chroma prediction mode of the chroma component which is different from the intra luma prediction mode of the luma component when the obtained intra prediction mode information represents that the intra chroma prediction mode is different from the intra luma prediction mode; obtaining a predicted block using the intra chroma prediction mode of the chroma component; obtaining residue by decoding the bitstream; and obtaining a restored image using the obtained residue and the obtained predicted block, wherein the intra luma prediction mode and the intra chroma prediction mode are used to determine a reference pixel from among adjacent pixels in a previously restored block when obtaining the predicted block, and wherein the obtained intra prediction mode information is decoded from the bitstream at a block level. 2. A non-transitory computer readable medium comprising computer readable code to control at least one processing device to implement a decoding method, the method comprising: obtaining a prediction mode by decoding a bitstream; obtaining by decoding the bitstream, an intra luma prediction mode of a luma component of a current block when the prediction mode is intra prediction; obtaining intra prediction mode information by decoding the bitstream; determining an intra chroma prediction mode of a chroma component which is identical to the intra luma prediction mode of the luma component, when the obtained intra prediction mode information represents that the intra chroma prediction mode is identical to the intra luma prediction mode; determining the intra chroma prediction mode of the chroma component which is different from the intra luma prediction mode of the luma component when the obtained intra prediction mode information represents that the intra chroma prediction mode is different from the intra luma prediction mode; obtaining a predicted block using the intra chroma prediction mode of the chroma component; obtaining residue by decoding the bitstream; and obtaining a restored image using the obtained residue and the obtained predicted block, wherein the intra luma prediction mode and the intra chroma prediction mode are used to determine a reference pixel from among adjacent pixels in a previously restored block when obtaining the predicted block, and wherein the obtained intra prediction mode information is decoded from the bitstream at a block level.

A reaction method includes a reaction step of reacting two or more substances with each other by using a pipette tip, attached to a pipette nozzle, for sucking or discharging a liquid to supply a liquid to a reaction field and remove the liquid from the reaction field a plurality of times. The reaction method further includes: a first process of, prior to the reaction step, detecting an end height of the pipette tip and setting a reference height of the pipette nozzle on the basis of the end height of the pipette tip; and a second process of correcting, in a course of the reaction step, the height of the pipette nozzle from the reference height so as to cancel out variation in the end height of the pipette tip due to a change in the temperature of the pipette tip.

1. A reaction method comprising reacting two or more substances with each other by using a pipette tip, attached to a pipette nozzle, for sucking or discharging a liquid to supply a liquid to a reaction field and remove the liquid from the reaction field a plurality of times, the reaction method further comprising: prior to the reaction step, detecting an end height of the pipette tip and setting a reference height of the pipette nozzle on the basis of the end height of the pipette tip; and correcting, in a course of the reaction step, the height of the pipette nozzle from the reference height so as to cancel out variation in the end height of the pipette tip due to a change in the temperature of the pipette tip. 2. The reaction method according to claim 1, wherein the correcting includes correcting the height of the pipette nozzle from the reference height so as to make the height of the pipette nozzle higher with respect to the reaction field. 3. The reaction method according to claim, wherein the correcting includes correcting the height of the pipette nozzle from the reference height in accordance with an elapsed time of the reaction step reacting. 4. The reaction method according to claim 3, wherein the correcting includes estimating the variation of the end height of the pipette tip on the basis of: a length on the pipette tip between the end and a portion fitting with the pipette nozzle; a linear expansion coefficient of the pipette tip; a variation of a temperature of the pipette tip with time; and an elapsed time of the reacting, and correcting the height of the pipette nozzle from the reference height on the basis of the estimated variation. 5. The reaction method according to claim 4, wherein a variation rate of the end height of the pipette tip decreases with time. 6. The reaction method according to claim 4, wherein the detecting further includes measuring a temperature around the pipette tip when the pipette tip is attached to the pipette nozzle by a first temperature measurer, and correcting the height of the pipette nozzle from the reference height in accordance with a maximum change amount of the temperature of the pipette tip estimated on the basis of the measured value. 7. The reaction method according to claim 4, wherein the detecting further includes measuring a temperature of the pipette tip by a second temperature measurer, and correcting the height of the pipette nozzle from the reference height in accordance with a maximum change amount of the temperature of the pipette tip estimated on the basis of the measured value. 8. The reaction method according to claim 1, wherein the detecting further includes measuring a temperature of the pipette tip by a second temperature measurer, and the correcting further includes measuring the temperature of the pipette tip by the second temperature measurer, as well as correcting the height of the pipette nozzle from the reference height in accordance with a difference between the temperature of the pipette tip measured by the second temperature measurer in the detecting at the time when the end height of the pipette tip is detected and the temperature of the pipette tip measured by the second temperature measurer in the reacting. 9. The reaction method according to claim 8, wherein the correcting includes correcting the reference height of the pipette nozzle on the basis of: a length on the pipette tip between the end and a portion fitting with the pipette nozzle; a linear expansion coefficient of the pipette tip; and a difference between the temperature of the pipette tip further measured by the second temperature measurer, the temperature of the pipette tip being the temperature at the time when the end height of the pipette tip is detected, measured by the second temperature measurer in the detecting and the temperature of the pipette tip measured by the second temperature measurer in the reacting. 10. The reaction method according to claim 1, wherein the pipette tip is formed of resin, and the linear expansion coefficient of the pipette tip is 5.8×10−5/° C. or more. 11. The reaction method according to claim 1, wherein the temperature of the pipette tip is adjusted by a temperature adjuster. 12. The reaction method according to claim 1, wherein the correcting is performed after the liquid is supplied to the reaction field and before the liquid is removed from the reaction field. 13. The reaction method according to claim 1, wherein the reaction field is arranged at a bottom surface of a flow path or at a bottom surface of a well, capable of storing a liquid, and the reacting includes an immune reaction in the reaction field. 14. The reaction method according to claim 2, wherein the correcting includes correcting the height of the pipette nozzle from the reference height in accordance with an elapsed time of the reacting. 15. The reaction method according to claim 2, wherein the detecting further includes measuring a temperature of the pipette tip by a second temperature measurer, and the correcting further includes measuring the temperature of the pipette tip by the second temperature measurer, as well as correcting the height of the pipette nozzle from the reference height in accordance with a difference between the temperature of the pipette tip measured by the second temperature measurer in the detecting at the time when the end height of the pipette tip is detected and the temperature of the pipette tip measured by the second temperature measurer in the reacting. 16. The reaction method according to claim 2, wherein the pipette tip is formed of resin, and the linear expansion coefficient of the pipette tip is 5.8×10−5/° C. or more. 17. The reaction method according to claim 2, wherein the temperature of the pipette tip is adjusted by a temperature adjuster. 18. The reaction method according to claim 2, wherein the correcting is performed after the liquid is supplied to the reaction field and before the liquid is removed from the reaction field. 19. The reaction method according to claim 2, wherein the reaction field is arranged at a bottom surface of a flow path or at a bottom surface of a well, capable of storing a liquid, and the reacting includes an immune reaction in the reaction field. 20. The reaction method according to claim 3, wherein the detecting further includes measuring a temperature of the pipette tip by a second temperature measurer, and the correcting further includes measuring the temperature of the pipette tip by the second temperature measurer, as well as correcting the height of the pipette nozzle from the reference height in accordance with a difference between the temperature of the pipette tip measured by the second temperature measurer in the detecting at the time when the end height of the pipette tip is detected and the temperature of the pipette tip measured by the second temperature measurer in the reacting.

A reaction method includes a reaction step of reacting two or more substances with each other by using a pipette tip, attached to a pipette nozzle, for sucking or discharging a liquid to supply a liquid to a reaction field and remove the liquid from the reaction field a plurality of times. The reaction method further includes: a first process of, prior to the reaction step, detecting an end height of the pipette tip and setting a reference height of the pipette nozzle on the basis of the end height of the pipette tip; and a second process of correcting, in a course of the reaction step, the height of the pipette nozzle from the reference height so as to cancel out variation in the end height of the pipette tip due to a change in the temperature of the pipette tip.1. A reaction method comprising reacting two or more substances with each other by using a pipette tip, attached to a pipette nozzle, for sucking or discharging a liquid to supply a liquid to a reaction field and remove the liquid from the reaction field a plurality of times, the reaction method further comprising: prior to the reaction step, detecting an end height of the pipette tip and setting a reference height of the pipette nozzle on the basis of the end height of the pipette tip; and correcting, in a course of the reaction step, the height of the pipette nozzle from the reference height so as to cancel out variation in the end height of the pipette tip due to a change in the temperature of the pipette tip. 2. The reaction method according to claim 1, wherein the correcting includes correcting the height of the pipette nozzle from the reference height so as to make the height of the pipette nozzle higher with respect to the reaction field. 3. The reaction method according to claim, wherein the correcting includes correcting the height of the pipette nozzle from the reference height in accordance with an elapsed time of the reaction step reacting. 4. The reaction method according to claim 3, wherein the correcting includes estimating the variation of the end height of the pipette tip on the basis of: a length on the pipette tip between the end and a portion fitting with the pipette nozzle; a linear expansion coefficient of the pipette tip; a variation of a temperature of the pipette tip with time; and an elapsed time of the reacting, and correcting the height of the pipette nozzle from the reference height on the basis of the estimated variation. 5. The reaction method according to claim 4, wherein a variation rate of the end height of the pipette tip decreases with time. 6. The reaction method according to claim 4, wherein the detecting further includes measuring a temperature around the pipette tip when the pipette tip is attached to the pipette nozzle by a first temperature measurer, and correcting the height of the pipette nozzle from the reference height in accordance with a maximum change amount of the temperature of the pipette tip estimated on the basis of the measured value. 7. The reaction method according to claim 4, wherein the detecting further includes measuring a temperature of the pipette tip by a second temperature measurer, and correcting the height of the pipette nozzle from the reference height in accordance with a maximum change amount of the temperature of the pipette tip estimated on the basis of the measured value. 8. The reaction method according to claim 1, wherein the detecting further includes measuring a temperature of the pipette tip by a second temperature measurer, and the correcting further includes measuring the temperature of the pipette tip by the second temperature measurer, as well as correcting the height of the pipette nozzle from the reference height in accordance with a difference between the temperature of the pipette tip measured by the second temperature measurer in the detecting at the time when the end height of the pipette tip is detected and the temperature of the pipette tip measured by the second temperature measurer in the reacting. 9. The reaction method according to claim 8, wherein the correcting includes correcting the reference height of the pipette nozzle on the basis of: a length on the pipette tip between the end and a portion fitting with the pipette nozzle; a linear expansion coefficient of the pipette tip; and a difference between the temperature of the pipette tip further measured by the second temperature measurer, the temperature of the pipette tip being the temperature at the time when the end height of the pipette tip is detected, measured by the second temperature measurer in the detecting and the temperature of the pipette tip measured by the second temperature measurer in the reacting. 10. The reaction method according to claim 1, wherein the pipette tip is formed of resin, and the linear expansion coefficient of the pipette tip is 5.8×10−5/° C. or more. 11. The reaction method according to claim 1, wherein the temperature of the pipette tip is adjusted by a temperature adjuster. 12. The reaction method according to claim 1, wherein the correcting is performed after the liquid is supplied to the reaction field and before the liquid is removed from the reaction field. 13. The reaction method according to claim 1, wherein the reaction field is arranged at a bottom surface of a flow path or at a bottom surface of a well, capable of storing a liquid, and the reacting includes an immune reaction in the reaction field. 14. The reaction method according to claim 2, wherein the correcting includes correcting the height of the pipette nozzle from the reference height in accordance with an elapsed time of the reacting. 15. The reaction method according to claim 2, wherein the detecting further includes measuring a temperature of the pipette tip by a second temperature measurer, and the correcting further includes measuring the temperature of the pipette tip by the second temperature measurer, as well as correcting the height of the pipette nozzle from the reference height in accordance with a difference between the temperature of the pipette tip measured by the second temperature measurer in the detecting at the time when the end height of the pipette tip is detected and the temperature of the pipette tip measured by the second temperature measurer in the reacting. 16. The reaction method according to claim 2, wherein the pipette tip is formed of resin, and the linear expansion coefficient of the pipette tip is 5.8×10−5/° C. or more. 17. The reaction method according to claim 2, wherein the temperature of the pipette tip is adjusted by a temperature adjuster. 18. The reaction method according to claim 2, wherein the correcting is performed after the liquid is supplied to the reaction field and before the liquid is removed from the reaction field. 19. The reaction method according to claim 2, wherein the reaction field is arranged at a bottom surface of a flow path or at a bottom surface of a well, capable of storing a liquid, and the reacting includes an immune reaction in the reaction field. 20. The reaction method according to claim 3, wherein the detecting further includes measuring a temperature of the pipette tip by a second temperature measurer, and the correcting further includes measuring the temperature of the pipette tip by the second temperature measurer, as well as correcting the height of the pipette nozzle from the reference height in accordance with a difference between the temperature of the pipette tip measured by the second temperature measurer in the detecting at the time when the end height of the pipette tip is detected and the temperature of the pipette tip measured by the second temperature measurer in the reacting.

A portable crafting tool, which may be readily transported from one location to another and placed on a tabletop or another suitable surface for use, and which includes rollers for applying pressure to a craft assembly, is disclosed. The craft assembly may include a platform with a tool, such as a cutting die, an embossing tool and/or a letterpress tool, a sheet of a medium (e.g., paper, vellum, acetate, foil, etc.) that is to be modified (as pressure is applied to the craft assembly) and a mat or a cover for positioning over the sheet of medium and the tool. The portable crafting tool may include a gap spacer, which adjusts a distance that the rollers are spaced apart from one another. The portable crafting tool may be configured for selective operation with a manually operated handle or with a motor that may be used in place of the handle. The portable crafting tool may be configured to engage a surface when it is deployed on the surface.

1. A portable crafting tool, comprising: a housing; a roller system carried at least partially within the housing, the roller system including: a pair of rollers, including a first roller and a second roller, that are spaced apart from one other by way of a gap, the first roller being capable of rotating in a first direction while the second roller rotates in a second direction opposite from the first direction; a handle; a motor; and a crank shaft capable of being rotated to cause at least one of the first roller and the second roller to rotate, the crank shaft capable of separately and releasably receiving: the handle for manual rotation of the crank shaft; and the motor for motorized rotation of the crank shaft. 2. The portable crafting tool of claim 1, wherein a distance across the gap is adjustable. 3. The portable crafting tool of claim 2, further comprising: a dial for controlling the distance across the gap. 4. The portable crafting tool of claim 3, further comprising: indicia on the housing, the indicia providing an indicator of a distance across the gap between the first roller and the second roller. 5. The portable crafting tool of claim 4, wherein the indicia provide an indicator of a type of assembly that may be introduced between and pressed by the first roller and the second roller based on the distance across the gap. 6. The portable crafting tool of claim 1, further comprising: a pair of trays on opposite sides of the housing, a first tray of the pair of trays capable of enabling a craft assembly to be introduced into the gap between the pair of rollers, a second tray of the pair of trays capable of receiving the craft assembly from the gap between the pair of rollers. 7. The portable crafting tool of claim 6, wherein each tray of the first tray and the second tray has a stowed position, in which the tray is positioned against a side of the housing, and a deployed position, in which the tray is positioned horizontally to provide access to the gap between the first roller and the second roller. 8. The portable crafting tool of claim 7, wherein each tray of the pair of trays is operably associated with a pair of feet, each foot of the pair of feet capable of engaging a surface upon which the foot is positioned when the tray is placed in the deployed position and to disengage the surface upon which the foot is positioned when the tray is placed in the stowed position. 9. The portable crafting tool of claim 8, wherein the foot and the tray are capable of generating suction against the surface when the tray is placed in the deployed position and to release the suction when the tray is placed in the stowed position. 10. The portable crafting tool of claim 1, wherein the handle includes a locking mechanism, the locking mechanism capable of retaining the handle in place on the crank shaft. 11. The portable crafting tool of claim 10, wherein the locking mechanism of the handle comprises a switch including a locked position and an unlocked position, the locked position capable of retaining the handle in place on the crank shaft, the unlocked position capable of enabling the handle to be coupled to the crank shaft and uncoupled from the crank shaft. 12. The portable crafting tool of claim 1, wherein the motor includes a locking mechanism. 13. The portable crafting tool of claim 12, wherein the locking mechanism of the motor is capable of releasably engaging the housing and, when coupled with the housing, of securely and stably holding the motor on the housing. 14. The portable crafting tool of claim 13, wherein: the housing includes a slot with a depressible hatch; and the locking mechanism includes a pair of locking features that are capable of being forced together, introduced into the slot, and biased apart from one another to engage edges of the slot. 15. A portable crafting tool, comprising: a housing; a roller system carried at least partially within the housing, the roller system including: a pair of rollers, including a first roller and a second roller, that are spaced apart from one other by way of a gap; and a crank shaft for causing at least one of the first roller and the second roller to rotate; a handle capable of enabling manual rotation of the crank shaft; and a motor capable of enabling motorized rotation of the crank shaft, each of the handle and the motor capable of being individually and releasably coupled to the crank shaft in a manner that facilitates rotation of the crank shaft. 16. The portable crafting tool of claim 15, wherein the handle includes a locking mechanism, the locking mechanism capable of retaining the handle in place on the crank shaft. 17. The portable crafting tool of claim 16, wherein the locking mechanism of the handle comprises a switch including a locked position and an unlocked position, the locked position capable of retaining the handle in place on the crank shaft, the unlocked position capable of enabling the handle to be coupled to the crank shaft and uncoupled from the crank shaft. 18. The portable crafting tool of claim 15, wherein the motor includes a locking mechanism. 19. The portable crafting tool of claim 18, wherein the locking mechanism of the motor is capable of releasably engaging the housing and, when coupled with the housing, of securely and stably holding the motor on the housing. 20. The portable crafting tool of claim 19, wherein: the housing includes a slot with a depressible hatch; and the locking mechanism includes a pair of locking features capable of being forced together, introduced into the slot, and biased apart from one another to engage edges of the slot.

A portable crafting tool, which may be readily transported from one location to another and placed on a tabletop or another suitable surface for use, and which includes rollers for applying pressure to a craft assembly, is disclosed. The craft assembly may include a platform with a tool, such as a cutting die, an embossing tool and/or a letterpress tool, a sheet of a medium (e.g., paper, vellum, acetate, foil, etc.) that is to be modified (as pressure is applied to the craft assembly) and a mat or a cover for positioning over the sheet of medium and the tool. The portable crafting tool may include a gap spacer, which adjusts a distance that the rollers are spaced apart from one another. The portable crafting tool may be configured for selective operation with a manually operated handle or with a motor that may be used in place of the handle. The portable crafting tool may be configured to engage a surface when it is deployed on the surface.1. A portable crafting tool, comprising: a housing; a roller system carried at least partially within the housing, the roller system including: a pair of rollers, including a first roller and a second roller, that are spaced apart from one other by way of a gap, the first roller being capable of rotating in a first direction while the second roller rotates in a second direction opposite from the first direction; a handle; a motor; and a crank shaft capable of being rotated to cause at least one of the first roller and the second roller to rotate, the crank shaft capable of separately and releasably receiving: the handle for manual rotation of the crank shaft; and the motor for motorized rotation of the crank shaft. 2. The portable crafting tool of claim 1, wherein a distance across the gap is adjustable. 3. The portable crafting tool of claim 2, further comprising: a dial for controlling the distance across the gap. 4. The portable crafting tool of claim 3, further comprising: indicia on the housing, the indicia providing an indicator of a distance across the gap between the first roller and the second roller. 5. The portable crafting tool of claim 4, wherein the indicia provide an indicator of a type of assembly that may be introduced between and pressed by the first roller and the second roller based on the distance across the gap. 6. The portable crafting tool of claim 1, further comprising: a pair of trays on opposite sides of the housing, a first tray of the pair of trays capable of enabling a craft assembly to be introduced into the gap between the pair of rollers, a second tray of the pair of trays capable of receiving the craft assembly from the gap between the pair of rollers. 7. The portable crafting tool of claim 6, wherein each tray of the first tray and the second tray has a stowed position, in which the tray is positioned against a side of the housing, and a deployed position, in which the tray is positioned horizontally to provide access to the gap between the first roller and the second roller. 8. The portable crafting tool of claim 7, wherein each tray of the pair of trays is operably associated with a pair of feet, each foot of the pair of feet capable of engaging a surface upon which the foot is positioned when the tray is placed in the deployed position and to disengage the surface upon which the foot is positioned when the tray is placed in the stowed position. 9. The portable crafting tool of claim 8, wherein the foot and the tray are capable of generating suction against the surface when the tray is placed in the deployed position and to release the suction when the tray is placed in the stowed position. 10. The portable crafting tool of claim 1, wherein the handle includes a locking mechanism, the locking mechanism capable of retaining the handle in place on the crank shaft. 11. The portable crafting tool of claim 10, wherein the locking mechanism of the handle comprises a switch including a locked position and an unlocked position, the locked position capable of retaining the handle in place on the crank shaft, the unlocked position capable of enabling the handle to be coupled to the crank shaft and uncoupled from the crank shaft. 12. The portable crafting tool of claim 1, wherein the motor includes a locking mechanism. 13. The portable crafting tool of claim 12, wherein the locking mechanism of the motor is capable of releasably engaging the housing and, when coupled with the housing, of securely and stably holding the motor on the housing. 14. The portable crafting tool of claim 13, wherein: the housing includes a slot with a depressible hatch; and the locking mechanism includes a pair of locking features that are capable of being forced together, introduced into the slot, and biased apart from one another to engage edges of the slot. 15. A portable crafting tool, comprising: a housing; a roller system carried at least partially within the housing, the roller system including: a pair of rollers, including a first roller and a second roller, that are spaced apart from one other by way of a gap; and a crank shaft for causing at least one of the first roller and the second roller to rotate; a handle capable of enabling manual rotation of the crank shaft; and a motor capable of enabling motorized rotation of the crank shaft, each of the handle and the motor capable of being individually and releasably coupled to the crank shaft in a manner that facilitates rotation of the crank shaft. 16. The portable crafting tool of claim 15, wherein the handle includes a locking mechanism, the locking mechanism capable of retaining the handle in place on the crank shaft. 17. The portable crafting tool of claim 16, wherein the locking mechanism of the handle comprises a switch including a locked position and an unlocked position, the locked position capable of retaining the handle in place on the crank shaft, the unlocked position capable of enabling the handle to be coupled to the crank shaft and uncoupled from the crank shaft. 18. The portable crafting tool of claim 15, wherein the motor includes a locking mechanism. 19. The portable crafting tool of claim 18, wherein the locking mechanism of the motor is capable of releasably engaging the housing and, when coupled with the housing, of securely and stably holding the motor on the housing. 20. The portable crafting tool of claim 19, wherein: the housing includes a slot with a depressible hatch; and the locking mechanism includes a pair of locking features capable of being forced together, introduced into the slot, and biased apart from one another to engage edges of the slot.

The invention pertains to a device for producing collections of sheet-like printed products from a supplied material strand, in which a switch feeds the product stream to a receiving cylinder via one of at least two collecting cylinders, as well as to a folding apparatus with such a collecting device.

1. An apparatus for producing collections (16) of sheet-like printed products from a strand (7) supplied in a transport direction by a transport device (1), the strand (7) having a width and consisting of an individual web (6) or multiple combined webs (6) and/or partial webs (6.1, 6.2, 6.3), said apparatus comprising: a cross-cutting device (2, 2′) downstream of the first transport device (1) in the transport direction (100), said cross-cutting device (2, 2′) separating successive sections and/or section batches (9, 9′) from the strand (7); a first collecting cylinder (31) rotatable about a first rotational axis (201), said first collecting cylinder (31) having a first diameter (301), an outer surface and at least one fixing device (30) on said outer surface, said fixing device (30) adapted to hold a section and/or section batch (9, 9′) received from the cross-cutting device (2, 2′) on said outer surface; a second collecting cylinder (32) rotatable about a second rotational axis (202) parallel with said first rotational axis (201), said second collecting cylinder (32) having a second diameter (302), an outer surface and at least one fixing device (30) adapted to hold a section and/or section batch (9, 9′) received from the cross cutting device (2, 2′) on said outer surface; a receiving cylinder (34) downstream from said first and second collecting cylinders (31, 32) in the transport direction (100) and rotatable about a third rotational axis (200) parallel with said first rotational axis (201) and said second rotational axis (202), said receiving cylinder (34) having an outer surface and multiple fixing devices (30.1, 30.2, 30.3, 30.4) adapted to hold sections and/or section batches (9, 9′) transferred from said first collecting cylinder (31) or said second collecting cylinder (32) on said outer surface; and a controllable switch (5) that is arranged downstream of the cutting device (2, 2′) and upstream of the first and second collecting cylinders (31, 32) in the transport direction (100), said controllable switch (5) selectively feeds the sections and/or section batches (9, 9′) to the first collecting cylinder (31) or the second collecting cylinder (32). 2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein said receiving cylinder (34) includes at least first set of fixing devices (30.1, 30.3) and a second set of fixing devices (30.1, 30.2, 30.4), each set of fixing devices (30.1, 30.3) (30.1, 30.2, 30.4) being uniformly distributed about a circumference of said receiving cylinder (34), a first distance between the fixing devices (30.1, 30.3) of the first set defining a first pitch (101) and a second distance between the fixing devices of the second set (30.2, 30.4) defining a second pitch (102). 3. The apparatus of claim 2, wherein the first pitch (101) corresponds to a non-integral multiple of the second pitch (102). 4. The apparatus of claim 2, wherein at least one fixing device (30.1) is assigned to both said first set of fixing devices (30.1, 30.3) and said second set of fixing devices (30.1, 30.2, 30.4). 5. The apparatus of claim 2, wherein said first diameter (301) corresponds to an integral multiple of said first pitch (101) and said second diameter (302) corresponds to an integral multiple of said second pitch (102). 6. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein said first collecting cylinder (31) rotates in a first direction, and said second collecting cylinder (32) rotates in a second direction opposite said first direction, and said receiving cylinder (34) is controllable to rotate in either said first direction or in said second direction. 7. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein said cross-cutting device (2, 2′) is driven by a controllable drive (401) and adapted to separate sections and/or section batches (9, 9′) of different length from the strand (7). 8. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein said cross-cutting device (2, 2′) includes at least one cutting cylinder (21, 21′, 22, 22′) that extends at least over the width of the strand (7). 9. The apparatus of claim 7, comprising a controller (400) operatively connected to said controllable switch (5) and the controllable drive (401) of the cross-cutting device (2. 2′), said controller determining a length of said sections and/or section batches (9, 9′) separated from the strand (7) and operating said controllable switch (5) to direct said sections and/or section batches (9, 9′) to either said first collecting cylinder 31 or said second collecting cylinder (32). 10. The apparatus of claim 9, wherein said first diameter (301) is greater than said second diameter (302) and said controller (400) operates said controllable switch (5) to direct sections and/or section batches (9, 9′) to either said first collecting cylinder (31) or said second collecting cylinder (32) based on the length of the sections and/or section batches (9, 9′) separated from the strand (7). 11. The apparatus of claim 1, comprising: a folding device (40) downstream of the receiving cylinder (34) in the transport direction (100), said folding device at least one folding knife (41) and a pair of folding rollers (42) downstream from the folding knife (41) in the transport direction (100), said folding device (40) folding sections and/or section batches (9, 9′) received from said receiving cylinder (34).

The invention pertains to a device for producing collections of sheet-like printed products from a supplied material strand, in which a switch feeds the product stream to a receiving cylinder via one of at least two collecting cylinders, as well as to a folding apparatus with such a collecting device.1. An apparatus for producing collections (16) of sheet-like printed products from a strand (7) supplied in a transport direction by a transport device (1), the strand (7) having a width and consisting of an individual web (6) or multiple combined webs (6) and/or partial webs (6.1, 6.2, 6.3), said apparatus comprising: a cross-cutting device (2, 2′) downstream of the first transport device (1) in the transport direction (100), said cross-cutting device (2, 2′) separating successive sections and/or section batches (9, 9′) from the strand (7); a first collecting cylinder (31) rotatable about a first rotational axis (201), said first collecting cylinder (31) having a first diameter (301), an outer surface and at least one fixing device (30) on said outer surface, said fixing device (30) adapted to hold a section and/or section batch (9, 9′) received from the cross-cutting device (2, 2′) on said outer surface; a second collecting cylinder (32) rotatable about a second rotational axis (202) parallel with said first rotational axis (201), said second collecting cylinder (32) having a second diameter (302), an outer surface and at least one fixing device (30) adapted to hold a section and/or section batch (9, 9′) received from the cross cutting device (2, 2′) on said outer surface; a receiving cylinder (34) downstream from said first and second collecting cylinders (31, 32) in the transport direction (100) and rotatable about a third rotational axis (200) parallel with said first rotational axis (201) and said second rotational axis (202), said receiving cylinder (34) having an outer surface and multiple fixing devices (30.1, 30.2, 30.3, 30.4) adapted to hold sections and/or section batches (9, 9′) transferred from said first collecting cylinder (31) or said second collecting cylinder (32) on said outer surface; and a controllable switch (5) that is arranged downstream of the cutting device (2, 2′) and upstream of the first and second collecting cylinders (31, 32) in the transport direction (100), said controllable switch (5) selectively feeds the sections and/or section batches (9, 9′) to the first collecting cylinder (31) or the second collecting cylinder (32). 2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein said receiving cylinder (34) includes at least first set of fixing devices (30.1, 30.3) and a second set of fixing devices (30.1, 30.2, 30.4), each set of fixing devices (30.1, 30.3) (30.1, 30.2, 30.4) being uniformly distributed about a circumference of said receiving cylinder (34), a first distance between the fixing devices (30.1, 30.3) of the first set defining a first pitch (101) and a second distance between the fixing devices of the second set (30.2, 30.4) defining a second pitch (102). 3. The apparatus of claim 2, wherein the first pitch (101) corresponds to a non-integral multiple of the second pitch (102). 4. The apparatus of claim 2, wherein at least one fixing device (30.1) is assigned to both said first set of fixing devices (30.1, 30.3) and said second set of fixing devices (30.1, 30.2, 30.4). 5. The apparatus of claim 2, wherein said first diameter (301) corresponds to an integral multiple of said first pitch (101) and said second diameter (302) corresponds to an integral multiple of said second pitch (102). 6. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein said first collecting cylinder (31) rotates in a first direction, and said second collecting cylinder (32) rotates in a second direction opposite said first direction, and said receiving cylinder (34) is controllable to rotate in either said first direction or in said second direction. 7. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein said cross-cutting device (2, 2′) is driven by a controllable drive (401) and adapted to separate sections and/or section batches (9, 9′) of different length from the strand (7). 8. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein said cross-cutting device (2, 2′) includes at least one cutting cylinder (21, 21′, 22, 22′) that extends at least over the width of the strand (7). 9. The apparatus of claim 7, comprising a controller (400) operatively connected to said controllable switch (5) and the controllable drive (401) of the cross-cutting device (2. 2′), said controller determining a length of said sections and/or section batches (9, 9′) separated from the strand (7) and operating said controllable switch (5) to direct said sections and/or section batches (9, 9′) to either said first collecting cylinder 31 or said second collecting cylinder (32). 10. The apparatus of claim 9, wherein said first diameter (301) is greater than said second diameter (302) and said controller (400) operates said controllable switch (5) to direct sections and/or section batches (9, 9′) to either said first collecting cylinder (31) or said second collecting cylinder (32) based on the length of the sections and/or section batches (9, 9′) separated from the strand (7). 11. The apparatus of claim 1, comprising: a folding device (40) downstream of the receiving cylinder (34) in the transport direction (100), said folding device at least one folding knife (41) and a pair of folding rollers (42) downstream from the folding knife (41) in the transport direction (100), said folding device (40) folding sections and/or section batches (9, 9′) received from said receiving cylinder (34).

In accordance with an embodiment, a sheet processing apparatus, containing a controller that acquires a predetermined data associated with a physical quantity of one of a driving motor or a driven member driven by the motor based on a predetermined signal, compare the predetermined data with a threshold value, and determine whether to transmit a request for increasing a discharge interval of a sheet based on the comparative result.

1. A sheet processing apparatus, comprising: a sheet processing section configured to carry out a post-processing on a sheet discharged from an image forming apparatus; a motor configured to drive a driven member of the sheet processing section; an encoder configured to output a predetermined signal based on a rotation of an axis to which rotational force of the motor is transmitted; a memory configured to store a threshold value; and a controller configured to acquire a predetermined data associated with a physical quantity of one of the driving motor or the driven member driven by the motor based on the predetermined signal, compare the predetermined data with the threshold value, and determine whether to transmit a request for increasing a discharge interval of the sheet discharged from the image forming apparatus to the image forming apparatus based on the comparative result. 2. The sheet processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the encoder is configured to convert a rotation of the axis of the motor to which rotational force of the motor is transmitted to a pulse. 3. The sheet processing apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the controller is configured to acquire a moving distance of the driven member per predetermined time from a counted number obtained by counting the pulses converted by the encoder, and transmit the request to the image forming apparatus if the moving distance is smaller than the threshold value. 4. The sheet processing apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the memory is further configured to store a predetermined value; and the controller is configured to acquire a moving distance of the driven member per predetermined time from a counted number obtained by counting pulses converted by the encoder, acquire a ratio of the moving distance and the predetermined value, and determine whether to transmit the request to the image forming apparatus based on the comparative result of the ratio and the threshold value. 5. The sheet processing apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the controller is configured to acquire a counted number per predetermined time by counting the pulses converted by the encoder, and transmit the request to the image forming apparatus if the counted number per predetermined time is smaller than the threshold value. 6. The sheet processing apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the memory is further configured to store a predetermined value; and the controller is configured to acquire a counted number of the pulse per predetermined time based on the pulses converted by the encoder, acquire a ratio of the counted number and the predetermined value, and determine whether to transmit the request to the image forming apparatus based on the comparative result of the ratio and the threshold value. 7. The sheet processing apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the sheet processing section is a blade of a punch which punches a hole on the sheet stopped at a punch processing position, and the controller is configured to transmit the request to the image forming apparatus and extend a time in which the sheet to be made a hole by the punch is stopped. 8. A control method of a sheet processing apparatus which comprises a sheet processing section configured to carry out a sheet processing on a sheet discharged from an image forming apparatus, a motor configured to drive a driven member of the sheet processing section and a memory configured to store a threshold value, comprising receiving a predetermined signal output by an encoder based on a rotation of an axis to which rotational force of the motor is transmitted; acquiring a predetermined data associated with a physical quantity of one of the driving motor or the driven member driven by the motor based on the predetermined signal; comparing the predetermined data with the threshold value; and determining whether to transmit a request for increasing a discharge interval of the sheet discharged from the image forming apparatus to the image forming apparatus based on the comparative result. 9. The method according to claim 8, wherein the predetermined signal is a pulse converted, by the encoder, from a rotation of the axis of the motor to which rotational force of the motor is transmitted. 10. The method according to claim 8, wherein the predetermined data is a moving distance of the driven member, and the method further comprising: acquiring the moving distance of the driven member from a counted number obtained by counting the pulses; and transmitting the request to the image forming apparatus if the moving distance is smaller than the threshold value. 11. The method according to claim 9, wherein the memory is further configured to store a predetermined value; and the method further comprising: acquiring a moving distance of the driven member per predetermined time from a counted number obtained by counting the pulses, acquiring a ratio of the moving distance and the predetermined value, and determining whether to transmit the request to the image forming apparatus based on the comparative result of the ratio and the threshold value. 12. The method according to claim 9, further comprising acquiring a counted number of the pulse per predetermined time based on the pulses; and transmitting the request to the image forming apparatus if the counted number per predetermined time is smaller than the threshold value. 13. The method according to claim 9, wherein the memory is further configured to store a predetermined value; and the method further comprising: acquiring a counted number of the pulse per predetermined time based on the pulses, acquiring a ratio of the counted number and the predetermined value, and determining whether to transmit the request to the image forming apparatus based on the comparative result of the ratio and the threshold value. 14. The method according to claim 10, wherein the sheet processing section is a blade of a punch which punches a hole on the sheet stopped at a punch processing position, and the method further comprising: if the request is transmitted to the image forming apparatus, extending a time for stopping the sheet to be made a hole by the punch at the punch processing position.

In accordance with an embodiment, a sheet processing apparatus, containing a controller that acquires a predetermined data associated with a physical quantity of one of a driving motor or a driven member driven by the motor based on a predetermined signal, compare the predetermined data with a threshold value, and determine whether to transmit a request for increasing a discharge interval of a sheet based on the comparative result.1. A sheet processing apparatus, comprising: a sheet processing section configured to carry out a post-processing on a sheet discharged from an image forming apparatus; a motor configured to drive a driven member of the sheet processing section; an encoder configured to output a predetermined signal based on a rotation of an axis to which rotational force of the motor is transmitted; a memory configured to store a threshold value; and a controller configured to acquire a predetermined data associated with a physical quantity of one of the driving motor or the driven member driven by the motor based on the predetermined signal, compare the predetermined data with the threshold value, and determine whether to transmit a request for increasing a discharge interval of the sheet discharged from the image forming apparatus to the image forming apparatus based on the comparative result. 2. The sheet processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the encoder is configured to convert a rotation of the axis of the motor to which rotational force of the motor is transmitted to a pulse. 3. The sheet processing apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the controller is configured to acquire a moving distance of the driven member per predetermined time from a counted number obtained by counting the pulses converted by the encoder, and transmit the request to the image forming apparatus if the moving distance is smaller than the threshold value. 4. The sheet processing apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the memory is further configured to store a predetermined value; and the controller is configured to acquire a moving distance of the driven member per predetermined time from a counted number obtained by counting pulses converted by the encoder, acquire a ratio of the moving distance and the predetermined value, and determine whether to transmit the request to the image forming apparatus based on the comparative result of the ratio and the threshold value. 5. The sheet processing apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the controller is configured to acquire a counted number per predetermined time by counting the pulses converted by the encoder, and transmit the request to the image forming apparatus if the counted number per predetermined time is smaller than the threshold value. 6. The sheet processing apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the memory is further configured to store a predetermined value; and the controller is configured to acquire a counted number of the pulse per predetermined time based on the pulses converted by the encoder, acquire a ratio of the counted number and the predetermined value, and determine whether to transmit the request to the image forming apparatus based on the comparative result of the ratio and the threshold value. 7. The sheet processing apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the sheet processing section is a blade of a punch which punches a hole on the sheet stopped at a punch processing position, and the controller is configured to transmit the request to the image forming apparatus and extend a time in which the sheet to be made a hole by the punch is stopped. 8. A control method of a sheet processing apparatus which comprises a sheet processing section configured to carry out a sheet processing on a sheet discharged from an image forming apparatus, a motor configured to drive a driven member of the sheet processing section and a memory configured to store a threshold value, comprising receiving a predetermined signal output by an encoder based on a rotation of an axis to which rotational force of the motor is transmitted; acquiring a predetermined data associated with a physical quantity of one of the driving motor or the driven member driven by the motor based on the predetermined signal; comparing the predetermined data with the threshold value; and determining whether to transmit a request for increasing a discharge interval of the sheet discharged from the image forming apparatus to the image forming apparatus based on the comparative result. 9. The method according to claim 8, wherein the predetermined signal is a pulse converted, by the encoder, from a rotation of the axis of the motor to which rotational force of the motor is transmitted. 10. The method according to claim 8, wherein the predetermined data is a moving distance of the driven member, and the method further comprising: acquiring the moving distance of the driven member from a counted number obtained by counting the pulses; and transmitting the request to the image forming apparatus if the moving distance is smaller than the threshold value. 11. The method according to claim 9, wherein the memory is further configured to store a predetermined value; and the method further comprising: acquiring a moving distance of the driven member per predetermined time from a counted number obtained by counting the pulses, acquiring a ratio of the moving distance and the predetermined value, and determining whether to transmit the request to the image forming apparatus based on the comparative result of the ratio and the threshold value. 12. The method according to claim 9, further comprising acquiring a counted number of the pulse per predetermined time based on the pulses; and transmitting the request to the image forming apparatus if the counted number per predetermined time is smaller than the threshold value. 13. The method according to claim 9, wherein the memory is further configured to store a predetermined value; and the method further comprising: acquiring a counted number of the pulse per predetermined time based on the pulses, acquiring a ratio of the counted number and the predetermined value, and determining whether to transmit the request to the image forming apparatus based on the comparative result of the ratio and the threshold value. 14. The method according to claim 10, wherein the sheet processing section is a blade of a punch which punches a hole on the sheet stopped at a punch processing position, and the method further comprising: if the request is transmitted to the image forming apparatus, extending a time for stopping the sheet to be made a hole by the punch at the punch processing position.

A computer-implemented method is provided for estimating the remaining life of a structure being monitored by a sensor. The method includes: receiving data from a sensor, where the data is indicative of strain experienced by a structure and is reported as a plurality of cumulative distribution functions; extracting a probability density function from the data received from the sensor; computing a damage index for the structure from parameters of the probability density function, where the damage index is indicative of damage to the structure accumulated over time; and estimating a remaining life of the structure using the damage index.

1. A method for monitoring a wind turbine blade, comprising: capturing, by a sensor disposed on a wind turbine blade, an amount of energy absorbed by the wind turbine blade at location of the sensor and storing the captured amount of energy as a plurality of cumulative distribution functions, where the sensor employs a piezoelectric transducer; extracting a probability density function from the plurality of cumulative distribution functions by fitting data from the plurality of cumulative distribution functions to an equation which expresses the cumulative distribution function in terms of the parameters of the probability density function; computing a damage index for the wind turbine blade from parameters of the probability density function, where the damage index is indicative of damage to the wind turbine blade accumulated over time; and estimating a remaining life of the wind turbine blade using the damage index; comparing the remaining life of the wind turbine blade to a threshold; and generating an alert for the wind turbine blade in response to the remaining life of the wind turbine blade being less than the threshold. 2. The method of claim 1 wherein the parameters of the cumulative distribution function are further defined as mean of strain distribution, standard deviation of strain distribution and total cumulative time of strain applied to the structure. 3. The method of claim 1 wherein the damage index is defined as a ratio of elastic moduli for the structure at a given time in relation to elastic moduli of the structure at a baseline condition. 4. The method of claim 1 wherein the damage index is expressed as a ratio of mean of cumulative strain experienced by the structure at the time the data was reported by the sensor in relation to mean of cumulative strain experience by the structure at a baseline condition. 5. The method of claim 4 wherein the damage index is further expressed as a variance of the ratio and a reliability measure of the ratio. 6. The method of claim 1 further comprises estimating a remaining life of the structure using a linear damage accumulation rule. 7. The method of claim 1 wherein estimating a remaining life of the structure further comprises defining a lifetime variable as time, T, at which the structure experiences a failure with a cumulative distribution function, where the cumulative distribution function is expressed as probability of the damage index at time T being higher that the damage index at failure; and estimating the lifetime variable to be the expectation of the survival probability function, where the lifetime variable is expressed as a function of the damage index. 8. The method of claim 1 further comprises monitoring the strain experienced by the structure using a self-powered sensor, where the self-powered sensor includes a piezoelectric transducer embedded in the structure, a non-volatile memory comprised of at least one floating gate transistor and a current reference circuit having a floating gate transistor operating in a weak-inversion mode, the current reference circuit adapted to receive a voltage signal from the piezeoelectric transducer and output an injection current into the non-volatile memory. 9. The method of claim 1 further comprises repairing the wind turbine blade in response to receiving the alert. 10. A method for monitoring a wind turbine blade, comprising: receiving design data for the wind turbine blade; performing finite element analysis on the design data to thereby identify at least one location on the wind turbine blade susceptible to damage; mounting a sensor on the wind turbine blade at the identified location; capturing, by the sensor, amount of energy absorbed by the wind turbine blade at location of the sensor and storing the captured amount of energy as a plurality of cumulative distribution functions, where the sensor employs a piezoelectric transducer; extracting a probability density function from the plurality of cumulative distribution functions by fitting data from the plurality of cumulative distribution functions to an equation which expresses the cumulative distribution function in terms of the parameters of the probability density function; computing a damage index for the wind turbine blade from parameters of the probability density function, where the damage index is indicative of damage to the wind turbine blade accumulated over time; and presenting the damage index on a display of a computing device. 11. The method of claim 10 wherein the parameters of the cumulative distribution function are further defined as mean of strain distribution, standard deviation of strain distribution and total cumulative time of strain applied to the structure. 12. The method of claim 10 wherein the damage index is defined as a ratio of elastic moduli for the structure at a given time in relation to elastic moduli of the structure at a baseline condition. 13. The method of claim 10 wherein the damage index is expressed as a ratio of mean of cumulative strain experienced by the structure at the time the data was reported by the sensor in relation to mean of cumulative strain experience by the structure at a baseline condition. 14. The method of claim 13 wherein the damage index is further expressed as a variance of the ratio and a reliability measure of the ratio. 15. The method of claim 10 further comprises estimating a remaining life of the structure of the wind turbine blade based on the damage index using a linear damage accumulation rule. 16. The method of claim 15 wherein estimating a remaining life of the structure further comprises defining a lifetime variable as time, T, at which the structure experiences a failure with a cumulative distribution function, where the cumulative distribution function is expressed as probability of the damage index at time T being higher that the damage index at failure; and estimating the lifetime variable to be the expectation of the survival probability function, where the lifetime variable is expressed as a function of the damage index. 17. The method of claim 10 further comprises monitoring the strain experienced by the structure using a self-powered sensor, where the self-powered sensor includes a piezoelectric transducer embedded in the structure, a non-volatile memory comprised of at least one floating gate transistor and a current reference circuit having a floating gate transistor operating in a weak-inversion mode, the current reference circuit adapted to receive a voltage signal from the piezeoelectric transducer and output an injection current into the non-volatile memory.

A computer-implemented method is provided for estimating the remaining life of a structure being monitored by a sensor. The method includes: receiving data from a sensor, where the data is indicative of strain experienced by a structure and is reported as a plurality of cumulative distribution functions; extracting a probability density function from the data received from the sensor; computing a damage index for the structure from parameters of the probability density function, where the damage index is indicative of damage to the structure accumulated over time; and estimating a remaining life of the structure using the damage index.1. A method for monitoring a wind turbine blade, comprising: capturing, by a sensor disposed on a wind turbine blade, an amount of energy absorbed by the wind turbine blade at location of the sensor and storing the captured amount of energy as a plurality of cumulative distribution functions, where the sensor employs a piezoelectric transducer; extracting a probability density function from the plurality of cumulative distribution functions by fitting data from the plurality of cumulative distribution functions to an equation which expresses the cumulative distribution function in terms of the parameters of the probability density function; computing a damage index for the wind turbine blade from parameters of the probability density function, where the damage index is indicative of damage to the wind turbine blade accumulated over time; and estimating a remaining life of the wind turbine blade using the damage index; comparing the remaining life of the wind turbine blade to a threshold; and generating an alert for the wind turbine blade in response to the remaining life of the wind turbine blade being less than the threshold. 2. The method of claim 1 wherein the parameters of the cumulative distribution function are further defined as mean of strain distribution, standard deviation of strain distribution and total cumulative time of strain applied to the structure. 3. The method of claim 1 wherein the damage index is defined as a ratio of elastic moduli for the structure at a given time in relation to elastic moduli of the structure at a baseline condition. 4. The method of claim 1 wherein the damage index is expressed as a ratio of mean of cumulative strain experienced by the structure at the time the data was reported by the sensor in relation to mean of cumulative strain experience by the structure at a baseline condition. 5. The method of claim 4 wherein the damage index is further expressed as a variance of the ratio and a reliability measure of the ratio. 6. The method of claim 1 further comprises estimating a remaining life of the structure using a linear damage accumulation rule. 7. The method of claim 1 wherein estimating a remaining life of the structure further comprises defining a lifetime variable as time, T, at which the structure experiences a failure with a cumulative distribution function, where the cumulative distribution function is expressed as probability of the damage index at time T being higher that the damage index at failure; and estimating the lifetime variable to be the expectation of the survival probability function, where the lifetime variable is expressed as a function of the damage index. 8. The method of claim 1 further comprises monitoring the strain experienced by the structure using a self-powered sensor, where the self-powered sensor includes a piezoelectric transducer embedded in the structure, a non-volatile memory comprised of at least one floating gate transistor and a current reference circuit having a floating gate transistor operating in a weak-inversion mode, the current reference circuit adapted to receive a voltage signal from the piezeoelectric transducer and output an injection current into the non-volatile memory. 9. The method of claim 1 further comprises repairing the wind turbine blade in response to receiving the alert. 10. A method for monitoring a wind turbine blade, comprising: receiving design data for the wind turbine blade; performing finite element analysis on the design data to thereby identify at least one location on the wind turbine blade susceptible to damage; mounting a sensor on the wind turbine blade at the identified location; capturing, by the sensor, amount of energy absorbed by the wind turbine blade at location of the sensor and storing the captured amount of energy as a plurality of cumulative distribution functions, where the sensor employs a piezoelectric transducer; extracting a probability density function from the plurality of cumulative distribution functions by fitting data from the plurality of cumulative distribution functions to an equation which expresses the cumulative distribution function in terms of the parameters of the probability density function; computing a damage index for the wind turbine blade from parameters of the probability density function, where the damage index is indicative of damage to the wind turbine blade accumulated over time; and presenting the damage index on a display of a computing device. 11. The method of claim 10 wherein the parameters of the cumulative distribution function are further defined as mean of strain distribution, standard deviation of strain distribution and total cumulative time of strain applied to the structure. 12. The method of claim 10 wherein the damage index is defined as a ratio of elastic moduli for the structure at a given time in relation to elastic moduli of the structure at a baseline condition. 13. The method of claim 10 wherein the damage index is expressed as a ratio of mean of cumulative strain experienced by the structure at the time the data was reported by the sensor in relation to mean of cumulative strain experience by the structure at a baseline condition. 14. The method of claim 13 wherein the damage index is further expressed as a variance of the ratio and a reliability measure of the ratio. 15. The method of claim 10 further comprises estimating a remaining life of the structure of the wind turbine blade based on the damage index using a linear damage accumulation rule. 16. The method of claim 15 wherein estimating a remaining life of the structure further comprises defining a lifetime variable as time, T, at which the structure experiences a failure with a cumulative distribution function, where the cumulative distribution function is expressed as probability of the damage index at time T being higher that the damage index at failure; and estimating the lifetime variable to be the expectation of the survival probability function, where the lifetime variable is expressed as a function of the damage index. 17. The method of claim 10 further comprises monitoring the strain experienced by the structure using a self-powered sensor, where the self-powered sensor includes a piezoelectric transducer embedded in the structure, a non-volatile memory comprised of at least one floating gate transistor and a current reference circuit having a floating gate transistor operating in a weak-inversion mode, the current reference circuit adapted to receive a voltage signal from the piezeoelectric transducer and output an injection current into the non-volatile memory.

A pad printing machine is arranged for enabling the transfer and application of multiple layers of ink from an ink source both into and onto an ink receiving member. The pad printing machine comprises a depth enhanced ink well (about 0.0015 to about 0.0035 inches deep) for peripherally enclosing an absorbable pattern of ink, a vertically and horizontally displaceable temperature controlled ink transfer print pad, and a temperature controlled printable item support print fixture for supporting an ink receiving printable item member, to enable multiple layers of ink to be simultaneously transferred after pickup by the print pad as one layer, and inversely and simultaneously applied as multiple layers into and onto the ink receiving printable item member on the support print fixture.

1. A pad printing arrangement for enabling the transfer and simultaneous application of multiple layers of ink from a common ink source into and onto an ink receiving member, comprising: a depth-enhanced image source ink well for peripherally enclosing an absorbable pattern of ink; a vertically and horizontally displaceable temperature controlled ink transfer print pad; and a printable-item support print fixture for supporting an ink receiving printable item member, to enable multiple layers of ink to be simultaneously transferred after pickup by the print pad as one layer, and inversely and simultaneously applied as multiple layers both into and onto the ink receiving printable item member on the support print fixture. 2. The pad printing arrangement as recited in claim 1 wherein a dual layer of picked up ink is carried by the temperature controlled print pad to a printable item supported on the print fixture. 3. The pad printing arrangement as recited in claim 1 wherein the depth enhanced image source ink well has a depth of at least about 0.0015 to about 0.0035 inches. 4. The pad printing arrangement as recited in claim 1 wherein the printable item support print fixture is temperature controlled. 5. The pad printing arrangement as recited in claim 3, wherein the depth enhanced ink well is temperature controlled. 6. The pad printing arrangement as recited in claim 5, wherein the depth enhanced inkwell is heated above ambient temperature. 7. The pad printing arrangement as recited in claim 1, wherein the temperature of the print pad and the print fixture is governed by a system control computer member. 8. The pad printing arrangement as recited in claim 1, wherein the print pad has a temperature sensor which tracks the temperature thereof. 9. The pad printing arrangement as recited in claim 8, wherein the temperature sensor is an articulable temperature sensing device to monitor the surface of the print pad by following any vertical and horizontal displacement thereof. 10. The pad printing arrangement as recited in claim 8, wherein the temperature sensor is an array of thermocouples implanted within the print pad so as to monitor and provide feedback control for the surface of the print pad. 11. The pad printing arrangement as recited in claim 7, wherein the temperature sensor monitor regulates the temperature of the print pad through communication with the system control computer member. 12. The pad printing arrangement as recited in claim 1, wherein the print pad carries a first layer of dense opaque ink immediately on a surface thereof and a second peripherally contiguous layer of wetted printable-item absorbable ink, for absorption in and attachment on the printable item. 13. A process for simultaneously printing multiple layers of ink from a single ink source to an ink receiving member comprising: providing a pre-configured, etched enhanced depth ink source; engaging a heated print pad onto the ink source to coat the heated print pad with a pre-configured layer of ink; heating the print pad to warm the ink evenly across its surface; dissipating volatiles from an outer surface of the pre-configured layer of ink forming a second or wetted surface layer of pre-configured ink while maintaining a first or dense/opaque sub-surface layer of pre-configured ink on the heated print pad during movement of the print pad from ink pick up to ink deposition; applying the wetted sub-surface layer of pre-configured ink into the ink receiving member arranged on a printable item on the support print fixture. 14. The process for printing multiple layers of ink from a single ink source to an ink receiving member as recited in claim 13, including: applying the first dense/opaque layer of pre-configured ink on top of the second surface of ink applied into an ink receiving printable item. 15. The process for printing multiple layers of ink from a single ink source to an ink receiving member as recited in claim 14, including: heating the printable item support print fixture. 16. The process for printing multiple layers of ink from a single ink source to an ink receiving member as recited in claim 14, including: monitoring the temperature of the print pad during a displacement thereof from ink pickup at an ink source to ink disposition on a printable item. 17. The process for printing multiple layers of ink from a single ink source to an ink receiving member as recited in claim 14, including: controlling the temperature of the heat pad through a computer connected therewith, to maintain ink temperature and volatile displacement of the wetted layer prior to application of the ink to a printed item. 18. The process for printing multiple layers of ink from a single ink source to an ink receiving member as recited in claim 17, including: following displacement of the print pad with an articulable temperature sensor from ink pickup to ink deposit onto a printable item. 19. The process for printing multiple layers of ink from a single ink source to an ink receiving member as recited in claim 18, including: maintaining the temperature of the print pad to a range of about 230 to 270 degrees F. 20. A system for applying an enhanced opaque multi-layer applique of pre-configured ink onto a receiving surface, wherein the system effects the transition of a single layer of pre-configured ink into a multiple pre-configured layer arrangement of different ink consistencies, the system comprising: a heat controlled pre-configuration of ink engaged by a temperature controlled articulable print pad which dissipates ink volatiles in the transition from an ink pickup location to inversely applied ink deposition as a multiple-layer, pre-configured ink pattern on the receiving member supported on a print fixture, wherein a pad-outer-ink layer, which is a volatile-free layer, and a pad-dense-inner-layer inversely become respectively, the dense, opaque receiving-member outer-layer and the innermost wetted layer when they both are simultaneously applied to the surface of the receiving member at a ink deposition location. 21. The system as recited in claim 20, wherein the temperature of the print pad is maintained at a desired range of about 230 to 270 degrees F. 22. The system as recited in claim 21, including an articulable temperature sensing monitor which follows the print pad from its ink pick up location to the print pad's ink deposition location. 23. The system as recited in claim 22 wherein the sensing monitor provides temperature feedback to a system computer to adjust the temperature of the print pad within the desired range. 24. The system as recited in claim 20, wherein the print fixture supporting an item to be printed, is heated by a heating arrangement therewith. 25. The system as recited in claim 24, wherein the system computer controls the temperature of the print fixture within the desired range. 26. A textile garment receiving material with a multiple-layer concomitantly-applied ink display pattern therewith, the multiple layer ink display pattern arranged so as to provide an opaque product indicia, the multiple-layer concomitantly-applied display pattern comprised of: a wetted layer of a pre-configured pattern of ink absorbed into the textile garment receiving material; and an opaque, concomitantly applied dense layer of ink corresponding to the pre-configured pattern of ink, overlaying the wetted layer absorbed into the textile garment receiving material. 27. The textile garment as recited in claim 26, wherein the applied multiple-layer pattern of ink is applied to the garment at a temperature of about 220 to 260 degrees F. 28. The textile garment as recited in claim 26, wherein the applied multiple-layer of ink is about 0.0022 to about 0.0030 inches thick. 29. The textile garment as recited in claim 26, wherein the applied multiple-layers of ink are of different consistencies from one another. 30. The textile garment as recited in claim 26, wherein the applied multiple-layer pattern of ink is applied to the garment having a temperature of about 220 to 260 degrees F. 31. The textile garment as recited in claim 30, wherein the garment is supported on a heated printable item support which is heated to a temperature of about 220 to 260 degrees F. 32. The textile garment as recited in claim 26, wherein the opaque layer of ink is applied to the garment is a surface layer.

A pad printing machine is arranged for enabling the transfer and application of multiple layers of ink from an ink source both into and onto an ink receiving member. The pad printing machine comprises a depth enhanced ink well (about 0.0015 to about 0.0035 inches deep) for peripherally enclosing an absorbable pattern of ink, a vertically and horizontally displaceable temperature controlled ink transfer print pad, and a temperature controlled printable item support print fixture for supporting an ink receiving printable item member, to enable multiple layers of ink to be simultaneously transferred after pickup by the print pad as one layer, and inversely and simultaneously applied as multiple layers into and onto the ink receiving printable item member on the support print fixture.1. A pad printing arrangement for enabling the transfer and simultaneous application of multiple layers of ink from a common ink source into and onto an ink receiving member, comprising: a depth-enhanced image source ink well for peripherally enclosing an absorbable pattern of ink; a vertically and horizontally displaceable temperature controlled ink transfer print pad; and a printable-item support print fixture for supporting an ink receiving printable item member, to enable multiple layers of ink to be simultaneously transferred after pickup by the print pad as one layer, and inversely and simultaneously applied as multiple layers both into and onto the ink receiving printable item member on the support print fixture. 2. The pad printing arrangement as recited in claim 1 wherein a dual layer of picked up ink is carried by the temperature controlled print pad to a printable item supported on the print fixture. 3. The pad printing arrangement as recited in claim 1 wherein the depth enhanced image source ink well has a depth of at least about 0.0015 to about 0.0035 inches. 4. The pad printing arrangement as recited in claim 1 wherein the printable item support print fixture is temperature controlled. 5. The pad printing arrangement as recited in claim 3, wherein the depth enhanced ink well is temperature controlled. 6. The pad printing arrangement as recited in claim 5, wherein the depth enhanced inkwell is heated above ambient temperature. 7. The pad printing arrangement as recited in claim 1, wherein the temperature of the print pad and the print fixture is governed by a system control computer member. 8. The pad printing arrangement as recited in claim 1, wherein the print pad has a temperature sensor which tracks the temperature thereof. 9. The pad printing arrangement as recited in claim 8, wherein the temperature sensor is an articulable temperature sensing device to monitor the surface of the print pad by following any vertical and horizontal displacement thereof. 10. The pad printing arrangement as recited in claim 8, wherein the temperature sensor is an array of thermocouples implanted within the print pad so as to monitor and provide feedback control for the surface of the print pad. 11. The pad printing arrangement as recited in claim 7, wherein the temperature sensor monitor regulates the temperature of the print pad through communication with the system control computer member. 12. The pad printing arrangement as recited in claim 1, wherein the print pad carries a first layer of dense opaque ink immediately on a surface thereof and a second peripherally contiguous layer of wetted printable-item absorbable ink, for absorption in and attachment on the printable item. 13. A process for simultaneously printing multiple layers of ink from a single ink source to an ink receiving member comprising: providing a pre-configured, etched enhanced depth ink source; engaging a heated print pad onto the ink source to coat the heated print pad with a pre-configured layer of ink; heating the print pad to warm the ink evenly across its surface; dissipating volatiles from an outer surface of the pre-configured layer of ink forming a second or wetted surface layer of pre-configured ink while maintaining a first or dense/opaque sub-surface layer of pre-configured ink on the heated print pad during movement of the print pad from ink pick up to ink deposition; applying the wetted sub-surface layer of pre-configured ink into the ink receiving member arranged on a printable item on the support print fixture. 14. The process for printing multiple layers of ink from a single ink source to an ink receiving member as recited in claim 13, including: applying the first dense/opaque layer of pre-configured ink on top of the second surface of ink applied into an ink receiving printable item. 15. The process for printing multiple layers of ink from a single ink source to an ink receiving member as recited in claim 14, including: heating the printable item support print fixture. 16. The process for printing multiple layers of ink from a single ink source to an ink receiving member as recited in claim 14, including: monitoring the temperature of the print pad during a displacement thereof from ink pickup at an ink source to ink disposition on a printable item. 17. The process for printing multiple layers of ink from a single ink source to an ink receiving member as recited in claim 14, including: controlling the temperature of the heat pad through a computer connected therewith, to maintain ink temperature and volatile displacement of the wetted layer prior to application of the ink to a printed item. 18. The process for printing multiple layers of ink from a single ink source to an ink receiving member as recited in claim 17, including: following displacement of the print pad with an articulable temperature sensor from ink pickup to ink deposit onto a printable item. 19. The process for printing multiple layers of ink from a single ink source to an ink receiving member as recited in claim 18, including: maintaining the temperature of the print pad to a range of about 230 to 270 degrees F. 20. A system for applying an enhanced opaque multi-layer applique of pre-configured ink onto a receiving surface, wherein the system effects the transition of a single layer of pre-configured ink into a multiple pre-configured layer arrangement of different ink consistencies, the system comprising: a heat controlled pre-configuration of ink engaged by a temperature controlled articulable print pad which dissipates ink volatiles in the transition from an ink pickup location to inversely applied ink deposition as a multiple-layer, pre-configured ink pattern on the receiving member supported on a print fixture, wherein a pad-outer-ink layer, which is a volatile-free layer, and a pad-dense-inner-layer inversely become respectively, the dense, opaque receiving-member outer-layer and the innermost wetted layer when they both are simultaneously applied to the surface of the receiving member at a ink deposition location. 21. The system as recited in claim 20, wherein the temperature of the print pad is maintained at a desired range of about 230 to 270 degrees F. 22. The system as recited in claim 21, including an articulable temperature sensing monitor which follows the print pad from its ink pick up location to the print pad's ink deposition location. 23. The system as recited in claim 22 wherein the sensing monitor provides temperature feedback to a system computer to adjust the temperature of the print pad within the desired range. 24. The system as recited in claim 20, wherein the print fixture supporting an item to be printed, is heated by a heating arrangement therewith. 25. The system as recited in claim 24, wherein the system computer controls the temperature of the print fixture within the desired range. 26. A textile garment receiving material with a multiple-layer concomitantly-applied ink display pattern therewith, the multiple layer ink display pattern arranged so as to provide an opaque product indicia, the multiple-layer concomitantly-applied display pattern comprised of: a wetted layer of a pre-configured pattern of ink absorbed into the textile garment receiving material; and an opaque, concomitantly applied dense layer of ink corresponding to the pre-configured pattern of ink, overlaying the wetted layer absorbed into the textile garment receiving material. 27. The textile garment as recited in claim 26, wherein the applied multiple-layer pattern of ink is applied to the garment at a temperature of about 220 to 260 degrees F. 28. The textile garment as recited in claim 26, wherein the applied multiple-layer of ink is about 0.0022 to about 0.0030 inches thick. 29. The textile garment as recited in claim 26, wherein the applied multiple-layers of ink are of different consistencies from one another. 30. The textile garment as recited in claim 26, wherein the applied multiple-layer pattern of ink is applied to the garment having a temperature of about 220 to 260 degrees F. 31. The textile garment as recited in claim 30, wherein the garment is supported on a heated printable item support which is heated to a temperature of about 220 to 260 degrees F. 32. The textile garment as recited in claim 26, wherein the opaque layer of ink is applied to the garment is a surface layer.

The disclosure provides an instrument for determining the contents of a mixed-phase flow, such as that of a petroleum line. The instrument can use far-infrared, mid-infrared laser spectroscopy, Fourier transform spectroscopy, and Raman spectroscopy methods to determine the components of a mixture, and report the contents to a user.

1. A system for detecting the chemical composition of a mixed-phase flow, the system comprising: a) a main pipeline configured for a mixed-phase flow to flow through the main pipeline; b) a bypass loop connected to the main pipeline at a first junction and a second junction, wherein the bypass loop is configured to divert a portion of the mixed-phase flow from the main pipeline at the first junction and return the mixed-phase flow to the main pipeline at the second junction; and c) an optics assembly within the bypass loop configured to detect a component of the mixed-phase flow using far- or mid-infrared spectroscopy. 2. The system of claim 1, wherein the optics assembly comprises a transparent optical cell incorporated into the bypass loop. 3. The system of claim 2, wherein the optics assembly further comprises a light source configured to emit far- or mid-infrared radiation through the transparent optical cell and the mixed-phase flow. 4. The system of claim 3, wherein the optics assembly further comprises a detector that detects far- or mid-infrared radiation that has passed through the mixed-phase flow. 5. The system of claim 4, further comprising a computer system configured to receive data from the detector and process the data to identify a compound of the mixed-phase flow. 6. The system of claim 1, further comprising a solvent dispenser connected to the bypass loop after the first junction, configured to treat the mixed-phase flow prior to entering the optics assembly. 7. A method of detecting a chemical composition of a mixed-phase flow, the method comprising: a) flowing a mixed-phase flow within a fluid infrastructure through a channel; b) transmitting a far- or mid-infrared signal through the mixed-phase flow in the channel; c) detecting a transmittance of the far- or mid-infrared signal; and d) analyzing the transmittance to determine the chemical composition of the mixed-phase flow. 8. The method of claim 7, wherein the transmittance of the far- or mid-infrared signal is analyzed in real-time. 9. The method of claim 7, wherein the mixed-phase flow is sampled in situ. 10. The method of claim 7, wherein the far- or mid-infrared signal has a wavelength range from 4000 cm−1 to 10 cm−1. 11. The method of claim 7, wherein a portion of the channel is coated with an anti-contamination coating. 12. The method of claim 7, further comprising treating the mixed-phase flow with an organic solvent prior to being introduced to the channel. 13. The method of claim 7, wherein the mixed-phase flow comprises petroleum. 14. The method of claim 7, wherein the mixed-phase flow comprises petroleum, gas molecules, and water. 15. The method of claim 7, wherein the mixed-phase flow comprises gaseous CO2, H2S, N2 and hydrocarbons. 16. The method of claim 7, wherein the mixed-phase flow comprises wastewater. 17. The method of claim 7, further comprising determining a brine composition and a salinity of the mixed-phase flow based on the transmittance of the mixed-phase flow. 18-32. (canceled) 33. The method of claim 1, wherein the optics assembly is temperature controlled. 34. The method of claim 1, wherein the bypass loop comprises an ultrasonic mixer. 35. The method of claim 7, wherein the channel comprises a temperature-controlled optical cell.

The disclosure provides an instrument for determining the contents of a mixed-phase flow, such as that of a petroleum line. The instrument can use far-infrared, mid-infrared laser spectroscopy, Fourier transform spectroscopy, and Raman spectroscopy methods to determine the components of a mixture, and report the contents to a user.1. A system for detecting the chemical composition of a mixed-phase flow, the system comprising: a) a main pipeline configured for a mixed-phase flow to flow through the main pipeline; b) a bypass loop connected to the main pipeline at a first junction and a second junction, wherein the bypass loop is configured to divert a portion of the mixed-phase flow from the main pipeline at the first junction and return the mixed-phase flow to the main pipeline at the second junction; and c) an optics assembly within the bypass loop configured to detect a component of the mixed-phase flow using far- or mid-infrared spectroscopy. 2. The system of claim 1, wherein the optics assembly comprises a transparent optical cell incorporated into the bypass loop. 3. The system of claim 2, wherein the optics assembly further comprises a light source configured to emit far- or mid-infrared radiation through the transparent optical cell and the mixed-phase flow. 4. The system of claim 3, wherein the optics assembly further comprises a detector that detects far- or mid-infrared radiation that has passed through the mixed-phase flow. 5. The system of claim 4, further comprising a computer system configured to receive data from the detector and process the data to identify a compound of the mixed-phase flow. 6. The system of claim 1, further comprising a solvent dispenser connected to the bypass loop after the first junction, configured to treat the mixed-phase flow prior to entering the optics assembly. 7. A method of detecting a chemical composition of a mixed-phase flow, the method comprising: a) flowing a mixed-phase flow within a fluid infrastructure through a channel; b) transmitting a far- or mid-infrared signal through the mixed-phase flow in the channel; c) detecting a transmittance of the far- or mid-infrared signal; and d) analyzing the transmittance to determine the chemical composition of the mixed-phase flow. 8. The method of claim 7, wherein the transmittance of the far- or mid-infrared signal is analyzed in real-time. 9. The method of claim 7, wherein the mixed-phase flow is sampled in situ. 10. The method of claim 7, wherein the far- or mid-infrared signal has a wavelength range from 4000 cm−1 to 10 cm−1. 11. The method of claim 7, wherein a portion of the channel is coated with an anti-contamination coating. 12. The method of claim 7, further comprising treating the mixed-phase flow with an organic solvent prior to being introduced to the channel. 13. The method of claim 7, wherein the mixed-phase flow comprises petroleum. 14. The method of claim 7, wherein the mixed-phase flow comprises petroleum, gas molecules, and water. 15. The method of claim 7, wherein the mixed-phase flow comprises gaseous CO2, H2S, N2 and hydrocarbons. 16. The method of claim 7, wherein the mixed-phase flow comprises wastewater. 17. The method of claim 7, further comprising determining a brine composition and a salinity of the mixed-phase flow based on the transmittance of the mixed-phase flow. 18-32. (canceled) 33. The method of claim 1, wherein the optics assembly is temperature controlled. 34. The method of claim 1, wherein the bypass loop comprises an ultrasonic mixer. 35. The method of claim 7, wherein the channel comprises a temperature-controlled optical cell.

A printing press cleaning device includes a solvent supply nozzle (34) configured to supply a solvent containing a surfactant to an ink roller group (21) that includes a plurality of ink rollers configured to receive ink from an ink fountain (18 a) and send the ink to a plate cylinder (17). The cleaning device includes a first or second cleaning solution supply nozzle (35, 36) configured to supply a first or second cleaning solution containing a volatile organic solvent to the ink roller group (21). The cleaning device includes a doctor blade (33) configured such that a distal end thereof can come into contact with and be moved away from an ink roller of the plurality of ink rollers, and scrape and collect the ink, the solvent, and the first or second cleaning solution of the ink roller group (21) at a contact position of the distal end that comes into contact with the ink roller. It is possible to provide a printing press cleaning device capable of shortening a cleaning time and improving an operation efficiency by efficient cleaning without increasing the supply amount of the cleaning solution.

1. A printing press cleaning device comprising: a solvent supply nozzle configured to supply a solvent containing a surfactant to an ink roller group that includes a plurality of ink rollers configured to receive ink from an ink fountain and send the ink to a plate cylinder; a cleaning solution supply nozzle configured to supply a cleaning solution containing a volatile organic solvent to the ink roller group; and a doctor blade configured such that a distal end thereof is capable of coming into contact with and moving away from an ink roller of the plurality of ink rollers, and the doctor blade configured to scrape and collect the ink, the solvent, and the cleaning solution of the ink roller group at a contact position of the distal end that comes into contact with the ink roller. 2. The printing press cleaning device according to claim 1, further comprising: a solvent supply device configured to supply the solvent to the solvent supply nozzle; a cleaning solution supply device configured to supply the cleaning solution to the cleaning solution supply nozzle; a doctor blade driving device configured to drive the doctor blade; and a control device configured to control operations of the solvent supply device, the cleaning solution supply device, and the doctor blade driving device, wherein the control device has a function of performing a cleaning operation of operating the cleaning solution supply device and the doctor blade driving device after the solvent supply device is operated. 3. The printing press cleaning device according to claim 2, further comprising: a water supply nozzle configured to supply water to the ink roller group; and a water supply device configured to supply water to the water supply nozzle, wherein the control device further has a function of operating the water supply device after the cleaning operation is performed.

A printing press cleaning device includes a solvent supply nozzle (34) configured to supply a solvent containing a surfactant to an ink roller group (21) that includes a plurality of ink rollers configured to receive ink from an ink fountain (18 a) and send the ink to a plate cylinder (17). The cleaning device includes a first or second cleaning solution supply nozzle (35, 36) configured to supply a first or second cleaning solution containing a volatile organic solvent to the ink roller group (21). The cleaning device includes a doctor blade (33) configured such that a distal end thereof can come into contact with and be moved away from an ink roller of the plurality of ink rollers, and scrape and collect the ink, the solvent, and the first or second cleaning solution of the ink roller group (21) at a contact position of the distal end that comes into contact with the ink roller. It is possible to provide a printing press cleaning device capable of shortening a cleaning time and improving an operation efficiency by efficient cleaning without increasing the supply amount of the cleaning solution.1. A printing press cleaning device comprising: a solvent supply nozzle configured to supply a solvent containing a surfactant to an ink roller group that includes a plurality of ink rollers configured to receive ink from an ink fountain and send the ink to a plate cylinder; a cleaning solution supply nozzle configured to supply a cleaning solution containing a volatile organic solvent to the ink roller group; and a doctor blade configured such that a distal end thereof is capable of coming into contact with and moving away from an ink roller of the plurality of ink rollers, and the doctor blade configured to scrape and collect the ink, the solvent, and the cleaning solution of the ink roller group at a contact position of the distal end that comes into contact with the ink roller. 2. The printing press cleaning device according to claim 1, further comprising: a solvent supply device configured to supply the solvent to the solvent supply nozzle; a cleaning solution supply device configured to supply the cleaning solution to the cleaning solution supply nozzle; a doctor blade driving device configured to drive the doctor blade; and a control device configured to control operations of the solvent supply device, the cleaning solution supply device, and the doctor blade driving device, wherein the control device has a function of performing a cleaning operation of operating the cleaning solution supply device and the doctor blade driving device after the solvent supply device is operated. 3. The printing press cleaning device according to claim 2, further comprising: a water supply nozzle configured to supply water to the ink roller group; and a water supply device configured to supply water to the water supply nozzle, wherein the control device further has a function of operating the water supply device after the cleaning operation is performed.

An image forming apparatus includes a supplying unit that supplies a continuous recording material, an image forming unit that forms an image on the recording material supplied from the supplying unit, a fixing unit that fixes the image formed on the recording material by the image forming unit, a collecting unit that collects the recording material having passed through the fixing unit, a detecting device that detects a change in tension of the recording material running between the image forming unit and the fixing unit, and a tension adjusting device that adjusts the tension acting on the recording material such that the change in the tension of the recording material falls within a permissible range if the change in the tension of the recording material that is detected by the detecting device exceeds the predetermined permissible range.

1. An image forming apparatus comprising: a supplying unit that supplies a continuous recording material; an image forming unit that forms an image on the recording material supplied from the supplying unit; a fixing unit that fixes the image formed on the recording material by the image forming unit; a collecting unit that collects the recording material having passed through the fixing unit; a detecting device that detects a change in tension of the recording material running between the image forming unit and the fixing unit; and a tension adjusting device that adjusts the tension acting on the recording material such that the change in the tension of the recording material falls within a permissible range if the change in the tension of the recording material that is detected by the detecting device exceeds the predetermined permissible range. 2. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the detecting device includes a shiftable member provided in contact with a non-image surface of the recording material running between the image forming unit and the fixing unit, the shiftable member being shiftable in a direction intersecting a plane of the recording material; and a position detector that detects a change in the position of the shiftable member. 3. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the detecting device includes a stretching member provided in contact with a non-image surface of the recording material running between the image forming unit and the fixing unit, the stretching member being configured to stretch the recording material; and a load detector that detects a change in a load acting on the stretching member. 4. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the tension adjusting device adjusts a recording-material-transporting speed in at least one of the fixing unit and the collecting unit. 5. The image forming apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the tension adjusting device adjusts a recording-material-transporting speed in at least one of the fixing unit and the collecting unit. 6. The image forming apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the tension adjusting device adjusts a recording-material-transporting speed in at least one of the fixing unit and the collecting unit. 7. The image forming apparatus according to claim 4, further comprising: a torque limiting member that prevents a torque acting on the fixing unit from exceeding an upper limit, wherein the tension adjusting device adjusts the recording-material-transporting speed in at least the fixing unit unless the torque limiting member is activated, and the tension adjusting device adjusts the recording-material-transporting speed in the collecting unit if the torque limiting member is activated. 8. The image forming apparatus according to claim 5, further comprising: a torque limiting member that prevents a torque acting on the fixing unit from exceeding an upper limit, wherein the tension adjusting device adjusts the recording-material-transporting speed in at least the fixing unit unless the torque limiting member is activated, and the tension adjusting device adjusts the recording-material-transporting speed in the collecting unit if the torque limiting member is activated. 9. The image forming apparatus according to claim 6, further comprising: a torque limiting member that prevents a torque acting on the fixing unit from exceeding an upper limit, wherein the tension adjusting device adjusts the recording-material-transporting speed in at least the fixing unit unless the torque limiting member is activated, and the tension adjusting device adjusts the recording-material-transporting speed in the collecting unit if the torque limiting member is activated. 10. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the fixing unit fixes the image while being out of contact with the recording material, and wherein the tension adjusting device adjusts the recording-material-transporting speed in the collecting unit. 11. The image forming apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the fixing unit fixes the image while being out of contact with the recording material, and wherein the tension adjusting device adjusts the recording-material-transporting speed in the collecting unit. 12. The image forming apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the fixing unit fixes the image while being out of contact with the recording material, and wherein the tension adjusting device adjusts the recording-material-transporting speed in the collecting unit. 13. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the detecting device includes a shiftable member provided in contact with a non-image surface of the recording material running between the image forming unit and the fixing unit, the shiftable member being shiftable in a direction intersecting a plane of the recording material; and a position detector that detects a change in the position of the shiftable member, wherein the tension adjusting device includes a pressing member that presses the recording material at a position on a non-image surface of the recording material running between the image forming unit and the fixing unit, the position being different from the position of the shiftable member, the pressing member being movable in a direction intersecting a plane of the recording material, and wherein the tension adjusting device moves the pressing member such that the change in tension of the recording material falls within the permissible range.

An image forming apparatus includes a supplying unit that supplies a continuous recording material, an image forming unit that forms an image on the recording material supplied from the supplying unit, a fixing unit that fixes the image formed on the recording material by the image forming unit, a collecting unit that collects the recording material having passed through the fixing unit, a detecting device that detects a change in tension of the recording material running between the image forming unit and the fixing unit, and a tension adjusting device that adjusts the tension acting on the recording material such that the change in the tension of the recording material falls within a permissible range if the change in the tension of the recording material that is detected by the detecting device exceeds the predetermined permissible range.1. An image forming apparatus comprising: a supplying unit that supplies a continuous recording material; an image forming unit that forms an image on the recording material supplied from the supplying unit; a fixing unit that fixes the image formed on the recording material by the image forming unit; a collecting unit that collects the recording material having passed through the fixing unit; a detecting device that detects a change in tension of the recording material running between the image forming unit and the fixing unit; and a tension adjusting device that adjusts the tension acting on the recording material such that the change in the tension of the recording material falls within a permissible range if the change in the tension of the recording material that is detected by the detecting device exceeds the predetermined permissible range. 2. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the detecting device includes a shiftable member provided in contact with a non-image surface of the recording material running between the image forming unit and the fixing unit, the shiftable member being shiftable in a direction intersecting a plane of the recording material; and a position detector that detects a change in the position of the shiftable member. 3. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the detecting device includes a stretching member provided in contact with a non-image surface of the recording material running between the image forming unit and the fixing unit, the stretching member being configured to stretch the recording material; and a load detector that detects a change in a load acting on the stretching member. 4. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the tension adjusting device adjusts a recording-material-transporting speed in at least one of the fixing unit and the collecting unit. 5. The image forming apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the tension adjusting device adjusts a recording-material-transporting speed in at least one of the fixing unit and the collecting unit. 6. The image forming apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the tension adjusting device adjusts a recording-material-transporting speed in at least one of the fixing unit and the collecting unit. 7. The image forming apparatus according to claim 4, further comprising: a torque limiting member that prevents a torque acting on the fixing unit from exceeding an upper limit, wherein the tension adjusting device adjusts the recording-material-transporting speed in at least the fixing unit unless the torque limiting member is activated, and the tension adjusting device adjusts the recording-material-transporting speed in the collecting unit if the torque limiting member is activated. 8. The image forming apparatus according to claim 5, further comprising: a torque limiting member that prevents a torque acting on the fixing unit from exceeding an upper limit, wherein the tension adjusting device adjusts the recording-material-transporting speed in at least the fixing unit unless the torque limiting member is activated, and the tension adjusting device adjusts the recording-material-transporting speed in the collecting unit if the torque limiting member is activated. 9. The image forming apparatus according to claim 6, further comprising: a torque limiting member that prevents a torque acting on the fixing unit from exceeding an upper limit, wherein the tension adjusting device adjusts the recording-material-transporting speed in at least the fixing unit unless the torque limiting member is activated, and the tension adjusting device adjusts the recording-material-transporting speed in the collecting unit if the torque limiting member is activated. 10. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the fixing unit fixes the image while being out of contact with the recording material, and wherein the tension adjusting device adjusts the recording-material-transporting speed in the collecting unit. 11. The image forming apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the fixing unit fixes the image while being out of contact with the recording material, and wherein the tension adjusting device adjusts the recording-material-transporting speed in the collecting unit. 12. The image forming apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the fixing unit fixes the image while being out of contact with the recording material, and wherein the tension adjusting device adjusts the recording-material-transporting speed in the collecting unit. 13. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the detecting device includes a shiftable member provided in contact with a non-image surface of the recording material running between the image forming unit and the fixing unit, the shiftable member being shiftable in a direction intersecting a plane of the recording material; and a position detector that detects a change in the position of the shiftable member, wherein the tension adjusting device includes a pressing member that presses the recording material at a position on a non-image surface of the recording material running between the image forming unit and the fixing unit, the position being different from the position of the shiftable member, the pressing member being movable in a direction intersecting a plane of the recording material, and wherein the tension adjusting device moves the pressing member such that the change in tension of the recording material falls within the permissible range.

An image forming apparatus includes a registration unit, a first paper feeding unit, a second paper feeding unit, and a control unit, which performs a primary paper feeding for conveying a paper sheet to a registration position, finishes the primary paper feeding at timing when the paper sheet reaches the registration position, and then after operating a target paper feeding unit until a preceding feeding time elapses, performs a secondary paper feeding for conveying the paper sheet to the printing position. The control unit sets different values of the preceding feeding time for the case where the first paper feeding unit is the target paper feeding unit and the case where the second paper feeding unit is the target paper feeding unit.

1. An image forming apparatus comprising: a paper conveying path for conveying a paper sheet to a printing position via a registration position; a registration unit configured to operate to convey the paper sheet after reaching the registration position to the printing position; a first paper feeding unit configured to operate to convey the paper sheet to the registration position; a second paper feeding unit configured to operate to convey the paper sheet to the registration position; and a control unit configures to select one of the first paper feeding unit and the second paper feeding unit as a target paper feeding unit for conveying the paper sheet to be printed, to set a preceding feeding time, to perform a primary paper feeding in which the registration unit is not operated but the target paper feeding unit is operated so that the paper sheet is conveyed to the registration position, to finish the primary paper feeding at timing when the paper sheet reaches the registration position, and then after operating the target paper feeding unit without operating the registration unit until the preceding feeding time elapses, to perform a secondary paper feeding in which the registration unit is operated so that the paper sheet after reaching the registration position is conveyed to the printing position, wherein the control unit sets different values of the preceding feeding time for the case where the first paper feeding unit is the target paper feeding unit and the case where the second paper feeding unit is the target paper feeding unit. 2. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the second paper feeding unit is disposed below the first paper feeding unit, and the control unit sets the preceding feeding time in the case where the second paper feeding unit is the target paper feeding unit to be longer than the preceding feeding time in the case where the first paper feeding unit is the target paper feeding unit. 3. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a storage unit for storing accumulated values of the operation time of the first paper feeding unit and the second paper feeding unit, wherein the control unit determines the accumulated value corresponding to the target paper feeding unit and sets the preceding feeding time to be longer as the determined accumulated value is larger. 4. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the second paper feeding unit is disposed below the first paper feeding unit and includes an upstream side roller unit and a downstream side roller unit disposed on a downstream side of the upstream side roller unit in a conveying direction of the paper sheet, a storage unit is provided for storing a conveying distance of the paper sheet from the upstream side roller unit to the registration unit or the sum of the conveying distance and a margin as a threshold length, and the control unit sets the conveying direction length of the paper sheet to be printed is the threshold length or less to be longer than the preceding feeding time in the case where the conveying direction length is longer than the threshold length, in the case where the second paper feeding unit is the target paper feeding unit. 5. The image forming apparatus according to claim 4, wherein the downstream side roller unit is a roller pair in which a pair of rollers are pressed to contact with each other, one roller of the roller pair is attached to an open/close cover that is opened to expose a part of the paper conveying path, and the one roller is separated from the other roller of the roller pair when the open/close cover is opened, and the one roller is pressed to contact with the other roller when the open/close cover is closed. 6. An image forming apparatus comprising: a paper conveying path for conveying a paper sheet from a paper feeding position to a printing position via a registration position placed above the paper feeding position; a paper feeding unit configured to operate to convey the paper sheet from the paper feeding position to the registration position; a registration unit configured to operate to convey the paper sheet after reaching the registration position to the printing position; an image forming unit configured to form an image to be printed on the paper sheet and to print the image on the paper sheet conveyed to the printing position; and a control unit configures to perform a primary paper feeding in which the registration unit is not operated but the paper feeding unit is operated so that the paper sheet is conveyed from the paper feeding position to the registration position, to finish the primary paper feeding at a predetermined time after the paper sheet reaches the registration position, and then after a printing preparation is done for printing the image on the paper sheet, to perform a secondary paper feeding in which the registration unit and the paper feeding unit are operated so that the paper sheet after reaching the registration position is conveyed to the printing position, wherein the control unit measures waiting time after the primary paper feeding is finished until the printing preparation is done, and when the printing preparation is done, if the measured time as the waiting time is longer than a predetermined threshold time, the control unit starts to operate the paper feeding unit first, and then starts to operate the registration unit while continuing the operation of the paper feeding unit, so as to start the secondary paper feeding, and if the measured time is the threshold time or less, the control unit starts to operate both the paper feeding unit and the registration unit at the same time, so as to start the secondary paper feeding. 7. The image forming apparatus according to claim 6, wherein when printing preparation is done, if the measured time is longer than the threshold time, the control unit delays the operation start timing of the registration unit more from the operation start timing of the paper feeding unit as the measured time is longer. 8. The image forming apparatus according to claim 7, further comprising a storage unit for storing timing information in which the waiting time is classified into a plurality of time ranges, and time differences between the rotation start timing of the paper feed roller and the rotation start timing of the registration roller pair, which respectively correspond to the plurality of time ranges, are determined in advance, so that the time difference is larger as the waiting time is longer, wherein when the printing preparation is done, if the measured time is longer than the threshold time, the control unit determines the time difference corresponding to the measured time based on the timing information, so as to delay the operation start timing of the registration unit from the operation start timing of the paper feeding unit by time corresponding to the determined time difference. 9. The image forming apparatus according to claim 6, wherein there is no roller for conveying the paper sheet on the paper sheet conveying path between the paper feeding position and the registration position.

An image forming apparatus includes a registration unit, a first paper feeding unit, a second paper feeding unit, and a control unit, which performs a primary paper feeding for conveying a paper sheet to a registration position, finishes the primary paper feeding at timing when the paper sheet reaches the registration position, and then after operating a target paper feeding unit until a preceding feeding time elapses, performs a secondary paper feeding for conveying the paper sheet to the printing position. The control unit sets different values of the preceding feeding time for the case where the first paper feeding unit is the target paper feeding unit and the case where the second paper feeding unit is the target paper feeding unit.1. An image forming apparatus comprising: a paper conveying path for conveying a paper sheet to a printing position via a registration position; a registration unit configured to operate to convey the paper sheet after reaching the registration position to the printing position; a first paper feeding unit configured to operate to convey the paper sheet to the registration position; a second paper feeding unit configured to operate to convey the paper sheet to the registration position; and a control unit configures to select one of the first paper feeding unit and the second paper feeding unit as a target paper feeding unit for conveying the paper sheet to be printed, to set a preceding feeding time, to perform a primary paper feeding in which the registration unit is not operated but the target paper feeding unit is operated so that the paper sheet is conveyed to the registration position, to finish the primary paper feeding at timing when the paper sheet reaches the registration position, and then after operating the target paper feeding unit without operating the registration unit until the preceding feeding time elapses, to perform a secondary paper feeding in which the registration unit is operated so that the paper sheet after reaching the registration position is conveyed to the printing position, wherein the control unit sets different values of the preceding feeding time for the case where the first paper feeding unit is the target paper feeding unit and the case where the second paper feeding unit is the target paper feeding unit. 2. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the second paper feeding unit is disposed below the first paper feeding unit, and the control unit sets the preceding feeding time in the case where the second paper feeding unit is the target paper feeding unit to be longer than the preceding feeding time in the case where the first paper feeding unit is the target paper feeding unit. 3. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a storage unit for storing accumulated values of the operation time of the first paper feeding unit and the second paper feeding unit, wherein the control unit determines the accumulated value corresponding to the target paper feeding unit and sets the preceding feeding time to be longer as the determined accumulated value is larger. 4. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the second paper feeding unit is disposed below the first paper feeding unit and includes an upstream side roller unit and a downstream side roller unit disposed on a downstream side of the upstream side roller unit in a conveying direction of the paper sheet, a storage unit is provided for storing a conveying distance of the paper sheet from the upstream side roller unit to the registration unit or the sum of the conveying distance and a margin as a threshold length, and the control unit sets the conveying direction length of the paper sheet to be printed is the threshold length or less to be longer than the preceding feeding time in the case where the conveying direction length is longer than the threshold length, in the case where the second paper feeding unit is the target paper feeding unit. 5. The image forming apparatus according to claim 4, wherein the downstream side roller unit is a roller pair in which a pair of rollers are pressed to contact with each other, one roller of the roller pair is attached to an open/close cover that is opened to expose a part of the paper conveying path, and the one roller is separated from the other roller of the roller pair when the open/close cover is opened, and the one roller is pressed to contact with the other roller when the open/close cover is closed. 6. An image forming apparatus comprising: a paper conveying path for conveying a paper sheet from a paper feeding position to a printing position via a registration position placed above the paper feeding position; a paper feeding unit configured to operate to convey the paper sheet from the paper feeding position to the registration position; a registration unit configured to operate to convey the paper sheet after reaching the registration position to the printing position; an image forming unit configured to form an image to be printed on the paper sheet and to print the image on the paper sheet conveyed to the printing position; and a control unit configures to perform a primary paper feeding in which the registration unit is not operated but the paper feeding unit is operated so that the paper sheet is conveyed from the paper feeding position to the registration position, to finish the primary paper feeding at a predetermined time after the paper sheet reaches the registration position, and then after a printing preparation is done for printing the image on the paper sheet, to perform a secondary paper feeding in which the registration unit and the paper feeding unit are operated so that the paper sheet after reaching the registration position is conveyed to the printing position, wherein the control unit measures waiting time after the primary paper feeding is finished until the printing preparation is done, and when the printing preparation is done, if the measured time as the waiting time is longer than a predetermined threshold time, the control unit starts to operate the paper feeding unit first, and then starts to operate the registration unit while continuing the operation of the paper feeding unit, so as to start the secondary paper feeding, and if the measured time is the threshold time or less, the control unit starts to operate both the paper feeding unit and the registration unit at the same time, so as to start the secondary paper feeding. 7. The image forming apparatus according to claim 6, wherein when printing preparation is done, if the measured time is longer than the threshold time, the control unit delays the operation start timing of the registration unit more from the operation start timing of the paper feeding unit as the measured time is longer. 8. The image forming apparatus according to claim 7, further comprising a storage unit for storing timing information in which the waiting time is classified into a plurality of time ranges, and time differences between the rotation start timing of the paper feed roller and the rotation start timing of the registration roller pair, which respectively correspond to the plurality of time ranges, are determined in advance, so that the time difference is larger as the waiting time is longer, wherein when the printing preparation is done, if the measured time is longer than the threshold time, the control unit determines the time difference corresponding to the measured time based on the timing information, so as to delay the operation start timing of the registration unit from the operation start timing of the paper feeding unit by time corresponding to the determined time difference. 9. The image forming apparatus according to claim 6, wherein there is no roller for conveying the paper sheet on the paper sheet conveying path between the paper feeding position and the registration position.

An image forming apparatus includes an image forming section that forms an image on a continuous medium, a transport unit that transports the continuous medium, and a detection unit that detects breakage of the continuous medium transported by the transport unit from a transport state of the continuous medium.

1. An image forming apparatus comprising: an image forming section that forms an image on a continuous medium; a transport unit that transports the continuous medium; and a detection unit that detects breakage of the continuous medium transported by the transport unit from a transport state of the continuous medium. 2. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the image forming section fixes the image on the continuous medium by heating and pressurizing the continuous medium when the continuous medium on which the image is formed passes through a nip, and wherein the image forming apparatus further comprises a unit that releases pressurization at the nip when the detection unit detects the breakage of the continuous medium. 3. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein, when the detection unit detects the breakage of the continuous medium, the transport unit transports a part located on an upstream side in a transport direction, of two parts of the continuous medium divided by the breakage, to the upstream side. 4. The image forming apparatus according to claim 2, wherein, when the detection unit detects the breakage of the continuous medium, the transport unit transports a part located on an upstream side in a transport direction, of two parts of the continuous medium divided by the breakage, to the upstream side. 5. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein, when the detection unit detects the breakage of the continuous medium, the transport unit transports a part located on an upstream side in a transport direction, of two parts of the continuous medium divided by the breakage, to a downstream side. 6. The image forming apparatus according to claim 2, wherein, when the detection unit detects the breakage of the continuous medium, the transport unit transports a part located on an upstream side in a transport direction, of two parts of the continuous medium divided by the breakage, to a downstream side. 7. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein, when the detection unit detects the breakage of the continuous medium, the transport unit transports a part located on a downstream side in a transport direction, of two parts of the continuous medium divided by the breakage, to the downstream side. 8. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the image forming section includes a fixing unit that fixes the image on the continuous medium by heating and pressurizing the continuous medium on which the image is formed, and wherein, when the detection unit detects the breakage of the continuous medium and an upstream part of the continuous medium located on an upstream side of the fixing unit in a transport direction to a downstream side of the fixing unit by the transport unit, the fixing unit heats and pressurizes the upstream part. 9. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the image forming section includes a fixing unit that fixes the image on the continuous medium by heating and pressurizing the continuous medium on which the image is formed, and wherein, when the detection unit detects that the breakage of the continuous medium occurs at a position where the fixing unit is located or on an upstream side of the fixing unit in a transport direction, the transport unit transports an upstream part located on the upstream side in the transport direction, of two parts of the continuous medium divided by the breakage, to the upstream side or stops transportation of the upstream part. 10. The image forming apparatus according to claim 9, wherein, when the detection unit detects that the breakage of the continuous medium occurs on a downstream side of the fixing unit in the transport direction, the transport unit transports the upstream part located on the upstream side in the transport direction, of the two parts of the continuous medium divided by the breakage, to the downstream side. 11. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein, when the detection unit detects the breakage of the continuous medium, the transport unit transports an upstream part located on an upstream side in a transport direction, of two parts of the continuous medium divided by the breakage, so that a downstream edge portion of the upstream part moves to a predetermined position in a continuous-medium transport path. 12. The image forming apparatus according claim 1, wherein, when the detection unit detects the breakage of the continuous medium, the transport unit transports a downstream part located on a downstream side in a transport direction, of two parts of the continuous medium divided by the breakage, so that an upstream edge portion of the downstream part moves to a predetermined position in a continuous-medium transport path. 13. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the transport unit stops transportation of the continuous medium when the detection unit detects the breakage of the continuous medium. 14. The image forming apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the transport unit stops transportation of the continuous medium when the detection unit detects the breakage of the continuous medium. 15. A continuous-medium transport device comprising: a transport unit that transports a continuous medium; and a detection unit that detects breakage of the continuous medium transported by the transport unit from a transport state of the continuous medium. 16. An image forming system comprising: a paper feeding apparatus that supplies a continuous medium; an image forming apparatus that forms an image on the continuous medium supplied from the paper feeding apparatus; and a collection apparatus that collects the continuous medium on which the image is formed by the image forming apparatus, wherein the image forming apparatus includes a transport unit that transports the continuous medium, and a detection unit that detects breakage of the continuous medium transported by the transport unit from a transport state of the continuous medium.

An image forming apparatus includes an image forming section that forms an image on a continuous medium, a transport unit that transports the continuous medium, and a detection unit that detects breakage of the continuous medium transported by the transport unit from a transport state of the continuous medium.1. An image forming apparatus comprising: an image forming section that forms an image on a continuous medium; a transport unit that transports the continuous medium; and a detection unit that detects breakage of the continuous medium transported by the transport unit from a transport state of the continuous medium. 2. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the image forming section fixes the image on the continuous medium by heating and pressurizing the continuous medium when the continuous medium on which the image is formed passes through a nip, and wherein the image forming apparatus further comprises a unit that releases pressurization at the nip when the detection unit detects the breakage of the continuous medium. 3. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein, when the detection unit detects the breakage of the continuous medium, the transport unit transports a part located on an upstream side in a transport direction, of two parts of the continuous medium divided by the breakage, to the upstream side. 4. The image forming apparatus according to claim 2, wherein, when the detection unit detects the breakage of the continuous medium, the transport unit transports a part located on an upstream side in a transport direction, of two parts of the continuous medium divided by the breakage, to the upstream side. 5. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein, when the detection unit detects the breakage of the continuous medium, the transport unit transports a part located on an upstream side in a transport direction, of two parts of the continuous medium divided by the breakage, to a downstream side. 6. The image forming apparatus according to claim 2, wherein, when the detection unit detects the breakage of the continuous medium, the transport unit transports a part located on an upstream side in a transport direction, of two parts of the continuous medium divided by the breakage, to a downstream side. 7. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein, when the detection unit detects the breakage of the continuous medium, the transport unit transports a part located on a downstream side in a transport direction, of two parts of the continuous medium divided by the breakage, to the downstream side. 8. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the image forming section includes a fixing unit that fixes the image on the continuous medium by heating and pressurizing the continuous medium on which the image is formed, and wherein, when the detection unit detects the breakage of the continuous medium and an upstream part of the continuous medium located on an upstream side of the fixing unit in a transport direction to a downstream side of the fixing unit by the transport unit, the fixing unit heats and pressurizes the upstream part. 9. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the image forming section includes a fixing unit that fixes the image on the continuous medium by heating and pressurizing the continuous medium on which the image is formed, and wherein, when the detection unit detects that the breakage of the continuous medium occurs at a position where the fixing unit is located or on an upstream side of the fixing unit in a transport direction, the transport unit transports an upstream part located on the upstream side in the transport direction, of two parts of the continuous medium divided by the breakage, to the upstream side or stops transportation of the upstream part. 10. The image forming apparatus according to claim 9, wherein, when the detection unit detects that the breakage of the continuous medium occurs on a downstream side of the fixing unit in the transport direction, the transport unit transports the upstream part located on the upstream side in the transport direction, of the two parts of the continuous medium divided by the breakage, to the downstream side. 11. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein, when the detection unit detects the breakage of the continuous medium, the transport unit transports an upstream part located on an upstream side in a transport direction, of two parts of the continuous medium divided by the breakage, so that a downstream edge portion of the upstream part moves to a predetermined position in a continuous-medium transport path. 12. The image forming apparatus according claim 1, wherein, when the detection unit detects the breakage of the continuous medium, the transport unit transports a downstream part located on a downstream side in a transport direction, of two parts of the continuous medium divided by the breakage, so that an upstream edge portion of the downstream part moves to a predetermined position in a continuous-medium transport path. 13. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the transport unit stops transportation of the continuous medium when the detection unit detects the breakage of the continuous medium. 14. The image forming apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the transport unit stops transportation of the continuous medium when the detection unit detects the breakage of the continuous medium. 15. A continuous-medium transport device comprising: a transport unit that transports a continuous medium; and a detection unit that detects breakage of the continuous medium transported by the transport unit from a transport state of the continuous medium. 16. An image forming system comprising: a paper feeding apparatus that supplies a continuous medium; an image forming apparatus that forms an image on the continuous medium supplied from the paper feeding apparatus; and a collection apparatus that collects the continuous medium on which the image is formed by the image forming apparatus, wherein the image forming apparatus includes a transport unit that transports the continuous medium, and a detection unit that detects breakage of the continuous medium transported by the transport unit from a transport state of the continuous medium.

An object of the invention is to provide a water-based lithographic printing method that is excellent in printing quality and environmental aspects. The invention concerns a method of producing a printed material, including the steps of: allowing a water-based ink to adhere to a surface of a heat sensitive layer of a lithographic printing plate having a surface on which an ink repelling layer and the heat sensitive layer exist; and transferring the adhering water-based ink directly or via a blanket to a printing substrate.

1. A method of producing a printed material, comprising the steps of: allowing a water-based ink to adhere to a surface of a heat sensitive layer of a lithographic printing plate having a surface on which an ink repelling layer and the heat sensitive layer exist; and transferring the adhering water-based ink directly or via a blanket to a printing substrate. 2. The method of producing a printed material according to claim 1, wherein the heat sensitive layer contains a photothermal conversion material. 3. The method of producing a printed material according to claim 1, wherein the heat sensitive layer contains a novolac resin and an organic complex compound, and the heat sensitive layer contains the novolac resin and the organic complex compound at a mass ratio of 2 to 6. 4. The method of producing a printed material according to claim 1, wherein the ink repelling layer contains a silicone rubber. 5. The method of producing a printed material according to claim 1, wherein the ink repelling layer contains an ink repelling liquid, and the content of the ink repelling liquid is from 10% by mass to 50% by mass. 6. The method of producing a printed material according to claim 5, wherein the ink repelling liquid in the ink repelling layer has a boiling point of 150° C. or more at 1 atmospheric pressure. 7. The method of producing a printed material according to claim 5, wherein the ink repelling liquid is a hydrocarbon-based solvent or a silicone-based liquid. 8. The method of producing a printed material according to claim 1, further comprising the step of irradiating the lithographic printing plate original having the ink repelling layer and the heat sensitive layer with laser and applying physical stimulations thereto, thereby preparing the lithographic printing plate, prior to the step of allowing the water-based ink to adhere to the surface of the heat sensitive layer of the lithographic printing plate. 9. The method of producing a printed material according to claim 1, wherein the heat sensitive layer contains an urethane resin. 10. The method of producing a printed material according to claim 9, wherein the heat sensitive layer contains the novolac resin and the urethane resin at a mass ratio of 1 to 5. 11. The method of producing a printed material according to claim 1, wherein the water-based ink contains a pigment, a water-soluble resin, and a diluent. 12. The method of producing a printed material according to claim 11, wherein the diluent contains a water-soluble acrylic monomer. 13. The method of producing a printed material according to claim 1, further comprising the step of irradiating the water-based ink transferred to the printing substrate with an active energy ray after the step of transferring the water-based ink to the printing substrate. 14. A method of producing a printed material, comprising the step of washing a lithographic printing plate or a blanket with washing water after carrying out the steps of the method of producing a printed material according to claim 1, wherein the washing water contains a surfactant.

An object of the invention is to provide a water-based lithographic printing method that is excellent in printing quality and environmental aspects. The invention concerns a method of producing a printed material, including the steps of: allowing a water-based ink to adhere to a surface of a heat sensitive layer of a lithographic printing plate having a surface on which an ink repelling layer and the heat sensitive layer exist; and transferring the adhering water-based ink directly or via a blanket to a printing substrate.1. A method of producing a printed material, comprising the steps of: allowing a water-based ink to adhere to a surface of a heat sensitive layer of a lithographic printing plate having a surface on which an ink repelling layer and the heat sensitive layer exist; and transferring the adhering water-based ink directly or via a blanket to a printing substrate. 2. The method of producing a printed material according to claim 1, wherein the heat sensitive layer contains a photothermal conversion material. 3. The method of producing a printed material according to claim 1, wherein the heat sensitive layer contains a novolac resin and an organic complex compound, and the heat sensitive layer contains the novolac resin and the organic complex compound at a mass ratio of 2 to 6. 4. The method of producing a printed material according to claim 1, wherein the ink repelling layer contains a silicone rubber. 5. The method of producing a printed material according to claim 1, wherein the ink repelling layer contains an ink repelling liquid, and the content of the ink repelling liquid is from 10% by mass to 50% by mass. 6. The method of producing a printed material according to claim 5, wherein the ink repelling liquid in the ink repelling layer has a boiling point of 150° C. or more at 1 atmospheric pressure. 7. The method of producing a printed material according to claim 5, wherein the ink repelling liquid is a hydrocarbon-based solvent or a silicone-based liquid. 8. The method of producing a printed material according to claim 1, further comprising the step of irradiating the lithographic printing plate original having the ink repelling layer and the heat sensitive layer with laser and applying physical stimulations thereto, thereby preparing the lithographic printing plate, prior to the step of allowing the water-based ink to adhere to the surface of the heat sensitive layer of the lithographic printing plate. 9. The method of producing a printed material according to claim 1, wherein the heat sensitive layer contains an urethane resin. 10. The method of producing a printed material according to claim 9, wherein the heat sensitive layer contains the novolac resin and the urethane resin at a mass ratio of 1 to 5. 11. The method of producing a printed material according to claim 1, wherein the water-based ink contains a pigment, a water-soluble resin, and a diluent. 12. The method of producing a printed material according to claim 11, wherein the diluent contains a water-soluble acrylic monomer. 13. The method of producing a printed material according to claim 1, further comprising the step of irradiating the water-based ink transferred to the printing substrate with an active energy ray after the step of transferring the water-based ink to the printing substrate. 14. A method of producing a printed material, comprising the step of washing a lithographic printing plate or a blanket with washing water after carrying out the steps of the method of producing a printed material according to claim 1, wherein the washing water contains a surfactant.

An image forming apparatus includes a printer portion; an image reading portion rotatable relative to the printer portion; a discharge portion configured to stack the recording material discharged from an inside of the printer portion, the discharge portion being supported rotatably relative to the printer portion; and a regulating member provided between the discharge portion and the image reading portion and configured to regulate movement of the recording material stacked on the discharge portion. When the image forming apparatus is seen in a rotational axis direction of the image reading portion, at least a part of the regulating member in a state in which the image reading portion and the discharge portion are open away from the printer portion is hidden inside a contour of a casing of the image reading portion.

1. An image forming apparatus comprising: a printer portion configured to form an image on a recording material; an image reading portion mounted on said printer portion and configured to read an image on an original, said image reading portion being rotatable relative to said printer portion; a discharge portion configured to stack the recording material discharged from an inside of said printer portion, said discharge portion being supported rotatably relative to said printer portion; and a regulating member provided between said discharge portion and said image reading portion and configured to regulate movement of the recording material stacked on said discharge portion, wherein when said image forming apparatus is seen in a rotational axis direction of said image reading portion, at least a part of said regulating member in a state in which said image reading portion and said discharge portion are open away from said printer portion is hidden inside a contour of a casing of said image reading portion. 2. An image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the part of said regulating member is hidden inside the contour of the casing of said image reading portion in interrelation with an operation of opening said image reading portion. 3. An image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said image reading portion includes a holding portion configured to hold said discharge portion, and said holding portion holds said discharge portion in a state in which said discharge portion is open. 4. An image forming apparatus according to claim 3, wherein said holding portion includes a locking portion configured to lock said discharge portion. 5. An image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said discharge portion opens in interrelation with an operation of opening said image reading portion. 6. An image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said regulating member is supported by said image reading portion. 7. An image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said discharge portion is bendable. 8. An image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said discharge portion form an opening communicating with an image forming portion configured to form the image by being opened.

An image forming apparatus includes a printer portion; an image reading portion rotatable relative to the printer portion; a discharge portion configured to stack the recording material discharged from an inside of the printer portion, the discharge portion being supported rotatably relative to the printer portion; and a regulating member provided between the discharge portion and the image reading portion and configured to regulate movement of the recording material stacked on the discharge portion. When the image forming apparatus is seen in a rotational axis direction of the image reading portion, at least a part of the regulating member in a state in which the image reading portion and the discharge portion are open away from the printer portion is hidden inside a contour of a casing of the image reading portion.1. An image forming apparatus comprising: a printer portion configured to form an image on a recording material; an image reading portion mounted on said printer portion and configured to read an image on an original, said image reading portion being rotatable relative to said printer portion; a discharge portion configured to stack the recording material discharged from an inside of said printer portion, said discharge portion being supported rotatably relative to said printer portion; and a regulating member provided between said discharge portion and said image reading portion and configured to regulate movement of the recording material stacked on said discharge portion, wherein when said image forming apparatus is seen in a rotational axis direction of said image reading portion, at least a part of said regulating member in a state in which said image reading portion and said discharge portion are open away from said printer portion is hidden inside a contour of a casing of said image reading portion. 2. An image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the part of said regulating member is hidden inside the contour of the casing of said image reading portion in interrelation with an operation of opening said image reading portion. 3. An image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said image reading portion includes a holding portion configured to hold said discharge portion, and said holding portion holds said discharge portion in a state in which said discharge portion is open. 4. An image forming apparatus according to claim 3, wherein said holding portion includes a locking portion configured to lock said discharge portion. 5. An image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said discharge portion opens in interrelation with an operation of opening said image reading portion. 6. An image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said regulating member is supported by said image reading portion. 7. An image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said discharge portion is bendable. 8. An image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said discharge portion form an opening communicating with an image forming portion configured to form the image by being opened.

The present sheet processing apparatus comprises: a pressure tooth part that has a concave-convex surface and pressurizes the sheet bundle; a receiving tooth part that is disposed opposite to the pressure tooth part so as to receive pressurization from the pressure tooth part with the sheet bundle held therebetween; a moving part that reciprocates the pressure tooth part with respect to a receiving surface of the receiving tooth part; and a drive part that drives the moving part that moves the pressure tooth part for crimping of the sheet bundle. The pressure tooth part is divided in the direction crossing the pressurizing direction of the pressure tooth part into a plurality of pressure tooth parts, and the obtained pressure tooth parts are sequentially pressurized for crimping.

1. A sheet processing apparatus that crimp-binds a sheet bundle by pressurizing the sheet bundle from its front and back sides, comprising: a pressure tooth part that has a concave-convex surface and pressurizes the sheet bundle; a receiving tooth part that is disposed opposite to the pressure tooth part so as to receive pressurization from the pressure tooth part with the sheet bundle held therebetween; a moving part that reciprocates the pressure tooth part with respect to a receiving surface of the receiving tooth part; and a drive part that drives the moving part that moves the pressure tooth part for crimping of the sheet bundle, wherein the pressure tooth part is divided in the direction crossing the pressurizing direction of the pressure tooth part into a plurality of pressure tooth parts, and the obtained pressure tooth parts are sequentially pressurized for crimping. 2. The sheet processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein each of the plurality of pressure tooth parts has a pressurizing range smaller than the receiving surface. 3. The sheet processing apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the pressurizing range of each of the pressure tooth parts is set to about ½ to ¼ of the width and length of the receiving surface depending on the number of the pressure tooth parts. 4. The sheet processing apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the pressure tooth parts are disposed such that a step-like crimping surface is formed on the sheet bundle. 5. The sheet processing apparatus according to claim 2, wherein a plurality of the moving parts are provided corresponding to the number of the pressure tooth parts, each having a plate-like shape, and are slid in adjacent positions, and the pressure tooth part is provided at the leading end of the moving part. 6. The sheet processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein a sheet guide for guiding the sheet bundle to be carried in is provided swingably at both ends of the pressure tooth part. 7. The sheet processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the moving part reciprocates the pressure tooth part with respect to the receiving surface of the receiving tooth part in the vertical direction, and the drive part drives the moving part so that the pressure tooth part is moved between a crimping position where it crimps the sheet bundle and a separating position separated from the crimping position. 8. The sheet processing apparatus according to claim 7, wherein the moving part is a plate-like pressure plate that supports the pressure tooth part. 9. The sheet processing apparatus according to claim 8, wherein a plurality of the pressure tooth parts are provided to divide the pressurizing range with respect to the receiving tooth part, and the pressure plates that support the respective pressure tooth parts are slidable in adjacent positions and movable in the vertical direction. 10. The sheet processing apparatus according to claim 9, wherein the plurality of pressure tooth parts pressurize the receiving tooth part at different positions. 11. The sheet processing apparatus according to claim 9, wherein the drive part is constituted of a drive motor and a cylindrical cam, and the pressure plate is engaged at its one end with a cam groove formed in the cylindrical cam. 12. The sheet processing apparatus according to claim 11, wherein the drive motor can be rotated both normally and reversely, and the pressure tooth part supported by the pressure plate is moved from the separating position to the crimping position or from the crimping position to the separating position according to the rotation direction of the drive motor. 13. The sheet processing apparatus according to claim 11, wherein the cam groove has such a shape as to allow the pressure tooth part to pressurize the sheet bundle a plurality of times. 14. The sheet processing apparatus according to claim 11, wherein the cam groove of the cylindrical cam is formed into such a shape as to allow the pressure tooth part to be moved between the crimping position and the separating position by rotation of the drive motor in one direction. 15. A sheet processing apparatus that crimp-binds a sheet bundle by pressurizing the sheet bundle from its front and back sides, comprising: a pressure tooth part that has a concave-convex shape and is moved from one side of the sheet bundle to pressurize the sheet bundle; a receiving tooth part that has a concave-convex part and is disposed opposite to the pressure tooth part so as to receive pressurization from the pressure tooth part with the sheet bundle held therebetween; a moving part that reciprocates the pressure tooth part in the direction crossing a receiving surface of the receiving tooth part; and a drive part that drives the moving part so that the pressure tooth part is moved between a crimping position where it crimps the sheet bundle and a separating position separated from the crimping position, wherein the pressure tooth part, receiving tooth part, and drive part are disposed along the moving direction of the moving part, and the moving part is disposed at the side of the drive part. 16. The sheet processing apparatus according to claim 15, wherein the pressure tooth part is divided in terms of a pressurizing range, the moving part is a plate-like pressure plate that supports the pressure tooth part, and the drive part is constituted of a drive motor and a cam and is engaged with the cam at the base end side of the pressure plate to sequentially pressurize the receiving tooth part. 17. The sheet processing apparatus according to claim 16, wherein the pressure tooth part and its base end portion are each formed into a sickle shape in the pressure plate. 18. The sheet processing apparatus according to claim 16, wherein the pressure plate has a slide guide part that moves the pressure tooth part to the receiving tooth part vertically. 19. The sheet processing apparatus according to claim 18, wherein the cam is constituted as a cylindrical cam, the receiving tooth part supports one end sides of the respective drive motor and cylindrical cam at the surface thereof opposite to the receiving surface, and the drive motor can be rotated both normally and reversely, and moves the pressure tooth part supported by the pressure plate from the separating position to the crimping position or from the crimping position to the separating position according to its rotation direction, and there is provided a pressure spring that biases the pressure tooth part toward the receiving tooth part. 20. An image forming apparatus comprising: an image forming section that forms an image on a sheet; and a sheet processing apparatus having the configuration as claimed in claim 1 to bundle sheets conveyed from the image forming section and crimp-binds them.

The present sheet processing apparatus comprises: a pressure tooth part that has a concave-convex surface and pressurizes the sheet bundle; a receiving tooth part that is disposed opposite to the pressure tooth part so as to receive pressurization from the pressure tooth part with the sheet bundle held therebetween; a moving part that reciprocates the pressure tooth part with respect to a receiving surface of the receiving tooth part; and a drive part that drives the moving part that moves the pressure tooth part for crimping of the sheet bundle. The pressure tooth part is divided in the direction crossing the pressurizing direction of the pressure tooth part into a plurality of pressure tooth parts, and the obtained pressure tooth parts are sequentially pressurized for crimping.1. A sheet processing apparatus that crimp-binds a sheet bundle by pressurizing the sheet bundle from its front and back sides, comprising: a pressure tooth part that has a concave-convex surface and pressurizes the sheet bundle; a receiving tooth part that is disposed opposite to the pressure tooth part so as to receive pressurization from the pressure tooth part with the sheet bundle held therebetween; a moving part that reciprocates the pressure tooth part with respect to a receiving surface of the receiving tooth part; and a drive part that drives the moving part that moves the pressure tooth part for crimping of the sheet bundle, wherein the pressure tooth part is divided in the direction crossing the pressurizing direction of the pressure tooth part into a plurality of pressure tooth parts, and the obtained pressure tooth parts are sequentially pressurized for crimping. 2. The sheet processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein each of the plurality of pressure tooth parts has a pressurizing range smaller than the receiving surface. 3. The sheet processing apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the pressurizing range of each of the pressure tooth parts is set to about ½ to ¼ of the width and length of the receiving surface depending on the number of the pressure tooth parts. 4. The sheet processing apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the pressure tooth parts are disposed such that a step-like crimping surface is formed on the sheet bundle. 5. The sheet processing apparatus according to claim 2, wherein a plurality of the moving parts are provided corresponding to the number of the pressure tooth parts, each having a plate-like shape, and are slid in adjacent positions, and the pressure tooth part is provided at the leading end of the moving part. 6. The sheet processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein a sheet guide for guiding the sheet bundle to be carried in is provided swingably at both ends of the pressure tooth part. 7. The sheet processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the moving part reciprocates the pressure tooth part with respect to the receiving surface of the receiving tooth part in the vertical direction, and the drive part drives the moving part so that the pressure tooth part is moved between a crimping position where it crimps the sheet bundle and a separating position separated from the crimping position. 8. The sheet processing apparatus according to claim 7, wherein the moving part is a plate-like pressure plate that supports the pressure tooth part. 9. The sheet processing apparatus according to claim 8, wherein a plurality of the pressure tooth parts are provided to divide the pressurizing range with respect to the receiving tooth part, and the pressure plates that support the respective pressure tooth parts are slidable in adjacent positions and movable in the vertical direction. 10. The sheet processing apparatus according to claim 9, wherein the plurality of pressure tooth parts pressurize the receiving tooth part at different positions. 11. The sheet processing apparatus according to claim 9, wherein the drive part is constituted of a drive motor and a cylindrical cam, and the pressure plate is engaged at its one end with a cam groove formed in the cylindrical cam. 12. The sheet processing apparatus according to claim 11, wherein the drive motor can be rotated both normally and reversely, and the pressure tooth part supported by the pressure plate is moved from the separating position to the crimping position or from the crimping position to the separating position according to the rotation direction of the drive motor. 13. The sheet processing apparatus according to claim 11, wherein the cam groove has such a shape as to allow the pressure tooth part to pressurize the sheet bundle a plurality of times. 14. The sheet processing apparatus according to claim 11, wherein the cam groove of the cylindrical cam is formed into such a shape as to allow the pressure tooth part to be moved between the crimping position and the separating position by rotation of the drive motor in one direction. 15. A sheet processing apparatus that crimp-binds a sheet bundle by pressurizing the sheet bundle from its front and back sides, comprising: a pressure tooth part that has a concave-convex shape and is moved from one side of the sheet bundle to pressurize the sheet bundle; a receiving tooth part that has a concave-convex part and is disposed opposite to the pressure tooth part so as to receive pressurization from the pressure tooth part with the sheet bundle held therebetween; a moving part that reciprocates the pressure tooth part in the direction crossing a receiving surface of the receiving tooth part; and a drive part that drives the moving part so that the pressure tooth part is moved between a crimping position where it crimps the sheet bundle and a separating position separated from the crimping position, wherein the pressure tooth part, receiving tooth part, and drive part are disposed along the moving direction of the moving part, and the moving part is disposed at the side of the drive part. 16. The sheet processing apparatus according to claim 15, wherein the pressure tooth part is divided in terms of a pressurizing range, the moving part is a plate-like pressure plate that supports the pressure tooth part, and the drive part is constituted of a drive motor and a cam and is engaged with the cam at the base end side of the pressure plate to sequentially pressurize the receiving tooth part. 17. The sheet processing apparatus according to claim 16, wherein the pressure tooth part and its base end portion are each formed into a sickle shape in the pressure plate. 18. The sheet processing apparatus according to claim 16, wherein the pressure plate has a slide guide part that moves the pressure tooth part to the receiving tooth part vertically. 19. The sheet processing apparatus according to claim 18, wherein the cam is constituted as a cylindrical cam, the receiving tooth part supports one end sides of the respective drive motor and cylindrical cam at the surface thereof opposite to the receiving surface, and the drive motor can be rotated both normally and reversely, and moves the pressure tooth part supported by the pressure plate from the separating position to the crimping position or from the crimping position to the separating position according to its rotation direction, and there is provided a pressure spring that biases the pressure tooth part toward the receiving tooth part. 20. An image forming apparatus comprising: an image forming section that forms an image on a sheet; and a sheet processing apparatus having the configuration as claimed in claim 1 to bundle sheets conveyed from the image forming section and crimp-binds them.

A printing press for printing on metal cans includes a plurality of inkers. Each inker prints a different color ink on the cans, and includes a first module, a second module, a roller and a support member. The first module has motors to drive output shafts. The second module has ink displacement units, an ink inlet to provide ink to the ink displacement units, ink channels to transfer ink from the ink displacement units to ink outlets of the second module and input shafts to removably couple to the output shafts of the first module. The roller receives ink from the ink displacement units and transfers the ink toward the cans. The support member supports the first and second modules in at least one position relative to the roller. The support member facilitates removal of the second module by a press operator for cleaning the ink channels.

1. A printing press for printing on metal cans, comprising: a conveyor configured to move cans through the press; a plurality of inkers, each inker configured to print a different color ink on the cans, each inker further comprising: an ink distribution module, comprising: a first module comprising a plurality of motors, each motor configured to drive an output shaft; and a second module, comprising: a plurality of ink displacement units; at least one ink inlet to provide ink to the ink displacement units; ink channels configured to transfer ink from the ink displacement units to ink outlets of the second module; and input shafts configured to removably couple to the output shafts of the first module; and at least one roller configured to receive ink from the ink displacement units and transfer the ink toward the cans; and at least one support member configured to support the first and second modules in at least one position relative to the roller, wherein the support member is configured to facilitate removal of the second module by a press operator for cleaning the ink channels. 2. The printing press of claim 1, wherein the first module further comprises a circuit board comprising electrical components configured to power the motors at different speeds based on control signals received at a control input port. 3. The printing press of claim 1, wherein the ink displacement units are configured for positive displacement pumping of ink. 4. The printing press of claim 3, wherein the second module has at least four separate ink displacement units. 5. The printing press of claim 1, wherein the second module weighs less than about 30 pounds. 6. The printing press of claim 1, wherein the second module comprises a distribution head configured to spread the ink received from across zones of the roller. 7. The printing press of claim 1, wherein the first module is free of any ink channels. 8. The printing press of claim 1, wherein the input shafts and output shafts are configured to mechanically self-align. 9. The printing press of claim 1, wherein the input shafts and output shafts are configured to magnetically couple. 10. The printing press of claim 1, wherein the support comprises a rail and the first and second modules are configured to slide along the rail between an operating position and a removal position. 11. The printing press of claim 10, wherein the slide is configured to release the second module when in the removal position. 12. A digital inking system for a printing press for printing on metal cans, comprising: a first module comprising a plurality of motors, each motor configured to drive an output shaft; a second module, comprising: a plurality of ink displacement units; at least one ink inlet to provide ink to the ink displacement units; ink channels configured to transfer ink from the ink displacement units to ink outlets of the second module; input shafts configured to removably couple to the output shafts of the first module; wherein at least one of the first and second module comprises a coupling mechanism configured to hold the modules together in a first position and to release the modules from one another in a second position; at least one support member configured to support the first and second modules in at least one position relative to the roller, wherein the support member is configured to facilitate removal of the second module by a press operator for cleaning the ink channels. 13. The digital inking system of claim 12, wherein the coupling mechanism is configured to move from the first position to the second position by a press operator without requiring a tool. 14. The digital inking system of claim 12, wherein the input shafts and output shafts are configured to be separated by a press operator without requiring a tool. 15. A method of changing from a first ink to a second ink at an ink distribution module of a printing press for printing on cans, the ink distribution module comprising a first module holding a plurality of motors for driving an output shaft, a second module comprising ink displacement units configured to be driven by input shafts removably coupled to the output shafts, and a support member configured to support the first and second modules, the method comprising: sliding the first and second modules back to a first retracted position along the support member; disengaging the first module from the second module via a latch mechanism; releasing the second module from the support member; receiving on the support member a third module comprising ink displacement units configured to be driven by the input shafts of the first module, the ink displacement units of the third module being clean or comprising an ink of a different color than the ink displacement units of the second module; sliding the first module along the support member toward the third module until output shafts of the first module couple with input shafts of the third module; and sliding the first and third modules along the support member into a position for inking a roller of the printing press. 16. The method of claim 15, further comprising locking the first module into place after the output shafts of the first module couple with input shafts of the third module. 17. The method of claim 15, wherein the first module and second module are slid to the retracted positions sequentially. 18. The method of claim 15, further comprising unlocking the first module from the second module before sliding the first module to the first retracted position.

A printing press for printing on metal cans includes a plurality of inkers. Each inker prints a different color ink on the cans, and includes a first module, a second module, a roller and a support member. The first module has motors to drive output shafts. The second module has ink displacement units, an ink inlet to provide ink to the ink displacement units, ink channels to transfer ink from the ink displacement units to ink outlets of the second module and input shafts to removably couple to the output shafts of the first module. The roller receives ink from the ink displacement units and transfers the ink toward the cans. The support member supports the first and second modules in at least one position relative to the roller. The support member facilitates removal of the second module by a press operator for cleaning the ink channels.1. A printing press for printing on metal cans, comprising: a conveyor configured to move cans through the press; a plurality of inkers, each inker configured to print a different color ink on the cans, each inker further comprising: an ink distribution module, comprising: a first module comprising a plurality of motors, each motor configured to drive an output shaft; and a second module, comprising: a plurality of ink displacement units; at least one ink inlet to provide ink to the ink displacement units; ink channels configured to transfer ink from the ink displacement units to ink outlets of the second module; and input shafts configured to removably couple to the output shafts of the first module; and at least one roller configured to receive ink from the ink displacement units and transfer the ink toward the cans; and at least one support member configured to support the first and second modules in at least one position relative to the roller, wherein the support member is configured to facilitate removal of the second module by a press operator for cleaning the ink channels. 2. The printing press of claim 1, wherein the first module further comprises a circuit board comprising electrical components configured to power the motors at different speeds based on control signals received at a control input port. 3. The printing press of claim 1, wherein the ink displacement units are configured for positive displacement pumping of ink. 4. The printing press of claim 3, wherein the second module has at least four separate ink displacement units. 5. The printing press of claim 1, wherein the second module weighs less than about 30 pounds. 6. The printing press of claim 1, wherein the second module comprises a distribution head configured to spread the ink received from across zones of the roller. 7. The printing press of claim 1, wherein the first module is free of any ink channels. 8. The printing press of claim 1, wherein the input shafts and output shafts are configured to mechanically self-align. 9. The printing press of claim 1, wherein the input shafts and output shafts are configured to magnetically couple. 10. The printing press of claim 1, wherein the support comprises a rail and the first and second modules are configured to slide along the rail between an operating position and a removal position. 11. The printing press of claim 10, wherein the slide is configured to release the second module when in the removal position. 12. A digital inking system for a printing press for printing on metal cans, comprising: a first module comprising a plurality of motors, each motor configured to drive an output shaft; a second module, comprising: a plurality of ink displacement units; at least one ink inlet to provide ink to the ink displacement units; ink channels configured to transfer ink from the ink displacement units to ink outlets of the second module; input shafts configured to removably couple to the output shafts of the first module; wherein at least one of the first and second module comprises a coupling mechanism configured to hold the modules together in a first position and to release the modules from one another in a second position; at least one support member configured to support the first and second modules in at least one position relative to the roller, wherein the support member is configured to facilitate removal of the second module by a press operator for cleaning the ink channels. 13. The digital inking system of claim 12, wherein the coupling mechanism is configured to move from the first position to the second position by a press operator without requiring a tool. 14. The digital inking system of claim 12, wherein the input shafts and output shafts are configured to be separated by a press operator without requiring a tool. 15. A method of changing from a first ink to a second ink at an ink distribution module of a printing press for printing on cans, the ink distribution module comprising a first module holding a plurality of motors for driving an output shaft, a second module comprising ink displacement units configured to be driven by input shafts removably coupled to the output shafts, and a support member configured to support the first and second modules, the method comprising: sliding the first and second modules back to a first retracted position along the support member; disengaging the first module from the second module via a latch mechanism; releasing the second module from the support member; receiving on the support member a third module comprising ink displacement units configured to be driven by the input shafts of the first module, the ink displacement units of the third module being clean or comprising an ink of a different color than the ink displacement units of the second module; sliding the first module along the support member toward the third module until output shafts of the first module couple with input shafts of the third module; and sliding the first and third modules along the support member into a position for inking a roller of the printing press. 16. The method of claim 15, further comprising locking the first module into place after the output shafts of the first module couple with input shafts of the third module. 17. The method of claim 15, wherein the first module and second module are slid to the retracted positions sequentially. 18. The method of claim 15, further comprising unlocking the first module from the second module before sliding the first module to the first retracted position.

In an embodiment of the present invention, a squeegee blade holder is provided. The holder includes a first side member, a second side member, and a pivot portion between the first and second side members. The holder also includes a separator between the first and second side members for maintaining compression of the side members against the squeegee blade.

1-20. (canceled) 21. A squeegee blade holder comprising: a pair of arms joined at an intermediate portion of the arms by a pivot, each of the arms having a jaw at one end with a facing surface, an attachment member at a distal-most portion of an opposed end, the attachment members of both arms extend coextensively, and the pivot being positioned therebetween; and a rod between the first and second side members for biasing the first jaw toward the second jaw. 22. The squeegee blade holder of claim 21 further including a squeegee blade holding portion between the first jaw and the second jaw. 23. The squeegee blade holder of claim 21 wherein the pivot portion pivots about the rod. 24. The squeegee blade holder of claim 21 wherein the pivot portion includes a downwardly extending pivot member extending from an inside surface of the first side member of the holder, and an upwardly extending pivot member extending from an inside surface of the second side member of the holder, the downwardly and upwardly extending pivot members extending along the length of the first and second side members of the holder. 25. The squeegee blade holder of claim 24 further including a first channel formed by grooves in each of the first and second side members of the holder to accept the rod. 26. The squeegee blade holder of claim 25 wherein the first channel is positioned along a length of the first side member and between the pivot portion and the first attachment member. 27. The squeegee holder of claim 25 wherein the channel extends through the pivot portion. 28. The squeegee holder of claim 25 further comprising a second channel spaced from the first channel. 29. The squeegee blade holder of claim 21 wherein the pivot portion includes a downwardly extending curled lip extending from an inside surface of the first side member of the holder, and an upwardly extending curled lip extending from an inside surface of the second side member of the holder, the upwardly and downwardly extending curled lips engaging to form a pivot. 30. The squeegee blade holder of claim 21 further comprising serrations on the facing surface of each of the jaws. 31. A method of assembling a squeegee blade holder comprising the steps of: providing a holder having a pair of arms joined at an intermediate portion of the arms by a pivot, each of the arms having a jaw at one end with a facing surface, an attachment member at a distal-most portion of an opposed end, and the pivot being positioned therebetween; providing a vise having a pair of clamp elements moveable from an open position to a closed position; inserting the jaws in the vise when in an open position; positioning a squeegee blade between the facing surfaces of the jaws; and moving the vise to the closed position to maintain the squeegee blade between the facing surfaces. 32. The method of claim 31 further comprising the step of inserting a separator between the arms to bias the facing surfaces towards one another. 33. The method of claim 32 wherein the separator is a rod. 34. The method of claim 33 wherein the rod is stainless steel. 35. The method of claim 33 wherein the rod is solid or hollow. 36. The method of claim 32 further providing a channel between the arms for receiving the separator. 37. The method of claim 36 wherein the channel is positioned along a length of the arms between the pivot and the attachment member. 38. The method of claim 36 wherein the channel extends through the pivot. 39. The method of claim 32 further comprising moving the vise to the open position after the step of inserting the separator between the arms.

In an embodiment of the present invention, a squeegee blade holder is provided. The holder includes a first side member, a second side member, and a pivot portion between the first and second side members. The holder also includes a separator between the first and second side members for maintaining compression of the side members against the squeegee blade.1-20. (canceled) 21. A squeegee blade holder comprising: a pair of arms joined at an intermediate portion of the arms by a pivot, each of the arms having a jaw at one end with a facing surface, an attachment member at a distal-most portion of an opposed end, the attachment members of both arms extend coextensively, and the pivot being positioned therebetween; and a rod between the first and second side members for biasing the first jaw toward the second jaw. 22. The squeegee blade holder of claim 21 further including a squeegee blade holding portion between the first jaw and the second jaw. 23. The squeegee blade holder of claim 21 wherein the pivot portion pivots about the rod. 24. The squeegee blade holder of claim 21 wherein the pivot portion includes a downwardly extending pivot member extending from an inside surface of the first side member of the holder, and an upwardly extending pivot member extending from an inside surface of the second side member of the holder, the downwardly and upwardly extending pivot members extending along the length of the first and second side members of the holder. 25. The squeegee blade holder of claim 24 further including a first channel formed by grooves in each of the first and second side members of the holder to accept the rod. 26. The squeegee blade holder of claim 25 wherein the first channel is positioned along a length of the first side member and between the pivot portion and the first attachment member. 27. The squeegee holder of claim 25 wherein the channel extends through the pivot portion. 28. The squeegee holder of claim 25 further comprising a second channel spaced from the first channel. 29. The squeegee blade holder of claim 21 wherein the pivot portion includes a downwardly extending curled lip extending from an inside surface of the first side member of the holder, and an upwardly extending curled lip extending from an inside surface of the second side member of the holder, the upwardly and downwardly extending curled lips engaging to form a pivot. 30. The squeegee blade holder of claim 21 further comprising serrations on the facing surface of each of the jaws. 31. A method of assembling a squeegee blade holder comprising the steps of: providing a holder having a pair of arms joined at an intermediate portion of the arms by a pivot, each of the arms having a jaw at one end with a facing surface, an attachment member at a distal-most portion of an opposed end, and the pivot being positioned therebetween; providing a vise having a pair of clamp elements moveable from an open position to a closed position; inserting the jaws in the vise when in an open position; positioning a squeegee blade between the facing surfaces of the jaws; and moving the vise to the closed position to maintain the squeegee blade between the facing surfaces. 32. The method of claim 31 further comprising the step of inserting a separator between the arms to bias the facing surfaces towards one another. 33. The method of claim 32 wherein the separator is a rod. 34. The method of claim 33 wherein the rod is stainless steel. 35. The method of claim 33 wherein the rod is solid or hollow. 36. The method of claim 32 further providing a channel between the arms for receiving the separator. 37. The method of claim 36 wherein the channel is positioned along a length of the arms between the pivot and the attachment member. 38. The method of claim 36 wherein the channel extends through the pivot. 39. The method of claim 32 further comprising moving the vise to the open position after the step of inserting the separator between the arms.

In some examples, a printing device includes a first print drum comprising a first ring gear defined on a surface of the first print drum, a second print drum comprising a second ring gear defined on a surface of the second print drum, a rotatable drive shaft, and pinion gears to engage the first ring gear and the second ring gear, wherein rotation of the drive shaft causes the pinion gears to interact with the first and second ring gears to rotate the first print drum and the second print drum at different angular velocities.

1. A printing device comprising: a first print drum comprising a first ring gear defined on a surface of the first print drum; a second print drum comprising a second ring gear defined on a surface of the second print drum; a rotatable drive shaft; and pinion gears to engage the first ring gear and the second ring gear, wherein rotation of the drive shaft causes the pinion gears to interact with the first and second ring gears to rotate the first print drum and the second print drum at different angular velocities. 2. The printing device of claim 1, wherein the different angular velocities are different non-zero angular velocities. 3. The printing device of claim 1, wherein the rotation of the drive shaft causes corresponding rotation of the pinion gears, the pinion gears being engaged with the first and second ring gears. 4. The printing device of claim 1, wherein the pinion gears include teeth to mesh with teeth of the first ring gear and the second ring gear. 5. The printing device of claim 1, further comprising: a first speedometer to measure the angular velocity of the first print drum; and a second speedometer to measure the angular velocity of the second print drum. 6. The printing device of claim 1, wherein the drive shaft upon rotation supplies a single input torque to the first print drum and the second print drum. 7. The printing device of claim 1, further comprising a relative velocity detector to detect the angular velocities of the first print drum and the second print drum relative to one another. 8. The printing device of claim 1, further comprising a carrier connected to the drive shaft, the carrier supporting the pinion gears. 9. The printing device of claim 8, wherein the carrier is to rotate with the rotation of the drive shaft, and the pinion gears are to rotate with the rotation of the carrier. 10. The printing device of claim 1, wherein a difference in angular velocities of the first and second ring gears causes rotation of the pinion gears about an axis that is different from an axis of rotation of the drive shaft. 11. The printing device of claim 1, in which the first print drum and the second print drum rotate independently of one another. 12. The printing device of claim 1, wherein the first print drum is to receive a print medium in a first orientation, and the second print drum is to receive the print medium in a second orientation different from the first orientation. 13. An apparatus comprising: a first ring gear for a first print drum of a printing device; a second ring gear for a second print drum of the printing device; a rotatable drive shaft; and pinion gears to engage the first ring gear and the second ring gear, wherein rotation of the drive shaft causes the pinion gears to interact with the first and second ring gears to rotate the first and second ring gears at different angular velocities. 14. The apparatus of claim 13, wherein the different angular velocities are different non-zero angular velocities. 15. The apparatus of claim 13, wherein the rotation of the drive shaft causes corresponding rotation of the pinion gears, the pinion gears being engaged with the first and second ring gears. 16. The apparatus of claim 13, wherein a difference in angular velocities of the first and second ring gears cause rotation of the pinion gears about an axis that is different from an axis of rotation of the drive shaft. 17. A printing system comprising: a split print drum comprising a plurality of print drums; a differential drive assembly to rotate a number of the plurality of print drums, the differential drive assembly comprising: a rotatable drive shaft; and pinion gears to engage gears of the plurality of print drums, wherein rotation of the drive shaft causes the pinion gears to interact with the gears of the plurality of print drums to rotate a first print drum and a second print drum at different angular velocities; and a power source to supply an input torque to the drive shaft. 18. The printing system of claim 17, wherein the drive shaft passes longitudinally through a center of the plurality of print drums. 19. The printing system of claim 17, wherein the plurality of print drums are to receive a plurality of passes of a print medium. 20. The printing system of claim 17, further comprising a tension mechanism to control a tension of a print medium in the printing system.

In some examples, a printing device includes a first print drum comprising a first ring gear defined on a surface of the first print drum, a second print drum comprising a second ring gear defined on a surface of the second print drum, a rotatable drive shaft, and pinion gears to engage the first ring gear and the second ring gear, wherein rotation of the drive shaft causes the pinion gears to interact with the first and second ring gears to rotate the first print drum and the second print drum at different angular velocities.1. A printing device comprising: a first print drum comprising a first ring gear defined on a surface of the first print drum; a second print drum comprising a second ring gear defined on a surface of the second print drum; a rotatable drive shaft; and pinion gears to engage the first ring gear and the second ring gear, wherein rotation of the drive shaft causes the pinion gears to interact with the first and second ring gears to rotate the first print drum and the second print drum at different angular velocities. 2. The printing device of claim 1, wherein the different angular velocities are different non-zero angular velocities. 3. The printing device of claim 1, wherein the rotation of the drive shaft causes corresponding rotation of the pinion gears, the pinion gears being engaged with the first and second ring gears. 4. The printing device of claim 1, wherein the pinion gears include teeth to mesh with teeth of the first ring gear and the second ring gear. 5. The printing device of claim 1, further comprising: a first speedometer to measure the angular velocity of the first print drum; and a second speedometer to measure the angular velocity of the second print drum. 6. The printing device of claim 1, wherein the drive shaft upon rotation supplies a single input torque to the first print drum and the second print drum. 7. The printing device of claim 1, further comprising a relative velocity detector to detect the angular velocities of the first print drum and the second print drum relative to one another. 8. The printing device of claim 1, further comprising a carrier connected to the drive shaft, the carrier supporting the pinion gears. 9. The printing device of claim 8, wherein the carrier is to rotate with the rotation of the drive shaft, and the pinion gears are to rotate with the rotation of the carrier. 10. The printing device of claim 1, wherein a difference in angular velocities of the first and second ring gears causes rotation of the pinion gears about an axis that is different from an axis of rotation of the drive shaft. 11. The printing device of claim 1, in which the first print drum and the second print drum rotate independently of one another. 12. The printing device of claim 1, wherein the first print drum is to receive a print medium in a first orientation, and the second print drum is to receive the print medium in a second orientation different from the first orientation. 13. An apparatus comprising: a first ring gear for a first print drum of a printing device; a second ring gear for a second print drum of the printing device; a rotatable drive shaft; and pinion gears to engage the first ring gear and the second ring gear, wherein rotation of the drive shaft causes the pinion gears to interact with the first and second ring gears to rotate the first and second ring gears at different angular velocities. 14. The apparatus of claim 13, wherein the different angular velocities are different non-zero angular velocities. 15. The apparatus of claim 13, wherein the rotation of the drive shaft causes corresponding rotation of the pinion gears, the pinion gears being engaged with the first and second ring gears. 16. The apparatus of claim 13, wherein a difference in angular velocities of the first and second ring gears cause rotation of the pinion gears about an axis that is different from an axis of rotation of the drive shaft. 17. A printing system comprising: a split print drum comprising a plurality of print drums; a differential drive assembly to rotate a number of the plurality of print drums, the differential drive assembly comprising: a rotatable drive shaft; and pinion gears to engage gears of the plurality of print drums, wherein rotation of the drive shaft causes the pinion gears to interact with the gears of the plurality of print drums to rotate a first print drum and a second print drum at different angular velocities; and a power source to supply an input torque to the drive shaft. 18. The printing system of claim 17, wherein the drive shaft passes longitudinally through a center of the plurality of print drums. 19. The printing system of claim 17, wherein the plurality of print drums are to receive a plurality of passes of a print medium. 20. The printing system of claim 17, further comprising a tension mechanism to control a tension of a print medium in the printing system.

A method of selectively exposing a liquid photopolymer printing blank to actinic radiation to create a relief image printing plate and a liquid platemaking exposure system. The method includes: (1) positioning a programmable screen programmed with an image file of a desired image between the top glass and an upper source of actinic radiation; (2) exposing the layer of liquid photopolymer to actinic radiation from the upper source of actinic radiation through the programmable screen to crosslink and cure at least a portion of the liquid photopolymer adjacent to the backing sheet and create a floor layer therein; and (3) imagewise exposing the layer of liquid photopolymer to actinic radiation from a lower source of actinic radiation through a negative of the relief image to crosslink and cure selective portions of the liquid photopolymer on the floor layer and create the relief image therein.

1-15. (canceled) 16. A system for producing a relief image printing plate from a liquid photopolymer resin, the system comprising: a. an upper source of actinic radiation and a lower source of actinic radiation for exposing the liquid photopolymer resin to actinic radiation to crosslink and cure portions of the liquid photopolymer resin; b. a top exposure glass and a bottom exposure glass arranged between the upper source of actinic radiation and the lower source of actinic radiation for confining the liquid photopolymer resin during production of the relief image printing plate; c. a relief image negative arranged between the bottom exposure glass and the liquid photopolymer, wherein the relief image negative comprises transparent portions and opaque portions, wherein the transparent portions define areas where the liquid photopolymer can be exposed to be exposure to actinic radiation from the lower source of actinic radiation through the bottom exposure glass to crosslink and cure portions of the liquid photopolymer, and wherein the opaque portions define areas where the liquid photopolymer is not to exposed to actinic radiation and is not cured; and d. a programmable screen arranged between the top exposure glass and the upper source of actinic radiation, wherein the programmable screen is programmable with an image file of a desire image, said image file comprising transparent portions and opaque portions. 17. The system according to claim 16, wherein the programmable screen comprises a plurality of light valves or optical shutters, wherein each of the plurality of light valves or optical shutters are individually capable of switching between a first state in which incident radiation is blocked, whereby light is not transmitted, and a second state in which incident radiation is transmitted to follow a path through the light valve or optical shutter. 18. The system according to claim 17, further comprising a controller operatively connected to the programmable screen for individually controlling operation of each of the plurality of light valves or optical shutters in the programmable screen. 19. The system according to claim 18, wherein the controller comprises software for controlling operation of each of the plurality of light valves or optical shutters and data storage means for storing data related to each of the plurality of light valves or optical shutters. 20. The system according to claim 19, comprising a user interface for entering data into the data storage means and for selecting and modifying data related to the programmable screen. 21. A system for producing a relief image printing plate from a liquid photopolymer resin, the system comprising: a. an upper source of actinic radiation and a lower source of actinic radiation for exposing the liquid photopolymer resin to actinic radiation to crosslink and cure portions of the liquid photopolymer resin; b. a top exposure glass and a bottom exposure glass arranged between the upper source of actinic radiation and the lower source of actinic radiation for confining the liquid photopolymer resin during production of the relief image printing plate; c. a first programmable screen arranged between the bottom exposure glass and the lower source of actinic radiation, wherein the first programmable screen is programmable with a first image file of a desired relief image, the first image file comprising transparent portions and opaque portions, wherein the transparent portions define areas where the liquid photopolymer can be exposed to be exposure to actinic radiation from the lower source of actinic radiation through the bottom exposure glass to crosslink and cure portions of the liquid photopolymer, and wherein the opaque portions define areas where the liquid photopolymer is not to exposed to actinic radiation and is not cured; and d. a second programmable screen arranged between the top exposure glass and the upper source of actinic radiation, wherein the second programmable screen is programmable with a second image file of a desire floor image, said second image file comprising transparent portions and opaque portions. 22. The system according to claim 21, wherein the first programmable screen and the second programmable screen each comprise a plurality of light valves or optical shutters, wherein each of the plurality of light valves or optical shutters are individually capable of switching between a first state in which incident radiation is blocked, whereby light is not transmitted, and a second state in which incident radiation is transmitted to follow a path through the light valve or optical shutter. 23. The system according to claim 21, further comprising a microcontroller operatively connected to the first programmable screen and the second programmable screen for individually controlling operation of each of the plurality of light valves or optical shutters in the first programmable screen and the second programmable screen. 24. The system according to claim 23, wherein the microcontroller comprises software for controlling operation of each of the plurality of light valves or optical shutters and data storage means for storing data related to each of the plurality of light valves or optical shutters for the first programmable screen and the second programmable screen. 25. The system according to claim 24, comprising a user interface for entering data into the data storage means and for selecting and modifying data related to the first programmable screen and the second programmable screen.

A method of selectively exposing a liquid photopolymer printing blank to actinic radiation to create a relief image printing plate and a liquid platemaking exposure system. The method includes: (1) positioning a programmable screen programmed with an image file of a desired image between the top glass and an upper source of actinic radiation; (2) exposing the layer of liquid photopolymer to actinic radiation from the upper source of actinic radiation through the programmable screen to crosslink and cure at least a portion of the liquid photopolymer adjacent to the backing sheet and create a floor layer therein; and (3) imagewise exposing the layer of liquid photopolymer to actinic radiation from a lower source of actinic radiation through a negative of the relief image to crosslink and cure selective portions of the liquid photopolymer on the floor layer and create the relief image therein.1-15. (canceled) 16. A system for producing a relief image printing plate from a liquid photopolymer resin, the system comprising: a. an upper source of actinic radiation and a lower source of actinic radiation for exposing the liquid photopolymer resin to actinic radiation to crosslink and cure portions of the liquid photopolymer resin; b. a top exposure glass and a bottom exposure glass arranged between the upper source of actinic radiation and the lower source of actinic radiation for confining the liquid photopolymer resin during production of the relief image printing plate; c. a relief image negative arranged between the bottom exposure glass and the liquid photopolymer, wherein the relief image negative comprises transparent portions and opaque portions, wherein the transparent portions define areas where the liquid photopolymer can be exposed to be exposure to actinic radiation from the lower source of actinic radiation through the bottom exposure glass to crosslink and cure portions of the liquid photopolymer, and wherein the opaque portions define areas where the liquid photopolymer is not to exposed to actinic radiation and is not cured; and d. a programmable screen arranged between the top exposure glass and the upper source of actinic radiation, wherein the programmable screen is programmable with an image file of a desire image, said image file comprising transparent portions and opaque portions. 17. The system according to claim 16, wherein the programmable screen comprises a plurality of light valves or optical shutters, wherein each of the plurality of light valves or optical shutters are individually capable of switching between a first state in which incident radiation is blocked, whereby light is not transmitted, and a second state in which incident radiation is transmitted to follow a path through the light valve or optical shutter. 18. The system according to claim 17, further comprising a controller operatively connected to the programmable screen for individually controlling operation of each of the plurality of light valves or optical shutters in the programmable screen. 19. The system according to claim 18, wherein the controller comprises software for controlling operation of each of the plurality of light valves or optical shutters and data storage means for storing data related to each of the plurality of light valves or optical shutters. 20. The system according to claim 19, comprising a user interface for entering data into the data storage means and for selecting and modifying data related to the programmable screen. 21. A system for producing a relief image printing plate from a liquid photopolymer resin, the system comprising: a. an upper source of actinic radiation and a lower source of actinic radiation for exposing the liquid photopolymer resin to actinic radiation to crosslink and cure portions of the liquid photopolymer resin; b. a top exposure glass and a bottom exposure glass arranged between the upper source of actinic radiation and the lower source of actinic radiation for confining the liquid photopolymer resin during production of the relief image printing plate; c. a first programmable screen arranged between the bottom exposure glass and the lower source of actinic radiation, wherein the first programmable screen is programmable with a first image file of a desired relief image, the first image file comprising transparent portions and opaque portions, wherein the transparent portions define areas where the liquid photopolymer can be exposed to be exposure to actinic radiation from the lower source of actinic radiation through the bottom exposure glass to crosslink and cure portions of the liquid photopolymer, and wherein the opaque portions define areas where the liquid photopolymer is not to exposed to actinic radiation and is not cured; and d. a second programmable screen arranged between the top exposure glass and the upper source of actinic radiation, wherein the second programmable screen is programmable with a second image file of a desire floor image, said second image file comprising transparent portions and opaque portions. 22. The system according to claim 21, wherein the first programmable screen and the second programmable screen each comprise a plurality of light valves or optical shutters, wherein each of the plurality of light valves or optical shutters are individually capable of switching between a first state in which incident radiation is blocked, whereby light is not transmitted, and a second state in which incident radiation is transmitted to follow a path through the light valve or optical shutter. 23. The system according to claim 21, further comprising a microcontroller operatively connected to the first programmable screen and the second programmable screen for individually controlling operation of each of the plurality of light valves or optical shutters in the first programmable screen and the second programmable screen. 24. The system according to claim 23, wherein the microcontroller comprises software for controlling operation of each of the plurality of light valves or optical shutters and data storage means for storing data related to each of the plurality of light valves or optical shutters for the first programmable screen and the second programmable screen. 25. The system according to claim 24, comprising a user interface for entering data into the data storage means and for selecting and modifying data related to the first programmable screen and the second programmable screen.

Provided is a printing apparatus including: a printing roller whose outer circumferential surface is coated with ink; a cliché roller which rotates in engagement with the printing roller and forms first patterns on the printing roller by removing portions of the ink coated on the outer circumferential surface of the printing roller and on which second patterns which are the removed portions of the ink are formed; a first transfer substrate onto which the first patterns of the printing roller are transferred; and a second transfer substrate onto which the second patterns of the cliché roller are transferred. The printing apparatus can reduce the time required for a product production process by omitting a cliché cleaning process.

1. A printing apparatus comprising: a printing roller whose outer circumferential surface is coated with ink; a cliché roller which rotates in engagement with the printing roller and forms first patterns on the printing roller by removing portions of the ink coated on the outer circumferential surface of the printing roller and on which second patterns which are the removed portions of the ink are formed; a first transfer substrate onto which the first patterns of the printing roller are transferred; and a second transfer substrate onto which the second patterns of the cliché roller are transferred. 2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the cliché roller further comprises embossed portions which are protrusions formed on an outer circumferential surface of the cliché roller, wherein the second patterns are located on outer surfaces of the embossed portions, respectively. 3. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising: a feeding roller which feeds the second transfer substrate; an impression roller which rotates in engagement with the cliché roller such that the second patterns are formed on the second transfer substrate fed by the feeding roller; and a collecting roller which winds the second transfer substrate having the second patterns formed as the second transfer substrate passes through the impression roller. 4. A method of operating a printing apparatus, the method comprising: receiving ink from a slit nozzle and forming an ink layer by evenly coating the ink on a blanket which covers an outer circumferential surface of a printing roller; transferring part of the ink coated on the printing roller to a cliché roller through rotation and transferring first patterns, which are ink patterns remaining on the printing roller, to a first transfer substrate; and transferring second patterns, which are ink patterns transferred to the cliché roller, to a second transfer substrate.

Provided is a printing apparatus including: a printing roller whose outer circumferential surface is coated with ink; a cliché roller which rotates in engagement with the printing roller and forms first patterns on the printing roller by removing portions of the ink coated on the outer circumferential surface of the printing roller and on which second patterns which are the removed portions of the ink are formed; a first transfer substrate onto which the first patterns of the printing roller are transferred; and a second transfer substrate onto which the second patterns of the cliché roller are transferred. The printing apparatus can reduce the time required for a product production process by omitting a cliché cleaning process.1. A printing apparatus comprising: a printing roller whose outer circumferential surface is coated with ink; a cliché roller which rotates in engagement with the printing roller and forms first patterns on the printing roller by removing portions of the ink coated on the outer circumferential surface of the printing roller and on which second patterns which are the removed portions of the ink are formed; a first transfer substrate onto which the first patterns of the printing roller are transferred; and a second transfer substrate onto which the second patterns of the cliché roller are transferred. 2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the cliché roller further comprises embossed portions which are protrusions formed on an outer circumferential surface of the cliché roller, wherein the second patterns are located on outer surfaces of the embossed portions, respectively. 3. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising: a feeding roller which feeds the second transfer substrate; an impression roller which rotates in engagement with the cliché roller such that the second patterns are formed on the second transfer substrate fed by the feeding roller; and a collecting roller which winds the second transfer substrate having the second patterns formed as the second transfer substrate passes through the impression roller. 4. A method of operating a printing apparatus, the method comprising: receiving ink from a slit nozzle and forming an ink layer by evenly coating the ink on a blanket which covers an outer circumferential surface of a printing roller; transferring part of the ink coated on the printing roller to a cliché roller through rotation and transferring first patterns, which are ink patterns remaining on the printing roller, to a first transfer substrate; and transferring second patterns, which are ink patterns transferred to the cliché roller, to a second transfer substrate.

Disclosed herein is a method for flexographically printing over a textured surface. The method comprises selecting a substrate for application of a print pattern and advancing the substrate through a flexographic coil paint line in order to apply a primer to at least one side of the substrate. Next a finish coat is flexographically applied to the primed substrate and due to a chemical reaction of the applied finish coat along with supplemental heating, the finish coat forms a textured surface. Next, a print pattern is flexographically applied atop the textured surface.

1. A method for flexographically printing over a textured surface, the method comprising: selecting a substrate for application of a print pattern; advancing the substrate through a flexographic coil paint line in order to apply a primer to at least one side of the substrate; flexographically applying a finish coat to the primed substrate, the finish coat forming a textured surface; and flexographically applying a print pattern atop the textured surface. 2. The method of claim 1, wherein heat is applied to the flexographically applied finish coat causing a chemical reaction resulting in the formation of the textured surface. 3. A method for flexographically printing over a textured surface, the method comprising: feeding a substrate into a coating line with at least one coating system, the coating system further comprising at least one each of i) a coating pan, ii) a pick-up roll, iii) a metering roll, iv) an applicator roll, v) a print sleeve circumscribing the applicator roll, and vi) a backup drum, wherein the substrate traverses between the print sleeve and the backup drum; degreasing the substrate at a degreasing station; rinsing the substrate at a rinsing station; applying a pretreatment coat to the substrate with the at least one coating system; heating the pretreatment coated substrate; applying to the substrate a primer coat with the at least one coating system; heating the primed substrate; quenching the primed substrate; applying to the primed substrate a finish coat with the at least one coating system; heating the primed and finish coated substrate; quenching the primed and finish coated substrate; returning the primed and finish coated substrate to a coil form on a coil car; refeeding the primed and finish coated substrate into the coating line from the coil car; applying a second primer coat to the primed and finish coated substrate; heating the twice primed and finish coated substrate; quenching the twice primed and finish coated substrate; applying a second finish coat to the twice primed and once finish coated substrate; heating the twice primed and twice finish coated substrate; quenching the twice primed and twice finish coated substrate; and returning the twice primed and twice finish coated substrate to a coil form on a coil car. 4. The method of claim 1, wherein the degreasing step further comprises a solution with a free alkalinity in the range of 4-6 pH. 5. The method of claim 1, wherein the degreasing step further comprises a solution with a total alkalinity in the range of 8-12 pH. 6. The method of claim 1, wherein the degreaser is metal cleaner. 7. The method of claim 1, wherein the pretreatment is a multi-metal pretreatment for architectural applications. 8. The method of claim 1, wherein the water temperature during the step of quenching the primed substrate is in the range of about 135° to 145° F. 9. The method of claim 1, wherein the water temperature during the step of quenching the primed and finish coated substrate is in the range of about 135° to 145° F. 10. The method of claim 1, wherein the water temperature during the step of quenching the twice primed and finish coated substrate is in the range of about 125° to 135° F. 11. The method of claim 1, wherein the water temperature during the step of quenching the twice primed and twice finish coated substrate is in the range of about 115° to 125° F. 12. The method of claim 1, wherein the substrate comprises a metal. 13. The method of claim 12, wherein the metal is steel. 14. The method of claim 1, wherein the step of heating the primed substrate comprises heating to a temperature in the range of from about 430° to 440° F. 15. The method of claim 1, wherein the step of heating the primed and finish coated substrate comprises heating to a temperature in the range of from about 445° to 455° F. 16. The method of claim 1, wherein the step of applying to the substrate a primer coat further comprises the primer having an efflux time of about 22 seconds while utilizing a number 4 Zahn cup. 17. The method of claim 1, wherein the step of applying to the primed substrate a finish coat, the finish coating has an efflux time of about 22 seconds utilizing a number 4 Zahn cup. 18. The method of claim 1, wherein the print sleeve is comprised of a polymer material. 19. A method for flexographically printing over a textured surface, the method comprising: selecting a substrate for application of a print pattern; advancing the substrate into a coating line; applying a primer to the substrate as the substrate passes through the coating line, wherein the primer is applied by a primer coating system; heating the primer coat and substrate; applying a finish coat to the primed substrate as the primed substrate passes through the coating line, wherein the finish coat is applied by a finish coating system; heating the primed substrate and applied finish coat to facilitate curing of the finish coat resulting in a textured appearance to the finish coat; removing the primed and finish coated substrate from the coating line; returning the primed and finish coated substrate to the coating line; applying a print over the finish coat with a textured appearance, wherein the print is applied by a print coating system; and removing the primed, finish coated and print coated substrate from the coating line. 20. The method of claim 19, wherein the primer coating system is comprised of at least one each of i) a coating pan, ii) a pick-up roll, iii) a metering roll, iv) an applicator roll, v) a print sleeve circumscribing the applicator roll, and vi) a backup drum, wherein the substrate traverses between the applicator roll surrounded by the print sleeve and the backup drum. 21. The method of claim 19, wherein the finish coating system is comprised of at least one each of i) a coating pan, ii) a pick-up roll, iii) a metering roll, iv) an applicator roll, v) a print sleeve circumscribing the applicator roll, and vi) a backup drum, wherein the substrate traverses between the applicator roll surrounded by the print sleeve and the backup drum. 22. The method of claim 19, wherein the print coating system is comprised of at least one each of i) a coating pan, ii) a pick-up roll, iii) a metering roll, iv) an applicator roll, v) a print sleeve circumscribing the applicator roll, and vi) a backup drum, wherein the substrate traverses between the applicator roll surrounded by the print sleeve and the backup drum. 23. The method of claim 19, wherein the application of the primer, finish coat and print coat over the substrate emulates a rusted steel appearance. 24. The method of claim 19, wherein the step of applying a primer to the substrate as the substrate passes through the coating line further comprises heating the primed substrate to a temperature in the range of from about 430° to 440° F. 25. The method of claim 19, wherein the step of applying a finish coat atop the primed substrate as the primed substrate passes through the coating line further comprises heating the primed and finish coated substrate to a temperature in the range of from about 445° to 455° F. 26. The method of claim 19, wherein the step of applying a primer to the substrate comprises utilization of a primer with an efflux time of about 22 seconds utilizing a number 4 Zahn cup. 27. The method of claim 19, wherein the step of applying a rawhide texture coat atop the primed substrate comprises utilization of a primer with an efflux time of about 22 seconds utilizing a number 4 Zahn cup. 28. The method of claim 19, wherein the primer coating system maintains a kiss pressure of about 130 psi and a nip pressure of about 700 psi.

Disclosed herein is a method for flexographically printing over a textured surface. The method comprises selecting a substrate for application of a print pattern and advancing the substrate through a flexographic coil paint line in order to apply a primer to at least one side of the substrate. Next a finish coat is flexographically applied to the primed substrate and due to a chemical reaction of the applied finish coat along with supplemental heating, the finish coat forms a textured surface. Next, a print pattern is flexographically applied atop the textured surface.1. A method for flexographically printing over a textured surface, the method comprising: selecting a substrate for application of a print pattern; advancing the substrate through a flexographic coil paint line in order to apply a primer to at least one side of the substrate; flexographically applying a finish coat to the primed substrate, the finish coat forming a textured surface; and flexographically applying a print pattern atop the textured surface. 2. The method of claim 1, wherein heat is applied to the flexographically applied finish coat causing a chemical reaction resulting in the formation of the textured surface. 3. A method for flexographically printing over a textured surface, the method comprising: feeding a substrate into a coating line with at least one coating system, the coating system further comprising at least one each of i) a coating pan, ii) a pick-up roll, iii) a metering roll, iv) an applicator roll, v) a print sleeve circumscribing the applicator roll, and vi) a backup drum, wherein the substrate traverses between the print sleeve and the backup drum; degreasing the substrate at a degreasing station; rinsing the substrate at a rinsing station; applying a pretreatment coat to the substrate with the at least one coating system; heating the pretreatment coated substrate; applying to the substrate a primer coat with the at least one coating system; heating the primed substrate; quenching the primed substrate; applying to the primed substrate a finish coat with the at least one coating system; heating the primed and finish coated substrate; quenching the primed and finish coated substrate; returning the primed and finish coated substrate to a coil form on a coil car; refeeding the primed and finish coated substrate into the coating line from the coil car; applying a second primer coat to the primed and finish coated substrate; heating the twice primed and finish coated substrate; quenching the twice primed and finish coated substrate; applying a second finish coat to the twice primed and once finish coated substrate; heating the twice primed and twice finish coated substrate; quenching the twice primed and twice finish coated substrate; and returning the twice primed and twice finish coated substrate to a coil form on a coil car. 4. The method of claim 1, wherein the degreasing step further comprises a solution with a free alkalinity in the range of 4-6 pH. 5. The method of claim 1, wherein the degreasing step further comprises a solution with a total alkalinity in the range of 8-12 pH. 6. The method of claim 1, wherein the degreaser is metal cleaner. 7. The method of claim 1, wherein the pretreatment is a multi-metal pretreatment for architectural applications. 8. The method of claim 1, wherein the water temperature during the step of quenching the primed substrate is in the range of about 135° to 145° F. 9. The method of claim 1, wherein the water temperature during the step of quenching the primed and finish coated substrate is in the range of about 135° to 145° F. 10. The method of claim 1, wherein the water temperature during the step of quenching the twice primed and finish coated substrate is in the range of about 125° to 135° F. 11. The method of claim 1, wherein the water temperature during the step of quenching the twice primed and twice finish coated substrate is in the range of about 115° to 125° F. 12. The method of claim 1, wherein the substrate comprises a metal. 13. The method of claim 12, wherein the metal is steel. 14. The method of claim 1, wherein the step of heating the primed substrate comprises heating to a temperature in the range of from about 430° to 440° F. 15. The method of claim 1, wherein the step of heating the primed and finish coated substrate comprises heating to a temperature in the range of from about 445° to 455° F. 16. The method of claim 1, wherein the step of applying to the substrate a primer coat further comprises the primer having an efflux time of about 22 seconds while utilizing a number 4 Zahn cup. 17. The method of claim 1, wherein the step of applying to the primed substrate a finish coat, the finish coating has an efflux time of about 22 seconds utilizing a number 4 Zahn cup. 18. The method of claim 1, wherein the print sleeve is comprised of a polymer material. 19. A method for flexographically printing over a textured surface, the method comprising: selecting a substrate for application of a print pattern; advancing the substrate into a coating line; applying a primer to the substrate as the substrate passes through the coating line, wherein the primer is applied by a primer coating system; heating the primer coat and substrate; applying a finish coat to the primed substrate as the primed substrate passes through the coating line, wherein the finish coat is applied by a finish coating system; heating the primed substrate and applied finish coat to facilitate curing of the finish coat resulting in a textured appearance to the finish coat; removing the primed and finish coated substrate from the coating line; returning the primed and finish coated substrate to the coating line; applying a print over the finish coat with a textured appearance, wherein the print is applied by a print coating system; and removing the primed, finish coated and print coated substrate from the coating line. 20. The method of claim 19, wherein the primer coating system is comprised of at least one each of i) a coating pan, ii) a pick-up roll, iii) a metering roll, iv) an applicator roll, v) a print sleeve circumscribing the applicator roll, and vi) a backup drum, wherein the substrate traverses between the applicator roll surrounded by the print sleeve and the backup drum. 21. The method of claim 19, wherein the finish coating system is comprised of at least one each of i) a coating pan, ii) a pick-up roll, iii) a metering roll, iv) an applicator roll, v) a print sleeve circumscribing the applicator roll, and vi) a backup drum, wherein the substrate traverses between the applicator roll surrounded by the print sleeve and the backup drum. 22. The method of claim 19, wherein the print coating system is comprised of at least one each of i) a coating pan, ii) a pick-up roll, iii) a metering roll, iv) an applicator roll, v) a print sleeve circumscribing the applicator roll, and vi) a backup drum, wherein the substrate traverses between the applicator roll surrounded by the print sleeve and the backup drum. 23. The method of claim 19, wherein the application of the primer, finish coat and print coat over the substrate emulates a rusted steel appearance. 24. The method of claim 19, wherein the step of applying a primer to the substrate as the substrate passes through the coating line further comprises heating the primed substrate to a temperature in the range of from about 430° to 440° F. 25. The method of claim 19, wherein the step of applying a finish coat atop the primed substrate as the primed substrate passes through the coating line further comprises heating the primed and finish coated substrate to a temperature in the range of from about 445° to 455° F. 26. The method of claim 19, wherein the step of applying a primer to the substrate comprises utilization of a primer with an efflux time of about 22 seconds utilizing a number 4 Zahn cup. 27. The method of claim 19, wherein the step of applying a rawhide texture coat atop the primed substrate comprises utilization of a primer with an efflux time of about 22 seconds utilizing a number 4 Zahn cup. 28. The method of claim 19, wherein the primer coating system maintains a kiss pressure of about 130 psi and a nip pressure of about 700 psi.

A rotary screen printing press is provided with a screen-cylinder throw-on/off motor encoder (231) that detects the position of a screen cylinder (201), a squeegee throw-on/off motor encoder (232) that detects the position of a squeegee (221), and a control unit (300) that controls screen cylinder throw-on/off motors (209) and squeegee throw-on/off motors (224) based on the position of the screen cylinder (201) detected by the screen-cylinder throw-on/off motor encoder (231) and the position of the squeegee (221) detected by the squeegee throw-on/off motor encoder (232) so that the squeegee (221) may not contact a screen plate (201A) except when the screen plate (201A) is in contact with an impression cylinder (100).

1. A rotary screen printing press including an impression cylinder that retains and transports a sheet, a screen cylinder formed of a cylindrically-shaped screen plate, a squeegee retained inside the screen cylinder, screen-cylinder throw-on/off motors that move the screen cylinder via screen cylinder devices to bring the screen cylinder into and out of contact with the impression cylinder, the screen cylinder devices retaining the screen cylinder while allowing the screen cylinder to swing, and squeegee throw-on/off motors that move the squeegee via squeegee devices to bring the squeegee into and out of contact with an inner circumferential surface of the screen plate, the squeegee devices retaining the squeegee while allowing the squeegee to swing, characterized in that the rotary screen printing press comprises: a screen-cylinder position detector that detects a position of the screen cylinder; a squeegee position detector that detects a position of the squeegee; and a control unit that controls the screen cylinder throw-on/off motors and the squeegee throw-on/off motors based on the position of the screen cylinder detected by the screen-cylinder position detector and the position of the squeegee detected by the squeegee position detector so that the squeegee does not contact the screen plate except when the screen cylinder is in contact with the impression cylinder. 2. The rotary screen printing press according to claim 1, characterized in that the control unit controls the screen cylinder throw-on/off motors and the squeegee throw-on/off motors so that, within a period when the screen cylinder and a certain notched portion in the impression cylinder face each other, either an action of throwing the screen cylinder on the impression cylinder and an action of throwing the squeegee on the screen plate are completed, or an action of throwing the squeegee off the screen plate and an action of throwing the screen cylinder off the impression cylinder are started.

A rotary screen printing press is provided with a screen-cylinder throw-on/off motor encoder (231) that detects the position of a screen cylinder (201), a squeegee throw-on/off motor encoder (232) that detects the position of a squeegee (221), and a control unit (300) that controls screen cylinder throw-on/off motors (209) and squeegee throw-on/off motors (224) based on the position of the screen cylinder (201) detected by the screen-cylinder throw-on/off motor encoder (231) and the position of the squeegee (221) detected by the squeegee throw-on/off motor encoder (232) so that the squeegee (221) may not contact a screen plate (201A) except when the screen plate (201A) is in contact with an impression cylinder (100).1. A rotary screen printing press including an impression cylinder that retains and transports a sheet, a screen cylinder formed of a cylindrically-shaped screen plate, a squeegee retained inside the screen cylinder, screen-cylinder throw-on/off motors that move the screen cylinder via screen cylinder devices to bring the screen cylinder into and out of contact with the impression cylinder, the screen cylinder devices retaining the screen cylinder while allowing the screen cylinder to swing, and squeegee throw-on/off motors that move the squeegee via squeegee devices to bring the squeegee into and out of contact with an inner circumferential surface of the screen plate, the squeegee devices retaining the squeegee while allowing the squeegee to swing, characterized in that the rotary screen printing press comprises: a screen-cylinder position detector that detects a position of the screen cylinder; a squeegee position detector that detects a position of the squeegee; and a control unit that controls the screen cylinder throw-on/off motors and the squeegee throw-on/off motors based on the position of the screen cylinder detected by the screen-cylinder position detector and the position of the squeegee detected by the squeegee position detector so that the squeegee does not contact the screen plate except when the screen cylinder is in contact with the impression cylinder. 2. The rotary screen printing press according to claim 1, characterized in that the control unit controls the screen cylinder throw-on/off motors and the squeegee throw-on/off motors so that, within a period when the screen cylinder and a certain notched portion in the impression cylinder face each other, either an action of throwing the screen cylinder on the impression cylinder and an action of throwing the squeegee on the screen plate are completed, or an action of throwing the squeegee off the screen plate and an action of throwing the screen cylinder off the impression cylinder are started.

An image forming apparatus includes first and second conveyance and calculation units, a reverse unit, a control unit, an image forming unit, and a stack unit to stack sheets. A recording material is conveyed from the stack unit to the image forming unit. The recording material is conveyed reversely, and is conveyed to a double-sided conveyance path and to the image forming unit. Without causing a recording material to wait in the reverse unit, a first recording material is conveyed from the stack unit, then a second recording material is conveyed, and subsequently a third recording material is conveyed. A conveyance interval time and a maximum waiting time are calculated. When the conveyance interval time exceeds the maximum waiting time, the second recording material conveyance starts at timing based on a waiting time after conveyance of the first recording material, and the third recording material conveyance starts at a timing.

1. An image forming apparatus comprising: an image forming unit that forms an image on a recording material; a stack unit on which a plurality of recording materials are stacked; a first conveyance unit that conveys a recording material from the stack unit to the image forming unit; a reverse unit that reverses a conveyance direction of a recording material, which passes through the image forming unit and is conveyed to a reverse conveyance path, and conveys the recording material to a double-sided conveyance path connected to the image forming unit; a second conveyance unit that conveys a recording material from the double-sided conveyance path to the image forming unit, wherein, without causing a recording material to wait in the reverse unit, the first conveyance unit conveys a first recording material from the stack unit, then the second conveyance unit conveys a second recording material waiting in the double-sided conveyance path after passing through the image forming unit, and subsequently the first conveyance unit conveys a third recording material from the stack unit; a first calculation unit that calculates a conveyance interval time of a recording material based on an image formation condition of the image forming unit; a second calculation unit that calculates a maximum waiting time, during which the second recording material is allowed to wait in the double-sided conveyance path after conveyance of the first recording material is started by the first conveyance unit, so as to prevent the first recording material from contacting the second material; and a control unit that, when the conveyance interval time calculated by the first calculation unit is longer than the maximum waiting time calculated by the second calculation unit, starts conveyance of the second recording material by the second conveyance unit at timing at a lapse of a first time shorter than or equal to the maximum waiting time after the conveyance of the first recording material is started by the first conveyance unit, and further starts conveyance of the third recording material by the first conveyance unit at timing at a lapse of a second time obtained by adding a time difference between the conveyance interval time and the first time to the conveyance interval time after the conveyance of the second recording material is started by the second conveyance unit. 2. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein when the conveyance interval time is shorter than the maximum waiting time, the control unit starts the conveyance of the second recording material by the second conveyance unit at timing at a lapse of the conveyance interval time after the conveyance of the first recording material is started by the first conveyance unit, and further starts the conveyance of the third recording material by the first conveyance unit at timing at a lapse of the conveyance interval time after the conveyance of the second recording material is started by the second conveyance unit. 3. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein when the conveyance interval time is equal to the maximum waiting time, the control unit starts the conveyance of the second recording material by the second conveyance unit at timing at a lapse of the maximum waiting time after the conveyance of the first recording material is started by the first conveyance unit, and further starts the conveyance of the third recording material by the first conveyance unit at timing at a lapse of the maximum waiting time after the conveyance of the second recording material is started by the second conveyance unit. 4. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein, when a recording material is thick, the first calculation unit calculates the conveyance interval time so as to be longer compared to a case where the recording material is thin. 5. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein, when a recording material has a small size in a direction orthogonal to a conveyance direction of the recording material, the first calculation unit calculates the conveyance interval time so as to be longer compared to a case where the recording material has a large size in the orthogonal direction. 6. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein, when a recording material has a small size in a conveyance direction of the recording material, the second calculation unit calculates the maximum waiting time so as to be longer compared to a case where the recording material has a large size in the conveyance direction. 7. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the image forming unit includes a fixing member that fixes an image onto a recording material through application of heat, and a detection unit that detects temperature of the fixing member, and wherein, when judging that temperature at an end portion of the fixing member in a direction orthogonal to a conveyance direction of a recoding material exceeds threshold temperature, the control unit adds an extension time obtained by the temperature of the fixing member detected by the detection unit to the second time. 8. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the image forming unit includes a fixing member that fixes an image onto a recording material through application of heat, wherein the fixing member and the reverse unit are driven by a same driving source, and wherein a solenoid that switches a rotation direction of the reverse unit is provided between the reverse unit and the driving source. 9. A method for an image forming apparatus having an image forming unit that forms an image on a recording material, and a stack unit on which a plurality of recording materials are stacked, the method comprising: conveying, via a first conveyance unit, a recording material from the stack unit to the image forming unit; reversing, via a reverse unit, a conveyance direction of a recording material, which passes through the image forming unit and is conveyed to a reverse conveyance path, and conveying, via the reverse unit, the recording material to a double-sided conveyance path connected to the image forming unit; conveying, via a second conveyance unit, a recording material from the double-sided conveyance path to the image forming unit, wherein, without causing a recording material to wait in the reverse unit, the first conveyance unit conveys a first recording material from the stack unit, then the second conveyance unit conveys a second recording material waiting in the double-sided conveyance path after passing through the image forming unit, and subsequently the first conveyance unit conveys a third recording material from the stack unit; calculating, as a first calculation, a conveyance interval time of a recording material based on an image formation condition of the image forming unit; calculating, as a second calculation, a maximum waiting time, during which the second recording material is allowed to wait in the double-sided conveyance path after conveyance of the first recording material is started by the first conveyance unit, so as to prevent the first recording material from contacting the second material; and when the conveyance interval time calculated by the first calculation is longer than the maximum waiting time calculated by the second calculation, starting conveyance of the second recording material by the second conveyance unit at timing at a lapse of a first time shorter than or equal to the maximum waiting time after the conveyance of the first recording material is started by the first conveyance unit, and further starting conveyance of the third recording material by the first conveyance unit at timing at a lapse of a second time obtained by adding a time difference between the conveyance interval time and the first time to the conveyance interval time after the conveyance of the second recording material is started by the second conveyance unit. 10. A non-transitory computer-readable storage medium storing a program to cause an image forming apparatus to perform a method, wherein the image forming apparatus includes an image forming unit that forms an image on a recording material, and a stack unit on which a plurality of recording materials are stacked, the method comprising: conveying, via a first conveyance unit, a recording material from the stack unit to the image forming unit; reversing, via a reverse unit, a conveyance direction of a recording material, which passes through the image forming unit and is conveyed to a reverse conveyance path, and conveying, via the reverse unit, the recording material to a double-sided conveyance path connected to the image forming unit; conveying, via a second conveyance unit, a recording material from the double-sided conveyance path to the image forming unit, wherein, without causing a recording material to wait in the reverse unit, the first conveyance unit conveys a first recording material from the stack unit, then the second conveyance unit conveys a second recording material waiting in the double-sided conveyance path after passing through the image forming unit, and subsequently the first conveyance unit conveys a third recording material from the stack unit; calculating, as a first calculation, a conveyance interval time of a recording material based on an image formation condition of the image forming unit; calculating, as a second calculation, a maximum waiting time, during which the second recording material is allowed to wait in the double-sided conveyance path after conveyance of the first recording material is started by the first conveyance unit, so as to prevent the first recording material from contacting the second material; and when the conveyance interval time calculated by the first calculation is longer than the maximum waiting time calculated by the second calculation, starting conveyance of the second recording material by the second conveyance unit at timing at a lapse of a first time shorter than or equal to the maximum waiting time after the conveyance of the first recording material is started by the first conveyance unit, and further starting conveyance of the third recording material by the first conveyance unit at timing at a lapse of a second time obtained by adding a time difference between the conveyance interval time and the first time to the conveyance interval time after the conveyance of the second recording material is started by the second conveyance unit.

An image forming apparatus includes first and second conveyance and calculation units, a reverse unit, a control unit, an image forming unit, and a stack unit to stack sheets. A recording material is conveyed from the stack unit to the image forming unit. The recording material is conveyed reversely, and is conveyed to a double-sided conveyance path and to the image forming unit. Without causing a recording material to wait in the reverse unit, a first recording material is conveyed from the stack unit, then a second recording material is conveyed, and subsequently a third recording material is conveyed. A conveyance interval time and a maximum waiting time are calculated. When the conveyance interval time exceeds the maximum waiting time, the second recording material conveyance starts at timing based on a waiting time after conveyance of the first recording material, and the third recording material conveyance starts at a timing.1. An image forming apparatus comprising: an image forming unit that forms an image on a recording material; a stack unit on which a plurality of recording materials are stacked; a first conveyance unit that conveys a recording material from the stack unit to the image forming unit; a reverse unit that reverses a conveyance direction of a recording material, which passes through the image forming unit and is conveyed to a reverse conveyance path, and conveys the recording material to a double-sided conveyance path connected to the image forming unit; a second conveyance unit that conveys a recording material from the double-sided conveyance path to the image forming unit, wherein, without causing a recording material to wait in the reverse unit, the first conveyance unit conveys a first recording material from the stack unit, then the second conveyance unit conveys a second recording material waiting in the double-sided conveyance path after passing through the image forming unit, and subsequently the first conveyance unit conveys a third recording material from the stack unit; a first calculation unit that calculates a conveyance interval time of a recording material based on an image formation condition of the image forming unit; a second calculation unit that calculates a maximum waiting time, during which the second recording material is allowed to wait in the double-sided conveyance path after conveyance of the first recording material is started by the first conveyance unit, so as to prevent the first recording material from contacting the second material; and a control unit that, when the conveyance interval time calculated by the first calculation unit is longer than the maximum waiting time calculated by the second calculation unit, starts conveyance of the second recording material by the second conveyance unit at timing at a lapse of a first time shorter than or equal to the maximum waiting time after the conveyance of the first recording material is started by the first conveyance unit, and further starts conveyance of the third recording material by the first conveyance unit at timing at a lapse of a second time obtained by adding a time difference between the conveyance interval time and the first time to the conveyance interval time after the conveyance of the second recording material is started by the second conveyance unit. 2. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein when the conveyance interval time is shorter than the maximum waiting time, the control unit starts the conveyance of the second recording material by the second conveyance unit at timing at a lapse of the conveyance interval time after the conveyance of the first recording material is started by the first conveyance unit, and further starts the conveyance of the third recording material by the first conveyance unit at timing at a lapse of the conveyance interval time after the conveyance of the second recording material is started by the second conveyance unit. 3. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein when the conveyance interval time is equal to the maximum waiting time, the control unit starts the conveyance of the second recording material by the second conveyance unit at timing at a lapse of the maximum waiting time after the conveyance of the first recording material is started by the first conveyance unit, and further starts the conveyance of the third recording material by the first conveyance unit at timing at a lapse of the maximum waiting time after the conveyance of the second recording material is started by the second conveyance unit. 4. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein, when a recording material is thick, the first calculation unit calculates the conveyance interval time so as to be longer compared to a case where the recording material is thin. 5. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein, when a recording material has a small size in a direction orthogonal to a conveyance direction of the recording material, the first calculation unit calculates the conveyance interval time so as to be longer compared to a case where the recording material has a large size in the orthogonal direction. 6. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein, when a recording material has a small size in a conveyance direction of the recording material, the second calculation unit calculates the maximum waiting time so as to be longer compared to a case where the recording material has a large size in the conveyance direction. 7. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the image forming unit includes a fixing member that fixes an image onto a recording material through application of heat, and a detection unit that detects temperature of the fixing member, and wherein, when judging that temperature at an end portion of the fixing member in a direction orthogonal to a conveyance direction of a recoding material exceeds threshold temperature, the control unit adds an extension time obtained by the temperature of the fixing member detected by the detection unit to the second time. 8. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the image forming unit includes a fixing member that fixes an image onto a recording material through application of heat, wherein the fixing member and the reverse unit are driven by a same driving source, and wherein a solenoid that switches a rotation direction of the reverse unit is provided between the reverse unit and the driving source. 9. A method for an image forming apparatus having an image forming unit that forms an image on a recording material, and a stack unit on which a plurality of recording materials are stacked, the method comprising: conveying, via a first conveyance unit, a recording material from the stack unit to the image forming unit; reversing, via a reverse unit, a conveyance direction of a recording material, which passes through the image forming unit and is conveyed to a reverse conveyance path, and conveying, via the reverse unit, the recording material to a double-sided conveyance path connected to the image forming unit; conveying, via a second conveyance unit, a recording material from the double-sided conveyance path to the image forming unit, wherein, without causing a recording material to wait in the reverse unit, the first conveyance unit conveys a first recording material from the stack unit, then the second conveyance unit conveys a second recording material waiting in the double-sided conveyance path after passing through the image forming unit, and subsequently the first conveyance unit conveys a third recording material from the stack unit; calculating, as a first calculation, a conveyance interval time of a recording material based on an image formation condition of the image forming unit; calculating, as a second calculation, a maximum waiting time, during which the second recording material is allowed to wait in the double-sided conveyance path after conveyance of the first recording material is started by the first conveyance unit, so as to prevent the first recording material from contacting the second material; and when the conveyance interval time calculated by the first calculation is longer than the maximum waiting time calculated by the second calculation, starting conveyance of the second recording material by the second conveyance unit at timing at a lapse of a first time shorter than or equal to the maximum waiting time after the conveyance of the first recording material is started by the first conveyance unit, and further starting conveyance of the third recording material by the first conveyance unit at timing at a lapse of a second time obtained by adding a time difference between the conveyance interval time and the first time to the conveyance interval time after the conveyance of the second recording material is started by the second conveyance unit. 10. A non-transitory computer-readable storage medium storing a program to cause an image forming apparatus to perform a method, wherein the image forming apparatus includes an image forming unit that forms an image on a recording material, and a stack unit on which a plurality of recording materials are stacked, the method comprising: conveying, via a first conveyance unit, a recording material from the stack unit to the image forming unit; reversing, via a reverse unit, a conveyance direction of a recording material, which passes through the image forming unit and is conveyed to a reverse conveyance path, and conveying, via the reverse unit, the recording material to a double-sided conveyance path connected to the image forming unit; conveying, via a second conveyance unit, a recording material from the double-sided conveyance path to the image forming unit, wherein, without causing a recording material to wait in the reverse unit, the first conveyance unit conveys a first recording material from the stack unit, then the second conveyance unit conveys a second recording material waiting in the double-sided conveyance path after passing through the image forming unit, and subsequently the first conveyance unit conveys a third recording material from the stack unit; calculating, as a first calculation, a conveyance interval time of a recording material based on an image formation condition of the image forming unit; calculating, as a second calculation, a maximum waiting time, during which the second recording material is allowed to wait in the double-sided conveyance path after conveyance of the first recording material is started by the first conveyance unit, so as to prevent the first recording material from contacting the second material; and when the conveyance interval time calculated by the first calculation is longer than the maximum waiting time calculated by the second calculation, starting conveyance of the second recording material by the second conveyance unit at timing at a lapse of a first time shorter than or equal to the maximum waiting time after the conveyance of the first recording material is started by the first conveyance unit, and further starting conveyance of the third recording material by the first conveyance unit at timing at a lapse of a second time obtained by adding a time difference between the conveyance interval time and the first time to the conveyance interval time after the conveyance of the second recording material is started by the second conveyance unit.

An image formation device includes: a registration roller pair configured to shift sheet in a second direction perpendicular to a first direction of a sheet feeding direction while holding the sheet; a feeding section provided upstream of the registration roller pair in the first direction and including a feeding belt configured to convey the sheet to the registration roller pair; a first air adjustment section configured to perform air suction or blowing for the sheet conveyed by the feeding belt; and a control section configured to switch between a first operation of controlling, when the sheet is conveyed by the feeding belt, the first air adjustment section to suck the sheet with air and a second operation of controlling, when the sheet is swung by the registration roller pair, the first air adjustment section to blow air on the sheet.

1. An image formation device comprising: a registration roller pair configured to shift sheet in a second direction perpendicular to a first direction of a sheet feeding direction while holding the sheet; a feeding section provided upstream of the registration roller pair in the first direction and including a feeding belt configured to convey the sheet to the registration roller pair; a first air adjustment section configured to perform air suction or blowing for the sheet conveyed by the feeding belt; and a control section configured to switch between a first operation of controlling, when the sheet is conveyed by the feeding belt, the first air adjustment section to suck the sheet with air and a second operation of controlling, when the sheet is swung by the registration roller pair, the first air adjustment section to blow air on the sheet. 2. The image formation device according to claim 1, further comprising a second air adjustment section provided facing the first air adjustment section with a sheet feeding path interposed therebetween and configured to blow air on the sheet. 3. The image formation device according to claim 1, wherein the control section rotates the feeding belt in the first direction in the second operation. 4. The image formation device according to claim 1, wherein the control section determines, based on an input sheet condition, a volume of air blown from at least one of the first and second air adjustment sections in the second operation. 5. The image formation device according to claim 1, wherein the control section adjusts, based on a movement direction of the registration roller pair in the second direction, a balance of a volume of air blown from the first air adjustment section in the second operation. 6. The image formation device according to claim 2, wherein the control section adjusts, based on a movement direction of the registration roller pair in the second direction, a balance of a volume of air blown from the second air adjustment section in the second operation. 7. The image formation device according to claim 1, wherein the control section causes, in the second operation, a movement direction of the registration roller pair in the second direction to coincide with a direction of air blown from the first air adjustment section. 8. The image formation device according to claim 1, wherein the control section adjusts a level of a volume of air blown from the first air adjustment section in the second direction. 9. The image formation device according to claim 2, wherein the control section causes, in the second operation, a movement direction of the registration roller pair in the second direction to coincide with a direction of air blown from the second air adjustment section. 10. The image formation device according to claim 2, wherein the control section adjusts a level of a volume of air blown from the second air adjustment section in the second direction. 11. The image formation device according to claim 10, wherein the control section adjusts a level of a volume of air blown from the first air adjustment section and a level of a volume of air blown from the second air adjustment section for the same phase in the second direction.

An image formation device includes: a registration roller pair configured to shift sheet in a second direction perpendicular to a first direction of a sheet feeding direction while holding the sheet; a feeding section provided upstream of the registration roller pair in the first direction and including a feeding belt configured to convey the sheet to the registration roller pair; a first air adjustment section configured to perform air suction or blowing for the sheet conveyed by the feeding belt; and a control section configured to switch between a first operation of controlling, when the sheet is conveyed by the feeding belt, the first air adjustment section to suck the sheet with air and a second operation of controlling, when the sheet is swung by the registration roller pair, the first air adjustment section to blow air on the sheet.1. An image formation device comprising: a registration roller pair configured to shift sheet in a second direction perpendicular to a first direction of a sheet feeding direction while holding the sheet; a feeding section provided upstream of the registration roller pair in the first direction and including a feeding belt configured to convey the sheet to the registration roller pair; a first air adjustment section configured to perform air suction or blowing for the sheet conveyed by the feeding belt; and a control section configured to switch between a first operation of controlling, when the sheet is conveyed by the feeding belt, the first air adjustment section to suck the sheet with air and a second operation of controlling, when the sheet is swung by the registration roller pair, the first air adjustment section to blow air on the sheet. 2. The image formation device according to claim 1, further comprising a second air adjustment section provided facing the first air adjustment section with a sheet feeding path interposed therebetween and configured to blow air on the sheet. 3. The image formation device according to claim 1, wherein the control section rotates the feeding belt in the first direction in the second operation. 4. The image formation device according to claim 1, wherein the control section determines, based on an input sheet condition, a volume of air blown from at least one of the first and second air adjustment sections in the second operation. 5. The image formation device according to claim 1, wherein the control section adjusts, based on a movement direction of the registration roller pair in the second direction, a balance of a volume of air blown from the first air adjustment section in the second operation. 6. The image formation device according to claim 2, wherein the control section adjusts, based on a movement direction of the registration roller pair in the second direction, a balance of a volume of air blown from the second air adjustment section in the second operation. 7. The image formation device according to claim 1, wherein the control section causes, in the second operation, a movement direction of the registration roller pair in the second direction to coincide with a direction of air blown from the first air adjustment section. 8. The image formation device according to claim 1, wherein the control section adjusts a level of a volume of air blown from the first air adjustment section in the second direction. 9. The image formation device according to claim 2, wherein the control section causes, in the second operation, a movement direction of the registration roller pair in the second direction to coincide with a direction of air blown from the second air adjustment section. 10. The image formation device according to claim 2, wherein the control section adjusts a level of a volume of air blown from the second air adjustment section in the second direction. 11. The image formation device according to claim 10, wherein the control section adjusts a level of a volume of air blown from the first air adjustment section and a level of a volume of air blown from the second air adjustment section for the same phase in the second direction.

In one aspect, there is disclosed an apparatus for indexing a device about an indexing axis, the apparatus comprising an indexing drive mechanism comprising a drive portion configured in driving engagement with a driven member for indexing the device about the indexing axis. The driven member is arranged in operable association with an assembly comprising at least one resilient element arranged so as to be capable of transitioning to/from a state of bias such that exposure of the device to any undesirable physical forces is reduced to at least some extent.

1. An apparatus for indexing a device about an indexing axis, the apparatus comprising: an indexing drive mechanism comprising a drive portion configured in driving engagement with a driven member for indexing the device about the indexing axis, the driven member arranged in operable association with an assembly comprising at least one resilient element arranged so as to be capable of transitioning to/from a state of bias such that exposure of the device to any undesirable physical forces is reduced to at least some extent. 2. An apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said assembly is configured so as to resiliently associate the driven member with a support, the support arranged so as to be fixed or restrained from movement relative the indexing axis. 3. An apparatus according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the indexing mechanism is configured for indexing of the device between first and second index positions about the indexing axis, the first and second index positions configured so as to allow a scope of travel therebetween of about 180 degrees. 4. An apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the driven member is of tubular form and arranged to surround a portion of a body of the device, the driven member and the body of the device aligned concentric with the indexing axis, the driven member and the device configured so as to be capable of rotation relative one another about the indexing axis. 5. An apparatus according to claim 4 when dependent on claim 2, wherein the support is of tubular form and arranged so as to surround a portion of the body of the device adjacent to the driven member, the support and the second portion of the device aligned concentric with the indexing axis. 6. An apparatus according to claim 5, wherein said assembly comprises first and second resilient coupling elements configured so as to resiliently couple the driven member with the support, the first and second resilient coupling elements arranged in a symmetrical manner about a region of the body relative to the indexing axis so as to provide an arrangement in which both resilient coupling elements co-operate to, at least in part, dampen or reduce any vibrational and/or shock forces which might be imparted to the device during operation. 7. An apparatus according to claim 6, wherein the first and second resilient coupling elements comprise opposite free ends, one free end of each of the first and second resilient coupling elements attached to the driven member adjacent each other, and the alternate free end of each of the first and second resilient coupling elements attached to the support adjacent each other, the points of attachment provided with the driven member substantially opposing the points of attachment provided with the support relative to the indexing axis. 8. An apparatus according to claim 7, wherein the first and second resilient coupling elements are arranged having substantially equivalent tension so that their respective coupling or biasing forces existing between the driven member and the support are substantially equal when the device is at a position intermediate the first and second index positions. 9. An apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims when dependent on claim 3, wherein the apparatus comprises a limit means configured so as to confirm the device in the first or second index positions when indexed thereto. 10. An apparatus according to claim 9, wherein the limit means comprises a stop member fixed relative to the device and projecting radially away therefrom, the limit means configured so that rotation of the device allows the stop member to be brought to bear against a first region of the support to confirm registration of the device in the first index position when indexed thereto, and against a second region of the support to confirm registration of the device in the second index position when indexed thereto. 11. An apparatus according to claim 10, wherein the first and second regions of the support are provided in the form of opposing regions of a circumferentially aligned slot provided with the support. 12. An apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims when dependent on claim 6, wherein the driven member is operable with the first and second resilient coupling elements such that driving of the driven member beyond one of the first or second index positions causes the device to be biased to the intended index position when driving of the driven member is ceased. 13. An apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the device is arranged to carry one or more sensors comprising any of the following: accelerometers, gyroscopes, physical switches, magnetometers, vibration sensors, inclinometers, inductive RPM sensors. 14. An apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the device is configured so as to carry the indexing drive mechanism. 15. An apparatus according to claim 14, wherein the drive portion comprises a drive element configured for mounting with the device eccentrically relative to the indexing axis. 16. An apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein transfer of drive to the driven member is by way of a ring gear assembly having an annular ring gear associated with the driven member and operable with a pinion gear associated with the indexing drive mechanism. 17. A down hole surveying instrument comprising an apparatus arranged in accordance with any one of claims 1 to 16. 18. A method for performing a down hole surveying operation using a survey instrument, the method comprising: recording data measured from a sensor when provided at a first measurement position and a second measurement position; acknowledging the time the data was recorded by way of a first timer; acknowledging by way of a second timer, a point in time during the surveying operation, the first and second timers arranged so as to be synchronised with one another; and identifying data recorded after said recorded point in time for use in preparing a survey report. 19. A method according to claim 18, wherein acknowledging the time the data was recorded by way of the first timer comprises associating the time the data was recorded with the corresponding recorded data. 20. A method according to claim 18 or claim 19, wherein the instrument alternates recording of measured data between the first and the second measurement positions (or vice versa) during a survey period. 21. A method according to claim 20, wherein the survey period is arranged to commence following insertion of the instrument into the hole. 22. A method according to any one of claims 18 to 21, wherein the first timer is associated with the instrument and the second timer is remote from the instrument during operation. 23. A method according to any one of claims 18 to 22, wherein the second timer is synchronised with the first timer associated with the instrument prior to insertion of the instrument into the borehole. 24. A method according to any one of claims 18 to 23, wherein the method includes the use of a controller module provided remote from the instrument during the surveying operation, the second timer being associated with the controller module. 25. A method according to any one of claims 18 to 24, wherein the sensor comprises a gyroscope. 26. A method according to any one of claims 18 to 25 when dependent on claim 20, wherein following retrieval of the instrument from the borehole, the recorded data is processed by the controller module for preparing the survey report. 27. A method according to any one of claims 18 to 26, wherein the survey report is prepared using data measured at the first measurement position and the second measurement position when taken in a consecutive manner. 28. A method according to any one of claims 18 to 27, wherein the instrument is a down hole surveying instrument according to claim 17. 29. A system for conducting a survey of a portion of a bore hole, the system comprising: a survey instrument arranged for recording data measured from a sensor carried by the instrument when indexed between a first measurement position and a second measurement position during a survey period, the instrument having a first timer, a controller module provided remote from the instrument, the controller module having a second timer arranged so as to be substantially synchronised with the first timer, the controller module configured for identifying data recorded by the instrument from about a known point in time during the survey period, the controller module further configured for processing the identified data for providing a survey report. 30. A system according to claim 29, wherein the instrument is a down hole surveying instrument according to claim 17. 31. A system according to claim 29 or claim 30, wherein the system is configured operable so as to carry out the method according to any one of claims 18 to 28. 32. A method for operating an apparatus arranged for indexing a device about an indexing axis for use in a down hole surveying operation, the method comprising: providing an apparatus arranged in accordance with any one of claims 1 to 16; associating the apparatus with a down hole survey instrument so that the apparatus is operable therewith; causing the apparatus to drive the device about the indexing axis to, toward, or from an index position. 33. A method according to claim 32, wherein the method comprises causing the apparatus to hold the device at an index position for a predetermined period of time before driving the device toward another index position so as to be held there at for about the predetermined period of time. 34. A method according to claim 32 or claim 33, wherein the method comprises causing the apparatus to reduce the speed of driving the device about the indexing axis as the device approaches an intended index position. 35. A method according to any one of claims 32 to 34, wherein the method further comprises: causing the apparatus to continue to drive the device in the direction of an intended index position once said intended index position has been reached; and causing the apparatus to cease driving of the device such that the device is biased at the intended index position. 36. A method according to any one of claims 32 to 35, wherein the method comprises driving the device between a first index position and a second index position in a consecutive manner during the course of a predetermined period of time. 37. A method according to any one of claims 32 to 36, wherein the method comprises causing the apparatus to drive the device to a park or inactive position, the apparatus configured in a manner in which exposure of the device to any undesirable physical forces when the device is in said park or inactive position is substantially reduced.

In one aspect, there is disclosed an apparatus for indexing a device about an indexing axis, the apparatus comprising an indexing drive mechanism comprising a drive portion configured in driving engagement with a driven member for indexing the device about the indexing axis. The driven member is arranged in operable association with an assembly comprising at least one resilient element arranged so as to be capable of transitioning to/from a state of bias such that exposure of the device to any undesirable physical forces is reduced to at least some extent.1. An apparatus for indexing a device about an indexing axis, the apparatus comprising: an indexing drive mechanism comprising a drive portion configured in driving engagement with a driven member for indexing the device about the indexing axis, the driven member arranged in operable association with an assembly comprising at least one resilient element arranged so as to be capable of transitioning to/from a state of bias such that exposure of the device to any undesirable physical forces is reduced to at least some extent. 2. An apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said assembly is configured so as to resiliently associate the driven member with a support, the support arranged so as to be fixed or restrained from movement relative the indexing axis. 3. An apparatus according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the indexing mechanism is configured for indexing of the device between first and second index positions about the indexing axis, the first and second index positions configured so as to allow a scope of travel therebetween of about 180 degrees. 4. An apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the driven member is of tubular form and arranged to surround a portion of a body of the device, the driven member and the body of the device aligned concentric with the indexing axis, the driven member and the device configured so as to be capable of rotation relative one another about the indexing axis. 5. An apparatus according to claim 4 when dependent on claim 2, wherein the support is of tubular form and arranged so as to surround a portion of the body of the device adjacent to the driven member, the support and the second portion of the device aligned concentric with the indexing axis. 6. An apparatus according to claim 5, wherein said assembly comprises first and second resilient coupling elements configured so as to resiliently couple the driven member with the support, the first and second resilient coupling elements arranged in a symmetrical manner about a region of the body relative to the indexing axis so as to provide an arrangement in which both resilient coupling elements co-operate to, at least in part, dampen or reduce any vibrational and/or shock forces which might be imparted to the device during operation. 7. An apparatus according to claim 6, wherein the first and second resilient coupling elements comprise opposite free ends, one free end of each of the first and second resilient coupling elements attached to the driven member adjacent each other, and the alternate free end of each of the first and second resilient coupling elements attached to the support adjacent each other, the points of attachment provided with the driven member substantially opposing the points of attachment provided with the support relative to the indexing axis. 8. An apparatus according to claim 7, wherein the first and second resilient coupling elements are arranged having substantially equivalent tension so that their respective coupling or biasing forces existing between the driven member and the support are substantially equal when the device is at a position intermediate the first and second index positions. 9. An apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims when dependent on claim 3, wherein the apparatus comprises a limit means configured so as to confirm the device in the first or second index positions when indexed thereto. 10. An apparatus according to claim 9, wherein the limit means comprises a stop member fixed relative to the device and projecting radially away therefrom, the limit means configured so that rotation of the device allows the stop member to be brought to bear against a first region of the support to confirm registration of the device in the first index position when indexed thereto, and against a second region of the support to confirm registration of the device in the second index position when indexed thereto. 11. An apparatus according to claim 10, wherein the first and second regions of the support are provided in the form of opposing regions of a circumferentially aligned slot provided with the support. 12. An apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims when dependent on claim 6, wherein the driven member is operable with the first and second resilient coupling elements such that driving of the driven member beyond one of the first or second index positions causes the device to be biased to the intended index position when driving of the driven member is ceased. 13. An apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the device is arranged to carry one or more sensors comprising any of the following: accelerometers, gyroscopes, physical switches, magnetometers, vibration sensors, inclinometers, inductive RPM sensors. 14. An apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the device is configured so as to carry the indexing drive mechanism. 15. An apparatus according to claim 14, wherein the drive portion comprises a drive element configured for mounting with the device eccentrically relative to the indexing axis. 16. An apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein transfer of drive to the driven member is by way of a ring gear assembly having an annular ring gear associated with the driven member and operable with a pinion gear associated with the indexing drive mechanism. 17. A down hole surveying instrument comprising an apparatus arranged in accordance with any one of claims 1 to 16. 18. A method for performing a down hole surveying operation using a survey instrument, the method comprising: recording data measured from a sensor when provided at a first measurement position and a second measurement position; acknowledging the time the data was recorded by way of a first timer; acknowledging by way of a second timer, a point in time during the surveying operation, the first and second timers arranged so as to be synchronised with one another; and identifying data recorded after said recorded point in time for use in preparing a survey report. 19. A method according to claim 18, wherein acknowledging the time the data was recorded by way of the first timer comprises associating the time the data was recorded with the corresponding recorded data. 20. A method according to claim 18 or claim 19, wherein the instrument alternates recording of measured data between the first and the second measurement positions (or vice versa) during a survey period. 21. A method according to claim 20, wherein the survey period is arranged to commence following insertion of the instrument into the hole. 22. A method according to any one of claims 18 to 21, wherein the first timer is associated with the instrument and the second timer is remote from the instrument during operation. 23. A method according to any one of claims 18 to 22, wherein the second timer is synchronised with the first timer associated with the instrument prior to insertion of the instrument into the borehole. 24. A method according to any one of claims 18 to 23, wherein the method includes the use of a controller module provided remote from the instrument during the surveying operation, the second timer being associated with the controller module. 25. A method according to any one of claims 18 to 24, wherein the sensor comprises a gyroscope. 26. A method according to any one of claims 18 to 25 when dependent on claim 20, wherein following retrieval of the instrument from the borehole, the recorded data is processed by the controller module for preparing the survey report. 27. A method according to any one of claims 18 to 26, wherein the survey report is prepared using data measured at the first measurement position and the second measurement position when taken in a consecutive manner. 28. A method according to any one of claims 18 to 27, wherein the instrument is a down hole surveying instrument according to claim 17. 29. A system for conducting a survey of a portion of a bore hole, the system comprising: a survey instrument arranged for recording data measured from a sensor carried by the instrument when indexed between a first measurement position and a second measurement position during a survey period, the instrument having a first timer, a controller module provided remote from the instrument, the controller module having a second timer arranged so as to be substantially synchronised with the first timer, the controller module configured for identifying data recorded by the instrument from about a known point in time during the survey period, the controller module further configured for processing the identified data for providing a survey report. 30. A system according to claim 29, wherein the instrument is a down hole surveying instrument according to claim 17. 31. A system according to claim 29 or claim 30, wherein the system is configured operable so as to carry out the method according to any one of claims 18 to 28. 32. A method for operating an apparatus arranged for indexing a device about an indexing axis for use in a down hole surveying operation, the method comprising: providing an apparatus arranged in accordance with any one of claims 1 to 16; associating the apparatus with a down hole survey instrument so that the apparatus is operable therewith; causing the apparatus to drive the device about the indexing axis to, toward, or from an index position. 33. A method according to claim 32, wherein the method comprises causing the apparatus to hold the device at an index position for a predetermined period of time before driving the device toward another index position so as to be held there at for about the predetermined period of time. 34. A method according to claim 32 or claim 33, wherein the method comprises causing the apparatus to reduce the speed of driving the device about the indexing axis as the device approaches an intended index position. 35. A method according to any one of claims 32 to 34, wherein the method further comprises: causing the apparatus to continue to drive the device in the direction of an intended index position once said intended index position has been reached; and causing the apparatus to cease driving of the device such that the device is biased at the intended index position. 36. A method according to any one of claims 32 to 35, wherein the method comprises driving the device between a first index position and a second index position in a consecutive manner during the course of a predetermined period of time. 37. A method according to any one of claims 32 to 36, wherein the method comprises causing the apparatus to drive the device to a park or inactive position, the apparatus configured in a manner in which exposure of the device to any undesirable physical forces when the device is in said park or inactive position is substantially reduced.

An image forming apparatus includes an image carrier, a charging device, a developing device, a transfer member, a registration roller pair, a conveyance guide, and a first cover member. The conveyance guide includes a first conveyance guide opposing one surface of a recording medium conveyed from the registration roller pair to a transfer nip, the one surface being on a side of image carrier, and a second transfer guide opposing another surface of the recording member, the other surface being on a side of the transfer member. The first cover member covers an area along a peripheral surface of the image carrier from the developing device to the transfer member, and forms a substantially sealed space together with the image carrier, the developing device, the transfer member, the registration roller pair, and the transfer guide. A through hole is formed in the first transfer guide.

1. An image forming apparatus, comprising: an image carrier; a charging device which charges a surface of the image carrier by applying a charging bias to the surface of the image carrier; a developing device which is arranged on a downstream side of the charging device with respect to a rotation direction of the image carrier, includes a developer carrier opposing the image carrier with a predetermined developing gap therebetween, and develops an electrostatic latent image formed on the image carrier; a transfer member which is arranged on a downstream side of the developing device with respect to the rotation direction of the image carrier, and transfers a toner image formed on the image carrier by the developing device onto a recording medium; a registration roller pair which conveys the recording medium to a transfer nip between the transfer member and the image carrier at a predetermined timing; a conveyance guide which includes a first conveyance guide opposing one surface of the recording medium conveyed from the registration roller pair to the transfer nip, the one surface being on a side of the image carrier, the first conveyance guide including a through hole, and a second conveyance guide opposing another surface of the recording medium, the other surface being on a side of the transfer member; and a first cover member which covers an area along a peripheral surface of the image carrier from the developing device to the transfer member, and forms a substantially sealed space together with the image carrier, the developing device, the transfer member, the registration roller pair, and the conveyance guide. 2. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein to the first conveyance guide, on a surface thereof on a side opposite to the second conveyance guide, a film covering the through hole is attached, the film being fastened, only in a peripheral part thereof, to the first conveyance guide. 3. The image forming apparatus according to claim 2, wherein a flexible portion having a bellows shape is formed in a surface of the film. 4. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the through hole includes a plurality of through holes arranged in a direction orthogonal to a conveyance direction of the recording medium. 5. The image forming apparatus according to claim 4, wherein the through holes are oblong shaped, having a long side extending in the sheet conveyance direction. 6. The image forming apparatus according to claim 4, wherein on a surface of the first conveyance guide, the surface facing the second conveyance guide, a plurality of ribs extending along the conveyance direction of the recording medium are formed, and the through holes are each arranged between adjacent ones of the ribs. 7. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the first cover member includes a positive pressure adjustment port including a vent hole and a filter covering the vent hole, the vent hole being formed on a downstream side of the developing gap with respect to the rotation direction of the image carrier. 8. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a second cover member which covers an area along the peripheral surface of the image carrier from the developing device to the charging device, and includes a negative pressure adjustment port including a vent hole and a filter covering the vent hole, the vent hole being formed on an upstream side of the developing gap with respect to the rotation direction of the image carrier.

An image forming apparatus includes an image carrier, a charging device, a developing device, a transfer member, a registration roller pair, a conveyance guide, and a first cover member. The conveyance guide includes a first conveyance guide opposing one surface of a recording medium conveyed from the registration roller pair to a transfer nip, the one surface being on a side of image carrier, and a second transfer guide opposing another surface of the recording member, the other surface being on a side of the transfer member. The first cover member covers an area along a peripheral surface of the image carrier from the developing device to the transfer member, and forms a substantially sealed space together with the image carrier, the developing device, the transfer member, the registration roller pair, and the transfer guide. A through hole is formed in the first transfer guide.1. An image forming apparatus, comprising: an image carrier; a charging device which charges a surface of the image carrier by applying a charging bias to the surface of the image carrier; a developing device which is arranged on a downstream side of the charging device with respect to a rotation direction of the image carrier, includes a developer carrier opposing the image carrier with a predetermined developing gap therebetween, and develops an electrostatic latent image formed on the image carrier; a transfer member which is arranged on a downstream side of the developing device with respect to the rotation direction of the image carrier, and transfers a toner image formed on the image carrier by the developing device onto a recording medium; a registration roller pair which conveys the recording medium to a transfer nip between the transfer member and the image carrier at a predetermined timing; a conveyance guide which includes a first conveyance guide opposing one surface of the recording medium conveyed from the registration roller pair to the transfer nip, the one surface being on a side of the image carrier, the first conveyance guide including a through hole, and a second conveyance guide opposing another surface of the recording medium, the other surface being on a side of the transfer member; and a first cover member which covers an area along a peripheral surface of the image carrier from the developing device to the transfer member, and forms a substantially sealed space together with the image carrier, the developing device, the transfer member, the registration roller pair, and the conveyance guide. 2. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein to the first conveyance guide, on a surface thereof on a side opposite to the second conveyance guide, a film covering the through hole is attached, the film being fastened, only in a peripheral part thereof, to the first conveyance guide. 3. The image forming apparatus according to claim 2, wherein a flexible portion having a bellows shape is formed in a surface of the film. 4. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the through hole includes a plurality of through holes arranged in a direction orthogonal to a conveyance direction of the recording medium. 5. The image forming apparatus according to claim 4, wherein the through holes are oblong shaped, having a long side extending in the sheet conveyance direction. 6. The image forming apparatus according to claim 4, wherein on a surface of the first conveyance guide, the surface facing the second conveyance guide, a plurality of ribs extending along the conveyance direction of the recording medium are formed, and the through holes are each arranged between adjacent ones of the ribs. 7. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the first cover member includes a positive pressure adjustment port including a vent hole and a filter covering the vent hole, the vent hole being formed on a downstream side of the developing gap with respect to the rotation direction of the image carrier. 8. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a second cover member which covers an area along the peripheral surface of the image carrier from the developing device to the charging device, and includes a negative pressure adjustment port including a vent hole and a filter covering the vent hole, the vent hole being formed on an upstream side of the developing gap with respect to the rotation direction of the image carrier.

There is described a printing press (100) comprising a printing group (2) adapted to apply on a substrate at least one ink or varnish vehicle containing magnetic or magnetisable flakes and at least one magnetic orientation unit (10) located downstream of the printing group (2) along a path of the substrate, which magnetic orientation unit (10) includes at least one magnetic-field-inducing device (12) adapted to orient the magnetic or magnetisable flakes contained in the ink or varnish vehicle applied on the substrate to induce an optically-variable effect in the ink or varnish vehicle. The printing press (100) further comprises a drying/curing unit (15) located along the path of the substrate and cooperating with the magnetic orientation unit (10), which drying/curing unit (15) is adapted to dry or cure the ink or varnish vehicle applied on the substrate following orientation of the magnetic or magnetisable flakes. The drying/curing unit (15) is mounted on a movable supporting structure (16) that is adapted to move the drying/curing unit (15) between a working position (WP), where the drying/curing unit (15) is cooperating with the magnetic orientation unit (10) and which is located proximate to the path of the substrate next to the magnetic orientation unit (10), and a retracted position (RP), where the drying/curing unit (15) is retracted away from the magnetic orientation unit (10) and from the path of the substrate.

1. A printing press comprising a printing group adapted to apply on a substrate at least one ink or varnish vehicle containing magnetic or magnetisable flakes and at least one magnetic orientation unit located downstream of the printing group along a path of the substrate, which magnetic orientation unit includes at least one magnetic-field-inducing device adapted to orient the magnetic or magnetisable flakes contained in the ink or varnish vehicle applied on the substrate to induce an optically-variable effect in the ink or varnish vehicle, wherein the printing press further comprises a drying/curing unit located along the path of the substrate and cooperating with the magnetic orientation unit, which drying/curing unit is adapted to dry or cure the ink or varnish vehicle applied on the substrate following orientation of the magnetic or magnetisable flakes, wherein the drying/curing unit is mounted on a movable supporting structure that is adapted to move the drying/curing unit between a working position, where the drying/curing unit is cooperating with the magnetic orientation unit and is located proximate to the path of the substrate next to the magnetic orientation unit, and a retracted position, where the drying/curing unit is retracted away from the magnetic orientation unit and from the path of the substrate. 2. The printing press as defined in claim 1, wherein the magnetic orientation unit carrying the said at least one magnetic-field-inducing device on an outer circumference of the rotating cylinder assembly, wherein the substrate is brought in contact to or in close proximity with the rotating cylinder assembly over a defined angular sector, and wherein the drying/curing unit is located proximate to the outer circumference of the rotating cylinder assembly, in the working position of the drying/curing unit, at a downstream end of the angular sector. 3. The printing press as defined in claim 2, further comprising a first conveyor system to convey the substrate from the printing group to the magnetic orientation unit and a second conveyor system to convey the substrate from the magnetic orientation unit onwards. 4. The printing press as defined in claim 3, wherein the printing press is a sheet-fed printing press and wherein the substrate is transferred from the first conveyor system to the magnetic orientation unit and from the magnetic orientation unit to the second conveyor system, the rotating cylinder assembly of the magnetic orientation unit acting as sheet transfer cylinder transporting the substrate over the defined angular sector. 5. The printing press as defined in claim 4, wherein the first and second conveyor systems are chain conveyor systems with endless chains driving a plurality of spaced-apart gripper bars, which gripper bars are designed to hold a leading edge of the substrate. 6. The printing press as defined in claim 2, wherein the rotating cylinder assembly is removable from the printing press and wherein the movable supporting structure is designed to move the drying/curing unit to the retracted position in such a way as to free a path to remove the rotating cylinder assembly from the printing press. 7. The printing press 40 as defined in claim 6, wherein the rotating cylinder assembly is removable from the printing press by lifting. 8. The printing press as defined in claim 2, wherein the rotating cylinder assembly is located below a floor section of the printing press, wherein the ink or varnish vehicle is applied onto an upper side of the substrate, wherein the rotating cylinder assembly is located below the path of the substrate, under the floor section, wherein the drying/curing unit is located above the path of the substrate, and wherein the movable supporting structure is designed to move the drying/curing unit from the working position, below the floor section, to the retracted position, above the floor section. 9. The printing press as defined in claim 8, further comprising a removable cover panel that covers the movable supporting structure and the drying/curing unit, when the drying/curing unit in the working position, and forms a portion of the floor section. 10. The printing press as defined in claim 9, wherein the removable cover panel is supported onto a portion of the floor section and designed to be movable with respect to the floor section between a closed position, where the removable cover panel covers the movable supporting structure and the drying/curing unit, when the drying/curing unit is in the working position, and forms the portion of the floor section, and an open position, where the removable cover panel is moved with respect to the floor section to create an opening in the floor section through which the movable supporting structure can be moved. 11. The printing press as defined in claim 9, wherein the removable cover panel is movable separately from the movable supporting structure. 12. The printing press as defined in claim 1, wherein the movable supporting structure is designed as a pivotable arm system. 13. The printing press as defined in claim 1, wherein the drying/curing unit is a UV curing unit. 14. The printing press as defined in claim 13, wherein the drying/curing unit is a UV-LED curing unit. 15. The printing press as defined in claim 1, wherein the drying/curing unit comprises a plurality of drying/curing heads supported by the movable supporting structure and which are distributed transversally to the path of the substrate. 16. The printing press as defined in claim 15, wherein the drying/curing heads are supported onto a guide rail, which guide rail is secured to and movable together with the movable supporting structure, and wherein a position of each drying/curing head along the guide rail is adjustable. 17. The printing press as defined in claim 1, wherein the supporting structure further supports cooling and power supply ports to which the drying/curing unit is coupled. 18. The printing press as defined in claim 1, further comprising a camera to capture live images of the transport of the substrate past the magnetic orientation unit. 19. The printing press as defined in claim 1, wherein the printing press is a silk-screen printing press.

There is described a printing press (100) comprising a printing group (2) adapted to apply on a substrate at least one ink or varnish vehicle containing magnetic or magnetisable flakes and at least one magnetic orientation unit (10) located downstream of the printing group (2) along a path of the substrate, which magnetic orientation unit (10) includes at least one magnetic-field-inducing device (12) adapted to orient the magnetic or magnetisable flakes contained in the ink or varnish vehicle applied on the substrate to induce an optically-variable effect in the ink or varnish vehicle. The printing press (100) further comprises a drying/curing unit (15) located along the path of the substrate and cooperating with the magnetic orientation unit (10), which drying/curing unit (15) is adapted to dry or cure the ink or varnish vehicle applied on the substrate following orientation of the magnetic or magnetisable flakes. The drying/curing unit (15) is mounted on a movable supporting structure (16) that is adapted to move the drying/curing unit (15) between a working position (WP), where the drying/curing unit (15) is cooperating with the magnetic orientation unit (10) and which is located proximate to the path of the substrate next to the magnetic orientation unit (10), and a retracted position (RP), where the drying/curing unit (15) is retracted away from the magnetic orientation unit (10) and from the path of the substrate.1. A printing press comprising a printing group adapted to apply on a substrate at least one ink or varnish vehicle containing magnetic or magnetisable flakes and at least one magnetic orientation unit located downstream of the printing group along a path of the substrate, which magnetic orientation unit includes at least one magnetic-field-inducing device adapted to orient the magnetic or magnetisable flakes contained in the ink or varnish vehicle applied on the substrate to induce an optically-variable effect in the ink or varnish vehicle, wherein the printing press further comprises a drying/curing unit located along the path of the substrate and cooperating with the magnetic orientation unit, which drying/curing unit is adapted to dry or cure the ink or varnish vehicle applied on the substrate following orientation of the magnetic or magnetisable flakes, wherein the drying/curing unit is mounted on a movable supporting structure that is adapted to move the drying/curing unit between a working position, where the drying/curing unit is cooperating with the magnetic orientation unit and is located proximate to the path of the substrate next to the magnetic orientation unit, and a retracted position, where the drying/curing unit is retracted away from the magnetic orientation unit and from the path of the substrate. 2. The printing press as defined in claim 1, wherein the magnetic orientation unit carrying the said at least one magnetic-field-inducing device on an outer circumference of the rotating cylinder assembly, wherein the substrate is brought in contact to or in close proximity with the rotating cylinder assembly over a defined angular sector, and wherein the drying/curing unit is located proximate to the outer circumference of the rotating cylinder assembly, in the working position of the drying/curing unit, at a downstream end of the angular sector. 3. The printing press as defined in claim 2, further comprising a first conveyor system to convey the substrate from the printing group to the magnetic orientation unit and a second conveyor system to convey the substrate from the magnetic orientation unit onwards. 4. The printing press as defined in claim 3, wherein the printing press is a sheet-fed printing press and wherein the substrate is transferred from the first conveyor system to the magnetic orientation unit and from the magnetic orientation unit to the second conveyor system, the rotating cylinder assembly of the magnetic orientation unit acting as sheet transfer cylinder transporting the substrate over the defined angular sector. 5. The printing press as defined in claim 4, wherein the first and second conveyor systems are chain conveyor systems with endless chains driving a plurality of spaced-apart gripper bars, which gripper bars are designed to hold a leading edge of the substrate. 6. The printing press as defined in claim 2, wherein the rotating cylinder assembly is removable from the printing press and wherein the movable supporting structure is designed to move the drying/curing unit to the retracted position in such a way as to free a path to remove the rotating cylinder assembly from the printing press. 7. The printing press 40 as defined in claim 6, wherein the rotating cylinder assembly is removable from the printing press by lifting. 8. The printing press as defined in claim 2, wherein the rotating cylinder assembly is located below a floor section of the printing press, wherein the ink or varnish vehicle is applied onto an upper side of the substrate, wherein the rotating cylinder assembly is located below the path of the substrate, under the floor section, wherein the drying/curing unit is located above the path of the substrate, and wherein the movable supporting structure is designed to move the drying/curing unit from the working position, below the floor section, to the retracted position, above the floor section. 9. The printing press as defined in claim 8, further comprising a removable cover panel that covers the movable supporting structure and the drying/curing unit, when the drying/curing unit in the working position, and forms a portion of the floor section. 10. The printing press as defined in claim 9, wherein the removable cover panel is supported onto a portion of the floor section and designed to be movable with respect to the floor section between a closed position, where the removable cover panel covers the movable supporting structure and the drying/curing unit, when the drying/curing unit is in the working position, and forms the portion of the floor section, and an open position, where the removable cover panel is moved with respect to the floor section to create an opening in the floor section through which the movable supporting structure can be moved. 11. The printing press as defined in claim 9, wherein the removable cover panel is movable separately from the movable supporting structure. 12. The printing press as defined in claim 1, wherein the movable supporting structure is designed as a pivotable arm system. 13. The printing press as defined in claim 1, wherein the drying/curing unit is a UV curing unit. 14. The printing press as defined in claim 13, wherein the drying/curing unit is a UV-LED curing unit. 15. The printing press as defined in claim 1, wherein the drying/curing unit comprises a plurality of drying/curing heads supported by the movable supporting structure and which are distributed transversally to the path of the substrate. 16. The printing press as defined in claim 15, wherein the drying/curing heads are supported onto a guide rail, which guide rail is secured to and movable together with the movable supporting structure, and wherein a position of each drying/curing head along the guide rail is adjustable. 17. The printing press as defined in claim 1, wherein the supporting structure further supports cooling and power supply ports to which the drying/curing unit is coupled. 18. The printing press as defined in claim 1, further comprising a camera to capture live images of the transport of the substrate past the magnetic orientation unit. 19. The printing press as defined in claim 1, wherein the printing press is a silk-screen printing press.