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applicant/12482603.xml

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+<?xml version="1.0" encoding="UTF-8"?>
+<pat:SpecificationDocument xmlns:pat="urn:us:gov:doc:uspto:patent" xmlns="urn:us:gov:doc:uspto:patent" xmlns:ent="urn:us:gov:doc:uspto:enterprise" xmlns:mml="http://www.w3.org/1998/Math/MathML" xmlns:tbl="http://www.oasis-open.org/tables/exchange/1.0" xmlns:xsi="http://www.w3.org/2001/XMLSchema-instance" xmlns:com="http://www.wipo.int/standards/XMLSchema/Common/1" pat:instanceFileName="12482603.09-29-2015.IF5TKBD6PXXIFW3.SPEC.xml" pat:id="IF5TKBD6PXXIFW3" xsi:schemaLocation="urn:us:gov:doc:uspto:patent XMLSchema/V1_3/SpecificationDocument_1_0.xsd">
+<pat:DocumentCode>SPEC</pat:DocumentCode><pat:DocumentHeaderDetails pat:id="ID-00001">
+<pat:ApplicationHeaderDetails><pat:ApplicationNumber>12482603</pat:ApplicationNumber></pat:ApplicationHeaderDetails>
+<pat:PageTotalQuantity>1</pat:PageTotalQuantity>
+<pat:ParagraphTotalQuantity>2</pat:ParagraphTotalQuantity>
+</pat:DocumentHeaderDetails>
+<pat:MailRoomDate>2015-09-29</pat:MailRoomDate>
+<pat:Specification pat:id="Specification">
+<?PageStart number="1"?>
+<pat:BoundaryData><pat:HeaderText>PATENT</pat:HeaderText></pat:BoundaryData>
+<pat:BoundaryData><pat:HeaderText>App. Ser. No.: 12/482,603</pat:HeaderText></pat:BoundaryData>
+<pat:BoundaryData><pat:HeaderText>Atty. Dkt. No. R<pat:OCRConfidenceData pat:levelNumber="4">O</pat:OCRConfidenceData>C920080448US1</pat:HeaderText></pat:BoundaryData>
+<pat:BoundaryData><pat:HeaderText>PS Ref. No.: 1032.036287</pat:HeaderText></pat:BoundaryData>
+<pat:Heading pat:id="h-1">IN THE SPECIFICATION:</pat:Heading>
+<pat:P pat:id="p-1" pat:pNumber="1">Please replace paragraph [0033] with the following amended paragraph:</pat:P>
+<pat:P pat:id="p-2" pat:pNumber="2">[0033]    As shown, the <pat:PartName pat:idref="PN-00001">method </pat:PartName><pat:PartNumber pat:id="PN-00001">400</pat:PartNumber> <pat:PartName pat:idref="PN-00002">begins at step </pat:PartName><pat:PartNumber pat:id="PN-00002">410</pat:PartNumber>, where the <pat:PartName pat:idref="PN-00003">workflow manager </pat:PartName><pat:PartNumber pat:id="PN-00003">210</pat:PartNumber> <pat:PartName pat:idref="PN-00004">identifies multiple workflows </pat:PartName><pat:PartNumber pat:id="PN-00004">152</pat:PartNumber> available to <pat:DeletedText>processes </pat:DeletedText><pat:U>process </pat:U>user requests. In one embodiment, the collection of workflows may be expressly identified by a user. Alternatively, the collection of workflows may be identified based on a particular request (i.e., the workflows available for a given request may be request- dependent) For example, the <pat:PartName pat:idref="PN-00005">workflow manager </pat:PartName><pat:PartNumber pat:id="PN-00005">210</pat:PartNumber> may provide workflows for processing medical image, based on the image type associated with a given request (e.g., <pat:PartName pat:idref="PN-00006">MRI and CT images). At step </pat:PartName><pat:PartNumber pat:id="PN-00006">420</pat:PartNumber>, the <pat:PartName pat:idref="PN-00007">rule manager </pat:PartName><pat:PartNumber pat:id="PN-00007">220</pat:PartNumber> <pat:PartName pat:idref="PN-00008">receives dispatch rules </pat:PartName><pat:PartNumber pat:id="PN-00008">156</pat:PartNumber> based on user input. For example, the <pat:PartName pat:idref="PN-00009">rule manager </pat:PartName><pat:PartNumber pat:id="PN-00009">220</pat:PartNumber> may configure a rule to invoke the workflow for processing MRI images, responsive to a request to process MRI images (e.g., <pat:PartName pat:idref="PN-00010">rule </pat:PartName><pat:PartNumber pat:id="PN-00010">2</pat:PartNumber> <pat:PartName pat:idref="PN-00011">of Table II). At step </pat:PartName><pat:PartNumber pat:id="PN-00011">430</pat:PartNumber>, the <pat:PartName pat:idref="PN-00012">rule manager </pat:PartName><pat:PartNumber pat:id="PN-00012">220</pat:PartNumber> stores the dispatch rules. For example, the <pat:PartName pat:idref="PN-00013">rule manager </pat:PartName><pat:PartNumber pat:id="PN-00013">220</pat:PartNumber> may store the dispatch rules as a configuration file in the <pat:PartName pat:idref="PN-00014">storage </pat:PartName><pat:PartNumber pat:id="PN-00014">108</pat:PartNumber>.</pat:P>
+<pat:BoundaryData><pat:HeaderText>4246316<pat:OCRConfidenceData pat:levelNumber="25">_1</pat:OCRConfidenceData>                                                       Pa<pat:OCRConfidenceData pat:levelNumber="5">g</pat:OCRConfidenceData>e 2</pat:HeaderText></pat:BoundaryData>
+</pat:Specification></pat:SpecificationDocument>

applicant/12662443.xml

@@ -0,0 +1,513 @@
+<?xml version="1.0" encoding="utf-8"?>
+<!DOCTYPE us-patent-application SYSTEM "PATI-v1.0.3-2011-06-23.dtd">
+<us-patent-application lang="EN" dtd-version="v1.0.3 2011-06-23" id="us-patent-application" country="US">
+  <us-bibliographic-data-application lang="EN" country="US">
+    <application-reference appl-type="utility">
+      <document-id>
+        <doc-number>12662443</doc-number>
+        <date>2010-04-16</date>
+      </document-id>
+    </application-reference>
+  </us-bibliographic-data-application>
+  <description id="description">
+    <p id="p-1" num="1">Atty. Dkt. JAR-3691-1979 </p>
+    <heading id="h-1">
+      <confidence value="86">U.</confidence>
+ S. PA TENT APPLICA TION    </heading>
+    <p id="p-2" num="2">Inventor(s):  Jiangping WANG Rudolph H. PETRMICHL Jean-Marc LEMMER Title:      METHOD OF MAKING COATED ARTICLE HAVING ANTI-BACTERIAL </p>
+    <heading id="h-2">AND/OR ANTI-FUNGAL COATING AND RESULTING PRODUCT</heading>
+    <heading id="h-3">NIXON &amp; VANDERHYE P.<confidence value="88">C.</confidence>
+    </heading>
+    <heading id="h-4">ATTORNEYS A<confidence value="6">T</confidence>
+ <confidence value="888">LAW</confidence>
+    </heading>
+    <p id="p-3" num="3">901 NORTH GLEBE ROAD, <confidence value="66">11</confidence>
+TH FLOOR ARLINGTON, VIRGINIA 22203-1808 (703) 816-4000 Facsimile <part-num-ref name="816-4000 Facsimile">(703)</part-num-ref>
+ 816-4100     </p>
+    <heading id="h-5">SPECIFICA TION</heading>
+    <heading id="h-6">METHOD OF MAKING COATED ARTICLE HAVING ANTI-BACTERIAL</heading>
+    <heading id="h-7">AND/OR ANTI-FUNGAL COATING AND RESULTING PRODUCT</heading>
+    <p id="p-4" num="4">
+      <page-break num="2"/>
+      <confidence value="5">[</confidence>
+0001<confidence value="5">]</confidence>
+     This invention relates to a method of making a coated article having an anti-fungal/anti-bacterial coating supported by a substrate, and the resulting coated article product. Coated articles according to different embodiments of this invention may be used for windows, table tops, picture frame covers, furniture glass, and the like.    </p>
+    <heading id="h-8">BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION</heading>
+    <p id="p-5" num="5">
+      <confidence value="5">[</confidence>
+0002<confidence value="5">]</confidence>
+     Vehicle windows (e.g., windshields, backlites, sunroofs, and sidelites) are known in the art. For purposes of example, vehicle windshields typically include a pair of bent glass substrates laminated together via a polymer interlayer such as polyvinyl butyral (PVB).    </p>
+    <p id="p-6" num="6">
+      <confidence value="5">[</confidence>
+0003<confidence value="5">]</confidence>
+      Insulating glass (IG) windows are also known in the art.    </p>
+    <p id="p-7" num="7">Conventional IG window units include at least first and second glass substrates (one of which may have a solar control coating on an interior surface thereof) that are coupled to one another via at least one seal(s) or spacer(s). The resulting space or gap between the glass substrates may or may not be filled with gas and/or evacuated to a low pressure in different instances. Many IG units are tempered.</p>
+    <p id="p-8" num="8">Thermal tempering of the glass substrates for such IG units typically requires heating the glass substrates to temperature(s) of at least about <part-num-ref name="glass substrates to temperature(s) of at least about">580</part-num-ref>
+ degrees C for a sufficient period of time to enable thermal tempering. Monolithic architectural windows for use in homes or building are also known in the art. Fixture windows in homes such as shower stall windows may be made of glass sheets. Again, monolithic windows are often thermally tempered for safety purposes.    </p>
+    <p id="p-9" num="9">
+      <confidence value="5">[</confidence>
+0004<confidence value="4">]</confidence>
+      Other types of coated articles also are sometimes subjected to heat treatment (HT) (e.g., tempering, heat bending, and/or heat strengthening) in <boundary-data type="header">
+        <confidence value="6">1</confidence>
+      </boundary-data>
+      <page-break num="3"/>
+certain applications. For example and without limitation, glass table tops, picture frame covers, and the like may be subject to H<confidence value="5">T</confidence>
+ in certain instances.    </p>
+    <p id="p-10" num="10">
+      <confidence value="5">[</confidence>
+0005<confidence value="5">]</confidence>
+     Germs are becoming of increasing concern across the world, especially in view of the large amount of international travel taking place in today's society. There exists a need in the art for coated articles for use in windows, table tops, and/or the like that are capable of killing germs, viruses and/or bacteria, thereby reducing the likelihood of persons becoming sick. It would be advantageous if such characteristics of a coated article could be combined with scratch resistant features in certain example embodiments.    </p>
+    <p id="p-11" num="11">
+      <confidence value="4">1</confidence>
+0006<confidence value="5">]</confidence>
+     In certain example embodiments of this invention, there exists a need in the art for a coated article (e.g., for use in a window, shower door, and/or table-top glass) having anti-fungal and/or anti-bacterial properties. In certain example embodiments of this invention, it may also be desirable for the coated article to have scratch resistance properties. In certain example non-limiting instances, it would be advantageous to provide a coated article that is both scratch resistant and can function to kill certain bacteria and/or fungus which come into contact with the coated article thereby reducing the chances of persons becoming sick.    </p>
+    <heading id="h-9">BRIEF SUMMARY OF EXAMPLES OF INVENTION</heading>
+    <p id="p-12" num="12">
+      <confidence value="4">1</confidence>
+0007<confidence value="5">1</confidence>
+     Certain example embodiments of this invention relate to a method of making a coated article having anti-fungal/anti-bacterial properties, and the resulting product. In certain example non-limiting embodiments, there is provided a method of making a coated article (e.g., window such as for a vehicle or building, shower door window, bus window, subway car window, table top, picture frame cover, or the like) that may be capable of being heat treated so that after being heat treated (HT) the coated article is scratch resistant to an extent more than uncoated glass, as well as more resistant to bacterial and fungal growth <boundary-data type="header">
+        <confidence value="8">2</confidence>
+      </boundary-data>
+      <page-break num="4"/>
+than uncoated glass. The coated article may or may not be heat treated in different embodiments of this invention.    </p>
+    <p id="p-13" num="13">
+      <confidence value="5">[</confidence>
+0008<confidence value="5">]</confidence>
+     In certain example embodiments of this invention, ZrO2 and ZnO are co-sputtered on a glass substrate to form a layer comprising zin<confidence value="8">c</confidence>
+ zirconium oxide (e.g., Zn<confidence value="488684">XZryOz</confidence>
+). The glass substrate may or may not be provided with a barrier layer provided between the glass substrate and the layer comprising zin<confidence value="8">c</confidence>
+ zirconium oxide. For example and without limitation, the thin barrier layer may comprise silicon nitride, silicon oxide, and/or silicon oxynitride. The co-sputtered zin<confidence value="8">c</confidence>
+ zirconium oxide based layer may be provided directly on the glass substrate, or on the glass substrate over other layer(s) such as the barrier layer. While the substrate may be of glass in certain example embodiments of this invention, other materials such as quartz may instead be used for substrates in alternative embodiments. The coated articles described herein may or may not be thermally tempered and/or patterned in certain example embodiments of this invention.    </p>
+    <p id="p-14" num="14">Additionally, it will be appreciated that the word "on" as used herein (e.g., a layer "on" something) covers both directly on and indirectly on; e.g., a layer being directly on or indirectly on something with other layer(s) possibly being located therebetween.</p>
+    <p id="p-15" num="15">
+      <confidence value="5">[</confidence>
+0009<confidence value="5">]</confidence>
+     In certain example embodiments, there is provided method of making a coated article, the method comprising: providing a first sputtering target comprising Zr; providing a second sputtering target comprising Zn; and co- sputtering at least the first and second sputtering targets to form a layer comprising a nitride of Zr doped with Zn on a glass substrate, wherein the layer comprises from about 0.25% to 20% (atomic) Zn. The layer of or including the nitride of Zr doped with Zn may then be heat treated (e.g,. thermally tempered), which causes the layer to transform into a layer comprising or based on zinc zirconium oxide <confidence value="666666">(e.g.,</confidence>
+ <confidence value="6646665466">ZnXZryOz).</confidence>
+    </p>
+    <boundary-data type="header">
+      <confidence value="7">3</confidence>
+    </boundary-data>
+    <p id="p-16" num="16">
+      <page-break num="5"/>
+      <confidence value="5">1</confidence>
+0010<confidence value="5">1</confidence>
+      In certain example embodiments, the zirconium oxide in the layer comprising zin<confidence value="8">c</confidence>
+ zirconium oxide is substantially crystalline, and amorphous zin<confidence value="8">c</confidence>
+ oxide is "hidden" in a zirconium oxide (e.g., Zr<confidence value="4">O</confidence>
+2) matrix, and, for example, can release gradually to the surface such that the coating has lasting anti-microbial properties. The zirconium oxide (e.g., Zr<confidence value="5">O</confidence>
+2) matrix may be cubic or substantially cubic, with its structure such that it permits zinc particles to migrate or diffuse therethrough to the exterior surface of the coating over long periods of time.    </p>
+    <p id="p-17" num="17">When the zin<confidence value="8">c</confidence>
+ particles reach the exterior surface of the coated article in a substantially continuous manner over time, they function to kill at least some bacteria and/or fungi that may come into contact with the zin<confidence value="8">c</confidence>
+, or proximate the zin<confidence value="8">c</confidence>
+, on the surface of the coated article.    </p>
+    <p id="p-18" num="18">
+      <confidence value="5">1</confidence>
+0011<confidence value="5">1</confidence>
+      In certain example embodiments, the zinc is protected from the environment by a porous layer(s) provided over the layer comprising zinc zirconium oxide (e.g., Zn<confidence value="88684">ZryOZ</confidence>
+). In different example embodiments, the zin<confidence value="8">c</confidence>
+ zirconium oxide (e.g., Zn<confidence value="488684">XZryOz</confidence>
+) inclusive layer may comprise, consist essentially of, or consist of Zn, Zr and <confidence value="58">O.</confidence>
+    </p>
+    <p id="p-19" num="19">
+      <confidence value="5">1</confidence>
+0012<confidence value="5">1</confidence>
+      In order to achieve the structure desired in certain example embodiments, the zinc or zin<confidence value="8">c</confidence>
+ oxide can be "hidden" in a skeleton or matrix of zirconium oxide. In order to "hide" the zin<confidence value="8">c</confidence>
+ or zin<confidence value="8">c</confidence>
+ oxide in this manner, the coating can be co-sputtered (or sputtered from a single, mixed target, in certain instances) in a controlled way as follows.    </p>
+    <p id="p-20" num="20">
+      <confidence value="5">1</confidence>
+0013<confidence value="5">1</confidence>
+      In a first example embodiment, the zinc is sputtered from an angled target. More specifically, a Zr inclusive target is substantially perpendicular to the substrate, and a Zn inclusive target is offset from normal by an angle theta (<confidence value="588">0).</confidence>
+    </p>
+    <p id="p-21" num="21">This position assists forming a layer with zin<confidence value="8">c</confidence>
+ or zin<confidence value="8">c</confidence>
+ oxide "hidden" in a zirconium oxide based matrix, and helps maintain the stability of the crystalline formation in the coating after optional heat-treatment. As used herein, "Zr target" includes a target comprising zirconium and/or zirconium oxide, and "Zn target" <boundary-data type="header">
+        <confidence value="8">4</confidence>
+      </boundary-data>
+      <page-break num="6"/>
+includes a target comprising zin<confidence value="8">c</confidence>
+ and/or zinc oxide. In certain example embodiments, a Zr target may comprise or consist essentially of Zr, and a Zn target may comprise or consist essentially of Zn. There may be small amounts of other elements included in each target.    </p>
+    <p id="p-22" num="22">
+      <confidence value="5">[</confidence>
+0014<confidence value="5">]</confidence>
+     In a second example embodiment, the coating is deposited via power controlled co-sputtering. In this embodiment, the Zr and Zn targets can be substantially parallel or angled from each other, but are sputtered using different amounts of power to control the composition and crystallinity of the coating in a desirable manner.    </p>
+    <p id="p-23" num="23">
+      <confidence value="5">[</confidence>
+0015<confidence value="4">]</confidence>
+     In a third example embodiment, one target may comprise zirconium and zin<confidence value="8">c</confidence>
+ (and possibly oxides<confidence value="5">.</confidence>
+ of one or both) in a ratio which operates to help control the composition and crystallinity of the coating. For example, the target may contain a patched or other pattern of zirconium and zin<confidence value="8">c</confidence>
+ to ensure that each respective element is deposited in the desired amount, and is in substantially crystalline form (or in a formation that is conducive to becoming crystalline upon heat treatment). The target may comprise any pattern that would create the appropriate ratio and structure when sputtered.    </p>
+    <p id="p-24" num="24">
+      <confidence value="5">[</confidence>
+0016<confidence value="5">]</confidence>
+     The deposition method of zirconium and/or zin<confidence value="8">c</confidence>
+ oxide(s) is not limited to the above embodiments. Any other deposition method that would create and maintain a matrix of or based on Zn<confidence value="88552">ZryOz</confidence>
+, in the appropriate ratio, may be used. Moreover, the first, second and third embodiments may or may not be used in combination with each other herein.    </p>
+    <p id="p-25" num="25">
+      <confidence value="5">[</confidence>
+0017<confidence value="5">]</confidence>
+     In certain example embodiments, co-sputtered zirconium and zin<confidence value="8">c</confidence>
+ oxides result in a zin<confidence value="8">c</confidence>
+ zirconium oxide-inclusive layer that exhibits excellent scratch resistance, combined with anti-bacterial and/or anti-microbial properties.    </p>
+    <p id="p-26" num="26">It can pass 20 lbs when tested with borosilicate sphere, so that the product is more scratch resistant than is a similar product absent the coating.</p>
+    <boundary-data type="header">
+      <confidence value="8">5</confidence>
+    </boundary-data>
+    <heading id="h-10">BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS</heading>
+    <p id="p-27" num="27">
+      <page-break num="7"/>
+[0018]     Figure 1 is a cross-sectional view of an anti-microbial coating according to an example embodiment of this invention.    </p>
+    <p id="p-28" num="28">
+      <confidence value="5">[</confidence>
+0019<confidence value="5">]</confidence>
+     Figure 2 is a table comparing anti-microbial properties of co- sputtered zinc zirconium oxide to those of silver, a traditional anti-microbial coating material, and uncoated glass, according to an example embodiment of this invention.    </p>
+    <p id="p-29" num="29">
+      <confidence value="5">[</confidence>
+0020<confidence value="5">]</confidence>
+     Figure 3 is an XPS depth profile graph of an example composition of a zin<confidence value="8">c</confidence>
+ zirconium oxide-inclusive layer according to an example embodiment of this invention.    </p>
+    <p id="p-30" num="30">
+      <confidence value="5">[</confidence>
+0021<confidence value="4">]</confidence>
+     Figure 4 is an XRD of the crystallinity of an example zinc zirconium oxide-based layer after heat treatment/thermal tempering according to an example embodiment of this invention.    </p>
+    <p id="p-31" num="31">
+      <confidence value="5">[</confidence>
+0022<confidence value="5">]</confidence>
+     Figure 5 shows an angled Zn target according to an example embodiment of this invention.    </p>
+    <p id="p-32" num="32">
+      <confidence value="5">[</confidence>
+0023<confidence value="5">]</confidence>
+     Figure 6 shows power-controlled co-sputtering from both Zn and Zr targets according to another example embodiment of this invention.    </p>
+    <p id="p-33" num="33">
+      <confidence value="5">[</confidence>
+0024<confidence value="5">]</confidence>
+     Figure 7 shows sputtering zin<confidence value="8">c</confidence>
+ and zirconium from a single, patched target, according to another example embodiment of this invention.    </p>
+    <p id="p-34" num="34">
+      <confidence value="5">[</confidence>
+0025]     Figures 8a, 8b, and 8c show an example of sequential co-sputtering, according to yet another example embodiment.    </p>
+    <boundary-data type="header">
+      <confidence value="8">6</confidence>
+    </boundary-data>
+    <heading id="h-11">DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EXAMPLE EMBODIMENTS OF THE</heading>
+    <heading id="h-12">INVENTION</heading>
+    <p id="p-35" num="35">
+      <page-break num="8"/>
+      <confidence value="5">[</confidence>
+0026<confidence value="5">]</confidence>
+     In certain example embodiments of this invention, Zr<confidence value="4">O</confidence>
+2 and ZnO are co-sputtered on a glass substrate <part-num-ref name="glass substrate">1</part-num-ref>
+ to form a layer comprising zinc zirconium oxide <part-num-ref name="layer comprising zinc zirconium oxide">3</part-num-ref>
+ which can be the outermost layer of a coated article. The glass substrate may or may not be provided with a barrier layer <part-num-ref name="barrier layer">2</part-num-ref>
+ thereon, with the barrier layer being optionally located between the glass substrate <part-num-ref name="glass substrate">1</part-num-ref>
+ and the layer anti-bacterial and/or anti-microbial layer comprising zin<confidence value="8">c</confidence>
+ zirconium oxide <part-num-ref name="layer anti-bacterial and/or anti-microbial layer comprising zinc zirconium oxide">3.</part-num-ref>
+ For example and without limitation, this thin barrier layer <part-num-ref name="layer anti-bacterial and/or anti-microbial layer comprising zinc zirconium oxide 3. For example and without limitation, this thin barrier layer">2</part-num-ref>
+ may comprise silicon nitride, silicon oxide, and/or silicon oxynitride in example embodiments. The co-sputtered zin<confidence value="8">c</confidence>
+ zirconium oxide-based layer <part-num-ref name="co-sputtered zinc zirconium oxide-based layer">3</part-num-ref>
+ may be provided directly on the glass substrate <part-num-ref name="glass substrate">1,</part-num-ref>
+ or on the glass substrate <part-num-ref name="glass substrate">1</part-num-ref>
+ over other layer(s) such as the barrier layer <part-num-ref name="barrier layer">2.</part-num-ref>
+ While the substrate <part-num-ref name="substrate">1</part-num-ref>
+ may be of glass in certain example embodiments of this invention, other materials such as quartz, plastics or the like may instead be used for substrates in alternative embodiments. The coated article described herein may or may not be thermally tempered and/or patterned in certain example embodiments of this invention.    </p>
+    <p id="p-36" num="36">
+      <confidence value="5">[</confidence>
+0027<confidence value="5">]</confidence>
+     Silver is a known anti-bacterial agent. However, its anti-f<confidence value="5">u</confidence>
+ngal properties are lacking. Compared to silver, ZrO2/ZnO (e.g., forming a Zn<confidence value="4886845">XZryOZ-</confidence>
+ based layer) according to certain example embodiments of this invention can possess comparable anti-bacterial properties and good anti-fungal properties.    </p>
+    <p id="p-37" num="37">Thus, improved anti-fungal properties may be provided in certain example embodiments of this invention.</p>
+    <p id="p-38" num="38">
+      <confidence value="5">[</confidence>
+0028<confidence value="5">]</confidence>
+     In certain example embodiments, the layer <part-num-ref name="layer">3</part-num-ref>
+ may originally be deposited as of or including Zn-ZrN, which is zirconium oxide doped with Zn.    </p>
+    <p id="p-39" num="39">For example, the zirconium nitride can be doped with from about 0.25% Zn, more preferably from about 0.25% to 15% Zn, more preferably from about 1-15% Zn, more preferably from about 1-10% or 1-5% Zn. Then, when the glass substrate <part-num-ref name="glass substrate">1</part-num-ref>
+ <boundary-data type="header">
+        <confidence value="8">7</confidence>
+      </boundary-data>
+      <page-break num="9"/>
+supporting the Zn-ZrN coating is thermally tempered (e.g., heat treated at temperatures of at least about <part-num-ref name="heat treated at temperatures of at least about">580</part-num-ref>
+ degrees C, or more preferably at least about <part-num-ref name="degrees C, or more preferably at least about">600</part-num-ref>
+ degrees C), the Zn-ZrN would transform into Zn-ZrO2 or possibly another form of zirconium oxide doped with the same amounts of Zn discussed above. This would also result in formation of a Zn<confidence value="4884845">XZryOz-</confidence>
+ based layer <part-num-ref name="ZnXZryOz- based layer">3</part-num-ref>
+ according to example embodiments of this invention. Of course, the layer <part-num-ref name="layer">3</part-num-ref>
+ may originally be deposed as Zn<confidence value="488684">XZryOZ</confidence>
+ or Zn-ZrO2 in certain example embodiments of this invention.    </p>
+    <p id="p-40" num="40">
+      <confidence value="5">1</confidence>
+0029<confidence value="5">]</confidence>
+     There are two major industrial standards for testing anti-microbial properties of an article. The tests are the JIS test (which tests anti-bacterial properties), and the ASTM test (which tests anti-f<confidence value="5">u</confidence>
+ngal properties). The JIS test uses a value referred to as "R" to evaluate the anti-bacterial properties of the material being tested. The R value of the surface or article being tested is the log of the ratio of microbe concentration(s) on coated and uncoated products. For example (and without limitation), if R=2, this means that the microbe concentration at the end of the test is <confidence value="566">100</confidence>
+x less on the coated product than on the uncoated product. R=2 and higher is defined as biocidal. In an ASTM test, the fungal growth is rated from 0-4. <part-num-ref name="fungal growth is rated from 0-4.">
+        <confidence value="5">0</confidence>
+      </part-num-ref>
+ is defined as substantially no fungal growth, <part-num-ref name="is defined as substantially no fungal growth,">1</part-num-ref>
+ is defined as traces of growth (less than 10%), <part-num-ref name="is defined as traces of growth (less than 10%),">2</part-num-ref>
+ is defined as light growth (10- 30%), <part-num-ref name="is defined as light growth (10- 30%),">3</part-num-ref>
+ is defined as medium growth (30-60%), and <part-num-ref name="is defined as medium growth (30-60%), and">4</part-num-ref>
+ is defined as heavy growth (60% to complete coverage).    </p>
+    <p id="p-41" num="41">
+      <confidence value="5">[</confidence>
+0030<confidence value="5">]</confidence>
+     An anti-microbial and/or anti-bacterial layer comprising zinc zirconium oxide <part-num-ref name="anti-microbial and/or anti-bacterial layer comprising zinc zirconium oxide">3</part-num-ref>
+ according to certain example embodiments is surprisingly advantageous, in that it has been found that the layer can kill at least about 80%, more preferably at least about 90%, and most preferably at least about 99.99% E.Coli (R=5.31), and at least about 80%, more preferably at least about 90%, and most preferably at least about 99.94% S. Aureusi (R=3.23) in a JIS test.    </p>
+    <p id="p-42" num="42">Moreover, in an anti-fungal (ASTM) test, it shows substantially no growth. The rating of a Zn<confidence value="88484">ZryOZ</confidence>
+ based layer <part-num-ref name="ZnZryOZ based layer">3</part-num-ref>
+ made according to certain example <boundary-data type="header">
+        <confidence value="8">8</confidence>
+      </boundary-data>
+      <page-break num="10"/>
+embodiments is substantially <part-num-ref name="made according to certain example embodiments is substantially">0.</part-num-ref>
+ This surprising and advantageous result indicates that the zinc zirconium oxide-inclusive layer <part-num-ref name="zinc zirconium oxide-inclusive layer">3</part-num-ref>
+ allows substantially no f<confidence value="8">u</confidence>
+ngal growth, as opposed to materials such as silver, which earn between <part-num-ref name="allows substantially no fungal growth, as opposed to materials such as silver, which earn between">1</part-num-ref>
+ and <part-num-ref name="and">2</part-num-ref>
+ on the ASTM scale (up to 30% growth). Table <part-num-ref name="ASTM scale (up to 30% growth). Table">
+        <confidence value="4">1</confidence>
+      </part-num-ref>
+ compares the anti-fungal and anti- microbial properties of Zn<confidence value="88484">ZryOz</confidence>
+ based layer <part-num-ref name="anti-fungal and anti- microbial properties of ZnZryOz based layer">3</part-num-ref>
+ to those of silver and glass.    </p>
+    <p id="p-43" num="43">Table 1 <confidence value="88">Sa</confidence>
+ <confidence value="2222">mple</confidence>
+              Anti-ba<confidence value="66">ct</confidence>
+erial <confidence value="665">(JI</confidence>
+S)       Anti-<confidence value="4">F</confidence>
+ungal (ASTM) E. <confidence value="2222">Coli</confidence>
+          S <confidence value="2">A</confidence>
+ <confidence value="22222">wrusi</confidence>
+ Reduction <confidence value="21">%!</confidence>
+  R   R<confidence value="2">e</confidence>
+duction <confidence value="2">%</confidence>
+  <confidence value="7">R</confidence>
+ Clear <confidence value="88">gl</confidence>
+ass    <part-num-ref name="wrusi Reduction %!  R   Reduction %  R Clear glass">0</part-num-ref>
+        <part-num-ref name="">0</part-num-ref>
+        <part-num-ref name="">0</part-num-ref>
+         <part-num-ref name="">0</part-num-ref>
+ Silver     <confidence value="272">'&gt;9</confidence>
+9.99       <confidence value="1">"</confidence>
+    &gt;99<confidence value="272">.99</confidence>
+                  <confidence value="1">-</confidence>
+ <confidence value="111117711">/xO2JZnCO</confidence>
+   <confidence value="2216177">=='9i99</confidence>
+            <confidence value="17261">49.41</confidence>
+                <confidence value="211">..3</confidence>
+  <confidence value="1">t</confidence>
+ <confidence value="5">[</confidence>
+003<confidence value="52">1]</confidence>
+      In certain example embodiments, the zin<confidence value="8">c</confidence>
+ in the Zn<confidence value="88484">ZryOz</confidence>
+ based layer <part-num-ref name="ZnZryOz based layer">3</part-num-ref>
+ is protected from the environment by a porous layer(s) provided over the zinc zirconium oxide-based layer. Also in certain example embodiments, a thin barrier layer <part-num-ref name="thin barrier layer">2</part-num-ref>
+ such as silicon nitride, silicon oxide, and/or silicon oxynitride may be provided underneath the zin<confidence value="8">c</confidence>
+ zirconium oxide-based layer <part-num-ref name="zinc zirconium oxide-based layer">3</part-num-ref>
+ to prevent alkali migration from the glass substrate <part-num-ref name="glass substrate">1</part-num-ref>
+ into the coating during optional heat treatment.    </p>
+    <p id="p-44" num="44">
+      <confidence value="5">1</confidence>
+0032<confidence value="5">1</confidence>
+      In certain example embodiments, zirconium oxide in the layer <part-num-ref name="layer">3</part-num-ref>
+ is crystalline, and amorphous zin<confidence value="8">c</confidence>
+ oxide is "hidden" in a zirconium oxide (e.g., ZrO2) matrix in layer <part-num-ref name="ZrO2) matrix in layer">3,</part-num-ref>
+ and, for example, can release gradually to the exterior surface of layer <part-num-ref name="exterior surface of layer">3</part-num-ref>
+ such that the coating has lasting anti-microbial properties. The zirconium oxide (e.g., Zr<confidence value="5">O</confidence>
+2) matrix may be cubic or substantially cubic, with its structure such that it permits zin<confidence value="8">c</confidence>
+ particles to migrate or diffuse therethrough to the exterior surface of the layer <part-num-ref name="layer">3</part-num-ref>
+ over periods of time. When the zin<confidence value="8">c</confidence>
+ particles reach the surface of the coated article in a substantially continuous manner over <boundary-data type="header">
+        <confidence value="8">9</confidence>
+      </boundary-data>
+      <page-break num="11"/>
+time, they function to kill at least some bacteria and/or fungi that may come into contact with the zinc, or proximate the zinc, on the surface of the coated article.    </p>
+    <p id="p-45" num="45">
+      <confidence value="5">[</confidence>
+0033<confidence value="4">]</confidence>
+     In order to "hide" the zin<confidence value="8">c</confidence>
+ oxide in this manner, the zin<confidence value="8">c</confidence>
+ zirconium oxide-based layer <part-num-ref name="zinc zirconium oxide-based layer">3</part-num-ref>
+ may be co-sputtered (or sputtered from a mixed, single target, in different instances) in a controlled way according to certain example embodiments. As used herein, "co-sputtered" may refer to substantially simultaneous sputtering from at least two targets, or sequential sputtering from at least two targets.    </p>
+    <p id="p-46" num="46">
+      <confidence value="2">1</confidence>
+0034<confidence value="5">]</confidence>
+     The sputtering target(s) discussed below in the example embodiments can be planar target(s)<confidence value="5">,</confidence>
+ rotating cylindrical magnetron target(s), or a combination thereof. Metal or ceramic targets may be used.    </p>
+    <p id="p-47" num="47">
+      <confidence value="5">[</confidence>
+0035<confidence value="5">]</confidence>
+     In a first example embodiment, the zin<confidence value="8">c</confidence>
+ is sputtered from an angled target. An example of this is shown in Figure 5. More specifically, the Zr target is substantially perpendicular to the substrate, and the Zn target is offset by an angle of theta (<confidence value="5">0</confidence>
+), as shown in Figure 5. This position assists informing a layer <part-num-ref name="layer">3</part-num-ref>
+ with zin<confidence value="8">c</confidence>
+ oxide "hidden" in a zirconium oxide matrix, and helps maintain the stability of the crystalline formation in the coating after optional heat-treatment. As used herein, "Zr target" includes a target comprising zirconium and/or zirconium oxide, and "Zn target" includes a target comprising zin<confidence value="8">c</confidence>
+ and/or zin<confidence value="8">c</confidence>
+ oxide. Moreover, there may be small amounts of other elements included in each target.    </p>
+    <p id="p-48" num="48">
+      <confidence value="5">[</confidence>
+0036<confidence value="5">]</confidence>
+     The angle theta (<confidence value="5">0</confidence>
+), between the Zr and Zn targets, as shown in Figure 5, is from about <part-num-ref name="Zr and Zn targets, as shown in Figure 5, is from about">0</part-num-ref>
+ to about <part-num-ref name="to about">60</part-num-ref>
+ degrees, more preferably from about <part-num-ref name="degrees, more preferably from about">10</part-num-ref>
+ to about <part-num-ref name="to about">50</part-num-ref>
+ degrees, and most preferably from about <part-num-ref name="degrees, and most preferably from about">30</part-num-ref>
+ to about <part-num-ref name="to about">45</part-num-ref>
+ degrees. This can be accomplished by leaving the Zr target substantially perpendicular to the plane of the substrate <part-num-ref name="substrate">1,</part-num-ref>
+ and tilting the Zn target such that the angle between the two targets is theta (<confidence value="5">0</confidence>
+), as shown in Figure 5. In certain example embodiments the <boundary-data type="header">
+        <confidence value="88">10</confidence>
+      </boundary-data>
+      <page-break num="12"/>
+aforesaid ranges result in a good overlap of Zn and Zr particles in layer <part-num-ref name="good overlap of Zn and Zr particles in layer">3,</part-num-ref>
+ which in turn forms a well-mixed zirconium oxide matrix in which zinc oxide is "hidden." [0037]     In a second example embodiment, the coating is deposited via power controlled co-sputtering. In this embodiment, the Zr and Zn targets may or may not be substantially parallel, and are sputtered using different powers to control the composition and crystallinity of the layer <part-num-ref name="layer">3</part-num-ref>
+ in a desirable manner.    </p>
+    <p id="p-49" num="49">
+      <confidence value="5">[</confidence>
+0038<confidence value="5">]</confidence>
+     For example, in certain non-limiting embodiments, in depositing layer 3 the power used with the Zn target is from about 0.6 to 4.6 <confidence value="66">kW</confidence>
+, more preferably from about 1.6 to 3.6 <confidence value="66">kW</confidence>
+, most preferably from about 2.1 to 3.1 <confidence value="668">kW,</confidence>
+ with an example value of 1.6 <confidence value="666">kW.</confidence>
+ For the Zr target, the power used in depositing layer <part-num-ref name="power used in depositing layer">3</part-num-ref>
+ can be from about 0.5 to 4.5 <confidence value="66">kW</confidence>
+, preferably from about 1.5 to 3.5 <confidence value="668">kW,</confidence>
+ more preferably from about 2.0 to 3.0 <confidence value="66">kW</confidence>
+, with an example value of 1.5 <confidence value="666">kW.</confidence>
+ The power of each target may be substantially constant throughout deposition, or may be varied.    </p>
+    <p id="p-50" num="50">
+      <confidence value="5">[</confidence>
+0039<confidence value="5">]</confidence>
+     In a third example embodiment, one target used in depositing layer <part-num-ref name="third example embodiment, one target used in depositing layer">3</part-num-ref>
+ may comprise zirconium and zin<confidence value="8">c</confidence>
+ (and possibly oxides of each) in a certain ratio which operates to help control the composition and crystallinity of the layer <part-num-ref name="layer">3.</part-num-ref>
+ For example, the target may contain a patched pattern of zirconium and zin<confidence value="8">c</confidence>
+ to ensure that each respective element is deposited in the desired amount, and is in substantially crystalline form (or in a formation that is conducive to becoming crystalline upon heat treatment). The target may also comprise any pattern that would create the appropriate ratio and structure when sputtered. The first, second, and third embodiments described herein may or may not be used in combination with each other.    </p>
+    <p id="p-51" num="51">
+      <confidence value="5">[</confidence>
+0040<confidence value="5">]</confidence>
+     Another example embodiment includes sequential sputtering from separate Zn and Zr targets. In this embodiment, thin, alternating layers of zirconium (or zirconium oxide) and zin<confidence value="8">c</confidence>
+ (or zin<confidence value="8">c</confidence>
+ oxide) would be formed. For example, in Figure 8a a zirconium oxide based layer <part-num-ref name="zirconium oxide based layer">4</part-num-ref>
+ is sputtered first on the <boundary-data type="header">
+        <confidence value="88">11</confidence>
+      </boundary-data>
+      <page-break num="13"/>
+glass substrate <part-num-ref name="glass substrate">1.</part-num-ref>
+ Then, in Figure 8b a zin<confidence value="8">c</confidence>
+ oxide based layer <part-num-ref name="zinc oxide based layer">5</part-num-ref>
+ is sputtered second. Fig. 8c illustrates an example of then sputtering zirconium a second time to form another zirconium oxide layer over the zinc oxide layer <part-num-ref name="zinc oxide layer">5.</part-num-ref>
+ Figures 8a, 8b, and 8c represent discrete layers formed by sequential sputtering prior to heat treatment as an example only; and the order in which these layers are sputtered can be altered. In this embodiment, the discrete layers are formed prior to thermal tempering. It is possible that the zinc can be sputtered first in other example embodiments. During thermal tempering, there can be migration or diffusion between the layers of the Fig. 8 embodiment. With the approach described herein, it is possible that interdiffusion between discrete layers <part-num-ref name="approach described herein, it is possible that interdiffusion between discrete layers">4,</part-num-ref>
+ <part-num-ref name="approach described herein, it is possible that interdiffusion between discrete layers 4,">5</part-num-ref>
+ during tempering/heat treatment can result in a coating with the desired anti-microbial properties.    </p>
+    <p id="p-52" num="52">Following HT for example, a layer comprising zinc zirconium oxide may result, as described above with respect to any of the other embodiments herein.</p>
+    <p id="p-53" num="53">
+      <confidence value="5">1</confidence>
+0041<confidence value="5">1</confidence>
+     Again, in any of the above embodiments, metal or ceramic targets can be used.<confidence value="5">.</confidence>
+ The targets may be planar targets or rotating cylindrical magnetron sputtering targets, or a combination thereof.    </p>
+    <p id="p-54" num="54">
+      <confidence value="5">1</confidence>
+0042<confidence value="5">1</confidence>
+     The deposition method of zin<confidence value="8">c</confidence>
+ zirconium oxide is not limited to the above embodiments. Any deposition method may be used that results in the appropriate structure and composition of the zinc zirconium oxide-based layer.    </p>
+    <p id="p-55" num="55">
+      <confidence value="5">1</confidence>
+0043<confidence value="5">1</confidence>
+     The ratio of zirconium to zinc (not including any oxygen that may be present) in the layer comprising zin<confidence value="8">c</confidence>
+ zirconium oxide in any example embodiment of this invention can be from about 2.5 to <part-num-ref name="layer comprising zinc zirconium oxide in any example embodiment of this invention can be from about 2.5 to">200</part-num-ref>
+ in example embodiments, more preferably about 3.33 to <part-num-ref name="in example embodiments, more preferably about 3.33 to">100,</part-num-ref>
+ and most preferablyfrom about 6.67 to <part-num-ref name="in example embodiments, more preferably about 3.33 to 100, and most preferablyfrom about 6.67 to">50.</part-num-ref>
+    </p>
+    <p id="p-56" num="56">Deposition may take place in the presence of oxygen, argon, and/or other gases.</p>
+    <p id="p-57" num="57">The oxygen flow rate used in sputter-depositing the zinc oxide and/or zirconium oxide may be between about <part-num-ref name="zinc oxide and/or zirconium oxide may be between about">8</part-num-ref>
+ and about <part-num-ref name="and about">28</part-num-ref>
+ <confidence value="2222">sccm</confidence>
+ in certain example embodiments; more preferably from about <part-num-ref name="sccm in certain example embodiments; more preferably from about">13</part-num-ref>
+ to <part-num-ref name="to">23</part-num-ref>
+ <confidence value="2222">sccm</confidence>
+; and most preferably from about <part-num-ref name="sccm; and most preferably from about">16</part-num-ref>
+ to <part-num-ref name="to">21</part-num-ref>
+ <confidence value="2222">sccm</confidence>
+. If argon is present, the argon flow rate used in sputter- <boundary-data type="header">
+        <confidence value="88">12</confidence>
+      </boundary-data>
+      <page-break num="14"/>
+depositing the zin<confidence value="8">c</confidence>
+ oxide and/or zirconium oxide may be from about <part-num-ref name="zinc oxide and/or zirconium oxide may be from about">10</part-num-ref>
+ to <part-num-ref name="to">200</part-num-ref>
+ <confidence value="2222">sccm</confidence>
+, more preferably from about <part-num-ref name="sccm, more preferably from about">25</part-num-ref>
+ to <part-num-ref name="to">175</part-num-ref>
+ <confidence value="2222">sccm</confidence>
+, and most preferably from about <part-num-ref name="sccm, and most preferably from about">50</part-num-ref>
+ to <part-num-ref name="to">150</part-num-ref>
+ <confidence value="2222">sccm</confidence>
+. It is noted that although zirconium oxide and zinc oxide may be expressed as Zr<confidence value="5">O</confidence>
+2 and ZnO respectively, and the layer formed may be expressed as being of or comprising Zn<confidence value="88684">ZryOz</confidence>
+, the layer and/or coating is not necessarily fully oxidized and stoichiometric. Partial oxidation and full oxidation of this layer and/or coating are possible. More or less oxygen will be present in the layer depending on several factors, including the oxygen flow rate during deposition.    </p>
+    <p id="p-58" num="58">
+      <confidence value="5">[</confidence>
+0044<confidence value="5">]</confidence>
+     The layer formed may have the formula zinc zirconium oxide.    </p>
+    <p id="p-59" num="59">Before and/or after heat treatment, in the layer comprising zinc zirconium oxide the zin<confidence value="8">c</confidence>
+ may constitute from about 0.25% to 15% (atomic) of the layer, more preferably from about 0.5% to 10%, and most preferably from about <confidence value="5">1</confidence>
+% to 8% of the layer. Before and/of after HT, the zirconium may constitute from abo<confidence value="8">u</confidence>
+t 20% to about 50% (atomic) of the layer comprising zin<confidence value="8">c</confidence>
+ zirconium oxide, more preferably about 25% to 45%, and most preferably from about 30% to 40% of the layer. Before and/or after HT, the oxygen may constitute from about 40% to 80% (atomic) of the layer comprising zinc zirconium oxide, more preferably from about 50% to 70% of the layer, and most preferably from about 55% to about 65% of the layer. These ranges are advantageous because, for example and without limitation, if the zin<confidence value="8">c</confidence>
+ concentration is too low, there will be insufficient zin<confidence value="8">c</confidence>
+ at the surface to adequately inhibit fungal and/or bacterial growth, and if the zinc concentration is too high, the chemical stability and environmental durability of the coating will degrade.    </p>
+    <p id="p-60" num="60">
+      <confidence value="5">[</confidence>
+0045<confidence value="5">]</confidence>
+     The thickness of the layer comprising zin<confidence value="8">c</confidence>
+ zirconium oxide described in the above embodiments can be from about <part-num-ref name="above embodiments can be from about">10</part-num-ref>
+ to <part-num-ref name="to">1000</part-num-ref>
+ A in certain example embodiments, more preferably from about <part-num-ref name="in certain example embodiments, more preferably from about">200</part-num-ref>
+ to <part-num-ref name="to">800</part-num-ref>
+ A, most preferably from about <part-num-ref name="most preferably from about">400</part-num-ref>
+ to <part-num-ref name="to">600</part-num-ref>
+ A, with an example thickness being about <part-num-ref name="example thickness being about">550</part-num-ref>
+ A in an example embodiment.    </p>
+    <boundary-data type="header">
+      <confidence value="88">13</confidence>
+    </boundary-data>
+    <p id="p-61" num="61">
+      <page-break num="15"/>
+      <confidence value="5">[</confidence>
+0046<confidence value="5">]</confidence>
+     The layer described in the above embodiments is not limited to zinc<confidence value="8">,</confidence>
+ zirconium, and oxygen. Other materials may be present in this layer, and other layers may be provided over or under the zinc zirconium oxide-based layer.    </p>
+    <p id="p-62" num="62">However, in certain example embodiments, the layer may comprise, consist essentially of, or consist of, Zn<confidence value="4884848">XZryOz.</confidence>
+    </p>
+    <p id="p-63" num="63">
+      <confidence value="5">[</confidence>
+0047<confidence value="5">]</confidence>
+     This coating and glass making up the coated article may or may not be heat treated in certain example embodiments. The terms "heat treatment" and "heat treating" as used herein mean heating the article to a temperature sufficient to enabling thermal tempering, bending, and/or heat strengthening of the glass.    </p>
+    <p id="p-64" num="64">This includes, for example, heating an article to a temperature of at least about <part-num-ref name="temperature of at least about">580</part-num-ref>
+ or <part-num-ref name="or">600</part-num-ref>
+ degrees C for a sufficient period to enable tempering and/or heat strengthening <confidence value="5">[</confidence>
+0048<confidence value="5">]</confidence>
+     In certain example embodiments, co-sputtered zirconium and zin<confidence value="8">c</confidence>
+ oxides result in a zin<confidence value="8">c</confidence>
+ zirconium oxide-based layer that exhibits excellent scratch resistance, combined with anti-bacterial and/or anti-microbial properties. In a simple scratch test where a 1/8" diameter borosilicate sphere is dragged across the surface of the coated article, the load which causes a visible scratch on the coated surface can be as high as <part-num-ref name="coated surface can be as high as">10,</part-num-ref>
+ <part-num-ref name="coated surface can be as high as 10,">15</part-num-ref>
+ or <part-num-ref name="or">20</part-num-ref>
+ pounds. In comparison, uncoated glass fails this test at less than 0.5 pounds. The layer comprising zin<confidence value="8">c</confidence>
+ zirconium oxide can pass a <part-num-ref name="">10</part-num-ref>
+ lb., <part-num-ref name="lb.,">15</part-num-ref>
+ lb., and/or <part-num-ref name="lb., and/or">20</part-num-ref>
+ lb. scratch test with borosilicate sphere without being scratched in certain example embodiments of this invention.    </p>
+    <p id="p-65" num="65">
+      <confidence value="5">[</confidence>
+0049<confidence value="5">]</confidence>
+     While the invention has been described in connection with what is presently considered to be the most practical and preferred embodiment, it is to be understood that the invention is not to be limited to the disclosed embodiment, but on the contrary, is intended to cover various modifications and equivalent arrangements included within the spirit and scope of the appended claims.    </p>
+    <boundary-data type="header">
+      <confidence value="88">14</confidence>
+    </boundary-data>
+  </description>
+</us-patent-application>
+

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+<?xml version="1.0" encoding="utf-8"?><uspat:SpecificationDocument xmlns:uscom="urn:us:gov:doc:uspto:common" xmlns:uspat="urn:us:gov:doc:uspto:patent" xmlns:xsi="http://www.w3.org/2001/XMLSchema-instance" xmlns:com="http://www.wipo.int/standards/XMLSchema/ST96/Common" xmlns:pat="http://www.wipo.int/standards/XMLSchema/ST96/Patent" uscom:vendorName="VASTEC" uscom:createDateTime="2018-02-15T08:38:41Z" com:st96Version="V2_1" com:ipoVersion="US_V7_1" xsi:schemaLocation="urn:us:gov:doc:uspto:patent Patent/V7_1/Schema/USPatent/Document/SpecificationDocument_V7_1.xsd" com:documentFileName="13277833.02-13-2018.JDLT70YNRXEAPX3.SPEC.XML" com:id="JDLT70YNRXEAPX3">
+<uspat:DocumentMetadata com:id="ID0000001"><uscom:DocumentCode>SPEC</uscom:DocumentCode><uscom:ApplicationNumberText uscom:electronicText="13277833">13277833</uscom:ApplicationNumberText><com:PageTotalQuantity>12</com:PageTotalQuantity><uscom:ParagraphTotalQuantity>133</uscom:ParagraphTotalQuantity><uscom:OfficialDate>2018-02-13</uscom:OfficialDate></uspat:DocumentMetadata><?PageStart number='1'?><uscom:Heading com:id="h-1">SUBSTITUTE SPECIFICATION - CLEAN</uscom:Heading><uscom:P com:pNumber="1" com:id="p-1">is, water has <uscom:OCRConfidenceData uscom:ocrConfidenceCode="2">p</uscom:OCRConfidenceData><uscom:OCRConfidenceData uscom:ocrConfidenceCode="685"><com:Sub>H2O</com:Sub></uscom:OCRConfidenceData>(E) very close to proportional to (2 * relative weight of H) * <uscom:OCRConfidenceData uscom:ocrConfidenceCode="2">p</uscom:OCRConfidenceData><com:Sub>H</com:Sub>(E) + (relative weight of <uscom:OCRConfidenceData uscom:ocrConfidenceCode="5">0</uscom:OCRConfidenceData>) * <uscom:OCRConfidenceData uscom:ocrConfidenceCode="2">p</uscom:OCRConfidenceData>o(E). Mixtures of materials also tend to follow this linear-sum rule. For projection modalities (i.e., modalities that project the object along some rays, such as X- ray radiography), occluded objects also tend to follow a similar linear-sum rule. For example, in radiography, the imaging system is actually sensitive to pxtx<uscom:OCRConfidenceData uscom:ocrConfidenceCode="2">p</uscom:OCRConfidenceData><uscom:OCRConfidenceData uscom:ocrConfidenceCode="5"><com:Sub>z</com:Sub></uscom:OCRConfidenceData>(E), where p is density and t is path length. Accordingly, for example, for a body of water located behind a body of steel the detector responds to <uscom:OCRConfidenceData uscom:ocrConfidenceCode="5">p</uscom:OCRConfidenceData><com:Sub>wat</com:Sub>er<uscom:OCRConfidenceData uscom:ocrConfidenceCode="5">x</uscom:OCRConfidenceData>t<com:Sub>w</com:Sub>ate<com:Sub>r</com:Sub><uscom:OCRConfidenceData uscom:ocrConfidenceCode="52">xp</uscom:OCRConfidenceData><uscom:OCRConfidenceData uscom:ocrConfidenceCode="88"><com:Sub>H2</com:Sub></uscom:OCRConfidenceData><uscom:OCRConfidenceData uscom:ocrConfidenceCode="4">o</uscom:OCRConfidenceData>(E) + p<uscom:OCRConfidenceData uscom:ocrConfidenceCode="4">s</uscom:OCRConfidenceData>tee<uscom:OCRConfidenceData uscom:ocrConfidenceCode="4">i</uscom:OCRConfidenceData>xtstee<uscom:OCRConfidenceData uscom:ocrConfidenceCode="58248844">ixpsteei</uscom:OCRConfidenceData>(E), where <uscom:OCRConfidenceData uscom:ocrConfidenceCode="2">p</uscom:OCRConfidenceData><uscom:OCRConfidenceData uscom:ocrConfidenceCode="665"><com:Sub>H2O</com:Sub></uscom:OCRConfidenceData>(E) and <uscom:OCRConfidenceData uscom:ocrConfidenceCode="2">p</uscom:OCRConfidenceData>stee<uscom:OCRConfidenceData uscom:ocrConfidenceCode="4">i</uscom:OCRConfidenceData>(E) are themselves compounds that can be represented as weighted sums. <uscom:OCRConfidenceData uscom:ocrConfidenceCode="5">[</uscom:OCRConfidenceData>0021<uscom:OCRConfidenceData uscom:ocrConfidenceCode="5">]</uscom:OCRConfidenceData>       By one approach, the present teachings contemplate designing a small set of</uscom:P><uscom:P com:pNumber="2" com:id="p-2">basis functions A and describing each material by a relatively low-dimensional vector c, where</uscom:P><uscom:P com:pNumber="3" com:id="p-3" uscom:indentationLevelNumber="L2"><com:Image com:id="p-00001" com:imageWrappingStyleCategory="Inline" com:orientationCategory="Portrait" com:imageContentCategory="Chemistry"><com:ImageFormatCategory>SVG</com:ImageFormatCategory><com:FileName>13277833.02-13-2018.JDLT70YNRXEAPX3.SPEC.1.14.965.1425.979.1447.svg</com:FileName><com:HeightMeasure com:measureUnitCode="In">0.073</com:HeightMeasure><com:WidthMeasure com:measureUnitCode="In">0.047</com:WidthMeasure><com:Alt>Chemistry</com:Alt><com:ColourModeCategory>Black and white</com:ColourModeCategory></com:Image><uscom:OCRConfidenceData uscom:ocrConfidenceCode="5">p</uscom:OCRConfidenceData>(E) <uscom:OCRConfidenceData uscom:ocrConfidenceCode="8">=</uscom:OCRConfidenceData>  <com:Image com:id="p-00000" com:imageWrappingStyleCategory="Inline" com:orientationCategory="Portrait" com:imageContentCategory="Chemistry"><com:ImageFormatCategory>SVG</com:ImageFormatCategory><com:FileName>13277833.02-13-2018.JDLT70YNRXEAPX3.SPEC.1.13.764.1362.815.1482.svg</com:FileName><com:HeightMeasure com:measureUnitCode="In">0.40</com:HeightMeasure><com:WidthMeasure com:measureUnitCode="In">0.17</com:WidthMeasure><com:Alt>Chemistry</com:Alt><com:ColourModeCategory>Black and white</com:ColourModeCategory></com:Image><uscom:OCRConfidenceData uscom:ocrConfidenceCode="85">Ak</uscom:OCRConfidenceData>(E)c<uscom:OCRConfidenceData uscom:ocrConfidenceCode="4">k</uscom:OCRConfidenceData></uscom:P><uscom:P com:pNumber="4" com:id="p-4">For the example where K=4, each image pixel can be described by a 4-vector, which is the set of four c values. This facilitates using off-the-shelf graphics hardware that already support 4-vector processing for color bitmaps with transparency (R,G,B,a). Significantly, the applicant has determined that one can capture in a single four-dimensional space the response of all materials in the periodic table to a useful range of X-rays. <uscom:OCRConfidenceData uscom:ocrConfidenceCode="5">[</uscom:OCRConfidenceData>0022<uscom:OCRConfidenceData uscom:ocrConfidenceCode="5">]</uscom:OCRConfidenceData>       For any element (and thus for any material, mixture, or occlusion), there is</uscom:P><uscom:P com:pNumber="5" com:id="p-5">some vector c such that the approximation,</uscom:P><uscom:P com:pNumber="6" com:id="p-6" uscom:indentationLevelNumber="L2"><uscom:OCRConfidenceData uscom:ocrConfidenceCode="25">y(</uscom:OCRConfidenceData>E) <uscom:OCRConfidenceData uscom:ocrConfidenceCode="2">~</uscom:OCRConfidenceData>  <com:Image com:id="p-00002" com:imageWrappingStyleCategory="Inline" com:orientationCategory="Portrait" com:imageContentCategory="Chemistry"><com:ImageFormatCategory>SVG</com:ImageFormatCategory><com:FileName>13277833.02-13-2018.JDLT70YNRXEAPX3.SPEC.1.23.778.2242.837.2293.svg</com:FileName><com:HeightMeasure com:measureUnitCode="In">0.17</com:HeightMeasure><com:WidthMeasure com:measureUnitCode="In">0.197</com:WidthMeasure><com:Alt>Chemistry</com:Alt><com:ColourModeCategory>Black and white</com:ColourModeCategory></com:Image> <uscom:OCRConfidenceData uscom:ocrConfidenceCode="685">Ak(</uscom:OCRConfidenceData><uscom:OCRConfidenceData uscom:ocrConfidenceCode="8"><com:Sup>E</com:Sup></uscom:OCRConfidenceData><uscom:OCRConfidenceData uscom:ocrConfidenceCode="8">)</uscom:OCRConfidenceData><uscom:OCRConfidenceData uscom:ocrConfidenceCode="5"><com:Sup>C</com:Sup></uscom:OCRConfidenceData><uscom:OCRConfidenceData uscom:ocrConfidenceCode="85">k,</uscom:OCRConfidenceData></uscom:P><uscom:P com:pNumber="7" com:id="p-7">is very accurate. To build the A bases, one can establish a number of energy bins and then build a matrix with one column for each element (say, from Z = 1 to 95) and one row for each energy bin (say 100-200 bins). These teachings then provide for performing a singular value decomposition (SVD) on this matrix, finding the K largest components, finding the vectors corresponding to these components, and using these vectors as A. Note that this approach can (and typically will) produce basis functions with some negative values; such<uscom:BoundaryDataReference com:idref="HDR-00001"/></uscom:P><uscom:BoundaryDataReference com:idref="HDR-00002"/>
+<?PageStart number='2'?><uscom:Heading com:id="h-2">SUBSTITUTE SPECIFICATION - CLEAN</uscom:Heading><uscom:P com:pNumber="9" com:id="p-9">these approaches make use of knowing the effective spectrum <uscom:OCRConfidenceData uscom:ocrConfidenceCode="25">#(</uscom:OCRConfidenceData>E) of each spectral channel of each modality. Each effective spectrum (where "effective spectrum" characterizes the combined source and detector properties of each spectral channel) can include, for example, the source photon spectrum, source filtration, detector filtration, and detector energy-sensitivity. <uscom:OCRConfidenceData uscom:ocrConfidenceCode="2666">$(E)</uscom:OCRConfidenceData> can be measured through a calibration procedure, or generated through simulation (such as Monte Carlo simulation), or found through some combination of the two. <uscom:OCRConfidenceData uscom:ocrConfidenceCode="5">[</uscom:OCRConfidenceData>0027<uscom:OCRConfidenceData uscom:ocrConfidenceCode="5">]</uscom:OCRConfidenceData>       Consider the case where the material descriptors are the c vectors described</uscom:P><uscom:P com:pNumber="10" com:id="p-10">earlier, and the true descriptor c for some material is known. The detector's performance can be expressed as:</uscom:P><uscom:P com:pNumber="11" com:id="p-11" uscom:indentationLevelNumber="L2"><uscom:OCRConfidenceData uscom:ocrConfidenceCode="88">Q=</uscom:OCRConfidenceData>  <com:Image com:id="p-00003" com:imageWrappingStyleCategory="Inline" com:orientationCategory="Portrait" com:imageContentCategory="Chemistry"><com:ImageFormatCategory>SVG</com:ImageFormatCategory><com:FileName>13277833.02-13-2018.JDLT70YNRXEAPX3.SPEC.2.11.694.1180.917.1272.svg</com:FileName><com:HeightMeasure com:measureUnitCode="In">0.307</com:HeightMeasure><com:WidthMeasure com:measureUnitCode="In">0.743</com:WidthMeasure><com:Alt>Chemistry</com:Alt><com:ColourModeCategory>Black and white</com:ColourModeCategory></com:Image> <uscom:OCRConfidenceData uscom:ocrConfidenceCode="2">*</uscom:OCRConfidenceData> <uscom:OCRConfidenceData uscom:ocrConfidenceCode="5"><com:Sup>k</com:Sup></uscom:OCRConfidenceData><uscom:OCRConfidenceData uscom:ocrConfidenceCode="8">(</uscom:OCRConfidenceData><uscom:OCRConfidenceData uscom:ocrConfidenceCode="8"><com:Sup>E</com:Sup></uscom:OCRConfidenceData><uscom:OCRConfidenceData uscom:ocrConfidenceCode="8">)</uscom:OCRConfidenceData><uscom:OCRConfidenceData uscom:ocrConfidenceCode="85"><com:Sup>ck</com:Sup></uscom:OCRConfidenceData> <uscom:OCRConfidenceData uscom:ocrConfidenceCode="66">dE</uscom:OCRConfidenceData></uscom:P><uscom:P com:pNumber="12" com:id="p-12">Note that each spectral channel within each modality has its own Q function. Therefore, even when c is unknown, with several transmission measurements one can recover c exactly or nearly exactly (and thus <uscom:OCRConfidenceData uscom:ocrConfidenceCode="2">p</uscom:OCRConfidenceData>(E) exactly or nearly exactly) by solving for the value of <uscom:OCRConfidenceData uscom:ocrConfidenceCode="5">c</uscom:OCRConfidenceData> that makes Q equal to the measured value. For example, with four spectra, there are four equations and four unknowns. Accordingly, unless some of those equations are redundant, c can be recovered exactly.</uscom:P><uscom:P com:pNumber="13" com:id="p-13"><uscom:OCRConfidenceData uscom:ocrConfidenceCode="5">[</uscom:OCRConfidenceData>0028<uscom:OCRConfidenceData uscom:ocrConfidenceCode="5">]</uscom:OCRConfidenceData>       For an empirical-fit model, instead of using models known to describe</uscom:P><uscom:P com:pNumber="14" com:id="p-14">physical processes, these teachings use a generic fitting function:</uscom:P><uscom:P com:pNumber="15" com:id="p-15" uscom:indentationLevelNumber="L2"><uscom:OCRConfidenceData uscom:ocrConfidenceCode="8">Q</uscom:OCRConfidenceData> <uscom:OCRConfidenceData uscom:ocrConfidenceCode="8">=</uscom:OCRConfidenceData> <uscom:OCRConfidenceData uscom:ocrConfidenceCode="84848">fe(c)</uscom:OCRConfidenceData></uscom:P><uscom:P com:pNumber="16" com:id="p-16">This function maps c (a 4-vector) to Q (usually a scalar). In general, this function has some set of parameters <uscom:OCRConfidenceData uscom:ocrConfidenceCode="5">0</uscom:OCRConfidenceData> that are calibrated by performing a calibration scan of a known calibration phantom, measuring a set of pixel values P through the phantom(s), identifying c values for those same pixels based on the phantom design, and fitting <uscom:OCRConfidenceData uscom:ocrConfidenceCode="5">0</uscom:OCRConfidenceData> to make Q <uscom:OCRConfidenceData uscom:ocrConfidenceCode="2">~</uscom:OCRConfidenceData> <uscom:OCRConfidenceData uscom:ocrConfidenceCode="88">P.</uscom:OCRConfidenceData> There are many types off functions available in the literature for this type of purpose, including polynomials, splines, B-splines, radial basis functions, neural networks, and support vector machines (all of which are known in the art). Note that each spectral channel can (and in general will) have its own <uscom:OCRConfidenceData uscom:ocrConfidenceCode="68">0.</uscom:OCRConfidenceData></uscom:P><uscom:BoundaryDataReference com:idref="HDR-00003"/>
+<uscom:BoundaryDataReference com:idref="HDR-00004"/>
+<?PageStart number='3'?><uscom:Heading com:id="h-3">SUBSTITUTE SPECIFICATION - CLEAN</uscom:Heading><uscom:P com:pNumber="19" com:id="p-19">where P<uscom:OCRConfidenceData uscom:ocrConfidenceCode="4"><com:Sub>n</com:Sub></uscom:OCRConfidenceData> is the detector measurement under the n'th spectrum, Q<uscom:OCRConfidenceData uscom:ocrConfidenceCode="4"><com:Sub>n</com:Sub></uscom:OCRConfidenceData> is the Q equation using the n'th spectrum <uscom:OCRConfidenceData uscom:ocrConfidenceCode="2">#</uscom:OCRConfidenceData><uscom:OCRConfidenceData uscom:ocrConfidenceCode="1"><com:Sub>n</com:Sub></uscom:OCRConfidenceData> (for an explicit physics model) or spectral parameters <uscom:OCRConfidenceData uscom:ocrConfidenceCode="4">O</uscom:OCRConfidenceData><uscom:OCRConfidenceData uscom:ocrConfidenceCode="1"><com:Sub>n</com:Sub></uscom:OCRConfidenceData> (for an implicit physics model), and w<uscom:OCRConfidenceData uscom:ocrConfidenceCode="4"><com:Sub>n</com:Sub></uscom:OCRConfidenceData> is a weight (usually equal to a<uscom:OCRConfidenceData uscom:ocrConfidenceCode="5"><com:Sub>n</com:Sub></uscom:OCRConfidenceData>) reflecting the confidence or SNR of the n'th spectrum.</uscom:P><uscom:P com:pNumber="20" com:id="p-20"><uscom:OCRConfidenceData uscom:ocrConfidenceCode="5">[</uscom:OCRConfidenceData>0031<uscom:OCRConfidenceData uscom:ocrConfidenceCode="5">]</uscom:OCRConfidenceData>       The D function is referred to herein as the fidelity criterion. Other fidelity</uscom:P><uscom:P com:pNumber="21" com:id="p-21">criteria that are less theoretically motivated (but perhaps more convenient to work with) could also be used, including:</uscom:P><uscom:P com:pNumber="22" com:id="p-22" uscom:indentationLevelNumber="L2">D(c)<uscom:OCRConfidenceData uscom:ocrConfidenceCode="2">=</uscom:OCRConfidenceData>  <com:Image com:id="p-00004" com:imageWrappingStyleCategory="Inline" com:orientationCategory="Portrait" com:imageContentCategory="Chemistry"><com:ImageFormatCategory>SVG</com:ImageFormatCategory><com:FileName>13277833.02-13-2018.JDLT70YNRXEAPX3.SPEC.3.9.741.996.1057.1103.svg</com:FileName><com:HeightMeasure com:measureUnitCode="In">0.357</com:HeightMeasure><com:WidthMeasure com:measureUnitCode="In">1.053</com:WidthMeasure><com:Alt>Chemistry</com:Alt><com:ColourModeCategory>Black and white</com:ColourModeCategory></com:Image> D(c) <uscom:OCRConfidenceData uscom:ocrConfidenceCode="5">=</uscom:OCRConfidenceData> <com:Image com:id="p-00005" com:imageWrappingStyleCategory="Inline" com:orientationCategory="Portrait" com:imageContentCategory="Chemistry"><com:ImageFormatCategory>SVG</com:ImageFormatCategory><com:FileName>13277833.02-13-2018.JDLT70YNRXEAPX3.SPEC.3.11.741.1157.793.1263.svg</com:FileName><com:HeightMeasure com:measureUnitCode="In">0.353</com:HeightMeasure><com:WidthMeasure com:measureUnitCode="In">0.173</com:WidthMeasure><com:Alt>Chemistry</com:Alt><com:ColourModeCategory>Black and white</com:ColourModeCategory></com:Image> <uscom:OCRConfidenceData uscom:ocrConfidenceCode="8">w</uscom:OCRConfidenceData><uscom:OCRConfidenceData uscom:ocrConfidenceCode="1"><com:Sub>n</com:Sub></uscom:OCRConfidenceData><uscom:OCRConfidenceData uscom:ocrConfidenceCode="85">(l</uscom:OCRConfidenceData>og Q<uscom:OCRConfidenceData uscom:ocrConfidenceCode="1">n</uscom:OCRConfidenceData> - <uscom:OCRConfidenceData uscom:ocrConfidenceCode="4">l</uscom:OCRConfidenceData>ogP<uscom:OCRConfidenceData uscom:ocrConfidenceCode="18">n)</uscom:OCRConfidenceData><uscom:OCRConfidenceData uscom:ocrConfidenceCode="8"><com:Sup>2</com:Sup></uscom:OCRConfidenceData></uscom:P><uscom:P com:pNumber="23" com:id="p-23" uscom:indentationLevelNumber="L2"><uscom:OCRConfidenceData uscom:ocrConfidenceCode="2">D</uscom:OCRConfidenceData> (c) <uscom:OCRConfidenceData uscom:ocrConfidenceCode="2">=</uscom:OCRConfidenceData>  wn<uscom:OCRConfidenceData uscom:ocrConfidenceCode="22">|I</uscom:OCRConfidenceData>Qn -  <com:Image com:id="p-00006" com:imageWrappingStyleCategory="Inline" com:orientationCategory="Portrait" com:imageContentCategory="Chemistry"><com:ImageFormatCategory>SVG</com:ImageFormatCategory><com:FileName>13277833.02-13-2018.JDLT70YNRXEAPX3.SPEC.3.13.981.1317.1027.1354.svg</com:FileName><com:HeightMeasure com:measureUnitCode="In">0.123</com:HeightMeasure><com:WidthMeasure com:measureUnitCode="In">0.153</com:WidthMeasure><com:Alt>Chemistry</com:Alt><com:ColourModeCategory>Black and white</com:ColourModeCategory></com:Image> <uscom:OCRConfidenceData uscom:ocrConfidenceCode="22">|I</uscom:OCRConfidenceData></uscom:P><uscom:P com:pNumber="24" com:id="p-24" uscom:indentationLevelNumber="L4"><uscom:OCRConfidenceData uscom:ocrConfidenceCode="7">n</uscom:OCRConfidenceData></uscom:P><uscom:P com:pNumber="25" com:id="p-25" uscom:indentationLevelNumber="L2">D(c) <uscom:OCRConfidenceData uscom:ocrConfidenceCode="6">=</uscom:OCRConfidenceData> <com:Image com:id="p-00007" com:imageWrappingStyleCategory="Inline" com:orientationCategory="Portrait" com:imageContentCategory="Chemistry"><com:ImageFormatCategory>SVG</com:ImageFormatCategory><com:FileName>13277833.02-13-2018.JDLT70YNRXEAPX3.SPEC.3.15.741.1452.793.1558.svg</com:FileName><com:HeightMeasure com:measureUnitCode="In">0.353</com:HeightMeasure><com:WidthMeasure com:measureUnitCode="In">0.173</com:WidthMeasure><com:Alt>Chemistry</com:Alt><com:ColourModeCategory>Black and white</com:ColourModeCategory></com:Image> <uscom:OCRConfidenceData uscom:ocrConfidenceCode="6">w</uscom:OCRConfidenceData><uscom:OCRConfidenceData uscom:ocrConfidenceCode="4"><com:Sub>n</com:Sub></uscom:OCRConfidenceData><uscom:OCRConfidenceData uscom:ocrConfidenceCode="148885">~logQn</uscom:OCRConfidenceData> <uscom:OCRConfidenceData uscom:ocrConfidenceCode="8">-</uscom:OCRConfidenceData> <uscom:OCRConfidenceData uscom:ocrConfidenceCode="4888">logP</uscom:OCRConfidenceData><uscom:OCRConfidenceData uscom:ocrConfidenceCode="5"><com:Sub>n</com:Sub></uscom:OCRConfidenceData><uscom:OCRConfidenceData uscom:ocrConfidenceCode="2">|</uscom:OCRConfidenceData></uscom:P><uscom:P com:pNumber="26" com:id="p-26" uscom:indentationMeasureUnitCode="In" uscom:firstLineIndentationNumber="1.07">D(c) <uscom:OCRConfidenceData uscom:ocrConfidenceCode="2">=</uscom:OCRConfidenceData>   <com:Image com:id="p-00008" com:imageWrappingStyleCategory="Inline" com:orientationCategory="Portrait" com:imageContentCategory="Chemistry"><com:ImageFormatCategory>SVG</com:ImageFormatCategory><com:FileName>13277833.02-13-2018.JDLT70YNRXEAPX3.SPEC.3.17.741.1612.1064.1718.svg</com:FileName><com:HeightMeasure com:measureUnitCode="In">0.353</com:HeightMeasure><com:WidthMeasure com:measureUnitCode="In">1.077</com:WidthMeasure><com:Alt>Chemistry</com:Alt><com:ColourModeCategory>Black and white</com:ColourModeCategory></com:Image> <uscom:OCRConfidenceData uscom:ocrConfidenceCode="5">[</uscom:OCRConfidenceData>0032<uscom:OCRConfidenceData uscom:ocrConfidenceCode="5">]</uscom:OCRConfidenceData>       Those skilled in the art will appreciate that such a model readily supports dual- energy, more than two source energies (3, 4, 100, etc.), continuously-variable source energies, variable source filtration (such as a filter wheel), detectors with energy selectivity such as a stacked detector, or several or all of these at once. The models also apply to a variety of acquisition types. For example, the different modalities and spectral channels can image an object all at the same time, they can be interlaced within a single scan, or the object can be scanned multiple times with different modalities or spectral channels. <uscom:OCRConfidenceData uscom:ocrConfidenceCode="5">[</uscom:OCRConfidenceData>0033<uscom:OCRConfidenceData uscom:ocrConfidenceCode="5">]</uscom:OCRConfidenceData>       In a typical embodiment, such approaches can produce an output image for</uscom:P><uscom:P com:pNumber="27" com:id="p-27">which each pixel contains a separate c value. The D functions for each pixel can be combined so that total fidelity cost is:<uscom:BoundaryDataReference com:idref="HDR-00005"/></uscom:P><uscom:BoundaryDataReference com:idref="HDR-00006"/>
+<?PageStart number='4'?><uscom:Heading com:id="h-4">SUBSTITUTE SPECIFICATION - CLEAN</uscom:Heading><uscom:P com:pNumber="29" com:id="p-29">equations and four unknowns. Furthermore, even if there are four or more effective spectra, the spectra may be somewhat redundant, and measurement noise is usually non-trivial. A feasibility model can serve to restrict the solution to c images that are physically plausible. Some examples of useful feasibility constraints include:</uscom:P><uscom:P com:pNumber="30" com:id="p-30" uscom:indentationLevelNumber="L1">Non-Negativity: The estimates should not require negative amounts of any element;</uscom:P><uscom:P com:pNumber="31" com:id="p-31" uscom:indentationLevelNumber="L1">Restricted Elements: Some elements cannot appear in the image.</uscom:P><uscom:P com:pNumber="32" com:id="p-32" uscom:indentationLevelNumber="L1">Chemical Limits<uscom:OCRConfidenceData uscom:ocrConfidenceCode="5">:</uscom:OCRConfidenceData> Elements can only appear in amounts or ratios that are chemically</uscom:P><uscom:P com:pNumber="33" com:id="p-33" uscom:indentationLevelNumber="L1">sound;</uscom:P><uscom:P com:pNumber="34" com:id="p-34" uscom:indentationLevelNumber="L1">Material-Type Smoothness<uscom:OCRConfidenceData uscom:ocrConfidenceCode="5">:</uscom:OCRConfidenceData> The material type will sometimes change abruptly (say,</uscom:P><uscom:P com:pNumber="35" com:id="p-35" uscom:indentationLevelNumber="L1">on boundaries between objects), but otherwise should be very smooth;</uscom:P><uscom:P com:pNumber="36" com:id="p-36" uscom:indentationLevelNumber="L1">Mass or Density Smoothness: The amount of material should also be somewhat</uscom:P><uscom:P com:pNumber="37" com:id="p-37" uscom:indentationLevelNumber="L1">smooth.</uscom:P><uscom:P com:pNumber="38" com:id="p-38">The first three constraints presented above can be achieved by hyperplane bounding. The fourth and fifth constraints can be achieved by regularization (achieved, for example, via smoothing penalties).</uscom:P><uscom:P com:pNumber="39" com:id="p-39"><uscom:OCRConfidenceData uscom:ocrConfidenceCode="5">[</uscom:OCRConfidenceData>0042<uscom:OCRConfidenceData uscom:ocrConfidenceCode="5">]</uscom:OCRConfidenceData>      One efficient way to restrict a search is by using a set of hyperplane</uscom:P><uscom:P com:pNumber="40" com:id="p-40">boundaries by enforcing that Bc &gt; d where B is some matrix and d is some vector (often all zeros). This type of constraint can be handled very efficiently and is frequently addressed in prior art applied math literature.</uscom:P><uscom:P com:pNumber="41" com:id="p-41"><uscom:OCRConfidenceData uscom:ocrConfidenceCode="5">[</uscom:OCRConfidenceData>0043<uscom:OCRConfidenceData uscom:ocrConfidenceCode="5">]</uscom:OCRConfidenceData>      The aforementioned non-negativity constraint physically specifies that the</uscom:P><uscom:P com:pNumber="42" com:id="p-42">material can be explained without requiring negative amounts of any element. Anything that violates this constraint is not physically plausible. Mathematically, an equivalent statement is that there is some set of weights <uscom:OCRConfidenceData uscom:ocrConfidenceCode="5">a</uscom:OCRConfidenceData><uscom:OCRConfidenceData uscom:ocrConfidenceCode="2"><com:Sub>i</com:Sub></uscom:OCRConfidenceData> to <uscom:OCRConfidenceData uscom:ocrConfidenceCode="4">a</uscom:OCRConfidenceData><uscom:OCRConfidenceData uscom:ocrConfidenceCode="4"><com:Sub>9</com:Sub></uscom:OCRConfidenceData><uscom:OCRConfidenceData uscom:ocrConfidenceCode="4">s</uscom:OCRConfidenceData> such that</uscom:P><uscom:P com:pNumber="43" com:id="p-43" uscom:indentationLevelNumber="L2">Ak(<com:Sup>E</com:Sup>)<uscom:OCRConfidenceData uscom:ocrConfidenceCode="5"><com:Sup>c</com:Sup></uscom:OCRConfidenceData><uscom:OCRConfidenceData uscom:ocrConfidenceCode="8">k</uscom:OCRConfidenceData> <uscom:OCRConfidenceData uscom:ocrConfidenceCode="5">=</uscom:OCRConfidenceData>  <com:Image com:id="p-00010" com:imageWrappingStyleCategory="Inline" com:orientationCategory="Portrait" com:imageContentCategory="Chemistry"><com:ImageFormatCategory>SVG</com:ImageFormatCategory><com:FileName>13277833.02-13-2018.JDLT70YNRXEAPX3.SPEC.4.25.934.2608.999.2736.svg</com:FileName><com:HeightMeasure com:measureUnitCode="In">0.427</com:HeightMeasure><com:WidthMeasure com:measureUnitCode="In">0.217</com:WidthMeasure><com:Alt>Chemistry</com:Alt><com:ColourModeCategory>Black and white</com:ColourModeCategory></com:Image> <uscom:OCRConfidenceData uscom:ocrConfidenceCode="8"><com:Sup>a</com:Sup></uscom:OCRConfidenceData><uscom:OCRConfidenceData uscom:ocrConfidenceCode="6">Z</uscom:OCRConfidenceData><uscom:OCRConfidenceData uscom:ocrConfidenceCode="4"><com:Sup>L</com:Sup></uscom:OCRConfidenceData><uscom:OCRConfidenceData uscom:ocrConfidenceCode="5885">Z(E)</uscom:OCRConfidenceData></uscom:P><uscom:P com:pNumber="44" com:id="p-44" uscom:indentationLevelNumber="L2"><com:Image com:id="p-00009" com:imageWrappingStyleCategory="Inline" com:orientationCategory="Portrait" com:imageContentCategory="Chemistry"><com:ImageFormatCategory>SVG</com:ImageFormatCategory><com:FileName>13277833.02-13-2018.JDLT70YNRXEAPX3.SPEC.4.25.600.2608.665.2737.svg</com:FileName><com:HeightMeasure com:measureUnitCode="In">0.43</com:HeightMeasure><com:WidthMeasure com:measureUnitCode="In">0.217</com:WidthMeasure><com:Alt>Chemistry</com:Alt><com:ColourModeCategory>Black and white</com:ColourModeCategory></com:Image>               </uscom:P><uscom:BoundaryDataReference com:idref="HDR-00007"/>
+<uscom:BoundaryDataReference com:idref="HDR-00008"/>
+<?PageStart number='5'?><uscom:Heading com:id="h-5">SUBSTITUTE SPECIFICATION - CLEAN</uscom:Heading><uscom:P com:pNumber="47" com:id="p-47">and <uscom:OCRConfidenceData uscom:ocrConfidenceCode="5">a</uscom:OCRConfidenceData><uscom:OCRConfidenceData uscom:ocrConfidenceCode="6"><com:Sub>Z</com:Sub></uscom:OCRConfidenceData> <uscom:OCRConfidenceData uscom:ocrConfidenceCode="2">&gt;</uscom:OCRConfidenceData> 0 for all Z. This can also be modified to also support the restricted elements <uscom:OCRConfidenceData uscom:ocrConfidenceCode="5">c</uscom:OCRConfidenceData>onstraint by, given some set of allowable materials, Z<com:Sub>a</com:Sub><uscom:OCRConfidenceData uscom:ocrConfidenceCode="55">ll</uscom:OCRConfidenceData><com:Sub>owe</com:Sub><uscom:OCRConfidenceData uscom:ocrConfidenceCode="5"><com:Sub>d</com:Sub></uscom:OCRConfidenceData>, requiring</uscom:P><uscom:P com:pNumber="48" com:id="p-48" uscom:indentationLevelNumber="L2"><uscom:OCRConfidenceData uscom:ocrConfidenceCode="86">Ak</uscom:OCRConfidenceData> (E)<uscom:OCRConfidenceData uscom:ocrConfidenceCode="5"><com:Sup>c</com:Sup></uscom:OCRConfidenceData> <uscom:OCRConfidenceData uscom:ocrConfidenceCode="6">k</uscom:OCRConfidenceData> <uscom:OCRConfidenceData uscom:ocrConfidenceCode="6">=</uscom:OCRConfidenceData>     <com:Image com:id="p-00012" com:imageWrappingStyleCategory="Inline" com:orientationCategory="Portrait" com:imageContentCategory="Chemistry"><com:ImageFormatCategory>SVG</com:ImageFormatCategory><com:FileName>13277833.02-13-2018.JDLT70YNRXEAPX3.SPEC.5.4.960.498.1063.635.svg</com:FileName><com:HeightMeasure com:measureUnitCode="In">0.457</com:HeightMeasure><com:WidthMeasure com:measureUnitCode="In">0.343</com:WidthMeasure><com:Alt>Chemistry</com:Alt><com:ColourModeCategory>Black and white</com:ColourModeCategory></com:Image> <uscom:OCRConfidenceData uscom:ocrConfidenceCode="5"><com:Sup>a</com:Sup></uscom:OCRConfidenceData><uscom:OCRConfidenceData uscom:ocrConfidenceCode="55888">ZZ(E)</uscom:OCRConfidenceData></uscom:P><uscom:P com:pNumber="49" com:id="p-49" uscom:indentationLevelNumber="L5"><com:Image com:id="p-00011" com:imageWrappingStyleCategory="Inline" com:orientationCategory="Portrait" com:imageContentCategory="Chemistry"><com:ImageFormatCategory>SVG</com:ImageFormatCategory><com:FileName>13277833.02-13-2018.JDLT70YNRXEAPX3.SPEC.5.4.600.498.665.627.svg</com:FileName><com:HeightMeasure com:measureUnitCode="In">0.43</com:HeightMeasure><com:WidthMeasure com:measureUnitCode="In">0.217</com:WidthMeasure><com:Alt>Chemistry</com:Alt><com:ColourModeCategory>Black and white</com:ColourModeCategory></com:Image>             Z      wed</uscom:P><uscom:P com:pNumber="50" com:id="p-50">where <uscom:OCRConfidenceData uscom:ocrConfidenceCode="41">ac</uscom:OCRConfidenceData><uscom:OCRConfidenceData uscom:ocrConfidenceCode="6"><com:Sub>z</com:Sub></uscom:OCRConfidenceData> <uscom:OCRConfidenceData uscom:ocrConfidenceCode="2">&gt;</uscom:OCRConfidenceData> 0 for all Z in Z<com:Sub>a</com:Sub><uscom:OCRConfidenceData uscom:ocrConfidenceCode="55"><com:Sub>ll</com:Sub></uscom:OCRConfidenceData><com:Sub>owed</com:Sub>. This approach produces <uscom:OCRConfidenceData uscom:ocrConfidenceCode="2">p</uscom:OCRConfidenceData>(E) curves that can be represented as a non-negative sum of allowable elements. In matrix form, one limits the c's to those where there is some vector a <uscom:OCRConfidenceData uscom:ocrConfidenceCode="5">&gt;</uscom:OCRConfidenceData> 0 for which Ac = <uscom:OCRConfidenceData uscom:ocrConfidenceCode="55">pa</uscom:OCRConfidenceData>, where <uscom:OCRConfidenceData uscom:ocrConfidenceCode="2">p</uscom:OCRConfidenceData> is the matrix of <uscom:OCRConfidenceData uscom:ocrConfidenceCode="5">p</uscom:OCRConfidenceData>z(E) curves for all allowable pure elements. This does not naturally look like a hyperplane constraint (i.e.a constraint of the form B<uscom:OCRConfidenceData uscom:ocrConfidenceCode="6">e</uscom:OCRConfidenceData>  <com:Image com:id="p-00013" com:imageWrappingStyleCategory="Inline" com:orientationCategory="Portrait" com:imageContentCategory="Chemistry"><com:ImageFormatCategory>SVG</com:ImageFormatCategory><com:FileName>13277833.02-13-2018.JDLT70YNRXEAPX3.SPEC.5.10.873.1082.901.1118.svg</com:FileName><com:HeightMeasure com:measureUnitCode="In">0.12</com:HeightMeasure><com:WidthMeasure com:measureUnitCode="In">0.093</com:WidthMeasure><com:Alt>Chemistry</com:Alt><com:ColourModeCategory>Black and white</com:ColourModeCategory></com:Image> d), but it may nevertheless be turned into one.<uscom:OCRConfidenceData uscom:ocrConfidenceCode="5">[</uscom:OCRConfidenceData>0044<uscom:OCRConfidenceData uscom:ocrConfidenceCode="5">]</uscom:OCRConfidenceData>      Without intending any particular limitations in these regards, these teachings</uscom:P><uscom:P com:pNumber="51" com:id="p-51">will support designing a set of hyperplane constraints B,d to enforce/enable such a non- negativity constraint as follows:</uscom:P><uscom:P com:pNumber="52" com:id="p-52" uscom:indentationLevelNumber="L1">Choose an operator g, g(i)<uscom:OCRConfidenceData uscom:ocrConfidenceCode="5">&gt;</uscom:OCRConfidenceData>0 for all i . example: g<uscom:OCRConfidenceData uscom:ocrConfidenceCode="148688288">'u=p(E;);</uscom:OCRConfidenceData></uscom:P><uscom:P com:pNumber="53" com:id="p-53" uscom:indentationLevelNumber="L1">Choose an operator h. Example: h<uscom:OCRConfidenceData uscom:ocrConfidenceCode="4"><com:Sup>t</com:Sup></uscom:OCRConfidenceData> is the derivative of <uscom:OCRConfidenceData uscom:ocrConfidenceCode="5">p</uscom:OCRConfidenceData> at bin <uscom:OCRConfidenceData uscom:ocrConfidenceCode="128">Lj;</uscom:OCRConfidenceData></uscom:P><uscom:P com:pNumber="54" com:id="p-54" uscom:indentationLevelNumber="L1">Then find:</uscom:P><uscom:P com:pNumber="55" com:id="p-55" uscom:indentationLevelNumber="L2" uscom:indentationMeasureUnitCode="In" uscom:firstLineIndentationNumber="0.80"><com:Image com:id="p-00014" com:imageWrappingStyleCategory="Inline" com:orientationCategory="Portrait" com:imageContentCategory="Chemistry"><com:ImageFormatCategory>SVG</com:ImageFormatCategory><com:FileName>13277833.02-13-2018.JDLT70YNRXEAPX3.SPEC.5.17.773.1838.1054.1937.svg</com:FileName><com:HeightMeasure com:measureUnitCode="In">0.33</com:HeightMeasure><com:WidthMeasure com:measureUnitCode="In">0.937</com:WidthMeasure><com:Alt>Chemistry</com:Alt><com:ColourModeCategory>Black and white</com:ColourModeCategory></com:Image>        <com:U>      </com:U> <com:Image com:id="p-00015" com:imageWrappingStyleCategory="Inline" com:orientationCategory="Portrait" com:imageContentCategory="Chemistry"><com:ImageFormatCategory>SVG</com:ImageFormatCategory><com:FileName>13277833.02-13-2018.JDLT70YNRXEAPX3.SPEC.5.17.1248.1838.1496.1937.svg</com:FileName><com:HeightMeasure com:measureUnitCode="In">0.33</com:HeightMeasure><com:WidthMeasure com:measureUnitCode="In">0.827</com:WidthMeasure><com:Alt>Chemistry</com:Alt><com:ColourModeCategory>Black and white</com:ColourModeCategory></com:Image> Pmin =             <uscom:OCRConfidenceData uscom:ocrConfidenceCode="5">P</uscom:OCRConfidenceData>max =        where <uscom:OCRConfidenceData uscom:ocrConfidenceCode="5">p</uscom:OCRConfidenceData><uscom:OCRConfidenceData uscom:ocrConfidenceCode="5"><com:Sub>m</com:Sub></uscom:OCRConfidenceData> is the discretized attenuation curve for the m'th material in Z<com:Sub>a</com:Sub><uscom:OCRConfidenceData uscom:ocrConfidenceCode="5">l</uscom:OCRConfidenceData><uscom:OCRConfidenceData uscom:ocrConfidenceCode="8"><com:Sub>o</com:Sub></uscom:OCRConfidenceData><uscom:OCRConfidenceData uscom:ocrConfidenceCode="6">w</uscom:OCRConfidenceData><uscom:OCRConfidenceData uscom:ocrConfidenceCode="8"><com:Sub>e</com:Sub></uscom:OCRConfidenceData><uscom:OCRConfidenceData uscom:ocrConfidenceCode="56">a.</uscom:OCRConfidenceData></uscom:P><uscom:P com:pNumber="56" com:id="p-56" uscom:indentationLevelNumber="L1">Add two zeros to d and new row vectors to B:</uscom:P><uscom:P com:pNumber="57" com:id="p-57" uscom:indentationLevelNumber="L2">B<com:Sub>1</com:Sub> = (h -<uscom:OCRConfidenceData uscom:ocrConfidenceCode="4666">Pmin</uscom:OCRConfidenceData> <uscom:OCRConfidenceData uscom:ocrConfidenceCode="58">9)</uscom:OCRConfidenceData><uscom:OCRConfidenceData uscom:ocrConfidenceCode="8"><com:Sup>t</com:Sup></uscom:OCRConfidenceData>A and B<com:Sub>2</com:Sub> = <uscom:PartName com:idrefs="PN-00001">(P<uscom:OCRConfidenceData uscom:ocrConfidenceCode="5">m</uscom:OCRConfidenceData>ax </uscom:PartName><uscom:PartNumber com:id="PN-00001"><uscom:OCRConfidenceData uscom:ocrConfidenceCode="5">9</uscom:OCRConfidenceData></uscom:PartNumber> - h)<com:Sup>t</com:Sup><uscom:OCRConfidenceData uscom:ocrConfidenceCode="8">A</uscom:OCRConfidenceData></uscom:P><uscom:P com:pNumber="58" com:id="p-58">This process can be repeated as appropriate to accommodate many different operators, where for each pair of g,h operators, two additional hyperplanes are added to B. <uscom:OCRConfidenceData uscom:ocrConfidenceCode="5">[</uscom:OCRConfidenceData>0045<uscom:OCRConfidenceData uscom:ocrConfidenceCode="5">]</uscom:OCRConfidenceData>      The above-described procedure can easily produce thousands of hyperplanes,</uscom:P><uscom:P com:pNumber="59" com:id="p-59">but many of those hyperplanes will likely be essentially meaningless in practice. That is, if one hyperplane is satisfied, several others may be guaranteed to be satisfied as well. By one approach these essentially redundant hyperplanes can be removed from consideration.</uscom:P><uscom:BoundaryDataReference com:idref="HDR-00009"/>
+<uscom:BoundaryDataReference com:idref="HDR-00010"/>
+<?PageStart number='6'?><uscom:Heading com:id="h-6">SUBSTITUTE SPECIFICATION - CLEAN</uscom:Heading><uscom:P com:pNumber="62" com:id="p-62">Furthermore, in settings where satisfying one hyperplane almost implies that another hyperplane is satisfied, then one may again, if desired, disregard or delete that second hyperplane.</uscom:P><uscom:P com:pNumber="63" com:id="p-63"><uscom:OCRConfidenceData uscom:ocrConfidenceCode="5">[</uscom:OCRConfidenceData>0046<uscom:OCRConfidenceData uscom:ocrConfidenceCode="5">]</uscom:OCRConfidenceData>      Accordingly, one can establish effective hyperplane bounding for feasibility</uscom:P><uscom:P com:pNumber="64" com:id="p-64">constraints using only, for <uscom:PartName com:idrefs="PN-00002">example, </uscom:PartName><uscom:PartNumber com:id="PN-00002">10</uscom:PartNumber> to 15 hyperplanes. Again without intending any particular limitations in these regards, the following pruning procedure can effect such an approach:</uscom:P><uscom:P com:pNumber="65" com:id="p-65" uscom:indentationLevelNumber="L2">For <uscom:OCRConfidenceData uscom:ocrConfidenceCode="8">j</uscom:OCRConfidenceData> <uscom:OCRConfidenceData uscom:ocrConfidenceCode="6">=</uscom:OCRConfidenceData> <uscom:OCRConfidenceData uscom:ocrConfidenceCode="6">1</uscom:OCRConfidenceData> to (number of constraints in B):</uscom:P><uscom:P com:pNumber="66" com:id="p-66" uscom:indentationLevelNumber="L2">Find:</uscom:P><uscom:P com:pNumber="67" com:id="p-67" uscom:indentationLevelNumber="L7"><uscom:OCRConfidenceData uscom:ocrConfidenceCode="2">2</uscom:OCRConfidenceData></uscom:P><uscom:P com:pNumber="68" com:id="p-68" uscom:indentationLevelNumber="L2"><uscom:OCRConfidenceData uscom:ocrConfidenceCode="1">S</uscom:OCRConfidenceData> <uscom:OCRConfidenceData uscom:ocrConfidenceCode="6">=</uscom:OCRConfidenceData> <uscom:OCRConfidenceData uscom:ocrConfidenceCode="886">min</uscom:OCRConfidenceData> <uscom:OCRConfidenceData uscom:ocrConfidenceCode="2251">||B;</uscom:OCRConfidenceData> <uscom:OCRConfidenceData uscom:ocrConfidenceCode="6">-</uscom:OCRConfidenceData>           <uscom:OCRConfidenceData uscom:ocrConfidenceCode="2">2</uscom:OCRConfidenceData>  <uscom:OCRConfidenceData uscom:ocrConfidenceCode="5">w</uscom:OCRConfidenceData> <uscom:OCRConfidenceData uscom:ocrConfidenceCode="65">Bi</uscom:OCRConfidenceData></uscom:P><uscom:P com:pNumber="69" com:id="p-69" uscom:indentationLevelNumber="L3">w:w<uscom:OCRConfidenceData uscom:ocrConfidenceCode="2">o</uscom:OCRConfidenceData>    <uscom:OCRConfidenceData uscom:ocrConfidenceCode="1">-</uscom:OCRConfidenceData></uscom:P><uscom:P com:pNumber="70" com:id="p-70">using a convex-optimization solver such as Sedumi or SDPT3 (software programs for Matlab for solving semi-definite, quadratic, or linear problems);</uscom:P><uscom:P com:pNumber="71" com:id="p-71" uscom:indentationLevelNumber="L2">When <uscom:OCRConfidenceData uscom:ocrConfidenceCode="2">8</uscom:OCRConfidenceData> is zero (or very small), prune away B<uscom:OCRConfidenceData uscom:ocrConfidenceCode="8">.</uscom:OCRConfidenceData></uscom:P><uscom:P com:pNumber="72" com:id="p-72"><uscom:OCRConfidenceData uscom:ocrConfidenceCode="5">[</uscom:OCRConfidenceData>0047<uscom:OCRConfidenceData uscom:ocrConfidenceCode="5">]</uscom:OCRConfidenceData>      By one approach these teachings will accommodate building a chemical</uscom:P><uscom:P com:pNumber="73" com:id="p-73">feasibility database for cargo scanning that holds for either all cargo, all cargo at a particular site, or that is dependent on the cargo's manifest. By another approach, these teachings will accommodate building a chemical feasibility database for medical scanning that holds for all images, for only specific body parts, for only specific patients, or for only specific body parts of specific patients (for example, some patients might have metal fillings whereas some other patients may be known to have no metal fillings). Each chemical element is designated as capable of existing in a pure form, as permissibly existing only in combination with some other material subject to some maximum ratio; or as not being permissible at all. By way of illustration, iron might be designated as capable of existing in a pure form while any sodium (or, say, any alkali metal) atom must have at least one associated halogen atom or hydroxide ion, while rare earth elements are not permissible in a cargo setting whatsoever. Similarly, for medical scanning, many elements and materials can likely be similarly eliminated if they<uscom:BoundaryDataReference com:idref="HDR-00011"/></uscom:P><uscom:BoundaryDataReference com:idref="HDR-00012"/>
+<?PageStart number='7'?><uscom:Heading com:id="h-7">SUBSTITUTE SPECIFICATION - CLEAN</uscom:Heading><uscom:P com:pNumber="75" com:id="p-75">are unlikely or unable to occur in the body. Furthermore, for industrial non-destructive testing, many elements can again likely be eliminated when it is highly unlikely (or impossible) for such elements to appear in the manufacturing process. <uscom:OCRConfidenceData uscom:ocrConfidenceCode="5">[</uscom:OCRConfidenceData>0048<uscom:OCRConfidenceData uscom:ocrConfidenceCode="5">]</uscom:OCRConfidenceData>       These rules are flexible in practice and there is considerable room to</uscom:P><uscom:P com:pNumber="76" com:id="p-76">accommodate a wide range of application settings and needs. Elements or materials that are not permissible at all can be excluded by excluding them from Z<com:Sub>a</com:Sub><uscom:OCRConfidenceData uscom:ocrConfidenceCode="2868"><com:Sub>1owe</com:Sub></uscom:OCRConfidenceData><uscom:OCRConfidenceData uscom:ocrConfidenceCode="4">a</uscom:OCRConfidenceData> in the non-negativity constraint. Other constraints can be handled by enforcing ranges of ratios. Say, for example, that there are N limiting formulae for element Z, and let w<uscom:OCRConfidenceData uscom:ocrConfidenceCode="5"><com:Sub>n</com:Sub></uscom:OCRConfidenceData>,z describe the relative amount of each element for formula n. A corresponding useful search might then only consider c vectors for which there is some a for which Ac = <uscom:OCRConfidenceData uscom:ocrConfidenceCode="55">pa</uscom:OCRConfidenceData> and:<uscom:OCRConfidenceData uscom:ocrConfidenceCode="44">az</uscom:OCRConfidenceData> <uscom:OCRConfidenceData uscom:ocrConfidenceCode="2">&lt;</uscom:OCRConfidenceData>  <com:Image com:id="p-00016" com:imageWrappingStyleCategory="Inline" com:orientationCategory="Portrait" com:imageContentCategory="Chemistry"><com:ImageFormatCategory>SVG</com:ImageFormatCategory><com:FileName>13277833.02-13-2018.JDLT70YNRXEAPX3.SPEC.7.12.1131.1254.1188.1312.svg</com:FileName><com:HeightMeasure com:measureUnitCode="In">0.193</com:HeightMeasure><com:WidthMeasure com:measureUnitCode="In">0.19</com:WidthMeasure><com:Alt>Chemistry</com:Alt><com:ColourModeCategory>Black and white</com:ColourModeCategory></com:Image> x <uscom:OCRConfidenceData uscom:ocrConfidenceCode="5">w</uscom:OCRConfidenceData><uscom:OCRConfidenceData uscom:ocrConfidenceCode="8"><com:Sub>n</com:Sub></uscom:OCRConfidenceData><uscom:OCRConfidenceData uscom:ocrConfidenceCode="8">,</uscom:OCRConfidenceData><uscom:OCRConfidenceData uscom:ocrConfidenceCode="5"><com:Sub>z</com:Sub></uscom:OCRConfidenceData> <uscom:OCRConfidenceData uscom:ocrConfidenceCode="866">min</uscom:OCRConfidenceData> <uscom:OCRConfidenceData uscom:ocrConfidenceCode="2"><com:U>"</com:U></uscom:OCRConfidenceData><uscom:OCRConfidenceData uscom:ocrConfidenceCode="4"><com:U><com:Sup>Z</com:Sup></com:U></uscom:OCRConfidenceData></uscom:P><uscom:P com:pNumber="77" com:id="p-77" uscom:indentationLevelNumber="L7"><uscom:OCRConfidenceData uscom:ocrConfidenceCode="2">n</uscom:OCRConfidenceData>      <uscom:OCRConfidenceData uscom:ocrConfidenceCode="61">zi</uscom:OCRConfidenceData> <uscom:OCRConfidenceData uscom:ocrConfidenceCode="4"><com:Sup>w</com:Sup></uscom:OCRConfidenceData><uscom:OCRConfidenceData uscom:ocrConfidenceCode="11771">fl,ZI</uscom:OCRConfidenceData></uscom:P><uscom:P com:pNumber="78" com:id="p-78">In a given application setting this can likely be turned into a set of appropriate hyperplanes on c.</uscom:P><uscom:P com:pNumber="79" com:id="p-79"><uscom:OCRConfidenceData uscom:ocrConfidenceCode="5">[</uscom:OCRConfidenceData>0049<uscom:OCRConfidenceData uscom:ocrConfidenceCode="5">]</uscom:OCRConfidenceData>       The applicant has determined that in many cases material type changes</uscom:P><uscom:P com:pNumber="80" com:id="p-80">smoothly within the image. That is, an organic pixel is usually neighbors with other organic pixels, steel pixels are usually neighbors with other steel pixels, lead pixels will usually be neighbors with other lead pixels, and bone pixels will usually be neighbors with other bone pixels.</uscom:P><uscom:P com:pNumber="81" com:id="p-81"><uscom:OCRConfidenceData uscom:ocrConfidenceCode="5">[</uscom:OCRConfidenceData>0050<uscom:OCRConfidenceData uscom:ocrConfidenceCode="5">]</uscom:OCRConfidenceData>       Similarly, material amount also usually changes slowly. The term "material</uscom:P><uscom:P com:pNumber="82" com:id="p-82">amount" can mean different things, depending on the application setting. For three- dimensional imaging, material amount may mean the amount of mass in each voxel. Or similarly, as is typical in computed tomography, material amount may indicate the volume density of the material (such as in g/cm<uscom:OCRConfidenceData uscom:ocrConfidenceCode="5">^</uscom:OCRConfidenceData>3). For two-dimensional imaging, material amount could refer to path length, i.e. the total path length of material that is represented in a given pixel. Material amount could also refer to the product of path length and density. Material amount could also refer to the total mass per pixel (such as in grams), or similarly, it could refer to projected density (such as in g/cm<uscom:OCRConfidenceData uscom:ocrConfidenceCode="5">^</uscom:OCRConfidenceData>2). Projected density (which is particularly useful for X-ray radiography) can be obtained, for example, by integrating the volume density of an</uscom:P><uscom:BoundaryDataReference com:idref="HDR-00013"/>
+<uscom:BoundaryDataReference com:idref="HDR-00014"/>
+<?PageStart number='8'?><uscom:Heading com:id="h-8">SUBSTITUTE SPECIFICATION - CLEAN</uscom:Heading><uscom:P com:pNumber="85" com:id="p-85">object over the integral of the region imaged by a pixel. Some of these are often equivalent; for example projected density can be seen as a generalization of path length x density; additionally "path length" can sometimes be used as a shorthand term that actually means projected density. Using any of these definitions, in typical objects, material amount is usually somewhat smooth. For example, pixels representing 12 inches of water are usually neighbors with other pixels that also contain near 12 inches of water while a pixel that contains 6 inches of steel will often be neighbors with other pixels containing near 6 inches of steel.</uscom:P><uscom:P com:pNumber="86" com:id="p-86"><uscom:OCRConfidenceData uscom:ocrConfidenceCode="5">[</uscom:OCRConfidenceData>0051<uscom:OCRConfidenceData uscom:ocrConfidenceCode="5">]</uscom:OCRConfidenceData>      By one approach these teachings provide for treating each pixel as a vector</uscom:P><uscom:P com:pNumber="87" com:id="p-87">(and, for megavolt X-ray imaging, more specifically as a 4-vector, i.e. a vector in four dimensions). Using this approach the direction of the vector can indicate the material type while the length indicates roughly the material density or amount. To encourage material- type smoothness this process can favor having neighboring vectors point in similar directions. Similarly, to encourage material-amount smoothness, this process can favor having neighboring vectors of similar lengths. These smoothness constraints (regarding vector direction and length) can be enforced separately or can be combined as desired. <uscom:OCRConfidenceData uscom:ocrConfidenceCode="5">[</uscom:OCRConfidenceData>0052<uscom:OCRConfidenceData uscom:ocrConfidenceCode="5">]</uscom:OCRConfidenceData>      Smoothness can be added as a constraint by, instead of just minimizing D,</uscom:P><uscom:P com:pNumber="88" com:id="p-88">instead minimizing D <uscom:OCRConfidenceData uscom:ocrConfidenceCode="5">+</uscom:OCRConfidenceData> <uscom:OCRConfidenceData uscom:ocrConfidenceCode="5">A</uscom:OCRConfidenceData>R, where <uscom:OCRConfidenceData uscom:ocrConfidenceCode="1">2</uscom:OCRConfidenceData> is a weighting factor and R is a penalty function that encourages smoothness.</uscom:P><uscom:P com:pNumber="89" com:id="p-89"><uscom:OCRConfidenceData uscom:ocrConfidenceCode="5">[</uscom:OCRConfidenceData>0053<uscom:OCRConfidenceData uscom:ocrConfidenceCode="5">]</uscom:OCRConfidenceData>      To enforce neighboring vectors to have similar values (which is the product of</uscom:P><uscom:P com:pNumber="90" com:id="p-90">direction and length), one can choose the L<com:Sub>2</com:Sub><com:Sup>2</com:Sup> gradient norm (i.e., Tikhonov regularization):</uscom:P><uscom:P com:pNumber="91" com:id="p-91" uscom:indentationLevelNumber="L2"><uscom:OCRConfidenceData uscom:ocrConfidenceCode="8">R</uscom:OCRConfidenceData> <uscom:OCRConfidenceData uscom:ocrConfidenceCode="8">=</uscom:OCRConfidenceData>  <com:Image com:id="p-00017" com:imageWrappingStyleCategory="Inline" com:orientationCategory="Portrait" com:imageContentCategory="Chemistry"><com:ImageFormatCategory>SVG</com:ImageFormatCategory><com:FileName>13277833.02-13-2018.JDLT70YNRXEAPX3.SPEC.8.23.705.2309.769.2445.svg</com:FileName><com:HeightMeasure com:measureUnitCode="In">0.453</com:HeightMeasure><com:WidthMeasure com:measureUnitCode="In">0.213</com:WidthMeasure><com:Alt>Chemistry</com:Alt><com:ColourModeCategory>Black and white</com:ColourModeCategory></com:Image> <uscom:OCRConfidenceData uscom:ocrConfidenceCode="2">c</uscom:OCRConfidenceData> <uscom:OCRConfidenceData uscom:ocrConfidenceCode="6554">(IIC</uscom:OCRConfidenceData><com:Sub>x</com:Sub>,y -  <com:Image com:id="p-00018" com:imageWrappingStyleCategory="Inline" com:orientationCategory="Portrait" com:imageContentCategory="Chemistry"><com:ImageFormatCategory>SVG</com:ImageFormatCategory><com:FileName>13277833.02-13-2018.JDLT70YNRXEAPX3.SPEC.8.23.980.2311.1154.2389.svg</com:FileName><com:HeightMeasure com:measureUnitCode="In">0.26</com:HeightMeasure><com:WidthMeasure com:measureUnitCode="In">0.58</com:WidthMeasure><com:Alt>Chemistry</com:Alt><com:ColourModeCategory>Black and white</com:ColourModeCategory></com:Image><uscom:OCRConfidenceData uscom:ocrConfidenceCode="1">±</uscom:OCRConfidenceData>    <uscom:OCRConfidenceData uscom:ocrConfidenceCode="6">+</uscom:OCRConfidenceData> <uscom:OCRConfidenceData uscom:ocrConfidenceCode="445"><com:Sup>IIc</com:Sup></uscom:OCRConfidenceData><uscom:OCRConfidenceData uscom:ocrConfidenceCode="88">x,</uscom:OCRConfidenceData><uscom:OCRConfidenceData uscom:ocrConfidenceCode="4"><com:Sub>Y</com:Sub></uscom:OCRConfidenceData> <uscom:OCRConfidenceData uscom:ocrConfidenceCode="8">-</uscom:OCRConfidenceData> <uscom:OCRConfidenceData uscom:ocrConfidenceCode="4"><com:Sup>c</com:Sup></uscom:OCRConfidenceData><uscom:OCRConfidenceData uscom:ocrConfidenceCode="56">x,</uscom:OCRConfidenceData><uscom:OCRConfidenceData uscom:ocrConfidenceCode="4"><com:Sub>Y</com:Sub></uscom:OCRConfidenceData><uscom:OCRConfidenceData uscom:ocrConfidenceCode="28">_1</uscom:OCRConfidenceData> <com:Image com:id="p-00019" com:imageWrappingStyleCategory="Inline" com:orientationCategory="Portrait" com:imageContentCategory="Chemistry"><com:ImageFormatCategory>SVG</com:ImageFormatCategory><com:FileName>13277833.02-13-2018.JDLT70YNRXEAPX3.SPEC.8.23.1527.2311.1568.2387.svg</com:FileName><com:HeightMeasure com:measureUnitCode="In">0.253</com:HeightMeasure><com:WidthMeasure com:measureUnitCode="In">0.137</com:WidthMeasure><com:Alt>Chemistry</com:Alt><com:ColourModeCategory>Black and white</com:ColourModeCategory></com:Image> <uscom:OCRConfidenceData uscom:ocrConfidenceCode="2">)</uscom:OCRConfidenceData></uscom:P><uscom:P com:pNumber="92" com:id="p-92"><uscom:OCRConfidenceData uscom:ocrConfidenceCode="5">[</uscom:OCRConfidenceData>0054<uscom:OCRConfidenceData uscom:ocrConfidenceCode="5">]</uscom:OCRConfidenceData>      As another approach in these regards one can employ so-called Total- Variation (TV) regularization (this particular case is called Vector-TV regularization):</uscom:P><uscom:Heading com:id="h-9"><uscom:OCRConfidenceData uscom:ocrConfidenceCode="8">R</uscom:OCRConfidenceData>                                             </uscom:Heading><uscom:P com:pNumber="93" com:id="p-93" uscom:indentationLevelNumber="L6"><com:Image com:id="p-00020" com:imageWrappingStyleCategory="Inline" com:orientationCategory="Portrait" com:imageContentCategory="Chemistry"><com:ImageFormatCategory>SVG</com:ImageFormatCategory><com:FileName>13277833.02-13-2018.JDLT70YNRXEAPX3.SPEC.8.27.654.2716.1587.2873.svg</com:FileName><com:HeightMeasure com:measureUnitCode="In">0.523</com:HeightMeasure><com:WidthMeasure com:measureUnitCode="In">3.11</com:WidthMeasure><com:Alt>Chemistry</com:Alt><com:ColourModeCategory>Black and white</com:ColourModeCategory></com:Image><uscom:BoundaryDataReference com:idref="HDR-00015"/></uscom:P><uscom:BoundaryDataReference com:idref="HDR-00016"/>
+<?PageStart number='9'?><uscom:Heading com:id="h-10">SUBSTITUTE SPECIFICATION - CLEAN</uscom:Heading><uscom:P com:pNumber="95" com:id="p-95"><uscom:OCRConfidenceData uscom:ocrConfidenceCode="5">[</uscom:OCRConfidenceData>0055<uscom:OCRConfidenceData uscom:ocrConfidenceCode="5">]</uscom:OCRConfidenceData>      To enforce neighboring vectors to have similar lengths, this process can be</uscom:P><uscom:P com:pNumber="96" com:id="p-96">configured to calculate magnitudes prior to the above regularization formulae. So configured, for example, one can choose either the L<com:Sub>2</com:Sub><com:Sup>2</com:Sup> norm of the gradient of the magnitudes:</uscom:P><uscom:P com:pNumber="97" com:id="p-97" uscom:indentationLevelNumber="L2">R =  <com:Image com:id="p-00021" com:imageWrappingStyleCategory="Inline" com:orientationCategory="Portrait" com:imageContentCategory="Chemistry"><com:ImageFormatCategory>SVG</com:ImageFormatCategory><com:FileName>13277833.02-13-2018.JDLT70YNRXEAPX3.SPEC.9.5.705.606.769.741.svg</com:FileName><com:HeightMeasure com:measureUnitCode="In">0.45</com:HeightMeasure><com:WidthMeasure com:measureUnitCode="In">0.213</com:WidthMeasure><com:Alt>Chemistry</com:Alt><com:ColourModeCategory>Black and white</com:ColourModeCategory></com:Image> <uscom:OCRConfidenceData uscom:ocrConfidenceCode="8855">((II</uscom:OCRConfidenceData><uscom:OCRConfidenceData uscom:ocrConfidenceCode="5"><com:Sup>c</com:Sup></uscom:OCRConfidenceData><uscom:OCRConfidenceData uscom:ocrConfidenceCode="8"><com:Sub>x</com:Sub></uscom:OCRConfidenceData><uscom:OCRConfidenceData uscom:ocrConfidenceCode="84">,Y</uscom:OCRConfidenceData><uscom:OCRConfidenceData uscom:ocrConfidenceCode="5"><com:Sub>I</com:Sub></uscom:OCRConfidenceData><uscom:OCRConfidenceData uscom:ocrConfidenceCode="5">I</uscom:OCRConfidenceData> - <uscom:OCRConfidenceData uscom:ocrConfidenceCode="55">II</uscom:OCRConfidenceData><uscom:OCRConfidenceData uscom:ocrConfidenceCode="5"><com:Sup>c</com:Sup></uscom:OCRConfidenceData><uscom:OCRConfidenceData uscom:ocrConfidenceCode="8"><com:Sub>x</com:Sub></uscom:OCRConfidenceData><uscom:OCRConfidenceData uscom:ocrConfidenceCode="2">_</uscom:OCRConfidenceData><uscom:OCRConfidenceData uscom:ocrConfidenceCode="5"><com:Sub>1</com:Sub></uscom:OCRConfidenceData><uscom:OCRConfidenceData uscom:ocrConfidenceCode="4455">,YII</uscom:OCRConfidenceData> <com:Image com:id="p-00022" com:imageWrappingStyleCategory="Inline" com:orientationCategory="Portrait" com:imageContentCategory="Chemistry"><com:ImageFormatCategory>SVG</com:ImageFormatCategory><com:FileName>13277833.02-13-2018.JDLT70YNRXEAPX3.SPEC.9.5.1215.607.1256.683.svg</com:FileName><com:HeightMeasure com:measureUnitCode="In">0.253</com:HeightMeasure><com:WidthMeasure com:measureUnitCode="In">0.137</com:WidthMeasure><com:Alt>Chemistry</com:Alt><com:ColourModeCategory>Black and white</com:ColourModeCategory></com:Image> <uscom:OCRConfidenceData uscom:ocrConfidenceCode="8">+</uscom:OCRConfidenceData> <uscom:OCRConfidenceData uscom:ocrConfidenceCode="522">(||</uscom:OCRConfidenceData><uscom:OCRConfidenceData uscom:ocrConfidenceCode="5"><com:Sup>c</com:Sup></uscom:OCRConfidenceData><uscom:OCRConfidenceData uscom:ocrConfidenceCode="8"><com:Sub>x</com:Sub></uscom:OCRConfidenceData><uscom:OCRConfidenceData uscom:ocrConfidenceCode="8">,</uscom:OCRConfidenceData><uscom:OCRConfidenceData uscom:ocrConfidenceCode="4"><com:Sup>y</com:Sup></uscom:OCRConfidenceData><uscom:OCRConfidenceData uscom:ocrConfidenceCode="4">I</uscom:OCRConfidenceData> <uscom:OCRConfidenceData uscom:ocrConfidenceCode="8">-</uscom:OCRConfidenceData> <uscom:OCRConfidenceData uscom:ocrConfidenceCode="55">II</uscom:OCRConfidenceData><uscom:OCRConfidenceData uscom:ocrConfidenceCode="5"><com:Sup>c</com:Sup></uscom:OCRConfidenceData><uscom:OCRConfidenceData uscom:ocrConfidenceCode="8"><com:Sub>x</com:Sub></uscom:OCRConfidenceData><uscom:OCRConfidenceData uscom:ocrConfidenceCode="842">,Y_</uscom:OCRConfidenceData><uscom:OCRConfidenceData uscom:ocrConfidenceCode="5"><com:Sub>1</com:Sub></uscom:OCRConfidenceData><uscom:OCRConfidenceData uscom:ocrConfidenceCode="2">|</uscom:OCRConfidenceData><uscom:OCRConfidenceData uscom:ocrConfidenceCode="4"><com:Sup>I</com:Sup></uscom:OCRConfidenceData> <com:Image com:id="p-00023" com:imageWrappingStyleCategory="Inline" com:orientationCategory="Portrait" com:imageContentCategory="Chemistry"><com:ImageFormatCategory>SVG</com:ImageFormatCategory><com:FileName>13277833.02-13-2018.JDLT70YNRXEAPX3.SPEC.9.5.1730.607.1772.683.svg</com:FileName><com:HeightMeasure com:measureUnitCode="In">0.253</com:HeightMeasure><com:WidthMeasure com:measureUnitCode="In">0.14</com:WidthMeasure><com:Alt>Chemistry</com:Alt><com:ColourModeCategory>Black and white</com:ColourModeCategory></com:Image><uscom:OCRConfidenceData uscom:ocrConfidenceCode="2">)</uscom:OCRConfidenceData></uscom:P><uscom:P com:pNumber="98" com:id="p-98">or Total-Variation of the magnitudes:</uscom:P><uscom:P com:pNumber="99" com:id="p-99" uscom:indentationLevelNumber="L2"><uscom:OCRConfidenceData uscom:ocrConfidenceCode="8">R</uscom:OCRConfidenceData> <uscom:OCRConfidenceData uscom:ocrConfidenceCode="8">=</uscom:OCRConfidenceData>  <com:Image com:id="p-00024" com:imageWrappingStyleCategory="Inline" com:orientationCategory="Portrait" com:imageContentCategory="Chemistry"><com:ImageFormatCategory>SVG</com:ImageFormatCategory><com:FileName>13277833.02-13-2018.JDLT70YNRXEAPX3.SPEC.9.8.705.922.1810.1039.svg</com:FileName><com:HeightMeasure com:measureUnitCode="In">0.39</com:HeightMeasure><com:WidthMeasure com:measureUnitCode="In">3.683</com:WidthMeasure><com:Alt>Chemistry</com:Alt><com:ColourModeCategory>Black and white</com:ColourModeCategory></com:Image> <uscom:OCRConfidenceData uscom:ocrConfidenceCode="5">.</uscom:OCRConfidenceData></uscom:P><uscom:P com:pNumber="100" com:id="p-100"><uscom:OCRConfidenceData uscom:ocrConfidenceCode="5">[</uscom:OCRConfidenceData>0056<uscom:OCRConfidenceData uscom:ocrConfidenceCode="5">]</uscom:OCRConfidenceData>      There are many other popular regularization functions, including L<uscom:OCRConfidenceData uscom:ocrConfidenceCode="2"><com:Sub>1</com:Sub></uscom:OCRConfidenceData></uscom:P><uscom:P com:pNumber="101" com:id="p-101">regularization (i.e., anisotropic TV), Huber functions, hyperbolic L<uscom:OCRConfidenceData uscom:ocrConfidenceCode="2"><com:Sub>1</com:Sub></uscom:OCRConfidenceData> or TV approximations, and so forth that could all be used in place of L<com:Sub>2</com:Sub><com:Sup>2</com:Sup> or TV as desired. <uscom:OCRConfidenceData uscom:ocrConfidenceCode="5">[</uscom:OCRConfidenceData>0057<uscom:OCRConfidenceData uscom:ocrConfidenceCode="5">]</uscom:OCRConfidenceData>      To enforce having neighboring vectors point in similar directions, these</uscom:P><uscom:P com:pNumber="102" com:id="p-102">teachings will accommodate any approach that penalizes (at least in part) an angle differential (or a term that includes, at least implicitly, the angle differential) between neighboring vectors such as the CF<uscom:OCRConfidenceData uscom:ocrConfidenceCode="5"><com:Sub>1</com:Sub></uscom:OCRConfidenceData><uscom:OCRConfidenceData uscom:ocrConfidenceCode="5"><com:Sup>1</com:Sup></uscom:OCRConfidenceData> penalty:</uscom:P><uscom:P com:pNumber="103" com:id="p-103" uscom:indentationMeasureUnitCode="In" uscom:firstLineIndentationNumber="1.07">R  =  <com:Image com:id="p-00025" com:imageWrappingStyleCategory="Inline" com:orientationCategory="Portrait" com:imageContentCategory="Chemistry"><com:ImageFormatCategory>SVG</com:ImageFormatCategory><com:FileName>13277833.02-13-2018.JDLT70YNRXEAPX3.SPEC.9.16.705.1784.769.1920.svg</com:FileName><com:HeightMeasure com:measureUnitCode="In">0.453</com:HeightMeasure><com:WidthMeasure com:measureUnitCode="In">0.213</com:WidthMeasure><com:Alt>Chemistry</com:Alt><com:ColourModeCategory>Black and white</com:ColourModeCategory></com:Image> <uscom:OCRConfidenceData uscom:ocrConfidenceCode="5554584">(IIcx,Y</uscom:OCRConfidenceData> <com:Image com:id="p-00027" com:imageWrappingStyleCategory="Inline" com:orientationCategory="Portrait" com:imageContentCategory="Chemistry"><com:ImageFormatCategory>SVG</com:ImageFormatCategory><com:FileName>13277833.02-13-2018.JDLT70YNRXEAPX3.SPEC.9.16.921.1799.953.1862.svg</com:FileName><com:HeightMeasure com:measureUnitCode="In">0.21</com:HeightMeasure><com:WidthMeasure com:measureUnitCode="In">0.107</com:WidthMeasure><com:Alt>Chemistry</com:Alt><com:ColourModeCategory>Black and white</com:ColourModeCategory></com:Image> <uscom:OCRConfidenceData uscom:ocrConfidenceCode="5544">IIcx</uscom:OCRConfidenceData><uscom:OCRConfidenceData uscom:ocrConfidenceCode="6"><com:Sub>1</com:Sub></uscom:OCRConfidenceData><uscom:OCRConfidenceData uscom:ocrConfidenceCode="64">,Y</uscom:OCRConfidenceData><uscom:OCRConfidenceData uscom:ocrConfidenceCode="5"><com:Sub>I</com:Sub></uscom:OCRConfidenceData><uscom:OCRConfidenceData uscom:ocrConfidenceCode="5">I</uscom:OCRConfidenceData> <uscom:OCRConfidenceData uscom:ocrConfidenceCode="8">+</uscom:OCRConfidenceData>  <uscom:OCRConfidenceData uscom:ocrConfidenceCode="555">IIc</uscom:OCRConfidenceData><uscom:OCRConfidenceData uscom:ocrConfidenceCode="8"><com:Sub>x</com:Sub></uscom:OCRConfidenceData><uscom:OCRConfidenceData uscom:ocrConfidenceCode="85">,I</uscom:OCRConfidenceData> <uscom:OCRConfidenceData uscom:ocrConfidenceCode="22">||</uscom:OCRConfidenceData> <com:Image com:id="p-00026" com:imageWrappingStyleCategory="Inline" com:orientationCategory="Portrait" com:imageContentCategory="Chemistry"><com:ImageFormatCategory>SVG</com:ImageFormatCategory><com:FileName>13277833.02-13-2018.JDLT70YNRXEAPX3.SPEC.9.16.1355.1787.2241.1873.svg</com:FileName><com:HeightMeasure com:measureUnitCode="In">0.287</com:HeightMeasure><com:WidthMeasure com:measureUnitCode="In">2.953</com:WidthMeasure><com:Alt>Chemistry</com:Alt><com:ColourModeCategory>Black and white</com:ColourModeCategory></com:Image> or the CF<uscom:OCRConfidenceData uscom:ocrConfidenceCode="4"><com:Sub>1</com:Sub></uscom:OCRConfidenceData><uscom:OCRConfidenceData uscom:ocrConfidenceCode="2">i</uscom:OCRConfidenceData><com:Sup>2</com:Sup> penalty:</uscom:P><uscom:P com:pNumber="104" com:id="p-104" uscom:indentationMeasureUnitCode="In" uscom:firstLineIndentationNumber="1.07"><uscom:OCRConfidenceData uscom:ocrConfidenceCode="8">R</uscom:OCRConfidenceData> <uscom:OCRConfidenceData uscom:ocrConfidenceCode="6">=</uscom:OCRConfidenceData>  <com:Image com:id="p-00028" com:imageWrappingStyleCategory="Inline" com:orientationCategory="Portrait" com:imageContentCategory="Chemistry"><com:ImageFormatCategory>SVG</com:ImageFormatCategory><com:FileName>13277833.02-13-2018.JDLT70YNRXEAPX3.SPEC.9.19.693.2098.1876.2216.svg</com:FileName><com:HeightMeasure com:measureUnitCode="In">0.393</com:HeightMeasure><com:WidthMeasure com:measureUnitCode="In">3.943</com:WidthMeasure><com:Alt>Chemistry</com:Alt><com:ColourModeCategory>Black and white</com:ColourModeCategory></com:Image> or vector-cosine-similarity:</uscom:P><uscom:P com:pNumber="105" com:id="p-105" uscom:indentationMeasureUnitCode="In" uscom:firstLineIndentationNumber="1.07"><uscom:OCRConfidenceData uscom:ocrConfidenceCode="8">R</uscom:OCRConfidenceData> <uscom:OCRConfidenceData uscom:ocrConfidenceCode="6">=</uscom:OCRConfidenceData> <uscom:OCRConfidenceData uscom:ocrConfidenceCode="2">E</uscom:OCRConfidenceData><uscom:OCRConfidenceData uscom:ocrConfidenceCode="88"><com:Sub>xy</com:Sub></uscom:OCRConfidenceData> <uscom:OCRConfidenceData uscom:ocrConfidenceCode="2">(</uscom:OCRConfidenceData>2 - <com:Image com:id="p-00029" com:imageWrappingStyleCategory="Inline" com:orientationCategory="Portrait" com:imageContentCategory="Chemistry"><com:ImageFormatCategory>SVG</com:ImageFormatCategory><com:FileName>13277833.02-13-2018.JDLT70YNRXEAPX3.SPEC.9.21.920.2405.1529.2512.svg</com:FileName><com:HeightMeasure com:measureUnitCode="In">0.357</com:HeightMeasure><com:WidthMeasure com:measureUnitCode="In">2.03</com:WidthMeasure><com:Alt>Chemistry</com:Alt><com:ColourModeCategory>Black and white</com:ColourModeCategory></com:Image> Multiple regularizers can be combined by minimizing</uscom:P><uscom:P com:pNumber="106" com:id="p-106" uscom:indentationLevelNumber="L6" uscom:indentationMeasureUnitCode="In" uscom:hangingIndentationNumber="1.60"><uscom:OCRConfidenceData uscom:ocrConfidenceCode="7">D</uscom:OCRConfidenceData> <uscom:OCRConfidenceData uscom:ocrConfidenceCode="7">+</uscom:OCRConfidenceData> <com:Image com:id="p-00030" com:imageWrappingStyleCategory="Inline" com:orientationCategory="Portrait" com:imageContentCategory="Chemistry"><com:ImageFormatCategory>SVG</com:ImageFormatCategory><com:FileName>13277833.02-13-2018.JDLT70YNRXEAPX3.SPEC.9.23.702.2695.988.2742.svg</com:FileName><com:HeightMeasure com:measureUnitCode="In">0.157</com:HeightMeasure><com:WidthMeasure com:measureUnitCode="In">0.953</com:WidthMeasure><com:Alt>Chemistry</com:Alt><com:ColourModeCategory>Black and white</com:ColourModeCategory></com:Image> <uscom:OCRConfidenceData uscom:ocrConfidenceCode="72222">+---"</uscom:OCRConfidenceData><uscom:BoundaryDataReference com:idref="HDR-00017"/></uscom:P><uscom:BoundaryDataReference com:idref="HDR-00018"/>
+<?PageStart number='10'?><uscom:Heading com:id="h-11">SUBSTITUTE SPECIFICATION - CLEAN</uscom:Heading><uscom:P com:pNumber="108" com:id="p-108"><uscom:OCRConfidenceData uscom:ocrConfidenceCode="5">[</uscom:OCRConfidenceData>0058<uscom:OCRConfidenceData uscom:ocrConfidenceCode="5">]</uscom:OCRConfidenceData>       By way of illustration, these processes will accommodate using either a single</uscom:P><uscom:P com:pNumber="109" com:id="p-109">R term that enforces similar neighboring values, magnitudes, or directions. They will also accomodate two R terms with one term enforcing similar neighboring magnitudes and the other term for similar directions. These teachings will also accommodate combining all three types and/or more than one of each type simultaneously as desired. These R terms can also be derived as statistical priors. That is, the basic goal can be to find the c that is most likely given the measured P data. Equivalently, one may wish to find c to maximize Pr<uscom:OCRConfidenceData uscom:ocrConfidenceCode="682">[cI</uscom:OCRConfidenceData>P]. Note that, using Bayes' theorem, this can be rewritten asPr[c<uscom:OCRConfidenceData uscom:ocrConfidenceCode="1">|</uscom:OCRConfidenceData> <uscom:OCRConfidenceData uscom:ocrConfidenceCode="882">P]=</uscom:OCRConfidenceData>  <com:Image com:id="p-00031" com:imageWrappingStyleCategory="Inline" com:orientationCategory="Portrait" com:imageContentCategory="Chemistry"><com:ImageFormatCategory>SVG</com:ImageFormatCategory><com:FileName>13277833.02-13-2018.JDLT70YNRXEAPX3.SPEC.10.10.819.1057.1114.1172.svg</com:FileName><com:HeightMeasure com:measureUnitCode="In">0.383</com:HeightMeasure><com:WidthMeasure com:measureUnitCode="In">0.983</com:WidthMeasure><com:Alt>Chemistry</com:Alt><com:ColourModeCategory>Black and white</com:ColourModeCategory></com:Image>Furthermore, maximizing Pr<uscom:OCRConfidenceData uscom:ocrConfidenceCode="682">[cI</uscom:OCRConfidenceData>P] is equivalent to minimizing -log Pr<uscom:OCRConfidenceData uscom:ocrConfidenceCode="682">[cI</uscom:OCRConfidenceData>P], which is</uscom:P><uscom:P com:pNumber="110" com:id="p-110" uscom:indentationLevelNumber="L2"><uscom:OCRConfidenceData uscom:ocrConfidenceCode="8">-</uscom:OCRConfidenceData> log Pr<uscom:OCRConfidenceData uscom:ocrConfidenceCode="58">[c</uscom:OCRConfidenceData> <uscom:OCRConfidenceData uscom:ocrConfidenceCode="1">l</uscom:OCRConfidenceData> P] = D(c) - log Pr[c] <uscom:OCRConfidenceData uscom:ocrConfidenceCode="8">+</uscom:OCRConfidenceData> (constant)</uscom:P><uscom:P com:pNumber="111" com:id="p-111">where the constant term can be ignored, and D is the Fidelity term described earlier. Accordingly, one can equate Pr[c] with <uscom:OCRConfidenceData uscom:ocrConfidenceCode="52">e-</uscom:OCRConfidenceData><uscom:OCRConfidenceData uscom:ocrConfidenceCode="4"><com:Sup>o</com:Sup></uscom:OCRConfidenceData><com:Sup>g</com:Sup> <com:Sup>R</com:Sup><uscom:OCRConfidenceData uscom:ocrConfidenceCode="5">,</uscom:OCRConfidenceData> or equivalently, R can be thought of as -log <uscom:OCRConfidenceData uscom:ocrConfidenceCode="885">Pr[</uscom:OCRConfidenceData>c]. That is, one can choose R functions simply because they seem to give better images, or one can choose R terms more rigorously by establishing statistical priors on the distribution of c values and then take the log of those priors. All feasibility constraints can be thought of with either of these philosophies.</uscom:P><uscom:P com:pNumber="112" com:id="p-112"><uscom:OCRConfidenceData uscom:ocrConfidenceCode="5">[</uscom:OCRConfidenceData>0059<uscom:OCRConfidenceData uscom:ocrConfidenceCode="5">]</uscom:OCRConfidenceData>       A corresponding search problem is to find c to minimize D + <uscom:OCRConfidenceData uscom:ocrConfidenceCode="1">I</uscom:OCRConfidenceData>R subject to B<uscom:OCRConfidenceData uscom:ocrConfidenceCode="5">c</uscom:OCRConfidenceData></uscom:P><uscom:P com:pNumber="113" com:id="p-113"><com:Image com:id="p-00032" com:imageWrappingStyleCategory="Inline" com:orientationCategory="Portrait" com:imageContentCategory="Chemistry"><com:ImageFormatCategory>SVG</com:ImageFormatCategory><com:FileName>13277833.02-13-2018.JDLT70YNRXEAPX3.SPEC.10.22.300.2145.328.2181.svg</com:FileName><com:HeightMeasure com:measureUnitCode="In">0.12</com:HeightMeasure><com:WidthMeasure com:measureUnitCode="In">0.093</com:WidthMeasure><com:Alt>Chemistry</com:Alt><com:ColourModeCategory>Black and white</com:ColourModeCategory></com:Image>  d. There are at least two main approaches to handling the hyperplane constraint in theseregards. B and c together define a set of hyperplanes that constitute a barrier (i.e. a boundary- surface in c-space), where solutions on one side of the barrier (or directly on the barrier) are preferred, and solutions on the other side of the barrier are to be avoided if possible. Per a hard-barrier approach, one constrains the search algorithm to never look outside thehyperplane barrier (i.e., only search over the range of c values for which B<uscom:OCRConfidenceData uscom:ocrConfidenceCode="6">c</uscom:OCRConfidenceData>  <com:Image com:id="p-00033" com:imageWrappingStyleCategory="Inline" com:orientationCategory="Portrait" com:imageContentCategory="Chemistry"><com:ImageFormatCategory>SVG</com:ImageFormatCategory><com:FileName>13277833.02-13-2018.JDLT70YNRXEAPX3.SPEC.10.27.1887.2594.1915.2631.svg</com:FileName><com:HeightMeasure com:measureUnitCode="In">0.123</com:HeightMeasure><com:WidthMeasure com:measureUnitCode="In">0.093</com:WidthMeasure><com:Alt>Chemistry</com:Alt><com:ColourModeCategory>Black and white</com:ColourModeCategory></com:Image> d).Equivalently, this comprises minimizin D <uscom:OCRConfidenceData uscom:ocrConfidenceCode="6">+</uscom:OCRConfidenceData> <uscom:OCRConfidenceData uscom:ocrConfidenceCode="6">R</uscom:OCRConfidenceData> <uscom:OCRConfidenceData uscom:ocrConfidenceCode="6">+</uscom:OCRConfidenceData> C, where C=0 when B<uscom:OCRConfidenceData uscom:ocrConfidenceCode="6">c</uscom:OCRConfidenceData> <uscom:OCRConfidenceData uscom:ocrConfidenceCode="5">&gt;</uscom:OCRConfidenceData> <uscom:OCRConfidenceData uscom:ocrConfidenceCode="85">d,</uscom:OCRConfidenceData> and C=<uscom:OCRConfidenceData uscom:ocrConfidenceCode="55">oo</uscom:OCRConfidenceData> otherwise. This is equivalent to using a statistical prior where Pr[c] = 0 when B<uscom:OCRConfidenceData uscom:ocrConfidenceCode="5">c</uscom:OCRConfidenceData>&lt;d.</uscom:P><uscom:BoundaryDataReference com:idref="HDR-00019"/>
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+<?PageStart number='11'?><uscom:Heading com:id="h-12">SUBSTITUTE SPECIFICATION - CLEAN</uscom:Heading><uscom:P com:pNumber="116" com:id="p-116"><uscom:OCRConfidenceData uscom:ocrConfidenceCode="5">[</uscom:OCRConfidenceData>0060<uscom:OCRConfidenceData uscom:ocrConfidenceCode="5">]</uscom:OCRConfidenceData>       Per a soft-barrier approach, one minimizes D <uscom:OCRConfidenceData uscom:ocrConfidenceCode="5">+</uscom:OCRConfidenceData> <uscom:OCRConfidenceData uscom:ocrConfidenceCode="58">AR</uscom:OCRConfidenceData> <uscom:OCRConfidenceData uscom:ocrConfidenceCode="5">+</uscom:OCRConfidenceData> C where C becomes</uscom:P><uscom:P com:pNumber="117" com:id="p-117">larger in the direction of violating the hyperplane constraint and smaller in the direction of satisfying the hyperplane constraint. This can be done in such a way that C is differentiable, and thus can be easier to minimize than the hard-barrier approach (for example, any optimization algorithm based on derivatives can have a hard time taking the derivative of a function whose value is <uscom:OCRConfidenceData uscom:ocrConfidenceCode="2">o</uscom:OCRConfidenceData>, and an especially hard time coping with the barrier itself, where the derivative is infinite for the hard barrier approach). Two common approaches for soft barriers are the quadratic barrier (where C is quadratic) and the log-barrier (where C is based on a logarithm). For the quadratic barrier approach, the barrier is initially enforced only loosely, so the solution may make an excursion beyond the ba<uscom:OCRConfidenceData uscom:ocrConfidenceCode="6686">rrie</uscom:OCRConfidenceData>r. For the logarithmic approach, the ba<uscom:OCRConfidenceData uscom:ocrConfidenceCode="5">r</uscom:OCRConfidenceData>rier is initially enforced very strongly, so the solution must stay far inside the ba<uscom:OCRConfidenceData uscom:ocrConfidenceCode="66">rr</uscom:OCRConfidenceData>ier. As the process progresses, the weights can be adjusted (for example, strengthened for the quadratic barrier approach and relaxed for the log barrier approach) so that the barrier eventually becomes nearly identical to the C shown for the hard barrier, above. <uscom:OCRConfidenceData uscom:ocrConfidenceCode="5">[</uscom:OCRConfidenceData>0061<uscom:OCRConfidenceData uscom:ocrConfidenceCode="5">]</uscom:OCRConfidenceData>       That said, there are many search algorithms known in the art for minimizing</uscom:P><uscom:P com:pNumber="118" com:id="p-118">cost functions that can be readily employed for the present purposes. A few of these known approaches are as follows.</uscom:P><uscom:P com:pNumber="119" com:id="p-119"><uscom:OCRConfidenceData uscom:ocrConfidenceCode="5">[</uscom:OCRConfidenceData>0062<uscom:OCRConfidenceData uscom:ocrConfidenceCode="5">]</uscom:OCRConfidenceData>       Gradient-based methods are appropriate when all terms are differentiable.</uscom:P><uscom:P com:pNumber="120" com:id="p-120">Accordingly, these methods are suitable for use with a soft-barrier and a differentiable penalty (including, for example, Tikhonov regularization or hyperbolic TV approximation, while excluding, for example, TV). These can include first-order gradient-based methods, including conjugate gradient or steepest descent as well as quasi-Newton methods, including L-BFGS. In some cases these methods can also be modified to cope with hard ba<uscom:OCRConfidenceData uscom:ocrConfidenceCode="5">r</uscom:OCRConfidenceData>riers. These methods can also be modified to cope with non-differentiable or non-convex functions, for example by using surrogates (usually parabolic surrogates) or optimization-transfer methods, or by modifying the cost function such as by using hyperbolic approximations. <uscom:OCRConfidenceData uscom:ocrConfidenceCode="5">[</uscom:OCRConfidenceData>0063<uscom:OCRConfidenceData uscom:ocrConfidenceCode="5">]</uscom:OCRConfidenceData>       Other methods also include proximal splitting methods that are particularly</uscom:P><uscom:P com:pNumber="121" com:id="p-121">appropriate for non-differentiable functions. Such an approach can facilitate, for example,</uscom:P><uscom:BoundaryDataReference com:idref="HDR-00021"/>
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+<?PageStart number='12'?><uscom:Heading com:id="h-13">SUBSTITUTE SPECIFICATION - CLEAN</uscom:Heading><uscom:P com:pNumber="124" com:id="p-124">patterns). Some automatic analysis could be performed directly on the aforementioned c values. Other automatic analysis could be performed on the Z<com:Sub>e</com:Sub><uscom:OCRConfidenceData uscom:ocrConfidenceCode="66"><com:Sub>ff</com:Sub></uscom:OCRConfidenceData> value or class number derived from c.</uscom:P><uscom:P com:pNumber="125" com:id="p-125"><uscom:OCRConfidenceData uscom:ocrConfidenceCode="5">[</uscom:OCRConfidenceData>0071<uscom:OCRConfidenceData uscom:ocrConfidenceCode="5">]</uscom:OCRConfidenceData>      By another approach, all of these could be aided by matching the estimated c</uscom:P><uscom:P com:pNumber="126" com:id="p-126">to a list of candidate c values that serve as material templates. So configured, one can identify which template of a plurality of such templates is closest to a recovered c value for a given pixel by looking at some distance (or the like) between the template vector and the c vector. There are several types of material distance that will serve well in these regards, including the angle differential between two vectors:<uscom:OCRConfidenceData uscom:ocrConfidenceCode="2">e</uscom:OCRConfidenceData> <uscom:OCRConfidenceData uscom:ocrConfidenceCode="6">=</uscom:OCRConfidenceData>  <com:Image com:id="p-00034" com:imageWrappingStyleCategory="Inline" com:orientationCategory="Portrait" com:imageContentCategory="Chemistry"><com:ImageFormatCategory>SVG</com:ImageFormatCategory><com:FileName>13277833.02-13-2018.JDLT70YNRXEAPX3.SPEC.12.11.703.1166.1013.1289.svg</com:FileName><com:HeightMeasure com:measureUnitCode="In">0.41</com:HeightMeasure><com:WidthMeasure com:measureUnitCode="In">1.033</com:WidthMeasure><com:Alt>Chemistry</com:Alt><com:ColourModeCategory>Black and white</com:ColourModeCategory></com:Image> <uscom:OCRConfidenceData uscom:ocrConfidenceCode="5">[</uscom:OCRConfidenceData>0072<uscom:OCRConfidenceData uscom:ocrConfidenceCode="5">]</uscom:OCRConfidenceData>      Another type of material distance relies upon a cost-based approach. For</uscom:P><uscom:P com:pNumber="127" com:id="p-127">example, one can model Pr<uscom:OCRConfidenceData uscom:ocrConfidenceCode="681">[Q~</uscom:OCRConfidenceData>c] with a second-order Taylor series and then try replacing c with each template vector. Using this approach, the "material distance" relates to an amount by which cost changes with each template.</uscom:P><uscom:P com:pNumber="128" com:id="p-128"><uscom:OCRConfidenceData uscom:ocrConfidenceCode="5">[</uscom:OCRConfidenceData>0073<uscom:OCRConfidenceData uscom:ocrConfidenceCode="5">]</uscom:OCRConfidenceData>      By another approach, one can identify mixtures by looking for pairs (or higher</uscom:P><uscom:P com:pNumber="129" com:id="p-129">order combinations) of template materials for which the material distance between c and the mixture of templates is small.</uscom:P><uscom:P com:pNumber="130" com:id="p-130"><uscom:OCRConfidenceData uscom:ocrConfidenceCode="5">[</uscom:OCRConfidenceData>0074<uscom:OCRConfidenceData uscom:ocrConfidenceCode="5">]</uscom:OCRConfidenceData>      Generally speaking, these teachings provide for finding a Z<com:Sub>e</com:Sub><uscom:OCRConfidenceData uscom:ocrConfidenceCode="66"><com:Sub>ff</com:Sub></uscom:OCRConfidenceData> value for each</uscom:P><uscom:P com:pNumber="131" com:id="p-131">pixel by finding which template material(s) have a smallest distance from the corresponding estimated c. When there is one clear winner, that winning template essentially identifies the <uscom:OCRConfidenceData uscom:ocrConfidenceCode="8">Z</uscom:OCRConfidenceData><uscom:OCRConfidenceData uscom:ocrConfidenceCode="8"><com:Sub>e</com:Sub></uscom:OCRConfidenceData><uscom:OCRConfidenceData uscom:ocrConfidenceCode="2">g</uscom:OCRConfidenceData>value (since each template can be assigned a Z<com:Sub>e</com:Sub><uscom:OCRConfidenceData uscom:ocrConfidenceCode="66"><com:Sub>ff</com:Sub></uscom:OCRConfidenceData> number). When there is more than one clear winner, but the competing candidates all have similar Z<com:Sub>e</com:Sub><uscom:OCRConfidenceData uscom:ocrConfidenceCode="286">g's</uscom:OCRConfidenceData>, then the Z<com:Sub>e</com:Sub><uscom:OCRConfidenceData uscom:ocrConfidenceCode="66"><com:Sub>ff</com:Sub></uscom:OCRConfidenceData> value can be the average of those Z<com:Sub>e</com:Sub><uscom:OCRConfidenceData uscom:ocrConfidenceCode="55"><com:Sub>ff</com:Sub></uscom:OCRConfidenceData><uscom:OCRConfidenceData uscom:ocrConfidenceCode="86">'s</uscom:OCRConfidenceData> (possibly inversely weighed by the material distance). When mixtures are identified, Z<com:Sub>e</com:Sub><uscom:OCRConfidenceData uscom:ocrConfidenceCode="66"><com:Sub>ff</com:Sub></uscom:OCRConfidenceData> can be a weighted average of the Z<com:Sub>e</com:Sub><uscom:OCRConfidenceData uscom:ocrConfidenceCode="55"><com:Sub>ff</com:Sub></uscom:OCRConfidenceData><uscom:OCRConfidenceData uscom:ocrConfidenceCode="8">'</uscom:OCRConfidenceData>s of the mixture components. These techniques can similarly be used to find a class value for each pixel by assigning each template a class value instead of or in addition to a Z<com:Sub>e</com:Sub><uscom:OCRConfidenceData uscom:ocrConfidenceCode="66"><com:Sub>ff</com:Sub></uscom:OCRConfidenceData> value.</uscom:P><uscom:BoundaryDataReference com:idref="HDR-00023"/>
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+<uspat:DocumentMetadata com:id="ID0000001"><uscom:DocumentCode>SPEC</uscom:DocumentCode><uscom:ApplicationNumberText uscom:electronicText="13412869">13412869</uscom:ApplicationNumberText><com:PageTotalQuantity>1</com:PageTotalQuantity><uscom:ParagraphTotalQuantity>4</uscom:ParagraphTotalQuantity><uscom:OfficialDate>2017-09-22</uscom:OfficialDate></uspat:DocumentMetadata><?PageStart number='1'?><uscom:P com:pNumber="1" com:id="p-1">Application Serial No.: 15/397,638                Attorney Docket No.: 2016P22358 US</uscom:P><uscom:Heading com:id="h-1"><com:U>AMENDMENT TO THE SPECIFICATION</com:U></uscom:Heading><uscom:P com:pNumber="2" com:id="p-2">Please replace paragraph [0013] in the specification with the following amended paragraph: [0013]      FIG. 6 is a high-level block diagram of a computer capable of implementing</uscom:P><uscom:P com:pNumber="3" com:id="p-3">the present invention.</uscom:P><uscom:P com:pNumber="4" com:id="p-4" uscom:indentationLevelNumber="L1"><uscom:OCRConfidenceData uscom:ocrConfidenceCode="8">2</uscom:OCRConfidenceData></uscom:P></uspat:SpecificationDocument>

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+<uspat:DocumentMetadata com:id="ID0000001"><uscom:DocumentCode>SPEC</uscom:DocumentCode><uscom:ApplicationNumberText uscom:electronicText="14580948">14580948</uscom:ApplicationNumberText><com:PageTotalQuantity>1</com:PageTotalQuantity><uscom:ParagraphTotalQuantity>11</uscom:ParagraphTotalQuantity><uscom:OfficialDate>2022-10-11</uscom:OfficialDate></uspat:DocumentMetadata><?PageStart number='1'?><uscom:P com:pNumber="1" com:id="p-1" uscom:indentationLevelNumber="L5"><uscom:OCRConfidenceData uscom:ocrConfidenceCode="8"><com:Sup><com:U>A</com:U></com:Sup></uscom:OCRConfidenceData><uscom:OCRConfidenceData uscom:ocrConfidenceCode="6"><com:Sub><com:U>p</com:U></com:Sub></uscom:OCRConfidenceData><uscom:OCRConfidenceData uscom:ocrConfidenceCode="62"><com:U>pl</com:U></uscom:OCRConfidenceData><com:U>.</com:U> No.14/580,948 Docket No. Pons 14.27 Response to EPQ</uscom:P><uscom:P com:pNumber="2" com:id="p-2" uscom:indentationLevelNumber="L2"><com:U>Amendments to the Specification:</com:U></uscom:P><uscom:P com:pNumber="3" com:id="p-3" uscom:indentationLevelNumber="L3">The specification has been amended in accordance with the Examiner's suggestions.</uscom:P><uscom:P com:pNumber="4" com:id="p-4" uscom:indentationLevelNumber="L2">A marked and replacement specification accompany this amendment.</uscom:P><uscom:P com:pNumber="5" com:id="p-5">HAYES SOLOWAY P.C. 4640 E. Skyline Drive TUCSON, AZ 85718</uscom:P><uscom:P com:pNumber="6" com:id="p-6" uscom:indentationLevelNumber="L1">175 Canal Street</uscom:P><uscom:P com:pNumber="7" com:id="p-7">MANCHESTER, NH 03101 TEL. 603.668.1400 FAX. 603.668.8567</uscom:P><uscom:P com:pNumber="8" com:id="p-8" uscom:indentationLevelNumber="L1" uscom:indentationMeasureUnitCode="In" uscom:hangingIndentationNumber="0.27">2150 <uscom:PartName com:idrefs="PN-00001">South </uscom:PartName><uscom:PartNumber com:id="PN-00001">1300</uscom:PartNumber> <uscom:PartName com:idrefs="PN-00002">East, Suite </uscom:PartName><uscom:PartNumber com:id="PN-00002">500</uscom:PartNumber></uscom:P><uscom:P com:pNumber="9" com:id="p-9" uscom:indentationLevelNumber="L1">SALT LAKE CITY,</uscom:P><uscom:P com:pNumber="10" com:id="p-10" uscom:indentationLevelNumber="L1">UT 84106</uscom:P><uscom:P com:pNumber="11" com:id="p-11" uscom:indentationLevelNumber="L4"><uscom:OCRConfidenceData uscom:ocrConfidenceCode="8">3</uscom:OCRConfidenceData></uscom:P></uspat:SpecificationDocument>

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+<pat:SpecificationDocument xmlns:pat="urn:us:gov:doc:uspto:patent" xmlns="urn:us:gov:doc:uspto:patent" xmlns:ent="urn:us:gov:doc:uspto:enterprise" xmlns:mml="http://www.w3.org/1998/Math/MathML" xmlns:tbl="http://www.oasis-open.org/tables/exchange/1.0" xmlns:xsi="http://www.w3.org/2001/XMLSchema-instance" xmlns:com="http://www.wipo.int/standards/XMLSchema/Common/1" pat:instanceFileName="15076917.03-22-2016.IM3OH5IPPXXIFW3.SPEC.xml" pat:id="IM3OH5IPPXXIFW3" xsi:schemaLocation="urn:us:gov:doc:uspto:patent XMLSchema/V1_3/SpecificationDocument_1_0.xsd">
+<pat:DocumentCode>SPEC</pat:DocumentCode><pat:DocumentHeaderDetails pat:id="ID-00001">
+<pat:ApplicationHeaderDetails><pat:ApplicationNumber>15076917</pat:ApplicationNumber></pat:ApplicationHeaderDetails>
+<pat:PageTotalQuantity>13</pat:PageTotalQuantity>
+<pat:ParagraphTotalQuantity>48</pat:ParagraphTotalQuantity>
+</pat:DocumentHeaderDetails>
+<pat:MailRoomDate>2016-03-22</pat:MailRoomDate>
+<pat:Specification pat:id="Specification">
+<?PageStart number="1"?>
+<pat:Heading pat:id="h-1">PATENT</pat:Heading>
+<pat:Heading pat:id="h-2">DON<pat:OCRConfidenceData pat:levelNumber="56">01</pat:OCRConfidenceData> P-2720</pat:Heading>
+<pat:Heading pat:id="h-3">VEHICLE ACCESSORY CONTROL SYSTEM</pat:Heading>
+<pat:Heading pat:id="h-4">RESPONSIVE TO A PORTABLE GDO MODULE</pat:Heading>
+<pat:Heading pat:id="h-5">CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION</pat:Heading>
+<pat:P pat:id="p-1" pat:pNumber="1">[0001]     The present application claims the <pat:PartName pat:idref="PN-00001">filing benefits of U.S. provisional application Ser. No. 62/141,607, filed Apr. </pat:PartName><pat:PartNumber pat:id="PN-00001">1</pat:PartNumber>, 2015, which is hereby incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.</pat:P>
+<pat:Heading pat:id="h-6">FIELD OF THE INVENTION</pat:Heading>
+<pat:P pat:id="p-2" pat:pNumber="2">[0002<pat:OCRConfidenceData pat:levelNumber="4">]</pat:OCRConfidenceData>     The present invention relates generally to the field of garage door openers for remotely opening garage doors via a wireless signal.</pat:P>
+<pat:Heading pat:id="h-7">BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION</pat:Heading>
+<pat:P pat:id="p-3" pat:pNumber="3">[0003<pat:OCRConfidenceData pat:levelNumber="5">]</pat:OCRConfidenceData>     It is known to use a portable remote control garage door opener to operate a garage door. For example, devices such as Chamberlain's Clicker<pat:OCRConfidenceData pat:levelNumber="5">@</pat:OCRConfidenceData> brand provide portable remote control of a garage door. These devices are typically battery operated and operate independently of vehicle electronics. It is also known to provide a mirror assembly that includes a garage door opener integrated therein. For example, the HOMELINK<pat:OCRConfidenceData pat:levelNumber="2">O</pat:OCRConfidenceData> system is integrated into the rearview mirror. Examples of such HOMELINK<pat:OCRConfidenceData pat:levelNumber="2">O</pat:OCRConfidenceData> integrated systems are described in U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,396,408; 6,172,613; 6,091,343; 5,854,593 and 5,708,415, which are hereby incorporated herein by reference in their entireties.</pat:P>
+<pat:Heading pat:id="h-8">SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION</pat:Heading>
+<pat:P pat:id="p-4" pat:pNumber="4"><pat:OCRConfidenceData pat:levelNumber="866685">[0004]</pat:OCRConfidenceData>     The present invention provides a vehicle-based system that, responsive to wirelessly receiving a signal from a portable remote garage door opener (separate from and not integrated in circuitry of the vehicle), controls an accessory, such as a display screen or audio speaker of the vehicle (such as at an instrument panel or at or in an interior rearview mirror assembly of the vehicle) that provides information pertaining to the garage door opener.</pat:P>
+<pat:P pat:id="p-5" pat:pNumber="5"><pat:OCRConfidenceData pat:levelNumber="866664">[0005]</pat:OCRConfidenceData>     These and other objects, advantages, purposes and features of the present invention will become apparent upon review of the following specification in conjunction with the drawings.</pat:P>
+<pat:BoundaryData><pat:HeaderText><pat:OCRConfidenceData pat:levelNumber="8">1</pat:OCRConfidenceData></pat:HeaderText></pat:BoundaryData>
+<pat:P pat:id="p-6" pat:pNumber="6">
+<?PageStart number="2"?></pat:P>
+<pat:Heading pat:id="h-9">BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS</pat:Heading>
+<pat:P pat:id="p-7" pat:pNumber="7">[0006<pat:OCRConfidenceData pat:levelNumber="5">]</pat:OCRConfidenceData>      FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a vehicle having a system in accordance with the present invention; and</pat:P>
+<pat:P pat:id="p-8" pat:pNumber="8">[0007<pat:OCRConfidenceData pat:levelNumber="5">]</pat:OCRConfidenceData>      FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a remote garage door opening module that is suitable for use with the system of the present invention.</pat:P>
+<pat:Heading pat:id="h-10">DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS</pat:Heading>
+<pat:P pat:id="p-9" pat:pNumber="9">[0008<pat:OCRConfidenceData pat:levelNumber="5">]</pat:OCRConfidenceData>      Referring now to the drawings and the illustrative embodiments depicted therein, a <pat:PartName pat:idref="PN-00002">vehicle-based accessory control system </pat:PartName><pat:PartNumber pat:id="PN-00002">10</pat:PartNumber> (comprising a receiver or antenna and a control) is operable to receive a signal from a <pat:PartName pat:idref="PN-00003">portable garage door opening device or module </pat:PartName><pat:PartNumber pat:id="PN-00003">12</pat:PartNumber>, which comprises a separate module that is operable to control a garage door opener of a home or facility. The <pat:PartName pat:idref="PN-00004">garage door opening device or module </pat:PartName><pat:PartNumber pat:id="PN-00004">12</pat:PartNumber> is not integrated with circuitry or electronics of the <pat:PartName pat:idref="PN-00005">vehicle </pat:PartName><pat:PartNumber pat:id="PN-00005">14</pat:PartNumber>, and when a button or the like of the garage door opening module is actuated, the module transmits a signal that is received by the garage door opener of the home or facility to open or close the garage door. Also, responsive to actuation of a button of the garage door opening module, a receiver of the accessory control system of the vehicle receives the signal and controls an accessory of the vehicle. The accessory may comprise an information display or an audio accessory that provides information to the user of the garage door opening module in the vehicle.</pat:P>
+<pat:P pat:id="p-10" pat:pNumber="10">[0009<pat:OCRConfidenceData pat:levelNumber="5">]</pat:OCRConfidenceData>     The portable garage door opening device or module comprises a self-contained portable module or unit that includes an integrated power source or battery and circuitry, such as control circuitry and a transmitter for transmitting a signal to a garage door opener at a garage. The portable remote control garage door opening device or module is separate from and not integrated with the vehicle electronics. The portable remote control garage door opening device or module (and the interior rearview mirror assembly of the vehicle) may utilize aspects of the <pat:PartName pat:idref="PN-00006">modules (and mirrors) described in P<pat:OCRConfidenceData pat:levelNumber="5">C</pat:OCRConfidenceData>T Application No. PCT/U<pat:OCRConfidenceData pat:levelNumber="4">S</pat:OCRConfidenceData>2015/050904, filed Sep. </pat:PartName><pat:PartNumber pat:id="PN-00006">18</pat:PartNumber>, 2015 (Attorney Docket DON<pat:OCRConfidenceData pat:levelNumber="56">01</pat:OCRConfidenceData> FP-2615(PCT)), which is hereby incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.</pat:P>
+<pat:P pat:id="p-11" pat:pNumber="11">[0010<pat:OCRConfidenceData pat:levelNumber="4">]</pat:OCRConfidenceData>     The portable remote control garage door opening device or module may comprise any suitable device or module that operates or controls or opens/closes a garage door. For example, devices such as Chamberlain's Clicker<pat:OCRConfidenceData pat:levelNumber="5">@</pat:OCRConfidenceData> brand provide portable remote control of a garage door. These devices or modules are battery operated and operate independently of vehicle electronics. Instructions as to how to program these units are <pat:BoundaryData><pat:HeaderText><pat:OCRConfidenceData pat:levelNumber="8">2</pat:OCRConfidenceData></pat:HeaderText></pat:BoundaryData>
+<?PageStart number="3"?>also commonly available both with the purchase of a new garage door opener as well as online.</pat:P>
+<pat:P pat:id="p-12" pat:pNumber="12">[0011]     Contrary to the portable garage door opening module of the types suitable for operation with the control system of the present invention, the likes of HOMELINK<pat:OCRConfidenceData pat:levelNumber="2">O</pat:OCRConfidenceData> trainable garage door opening device (or other embedded, integrated accessory of the vehicle) often connects to a CAN system of the vehicle that is capable of receiving and/or sending data. For the likes of such an embedded garage door opening device, information on operation or success of operation or progress of operation can be communicated from the HOMELINK<pat:OCRConfidenceData pat:levelNumber="2">O</pat:OCRConfidenceData> integrated unit across the communication bus of the vehicle to a system of the vehicle, such as for display of information so that the user can receive information on the operation of the embedded device.</pat:P>
+<pat:P pat:id="p-13" pat:pNumber="13">[0012<pat:OCRConfidenceData pat:levelNumber="5">]</pat:OCRConfidenceData>     The present invention provides a system that works with a separate, non-integrated portable battery operated remote control garage door opening module, which is not wired into the vehicle and does not connect to the bus system of the vehicle. When actuated, such a portable module sends out a radio frequency (RF) signal or particular protocol or code for controlling the garage door opener at the home or facility. When the portable module is actuated, a receiver of the control system (that is disposed in the vehicle, such as at the interior rearview mirror assembly of the vehicle) detects or receives the signal and can determine that the module has been activated, and responsive to such detection, can control a vehicle accessory, such as to provide instructions or the like on, for example, how to program the subject portable remote GDO module to operate a particular garage door opener of a particular garage door of a particular home or facility. Thus, the vehicle- based system picks up the portable garage door opening module's signal and acts on it. The signal and receiver may comprise any suitable signals and receivers or communication links, and the signal may comprise a radio frequency (RF) wireless transmission or BLUETOOTH<pat:OCRConfidenceData pat:levelNumber="2">O</pat:OCRConfidenceData> communication link or any other suitable communication protocol. Thus, the vehicle has a receiver that receives the signal from the non-integrated portable device or module and acts on the received signal. When the portable module is removed from the vehicle and carried a <pat:PartName pat:idref="PN-00007">threshold distance (such as about </pat:PartName><pat:PartNumber pat:id="PN-00007">30</pat:PartNumber> feet or the like) from the vehicle, the vehicle receiver and system would not receive the signal from the portable module. Optionally, the remote control portable garage door opening module <pat:BoundaryData><pat:HeaderText><pat:OCRConfidenceData pat:levelNumber="8">3</pat:OCRConfidenceData></pat:HeaderText></pat:BoundaryData>
+<?PageStart number="4"?>may include a receiver to receive signals from a transmitter of the vehicle so as to provide a wireless bridge between the module and the vehicle.</pat:P>
+<pat:P pat:id="p-14" pat:pNumber="14">[0013<pat:OCRConfidenceData pat:levelNumber="5">]</pat:OCRConfidenceData>     The present invention provides a system that, responsive to the separate portable garage door opening module being actuated by a user, controls an accessory of the vehicle, such as a display device or an audio system of the vehicle to provide appropriate information to the user of the portable garage door opening module. For example, in order to assist a consumer with the instructions of the portable garage door opening module and/or garage door opener, the system may incorporate the instructions into the vehicle itself, whereby, responsive to actuation of the separate portable remote control garage door opening module, the system may display the instructions to facilitate programming of the garage door opener or the like. In addition, the system may generate a display or audible signal to provide feedback in the vehicle when certain programming steps are completed.</pat:P>
+<pat:P pat:id="p-15" pat:pNumber="15">[0014<pat:OCRConfidenceData pat:levelNumber="5">]</pat:OCRConfidenceData>     The system of the present invention thus comprises incorporation within the equipped vehicle of an appropriate RF antenna inside of an electronic component of the vehicle that communicates with the data bus or communication bus (such as a CAN bus or the like) of the vehicle, which allows the vehicle-based system to recognize the actuation of the button of the portable remote control garage door opening module, even though there is no physical electrical connection. Optionally, the electronic component may be part of an <pat:PartName pat:idref="PN-00008">interior rearview mirror assembly </pat:PartName><pat:PartNumber pat:id="PN-00008">16</pat:PartNumber> of the vehicle.</pat:P>
+<pat:P pat:id="p-16" pat:pNumber="16">[0015<pat:OCRConfidenceData pat:levelNumber="5">]</pat:OCRConfidenceData>     By providing this wireless connection between the vehicle and the portable remote control garage door opening module or unit, many possibilities are provided by the system of the present invention. For example, responsive to actuation of a button of the separate portable remote control module, instructions similar to the ones available online or the ones sold with the garage door opener can displayed by the vehicle display anywhere in the vehicle (such as a display screen incorporated at an instrument panel or console or interior rearview mirror assembly of the equipped vehicle). Optionally, responsive to actuation of the button of the separate portable remote control module, the instructions can also or otherwise be audibly broadcast over the vehicle audio system.</pat:P>
+<pat:P pat:id="p-17" pat:pNumber="17">[0016<pat:OCRConfidenceData pat:levelNumber="5">]</pat:OCRConfidenceData>     The wireless connection to a vehicle system can also bridge a connection of the portable remote garage door opener to a synchronized smart phone as well as many other possibilities. A<pat:OCRConfidenceData pat:levelNumber="66">ll</pat:OCRConfidenceData> of these allow the vehicle to confirm the actuation of remote garage door <pat:BoundaryData><pat:HeaderText><pat:OCRConfidenceData pat:levelNumber="8">4</pat:OCRConfidenceData></pat:HeaderText></pat:BoundaryData>
+<?PageStart number="5"?>opening module's buttons, which allows the instructions to advance to the next step automatically.</pat:P>
+<pat:P pat:id="p-18" pat:pNumber="18">[0017<pat:OCRConfidenceData pat:levelNumber="5">]</pat:OCRConfidenceData>     Optionally, the portable garage door opening module may be received into a receiving portion of the mirror assembly that is established at a side or upper region of the mirror casing. Optionally, the receiving portion of the mirror assembly may comprise a pocket or recess established at a rear portion of the mirror casing (such as at a recess established at the rear of a mirror casing of the types described in U.S. Pat. No. 8,508,831, which is hereby incorporated herein by reference in its entirety), whereby the module may be substantially exposed at the pocket at the rear of the mirror casing. Optionally, the garage door opening module of the present invention may be configured to attach elsewhere, such as at the mounting portion or base of the mirror assembly, or at a windshield electronics module or accessory module at or near or remote from the interior rearview mirror assembly. Optionally, the garage door opening module may be configured to attach elsewhere remote from the interior rearview mirror assembly and windshield, such as at a sun visor or header or console of the vehicle or the like.</pat:P>
+<pat:P pat:id="p-19" pat:pNumber="19">[0018<pat:OCRConfidenceData pat:levelNumber="5">]</pat:OCRConfidenceData>     The garage door opening module may include one or more buttons or user inputs for actuating or controlling circuitry of the module. Optionally, the module may include an indicator (such as a light emitting diode (LED) or the like) that is actuatable responsive to a user pressing one or more of the buttons of the module to indicate to the user that the module has been actuated (for example, to indicate that the module is transmitting its signal to a garage door opener at a garage or to indicate that the module is learning a signal code or has learned a signal code for an associated garage door opener, and optionally the module may include a plurality of indicators or LEDs that are individually and/or cooperatively actuatable to indicate respective functions).</pat:P>
+<pat:P pat:id="p-20" pat:pNumber="20">[0019<pat:OCRConfidenceData pat:levelNumber="5">]</pat:OCRConfidenceData>     Thus, the garage door opening module of the present invention is battery powered, such as lithium battery powered, with the battery integrated in the module. The circuitry of the module is operable by or powered by the integrated battery and operable to transmit one or more signals responsive to actuation of one or more of the user inputs or buttons of the garage door opening module. The garage door opening module may be separately obtainable separate from the vehicle and/or mirror assembly as a self-contained unit or module. Preferably, a lithium ion battery is used and the circuitry utilized is designed to minimize power and current utilization or consumption, so that the lithium ion battery need <pat:BoundaryData><pat:HeaderText><pat:OCRConfidenceData pat:levelNumber="8">5</pat:OCRConfidenceData></pat:HeaderText></pat:BoundaryData>
+<?PageStart number="6"?>not be replaceable but can power the garage door opening module throughout utilization during the ten years or more life cycle of a vehicle. Operation of the garage door opening module is of course only during a desired garage door opening event and so use of the module is intermittent / sporadic and infrequent (such as, for example, only about two to four times a day or thereabouts), and only then the module operates for a very short period of time (such as a second or so when actuated to open or close the garage door). Thus, the garage door opening module of the present invention can be made compact with a lithium ion battery.</pat:P>
+<pat:P pat:id="p-21" pat:pNumber="21">[0020<pat:OCRConfidenceData pat:levelNumber="5">]</pat:OCRConfidenceData>     Optionally, the garage door opening module may be trainable or universal garage door opening device such as utilizing known circuitry and protocols, or the garage door opening module may operate in accordance with or may be associated with a MyQ<pat:OCRConfidenceData pat:levelNumber="5">®</pat:OCRConfidenceData> garage door opening system or protocol commercially available from The Chamberlain Group, Inc. of Elmhurst, IL. For example, the garage door opening module may operate in a system utilizing aspects of the systems described in U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,998,977 and/or 8,421,591, which are hereby incorporated herein by reference in their entireties.</pat:P>
+<pat:P pat:id="p-22" pat:pNumber="22">Optionally, the garage door opening module may utilize aspects of the vehicle based garage door opening systems described in U.S. Pat. Nos. 8,779,910; 8,577,549;</pat:P>
+<pat:P pat:id="p-23" pat:pNumber="23">6,396,408; 6,362,771; 7,023,322 and/or 5,798,688, which are hereby incorporated herein by reference in their entireties.</pat:P>
+<pat:P pat:id="p-24" pat:pNumber="24">[0021<pat:OCRConfidenceData pat:levelNumber="4">]</pat:OCRConfidenceData>     When the garage door opening module of the present invention is used with a MyQ<pat:OCRConfidenceData pat:levelNumber="5">®</pat:OCRConfidenceData> or similar system, an internet gateway is utilized wherein the garage door opening module is in communication with the likes of a smart phone carried into the vehicle by an occupant (such as the driver or a passenger). The garage door opening module wirelessly communicates with such a smart phone or the like and the driver of the equipped vehicle may submit input (such as voice input or touch input or other user input) via the smart phone to the garage door opening module. The garage door opening module then wirelessly communicates or links with a MyQ<pat:OCRConfidenceData pat:levelNumber="5">®</pat:OCRConfidenceData> home module or unit located remotely from the vehicle, such as at the house or home of the driver where the subject garage door opener (that is to be remotely operated via the garage door opening module of the present invention) is located. Commands and/or information are thus wirelessly communicated (preferably via the internet / world wide web) to the remote-located MyQ<pat:OCRConfidenceData pat:levelNumber="5">®</pat:OCRConfidenceData> house/home module. Correspondingly, data as to the status (opened or closed) of the likes of the <pat:BoundaryData><pat:HeaderText><pat:OCRConfidenceData pat:levelNumber="8">6</pat:OCRConfidenceData></pat:HeaderText></pat:BoundaryData>
+<?PageStart number="7"?>subject garage door at the subject house/home may be communicated from the house/home to the equipped vehicle via the internet / world wide web. Such a smart phone (or equivalent device) internet-gateway garage door opening system may be incorporated by the likes of Ford Motor Company into its SYNC<pat:OCRConfidenceData pat:levelNumber="2">®</pat:OCRConfidenceData> communication system.</pat:P>
+<pat:P pat:id="p-25" pat:pNumber="25">Alternatively, or in addition to smart phone utilization in the garage door opening system of the present invention, the likes of General Motors' ONSTAR<pat:OCRConfidenceData pat:levelNumber="2">O</pat:OCRConfidenceData> may incorporate the likes of a MyQ<pat:OCRConfidenceData pat:levelNumber="2">®</pat:OCRConfidenceData> garage door opener communication into the vehicle, with a garage door opening module (associated with the MyQ<pat:OCRConfidenceData pat:levelNumber="2">®</pat:OCRConfidenceData> system) preferably included in (and removable<pat:OCRConfidenceData pat:levelNumber="5">/</pat:OCRConfidenceData> detachable from) the interior rearview mirror assembly as described herein.</pat:P>
+<pat:P pat:id="p-26" pat:pNumber="26">[0022<pat:OCRConfidenceData pat:levelNumber="5">]</pat:OCRConfidenceData>     In accordance with the present invention, the garage door opening module is self- contained - all mechanical and electrical parts needed for operation are contained/packaged in a single unit. Thus, the battery, any user-operable buttons, the circuitry, antennae, casing and the like are provided in a unitary module or package. Thus, the owner of a vehicle equipped with the self-contained, battery-operated, portable, non- integrated garage door opening module of the present invention can, for example, remove the self-contained, battery-operated, portable, non-integrated garage door opening module from the vehicle when leaving the vehicle and may use the garage door opening module outside the vehicle or mount it into another vehicle (or replace the current garage door opening module with another updated garage door opening module). This portability is not possible with the known HOMELINK<pat:OCRConfidenceData pat:levelNumber="2">O</pat:OCRConfidenceData> system, where the garage door opening device is an integral part of likes of an interior mirror assembly or a visor and is not removable therefrom as a self-contained, portable unit. Thus, for example, if an owner of a vehicle equipped with a HOMELINK<pat:OCRConfidenceData pat:levelNumber="2">O</pat:OCRConfidenceData> system sells or scraps that vehicle, the HOMELINK<pat:OCRConfidenceData pat:levelNumber="2">O</pat:OCRConfidenceData> garage door opening device (being integrated into the vehicle) is sold with and goes with the vehicle.</pat:P>
+<pat:P pat:id="p-27" pat:pNumber="27">[0023<pat:OCRConfidenceData pat:levelNumber="4">]</pat:OCRConfidenceData>     The portability of the garage door opening module of the present invention has further advantages. The buyer of a vehicle can buy a garage door opening module from a store (such as a Menards store or a Target store or a Home Depot or a Lowes or the like) or buy the garage door opening module online from the likes of Amazon, and the owner of the vehicle can himself/herself install the garage door opening module into the vehicle (such as at or in an interior rearview mirror assembly of the vehicle that is configured to receive that self-contained, battery-operated, portable garage door opening module). By <pat:BoundaryData><pat:HeaderText><pat:OCRConfidenceData pat:levelNumber="8">7</pat:OCRConfidenceData></pat:HeaderText></pat:BoundaryData>
+<?PageStart number="8"?>not being integrated into the vehicle, the consumer can choose the best price and place to buy the garage door opening module, a distinct advantage over the integrated HOMELINK<pat:OCRConfidenceData pat:levelNumber="2">O</pat:OCRConfidenceData> systems currently used in vehicles where the HOMELINK<pat:OCRConfidenceData pat:levelNumber="2">O</pat:OCRConfidenceData> unit is not portable and where the consumer needs to buy the HOMELINK<pat:OCRConfidenceData pat:levelNumber="2">O</pat:OCRConfidenceData> feature when buying the subject vehicle, and thus must pay the price demanded by the OEM dealership (such as a Ford dealership or a GM dealership or a Toyota dealership) to buy the subject vehicle equipped with the HOMELINK<pat:OCRConfidenceData pat:levelNumber="2">O</pat:OCRConfidenceData> option.</pat:P>
+<pat:P pat:id="p-28" pat:pNumber="28">[0024<pat:OCRConfidenceData pat:levelNumber="5">]</pat:OCRConfidenceData>     A self-contained, battery-operated, portable garage door opening module suitable for use in the present invention is the Chamberlain 953EV Garage Door Opener Remote available from The Chamberlain Group Inc. of Elmhurst, Illinois. The <pat:PartName pat:idref="PN-00009">Chamberlain 953EV Garage Door Opener is for use with </pat:PartName><pat:PartNumber pat:id="PN-00009">315</pat:PartNumber> <pat:PartName pat:idref="PN-00010">MHz or </pat:PartName><pat:PartNumber pat:id="PN-00010">390</pat:PartNumber> MHz garage door openers manufactured after January 1, 1993. The battery-operated Chamberlain 953EV garage door opener activates when the programmed button in the remote control is pressed. The remote control can activate up to three garage door openers. Other self-contained, battery-operated, portable garage door opening modules are available from Chamberlain, such as Universal Clicker<pat:OCRConfidenceData pat:levelNumber="5">®</pat:OCRConfidenceData> Products. Chamberlain universal clicker garage door opener products are designed to work with a variety of garage door opener brands to give convenient, secure access to a garage or a home. They work with a variety of garage door opener models and frequencies. For example, the Clicker<pat:OCRConfidenceData pat:levelNumber="5">@</pat:OCRConfidenceData> Universal Remote Control Model KLIK1 U (that can operate up to two different brands and/or frequencies of garage door openers) is a self-contained, battery-operated, portable garage door opening module suitable to use in the present invention.</pat:P>
+<pat:P pat:id="p-29" pat:pNumber="29">[0025<pat:OCRConfidenceData pat:levelNumber="4">]</pat:OCRConfidenceData>     The self-contained, battery-operated, portable garage door opening module of the present invention may comprise a speaker/microphone module that allows hands-free communication (preferably using voice activation and control) with a phone or other device within the cabin of the equipped vehicle, such as via use of a Bluetooth short-range RF communication protocol.</pat:P>
+<pat:P pat:id="p-30" pat:pNumber="30">[0026<pat:OCRConfidenceData pat:levelNumber="4">]</pat:OCRConfidenceData>     The inclusion of a portable garage door opening module of the present invention can utilize and benefit from constructions disclosed in U.S. Pat. Nos. 7,293,888;</pat:P>
+<pat:P pat:id="p-31" pat:pNumber="31">7,012,727; 6,902,284 and 6,428,172 (which are hereby incorporated herein by reference in their entireties).</pat:P>
+<pat:BoundaryData><pat:HeaderText><pat:OCRConfidenceData pat:levelNumber="8">8</pat:OCRConfidenceData></pat:HeaderText></pat:BoundaryData>
+<pat:P pat:id="p-32" pat:pNumber="32">
+<?PageStart number="9"?>[0027<pat:OCRConfidenceData pat:levelNumber="5">]</pat:OCRConfidenceData>     The mirror reflective element may comprise any suitable reflective element, such as an electro-optic (such as electrochromic) reflective element or a prismatic reflective element. The mirror casing may include a bezel portion that circumscribes a perimeter region of the front surface of the reflective element or the reflective element may comprise a frameless reflective element, such as a frameless reflective element utilizing aspects of the reflective elements described in U.S. Pat. No. 8,508,831 and/or International Publication Nos. WO 2010/124064, WO 2011/044312, WO 2012/051500 and/or WO 2013/071070, which are hereby incorporated herein by reference in their entireties. For example, and such as can be seen with reference to FIG. 7, the mirror reflective element may comprise a glass substrate having a perimeter edge, with the perimeter edge of the glass substrate being exposed to and viewable by the driver of the vehicle when the interior rearview mirror assembly is normally mounted in the vehicle, and with the perimeter edge of said glass substrate comprising a curved surface disposed between a front surface of the glass substrate and the mirror casing.</pat:P>
+<pat:P pat:id="p-33" pat:pNumber="33">[0028<pat:OCRConfidenceData pat:levelNumber="5">]</pat:OCRConfidenceData>     Optionally, for example, the reflective element may comprise a laminate construction variable reflectance electro-optic (such as electrochromic) reflective element assembly having a front substrate and a rear substrate with an electro-optic medium (such as electrochromic medium) sandwiched therebetween and bounded by a perimeter seal. The front substrate has a front or first surface (the surface that generally faces the driver of a vehicle when the mirror assembly is normally mounted at the vehicle) and a rear or second surface opposite the front surface, and the rear substrate has a front or third surface and a rear or fourth surface opposite the front surface, with the electro-optic medium disposed between the second surface and the third surface and bounded by the perimeter seal of the reflective element (such as is known in the electrochromic mirror art). The second surface has a transparent conductive coating established thereat (such as an indium tin oxide (ITO) layer, or a doped tin oxide layer or any other transparent electrically semi-conductive layer or coating or the <pat:PartName pat:idref="PN-00011">like (such as indium cerium oxide (<pat:OCRConfidenceData pat:levelNumber="666">ICO</pat:OCRConfidenceData>), indium tungsten oxide (IWO), or indium oxide </pat:PartName><pat:PartNumber pat:id="PN-00011">(10)</pat:PartNumber> layers or the like or a zinc oxide layer or coating, or a zinc oxide coating or the like doped with aluminum or other metallic materials, such as silver or gold or the like, or other oxides doped with a suitable metallic material or the like, or such as disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 7,274,501, which is hereby incorporated herein by reference in its entirety), while the third surface has a metallic reflector coating <pat:BoundaryData><pat:HeaderText><pat:OCRConfidenceData pat:levelNumber="8">9</pat:OCRConfidenceData></pat:HeaderText></pat:BoundaryData>
+<?PageStart number="10"?>(or multiple layers or coatings) established thereat. The front or third surface of rear substrate may include one or more transparent semi-conductive layers (such as an ITO layer or the like), and one or more metallic electrically conductive layers (such as a layer of silver, aluminum, chromium or the like or an alloy thereof), and may include multiple layers such as disclosed in U.S. Pat. Nos. 7,274,501; 7,184,190 and/or 7,255,451, which are hereby incorporated herein by reference in their entireties.</pat:P>
+<pat:P pat:id="p-34" pat:pNumber="34">[0029<pat:OCRConfidenceData pat:levelNumber="5">]</pat:OCRConfidenceData>     Optionally, it is envisioned that the mirror assembly may comprise a prismatic reflective element, while remaining within the spirit and scope of the present invention. The prismatic mirror assembly may be mounted or attached at an interior portion of a vehicle (such as at an interior surface of a vehicle windshield) via the mounting means described above, and the reflective element may be toggled or flipped or adjusted between its daytime reflectivity position and its nighttime reflectivity position via any suitable toggle means, such as by utilizing aspects of the mirror assemblies described in U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,318,870 and/or 7,249,860, and/or U.S. Publication No. US-2010-0085653, which are hereby incorporated herein by reference in their entireties.</pat:P>
+<pat:P pat:id="p-35" pat:pNumber="35">[0030<pat:OCRConfidenceData pat:levelNumber="4">]</pat:OCRConfidenceData>     The mirror assembly may include user actuatable inputs operable to control any of the accessories of or associated with the mirror assembly and/or an accessory module or the like. For example, the mirror assembly may include touch sensitive elements or touch sensors or proximity sensors, such as the types of touch sensitive elements described in U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,594,222; 6,001,486; 6,310,611; 6,320,282; 6,627,918; 7,224,324 and/or 7,253,723, and/or International Publication Nos. WO 2012/051500 and/or WO 2013/071070, which are hereby incorporated herein by reference in their entireties, or such as proximity sensors of the types described in U.S. Pat. Nos. 7,224,324; 7,249,860 and/or 7,446,924, and/or International Publication No. WO 2004/058540, which are hereby incorporated herein by reference in their entireties, or such as membrane type switches, such as described in U.S. Pat. No. 7,360,932, which is hereby incorporated herein by reference in its entirety, or such as detectors and the like, such as the types disclosed in U.S. Pat. Nos. 7,255,541; 6,504,531; 6,501,465; 6,492,980; 6,452,479; 6,437,258 and/or 6,369,804, which are hereby incorporated herein by reference in their entireties, and/or the like, while remaining within the spirit and scope of the present invention.</pat:P>
+<pat:P pat:id="p-36" pat:pNumber="36">[0031<pat:OCRConfidenceData pat:levelNumber="5">]</pat:OCRConfidenceData>     Optionally, the user inputs may also or otherwise comprise user inputs for a telematics system of the vehicle, such as, for example, an ONSTAR<pat:OCRConfidenceData pat:levelNumber="4">®</pat:OCRConfidenceData> system as found in <pat:BoundaryData><pat:HeaderText><pat:OCRConfidenceData pat:levelNumber="88">10</pat:OCRConfidenceData></pat:HeaderText></pat:BoundaryData>
+<?PageStart number="11"?>General Motors vehicles and/or such as described in U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,862,594; 4,937,945;</pat:P>
+<pat:Heading pat:id="h-11">5,131,154; 5,255,442; 5,632,092; 5,798,688; 5,971,552; 5,924,212; 6,243,003; 6,278,377;</pat:Heading>
+<pat:P pat:id="p-37" pat:pNumber="37">and 6,420,975; 6,477,464; 6,946,978; 7,308,341; 7,167,796; 7,004,593; 7,657,052 and/or 6,678,614, and/or U.S. Publication No. US-2006-0050018, which are all hereby incorporated herein by reference in their entireties.</pat:P>
+<pat:P pat:id="p-38" pat:pNumber="38">[0032<pat:OCRConfidenceData pat:levelNumber="5">]</pat:OCRConfidenceData>     Optionally, the mirror assembly may include one or more other displays, such as the types disclosed in U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,530,240 and/or 6,329,925, which are hereby incorporated herein by reference in their entireties, and/or display-on-demand transflective type displays, and/or video displays or display screens, such as the types disclosed in U.S. Pat. Nos. 8,890,955; 7,855;755; 7,338,177; 7,274,501; 7,255,451; 7,195,381; 7,184,190;</pat:P>
+<pat:P pat:id="p-39" pat:pNumber="39"><pat:PatentImage com:orientationCategory="Portrait" pat:imageWrappingStyleCategory="In front of text">
+<com:ImageFormatCategory>SVG</com:ImageFormatCategory>
+<com:ImageFileName>15076917.03-22-2016.IM3OH5IPPXXIFW3.SPEC.1.svg</com:ImageFileName>
+<com:HeightMeasure com:measureUnitCode="In">0.43</com:HeightMeasure>
+<com:WidthMeasure com:measureUnitCode="In">6.61</com:WidthMeasure>
+<com:ColourModeCategory>Black and white</com:ColourModeCategory></pat:PatentImage></pat:P>
+<pat:P pat:id="p-40" pat:pNumber="40"> and/or U.S. Publication Nos. US-2006-0061008; US-2006-0050018; US-2009-0015736; US-2009-0015736 and/or US-2010-0097469, and/or PC<pat:OCRConfidenceData pat:levelNumber="5">T</pat:OCRConfidenceData> Application No.</pat:P>
+<pat:P pat:id="p-41" pat:pNumber="41"><pat:OCRConfidenceData pat:levelNumber="86">PC</pat:OCRConfidenceData>T/US<pat:OCRConfidenceData pat:levelNumber="5">1</pat:OCRConfidenceData>0/47256, filed Aug. 31, 2010, which are all hereby incorporated herein by reference in their entireties. The video display screen may be controlled or operable in response to an input or signal, such as a signal received from one or more cameras or image sensors of the vehicle, such as a video camera or sensor, such as a CMOS imaging array sensor, a C<pat:OCRConfidenceData pat:levelNumber="5">C</pat:OCRConfidenceData>D sensor or the like, and image processors or image processing techniques, such as utilizing aspects of the cameras and image processors described U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,550,677; 5,670,935; 5,760,962; 6,498,620; 6,396,397; 6,222,447; 6,201,642;</pat:P>
+<pat:Heading pat:id="h-12">6,097,023; 5,877,897; 5,796,094; 5,715,093; 6,922,292; 6,757,109; 6,717,610; 6,590,719;</pat:Heading>
+<pat:Heading pat:id="h-13">6,320,176; 6,559,435; 6,831,261; 6,806,452; 6,822,563; 6,946,978; 7,038,577; 7,004,606</pat:Heading>
+<pat:P pat:id="p-42" pat:pNumber="42">and/or 7,720,580, and/or U.S. Pat. Pub. Nos. US-2006-0171704; US-2009-0244361 and/or US-2010-0214791, which are all hereby incorporated herein by reference in their entireties.</pat:P>
+<pat:P pat:id="p-43" pat:pNumber="43">[0033<pat:OCRConfidenceData pat:levelNumber="4">]</pat:OCRConfidenceData>     Optionally, the mirror assembly may include one or more other accessories at or within the mirror casing, such as one or more electrical or electronic devices or accessories, such as antennas, including global positioning system (GPS) or cellular phone antennas, such as disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,971,552, a communication module, such as disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,798,688, a blind spot detection system, such as disclosed in U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,929,786 and/or 5,786,772, transmitters and/or receivers, a <pat:BoundaryData><pat:HeaderText><pat:OCRConfidenceData pat:levelNumber="88">11</pat:OCRConfidenceData></pat:HeaderText></pat:BoundaryData>
+<?PageStart number="12"?>digital network, such as described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,798<pat:OCRConfidenceData pat:levelNumber="5">,</pat:OCRConfidenceData>575, a high/low headlamp controller, such as disclosed in U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,796,094 and/or 5,715,093, a memory mirror system, such as disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,796,1<pat:OCRConfidenceData pat:levelNumber="885">76,</pat:OCRConfidenceData> a hands-free phone attachment, a video device for internal cabin surveillance and/or video telephone function, such as disclosed in U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,760,962 and/or 5,877,897, a remote keyless entry receiver, lights, such as map reading lights or one or more other lights or illumination sources, such as disclosed in U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,690,268; 5,938,321; 5,81<pat:OCRConfidenceData pat:levelNumber="86">3,</pat:OCRConfidenceData>745; 5,820,245;</pat:P>
+<pat:Heading pat:id="h-14">5,673,994; 5,649,756; 5,178,448; 5,671,996; 4,646,210; 4,733,336; 4,807<pat:OCRConfidenceData pat:levelNumber="5">,</pat:OCRConfidenceData>096; 6,042,253;</pat:Heading>
+<pat:P pat:id="p-44" pat:pNumber="44">5,669,698; 7,195,381; 6,971,775 and/or 7,249,860, microphones, such as disclosed in U.S. Pat. Nos. 7,657,052; 6,243,003; 6,278,377 and/or 6,420,975, speakers, a voice recorder, an imaging system or components or circuitry or display thereof, such as an imaging and/or display system of the types described in U.S. Pat. Nos. 7,400,435;</pat:P>
+<pat:P pat:id="p-45" pat:pNumber="45">7,526,103; 6,690,268 and/or 6,847,487, and/or U.S. Pat. Pub. No. US-2006-0125919, a video device for internal cabin surveillance (such as for sleep detection or driver drowsiness detection or the like), a seat occupancy detector, a remote starter control, a yaw sensor, a clock, a carbon monoxide detector, status displays, such as displays that display a status of a door of the vehicle, a transmission selection (4wd/2wd or traction control <pat:OCRConfidenceData pat:levelNumber="52">(T</pat:OCRConfidenceData>CS) or the like), an antilock braking system, a road condition (that may warn the driver of icy road conditions) and/or the like, a trip computer, a tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS) receiver (such as described in U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,124,647; 6,294,989; 6,445,287; 6,472,979; 6,731,205 and/or 7,423,522, and/or an ONS<pat:OCRConfidenceData pat:levelNumber="6881">TAR*</pat:OCRConfidenceData> system, a compass, such as disclosed in U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,924,212; 4,862,594; 4,937,945; 5,131,154; 5,255,442 and/or 5,632,092, and/or any other accessory or circuitry or the like (with all of the above-referenced patents and publications being commonly assigned and being hereby incorporated herein by reference in their entireties).</pat:P>
+<pat:P pat:id="p-46" pat:pNumber="46">[0034<pat:OCRConfidenceData pat:levelNumber="5">]</pat:OCRConfidenceData>     The mirror assembly may comprise or utilize aspects of other types of casings or the like, such as described in U.S. Pat. Nos. 7,289,037; 6,439,755; 4,826,289 and/or 6,501,387, which are all hereby incorporated herein by reference in their entireties, without affecting the scope of the present invention. Optionally, the mirror casing and/or reflective element may include customized or personalized viewable characteristics, such as color or symbols or indicia selected by the vehicle manufacturer or owner of the vehicle, such as <pat:BoundaryData><pat:HeaderText><pat:OCRConfidenceData pat:levelNumber="88">12</pat:OCRConfidenceData></pat:HeaderText></pat:BoundaryData>
+<?PageStart number="13"?>the customization characteristics described in U.S. Pat. Nos. 7,626,749; 7,255,451 and/or 7,289,037, which are hereby incorporated herein by reference in their entireties.</pat:P>
+<pat:P pat:id="p-47" pat:pNumber="47">[0035<pat:OCRConfidenceData pat:levelNumber="5">]</pat:OCRConfidenceData>      Optionally, the accessory or accessories, such as those described above, may be positioned at or within the mirror casing and/or mirror cap portion or the like, and may be included on or integrated in a printed circuit board positioned within the mirror casing and/or cap portion, such as along a rear surface of the reflective element or elsewhere within a cavity defined by the casing, without affecting the scope of the present invention. The user actuatable inputs and/or touch sensors and/or proximity sensors and displays described above may be actuatable to control and/or adjust the accessories of the mirror assembly / system and/or overhead console and/or accessory module and/or vehicle. The connection or link between the controls and the display screen device and/or the navigation system and/or other systems and accessories of the mirror system may be provided via vehicle electronic or communication systems and the <pat:PartName pat:idref="PN-00012">like, and may be connected via various protocols or nodes, such as BLUETOOTH<pat:OCRConfidenceData pat:levelNumber="4">®</pat:OCRConfidenceData>, S<pat:OCRConfidenceData pat:levelNumber="5">C</pat:OCRConfidenceData>P, UBP, J<pat:OCRConfidenceData pat:levelNumber="5">1</pat:OCRConfidenceData>850, CAN J2284, Fire Wire </pat:PartName><pat:PartNumber pat:id="PN-00012">1394</pat:PartNumber>, MOST, LIN, FlexRay<pat:Sup>TM</pat:Sup>, Byte Flight and/or the like, or other vehicle-based or in-vehicle communication links or systems (such as WIFI and/or IRDA) and/or the like, or via VHF or UHF or other wireless transmission formats, depending on the particular application of the mirror / accessory system and the vehicle. Optionally, the connections or links may be provided via various wireless connectivity or links, without affecting the scope of the present invention.</pat:P>
+<pat:P pat:id="p-48" pat:pNumber="48">[0036<pat:OCRConfidenceData pat:levelNumber="4">]</pat:OCRConfidenceData>      Changes and modifications in the specifically described embodiments may be carried out without departing from the principles of the present invention, which is intended to be limited only by the scope of the appended claims as interpreted according to the principles of patent law.</pat:P>
+<pat:BoundaryData><pat:HeaderText><pat:OCRConfidenceData pat:levelNumber="88">13</pat:OCRConfidenceData></pat:HeaderText></pat:BoundaryData>
+</pat:Specification></pat:SpecificationDocument>

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+<uspat:DocumentMetadata com:id="ID0000001"><uscom:DocumentCode>SPEC</uscom:DocumentCode><uscom:ApplicationNumberText uscom:electronicText="15808137">15808137</uscom:ApplicationNumberText><com:PageTotalQuantity>2</com:PageTotalQuantity><uscom:ParagraphTotalQuantity>7</uscom:ParagraphTotalQuantity><uscom:OfficialDate>2018-08-02</uscom:OfficialDate></uspat:DocumentMetadata><?PageStart number='1'?><uscom:P com:pNumber="1" com:id="p-1"><com:U>In the Specification</com:U><uscom:OCRConfidenceData uscom:ocrConfidenceCode="5"><com:U>:</com:U></uscom:OCRConfidenceData></uscom:P><uscom:P com:pNumber="2" com:id="p-2" uscom:indentationLevelNumber="L1">Please replace <uscom:PartName com:idrefs="PN-00001">paragraph </uscom:PartName><uscom:PartNumber com:id="PN-00001">59</uscom:PartNumber> with the following paragraph:</uscom:P><uscom:P com:pNumber="3" com:id="p-3" uscom:indentationMeasureUnitCode="In" uscom:firstLineIndentationNumber="0.53">The circuits of the <uscom:PartName com:idrefs="PN-00002">data processing system </uscom:PartName><uscom:PartNumber com:id="PN-00002">74</uscom:PartNumber> can be controlled using a controller circuit or <uscom:PartName com:idrefs="PN-00003">microprocessor </uscom:PartName><uscom:PartNumber com:id="PN-00003">76</uscom:PartNumber> that generates signals to control which <uscom:PartName com:idrefs="PN-00004">electrodes </uscom:PartName><uscom:PartNumber com:id="PN-00004">80, 82</uscom:PartNumber> are activated. The high voltage (e.g., 0.5 to 100 volts) can be programmed to activate the <uscom:PartName com:idrefs="PN-00005">electrodes </uscom:PartName><uscom:PartNumber com:id="PN-00005">80, 82</uscom:PartNumber> using a <uscom:PartName com:idrefs="PN-00006">patterned metal layer </uscom:PartName><uscom:PartNumber com:id="PN-00006">14</uscom:PartNumber> to connect to the <uscom:PartName com:idrefs="PN-00007">electrodes </uscom:PartName><uscom:PartNumber com:id="PN-00007">80, 82</uscom:PartNumber> in localized areas to sense pH or destroy cells using electrical pulses over specific regions of the <uscom:PartName com:idrefs="PN-00008">array </uscom:PartName><uscom:PartNumber com:id="PN-00008">72</uscom:PartNumber> or the <uscom:PartName com:idrefs="PN-00009">whole array </uscom:PartName><uscom:PartNumber com:id="PN-00009">72.</uscom:PartNumber> The activation of the electrodes can selectively kill cells in accordance with measured pH or sensed ionic change in the particular regions. In some embodiments, the <uscom:PartName com:idrefs="PN-00010">nanorod electrodes </uscom:PartName><uscom:PartNumber com:id="PN-00010">80, 82</uscom:PartNumber> can produce electrical fields for sensing pH, sensing potential, destroying cancer cells or combinations of these and other tasks. <uscom:PartName com:idrefs="PN-00011">Device </uscom:PartName><uscom:PartNumber com:id="PN-00011">70</uscom:PartNumber> can include regions with different spacings between <uscom:PartName com:idrefs="PN-00012">nanorod electrodes </uscom:PartName><uscom:PartNumber com:id="PN-00012">80, 82</uscom:PartNumber> in groups or <uscom:PartName com:idrefs="PN-00013">regions </uscom:PartName><uscom:PartNumber com:id="PN-00013">88.</uscom:PartNumber> In one <uscom:PartName com:idrefs="PN-00014">example, electrodes </uscom:PartName><uscom:PartNumber com:id="PN-00014">80</uscom:PartNumber> can include pH sensing electrodes while <uscom:PartName com:idrefs="PN-00015">electrodes </uscom:PartName><uscom:PartNumber com:id="PN-00015">82</uscom:PartNumber> can be employed for electrical pulsing. It should be understood that the <uscom:PartName com:idrefs="PN-00016">electrodes </uscom:PartName><uscom:PartNumber com:id="PN-00016">80 or 82</uscom:PartNumber> can include dual functionality and are controlled using the <uscom:PartName com:idrefs="PN-00017">microprocessor </uscom:PartName><uscom:PartNumber com:id="PN-00017">7<uscom:OCRConfidenceData uscom:ocrConfidenceCode="5">6</uscom:OCRConfidenceData></uscom:PartNumber> <uscom:OCRConfidenceData uscom:ocrConfidenceCode="8">7</uscom:OCRConfidenceData>4 or circuits formed in the <uscom:PartName com:idrefs="PN-00018">substrate </uscom:PartName><uscom:PartNumber com:id="PN-00018">12.</uscom:PartNumber> A battery or <uscom:PartName com:idrefs="PN-00019">batteries </uscom:PartName><uscom:PartNumber com:id="PN-00019">78</uscom:PartNumber> can be integrated or coupled to the <uscom:PartName com:idrefs="PN-00020">device </uscom:PartName><uscom:PartNumber com:id="PN-00020">70</uscom:PartNumber> to provide power to <uscom:PartName com:idrefs="PN-00021">electrodes </uscom:PartName><uscom:PartNumber com:id="PN-00021">80, 82,</uscom:PartNumber> the <uscom:PartName com:idrefs="PN-00022">data processing system </uscom:PartName><uscom:PartNumber com:id="PN-00022">74</uscom:PartNumber> and other components, e.g., a <uscom:PartName com:idrefs="PN-00023">transceiver </uscom:PartName><uscom:PartNumber com:id="PN-00023">84,</uscom:PartNumber> on the <uscom:PartName com:idrefs="PN-00024">device </uscom:PartName><uscom:PartNumber com:id="PN-00024">70.</uscom:PartNumber> The <uscom:PartName com:idrefs="PN-00025">data processing system </uscom:PartName><uscom:PartNumber com:id="PN-00025">74</uscom:PartNumber> can include the <uscom:PartName com:idrefs="PN-00026">transceiver device </uscom:PartName><uscom:PartNumber com:id="PN-00026">84</uscom:PartNumber> (for off or <uscom:PartName com:idrefs="PN-00027">on-chip communications), memory storage </uscom:PartName><uscom:PartNumber com:id="PN-00027">75,</uscom:PartNumber> <uscom:PartName com:idrefs="PN-00028">microprocessor </uscom:PartName><uscom:PartNumber com:id="PN-00028">76</uscom:PartNumber> andother passive or active components (e.g., conn <com:Image com:id="p-00000" com:imageWrappingStyleCategory="Inline" com:orientationCategory="Portrait" com:imageContentCategory="Chemistry"><com:ImageFormatCategory>SVG</com:ImageFormatCategory><com:FileName>15808137.08-02-2018.JKD269FDRXEAPX2.SPEC.1.20.1253.2560.1810.2620.svg</com:FileName><com:HeightMeasure com:measureUnitCode="In">0.20</com:HeightMeasure><com:WidthMeasure com:measureUnitCode="In">1.857</com:WidthMeasure><com:Alt>Chemistry</com:Alt><com:ColourModeCategory>Black and white</com:ColourModeCategory></com:Image> Please replace <uscom:PartName com:idrefs="PN-00029">paragraph </uscom:PartName><uscom:PartNumber com:id="PN-00029">63</uscom:PartNumber> with the following paragraph:</uscom:P><uscom:P com:pNumber="4" com:id="p-4" uscom:indentationLevelNumber="L1">Referring to FIG. 10, in another embodiment, a flexible elongated instrument or</uscom:P><uscom:P com:pNumber="5" com:id="p-5" uscom:indentationLevelNumber="L2" uscom:indentationMeasureUnitCode="In" uscom:hangingIndentationNumber="2.93"><uscom:PartName com:idrefs="PN-00030">treatment instrument </uscom:PartName><uscom:PartNumber com:id="PN-00030">92</uscom:PartNumber> can include a catheter or <uscom:PartName com:idrefs="PN-00031">guidewire </uscom:PartName><uscom:PartNumber com:id="PN-00031">94</uscom:PartNumber> having a proximal end portion<uscom:BoundaryDataReference com:idref="HDR-00001"/></uscom:P><?PageStart number='2'?><uscom:P com:pNumber="6" com:id="p-6">95 configured to receive a <com:Del>device</com:Del><uscom:OCRConfidenceData uscom:ocrConfidenceCode="525"><com:Del> or</com:Del></uscom:OCRConfidenceData><com:Del> </com:Del><uscom:PartName com:idrefs="PN-00032">device </uscom:PartName><uscom:PartNumber com:id="PN-00032">96</uscom:PartNumber> <uscom:PartName com:idrefs="PN-00033">(e.g., device </uscom:PartName><uscom:PartNumber com:id="PN-00033">10, 70, 72,</uscom:PartNumber> etc.) thereon. Since the <uscom:PartName com:idrefs="PN-00034">device </uscom:PartName><uscom:PartNumber com:id="PN-00034">96</uscom:PartNumber> can be powered and connected to a computer located remotely (not shown), the <uscom:PartName com:idrefs="PN-00035">device </uscom:PartName><uscom:PartNumber com:id="PN-00035">96</uscom:PartNumber> can simply include nanorod electrode arrays for sensing and electrical pulsing functions. In this way, a microprocessor, battery and other components are not needed on the <uscom:PartName com:idrefs="PN-00036">device </uscom:PartName><uscom:PartNumber com:id="PN-00036">96</uscom:PartNumber> itself. Alternately, the <uscom:PartName com:idrefs="PN-00037">device </uscom:PartName><uscom:PartNumber com:id="PN-00037">96</uscom:PartNumber> can include a <com:Del>remote </com:Del>computer or <uscom:PartName com:idrefs="PN-00038">workstation </uscom:PartName><uscom:PartNumber com:id="PN-00038">97</uscom:PartNumber> and/or other components depicted in FIG. 8 to provide similar functionality as the embodiment described in FIG. 8<uscom:OCRConfidenceData uscom:ocrConfidenceCode="5">.</uscom:OCRConfidenceData> The <uscom:PartName com:idrefs="PN-00039">treatment instrument </uscom:PartName><uscom:PartNumber com:id="PN-00039">92</uscom:PartNumber><com:U> </com:U><uscom:PartName com:idrefs="PN-00040">de<uscom:OCRConfidenceData uscom:ocrConfidenceCode="5">v</uscom:OCRConfidenceData>ice </uscom:PartName><uscom:PartNumber com:id="PN-00040">96</uscom:PartNumber><com:Del> </com:Del>can be introduced into the body, e.g., laparoscopically, and maneuvered to a position adjacent to a region to be treated. The device(s) are then activated for sensing and treating the regions or regions. The <uscom:PartName com:idrefs="PN-00041">device </uscom:PartName><uscom:PartNumber com:id="PN-00041">92</uscom:PartNumber> or its proximal tip can be made disposable after use.</uscom:P><uscom:BoundaryDataReference com:idref="HDR-00002"/>
+<uscom:BoundaryDataBag><uscom:BoundaryData><uscom:HeaderText com:id="HDR-00001">Page 3 of 17</uscom:HeaderText>
+<uscom:HeaderText com:id="HDR-00002">Page 4 of 17</uscom:HeaderText>
+</uscom:BoundaryData></uscom:BoundaryDataBag></uspat:SpecificationDocument>

prior_art/10531529.xml

@@ -0,0 +1,1028 @@
+<?xml version="1.0" encoding="utf-8"?>
+<!DOCTYPE us-patent-application SYSTEM "PATI-v1.0.3-2011-06-23.dtd">
+<us-patent-application lang="EN" dtd-version="v1.0.3 2011-06-23" id="us-patent-application" country="US">
+  <us-bibliographic-data-application lang="EN" country="US">
+    <application-reference appl-type="utility">
+      <document-id>
+        <doc-number>10531529</doc-number>
+        <date>2005-04-15</date>
+      </document-id>
+    </application-reference>
+  </us-bibliographic-data-application>
+  <description id="description">
+    <boundary-data type="header">WO 200<confidence value="5">4</confidence>
+/03<confidence value="6668">6668</confidence>
+                                             PCT<confidence value="5">/</confidence>
+IL2003/<confidence value="555688">000623</confidence>
+    </boundary-data>
+    <p id="p-1" num="1">
+      <confidence value="52">JC</confidence>
+12 Rec<confidence value="5">'</confidence>
+d PCT<confidence value="566">/PT</confidence>
+C 1 <part-num-ref name="">
+        <confidence value="8">5</confidence>
+      </part-num-ref>
+ <confidence value="5">A</confidence>
+ <confidence value="54">PR</confidence>
+ <part-num-ref name="PR">200</part-num-ref>
+ <confidence value="8656884">THIN-FI</confidence>
+LM CATHODE FOR 3-DIMENSIONAL <confidence value="222222222222">MICROBATTERY</confidence>
+                             <part-num-ref name="THIN-FILM CATHODE FOR 3-DIMENSIONAL MICROBATTERY">
+        <confidence value="6">5</confidence>
+      </part-num-ref>
+     </p>
+    <heading id="h-1">
+      <confidence value="885">AND</confidence>
+ METHOD FOR PREPARING SUCH CATHODE    </heading>
+    <p id="p-2" num="2">
+      <boundary-data type="line-number">
+        <confidence value="8">5</confidence>
+      </boundary-data>
+     </p>
+    <heading id="h-2">REFERENCE TO CO-PEN<confidence value="5">D</confidence>
+ING APPLICATION    </heading>
+    <p id="p-3" num="3">This application  claims priority from  U.S. Provisional Patent Application Serial No. 60/418,718, filed October 17<confidence value="5">,</confidence>
+ 2002 and entitled "T<confidence value="5">H</confidence>
+IN-FILM <boundary-data type="line-number">
+        <confidence value="66">10</confidence>
+         </boundary-data>
+CATHODE     FOR   3-DIMENSIONAL     MICROBATTERY      AND   METHOD     FOR     </p>
+    <heading id="h-3">PREPARING SUCH CATHODE".</heading>
+    <heading id="h-4">FIELD OF THE INVENTION</heading>
+    <p id="p-4" num="4">
+      <boundary-data type="line-number">
+        <confidence value="88">15</confidence>
+      </boundary-data>
+ This invention relates in general to thin-film batteries. More specifically, the invention relates to a method for producing thin-film <confidence value="22222222222222">microbatteries</confidence>
+ having a 3-D structure and cathodes therefor, and the microbatteries and cathodes obtained by such method.    </p>
+    <p id="p-5" num="5">
+      <boundary-data type="line-number">
+        <confidence value="88">20</confidence>
+      </boundary-data>
+     </p>
+    <heading id="h-5">BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION</heading>
+    <p id="p-6" num="6">The following references are considered to be pertinent for the purpose of <boundary-data type="line-number">25   </boundary-data>
+understanding the background of the present invention:    </p>
+    <p id="p-7" num="7">A. Albu-Yaron et al., Thin Solid Fi<confidence value="66">lm</confidence>
+s 361-362 (2000) 223-228;    </p>
+    <p id="p-8" num="8">Bates et al., U.S. Patent No. 5,338,625;</p>
+    <p id="p-9" num="9">Bates et al., U.S. Patent No. 5,567,210;</p>
+    <p id="p-10" num="10">Becker et.al., U.S. Patent 6,214,161;</p>
+    <p id="p-11" num="11">
+      <boundary-data type="line-number">
+        <confidence value="86">30</confidence>
+                     </boundary-data>
+J. <confidence value="5">J</confidence>
+. Devadasan et a<confidence value="66">l.</confidence>
+, Journal of Crystal Growth 226 <part-num-ref name="">(2001)</part-num-ref>
+ 67-72;    </p>
+    <p id="p-12" num="12">P. Fragnaud et al., Journal of Power Sources 54 <part-num-ref name="">(1995)</part-num-ref>
+ 362-366;    </p>
+    <p id="p-13" num="13">Laermer et al, U.S. Patents 5,498,312 and 6,303,512;</p>
+    <boundary-data type="header">
+      <confidence value="8">1</confidence>
+    </boundary-data>
+    <boundary-data type="header">WO 200<confidence value="5">4</confidence>
+/036668                                                PCT<confidence value="65">/I</confidence>
+L2003/000<confidence value="588">623</confidence>
+    </boundary-data>
+    <p id="p-14" num="14">
+      <page-break num="2"/>
+I. Martin-Litas et a<confidence value="66">l.</confidence>
+, Journal of Power Sources 97-98 (2001), 545- 547;    </p>
+    <p id="p-15" num="15">Y. <confidence value="2222">Miki</confidence>
+ et al., Journal of Power Sources 54 <part-num-ref name="">(1995)</part-num-ref>
+ 508-510;    </p>
+    <p id="p-16" num="16">Nathan et al., U.S. Patent No. 6,197,450;</p>
+    <p id="p-17" num="17">Norma R. de Tacconi et al., J. Phys. Chem. (1996), 100, 18234-18239;</p>
+    <p id="p-18" num="18">
+      <boundary-data type="line-number">
+        <confidence value="8">5</confidence>
+                      </boundary-data>
+      <confidence value="5">E</confidence>
+. A. <confidence value="222222222">Ponomarev</confidence>
+ et al., Thin Solid Films <part-num-ref name="Ponomarev et al., Thin Solid Films">280</part-num-ref>
+ <part-num-ref name="">(<confidence value="5">1</confidence>
+996)      </part-num-ref>
+ 86-89.    </p>
+    <p id="p-19" num="19">There is a global race to develop miniaturized power sources for applications including implantable medical devices, remote sensors, miniature<confidence value="5">.</confidence>
+    </p>
+    <p id="p-20" num="20">transmitters, smart cards, and MEMS (<confidence value="5">m</confidence>
+icro-electro-mechanical-system) devices. Thin film lithium  batteries a<confidence value="5">r</confidence>
+e the leading candidates today, but the existing planar <boundary-data type="line-number">
+        <confidence value="5">1</confidence>
+0         </boundary-data>
+technology has limitations, such as low energy density.    </p>
+    <p id="p-21" num="21">In thin-film battery technology the battery cell components can be prepared as thin, e.g. <part-num-ref name="">1</part-num-ref>
+ micron, sheets built up in layers. The anode, the electrolyte and the cathode are in the form of thin films. Consequently, the anode is located close to the cathode, resulting in high current density, high cell efficiency and reduction in the <boundary-data type="line-number">15   </boundary-data>
+amount of reactants used.    </p>
+    <p id="p-22" num="22">The capacity of a thin-film battery is directly proportional to the area and thickness of the anode-electrolyte-cathode layers that form it. U.S. Patent No. 6,197,450 describes a method of increasing the capacity of thin-film electrochemical devices by increasing the surface-to-volume ratio of the substrate upon which the layered thin-film <boundary-data type="line-number">20   </boundary-data>
+structure is deposited. This is accomplished by etching the battery substrate to form an array of variably shaped through-holes. The use of such a substrate increases the available area for thin film deposition, thus leading to an increase in volume, i.e.    </p>
+    <p id="p-23" num="23">capacity of the cell. U.S. Patent No. 6,197,450 also describes a 3-dimensional (3-D) thin-film micro-battery with layers deposited inside the holes and on both flat surfaces <boundary-data type="line-number">25   </boundary-data>
+of the substrate.    </p>
+    <p id="p-24" num="24">Several studies on cathode materials have been performed to improve the electrochemical performances of micro-batteries used in microelectronic devices. Some well-known materials used as the cathode (positive electrode) in lithium-ion batteries are LiM<confidence value="5645">n2O4</confidence>
+, V<confidence value="54">2O</confidence>
+s, LiCoO<confidence value="5">2</confidence>
+ and TiS<confidence value="5">2</confidence>
+, which have been prepared in the form of a thin-film by <boundary-data type="line-number">
+        <confidence value="86">30</confidence>
+         </boundary-data>
+various deposition methods.    </p>
+    <p id="p-25" num="25">U.S. Patents Nos. 5,338,625 and 5,567,210 disclose a novel vanadium oxide cathode and use of physical deposition techniques such as rf or d<confidence value="5">o</confidence>
+ magnetron <boundary-data type="header">
+        <confidence value="8">2</confidence>
+      </boundary-data>
+      <page-break num="3"/>
+      <boundary-data type="header">WO <confidence value="5885">2004</confidence>
+/036668                                                  PCT/<confidence value="4">I</confidence>
+L20<confidence value="48855">03/00</confidence>
+0623      </boundary-data>
+sputtering for the fabrication of thin-film lithium cells, especially thin-film micro- batteries having application as backup or primary integrated power sources for electronic devices. The batteries are assembled from solid-state materials, and can be fabricated directly onto a semiconductor chip, a chip package or a chip carrier.    </p>
+    <p id="p-26" num="26">
+      <boundary-data type="line-number">5                 </boundary-data>
+Others have disclosed methods of preparing different cathode materials.    </p>
+    <p id="p-27" num="27">
+      <confidence value="885">For</confidence>
+ example, P. Fragnaud et a<confidence value="4">l</confidence>
+. disclose a method of preparing a thin-film made of LiCo<confidence value="5">O</confidence>
+2 or LiMn2<confidence value="4">0</confidence>
+4 for use as cathodes in secondary lithium batteries. These films were prepared by chemical techniques such as CVD (chemical vapor deposition) and spray pyrolysis.    </p>
+    <p id="p-28" num="28">
+      <boundary-data type="line-number">
+        <confidence value="66">10</confidence>
+                      </boundary-data>
+Also, I. Mar<confidence value="666">tin</confidence>
+-Litas has disclosed the preparation of tungsten oxysulfide (WO<confidence value="5">y</confidence>
+S2) thin films by reactive radio frequency magnetron sputtering.    </p>
+    <p id="p-29" num="29">Preparation  of a polyc<confidence value="7">r</confidence>
+ystalline  tungsten  disulfide thin film  by electrodeposition on conducting glass plates in galvanostatic route was described by J. J.    </p>
+    <p id="p-30" num="30">Devadasan et al. The obtained film was used for photoelectrochemical solar cells.</p>
+    <p id="p-31" num="31">
+      <boundary-data type="line-number">15                 </boundary-data>
+A MoS2 cathode material for lithium secondary batteries was synthesized by Y. <confidence value="2222">Miki</confidence>
+ et al. by using thermal decomposition of (NH4)2MoS4 in a hydrogen gas flow at temperatures from   <part-num-ref name="hydrogen gas flow at temperatures from">150</part-num-ref>
+ to 300<confidence value="4">0</confidence>
+C. MoS2 thin films were also prepared by electrochemical deposition by reduction of tetrathiomolybdate ions, as described by <confidence value="5">E</confidence>
+. A.    </p>
+    <p id="p-32" num="32">
+      <confidence value="222222222">Ponomarev</confidence>
+ and A. Albu-Yaron. According to these publications MoS2 may be used for <boundary-data type="line-number">
+        <confidence value="66">20</confidence>
+         </boundary-data>
+various applications such as solar cells, solid lubricants and rechargeable batteries.    </p>
+    <p id="p-33" num="33">Copper sulfide is useful in solar cells and in potentiometric sensor devices.</p>
+    <p id="p-34" num="34">Chemical sulfidisation of copper was described by N. R<confidence value="5">.</confidence>
+ de Tacconi et al, where the formation of copper sulfide films at copper anodes was accomplished in sulfide containing aqueous Na<confidence value="5">O</confidence>
+H media.    </p>
+    <p id="p-35" num="35">
+      <boundary-data type="line-number">25                 </boundary-data>
+Most of the known methods for the formation of thin films for battery applications, including physical methods, such as sputtering and spray pyrolysis, require flat surfaces and are therefore unsuitable for <confidence value="5">"</confidence>
+conformal", three-dimensional (3-D) structures in which the deposited films have to follow a surface<confidence value="8">'</confidence>
+s contour. Thus, present deposition methods are unacceptably disadvantageous for the production of 3-D thin film <part-num-ref name="production of 3-D thin film">30</part-num-ref>
+   batteries.    </p>
+    <boundary-data type="header">
+      <confidence value="8">3</confidence>
+    </boundary-data>
+    <boundary-data type="header">WO 200<confidence value="5">4</confidence>
+/036668                                                  PCT/IL2003<confidence value="5">/</confidence>
+000623    </boundary-data>
+    <heading id="h-6">
+      <confidence value="8776">SUMM</confidence>
+ARY OF THE INVENTION    </heading>
+    <p id="p-36" num="36">
+      <page-break num="4"/>
+The present invention seeks to provide a method for producing thin-fi<confidence value="66">lm</confidence>
+ <boundary-data type="line-number">5   </boundary-data>
+microbatteries having a 3-D structure and cathodes therefor, and the <confidence value="22222222222222">microbatteries</confidence>
+ and cathodes obtained by such method.    </p>
+    <p id="p-37" num="37">There is thus provided in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention a method for producing a microbattery including providing a conductive substrate, forming a thin film cathodic layer on at least one surface of the conductive <boundary-data type="line-number">
+        <confidence value="5">1</confidence>
+0         </boundary-data>
+substrate, subsequently forming a thin film electrolyte layer over the cathodic layer and subsequently forming a thin film anodic layer over the electrolyte <confidence value="8">l</confidence>
+ayer.    </p>
+    <p id="p-38" num="38">Preferably, the forming a cathodic layer includes electrochemically fo<confidence value="8">r</confidence>
+ming the cathodic layer.    </p>
+    <p id="p-39" num="39">There is also provided in accordance with another preferred embodiment of <boundary-data type="line-number">15   </boundary-data>
+the present invention a method for producing a thin film cathode including providing a conductive substrate and electrochemically forming a thin film cathodic layer on at least one surface of the conductive substrate.    </p>
+    <p id="p-40" num="40">In accordance with another preferred embodiment of the present invention the cathodic layer includes at least one material selected from the group consisting of <boundary-data type="line-number">20   </boundary-data>
+      <confidence value="22222222">sulfides</confidence>
+ of a transition metal, oxides of a transition metal and mixtures of the sulfides and the oxides.    </p>
+    <p id="p-41" num="41">
+      <confidence value="66">In</confidence>
+ accordance with yet another preferred embodiment of the present invention the providing includes providing a non-conductive substrate and forming a conductive layer on at least one surface of the non-conductive substrate. Preferably, the <boundary-data type="line-number">25   </boundary-data>
+forming a conductive layer includes <confidence value="2222222222222">electrolessly</confidence>
+ depositing a conductive material on the surface of the non-conductive substrate. Additionally, the conductive material includes at least one material selected from the group consisting of Cu, Ni, Co, Fe, Au, Ag, Pd, Pt and their alloys.    </p>
+    <p id="p-42" num="42">In accordance with another preferred embodiment of the <confidence value="5">.</confidence>
+present <boundary-data type="line-number">
+        <confidence value="85">30</confidence>
+         </boundary-data>
+invention the method also includes providing a plurality of cavities in the substrate, the cavities having an arbitrary shape and having an aspect ratio greater than <part-num-ref name="aspect ratio greater than">1</part-num-ref>
+ <boundary-data type="header">
+        <confidence value="8">4</confidence>
+      </boundary-data>
+      <page-break num="5"/>
+      <boundary-data type="header">WO 200<confidence value="66">4/</confidence>
+036668                                                  PCT/<confidence value="1">I</confidence>
+L2003/000623      </boundary-data>
+and depositing the cathodic layer, the electrolyte layer and the anodic layer between the cavities and <confidence value="8">t</confidence>
+hroughout the inner surfaces of the cavities. Preferably, the cathodic layer<confidence value="5">,</confidence>
+ the electrolyte layer and the anodic layer are continuous. Additionally or alternatively, the cavities have an aspect ratio of between <part-num-ref name="aspect ratio of between">2</part-num-ref>
+ to about <part-num-ref name="to about">50.</part-num-ref>
+ <confidence value="5">I</confidence>
+n accordance with another <boundary-data type="line-number">5   </boundary-data>
+preferred embodiment of the present invention the cavities have a cylindrical geometry.    </p>
+    <p id="p-43" num="43">In accordance with another preferred embodiment of the present invention the substrate includes at least one material selected from the group consisting of glass, alumina, semiconductor materials, ceramic materials, organic polymers, inorganic polymers and glass-epoxy composites. Additionally, the substrate includes <boundary-data type="line-number">
+        <confidence value="86">10</confidence>
+         </boundary-data>
+silicon.    </p>
+    <p id="p-44" num="44">In accordance with another preferred embodiment of the present invention the cathodic layer includes at least one material selected from the group consisting of Cu<confidence value="2">z</confidence>
+S, MoS2, Co<confidence value="5">x</confidence>
+Sy where x <confidence value="6">=</confidence>
+ 1-4 and y<confidence value="66">=1</confidence>
+-10, C<confidence value="5">o</confidence>
+mOn where m=1-2 and <confidence value="885">n=1</confidence>
+-3, <confidence value="5">W</confidence>
+S2, and mixtures thereof.    </p>
+    <p id="p-45" num="45">
+      <boundary-data type="line-number">
+        <confidence value="66">15</confidence>
+                       </boundary-data>
+There is fu<confidence value="8">r</confidence>
+ther provided in accordance with another preferred embodiment of the present invention a microbattery including a conductive substrate, a thin film cathodic layer formed on at least one su<confidence value="8">r</confidence>
+face of the conductive substrate, a thin film electrolyte layer formed over the cathodic <confidence value="8">l</confidence>
+ayer and a thin film anodic layer formed over the electrolyte layer.    </p>
+    <p id="p-46" num="46">
+      <boundary-data type="line-number">20                 </boundary-data>
+Preferably, the cathodic layer includes an electrochemically formed cathodic <confidence value="8">l</confidence>
+ayer.    </p>
+    <p id="p-47" num="47">There is yet further provided in accordance with another preferred embodiment of the present invention a thin film cathode including a conductive substrate and a thin film cathodic layer electrochemically formed on at least one su<confidence value="88">rf</confidence>
+ace of the <boundary-data type="line-number">25   </boundary-data>
+conductive substrate.    </p>
+    <p id="p-48" num="48">In accordance with another preferred embodiment of the present invention the cathodic layer includes at <confidence value="8">l</confidence>
+east one material selected from the group consisting of sulfides of a transition metal, oxides of a transition metal and mixtures of the sulfides and the oxides.    </p>
+    <p id="p-49" num="49">
+      <boundary-data type="line-number">
+        <confidence value="86">30</confidence>
+                      </boundary-data>
+      <confidence value="5">I</confidence>
+n accordance with another preferred embodiment of the present invention the conductive substrate includes a non-conductive substrate and a conductive layer formed over at least one surface of the non-conductive substrate. Preferably, the <boundary-data type="header">
+        <confidence value="8">5</confidence>
+      </boundary-data>
+      <page-break num="6"/>
+      <boundary-data type="header">WO 200<confidence value="5">4</confidence>
+/03<confidence value="5">6</confidence>
+668                                              PCT/<confidence value="4">I</confidence>
+L2003/<confidence value="555688">000623</confidence>
+      </boundary-data>
+conductive layer includes a conductive material electrolessly deposited on the surface of the non-conductive substrate. Additionally, the conductive layer includes at least one material selected from the group consisting of Cu, Ni, <confidence value="5">C</confidence>
+o, Fe, Au, Ag, Pd, Pt and their alloys.    </p>
+    <p id="p-50" num="50">
+      <boundary-data type="line-number">5                </boundary-data>
+In accordance with another preferred embodiment of the present invention the microbattery also includes a plurality of cavities formed in the substrate, the cavities having an arbitrary shape and having an aspect ratio greater than <part-num-ref name="aspect ratio greater than">1</part-num-ref>
+ and the cathodic layer, the electrolyte layer and the anodic layer are deposited between the cavities and throughout the inner surfaces of the cavities.    </p>
+    <p id="p-51" num="51">
+      <boundary-data type="line-number">
+        <confidence value="66">10</confidence>
+         </boundary-data>
+Additionally, the cathodic layer, the electrolyte layer and the anodic layer are continuous. Additionally or alternatively, the cavities have an aspect ratio of between <part-num-ref name="aspect ratio of between">2</part-num-ref>
+ to about <part-num-ref name="to about">50.</part-num-ref>
+ In accordance with another preferred embodiment of the present invention the cavities have a cylindrical geometry.    </p>
+    <p id="p-52" num="52">In accordance with another preferred embodiment of the present <boundary-data type="line-number">
+        <confidence value="86">15</confidence>
+        </boundary-data>
+invention the substrate includes at least one material selected from the group consisting of glass, alumina, semiconductor materials, ceramic materials, organic polymers, inorganic polymers and glass-epoxy. composites. Preferably, the substrate includes silicon.    </p>
+    <p id="p-53" num="53">In accordance with another preferred embodiment of the present <boundary-data type="line-number">20   </boundary-data>
+invention the cathodic layer includes at least one material selected from the group consisting of Cu2S, MoS<confidence value="58">2,</confidence>
+ <confidence value="66466">CoxSy</confidence>
+ where x = 1-4 and y<confidence value="5">=</confidence>
+1-1<confidence value="5">0</confidence>
+, ComOn where m<confidence value="5">=</confidence>
+1-2 and <confidence value="885">n=1</confidence>
+-3, WS2, and mixtures thereof.    </p>
+    <boundary-data type="header">
+      <confidence value="8">6</confidence>
+    </boundary-data>
+    <boundary-data type="header">WO 200<confidence value="55">4/</confidence>
+036<confidence value="5">6</confidence>
+68                                               PCT<confidence value="68">/I</confidence>
+L2003<confidence value="5">/</confidence>
+000623    </boundary-data>
+    <heading id="h-7">BRIEF DESCR<confidence value="8">I</confidence>
+PTION OF T<confidence value="66">HE</confidence>
+ DRAWI<confidence value="8">N</confidence>
+GS    </heading>
+    <p id="p-54" num="54">
+      <page-break num="7"/>
+The present invention will be understood and appreciated more fully <boundary-data type="line-number">5   </boundary-data>
+from the following detailed description, taken in conjunction with the drawings in which:    </p>
+    <p id="p-55" num="55">Fig. 1 is a simplified pictorial and sectional illustration of a microbattery constructed and operative in accordance with a preferred embodi<confidence value="8">m</confidence>
+ent of the present invention;    </p>
+    <p id="p-56" num="56">
+      <boundary-data type="line-number">
+        <confidence value="66">10</confidence>
+                      </boundary-data>
+Fig. 2 is a SEM of a Cu2S layer on a flat, silicon substrate coated with a Cu layer;    </p>
+    <p id="p-57" num="57">Fig. 3 is an XRD of Cu2S on silicon substrate coated with a Cu layer;</p>
+    <p id="p-58" num="58">Fig. 4 is a graph of charge-discharge curves of a Li<confidence value="5">/</confidence>
+CPE/Cu2S microbattery at 120<confidence value="286">°C;</confidence>
+    </p>
+    <p id="p-59" num="59">
+      <boundary-data type="line-number">15                </boundary-data>
+Fig. 5 is a graph of capacity loss of Li/CPE/Cu<confidence value="58">2S</confidence>
+ <confidence value="2222222222228">microbattery;</confidence>
+    </p>
+    <p id="p-60" num="60">Fig. 6 is a SEM of MoS2 on silicon substrate covered with a Ni layer;</p>
+    <p id="p-61" num="61">Fig. 7 is a graph of charge-discharge curves of a Li/<confidence value="4685">IPE/</confidence>
+MoS2 microbattery at room temperature<confidence value="8">;</confidence>
+    </p>
+    <p id="p-62" num="62">Fig. 8 is a graph of capacity loss of a Li/<confidence value="4885">HPE/</confidence>
+ MoS2 microbattery;    </p>
+    <p id="p-63" num="63">
+      <boundary-data type="line-number">20                </boundary-data>
+Fig. 9 is graph of capacity loss of a Li-io<confidence value="4">n</confidence>
+/HPE/MoS2 <confidence value="2222222222228">microbattery;</confidence>
+    </p>
+    <p id="p-64" num="64">Fig. 10 is a graph of charge-discharge curves of Li/CPE/MoS2 <confidence value="222222222222">microbattery</confidence>
+ at 120<confidence value="288">*C;</confidence>
+    </p>
+    <p id="p-65" num="65">Fig. 11 is a graph of capacity loss of a Li/CPE/ MoS2 microbattery; and Fig. 12 is a graph of charge/discharge curves of a Li-ion/HPE/CoS <part-num-ref name="Li-ion/HPE/CoS">25</part-num-ref>
+   <confidence value="222222222222">microbattery</confidence>
+.    </p>
+    <boundary-data type="header">
+      <confidence value="8">7</confidence>
+    </boundary-data>
+    <boundary-data type="header">WO 200<confidence value="5">4</confidence>
+/036668                                               PCT<confidence value="54">/1</confidence>
+L2003<confidence value="5">/</confidence>
+000623    </boundary-data>
+    <heading id="h-8">DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION</heading>
+    <p id="p-66" num="66">
+      <page-break num="8"/>
+Reference is now made to Fig. 1, which is a simplified pictorial and <boundary-data type="line-number">
+        <confidence value="5">5</confidence>
+         </boundary-data>
+sectional illustration of a microbattery constructed and operative in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention. As seen in Fig. 1, microbattery <part-num-ref name="present invention. As seen in Fig. 1, microbattery">100</part-num-ref>
+ includes a substrate <part-num-ref name="substrate">102,</part-num-ref>
+ such as a silicon substrate, typically with a thickness of between <part-num-ref name="thickness of between">300</part-num-ref>
+ and <part-num-ref name="and">1000</part-num-ref>
+ <confidence value="5">p</confidence>
+m. Substrate <part-num-ref name="pm. Substrate">102</part-num-ref>
+ is preferably provided with a plurality of cavities <part-num-ref name="plurality of cavities">104</part-num-ref>
+ formed therethrough. Cavities <part-num-ref name="formed therethrough. Cavities">104</part-num-ref>
+ are typically formed by photolithography <boundary-data type="line-number">
+        <confidence value="66">10</confidence>
+         </boundary-data>
+and deep reactive ion etching (DRI<confidence value="5">E</confidence>
+) as described further hereinbelow. Substrate <part-num-ref name="are typically formed by photolithography and deep reactive ion etching (DRIE) as described further hereinbelow. Substrate">102</part-num-ref>
+ and cavities <part-num-ref name="and cavities">104</part-num-ref>
+ are then preferably coated with a conductive substance to for<confidence value="8">m</confidence>
+ a thin film current collector layer <part-num-ref name="thin film current collector layer">106,</part-num-ref>
+ as described hereinbelow. Alternatively, substrate <part-num-ref name="thin film current collector layer 106, as described hereinbelow. Alternatively, substrate">102</part-num-ref>
+ may be formed of a conductive material and the formation of current collector layer <part-num-ref name="formation of current collector layer">106</part-num-ref>
+ may be obviated.    </p>
+    <p id="p-67" num="67">
+      <boundary-data type="line-number">
+        <confidence value="56">15</confidence>
+                      </boundary-data>
+The substrate 102 and cavities <part-num-ref name="and cavities">104</part-num-ref>
+ are subsequently coated with a thin film cathodic layer <part-num-ref name="thin film cathodic layer">
+        <confidence value="666">108</confidence>
+.      </part-num-ref>
+ A thin film electrolyte layer <part-num-ref name="thin film electrolyte layer">110</part-num-ref>
+ and a thin film anodic layer <part-num-ref name="thin film anodic layer">112</part-num-ref>
+ are then formed over cathodic layer <part-num-ref name="are then formed over cathodic layer">108.</part-num-ref>
+ The thin film layers <part-num-ref name="thin film layers">108,</part-num-ref>
+ <part-num-ref name="thin film layers 108,">110</part-num-ref>
+ and <part-num-ref name="and">112</part-num-ref>
+ are typically in the range of 1-10  m thick, and the cavities a<confidence value="5">r</confidence>
+e typically in the range of 15- <part-num-ref name="range of 15-">150</part-num-ref>
+ <confidence value="21">pa</confidence>
+m in diameter. Contacts <part-num-ref name="pam in diameter. Contacts">114</part-num-ref>
+ are typically formed on the current collector layer <part-num-ref name="current collector layer">106</part-num-ref>
+ <boundary-data type="line-number">20   </boundary-data>
+and the anodic layer <part-num-ref name="anodic layer">112.</part-num-ref>
+    </p>
+    <p id="p-68" num="68">In one example of a microbattery constructed and operative in accordance with the present invention, a <part-num-ref name="">440</part-num-ref>
+ <confidence value="145">p.m</confidence>
+ thick, 3" diameter, double side polished <part-num-ref name="p.m thick, 3&quot; diameter, double side polished">(100)</part-num-ref>
+ silicon wafer was coated on one side with about <part-num-ref name="silicon wafer was coated on one side with about">11</part-num-ref>
+ <confidence value="66">pm</confidence>
+ of AZ - <part-num-ref name="pm of AZ -">4562</part-num-ref>
+ photoresist.    </p>
+    <p id="p-69" num="69">Arrays of square holes with a side dimension of <part-num-ref name="side dimension of">80</part-num-ref>
+ <confidence value="2">p</confidence>
+m and inter-hole spacing of about <boundary-data type="line-number">25   </boundary-data>
+      <part-num-ref name="pm and inter-hole spacing of about">220</part-num-ref>
+ <confidence value="25">pm</confidence>
+ were then defined by photolithography. The sequence of photolithography steps includes:    </p>
+    <p id="p-70" num="70">1. Dehydration baking of wafer after cleaning for 2 m<confidence value="66">in</confidence>
+. at a temperature <confidence value="88">of</confidence>
+ <confidence value="8682">110*</confidence>
+C on a hot plate;    </p>
+    <p id="p-71" num="71">2. Dispensing photoresist and spinning at about 1400 RPM for <part-num-ref name="RPM for">30</part-num-ref>
+ <boundary-data type="line-number">
+        <confidence value="86">30</confidence>
+         </boundary-data>
+seconds;    </p>
+    <p id="p-72" num="72">3. Solvent removal baking at a temperature of 1<confidence value="662">10*</confidence>
+C for <part-num-ref name="temperature of 110*C for">
+        <confidence value="6">1</confidence>
+      </part-num-ref>
+ <confidence value="6885">min.</confidence>
+ on a hot plate;    </p>
+    <boundary-data type="header">
+      <confidence value="8">8</confidence>
+    </boundary-data>
+    <boundary-data type="header">WO 200<confidence value="5">4</confidence>
+/036668                                                PCT/<confidence value="4">I</confidence>
+L2003/000623    </boundary-data>
+    <p id="p-73" num="73">
+      <page-break num="9"/>
+4. Exposure for between 17 to <part-num-ref name="to">22</part-num-ref>
+ seconds in a mask aligner;    </p>
+    <p id="p-74" num="74">5. Developing for 4-6 minutes in AZ-726 developer; and 6. Hard baking at a temperature of 11<confidence value="52">0°</confidence>
+C for <part-num-ref name="temperature of 110°C for">3</part-num-ref>
+ minutes on the hot plate.    </p>
+    <p id="p-75" num="75">
+      <boundary-data type="line-number">5                </boundary-data>
+After photolithography, cavities were etched using DRIE in a Plasma - Therm SLR <part-num-ref name="Plasma - Therm SLR">770</part-num-ref>
+ ICP system using a standard Bosch process. Following the fo<confidence value="8">r</confidence>
+mation of cavities <part-num-ref name="formation of cavities">104,</part-num-ref>
+ the thin film layers <part-num-ref name="thin film layers">106,</part-num-ref>
+ <part-num-ref name="thin film layers 106,">
+        <confidence value="666">108</confidence>
+,      </part-num-ref>
+ <part-num-ref name="thin film layers 106, 108,">110</part-num-ref>
+ and <part-num-ref name="and">112</part-num-ref>
+ were formed.    </p>
+    <p id="p-76" num="76">There are two configurations of the high surface area, 3-dimensional "on- chip" microbattery (3D-MB). In a first conf<confidence value="8">i</confidence>
+guration, hereinafter referred to as 3D-MB-<confidence value="68">1,</confidence>
+ <boundary-data type="line-number">
+        <confidence value="86">10</confidence>
+         </boundary-data>
+the cathode material is deposited di<confidence value="8">r</confidence>
+ectly onto the silicon surface. In the second configuration, hereinafter referred to as 3D-MB-2, as described in U.S. Patent No.    </p>
+    <p id="p-77" num="77">6,197,450, incorporated herein by reference, the anode material, such as lithium or carbon, is in electronic contact with the substrate. In this second configuration, an additional <confidence value="8">l</confidence>
+ayer between the silicon surface and the carbon or lithium anode must be created in order to <boundary-data type="line-number">
+        <confidence value="86">15</confidence>
+         </boundary-data>
+eliminate intercalation of Lithium ions into the bulk of the silicon at <confidence value="686">low</confidence>
+ voltage.    </p>
+    <p id="p-78" num="78">In accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention, a copper sulfide thin film cathode is deposited on a silicon substrate. In one example of this  embodiment, the    silicon  substrate  was  pretreated  in  solutions  of <confidence value="88486">H20(5</confidence>
+):H2<confidence value="5">0</confidence>
+2(1):NH<confidence value="54885">4OH(1</confidence>
+), H2<confidence value="4">0</confidence>
+(6):H2<confidence value="4">0</confidence>
+2(1):<confidence value="68586">HCl(1</confidence>
+) at a temperature of <part-num-ref name="temperature of">80</part-num-ref>
+ -100 <confidence value="2">°</confidence>
+C and <boundary-data type="line-number">20   </boundary-data>
+in isopropanol, for removing oxides and organic contaminations. The sample was further wet-etched in a strong basic solution, rinsed in water and i<confidence value="77">mm</confidence>
+ediately immersed in a <confidence value="588">Pd-</confidence>
+ containing solution to increase the catalytic activity of the silicon substrate surface.    </p>
+    <p id="p-79" num="79">Electroless deposition of copper on the silicon substrates was carried out in a CuSO<confidence value="66">4/</confidence>
+HCOH solution and resulted in a uniform copper thin film of 500-700 <confidence value="5">n</confidence>
+m. The <boundary-data type="line-number">25   </boundary-data>
+copper-deposited silicon samples were immersed into an electrolyte solution containing <confidence value="88">Cu</confidence>
+   ions and surfactant materials. Electrochemical copper deposition was carried out at constant current density of 20-50 <confidence value="586">mA/</confidence>
+cm2 for a few minutes. A thicker layer of 5-20 microns of copper was formed on these silicon samples. This layer serves as the current collector layer. The copper-deposited silicon substrates were introduced into an aqueous <boundary-data type="line-number">
+        <confidence value="86">30</confidence>
+         </boundary-data>
+solution of polysulfides (a mixture of <confidence value="66">10</confidence>
+mM Na<confidence value="5">2</confidence>
+S, <confidence value="685">0.1</confidence>
+M NaOH and elemental sulfur) at room temperature and <confidence value="222222222222222">electrooxidized</confidence>
+ at a constant current of 0.1 <confidence value="585">mA/</confidence>
+cm2-0.5 m<confidence value="5">A</confidence>
+/cm2 for a few <confidence value="8">s</confidence>
+econd<confidence value="8">s</confidence>
+, forming a thin cathode layer, with a thickness of 1-3 microns, of <boundary-data type="header">
+        <confidence value="8">9</confidence>
+      </boundary-data>
+      <page-break num="10"/>
+      <boundary-data type="header">WO 200<confidence value="5">4</confidence>
+/036668                                               PCT/<confidence value="4">1</confidence>
+L20<confidence value="4">0</confidence>
+3/000<confidence value="588">623</confidence>
+      </boundary-data>
+crystalline C<confidence value="5">u</confidence>
+2S (verified by XRD) on the copper-coated silicon. The copper electrode was cathodically polarized prior to Cu2S film growth to reduce any residual oxide layer.    </p>
+    <p id="p-80" num="80">Reference is now made to Fig. 2, which shows a SEM cross-sectional view of the copper sulfide layer deposited onto a copper coated silicon wafer. The crack <boundary-data type="line-number">5   </boundary-data>
+between Cu and Cu2S layers, seen in the lower part of this image, is caused by quenching in liquid nitrogen, which was used for cross-section cutting of the cathode.    </p>
+    <p id="p-81" num="81">Reference is now made to Fig. 3, which shows the powder <confidence value="66">XR</confidence>
+D analysis of the as-deposited films on silicon. The analysis reveals crystallographic peaks belonging to the deposited Cu layer and Cu2S.    </p>
+    <p id="p-82" num="82">
+      <boundary-data type="line-number">
+        <confidence value="86">10</confidence>
+                      </boundary-data>
+Reference is now made to Figs. 4 and <part-num-ref name="and">5,</part-num-ref>
+ which are, respectively, a graph of charge/discharge curves and capacity loss of the Cu2S/composite polymer electrolyte/lithium battery operating at 120<confidence value="2">*</confidence>
+C and current density of <confidence value="54">5O</confidence>
+mA/cm<confidence value="5">2</confidence>
+. As seen in Fig. 4, the charge/discharge curve is represented by a well-pronounced plateau at about 2.<confidence value="5">1</confidence>
+V. The capacity loss of the battery is about 1.4%/cycle, as seen in Fig. 5.    </p>
+    <p id="p-83" num="83">
+      <boundary-data type="line-number">
+        <confidence value="55">15</confidence>
+                      </boundary-data>
+      <confidence value="6">I</confidence>
+n accordance with another preferred embodiment of the present invention, a thin film cathode of MoS2 is obtained by cathodic reduction. In one example of this embodiment, a silicon substrate was electrolessly coated with a thin film of nickel, typically having a thickness of 200-300 <confidence value="4">n</confidence>
+m, which serves as the current collector layer. The substrate was then immersed into a solution containing MoS<confidence value="22">a2</confidence>
+ ions, and an <boundary-data type="line-number">20   </boundary-data>
+ultra thin film of MoS2, typically ha<confidence value="8">v</confidence>
+ing a thickness of 300-600 <confidence value="5">n</confidence>
+m, <confidence value="5">w</confidence>
+as formed by electroreduction of MoS<confidence value="2">a</confidence>
+  ions on the nickel-coated silicon substrate at a constant current density of 10-15 mA<confidence value="5">/</confidence>
+cm2<confidence value="4">.</confidence>
+    </p>
+    <p id="p-84" num="84">Reference is now made to Fig. 6, which is a SEM micrograph of a cross- section of the MoS2 cathode deposited on a nickel-coated silicon substrate. A compact, <boundary-data type="line-number">25   </boundary-data>
+highly adherent MoS2 film with a thickness about <part-num-ref name="thickness about">300</part-num-ref>
+ to <part-num-ref name="to">600</part-num-ref>
+ <confidence value="5">n</confidence>
+m is built. The powder <confidence value="8">X</confidence>
+RD analysis of the as-deposited film on nickel revealed crystallographic peaks belonging to the nickel substrate alone. This may indicate the formation of mainly amorphous MoS2 deposits.    </p>
+    <p id="p-85" num="85">The formation of the microbattery of the present invention then comprises <boundary-data type="line-number">
+        <confidence value="66">30</confidence>
+        </boundary-data>
+the deposition of an ion conductive electrolyte <part-num-ref name="ion conductive electrolyte">110</part-num-ref>
+ over the already-deposited cathode layer <part-num-ref name="already-deposited cathode layer">108.</part-num-ref>
+ In the examples described hereinbelow, the electrolyte was formed by casting a soluble polymer mixture directly onto the cathode. In the examples described <boundary-data type="header">
+        <confidence value="88">10</confidence>
+      </boundary-data>
+      <page-break num="11"/>
+      <boundary-data type="header">WO 200<confidence value="5">4</confidence>
+/036668                                               PCT/<confidence value="4">I</confidence>
+L2003/000623      </boundary-data>
+hereinbelow, two types of conductive separators were used. The first type was a composite polymer electrolyte based on a polyethylene oxide, a lithium salt, such as lithium imide, "triflat" or lithium bis-o<confidence value="5">x</confidence>
+aloborate, and alumina or silica nanoparticles.    </p>
+    <p id="p-86" num="86">The second type was a so called hybrid gel-polymer electrolyte (<confidence value="5885">HPE)</confidence>
+ based on a <boundary-data type="line-number">5  </boundary-data>
+nanoporous membrane of polyvinylidene flouride soaked with a <confidence value="8">l</confidence>
+ithium salt, such as LiPF6 or Li-<confidence value="66">Im</confidence>
+ide, dissolved in an ethylene carbonate: diethylcarbonate (EC:DEC) electrolyte. Solvents, such as diglyme (DG), tetraglyme (TG) and polyethylene glycol dimethyl ether (PEGDME, MW 500), can be used in HPEs as well.    </p>
+    <p id="p-87" num="87">Reference is now made to Figs. 7 - <part-num-ref name="-">11,</part-num-ref>
+ which are graphs sho<confidence value="8">w</confidence>
+ing the <boundary-data type="line-number">
+        <confidence value="66">10</confidence>
+        </boundary-data>
+performance characteristics of various microbatteries constructed and operative in accordance with preferred embodiments of the present invention. Fig. 7 shows a graph of typical charge-discharge curves of a Li/<confidence value="5885">HPE/</confidence>
+MoO<confidence value="684">ySz</confidence>
+ cell, with the cathode deposited on a nickel substrate. The cell was cycled at room temperature and i<confidence value="48815668">d=ich=10</confidence>
+ <confidence value="285885">pA/cm2</confidence>
+. The sloping character of the curves is typical of an insertion<confidence value="5">/</confidence>
+de-insertion process into a single- <boundary-data type="line-number">15  </boundary-data>
+phase host material according to the following reaction:    </p>
+    <p id="p-88" num="88">MoO<confidence value="684">ySz</confidence>
+ <confidence value="5">+</confidence>
+xLi+ <confidence value="52">-+</confidence>
+ Li<confidence value="4">X</confidence>
+ MoO<confidence value="684">ySz</confidence>
+ It is to be emphasized that an up to ten-fold increase in the current density did not influence either the shape of the curves (curve b, in comparison to curve a), <confidence value="2">-</confidence>
+nor the degradation rate. About 0.<confidence value="5">8</confidence>
+ and 0.6 mole atoms of lithium were reversibly intercalated <boundary-data type="line-number">20  </boundary-data>
+at low and high current density, respectively. The 1<confidence value="56">St</confidence>
+ cycle utilization of the cathode active material approached 85%. The Li/HPE<confidence value="5">/</confidence>
+MoO<confidence value="684">ySZ</confidence>
+ cell ran over <part-num-ref name="Li/HPE/MoOySZ cell ran over">1000</part-num-ref>
+ successive cycles with 0.05%/cycle capacity loss and 100% Faradaic efficiency, as shown in Fig. 8.    </p>
+    <p id="p-89" num="89">Fig. 9 is a graph showing the capacity loss and charging efficiency of a Li- <confidence value="884">ion</confidence>
+/HPE/MoS<confidence value="5">2</confidence>
+ cell, with the cathode deposited on a nickel coated silicon substrate. The <boundary-data type="line-number">25  </boundary-data>
+cell was cycled at room temperature and a <part-num-ref name="">100</part-num-ref>
+ <confidence value="66">pA</confidence>
+/cm<confidence value="5">2</confidence>
+ rate. As can be seen in Fi<confidence value="5">g</confidence>
+. 9, during more than <part-num-ref name="pA/cm2 rate. As can be seen in Fig. 9, during more than">1000</part-num-ref>
+ reversible 100% DOD cycles the degradation rate did not e<confidence value="8">x</confidence>
+ceed 0.05%/cycle and the Faradaic efficiency was close to 100%.    </p>
+    <p id="p-90" num="90">Fig. 10 shows the charge/discharge of a Li/Li<confidence value="5">I</confidence>
+mideP(EO)2<confidence value="4884">oECI</confidence>
+ 12% <confidence value="885">(v/</confidence>
+v) A12<confidence value="44">03</confidence>
+/MoS2 cell carried out at 125<confidence value="2">*</confidence>
+C. While the same charge-discharge mechanism <boundary-data type="line-number">
+        <confidence value="86">30</confidence>
+        </boundary-data>
+was expected in this electrochemical system, the degradation degree in the Li/CPE/MoS2 cell was 0.5%/cycle, as seen in Fig. 11, which was higher than in the H<confidence value="5">P</confidence>
+E-consisting battery. This may be caused by poor contacts and insufficient ionic mobility in the a<confidence value="668">ll-</confidence>
+ <boundary-data type="header">
+        <confidence value="88">11</confidence>
+      </boundary-data>
+      <page-break num="12"/>
+      <boundary-data type="header">WO 2004/036668                                                 PCT/<confidence value="1">1</confidence>
+L2003/000623      </boundary-data>
+solid-state battery. It is noteworthy that no self-discharge was detected in all the Li/MoS<confidence value="5">2</confidence>
+ cells under investigation. Slow <confidence value="2222222222222">overdischarge</confidence>
+ to <confidence value="5">0</confidence>
+.2V does not affect the subsequent cycling behavior of the Li<confidence value="5885">/MoS</confidence>
+2 batteries.    </p>
+    <p id="p-91" num="91">
+      <confidence value="8">A</confidence>
+ <confidence value="8">k</confidence>
+nown method for improving the performance characteristics of a <boundary-data type="line-number">5   </boundary-data>
+battery is the formation of a protective layer, typically in the form of a very thin ion<confidence value="5">-</confidence>
+ conductive protective film, known as a solid electrolyte interphase (SE<confidence value="5">I</confidence>
+), over the pyrite particles of the cathode layer. The formation of the SEI provides protection to the cathode active material in fully cha<confidence value="8">r</confidence>
+ged and/or fully discharged states and improves the performance characteristics of the battery. To achieve high performance characteristics in <boundary-data type="line-number">
+        <confidence value="66">10</confidence>
+        </boundary-data>
+the lithium and Li-ion batteries, the SEI must be an electronic resistor and an ionic conductor. In accordance with another embodiment of the present invention, a S<confidence value="66">EI</confidence>
+ is built in situ as a solid ion-conducting electrolyte in the 3D-microbattery. The S<confidence value="66">EI</confidence>
+ is electrochemically formed by overdischarge of the cell during the first cycle or during the first few cycles. This procedure may also be carried out during electrochemical lithiation <boundary-data type="line-number">
+        <confidence value="66">15</confidence>
+        </boundary-data>
+of graphite in Li-ion batteries.    </p>
+    <p id="p-92" num="92">For a lithium battery, a metallic lithium electrode was used as the anode material. For lithium-ion applications, additional casting of lithiated graphite particles with polymer used as a binder is needed. In accordance with another embodiment of the present invention, a microbattery is formed by depositing an anode layer directly on the <boundary-data type="line-number">20  </boundary-data>
+current collector layer. In this embodiment, the anode is formed by electrochemical deposition of an anode material, such as Sn<confidence value="1885">xSby</confidence>
+, onto the first layer of the current collector, or by chemical vapor deposition of a carbonaceous precursor on nic<confidence value="5">k</confidence>
+el- deposited silicon, where the nickel coating acts as a catalyst. This is followed by successive formation of a soft carbon layer that serves as the anode for lithium-ion <boundary-data type="line-number">25   </boundary-data>
+batteries.    </p>
+    <p id="p-93" num="93">For the three-dimensional batteries of both the 3D-MB-<confidence value="5">1</confidence>
+ structure, in which the cathode material is deposited directly onto the substrate surface, and the 3D<confidence value="2">=</confidence>
+ MB-2 structure, where the anode material is in electronic contact with the substrate, the filling of cylindrical holes of the perforated silicon by HPE and lithiated graphite can be <boundary-data type="line-number">
+        <confidence value="86">30</confidence>
+        </boundary-data>
+performed by spinning and/or vacuum pooling.    </p>
+    <p id="p-94" num="94">The   following  are  additional examples   of microbatteries  with electrochemically deposited cathodes, constructed and operative in accordance with <boundary-data type="header">
+        <confidence value="88">12</confidence>
+      </boundary-data>
+      <page-break num="13"/>
+      <boundary-data type="header">WO 200<confidence value="5">4</confidence>
+/036668                                               PCT/<confidence value="4">I</confidence>
+L2003<confidence value="5">/</confidence>
+000623      </boundary-data>
+further embodiments of the present invention, and their performance. One example is a planar thin film Li<confidence value="5">/</confidence>
+copper sulfide-on silicon battery with a solid polymer and gel electrolyte was cycled at 120<confidence value="2">*</confidence>
+C and at room temperature. The degree of degradation of both cells was in the range of 1.5-2.5 %/cycle. The capacity loss of a Li/solid polymer <boundary-data type="line-number">5  </boundary-data>
+electrolyte/mixed cobalt cathode cell was about 3%/cycle. In another example, a planar <confidence value="5882">1cm2</confidence>
+ Li/gel polymer electrolyte/molybdenum sulfide cell went through over <part-num-ref name="planar 1cm2 Li/gel polymer electrolyte/molybdenum sulfide cell went through over">1000</part-num-ref>
+ reversible cycles with a capacity loss of less than 0.1%/cycle at room temperature. In a further example, a 3D Li-ion<confidence value="66">/H</confidence>
+PE/MoS<confidence value="5">2</confidence>
+ battery went over <part-num-ref name="3D Li-ion/HPE/MoS2 battery went over">50</part-num-ref>
+ reversible cycles with capacity loss of about 0.5%/cycle.    </p>
+    <p id="p-95" num="95">
+      <boundary-data type="line-number">
+        <confidence value="5">1</confidence>
+0                      </boundary-data>
+Microbatteries routinely go more than 100 cycles. The thin-film Cu<confidence value="5">2</confidence>
+S/Li battery can operate both at room temperature and at a temperature of <confidence value="5882">120*</confidence>
+C. The cell delivers a rechargeable capacity of <part-num-ref name="rechargeable capacity of">160</part-num-ref>
+ <confidence value="4">m</confidence>
+Ah/g with a flat potential plateau at <confidence value="588">ca.</confidence>
+ <confidence value="6">1</confidence>
+.6V vs.    </p>
+    <p id="p-96" num="96">
+      <confidence value="88588">Li/Li</confidence>
+ <confidence value="8">.</confidence>
+    </p>
+    <p id="p-97" num="97">
+      <boundary-data type="line-number">
+        <confidence value="5">1</confidence>
+5         </boundary-data>
+Example <confidence value="5">1</confidence>
+ A secondary electrochemical cell, consisting of a lithium anode, a hybrid polymer electrolyte a<confidence value="5">n</confidence>
+d a MoS<confidence value="5">2</confidence>
+ cathode on a silicon substrate, was assembled.    </p>
+    <p id="p-98" num="98">To remove organic and metallic residues, the silicon substrate was immersed in a solution of H<confidence value="656">202</confidence>
+: NH<confidence value="54">4O</confidence>
+H for <part-num-ref name="solution of H202: NH4OH for">5</part-num-ref>
+ m<confidence value="66">in</confidence>
+ at 70<confidence value="2">*</confidence>
+C and washed in deionized <boundary-data type="line-number">20   </boundary-data>
+water with successive immersion into a <confidence value="5868">H202</confidence>
+: HC<confidence value="4">l</confidence>
+ mixture for another <part-num-ref name="H202: HCl mixture for another">5</part-num-ref>
+ m<confidence value="66">in</confidence>
+. After rinsing in deionized water, the substrate was etched in a NH<confidence value="5">4</confidence>
+F: HF solution for <part-num-ref name="NH4F: HF solution for">2</part-num-ref>
+ m<confidence value="668">in.</confidence>
+    </p>
+    <p id="p-99" num="99">The surface activation was accomplished in a PdC<confidence value="56">l2</confidence>
+:HC<confidence value="586">l:H</confidence>
+F:CH3COOH solution at room temperature for <part-num-ref name="PdCl2:HCl:HF:CH3COOH solution at room temperature for">2</part-num-ref>
+ m<confidence value="668">in.</confidence>
+    </p>
+    <p id="p-100" num="100">
+      <confidence value="8">A</confidence>
+ <confidence value="5885">0.3p</confidence>
+m thick cathode was prepared by reduction of MoS<confidence value="52">4-</confidence>
+ ions on a <boundary-data type="line-number">25   </boundary-data>
+nickel coated silicon substrate at a constant current density of 10-15 mA/c<confidence value="525">m2.</confidence>
+ The nickel deposition was carried out in a NiSO<confidence value="5">4</confidence>
+:NaH<confidence value="5885">2PO2</confidence>
+:EDTA (o<confidence value="5">r</confidence>
+ CH<confidence value="4">3</confidence>
+COONa) solution with <confidence value="86">pH</confidence>
+ of <part-num-ref name="NiSO4:NaH2PO2:EDTA (or CH3COONa) solution with pH of">4</part-num-ref>
+ and at an elevated temperature of 90<confidence value="2">*</confidence>
+C for a few minutes. The thickness of the nickel deposited is a f<confidence value="8">u</confidence>
+nction of time and can be varied.    </p>
+    <p id="p-101" num="101">The deposition of the MoS<confidence value="5">2</confidence>
+ was carried out using an aqueous solution of <boundary-data type="line-number">
+        <confidence value="86">30</confidence>
+       </boundary-data>
+      <confidence value="6866">0.05</confidence>
+M tetrathiomolybdate. A potassium chloride (0.1 M) electrolyte was the supporting electrolyte. The <confidence value="22222222222222222">electrodeposition</confidence>
+ was carried out at room temperature using a constant <boundary-data type="header">
+        <confidence value="88">13</confidence>
+      </boundary-data>
+      <page-break num="14"/>
+      <boundary-data type="header">WO 200<confidence value="5">4</confidence>
+/036668                                              PCT/I L2003/000<confidence value="588">623</confidence>
+      </boundary-data>
+current density of <part-num-ref name="constant current density of">10</part-num-ref>
+ mA/cm<confidence value="5">2</confidence>
+ for <part-num-ref name="mA/cm2 for">4</part-num-ref>
+ m<confidence value="66">in</confidence>
+. The deposited samples were thoroughly rinsed in deionized water and vacuum-dried at an elevated temperature.    </p>
+    <p id="p-102" num="102">SEM micrographs reveal that the films deposited at room temperature are fairly continuous without visible cracks. EDS measurements showed 1:2 Mo:S ratio<confidence value="2">.</confidence>
+    </p>
+    <p id="p-103" num="103">
+      <boundary-data type="line-number">5   </boundary-data>
+XPS data supported this composition. The films were X-ray transparent, indicating an amorphous structure of MoS<confidence value="68">2.</confidence>
+    </p>
+    <p id="p-104" num="104">The preferred polymer for the hybrid polymer electrolyte (HPE) is a commercially available PVDF-2801 copolymer (Kynar). The PVDF powder was dissolved in high-purity cyclopentanone (Aldrich). Fumed silica <part-num-ref name="PVDF powder was dissolved in high-purity cyclopentanone (Aldrich). Fumed silica">130</part-num-ref>
+ (Degussa) and <boundary-data type="line-number">
+        <confidence value="66">10</confidence>
+         </boundary-data>
+propylene carbonate (PC, Merck), were added and the mixture was stirred at room temperature for about <part-num-ref name="mixture was stirred at room temperature for about">24</part-num-ref>
+ hours to get a homogeneous slurry. After complete dissolution<confidence value="5">,</confidence>
+ the <confidence value="22222">slury</confidence>
+ was cast on the Teflon support and spread with the use of the doctor-blade technique. To prevent surface irregularities, the film was then covered with a box with holes to allow a slow evaporation of the cyclopentanone. After complete evaporation of <boundary-data type="line-number">15  </boundary-data>
+the <confidence value="22222222222222">cyclopentanone</confidence>
+, a 13mm diameter disc was cut from the polymer membrane. The disc was then soaked in a Li<confidence value="45">lm</confidence>
+ide-based electrolyte for <part-num-ref name="Lilmide-based electrolyte for">48</part-num-ref>
+ hours. At least three fresh portions of electrolyte were used for each soaking to ensure a complete exchange of the PC by the electrolyte. Li<confidence value="55">Im</confidence>
+ide-ethylene carbonate (EC):dimethyl carbonate (DMC) <confidence value="588">1:1</confidence>
+ (v/v) based electrolytes were stored in a glove box with Li chips.    </p>
+    <p id="p-105" num="105">
+      <boundary-data type="line-number">20                </boundary-data>
+The Li/HPE/MoS<confidence value="5">2</confidence>
+ cells were cycled at room temperature using a Maccor series <part-num-ref name="Maccor series">2000</part-num-ref>
+ battery test system. The voltage cut-off was 1.3 to 2.4 V, and the charge/discharge current density was 10-<confidence value="588">100</confidence>
+ <confidence value="1">i</confidence>
+A/cm<confidence value="5">2</confidence>
+. The Li/<confidence value="5">H</confidence>
+PE/MoS<confidence value="5">2</confidence>
+ cell delivered above <part-num-ref name="Li/HPE/MoS2 cell delivered above">20</part-num-ref>
+ <confidence value="11">}.</confidence>
+Ah per cycle at <confidence value="6662466">100pIA/</confidence>
+cm2 (Fig. <part-num-ref name="}.Ah per cycle at 100pIA/cm2 (Fig.">8)</part-num-ref>
+ for over <part-num-ref name="for over">1000</part-num-ref>
+ reversible cycles with the capacity fade of 0.05 %/cycle. The Faradaic efficiency was close to 100%.    </p>
+    <p id="p-106" num="106">
+      <boundary-data type="line-number">
+        <confidence value="88">25</confidence>
+      </boundary-data>
+ Example 2 A Li/composite polymer electrolyte (CPE)<confidence value="5">/</confidence>
+MoS<confidence value="5">2</confidence>
+ battery was assembled.    </p>
+    <p id="p-107" num="107">The cathode was prepared as in Example 1.</p>
+    <p id="p-108" num="108">A 50  m thick film composite polymer electrolyte with a composition of <boundary-data type="line-number">
+        <confidence value="86">30</confidence>
+         </boundary-data>
+Li<confidence value="5">I</confidence>
+mide<confidence value="1">i</confidence>
+ P(EO)<confidence value="54">2o</confidence>
+ EC<confidence value="4">i</confidence>
+ 9% v/v A<confidence value="414">1z0</confidence>
+3 was prepared from <part-num-ref name="composition of LiImidei P(EO)2o ECi 9% v/v A1z03 was prepared from">45</part-num-ref>
+ mg Li<confidence value="4">l</confidence>
+mide, <part-num-ref name="mg Lilmide,">300</part-num-ref>
+ mg P(EO), <part-num-ref name="mg P(EO),">30</part-num-ref>
+ <confidence value="88">mg</confidence>
+ EC and <part-num-ref name="mg EC and">100</part-num-ref>
+ mg <confidence value="84556">A2O3.</confidence>
+    </p>
+    <boundary-data type="header">
+      <confidence value="88">14</confidence>
+    </boundary-data>
+    <boundary-data type="header">WO 200<confidence value="5">4</confidence>
+/036668                                                PCT/<confidence value="4">I</confidence>
+L2003<confidence value="5">/</confidence>
+000<confidence value="588">623</confidence>
+    </boundary-data>
+    <p id="p-109" num="109">
+      <page-break num="15"/>
+Poly<confidence value="7">e</confidence>
+thylene oxide) (<confidence value="2222">P(EO</confidence>
+)) was purchased from Aldrich, (average molecular weight 5x106) and was vacuum dried at a temperature of <part-num-ref name="temperature of">45</part-num-ref>
+ to <part-num-ref name="to">50</part-num-ref>
+ <confidence value="2">°</confidence>
+C for about <part-num-ref name="°C for about">24</part-num-ref>
+ hours. A polymer slurry was prepared by dispersing known quantities of P(<confidence value="5">E</confidence>
+O), <confidence value="2222222">Lilmide</confidence>
+, and ethylene carbonate (<confidence value="5">E</confidence>
+C) in analytical grade acetonitrile, together with the <boundary-data type="line-number">5   </boundary-data>
+required amount of an inorganic filler, such as A<confidence value="45">12</confidence>
+03 (Buehler) with an average diameter of about 150A. To ensure the formation of a homogeneous suspension, an ultrasonic bath or high-speed homogenizer was used. The suspensio<confidence value="1">A</confidence>
+ was stirred for about <part-num-ref name="suspensioA was stirred for about">24</part-num-ref>
+ hours before the P<confidence value="5">E</confidence>
+ f<confidence value="8">i</confidence>
+lms were cast on the fine polished Teflon support <part-num-ref name="fine polished Teflon support">(64</part-num-ref>
+ cm area). The solvent was allowed to evaporate slowly and then the films were vacuum dried at <part-num-ref name="films were vacuum dried at">120</part-num-ref>
+ <confidence value="25">*C</confidence>
+ <boundary-data type="line-number">10   </boundary-data>
+for at least <part-num-ref name="*C for at least">5</part-num-ref>
+ hours. The final thic<confidence value="8">k</confidence>
+ness of the solvent-free P<confidence value="5">E</confidence>
+ films was between <part-num-ref name="solvent-free PE films was between">30</part-num-ref>
+ to <part-num-ref name="to">50</part-num-ref>
+ <confidence value="5">p</confidence>
+m thick.    </p>
+    <p id="p-110" num="110">The Li/composite polymer electrolyte (CP<confidence value="5">E</confidence>
+)/MoS<confidence value="5">2</confidence>
+ battery was cycled at a temperature of 120<confidence value="2">*</confidence>
+C and a current density of <part-num-ref name="current density of">50</part-num-ref>
+ mA/cm<confidence value="2">2</confidence>
+. The voltage cutoff on discharge was 1.1 V. The voltage cutoff on charge was 2.2 V (Fig.<confidence value="5">1</confidence>
+0). The cell went through over <part-num-ref name="cell went through over">40</part-num-ref>
+ <boundary-data type="line-number">15   </boundary-data>
+reversible cycles (100% DOD<confidence value="5">)</confidence>
+, and the degree of degradation did not exceed 0.5 %/cycle <confidence value="86">(F</confidence>
+ig. 11).    </p>
+    <p id="p-111" num="111">Example 3 A Li/CPE/Cu<confidence value="4">2</confidence>
+S cell with a <part-num-ref name="">
+        <confidence value="6">1</confidence>
+      </part-num-ref>
+ <confidence value="15">lm</confidence>
+ thick film composite cathode was <boundary-data type="line-number">20   </boundary-data>
+prepared and assembled as described in Example <part-num-ref name="lm thick film composite cathode was prepared and assembled as described in Example">1,</part-num-ref>
+ using the following materials: <part-num-ref name="following materials:">33</part-num-ref>
+ <confidence value="58">mg</confidence>
+ <confidence value="86">Li</confidence>
+I, <part-num-ref name="mg LiI,">216</part-num-ref>
+ mg P(<confidence value="5">E</confidence>
+O), <part-num-ref name="mg P(EO),">41</part-num-ref>
+ mg <confidence value="5">E</confidence>
+C, <confidence value="666">100</confidence>
+mg A<confidence value="45">12</confidence>
+03 . A 100% dense Cu<confidence value="5">2</confidence>
+S cathode was prepared by anodic oxidation of a metallic copper layer electrodeposited on the electroless copper.    </p>
+    <p id="p-112" num="112">The silicon substrate was pretreated, in solutions of H2<confidence value="4">0</confidence>
+(5):H<confidence value="66685">202(1</confidence>
+):NH4<confidence value="5">0</confidence>
+H(1), <confidence value="864">H20</confidence>
+(6):H<confidence value="65685">202(1</confidence>
+):HC<confidence value="4">l</confidence>
+(1) at temperatures of 80 -<confidence value="5882">100*</confidence>
+C and in isopropanol, to remove <boundary-data type="line-number">25   </boundary-data>
+oxides and organic contaminations. The sample <confidence value="5">w</confidence>
+as further <confidence value="5">w</confidence>
+et-etched in a strong basic solution, then rinsed in water and immediately immersed in a Pd-containing solution to increase the catalytic activity of the silicon substrate surface. The solution for electroless copper deposition consisted of (g/<confidence value="5">L</confidence>
+): 10-15 CuSO<confidence value="588565">4x5H2O</confidence>
+, 10-15 NaOH, 2-3 NiC<confidence value="2668658">12xH2O,</confidence>
+ 0.001 Na2S<confidence value="544">2Os</confidence>
+, 15-25<confidence value="5">m</confidence>
+L/L HCOH (37%).    </p>
+    <p id="p-113" num="113">
+      <boundary-data type="line-number">
+        <confidence value="86">30</confidence>
+                      </boundary-data>
+The electrolyte for copper electrodeposition contained (g/L): 200-250 CuSO<confidence value="588565">4x5H2O</confidence>
+    and 50-60 H2S<confidence value="54">O4</confidence>
+. The electrodeposition was performed at room temperature and a current density of <part-num-ref name="current density of">50</part-num-ref>
+ mA/cm<confidence value="2">2</confidence>
+ for <part-num-ref name="mA/cm2 for">8</part-num-ref>
+ m<confidence value="66">in</confidence>
+. The copper layer thus <confidence value="222222">fonned</confidence>
+ <boundary-data type="header">
+        <confidence value="88">15</confidence>
+      </boundary-data>
+      <page-break num="16"/>
+      <boundary-data type="header">WO 200<confidence value="5">4</confidence>
+/03666<confidence value="5">8</confidence>
+                                              PCT/<confidence value="4">1</confidence>
+L2003<confidence value="5">/</confidence>
+000<confidence value="588">623</confidence>
+      </boundary-data>
+was electrooxidised in an aqueous solution of polysulfides, consisting of a mi<confidence value="8">x</confidence>
+ture of <confidence value="66">10</confidence>
+mM Na<confidence value="5">2</confidence>
+S, <confidence value="585">0.l</confidence>
+M NaOH and elemental sulfur, at a constant current of 0.1 mA/cm<confidence value="5">2</confidence>
+ <confidence value="4686">-0.5</confidence>
+ <confidence value="86">mA</confidence>
+/cm2 for a few seconds. A SEM micrograph of the silicon-copper-copper sulfide layers is shown in Fig. 2. XRD data affirming the obtaining of a Cu<confidence value="5">z</confidence>
+S compound is shown in <boundary-data type="line-number">
+        <confidence value="5">5</confidence>
+         </boundary-data>
+Fig. <confidence value="88">3.</confidence>
+    </p>
+    <p id="p-114" num="114">The Li/CPE/Cu<confidence value="5">2</confidence>
+S cell went through over 50 reversible cycles, and the degree of degradation did not exceed <confidence value="686">1.5</confidence>
+ %/cycle, as seen in Figs. 4 and <part-num-ref name="and">
+        <confidence value="68">5.</confidence>
+      </part-num-ref>
+    </p>
+    <p id="p-115" num="115">Example 4 <boundary-data type="line-number">
+        <confidence value="66">10</confidence>
+                     </boundary-data>
+A Li<confidence value="66">/H</confidence>
+PE/Cu<confidence value="5">2</confidence>
+S cell with a <part-num-ref name="">1</part-num-ref>
+ <confidence value="6">p</confidence>
+m thick film cathode was prepared and assembled as described in Examples <part-num-ref name="pm thick film cathode was prepared and assembled as described in Examples">2</part-num-ref>
+ and <part-num-ref name="and">3.</part-num-ref>
+ The cell went through over <part-num-ref name="cell went through over">120</part-num-ref>
+ reversible cycles (100% DOD), with the degree of degradation being 0.8 %/cycle.    </p>
+    <p id="p-116" num="116">Example 5 <boundary-data type="line-number">
+        <confidence value="4">1</confidence>
+5                     </boundary-data>
+A Li/CPE/WS<confidence value="5">2</confidence>
+ cell with a 0.4 <confidence value="5">p</confidence>
+m thick film composite cathode was prepared as described in Example <part-num-ref name="0.4 pm thick film composite cathode was prepared as described in Example">2.</part-num-ref>
+ The cell went through over <part-num-ref name="cell went through over">135</part-num-ref>
+ reversible cycles (100% DOD), and the degree of degradation did not exceed 0.2 %<confidence value="5">/</confidence>
+cycle.    </p>
+    <p id="p-117" num="117">Example 6 <boundary-data type="line-number">20                </boundary-data>
+A Li/CPE/Cu2S cell with a <part-num-ref name="">2</part-num-ref>
+ m thick film composite cathode with a Li<confidence value="685">2S6</confidence>
+ to Li<confidence value="5">I</confidence>
+ ratio of 1:0.25 was assembled as described in Example <part-num-ref name="Li2S6 to LiI ratio of 1:0.25 was assembled as described in Example">3.</part-num-ref>
+ The Li<confidence value="5">/</confidence>
+CPE/ Cu<confidence value="4">2</confidence>
+S cell was cycled for over <part-num-ref name="Li/CPE/ Cu2S cell was cycled for over">40</part-num-ref>
+ (100% DOD<confidence value="5">)</confidence>
+ cycles.    </p>
+    <p id="p-118" num="118">Example 7 <boundary-data type="line-number">
+        <confidence value="85">25</confidence>
+                      </boundary-data>
+A Li<confidence value="5">/</confidence>
+CPE/Co <confidence value="86">Sy</confidence>
+ cell with a 0.3 <confidence value="5">p</confidence>
+m thick film composite cathode was assembled as described in Example <part-num-ref name="0.3 pm thick film composite cathode was assembled as described in Example">3.</part-num-ref>
+ A 100% dense <confidence value="25466">CoXSy</confidence>
+ cathode was prepared by electrochemical oxidation of metallic Co in the solution of polysulfides. The Li<confidence value="5">/</confidence>
+CPE/ <confidence value="884">Cox</confidence>
+Sy cell was cycled for over <part-num-ref name="Li/CPE/ CoxSy cell was cycled for over">30</part-num-ref>
+ (<confidence value="5">1</confidence>
+00% DOD) cycles (Fig. 12).    </p>
+    <p id="p-119" num="119">
+      <boundary-data type="line-number">
+        <confidence value="86">30</confidence>
+         </boundary-data>
+Example <confidence value="5">8</confidence>
+ <confidence value="8">A</confidence>
+ <confidence value="66">li</confidence>
+thium-ion/MoS2 cell with a 0.5 <confidence value="45">pm</confidence>
+ thick film cathode and a hybrid polymer electrolyte was prepared according to the procedure of Example <part-num-ref name="procedure of Example">1.</part-num-ref>
+ The <confidence value="5">H</confidence>
+PE was <boundary-data type="header">
+        <confidence value="88">16</confidence>
+      </boundary-data>
+      <page-break num="17"/>
+      <boundary-data type="header">WO 200<confidence value="545">41/</confidence>
+036668                                               PCT<confidence value="54">/1</confidence>
+L2003<confidence value="5">/</confidence>
+000623      </boundary-data>
+formed, by casting, on a cathode layer deposited on a silicon substrate. The <confidence value="2222222222">lithiation</confidence>
+ of graphite powder was carried out as follows:    </p>
+    <p id="p-120" num="120">1. A  polymer binder (polystyrene) was dissolved in toluene. After dissolution, a graphite powder, with an average particle size of a few  <confidence value="5">m</confidence>
+, was added to the <boundary-data type="line-number">5   </boundary-data>
+mixture. The resulting slurry was spread on a copper current collector by doctor blade.    </p>
+    <p id="p-121" num="121">2. This electrode was vacuum dried and assembled with lithium and ion- conductive separator (Celgard soaked in <confidence value="5">1</confidence>
+M LiPF6 EC:DEC 1:1 v/v) in cells.    </p>
+    <p id="p-122" num="122">3. After a fe<confidence value="5">w</confidence>
+ successive cyc<confidence value="8">l</confidence>
+es, the cells were disassembled and the <confidence value="222222222">lithiated</confidence>
+ electrode was rinsed in DMC and vacuum dried.    </p>
+    <p id="p-123" num="123">
+      <boundary-data type="line-number">
+        <confidence value="66">10</confidence>
+                      </boundary-data>
+The lithiated graphite electrodes were used as anodes in Li-ion/<confidence value="5">H</confidence>
+PE/MoS<confidence value="5">2</confidence>
+ on-silicon battery. The battery was reversibly charged-discharged for over <part-num-ref name="battery was reversibly charged-discharged for over">1000</part-num-ref>
+ cycles with capacity loss of 0.06%/cycle. The Faradaic efficiency was close to <part-num-ref name="Faradaic efficiency was close to">100</part-num-ref>
+ %. The battery delivered about <part-num-ref name="battery delivered about">10</part-num-ref>
+ <confidence value="2">p</confidence>
+Ah per cycle (Fig. 9).    </p>
+    <p id="p-124" num="124">
+      <boundary-data type="line-number">15   </boundary-data>
+Example 9 A 3D-lithium-ion/MoS2 cell, with a 0.3 <confidence value="1114">pazm</confidence>
+ thick fil<confidence value="8">m</confidence>
+ cathode and a hybrid polymer electrolyte, was prepared according to the procedures of Examples <part-num-ref name="procedures of Examples">1</part-num-ref>
+ and <part-num-ref name="and">8.</part-num-ref>
+ The electrodeposition was performed in a <confidence value="6866">0.05</confidence>
+M tetrathiomolybdate electrolyte. Lithiated graphite (see Example <part-num-ref name="0.05M tetrathiomolybdate electrolyte. Lithiated graphite (see Example">8)</part-num-ref>
+ was peeled from the copper electrode and introduced into a <boundary-data type="line-number">20   </boundary-data>
+toluene solution. A few hours of stirring produced a homogenous mixture of lithiated graphite and binder in toluene. The cylindrical holes of the perforated silicon were filled with <confidence value="5">H</confidence>
+PE and lithiated graphite by spinning. The battery was reversibly charged- discharged for <part-num-ref name="battery was reversibly charged- discharged for">50</part-num-ref>
+ cycles and delivered <part-num-ref name="cycles and delivered">35</part-num-ref>
+ <confidence value="2">p</confidence>
+Ah per cycle. The Faradaic efficiency was close to <part-num-ref name="Faradaic efficiency was close to">100</part-num-ref>
+ %.    </p>
+    <p id="p-125" num="125">
+      <boundary-data type="line-number">25                </boundary-data>
+It will be appreciated by persons skilled in the art that the present invention is not limited by what has been particularly shown and described hereinabove. Rather the scope of the present invention includes both combinations and subcombinations of the various features described hereinabove as well as variations and modifications which would occur to persons skilled in the art upon reading the specification and which are not <part-num-ref name="specification and which are not">
+        <confidence value="86">30</confidence>
+      </part-num-ref>
+   in the prior art.    </p>
+    <boundary-data type="header">
+      <confidence value="88">17</confidence>
+    </boundary-data>
+  </description>
+</us-patent-application>
+

prior_art/10558128.xml

@@ -0,0 +1,864 @@
+<?xml version="1.0" encoding="utf-8"?>
+<!DOCTYPE us-patent-application SYSTEM "PATI-v1.0.3-2011-06-23.dtd">
+<us-patent-application lang="EN" dtd-version="v1.0.3 2011-06-23" id="us-patent-application" country="US">
+  <us-bibliographic-data-application lang="EN" country="US">
+    <application-reference appl-type="utility">
+      <document-id>
+        <doc-number>10558128</doc-number>
+        <date>2005-11-23</date>
+      </document-id>
+    </application-reference>
+  </us-bibliographic-data-application>
+  <description id="description">
+    <boundary-data type="header">WO 2004/103060                                     PCT<confidence value="5">/</confidence>
+GB2004<confidence value="5">/</confidence>
+00221<confidence value="8">1</confidence>
+    </boundary-data>
+    <boundary-data type="header">
+      <confidence value="8">1</confidence>
+    </boundary-data>
+    <heading id="h-1">METH<confidence value="8">O</confidence>
+DS F<confidence value="5">O</confidence>
+R ALTERING THE LEVEL OF PHYTOCHEMICALS IN PLANT CELLS BY APPLYING WAVE    </heading>
+    <p id="p-1" num="1">LENGTHS <confidence value="5">O</confidence>
+F LIGHT FR<confidence value="8">O</confidence>
+M 400 NM TO <part-num-ref name="NM TO">700</part-num-ref>
+ NM AND APPARATUS THEREFORE The present invention relates to a method for altering the level of phytochemicals in plant cells and/or plant tissue and means therefor. In particular, the invention relates to a method for altering the level of phytochemicals such as plant secondary metabolites in harvested plant cells and/or plant tissue by applying wavelengths of light thereto selected from the white light or visible spectrum and means therefor.    </p>
+    <p id="p-2" num="2">It is known that the application of light from the UV spectrum, such as UV-<confidence value="5">B</confidence>
+ and UV-C can help to increase the levels of for example 'essential oils' and secondary metabolites in whole plants. However, UV-<confidence value="5">B</confidence>
+ and UV-C is problematic to handle for humans and is heavily implicated in cancerous disease processes. As such, UV-<confidence value="5">B</confidence>
+ and UV-C light is considered potentially harmful to healthy mammalian tissue and is considered hazardous to use.    </p>
+    <p id="p-3" num="3">'Essential oils' are responsible in large part for the aromaticity associated with many plants, such as plants comprising perfumed flowers and herbs, such as culinary herbs. Essential oils consist mainly of terpenoids and can include such compounds as <confidence value="5">1</confidence>
+,8-cineole, limonene, linalool and <confidence value="21">B3</confidence>
+-ocimene. Other compounds which may be found in essential oils, that is, oils which are not terpenoids, can include phenyl-propanoid-derived compounds such as methyl chavicol, methyl cinnamate, eugenol, and methyl eugenol. Thus, the term <confidence value="5">'</confidence>
+essential oils' is used in a qualitative sense to encompass compounds as indicated herein which contribute to the aromaticity of plants such as perfumed ornamentals and culinary herbs.    </p>
+    <p id="p-4" num="4">Ultraviolet light (and specifically UV-B) is known to have effects on the levels of secondary compounds of the phenyl-propanoid pathway of plants via action on key regulatory enzymes such as phenylalaline ammonia-lyase (Kuhn, D.N. et a<confidence value="5">l</confidence>
+ <part-num-ref name="phenyl-propanoid pathway of plants via action on key regulatory enzymes such as phenylalaline ammonia-lyase (Kuhn, D.N. et al">(1984)</part-num-ref>
+ Proc. Nat<confidence value="8">.</confidence>
+    </p>
+    <p id="p-5" num="5">Acad.Sci., USA, 81, 1102-1106) and chalcone synthase (Batschauer, A. et <confidence value="85">al</confidence>
+ <part-num-ref name="et al">(1996)</part-num-ref>
+ The Plant Journal <part-num-ref name="Plant Journal">9,</part-num-ref>
+ 63-69 and Christie, J.M. and Jenkins, G.<confidence value="5">I</confidence>
+. <part-num-ref name="Plant Journal 9, 63-69 and Christie, J.M. and Jenkins, G.I.">(1996)</part-num-ref>
+ The Plant Cell <part-num-ref name="Plant Cell">8,</part-num-ref>
+ 1555- 1567). There are many published reports of UV-<confidence value="5">B</confidence>
+ sti<confidence value="8">m</confidence>
+ulation of phenolic compounds, including surface flavonols and flavonoids (Cuadra, P. and Harborne, J.B. <part-num-ref name="Plant Cell 8, 1555- 1567). There are many published reports of UV-B stimulation of phenolic compounds, including surface flavonols and flavonoids (Cuadra, P. and Harborne, J.B.">(1996)</part-num-ref>
+ <confidence value="22222222222">Zeitschrift</confidence>
+ <confidence value="84">fu</confidence>
+r Faturfors<confidence value="5">c</confidence>
+hung <part-num-ref name="Zeitschrift fur Faturforschung">51</part-num-ref>
+ <confidence value="5">c</confidence>
+, 671-680 and Cuadra, P. et a<confidence value="2">!</confidence>
+ <part-num-ref name="c, 671-680 and Cuadra, P. et a!">(1997)</part-num-ref>
+ Phytochemist<confidence value="68">ry</confidence>
+ <part-num-ref name="Phytochemistry">
+        <confidence value="86">45</confidence>
+,      </part-num-ref>
+ 1377-1383), anthocyanins (Yatsuhashi, H. et a<confidence value="4">l</confidence>
+ (1.982) Plant Physiology <part-num-ref name="Phytochemistry 45, 1377-1383), anthocyanins (Yatsuhashi, H. et al (1.982) Plant Physiology">70,</part-num-ref>
+ 735-741 and Oelm<confidence value="5">O</confidence>
+ller, R. and Mohr, H. (1985). Proc. Nat. Acad. S<confidence value="66">ci</confidence>
+., USA <part-num-ref name="Phytochemistry 45, 1377-1383), anthocyanins (Yatsuhashi, H. et al (1.982) Plant Physiology 70, 735-741 and OelmOller, R. and Mohr, H. (1985). Proc. Nat. Acad. Sci., USA">82,</part-num-ref>
+ 6124-6128) and betacyanins (Rudat, A. and Goring, H. (1995). J. Expl. Bot. <part-num-ref name="and Goring, H. (1995). J. Expl. Bot.">46,</part-num-ref>
+ 129-134) and these <page-break num="2"/>
+      <boundary-data type="header">WO 2004/103060                                      PCT/GB2004/002211</boundary-data>
+      <boundary-data type="header">
+        <confidence value="8">2</confidence>
+      </boundary-data>
+compounds have been implicated both in plant defence (Chappell, J. and Hah<confidence value="5">l</confidence>
+brock, K.    </p>
+    <p id="p-6" num="6">(1984) Nature 311, 76-78 and Guevara, P. et <confidence value="8">a</confidence>
+ <part-num-ref name="">(1997)</part-num-ref>
+ Phyton <part-num-ref name="Phyton">60,</part-num-ref>
+ 137-140) and as protection against UV-light (Lois, R. <part-num-ref name="Phyton 60, 137-140) and as protection against UV-light (Lois, R.">(1994)</part-num-ref>
+ P<confidence value="5">l</confidence>
+ant<confidence value="5">a</confidence>
+ <part-num-ref name="Planta">194,</part-num-ref>
+ 498-503; Ziska, L.H. et <confidence value="86">al</confidence>
+ <part-num-ref name="Planta 194, 498-503; Ziska, L.H. et al">(1992)</part-num-ref>
+ Am. Jn<confidence value="4">l</confidence>
+. B<confidence value="5">o</confidence>
+t. <part-num-ref name="Am. Jnl. Bot.">79,</part-num-ref>
+ 863-871 and Fiusello, N. et al <part-num-ref name="Am. Jnl. Bot. 79, 863-871 and Fiusello, N. et al">(1985)</part-num-ref>
+ A<confidence value="244">/li</confidence>
+onia (T<confidence value="66">ur</confidence>
+in) <part-num-ref name="A/lionia (Turin)">26,</part-num-ref>
+ 79-88).    </p>
+    <p id="p-7" num="7">Although observations have been reported on the effects of certain bands of UV <confidence value="8">l</confidence>
+ight and of infrared light in altering, typically increasing the levels of certain phytochemicals within plant cells, the available art appears to be silent on the effect of irradiating plant cells or tissue with light of other wavelengths.    </p>
+    <p id="p-8" num="8">A recognised problem associated with harvested vegetables or harvested vegetable parts are that the levels of plant phytochemicals, such as plant secondary metabolites, starts to decrease post-harvest almost immediately. For example, as harvested vegetables are processed for freezing and/or canning or are simply placed in refrigerators, such as domestic appliances or simply on open surfaces in a room for short periods for eating later by consumers, they lose much of their nutritional content in terms of the levels of phytochemicals found therein. The term "phytochemical" encompasses any chemical compound such as a secondary plant metabolite and which may be found naturally occurring in a plant. Such phytochemicals include antioxidants such as vitamins, e.g.</p>
+    <p id="p-9" num="9">vitamins C and/or E, glucosinolates, such as sinigrin, sulphoraphane, 4- methylsulphinylbutyl glucosinolate, and/or 3 methyl - sulphinylpropyl glucosinolate, progoitrin and glucobrassicin, isothiocyanates, indoles (products of glucosinolate hydrolysis), glutathione, carotenoids such as beta-carotene, lycopene, and the xanthophyll carotenoids such as lutein and zeaxanthin, phenolics comprising the flavonoids such as the flavonols (e.g. quercetin, rutin), the flavans/tannins (such as the procyanidins comprising <confidence value="5">.</confidence>
+coumarin, proanthocyanidins, catechins, and anthocyanins), flavones (e.g luteolin from artichokes), phytoestrogens such as coumestans, lignans, resveratrol, isoflavones e.g.    </p>
+    <p id="p-10" num="10">genistein, daidzein, and glycitein, and resorcyclic acid lactones, and organosulphur compounds, phytosterols, terpenoids such as <confidence value="2222222">camosol</confidence>
+, rosmarinic acid, glycyrrhizin and saponins, and chlorophyll and <confidence value="222222222222">chlorphyllin</confidence>
+, sugars, and other<confidence value="1">-</confidence>
+food products such as anthocyanins, vanilla and other fruit and vegetable flavours and texture modifying agents and the like. Research indicates that the antioxidant properties of certain phytochemicals may help protect against the effects of ageing and chronic diseases, such as cancer and cardiovascular disease in mammals, and in pa<confidence value="8">r</confidence>
+ticular in humans.    </p>
+    <p id="p-11" num="11">Phytochemicals can also serve as pharmaceutical compounds per se in mammalian <page-break num="3"/>
+      <boundary-data type="header">WO 2004/103060                                      PC<confidence value="66">T/</confidence>
+GB2004/002211      </boundary-data>
+      <boundary-data type="header">
+        <confidence value="8">3</confidence>
+      </boundary-data>
+species, such as humans, or pharmaceutically active derivatives can be synthesised from other intermediate compounds therefore that are found in plants and may be isolated therefrom. Thus, <confidence value="5">"</confidence>
+phytochemicals<confidence value="2">"</confidence>
+ that may be substantially pharmaceutically inactive may find a use in providing or in being <confidence value="22222222222222222">intermediates.for</confidence>
+ the synthesis of active agents for the treatment of diseases such as cancers, and/or in pain management of mammals suffering from diseases, such as humans. Thus, plant chemicals falling under the definition of "phytochemicals" herein and that are known to be useful in the design of and/or provision of pharmaceutically active compounds include vincristine and vinblastine from Cathar<confidence value="5">a</confidence>
+nthus roseus, taxanes such as those described in USP5665576, for example, taxol (paclitaxel), baccatin I<confidence value="668">ll,</confidence>
+ <confidence value="66">10</confidence>
+-desacetylbaccatin I<confidence value="668">ll,</confidence>
+ <confidence value="66">10</confidence>
+-desacetyl taxol, xylosyl taxol, 7-epitaxol, 7- epibaccatin I<confidence value="668">ll,</confidence>
+ <confidence value="5">1</confidence>
+0-desacetylcephalomannine, 7-epicephalomannine, taxotere, cephalomannine, xylosyl cephalomannine, <confidence value="2222222222">taxagifine</confidence>
+, 8-benxoyloxy taxagifine, 9-acetyloxy taxusin, 9-hydroxy taxusin, taiwanxam, taxane <confidence value="5">l</confidence>
+a, taxane <confidence value="4">I</confidence>
+b, taxane Ic, taxane Id, GMP paclitaxel, 9-dihydro <confidence value="5">1</confidence>
+3-acetylbaccatin I<confidence value="66">ll</confidence>
+, and <confidence value="66">10</confidence>
+-desacetyl-7-epitaxol from plants.of the family Taxaceae such as plants of the genera Amentotaxus, Austrotaxus, Pseudotaxus, Torreya and Taxus, for example from plants of the genus Taxus, such as T. brevifolia, T.    </p>
+    <p id="p-12" num="12">baccata, T. x media (e.g. Taxus media hicksii, Taxus x media Rehder), T. wallichiana, T.</p>
+    <p id="p-13" num="13">Canadensis, T. cuspidata, T. floridiana, T. celebica, and T. x hunnewelliana, T.</p>
+    <p id="p-14" num="14">Canadensis, and tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD) from cannabis plants such as Cannabis sativa, Cannabis indica, and Cannabis ruderalis, and other pharmaceuticals such as genistein, diadzein, codeine, morphine, quinine, shikonin, ajmalacine, serpentine and the like.</p>
+    <p id="p-15" num="15">It has now been observed that by exposing or directing certain wavelengths selected from those making up white light onto harvested plant material such as green plant parts or plant cells comprising chlorophyll the level of phytochemicals therein can be transiently increased. Such phytochemicals include secondary metabolites as described herein and other phytochemicals for use as pharmaceuticals as alluded to herein. As a consequence, the level of desired plant phytochemicals, such as plant secondary metabolites e.g.</p>
+    <p id="p-16" num="16">antioxidants, can be increased in harvested plant material by the simple application of wavelengths of light for relatively short periods of time selected from those wavelengths or bands found in cold light, that is, <confidence value="22222222">visiblje</confidence>
+ light.    </p>
+    <p id="p-17" num="17">According to the present invention there is provided a method of altering the level of at least one phytochemical in a plant cell comprising chlorophyll or in plant tissue comprising chlorophyll by irradiating the said plant cell or plant tissue with light of at least one <page-break num="4"/>
+      <boundary-data type="header">WO 2004/103060                                      PCT/GB2004/00221<confidence value="8">1</confidence>
+      </boundary-data>
+      <boundary-data type="header">
+        <confidence value="8">4</confidence>
+      </boundary-data>
+wavelength selected from the range of wavelengths of from 400nm to 700nm.    </p>
+    <p id="p-18" num="18">The wavelength of light used may be of a single wavelength or a combination of at least two  <confidence value="2">*</confidence>
+ selected wavelengths within the range of from 400nm to 700nm such that it or they are capable of altering the level of phytochemicals found in a plant cell or in plant tissue, typically raising the level of phytochemicals contained therein upon exposure over a suitable time interval and at a suitable light intensity. Thus, the skilled addressee will appreciate that the wavelengths of light used in the present invention on plant material such as harvested vegetables or green leaf matter or green plant cells in culture, such as moss cells eg cells of <confidence value="22222222222222">physcomitrella</confidence>
+ patens, according to the method of the invention do not constitute all of the wavelengths of light making up white light, but a selection of them.    </p>
+    <p id="p-19" num="19">Furthermore, it is to be understood that the light wavelength or wavelengths employed in the present invention are selected from so-called <confidence value="5">'</confidence>
+cold light<confidence value="5">'</confidence>
+ wavelengths, that is, the light used in the present invention does not comprise UV wavelengths and does not constitute infrared wavelengths, both forms of which are potentially hazardous to use. In a preferred embodiment, the wavelength or band of light used lies in the range of from 420nm to 700nm, preferably from 450nm to 700nm, or in any combination of light wavelengths therein, depending on design and the phytochemical of interest. A suitable set of wavelengths that has been found to influence the level of certain phytochemicals in plant tissue is from 420nm - <part-num-ref name="level of certain phytochemicals in plant tissue is from 420nm -">700</part-num-ref>
+ nm with a capacity of up to <part-num-ref name="capacity of up to">2000</part-num-ref>
+ microM/m2/s<confidence value="1">'</confidence>
+ from above that is to the ventral side of the leaf, up to 700nm from the lateral (side) and dorsal (underside) side, e.g. from 650nm - 700nm with a capacity of <part-num-ref name="capacity of">600</part-num-ref>
+ micro<confidence value="58">Mm</confidence>
+2/s<confidence value="2">1</confidence>
+, or any combination of two or three wavelengths thereof for periods ranging up to <part-num-ref name="microMm2/s1, or any combination of two or three wavelengths thereof for periods ranging up to">180</part-num-ref>
+ mins or longer depending on design, the light intensity and plant material used. It has now been found that light of a wavelength or a mixture of wavelengths found in the red and/or blue part of the visible spectrum appears to be particularly suitable for altering the level of phytochemicals within plant tissue comprised of a plant cell or plant cells that is/are capable of photosynthesis.    </p>
+    <p id="p-20" num="20">The red wavelength may be selected from a wavelength within the range of from 600nm - 700nm, preferably from 620nm - <part-num-ref name="range of from 600nm - 700nm, preferably from 620nm -">690</part-num-ref>
+ nm, more preferably from 625nm - <part-num-ref name="nm, more preferably from 625nm -">680</part-num-ref>
+ nm, and generally at about 650nm +<confidence value="58">/-</confidence>
+ <confidence value="8">1</confidence>
+5nm. The wavelength of blue light is typically selected from a wavelength within the range of from 420nm - 490nm, preferably from 430nm - 470nm, more preferably from 435nm - 465nmand generally at about 450nm +<confidence value="58">/-</confidence>
+ <confidence value="5">1</confidence>
+5nm. Red or blue light or a combination of both red and blue light at any given energy ratio may be employed in the method of the in<confidence value="7">t</confidence>
+ention. For instance, the energy ratio of Blue <confidence value="4">l</confidence>
+ight:Red light may be selected from within the range of from 7:1 to 1:7, 6:1 to 1:6, such as 5:1 to 1:5, such as 5:2 to 2:5, 5:3 to 3:5, or 5:4 to 4:5. Other Blue light: Red light ratios may be selected from within <page-break num="5"/>
+      <boundary-data type="header">WO 2004/103060                                     PCT/GB2004/00221<confidence value="8">1</confidence>
+      </boundary-data>
+      <boundary-data type="header">
+        <confidence value="88">.5</confidence>
+      </boundary-data>
+the ranges 4:1 to 1:4, 3:1 to 1:3, 2:1 to 1:2, and 1:1 and any permutation within these ranges depending on design. The actual red, blue or blue:red light or red:blue light energy ratio selected may depend on species, age of plant parts, the phytochemical of interest and design. Typically, one unit of energy for blue light is about <part-num-ref name="phytochemical of interest and design. Typically, one unit of energy for blue light is about">50</part-num-ref>
+ - <part-num-ref name="-">150</part-num-ref>
+ microM/m<confidence value="2">-</confidence>
+2/s<confidence value="1">1</confidence>
+ <confidence value="85">+/</confidence>
+- <part-num-ref name="microM/m-2/s1 +/-">30</part-num-ref>
+ microM/m<confidence value="288544">-2/s-1</confidence>
+, for example <part-num-ref name="microM/m-2/s-1, for example">100</part-num-ref>
+ microM<confidence value="68">/m</confidence>
+2/s<confidence value="25">-'</confidence>
+ <confidence value="85">+/</confidence>
+- <part-num-ref name="microM/m2/s-' +/-">30</part-num-ref>
+ microM/m<confidence value="2">-</confidence>
+2/s<confidence value="4">'</confidence>
+. Typically, one unit of energy for red light is about <part-num-ref name="microM/m-2/s'. Typically, one unit of energy for red light is about">50</part-num-ref>
+ - <part-num-ref name="-">100</part-num-ref>
+ microM/m<confidence value="2">-</confidence>
+2/ s<confidence value="2">'</confidence>
+ <confidence value="858">+/-</confidence>
+ <part-num-ref name="microM/m-2/ s' +/-">10</part-num-ref>
+ micro<confidence value="548">Mlm</confidence>
+2/ <confidence value="52">s'</confidence>
+, for example,75 microM/m<confidence value="86">2/</confidence>
+ <confidence value="84">s'</confidence>
+ <confidence value="868">+/-</confidence>
+ <part-num-ref name="microMlm2/ s', for example,75 microM/m2/ s' +/-">10</part-num-ref>
+ microM/m<confidence value="2">-</confidence>
+2/s<confidence value="24">-1</confidence>
+. From such values or approximations the light intensity of, for example, red light if used alone, or blue light if used alone, or blue and red light used together in a blue light:red light ratio shone onto plant material such as leaf surfaces may be calculated. Naturally, the skilled addressee will appreciate that depending on the plant cells or plant tissue employed, the length of time that the plant cells or tissue is exposed to light of wavelengths outlined herein will alter with design. Suitably, the length of time that plant cells or plant tissue may be exposed to wavelengths used in the present invention for an effect on phytochemical levels to be observed lies in the range up to <part-num-ref name="range up to">
+        <confidence value="5">1</confidence>
+80      </part-num-ref>
+ minutes.    </p>
+    <p id="p-21" num="21">Preferably, the exposure is up to <part-num-ref name="exposure is up to">100</part-num-ref>
+ minutes. More preferably, the exposure is up to <part-num-ref name="exposure is up to">60</part-num-ref>
+ minutes, and preferably still up to <part-num-ref name="minutes, and preferably still up to">45</part-num-ref>
+ minutes. Yet more preferably, the exposure is up to <part-num-ref name="exposure is up to">30</part-num-ref>
+ minutes and more preferably again, from <part-num-ref name="minutes and more preferably again, from">5</part-num-ref>
+ to <part-num-ref name="to">15</part-num-ref>
+ minutes. Typically, the level of phytochemicals is elevated on the application of light to the plant tissue or plant cell culture over short time intervals as alluded to herein.    </p>
+    <p id="p-22" num="22">In a further aspect the invention can be employed on any plant tissue that is capable of responding to exposure to or irradiation with wavelengths of light as outlined herein.</p>
+    <p id="p-23" num="23">Preferably, the plant tissue comprises tissue that is capable of photosynthesis. Plant material that can be used in the method of the invention includes all green vegetables and green seeds, e.g. peas, green beans, spinach, species from the Brassica <confidence value="22222222">oleracea</confidence>
+ such as broccoli, green cabbage, red cabbage, Brussels sprouts, kohlrabi, cauliflower, white cabbage, and the like, and all plant material, such as green plant material, for example, cells comprising chlorophyll, green stems, calyx, leaves, and the like that is able to respond to wavelengths of light selected from the range 400nm to 700nm as hereindescribed. Other plant material that may be treated in accordance with methods of the invention may be green material such as green needles derived from non-vegetable sources such as plants of the order Taxaceae as described herein, tea leaves, and of cells gr<confidence value="8">o</confidence>
+wn in plant cell cultures in bioreactors such as moss cells and tissues (e.g. protonema) from physcomitrella patens, and other plant cell cultures eg callus cell cultures, cultures of lemnospora species, algae or even somatic embryo clusters.    </p>
+    <boundary-data type="header">WO 2004/103060                                     PCT<confidence value="5">/</confidence>
+GB2004<confidence value="666">/00</confidence>
+221<confidence value="8">1</confidence>
+    </boundary-data>
+    <boundary-data type="header">
+      <confidence value="8">6</confidence>
+    </boundary-data>
+    <p id="p-24" num="24">
+      <page-break num="6"/>
+      <confidence value="5">I</confidence>
+n a further embodiment, there is provided a method of raising the phytochemical content in live plant cells or plant tissue in an environment by exposing the said plant cells or tissue with light of at least a wavelength selected from light of wavelengths found in cold light from an artificial light source. Naturally, the skilled addressee will appreciate that white light enriched with the selected wavelength(s) of light as described herein that alters the phytochemical profile of a plant cell or plant tissue, such as a harvested tissue lies within the ambit of the invention. In a preferred embodiment, the plant tissue of interest is exposed to light consisting of the wavelengths selected from the range of wavelengths 420nm - 700nm, such as a combination of white light and red light, re<confidence value="4">i</confidence>
+ light per se, a combination of red and blue light, red, blue and white light, blue light or white light enriched with blue light and the like. Preferably, the combination of light sources includes red light of a wavelength that may be selected from a wavelength within the range of from 600nm - 700nm, preferably from 620nm - <part-num-ref name="range of from 600nm - 700nm, preferably from 620nm -">690</part-num-ref>
+ nm, more preferably from 625nm - <part-num-ref name="nm, more preferably from 625nm -">680</part-num-ref>
+ nm, and generally at about 650nm <confidence value="668">+/-</confidence>
+ <confidence value="5">1</confidence>
+5nm. The wavelength of blue light is typically selected from a wavelength within the range of from 420nm - 490nm, preferably from 430nm - 470nm, more preferably from 435nm - 465nm and generally at about 450nm +<confidence value="58">/-</confidence>
+ <confidence value="5">1</confidence>
+5nm. Red or blue light or a combination of both red and blue light or a combination of red and/or blue light with white light at any selected energy ratio as hereindescribed may be employed in the method of the invention. In a preferred embodiment, the said plant cells or plant tissue can be located under cover. 'Under cover' means that the cells or tissue is located under cover when exposed, for example, during a food processing step prior to further processing such as freezing or canning or heat treating or cooking as alluded to hereinbelow.    </p>
+    <p id="p-25" num="25">In a further aspect, there is provided a method of harvesting plant cells or plant tissues under cover wherein the said plant cells or plant tissues are exposed with light of at least a wavelength selected from light of wavelengths found in cold light from an artificial light source.</p>
+    <p id="p-26" num="26">Also included as an aspect of the present invention is harvested plant material or plant cells obtainable by a method according to the present invention and having altered levels of <confidence value="2">*</confidence>
+ phytochemicals, typically elevated levels of phytochemicals when co<confidence value="8">m</confidence>
+pared to plant material or plant cells that have not been exposed to light of wavelengths used in the method of the present invention.    </p>
+    <p id="p-27" num="27">'Cover' is to be understood as a general term and may be taken to mean a receptacle in <page-break num="7"/>
+      <boundary-data type="header">WO 2004/103060                                     PCT/GB2004/00221<confidence value="8">1</confidence>
+      </boundary-data>
+      <boundary-data type="header">
+        <confidence value="7">7</confidence>
+      </boundary-data>
+which the plant material or plant cells may be placed, for example a closed container with a built-in light source therein, such as a refrigerator unit comprising an inbuilt light source that can be activated on demand for a pre-determined time interv<confidence value="8">a</confidence>
+l. Thus, as an aspect of the invention there is provided a cooling means, such as a conventional refrigerator comprising a light source capable of emitting light selected from the wavelengths of light as hereindescribed. Alternatively, <confidence value="5">'</confidence>
+under cover' may be taken to mean a processing factory wherein harvested plant material is exposed to one or more light sources producing light of appropriate wavelength or wavelengths over a short period of time during the processing operation, such as canning, freezing plant material, or immediately prior to the cooking of foods for canning or for baby food manufacture eg purees and the like, and further processed foods such as soups, vegetable-based sauces and the like.    </p>
+    <p id="p-28" num="28">Thus as a further aspect of the invention there is provided a processed food obtainable by a food processing method incorporating therein the irradiation of live plant cells that are irradiated with light of at least a wavelength selected from light of wave<confidence value="8">l</confidence>
+engths found in cold light from an artificial light source. Suitable wavelengths of light are those described herein and these are applied for an appropriate, pre-determined time interval as described herein.    </p>
+    <p id="p-29" num="29">A still further aspect of the invention provides a food processing method comprising exposing live plant cells to light of at least one wavelength selected from light of wavelengths found in cold light from an artificial light source. Typically the wavelength(s) of the light is/are selected from the range 420nm - <part-num-ref name="range 420nm -">700</part-num-ref>
+ nm as hereindescribed and is applied for a pre-determined period of time sufficient to alter the phytochemical profile of the exposed plant cells and/or harvested plant tissue.    </p>
+    <p id="p-30" num="30">"Plant cells" also includes those plant parts or tissues which display an aromaticity due to the presence of volatile phytochemicals, which for the purposes of the present invention are included in the definition of "phytochemicals" herein, and which is detectable by the human olfactory senses when such plant cells making up a plant part are cut or harvested. Such plants may display the aromaticity naturally, for example in the case of cut herbs, from the cut leaves. The plant cells or tissue or parts include members of the Labiatae, such as the broad-leafed herbs. Suitable examples of broad-leafed herbs include basil, oregano, sage, coriander, dill, marjoram and thyme. Other herbs, such as cut herbs that may benefit from being treated according to the present invention include chives, garlic, bay leaf, le<confidence value="8">m</confidence>
+on balm, mint, lavender, parsley, the fennels, eg bronze fennel and common fennel, and the like. A more complete <confidence value="8">l</confidence>
+ist of common herbs to which the invention can be applied is to be found in Taylors Guide to Herbs <part-num-ref name="invention can be applied is to be found in Taylors Guide to Herbs">1995,</part-num-ref>
+ Eds. Buchanan R. &amp; Tenebaum F. Houghton M<confidence value="588488">ifflin</confidence>
+ <page-break num="8"/>
+      <boundary-data type="header">WO 2004/103060                                       PCT<confidence value="5">/</confidence>
+GB2004<confidence value="5">/</confidence>
+00221<confidence value="8">1</confidence>
+      </boundary-data>
+      <boundary-data type="header">
+        <confidence value="8">8</confidence>
+      </boundary-data>
+Co. New York: the teaching of this guide. reference is hereby incorporated into the teaching of the present specification. Natural<confidence value="8">l</confidence>
+y, the skilled addressee will appreciate that the said plant cells or plant parts are alive when exposed to light in accordance with the present invention and are capable of responding to the application of the cold light- derived light stimulus.    </p>
+    <p id="p-31" num="31">Plant cells or plant parts may be harvested at any stage of growth so long as the harvested plant cells or tissue are capable of responding to the application of light of wavelength and duration as outlined herein. In a preferred embodiment, the harvested plant cells or tissue of broad - leaf herbs can be exposed to wavelengths of light used in the present invention from the <part-num-ref name="">3</part-num-ref>
+ to <part-num-ref name="to">4</part-num-ref>
+ leaf stage and most preferably in the case of culinary herbs such as basil, the 5-leaf stage. It is envisaged that plant cells and/or tissue such as culinary herbs and green vegetables are most usefully exposed as herein-described immediately before processing (e.g. freeze drying, adding to processed foods such as sauces, soups, canned goods and the like), that is to say after the harvesting of cuttings from such plants and/or the provision of young plants for processing e.g. as dried herbs. Dried herbs treated with light as outlined herein immediately post-harvest, for a short period of time, particularly those measured at the 5-leaf stage, are considered to display an increased aromaticity relative to controls which are not exposed to light as described herein.    </p>
+    <p id="p-32" num="32">The artificial light source can be of any suitable conventional source, such as a light emitting diode or even a white light source comprising filters that let through light of the desired wavelength(s). The light source may be placed at any distance from the harvested material provided that the light energy used is sufficient to influence, for example to induce or saturate oxygen evolution at the photosystem <confidence value="55">II</confidence>
+ reaction centre and/or to trigger, that is set off, a transient photo-oxidative stress and/or a moderate photosynthetic electron transport inhibition. Optimising of the light energy and light composition may be performed for example, by monitoring oxygen evolution and chlorophyll fluorescence using conventional methods (e.g. according to the instruction manual and software of Hansatech Instruments Ltd., King's Lynn, UK). It is preferable to locate the light source in a position which affords the greatest amount of irradiation per square unit (e.g. cm2, m2 etc.) of the harvested plant material. Suitably, depending on the size of the covered area, for example that of a processing compartment in a processing factory, or of a fridge or other container such as a microwave oven or magnetron fitted with a suitable light source capable of being manually or automatically activated, for example, by employing a timing means and thereby emitting wavelengths of light as indicated herein and described herein. Alternatively, an <page-break num="9"/>
+      <boundary-data type="header">WO 2004/103060                                      PCT/GB2004/00221<confidence value="8">1</confidence>
+      </boundary-data>
+      <boundary-data type="header">
+        <confidence value="8">9</confidence>
+      </boundary-data>
+independent container specifically designed for exposing plant parts or cells to light of wavelengths as described herein may be employed. In a further alternative, the number of light sources may be as little as one to a whole 'battery' of light sources arranged in series and/or in parallel, for example, in a food processing factory setting, each light source being suitably distanced one from the other at appropriate intervals in such a manner as to effect exposure of the plant material to light of wavelengths as described herein which results in a significant alteration in the level of phytochemicals found therein, preferably an increase of desired phytochemicals.    </p>
+    <p id="p-33" num="33">In a further embodiment of the invention there is provided use of at least a wavelength selected from light of wavelengths found in cold light from an artificial light source in a method of processing plant cells or harvested plant tissue under cover. Preferably, the said wavelength is selected from the wavelengths of light found in the range of from 420nm - 700nm and as hereindescribed.</p>
+    <p id="p-34" num="34">In a further embodiment, there is provided use of at least one wavelength selected from light of wavelengths found in cold light in a method for increasing the phytochemical content in harvested live plant material. In a preferment, the said plant material is located under cover.</p>
+    <p id="p-35" num="35">In a further embodiment of the invention there is provided the use of plant parts exposed with at least one wavelength selected from light of wavelengths found in cold light in the manufacture of human foodstuffs, such as frozen vegetables (e.g. spinach or plant parts from a Brassica species) or seeds (e.g. peas), bottled or canned condiments, for example sauces for meat, fish and poultry dishes, flavourings, for example tapenade, salad dressings, cooking oils such as olive oil, sunflower oil and the like, soups, pasta and cheeses.</p>
+    <p id="p-36" num="36">According to a further aspect of the invention there is provided apparatus for performance of the method in accordance with any of the preceding aspects, the apparatus comprising an enclosure defining an exposure chamber, support means disposed in the chamber for supporting<confidence value="5">-</confidence>
+plant material therein in such a manner and position as to permit exposure to light from a plurality of directions, and light generating and applying means to generate light of at least one predetermined wavelength and to apply the generated light to the supported plant material for a predetermined period of time and from a plurality of directions to provide exposure of the material to the light from more than one side.    </p>
+    <boundary-data type="header">WO 2004/103060                                     PCT/GB2004/002211</boundary-data>
+    <boundary-data type="header">
+      <confidence value="88">10</confidence>
+    </boundary-data>
+    <p id="p-37" num="37">
+      <page-break num="10"/>
+The enclosure preferably has the form of a housing of any suitable volumetric form, for example cuboidal, which is closed at at least some <confidence value="5">o</confidence>
+f its sides. Such a housing can range from a relatively small<confidence value="5">-</confidence>
+size benchtop appliance of the kind compatible with domestic use, for example similar in concept to a microwave oven, through medium-size equipment suitable for use in commercial food preparation premises, for example a restaurant, to a large-size installation appropriate to bulk material treatment in an industrial context, such as a food-processing plant. In the case of larger size applications, the enclosure may take the form of a structure bounded by walls, a base and a ceiling, at least some of which are provided by integral or fitted internal elements of a building.    </p>
+    <p id="p-38" num="38">The exposure chamber defined by the enclosure can similarly be of any appropriate volume, but preferably is so dimensioned that the lengths of the light paths in at least the majority of the directions enable exposure of the material to a predetermined intensity of light for a given minimum expenditure of operating energy of the light generating and applying means. Thus, the enclosure can be large enough to accommodate light paths to the supported plant material in all the intended directions, but preferably not so large that the paths are of such length that an undue expenditure of energy is necessary to ensure application of the requisite intensity of light.</p>
+    <p id="p-39" num="39">The support means is preferably disposed so that the light can reach several sides of the material for exposure thereof to the light over a predetermined minimum proportion of its area. In a basic form it can comprise a member, such as a shelf, forming a surface on which the plant material can be placed. The member in that case should be light- permeable, whether by use of transparent material such as glass or clear plastics or by construction from, for example, intrinsically non-transparent or opaque material having light passage openings, for example a grating, mesh or apertured plate. Other forms of support means are equally possible depending on the kind of plant material, for example strips engageable under end portions of the material if of stable form, clamps or clips to fix and stretch or suspend the material, a pin or pins to support the material punctiformly or even skewer the material or a receptacle - whether transparent or perforated - to receive the material, particularly loose material.</p>
+    <p id="p-40" num="40">Moreover, the support means can be stationary or mobile depending on whether the plant material is to reside in the chamber in a fixed location or to move through the chamber. In <page-break num="11"/>
+      <boundary-data type="header">WO 2004/103060                                       PC<confidence value="52">T/</confidence>
+GB2004<confidence value="666">/00</confidence>
+221<confidence value="8">1</confidence>
+      </boundary-data>
+      <boundary-data type="header">
+        <confidence value="88">11</confidence>
+      </boundary-data>
+the case of movement of the material, the support means can be stationary and the enclosure itself, inclusive of the light generating and applying means, can be mobile so as to travel, perhaps in reciprocating manner, relative to the support means and in the supported material<confidence value="5">.</confidence>
+ In the case of mobile support means or a mobile enclosure, the enclosure m<confidence value="5">a</confidence>
+y be formed with one or more openings defining an entrance and exit or a combined <confidence value="2222222222222">exit/entrance</confidence>
+, the or each opening being optionally closable by a door or other closure means.    </p>
+    <p id="p-41" num="41">The light generating and applying means preferably comprises a plurality of light sources to emit light in different directions, a single light source with a plurality of reflectors to reflect light from the source in different directions, or a plurality of light sources and a plurality of reflectors to emit light and reflect light, respectively, in different directions. The or each such light source can comprise, for example, a light-emitting diode. The light generating and applying means preferably transmits light in the red, blue, or red and blue wavelengths, optionally in combination with white light or visible spectrum light as hereinbefore defined.</p>
+    <p id="p-42" num="42">The use of reflectors reduces energy costs at the expense of some attenuation of the light intensity, which may or may not be of consequence, depending on the size of the exposure chamber and quantity of plant material to be treated. The number and disposition of the light source or light sources and reflectors is thus preferably selected in dependence on constructional parameters of the apparatus and also parameters of the particular method of treatment. For preference, the light emitting and/or light reflecting components of the light generating and applying means are disposed at a plurality of sides of the enclosure. In a small-size appliance, the light sources may, for convenience in the provision of the power supply, be mounted in the same general region, for example a ceiling of the chamber, and reflectors provided in the region of the base of the chamber. The light exit surfaces of the sources and the planes of reflective surfaces of the reflectors can be oriented to ensure that light of the selected wavelength or wavelengths is aimed directly at the top, bottom and sides of the supported plant material. Such light sources can be, apart from light-emitting diodes, single lamps or arrays of lamps, for example incandescent bulbs or fluorescent tubelights. The reflectors can be, for example, mirrors, polished metal panels or simply reflective coatings or coverings applied to appropriately oriented internal surfaces of the enclosure. Emission of light in the preferred wavelength range of <part-num-ref name="preferred wavelength range of">400</part-num-ref>
+ to <part-num-ref name="to">700</part-num-ref>
+ nm can be achieved by transmitting the light emitted by the or each s<confidence value="8">o</confidence>
+urce through <confidence value="5">-</confidence>
+a transmission filter passing on light only of a selected specific wavelength. Similarly the duration of application of the light to the supported plant material can be controlled by switching means to switch off the light generating and applying means, such as by switching off operating voltage of <page-break num="12"/>
+      <boundary-data type="header">WO 2004/103060                                      PCT/GB2004/002211</boundary-data>
+      <boundary-data type="header">
+        <confidence value="88">12</confidence>
+      </boundary-data>
+the light source or sources after operation for the predetermined period of time. Preferably the control is by way of timing means with a time selection facility to select the predetermined period of time. Control of duration of exposure to the light can, however, equally well be achieved by other optical measures including screening or shielding the plant material, screening or shielding the light source or sources and reflector or reflectors, and influencing selectably reflective surfaces to become light transmissive. Alternatively, the treated plant material can be removed from the exposure chamber at the conclusion of the predetermined time period, whether by ejection after a dwell time in a rest state or by departure from the chamber after travel therethrough for the predetermined period, such travel embracing both movement of the support means supporting the material and movement of the enclosure inclusive of light source or sources and any associated reflectors.    </p>
+    <p id="p-43" num="43">It is to be understood that the teaching of all references cited herein is incorporated into the instant specification.</p>
+    <p id="p-44" num="44">The invention will now be described with reference to the following examples and accompanying drawing (Figure 1). It is to be understood that the examples and information presented in Figure 1 are not to be viewed as limiting the scope of the invention in any way.</p>
+    <heading id="h-2">EXPERIMENTAL</heading>
+    <p id="p-45" num="45">Plant Material. Cut Chinese cabbage (bokchoi), green broccoli, and spinach were obtained from a supermarket<confidence value="5">.</confidence>
+ Arabidopsis thaliana Col-<confidence value="4">0</confidence>
+ plants were obtained from the No<confidence value="66">tt</confidence>
+ingham Arabidopsis stock centre.    </p>
+    <p id="p-46" num="46">Light Treatments.  Plant parts/leaves were irradiated with light intensity of 1400 microM<confidence value="682">/m-</confidence>
+2/s<confidence value="1">'</confidence>
+ from above and <part-num-ref name="microM/m-2/s' from above and">180</part-num-ref>
+ microM/m<confidence value="2">-</confidence>
+2/s<confidence value="4">'</confidence>
+ from below. Plant parts/leaves were kept on a transparent dish and sprayed with water and saturated with C<confidence value="5">O</confidence>
+2 which helped prevent the plant parts/leaves from drying out and supplied extra C<confidence value="5">O</confidence>
+2 for photosynthesis during light exposure.    </p>
+    <p id="p-47" num="47">1400 microM/m<confidence value="8854">2/s1</confidence>
+: Light source consisted of two Futur LED red Type R210R2-MF, Swarco Austria (total of 180 microM<confidence value="66">/m</confidence>
+2/s<confidence value="2">l</confidence>
+ of 680nm +<confidence value="5">/</confidence>
+- 2<confidence value="5">0</confidence>
+nm); <part-num-ref name="microM/m2/sl of 680nm +/- 20nm);">300</part-num-ref>
+ microM<confidence value="688854">/m2/s1</confidence>
+ of red filtered light (General Electric Quartzline EHJ, 25<confidence value="5">0</confidence>
+W 24V light) with a transmission filter of &gt;650 and &lt;700 nm; the rest <part-num-ref name="rest">(920</part-num-ref>
+ microM/m2/s<confidence value="1">'</confidence>
+) was white halogen light (General Electric <page-break num="13"/>
+      <boundary-data type="header">WO 2004/103060                                           PCT/GB2004/00221<confidence value="8">1</confidence>
+      </boundary-data>
+      <boundary-data type="header">
+        <confidence value="88">13</confidence>
+      </boundary-data>
+Quartzline EHJ, 250W, 24V light).    </p>
+    <p id="p-48" num="48">180 micro<confidence value="52886854">M/m2/s"1</confidence>
+: Light source consisted of two Futur LED Red Type R21 <confidence value="4">0</confidence>
+R2-M, Swarco Austria lights (tota<confidence value="8">l</confidence>
+ 180 micro<confidence value="528">M/m</confidence>
+2/s<confidence value="5">1</confidence>
+ of 680nm +<confidence value="5">/</confidence>
+- <part-num-ref name="microM/m2/s1 of 680nm +/-">10</part-num-ref>
+ nm.    </p>
+    <p id="p-49" num="49">Environmental conditions: Temperature 20 degrees centigrade; humidity 80%.</p>
+    <p id="p-50" num="50">Analysis of Plant Material: 20 - <part-num-ref name="-">50</part-num-ref>
+ grams of plant material from each plant type was used for exposure to different light intensities as described above. 3x <part-num-ref name="grams of plant material from each plant type was used for exposure to different light intensities as described above. 3x">
+        <confidence value="5">1</confidence>
+      </part-num-ref>
+ gram samples were used for analysis, and the analysis repeated three times.    </p>
+    <p id="p-51" num="51">Measurement of Ascorbate Levels: Yoshimura, K et al (2000) Plant Physiol. <part-num-ref name="Plant Physiol.">123,</part-num-ref>
+ <part-num-ref name="Plant Physiol. 123,">223</part-num-ref>
+ - <part-num-ref name="-">233</part-num-ref>
+ Measurement of Glutathione Levels: Karpinski, S. et al <part-num-ref name="Measurement of Glutathione Levels: Karpinski, S. et al">(1997)</part-num-ref>
+ Plant Cell, <part-num-ref name="Plant Cell,">9,</part-num-ref>
+ <part-num-ref name="Plant Cell, 9,">627</part-num-ref>
+ - 642;    </p>
+    <p id="p-52" num="52">Creissen G et al (1999) Plant Cell, <part-num-ref name="Plant Cell,">11,</part-num-ref>
+ 1277-1291.    </p>
+    <p id="p-53" num="53">Results Chin Cab.</p>
+    <p id="p-54" num="54">
+      <confidence value="222222">pmoles</confidence>
+ <confidence value="4">i</confidence>
+n   Tissue   Tissue conc mean conc     SD extract     g FW    <confidence value="2222">pmol</confidence>
+ <confidence value="2">/</confidence>
+ g FW  pmol <confidence value="4">/</confidence>
+ g FW 0,116      0,200      0,58           0,49  0,08892681 0,114      0,250      0,46 0,103      0,190      0,54 0,118      0,200      0,59 0,171      0,340      0,50 0,087      0,220      0,40 0,120      0,320      0,37 0,099      0,170      0,58 0,078      0,200      0,39 0,236      0,200      1,18           1,20  0,16252455 0,333      0,250      1,33 0,256      0,190      1,35 0,198      0,200      0,99 0,317      0,340      0,93 0,310      0,220      1,41 0,363      0,320      1,13 0,222      0,170      1,31 0,240      0,200      1,20 <page-break num="14"/>
+      <boundary-data type="header">WO 2004/103060                                              PCT/GB2004/00221<confidence value="8">1</confidence>
+      </boundary-data>
+      <boundary-data type="header">
+        <confidence value="88">14</confidence>
+      </boundary-data>
+Broccoli pmoles in    Tissue   Tissue conc mean conc      SD extract     g <confidence value="66">FW</confidence>
+     pmol<confidence value="1">/</confidence>
+ <confidence value="5">g</confidence>
+ FW  <confidence value="22222">pmoll</confidence>
+ <confidence value="8">g</confidence>
+ <confidence value="88">FW</confidence>
+ <confidence value="86">0,</confidence>
+100       0,200       0,50           0,69   0,15479792 0,181       0,230      .0,79 0,164       0,170       0,97 0,295       0,400       0,74 0,246       0,400       0,62 0,177       0,340       0,52 0,167       0,200       0,84 0,224       0,350       0,64 0,059       0,100       0,59 0,149       0,100       1,49           1,23   0,16203449 0,245       0,200       1,23 0,313       0,250       1,25 0,185       0,150       1,23 0,377       0,300       1,26 0,282       0,200       1,41 0,228       0,200       1,14 0,155       0,150       1,04 0,196       0,200       0,98 Spinach pmoles <confidence value="4">i</confidence>
+n    Tissue   Tissue conc mean conc      SD extract     g FW     <confidence value="22222">pmoll</confidence>
+ <confidence value="5">g</confidence>
+ FW  <confidence value="58851">pmolI</confidence>
+ <confidence value="8">g</confidence>
+ <confidence value="88">FW</confidence>
+ 0,093       0,215       0,43           0,47   0,07651205 0,127       0,279       0,45 0,120       0,250       0,48 0,112       0,200       0,56 0,150       0,457       0,33 0,151       0,340       0,44 0,131       0,270       0,49 0,108       0,220       0,49 0,089       0,150       0,59 0,224       0,270       0,83           1,04   0,19301555 0,306       0,215       1,42 0,345       0,319       1,08 0,123       0,100       1,23 0,228       0,210       1,09 0,188       0,200       0,94 0,306       0,300       1,02 0,207       0,250       0,83 0,260       0,280       0,93 Arabidopsis pmoles in    Tissue   Tissue conc <confidence value="8">m</confidence>
+ean conc      <confidence value="88">SD</confidence>
+ extract     g FW     <confidence value="2222">ymol</confidence>
+ <confidence value="5">g</confidence>
+ FW  pmo<confidence value="51">lI</confidence>
+ <confidence value="8">g</confidence>
+ <confidence value="88">FW</confidence>
+ 0,193       0,150       1,29<confidence value="5">.</confidence>
+         1,03   0,17199289 <page-break num="15"/>
+      <boundary-data type="header">WO 2004/103060                                                PCT/GB2004<confidence value="5">/</confidence>
+00221<confidence value="8">1</confidence>
+      </boundary-data>
+      <boundary-data type="header">
+        <confidence value="88">15</confidence>
+      </boundary-data>
+0,215       0,200        1,07 0,119       0,100        1,19 0,102       0,100        1,02 0,084       0,100        0,84 0,219       0,200        1,09 0,108       0,100        1,08 0,110       0,150        0,73 0,091       0,100        0,91 0,197       0,090        2,19            2,40   0,40223793 0,282       0,100        2,82 0,376       0,150        2,51 0,337       0,150        2,25 0,415       0,150        2,77 0,282       0,100        2,82 0,312       0,150        2,08 0,243       0,150        1,62 0,252       0,100        2,52 Ascorbate content in micro-mo<confidence value="5">l</confidence>
+ per gram FW before and after 90 m<confidence value="66">in</confidence>
+ exposure in PLP.    </p>
+    <p id="p-55" num="55">Chin.Cab      Broccoli     Spinach      Arabidopsis 0.5<confidence value="2">1</confidence>
+0.1       0.7 <confidence value="5">±</confidence>
+0.15     0.47 <confidence value="5">±</confidence>
+0.07     1.03<confidence value="288">*17</confidence>
+ 1.2<confidence value="2">±</confidence>
+0.16      1.2 <confidence value="5">±</confidence>
+0.16     1.05 <confidence value="5">±</confidence>
+0.19    2.4 <confidence value="5">±</confidence>
+0.4 Chin. Cab.    </p>
+    <p id="p-56" num="56">Total GSH   Chin. Cab Sample      Area        Amount      <confidence value="2222222">nmolesl</confidence>
+ nmoles      g<confidence value="1">I</confidence>
+FW        mean val.   SD 1     <part-num-ref name="">31654089</part-num-ref>
+      10,859     181,887     180,494   29,3206795 <part-num-ref name="10,859     181,887     180,494   29,3206795">3</part-num-ref>
+     <part-num-ref name="">41101872</part-num-ref>
+      13,447     225,244 <part-num-ref name="13,447     225,244">4</part-num-ref>
+     <part-num-ref name="">27238531</part-num-ref>
+       9,649     161,623 <part-num-ref name="9,649     161,623">5</part-num-ref>
+     <part-num-ref name="">27295469</part-num-ref>
+       9,665     161,885 <part-num-ref name="9,665     161,885">6</part-num-ref>
+     <part-num-ref name="">29161120</part-num-ref>
+      10,176     170,446 <part-num-ref name="10,176     170,446">7</part-num-ref>
+     <part-num-ref name="">36141765</part-num-ref>
+      12,088     202,482 <part-num-ref name="12,088     202,482">8</part-num-ref>
+     <part-num-ref name="">21379688</part-num-ref>
+       8,044     134,736 <part-num-ref name="8,044     134,736">9</part-num-ref>
+     <part-num-ref name="">36831972</part-num-ref>
+      12,277     205,649 <confidence value="66">1*</confidence>
+              <part-num-ref name="12,277     205,649 1*">39296546</part-num-ref>
+       12,952     216,959     281,096   69,9886728 3*               <part-num-ref name="12,952     216,959     281,096   69,9886728 3*">43822014</part-num-ref>
+      14,192     237,728 4*               <part-num-ref name="14,192     237,728 4*">48533904</part-num-ref>
+      15,483     259,351 5*              <part-num-ref name="15,483     259,351 5*">34841563</part-num-ref>
+       11,732     196,515 6*               <part-num-ref name="11,732     196,515 6*">50240901</part-num-ref>
+      15,951     267,185 7*              <part-num-ref name="15,951     267,185 7*">69414709</part-num-ref>
+       21,204     355,176 8*              <part-num-ref name="21,204     355,176 8*">78703191</part-num-ref>
+       23,749     397,803 9*               <part-num-ref name="23,749     397,803 9*">61325543</part-num-ref>
+      18,988     318,054 <page-break num="16"/>
+      <boundary-data type="header">WO 2004/103060                                                PCT<confidence value="5">/</confidence>
+GB2004<confidence value="666">/00</confidence>
+221<confidence value="8">1</confidence>
+      </boundary-data>
+      <boundary-data type="header">
+        <confidence value="88">16</confidence>
+      </boundary-data>
+Broccoli Total GSH   Broccoli Sample      Area        Amount      <confidence value="2222222">nmolesl</confidence>
+ nmoles      <confidence value="2222">g/FW</confidence>
+        mean val.   SD <part-num-ref name="18,988     318,054 Broccoli Total GSH   Broccoli Sample      Area        Amount      nmolesl nmoles      g/FW        mean val.   SD">1</part-num-ref>
+    <part-num-ref name="">41736924</part-num-ref>
+       13<confidence value="5">,</confidence>
+621     228,159     232,174   31,9447456 <part-num-ref name="13,621     228,159     232,174   31,9447456">3</part-num-ref>
+     <part-num-ref name="">51946723</part-num-ref>
+      16,418     275,013 <part-num-ref name="16,418     275,013">4</part-num-ref>
+     <part-num-ref name="">48612523</part-num-ref>
+      15,505     259,712 <part-num-ref name="15,505     259,712">5</part-num-ref>
+     <part-num-ref name="">40125988</part-num-ref>
+      13,180     220,766 <part-num-ref name="13,180     220,766">6</part-num-ref>
+     <part-num-ref name="">39622245</part-num-ref>
+      13,042     218,454 <part-num-ref name="13,042     218,454">7</part-num-ref>
+     <part-num-ref name="">40026742</part-num-ref>
+      13,153     220,310 <part-num-ref name="13,153     220,310">8</part-num-ref>
+     <part-num-ref name="">30111456</part-num-ref>
+      10,436     174,808 <part-num-ref name="10,436     174,808">9</part-num-ref>
+     <part-num-ref name="">48711647</part-num-ref>
+      15,532     260,167 1*              <part-num-ref name="15,532     260,167 1*">96714429</part-num-ref>
+       28,683     480,459     405,250   67,6418849 3*              <part-num-ref name="28,683     480,459     405,250   67,6418849 3*">84627781</part-num-ref>
+       25,372     424,992 4*               <part-num-ref name="25,372     424,992 4*">66388725</part-num-ref>
+      20,375     341,290 5*              <part-num-ref name="20,375     341,290 5*">68466721</part-num-ref>
+       20,944     350,826 6*               <part-num-ref name="20,944     350,826 6*">99927747</part-num-ref>
+      29,564     495,205 7*              <part-num-ref name="29,564     495,205 7*">76245116</part-num-ref>
+       23,075     386,522 8*              <part-num-ref name="23,075     386,522 8*">60224542</part-num-ref>
+       18,686     313,001 9*               <part-num-ref name="18,686     313,001 9*">90013325</part-num-ref>
+      26,847     449,707 Spinach Total GSH   Spinach Sample      Area        Amount      nmoles<confidence value="5">/</confidence>
+ nmoles      <confidence value="2222">g/FW</confidence>
+        mean val.   SD <part-num-ref name="26,847     449,707 Spinach Total GSH   Spinach Sample      Area        Amount      nmoles/ nmoles      g/FW        mean val.   SD">1</part-num-ref>
+     <part-num-ref name="">16715549</part-num-ref>
+       6,766     113,332     123,873   22,6697689 <part-num-ref name="6,766     113,332     123,873   22,6697689">3</part-num-ref>
+     <part-num-ref name="">19755348</part-num-ref>
+       7,599     127,282 <part-num-ref name="7,599     127,282">4</part-num-ref>
+     <part-num-ref name="">25672399</part-num-ref>
+       9,220     154,436 <part-num-ref name="9,220     154,436">5</part-num-ref>
+     <part-num-ref name="">24672953</part-num-ref>
+       8,946     149,849 <part-num-ref name="8,946     149,849">6</part-num-ref>
+     <part-num-ref name="">10044238</part-num-ref>
+       4,938      82,716 <part-num-ref name="4,938      82,716">7</part-num-ref>
+     <part-num-ref name="">16335627</part-num-ref>
+       6,662     111,588 <part-num-ref name="6,662     111,588">8</part-num-ref>
+     <part-num-ref name="">20004652</part-num-ref>
+       7,667     128,426 <part-num-ref name="7,667     128,426">9</part-num-ref>
+     <part-num-ref name="">18899746</part-num-ref>
+       7,364     123,355 1*              <part-num-ref name="7,364     123,355 1*">53397468</part-num-ref>
+       16,816    <confidence value="5">-</confidence>
+281,671     271<confidence value="5">,</confidence>
+408  65,4267522 3*              <part-num-ref name="16,816    -281,671     271,408  65,4267522 3*">58951541</part-num-ref>
+       18,337     307,159 4*               <part-num-ref name="18,337     307,159 4*">40128664</part-num-ref>
+      13,180     220,778 5*              <part-num-ref name="13,180     220,778 5*">37552495</part-num-ref>
+       12,475     208,956 6*               <part-num-ref name="12,475     208,956 6*">40002342</part-num-ref>
+      13,146     220,198 7*              <part-num-ref name="13,146     220,198 7*">42987689</part-num-ref>
+       13,964     233,899 8*              <part-num-ref name="13,964     233,899 8*">56244911</part-num-ref>
+       17,596     294,738 9*              <part-num-ref name="17,596     294,738 9*">80023341</part-num-ref>
+       24,111     403,861 Arabidopsis Total GSH   Arabidopsis Sample      Area        Amount      <confidence value="2222222">nmolesl</confidence>
+ nmoles      <confidence value="2222">g/FW</confidence>
+        mean val.   SD <part-num-ref name="24,111     403,861 Arabidopsis Total GSH   Arabidopsis Sample      Area        Amount      nmolesl nmoles      g/FW        mean val.   SD">1</part-num-ref>
+     <part-num-ref name="">11072453</part-num-ref>
+       5,220      87,435      97,860   19,2025604 <part-num-ref name="5,220      87,435      97,860   19,2025604">3</part-num-ref>
+     <part-num-ref name="">10999341</part-num-ref>
+       5,200      87,099 <page-break num="17"/>
+      <boundary-data type="header">WO 2004/103060                                           PCT<confidence value="5">/</confidence>
+GB2004<confidence value="5">/</confidence>
+00221<confidence value="8">1</confidence>
+      </boundary-data>
+      <boundary-data type="header">
+        <confidence value="88">17</confidence>
+      </boundary-data>
+      <confidence value="86">4-</confidence>
+   <part-num-ref name="5,200      87,099 4-">15494428</part-num-ref>
+      6,431    107,728 <part-num-ref name="6,431    107,728">5</part-num-ref>
+    <part-num-ref name="">20598562</part-num-ref>
+      7,830    131,151 <part-num-ref name="7,830    131,151">6</part-num-ref>
+     <part-num-ref name="">9534478</part-num-ref>
+      4,798     80,377 <part-num-ref name="4,798     80,377">7</part-num-ref>
+     <part-num-ref name="">9387374</part-num-ref>
+      4,758     79,702 <part-num-ref name="4,758     79,702">8</part-num-ref>
+    <part-num-ref name="">11667236</part-num-ref>
+      5,383     90,164 <part-num-ref name="5,383     90,164">9</part-num-ref>
+    <part-num-ref name="">17999245</part-num-ref>
+      7,118    119,223 1*             <part-num-ref name="7,118    119,223 1*">41009363</part-num-ref>
+     13,422    224,820    215,027  41,0803789 3*             <part-num-ref name="13,422    224,820    215,027  41,0803789 3*">27701187</part-num-ref>
+      9,776    163,747 4*             <part-num-ref name="9,776    163,747 4*">25622298</part-num-ref>
+      9,206    154<confidence value="5">,</confidence>
+206 5*             <part-num-ref name="9,206    154,206 5*">42888934</part-num-ref>
+     13,937    233,445 6*             <part-num-ref name="13,937    233,445 6*">36772672</part-num-ref>
+     12,261    205,377 7*             <part-num-ref name="12,261    205,377 7*">50902445</part-num-ref>
+     16,132    270,221 8*             <part-num-ref name="16,132    270,221 8*">37772453</part-num-ref>
+     12,535    209,965 9*             <part-num-ref name="12,535    209,965 9*">48333874</part-num-ref>
+     15,428    258,433 Reduced glutathione content in nano-mol per gram FW before and after <part-num-ref name="15,428    258,433 Reduced glutathione content in nano-mol per gram FW before and after">90</part-num-ref>
+ m<confidence value="66">in</confidence>
+ exposure in     </p>
+    <heading id="h-3">PLP.</heading>
+    <p id="p-57" num="57">Chin Cab.      Broccoli        Spinach     Arabidopsis 180<confidence value="258">t29</confidence>
+         232 <confidence value="5">±</confidence>
+32        <part-num-ref name="±32">123</part-num-ref>
+ <confidence value="5">±</confidence>
+22      <part-num-ref name="±22">
+        <confidence value="88">97</confidence>
+      </part-num-ref>
+ <confidence value="588">±19</confidence>
+ 281<confidence value="5">±</confidence>
+69         <part-num-ref name="±19 281±69">405</part-num-ref>
+ <confidence value="5">±</confidence>
+68        <part-num-ref name="±68">271</part-num-ref>
+ <confidence value="5">±</confidence>
+65       <part-num-ref name="±65">215</part-num-ref>
+ <confidence value="588">±41</confidence>
+ Peas - Vitamin C level Plant Material. Fresh green Peas are obtained from a supermarket.    </p>
+    <p id="p-58" num="58">Light Treatments. Peas are irradiated with light intensity of 1400 micro<confidence value="668">M/m</confidence>
+2/s<confidence value="1">'</confidence>
+ from above and <part-num-ref name="microM/m2/s' from above and">180</part-num-ref>
+ microM/m2/s<confidence value="5">'</confidence>
+ from below.    </p>
+    <p id="p-59" num="59">1400 microM/m2/s<confidence value="1">'</confidence>
+: Light source consists of two Futur LED red Type R210R2-MF, Swarco Austria (total of 180 microM/m<confidence value="2">-</confidence>
+2/s<confidence value="1">'</confidence>
+ of 6<confidence value="66">80</confidence>
+nm +<confidence value="5">/</confidence>
+- 2<confidence value="4">0</confidence>
+nm); <part-num-ref name="microM/m-2/s' of 680nm +/- 20nm);">300</part-num-ref>
+ microM/m2/s<confidence value="4">'</confidence>
+ of red filtered light (General Electric Quar<confidence value="5">t</confidence>
+zline EHJ, 250W 24V light) with a transmission filter of &gt;650 and &lt;700 nm; the rest <part-num-ref name="rest">(920</part-num-ref>
+ microM/m<confidence value="8654">2/s1</confidence>
+) is white halogen light (General Electric Quartzline EHJ, 250W, 24V light).    </p>
+    <p id="p-60" num="60">180 microM/m<confidence value="8855">2/s:</confidence>
+ Light source consists of two Futur LED Red Type R210R2-M, Swarco Austria lights (total 180 microM/m<confidence value="8851">2/s1</confidence>
+ of 680nm +<confidence value="58">/-</confidence>
+ <part-num-ref name="microM/m2/s1 of 680nm +/-">10</part-num-ref>
+ nm.    </p>
+    <p id="p-61" num="61">Environmental conditions: Temperature 20 degrees centigrade; humidity 80%.</p>
+    <boundary-data type="header">WO 2004/103060                                      PC<confidence value="52">T/</confidence>
+GB2004<confidence value="666">/00</confidence>
+221<confidence value="8">1</confidence>
+    </boundary-data>
+    <boundary-data type="header">
+      <confidence value="88">18</confidence>
+    </boundary-data>
+    <p id="p-62" num="62">
+      <page-break num="18"/>
+Analysis of Plant Material: Peas are exposed to different light intensities as described above. Treated peas are used for analysis. The vitamin content of control peas, that is, peas not subjected to the light treatment is also measured. Differences in vitamin C levels between control and treated peas (x3 replicates) are observed.    </p>
+    <p id="p-63" num="63">Measurement of Ascorbate Levels: Yoshimura, K et a<confidence value="5">l</confidence>
+ (2000) Plant Physiol. <part-num-ref name="Plant Physiol.">123,</part-num-ref>
+ <part-num-ref name="Plant Physiol. 123,">223</part-num-ref>
+ - <part-num-ref name="-">233</part-num-ref>
+ Brussels Sprouts, Green Cabbage - Vitamin C levels Plant Material. Cut Brussels sprouts and green cabbage are obtained from a supermarket.    </p>
+    <p id="p-64" num="64">Light Treatments.  Plant parts/ leaves are irradiated with light intensity of 1400 microM/m<confidence value="2">-</confidence>
+2/s<confidence value="1">'</confidence>
+ from above and <part-num-ref name="microM/m-2/s' from above and">180</part-num-ref>
+ microM/m<confidence value="2">-</confidence>
+2/s<confidence value="4">"</confidence>
+ from below.    </p>
+    <p id="p-65" num="65">1400 micro<confidence value="5288854">M/m2/s1</confidence>
+: Light source consists of two Futur LED red Type R210R2-MF, Swarco Austria (total of 180 microM/<confidence value="52">m-</confidence>
+2/s<confidence value="1">'</confidence>
+ of 680nm +<confidence value="5">/</confidence>
+- 2<confidence value="5">0</confidence>
+nm); <part-num-ref name="microM/m-2/s' of 680nm +/- 20nm);">300</part-num-ref>
+ microM/m2/s<confidence value="1">'</confidence>
+ of red filtered light (General Electric Quartzline EHJ, 250W 24V light) with a transmission filter of &gt;650 and &lt;700 nm; the rest <part-num-ref name="rest">(920</part-num-ref>
+ micro<confidence value="528">M/m</confidence>
+2/s<confidence value="4">1</confidence>
+) is white halogen light (General Electric Quartzline EHJ, 250W, 24V light).    </p>
+    <p id="p-66" num="66">180 micro<confidence value="6688854">M/m2/s"</confidence>
+: Light source consists of two Futur LED Red Type R210R2-M, Swarco Austria lights (total 180 micro<confidence value="6688854">M/m2/s'</confidence>
+ of 680nm +<confidence value="58">/-</confidence>
+ <part-num-ref name="microM/m2/s' of 680nm +/-">10</part-num-ref>
+ nm.    </p>
+    <p id="p-67" num="67">Environmental conditions: Temperature 20 degrees centigrade; humidity 80%.</p>
+    <p id="p-68" num="68">Analysis of Plant Material: 20 <confidence value="8">-</confidence>
+ <part-num-ref name="-">50</part-num-ref>
+ grams of plant material from each plant type is used for exposure to different light intensities as described above. <part-num-ref name="grams of plant material from each plant type is used for exposure to different light intensities as described above.">3</part-num-ref>
+ x <confidence value="22222">1gram</confidence>
+ samples are used for analysis, and the analysis repeated. Differences in vitamin C level between treated plant material and non-treated plant material (control) are observed.    </p>
+    <p id="p-69" num="69">Measurement of Ascorbate Levels: Y<confidence value="5">o</confidence>
+shimura, K et al (2000) Plant Physiol. <part-num-ref name="Plant Physiol.">123,</part-num-ref>
+ <part-num-ref name="Plant Physiol. 123,">223</part-num-ref>
+ - <part-num-ref name="-">233</part-num-ref>
+ Section 2<confidence value="5">:</confidence>
+ Exposure of Catharanthus roseus Leaves to Red and White L<confidence value="66">ig</confidence>
+ht and HPLC Analysis thereof.    </p>
+    <boundary-data type="header">WO 2004/103060                                     PC<confidence value="66">T/</confidence>
+GB2004/00221<confidence value="8">1</confidence>
+    </boundary-data>
+    <boundary-data type="header">
+      <confidence value="88">19</confidence>
+    </boundary-data>
+    <p id="p-70" num="70">
+      <page-break num="19"/>
+Introduction HPLC analysis was carried out to determine the bisindole alkaloid content i<confidence value="66">ri</confidence>
+ Catharanthus roseus leaves. Such determinations were made to judge the effects of different treatments of C. roseus plants on alkaloid content in green material such as leaves.    </p>
+    <p id="p-71" num="71">The method used is that as described by D.A.C. Hallard et al (2000) PhD thesis:</p>
+    <p id="p-72" num="72">Transgenic Plant Cells for the Production of Indole Alkaloids, Leiden University.</p>
+    <p id="p-73" num="73">Methods Material Plant growth conditions: Cathar<confidence value="5">a</confidence>
+nthus <confidence value="222222">roseus</confidence>
+ plants were grown in the greenhouse, under a long photoperiod <part-num-ref name="long photoperiod">(13</part-num-ref>
+ h) 200-400 microM/m<confidence value="2">-</confidence>
+2/s<confidence value="5">1</confidence>
+, temperature 22<confidence value="2">*</confidence>
+C - day; 18<confidence value="2">"</confidence>
+C night, and high relative humidity (70% <confidence value="55">+/</confidence>
+- 5%). Leaves (top and adjacent leaves), from <part-num-ref name="h) 200-400 microM/m-2/s1, temperature 22*C - day; 18&quot;C night, and high relative humidity (70% +/- 5%). Leaves (top and adjacent leaves), from">15</part-num-ref>
+ week-old flowering Catharanthus roseus plants were detached and treated as described herein with the following modifications: Red light was shone on both the adaxial (top surface) and abaxial (bottom surface) of leaves at an intensity of <part-num-ref name="intensity of">160</part-num-ref>
+ microM/m<confidence value="2">-</confidence>
+2/s <part-num-ref name="microM/m-2/s">
+        <confidence value="5">1</confidence>
+      </part-num-ref>
+ on each side for <part-num-ref name="on each side for">3</part-num-ref>
+ hours; white light was shone onto the leaves for <part-num-ref name="leaves for">2</part-num-ref>
+ hours.    </p>
+    <p id="p-74" num="74">Sample No.                       Fresh weight (mg) (Inte<confidence value="66">rn</confidence>
+al designation) 01 Control in greenhouse               <part-num-ref name="Control in greenhouse">370</part-num-ref>
+ <part-num-ref name="">02</part-num-ref>
+ Control in greenhouse               <part-num-ref name="Control in greenhouse">290</part-num-ref>
+ <part-num-ref name="">03</part-num-ref>
+ Control in greenhouse               <part-num-ref name="Control in greenhouse">350</part-num-ref>
+ <part-num-ref name="">24</part-num-ref>
+ Exposure to light first 2h (red + white)  <part-num-ref name="Exposure to light first 2h (red + white)">360</part-num-ref>
+ <part-num-ref name="">25</part-num-ref>
+ Exposure to light first 2h (red + white)  <part-num-ref name="Exposure to light first 2h (red + white)">230</part-num-ref>
+ <part-num-ref name="">26</part-num-ref>
+ Exposure to light first 2h (red + white)  <part-num-ref name="Exposure to light first 2h (red + white)">230</part-num-ref>
+ R44 Exposure from 24-26 for one more h (red)  <part-num-ref name="R44 Exposure from 24-26 for one more h (red)">360</part-num-ref>
+ R45 Exposure from 24-26 for one more h (red)  <part-num-ref name="R45 Exposure from 24-26 for one more h (red)">290</part-num-ref>
+ R46 Exposure from 24-26 for one more h (red)  <part-num-ref name="R46 Exposure from 24-26 for one more h (red)">490</part-num-ref>
+ <page-break num="20"/>
+      <boundary-data type="header">WO 2004/103060                                      PC<confidence value="66">T/</confidence>
+GB2004/00221<confidence value="8">1</confidence>
+      </boundary-data>
+      <boundary-data type="header">
+        <confidence value="88">20</confidence>
+      </boundary-data>
+Extraction Plant material was provided as lyophilised leaf material by Dr. S. Karpinski (Stockholm University, Sweden).    </p>
+    <p id="p-75" num="75">Each sample of material of approximately 10 mg was weighed accurately in triplicate (one sample - line <part-num-ref name="mg was weighed accurately in triplicate (one sample - line">02</part-num-ref>
+ - in duplicate) and mixed thoroughly in Eppendorf cups with <confidence value="4">0</confidence>
+.50m<confidence value="4">l</confidence>
+ 0.1% Trifluoroacetic acid (TFA). Then the samples were sonicated for <part-num-ref name="samples were sonicated for">30</part-num-ref>
+ minutes using a sonicator (sonicor, Copiague NY, USA), after which leaf debris was precipitated by centrifugation at <part-num-ref name="sonicator (sonicor, Copiague NY, USA), after which leaf debris was precipitated by centrifugation at">13000</part-num-ref>
+ rpm for <part-num-ref name="rpm for">10</part-num-ref>
+ minutes. The supernatant was used for HPLC analysis.    </p>
+    <p id="p-76" num="76">The samples were then collected and stored at -80<confidence value="2">*</confidence>
+C for later analysis. A standard curve was made by using <part-num-ref name="standard curve was made by using">4</part-num-ref>
+ dilutions of an equimolar mix of vincristine and vinblastine in the range 0.1 - <part-num-ref name="range 0.1 -">2</part-num-ref>
+ mM.    </p>
+    <p id="p-77" num="77">All fractions were analysed by HPLC with photodiode array (PDA) detection using a Waters 600E HPLC pump equipped with a <part-num-ref name="">717</part-num-ref>
+ autosampler and a <part-num-ref name="">990</part-num-ref>
+ photodiode array detector<confidence value="5">.</confidence>
+    </p>
+    <heading id="h-4">HPLC</heading>
+    <p id="p-78" num="78">A Vydac 21<confidence value="885">8MS</confidence>
+54 column (250 <confidence value="5">x</confidence>
+ 4.6 mm lumen diameter), and a linear acetonitrile gradient in 0.01% T<confidence value="5">F</confidence>
+A in water were used according to table <part-num-ref name="linear acetonitrile gradient in 0.01% TFA in water were used according to table">1.</part-num-ref>
+ Injection volume was <part-num-ref name="linear acetonitrile gradient in 0.01% TFA in water were used according to table 1. Injection volume was">50</part-num-ref>
+ p<confidence value="68">l.</confidence>
+    </p>
+    <p id="p-79" num="79">Table 1. Gradient used for HPLC Reverse Phase C-<confidence value="5">1</confidence>
+8 column (RP-1<confidence value="88">8)</confidence>
+ 0-20 m<confidence value="668">in:</confidence>
+ <confidence value="6866">1.00</confidence>
+ <confidence value="222222">ml/min</confidence>
+  15 - <part-num-ref name="-">23</part-num-ref>
+ %  CH<confidence value="588">3CN</confidence>
+ 20-30 m<confidence value="66">in</confidence>
+: 1.00 <confidence value="222222">ml/min</confidence>
+  <part-num-ref name="%  CH3CN 20-30 min: 1.00 ml/min">23</part-num-ref>
+ <confidence value="8">-</confidence>
+ <part-num-ref name="-">48</part-num-ref>
+ %  CH<confidence value="588">3CN</confidence>
+ 30-34 m<confidence value="66">in</confidence>
+: 1.00 <confidence value="222222">ml/min</confidence>
+  <part-num-ref name="%  CH3CN 30-34 min: 1.00 ml/min">48</part-num-ref>
+ %      CH<confidence value="588">3CN</confidence>
+ 34-35 m<confidence value="66">in</confidence>
+: 1.00 <confidence value="222222">ml/min</confidence>
+  <part-num-ref name="%      CH3CN 34-35 min: 1.00 ml/min">48</part-num-ref>
+ <confidence value="8">-</confidence>
+ <part-num-ref name="-">
+        <confidence value="88">15</confidence>
+      </part-num-ref>
+ <confidence value="8">%</confidence>
+  <confidence value="88288">CH3CN</confidence>
+ Detection was achieved using a photodiode array detector in the wavelength range of <part-num-ref name="wavelength range of">200</part-num-ref>
+ - <part-num-ref name="-">350</part-num-ref>
+ nm.    </p>
+    <p id="p-80" num="80">Results &amp; Discussion <page-break num="21"/>
+      <boundary-data type="header">WO 2004/103060                                      PCT/GB2004/002211</boundary-data>
+      <boundary-data type="header">
+        <confidence value="88">21</confidence>
+      </boundary-data>
+    </p>
+    <heading id="h-5">HPLC</heading>
+    <p id="p-81" num="81">From the HPLC chromatograms, the following results were obtained by integration of the peaks at a wavelength of <part-num-ref name="wavelength of">215</part-num-ref>
+ nm (see Table <part-num-ref name="nm (see Table">2</part-num-ref>
+ for average values &amp; Table <part-num-ref name="for average values &amp; Table">3</part-num-ref>
+ for the full set of results).    </p>
+    <p id="p-82" num="82">Calibration curve Both vincristine and vinblastine showed a linear response in the used range (although the highest value for vinblastine was very high and therefore not counted). Linear regression over <part-num-ref name="highest value for vinblastine was very high and therefore not counted). Linear regression over">5</part-num-ref>
+ points (in a plot of area vs. nmoles injected) gave a correlation co-efficient of 0.041 and an r2 of 0.9978.    </p>
+    <p id="p-83" num="83">Samples Table 2. Concentrations in pmoles/g DW of some indole alkaloids in the leaf materials tested. Averages of triplicate determinations shown.</p>
+    <p id="p-84" num="84">Ajmalicine  vindoline  vinblastine  ?  AHVB 01    7.15       2.93       0.25       0.11  3.27 <part-num-ref name="7.15       2.93       0.25       0.11  3.27">02</part-num-ref>
+    11.01      4.61       0.35       0.16  3.46 <part-num-ref name="11.01      4.61       0.35       0.16  3.46">03</part-num-ref>
+    5.61       1.82       0.21       0.22 2.40 <part-num-ref name="5.61       1.82       0.21       0.22 2.40">24</part-num-ref>
+    6.03       0.98       0.09       0.12  3.38 <part-num-ref name="6.03       0.98       0.09       0.12  3.38">25</part-num-ref>
+    5.14       1.93       0.26       0.19  1.65 <part-num-ref name="5.14       1.93       0.26       0.19  1.65">26</part-num-ref>
+    4.90       1.81       0.27       0.19  1.78 R44   1.46       0.42       0.13       0.77  0.23 <confidence value="885">R45</confidence>
+   8.28       3.36       0.12       0.06  1.68 R46   2.46       0.55       0.22       0.82  0.77 Noteworthy is the considerably lower content in anhydrovinblastine (AHVB) in the plants R44 and R46. This is accompanied by an increase in another, as yet unidentified bisindole alkaloid, marked "<confidence value="66">?"</confidence>
+. The unknown bisindole is thought to be a close relative of <confidence value="22222222222">vinblastine</confidence>
+ since the UV spectra for these two compounds are nearly identical. Possible candidate compounds include N-demeth<confidence value="4">v</confidence>
+lvinblastine<confidence value="5">,</confidence>
+ deacetoxyvinblastine, <confidence value="5">1</confidence>
+5'-hydroxyvinblastine or <confidence value="5">1</confidence>
+4'-hydroxyvinblastine.    </p>
+    <boundary-data type="header">WO 2004/103060                                     PCT/GB2004/00221<confidence value="8">1</confidence>
+    </boundary-data>
+    <boundary-data type="header">
+      <confidence value="88">22</confidence>
+    </boundary-data>
+    <p id="p-85" num="85">
+      <page-break num="22"/>
+The content of <confidence value="22222222222">vinblastine</confidence>
+ (one of the monomers of the bisindole end products) also varied considerably. These levels seemed to correlate with the ajmalicine contents, but not with those of the bisindole type alkaloids.    </p>
+    <p id="p-86" num="86">Table 3. Concentrations in <confidence value="22222222">pmoles/g</confidence>
+ DW of some indole alkaloids in the leaf material tested. Results of triplicate determinations shown (n.d. = not detectable, - = not measured).    </p>
+    <p id="p-87" num="87">Ajmalicine  vindoline  vinblastine ?   AHVB 01    6.35       2.42       0.20       0.18  2.52 5.29       1.82       0.19       0.05  2.17 9.80       4.56       0.36       n.d.  5.12 <part-num-ref name="6.35       2.42       0.20       0.18  2.52 5.29       1.82       0.19       0.05  2.17 9.80       4.56       0.36       n.d.  5.12">02</part-num-ref>
+    -           -          -         -      - 10.69      4.53       0.39       0.17  3.77 11.34      4.69       0.31       0.14  3.16 <part-num-ref name="-           -          -         -      - 10.69      4.53       0.39       0.17  3.77 11.34      4.69       0.31       0.14  3.16">03</part-num-ref>
+   4.92        1.62       0.21       0.31  2.20 5.71        1.87      0.20       0.20  2.54 6.19        1.98      0.21       0.17  2.45 <part-num-ref name="4.92        1.62       0.21       0.31  2.20 5.71        1.87      0.20       0.20  2.54 6.19        1.98      0.21       0.17  2.45">24</part-num-ref>
+   6.20        1.02       0.12       0.28  3.31 5.72       0.97       0.06       0.05  3.23 6.18       0.96       0.08       0.03  3.61 <part-num-ref name="6.20        1.02       0.12       0.28  3.31 5.72       0.97       0.06       0.05  3.23 6.18       0.96       0.08       0.03  3.61">25</part-num-ref>
+   4.69        1.69       0.25       0.19  1.59 5.13       2.01       0.30       0.17  1.94 5.61       2.10       0.23       0.22  1.40 <part-num-ref name="4.69        1.69       0.25       0.19  1.59 5.13       2.01       0.30       0.17  1.94 5.61       2.10       0.23       0.22  1.40">26</part-num-ref>
+   3.77        1.49       0.28       0.21  1.56 5.69 <confidence value="2">.</confidence>
+     2.11       0.30       0.15  2.16 5.24       1.85       0.24       0.21  1.62 R44   1.56      0.37        0.15       0.96  0.12 <page-break num="23"/>
+      <boundary-data type="header">
+        <confidence value="88">WO</confidence>
+ 2004/103060                                      PCT<confidence value="5">/</confidence>
+GB2004<confidence value="666">/00</confidence>
+221<confidence value="8">1</confidence>
+      </boundary-data>
+      <boundary-data type="header">
+        <confidence value="88">23</confidence>
+      </boundary-data>
+1.52       0.49       0.15        0.70  0.46 1.31       0.41       0.10        0.67  0.11 <confidence value="884">R45</confidence>
+   8.74       3<confidence value="5">.</confidence>
+44       0.12       0.05  1.66 6.65       2.87        0.15       0.08  1.84 9.46       3.76        0.08       0.05  1.55 R46   1.92       0.59       0.18       0.79  0.53 2.48       0.60        0.31       0.95  0.68 2.97       0.47        0.18       0.72  1.10 Conclusions Indole alkaloid determination of lyophilized plant leaf preparations showed differing levels of ajmalicine, vindoline, vinblastine, <confidence value="222222222222222222">anhydrovinblastine</confidence>
+ and an as yet unidentified bisindole alkaloid, relative to controls under light treatment regimes as hereindescribed.    </p>
+    <p id="p-88" num="88">1. Plant Leaf Material Ex<confidence value="5">p</confidence>
+osed to Red and Blue Light on Adax<confidence value="5">i</confidence>
+al and Abaxial Leaf Surface Plants (Catharanthus roseus, Chinese cabbage, peas, broccoli, spinach, and Arabidopsis thaliana) are grown as described hereinabove and plant leaf material is taken therefrom and subjected to red and blue light in the following ratios (see below) over <part-num-ref name="following ratios (see below) over">2</part-num-ref>
+ hours with red light <part-num-ref name="hours with red light">(640</part-num-ref>
+ nm +<confidence value="5">/</confidence>
+- <part-num-ref name="nm +/-">15</part-num-ref>
+ nm) being shone onto the upper surface (adaxial surface) and blue light <part-num-ref name="upper surface (adaxial surface) and blue light">(450</part-num-ref>
+ +<confidence value="58">/-</confidence>
+ <confidence value="66">15</confidence>
+nm) being shone onto the under surface (abaxial surface).    </p>
+    <p id="p-89" num="89">Plant material is selected from plants as described above and lyophilised according to standard procedures.</p>
+    <p id="p-90" num="90">Blue: Red Light Ratio 5:1 5:2 5:3 5:4 5:5 4:5 <page-break num="24"/>
+      <boundary-data type="header">
+        <confidence value="86">WO</confidence>
+ 2004/103060                                      PCT/GB2004/00221<confidence value="8">1</confidence>
+      </boundary-data>
+      <boundary-data type="header">
+        <confidence value="88">24</confidence>
+      </boundary-data>
+3:5 2:5 1:5 Treated plants exposed to red and blue light in the above red:blue light ratios are examined as hereindescribed for alterations in plant secondary metabolite concentrations. Alterations in plant secondary metabolite concentrations are observed.    </p>
+    <p id="p-91" num="91">1. Plant Leaf Material Ex<confidence value="5">p</confidence>
+osed to Red and Blue Light on <confidence value="4">i</confidence>
+) the Adaxial Leaf Surface and ii) the Abaxial Leaf Surface Plants (Catharanthus roseus, Chinese cabbage, peas, broccoli, spinach, and Ar<confidence value="5">a</confidence>
+bidopsis thaliana) are grown as described hereinabove and plant leaf material is taken therefrom and subjected to red and blue light in the following ratios<confidence value="2">.</confidence>
+ (see below) over <part-num-ref name="following ratios. (see below) over">2</part-num-ref>
+ hours with red light <part-num-ref name="hours with red light">(640</part-num-ref>
+ nm +<confidence value="5">/</confidence>
+- <part-num-ref name="nm +/-">15</part-num-ref>
+ nm) and blue light <part-num-ref name="nm) and blue light">(450</part-num-ref>
+ +<confidence value="58">/-</confidence>
+ <confidence value="66">15</confidence>
+nm) being shone onto the upper surface (adaxial surface) of the leaves.    </p>
+    <p id="p-92" num="92">The same methodology is used to shine red and blue light at the same wavelengths on the abaxial surface of the leaves.</p>
+    <p id="p-93" num="93">Plant material is selected from plants as described above and lyophilised according to standard procedures.</p>
+    <p id="p-94" num="94">Blue: Red Light Ratio 5:1 5:2 5:3 5:4 5:5 4:5 3:5 2:5 1:5 Treated plants exposed to red and blue light in the above red:blue light ratios are examined <page-break num="25"/>
+      <boundary-data type="header">WO 2004/103060                                      PCT/GB2004/002211</boundary-data>
+      <boundary-data type="header">
+        <confidence value="88">25</confidence>
+      </boundary-data>
+as hereindescribed for alterations in plant secondary metabolite concentrations. Alterations in plant secondary metabolite concentrations are observed.    </p>
+    <p id="p-95" num="95">Apparatus Referring now to the accompanying drawings (Figure 1), there is shown a schematic elevation of apparatus <part-num-ref name="schematic elevation of apparatus">10</part-num-ref>
+ suitable for performance of a method exemplifying the invention.    </p>
+    <p id="p-96" num="96">The apparatus 10 has the form, by way of an example only, of a domestic appliance suitable for kitchen use and comprises a housing <part-num-ref name="housing">11</part-num-ref>
+ of generally cuboidal form with permanently closed ceiling, base and three walls, the fourth wall (not shown) functioning as a door affording access to the interior of the housing.    </p>
+    <p id="p-97" num="97">The housing bounds an exposure chamber which has, in an approximately central position a glass plate <part-num-ref name="glass plate">12</part-num-ref>
+ serving as a support for plant material <part-num-ref name="support for plant material">13</part-num-ref>
+ to be exposed to treatment light in the chamber. Such light is generated by three mutually separate light sources <part-num-ref name="chamber. Such light is generated by three mutually separate light sources">14</part-num-ref>
+ disposed in the upper region of the chamber and having light exit surfaces <part-num-ref name="chamber and having light exit surfaces">15</part-num-ref>
+ oriented to direct light generally towards the top of the plate <part-num-ref name="plate">12</part-num-ref>
+ and thus the upper surface of plant material supported thereon and generally laterally of the plate towards the base of the chamber. Disposed in the vicinity of the base and in such positions as to intercept the laterally directed light are reflectors <part-num-ref name="laterally directed light are reflectors">16</part-num-ref>
+ in the form of mirrors angled so that incident light is directed towards the underside of the plate <part-num-ref name="plate">12</part-num-ref>
+ and thus the lower surface of the plant material, the lower surface being exposed to the light<confidence value="2">-</confidence>
+by virtue of the transparency of the plate. The illustrated location of the reflectors <part-num-ref name="reflectors">16</part-num-ref>
+ and associated reflected light beams is merely by way of example and further such reflectors may be provided to reflect beams obliquely forwardly and backwardly with respect to the plane of the drawing. The material <part-num-ref name="material">13</part-num-ref>
+ supported on the plate <part-num-ref name="plate">12</part-num-ref>
+ is thus exposed to light at both its upper and lower surface and, to varying degrees, at its side surfaces. Such a disposition of light sources and reflectors has been found to provide a compromise between effective exposure of supported plant material to the generated light and a simple construction with economic operating costs.    </p>
+    <p id="p-98" num="98">The light sources include transmission filters to pass on only light of a selected wavelength or selected wavelengths in the range of <part-num-ref name="range of">400</part-num-ref>
+ to <part-num-ref name="to">700</part-num-ref>
+ nm and are so controlled by a programmable timer <part-num-ref name="programmable timer">17</part-num-ref>
+ in power feeds <part-num-ref name="in power feeds">18</part-num-ref>
+ to the sources as to emit light for a period of time predetermined to be sufficient to achie<confidence value="8">v</confidence>
+e the desired transient alteration in the cell or tissue phytochemicals of the treated plant material.    </p>
+    <boundary-data type="header">WO 2004/103060                                       PC<confidence value="66">T/</confidence>
+GB2004/002211    </boundary-data>
+    <boundary-data type="header">
+      <confidence value="88">26</confidence>
+    </boundary-data>
+    <p id="p-99" num="99">
+      <page-break num="26"/>
+The appliance is thus conveniently usable for performance of the treatment method immediately prior to cooking or consumption of the treated mate<confidence value="8">r</confidence>
+ial.    </p>
+  </description>
+</us-patent-application>
+

prior_art/10576058.xml

@@ -0,0 +1,732 @@
+<?xml version="1.0" encoding="utf-8"?>
+<!DOCTYPE us-patent-application SYSTEM "PATI-v1.0.3-2011-06-23.dtd">
+<us-patent-application lang="EN" dtd-version="v1.0.3 2011-06-23" id="us-patent-application" country="US">
+  <us-bibliographic-data-application lang="EN" country="US">
+    <application-reference appl-type="utility">
+      <document-id>
+        <doc-number>10576058</doc-number>
+        <date>2006-12-11</date>
+      </document-id>
+    </application-reference>
+  </us-bibliographic-data-application>
+  <description id="description">
+    <heading id="h-1">AMENDMENTS TO THE SPECIFICATION:</heading>
+    <p id="p-1" num="1">Please replace the paragraph beginning at page <part-num-ref name="paragraph beginning at page">20,</part-num-ref>
+ line <part-num-ref name="paragraph beginning at page 20, line">13,</part-num-ref>
+ and continuing through to page <part-num-ref name="paragraph beginning at page 20, line 13, and continuing through to page">23,</part-num-ref>
+ line <part-num-ref name="paragraph beginning at page 20, line 13, and continuing through to page 23, line">6,</part-num-ref>
+ with the following rewritten paragraph:    </p>
+    <p id="p-2" num="2">-- The formula (V) embraces the following preferred mixing partners of group (6):</p>
+    <p id="p-3" num="3">(6-<confidence value="5">1</confidence>
+) 2-chloro-N-(1<confidence value="88">,1</confidence>
+,3-trimethylindan-4-yl)nicotinamide (known from EP-A 0 <part-num-ref name="">256</part-num-ref>
+ <part-num-ref name="">503)</part-num-ref>
+ of the formula <part-num-ref name="formula">
+        <confidence value="2">0</confidence>
+      </part-num-ref>
+     </p>
+    <heading id="h-2">
+      <confidence value="8">N</confidence>
+    </heading>
+    <heading id="h-3">N   CI</heading>
+    <p id="p-4" num="4">(6-2) boscalid (known from DE-A 195 <part-num-ref name="">31</part-num-ref>
+ <part-num-ref name="">813)</part-num-ref>
+ of the formula <part-num-ref name="formula">
+        <confidence value="2">0</confidence>
+      </part-num-ref>
+     </p>
+    <heading id="h-4">
+      <confidence value="8">N</confidence>
+    </heading>
+    <heading id="h-5">
+      <confidence value="8">H</confidence>
+    </heading>
+    <heading id="h-6">
+      <confidence value="88">CI</confidence>
+   <confidence value="6">-</confidence>
+    </heading>
+    <heading id="h-7">
+      <confidence value="8">N</confidence>
+          <confidence value="65">CI</confidence>
+    </heading>
+    <p id="p-5" num="5">(6-3) furametpyr (known from EP-A 0 <part-num-ref name="">315</part-num-ref>
+ <part-num-ref name="">502)</part-num-ref>
+ of the formula <part-num-ref name="formula">
+        <confidence value="2">0</confidence>
+      </part-num-ref>
+ <confidence value="666">H3C</confidence>
+            <confidence value="4">I</confidence>
+ CH3 <confidence value="2">I</confidence>
+     <confidence value="666">H3C</confidence>
+ <confidence value="666">CH3</confidence>
+ (6-4) N-(3-p-tolylthiophen-2-yl)-1-methyl-3-trifluoromethyl-<confidence value="8">1</confidence>
+ H-pyrazo<confidence value="4">l</confidence>
+e-4- carboxamide (known from EP-A <part-num-ref name="H3C            I CH3 I     H3C CH3 (6-4) N-(3-p-tolylthiophen-2-yl)-1-methyl-3-trifluoromethyl-1 H-pyrazole-4- carboxamide (known from EP-A">0</part-num-ref>
+ <part-num-ref name="">737</part-num-ref>
+ <part-num-ref name="">682)</part-num-ref>
+ of the formula <confidence value="7">o</confidence>
+ <confidence value="884">F3C</confidence>
+     </p>
+    <heading id="h-8">
+      <confidence value="6">N</confidence>
+ <confidence value="2">N</confidence>
+    </heading>
+    <p id="p-6" num="6">
+      <confidence value="258">OH3</confidence>
+              <confidence value="588">CH3</confidence>
+ <boundary-data type="header">CS8786                        -2-</boundary-data>
+      <page-break num="2"/>
+(6-5) ethaboxam (known from EP-A 0 <part-num-ref name="">639</part-num-ref>
+ <part-num-ref name="">574)</part-num-ref>
+ of the formula     </p>
+    <heading id="h-9">O   CN</heading>
+    <p id="p-7" num="7">
+      <confidence value="88">Et</confidence>
+     </p>
+    <heading id="h-10">
+      <confidence value="2">N</confidence>
+     <confidence value="6">N</confidence>
+     </heading>
+    <p id="p-8" num="8">HNEt (6-6) fenhexamid (known from EP-A 0 <part-num-ref name="">339</part-num-ref>
+ <part-num-ref name="">418)</part-num-ref>
+ of the formula     </p>
+    <heading id="h-11">
+      <confidence value="88">OH</confidence>
+    </heading>
+    <heading id="h-12">
+      <confidence value="7">O</confidence>
+    </heading>
+    <heading id="h-13">
+      <confidence value="8">N</confidence>
+       <confidence value="88">CI</confidence>
+    </heading>
+    <heading id="h-14">
+      <confidence value="8">H</confidence>
+    </heading>
+    <heading id="h-15">
+      <confidence value="77">CI</confidence>
+    </heading>
+    <p id="p-9" num="9">(6-7) carpropamid (known from EP-A 0 <part-num-ref name="">341</part-num-ref>
+ <part-num-ref name="">475)</part-num-ref>
+ of the formula <part-num-ref name="formula">
+        <confidence value="2">0</confidence>
+      </part-num-ref>
+     </p>
+    <heading id="h-16">
+      <confidence value="2">N</confidence>
+    </heading>
+    <heading id="h-17">
+      <confidence value="7">H</confidence>
+ <confidence value="6">I</confidence>
+    </heading>
+    <heading id="h-18">
+      <confidence value="85">CI</confidence>
+  <confidence value="84">CI</confidence>
+            CI    </heading>
+    <p id="p-10" num="10">(6-8) 2-chloro-4-(2-fluoro-2-methylpropionylamino)-N,N-dimethylbenzamide (known from EP-A 0 <part-num-ref name="">600</part-num-ref>
+ <part-num-ref name="">629)</part-num-ref>
+ of the formula     </p>
+    <heading id="h-19">
+      <confidence value="65">CI</confidence>
+    </heading>
+    <p id="p-11" num="11">
+      <confidence value="2">0</confidence>
+           <confidence value="2">0</confidence>
+ H3C   <confidence value="16">kN</confidence>
+           <confidence value="1666">NCH3</confidence>
+ <confidence value="866">H3C</confidence>
+   H            CH3 (6-9) picobenzamid (known from WO 99/42447) of the formula CI  <part-num-ref name="formula CI">
+        <confidence value="2">0</confidence>
+      </part-num-ref>
+       CI     </p>
+    <heading id="h-20">
+      <confidence value="1">/</confidence>
+     <confidence value="8">H</confidence>
+   <confidence value="7">I</confidence>
+    </heading>
+    <heading id="h-21">
+      <confidence value="1">\</confidence>
+ <confidence value="1">I</confidence>
+        N <confidence value="1">/</confidence>
+    </heading>
+    <p id="p-12" num="12">
+      <confidence value="55">CI</confidence>
+          CF3 (6-10) zoxamide (known from EP-A 0 <part-num-ref name="">604</part-num-ref>
+ <part-num-ref name="">019)</part-num-ref>
+ of the formula CI       <part-num-ref name="formula CI">0</part-num-ref>
+      CH3 <confidence value="222">HC\</confidence>
+/      N    <confidence value="2">O</confidence>
+ <confidence value="88">H3</confidence>
+ <confidence value="6662">H3CC</confidence>
+        <confidence value="5">H</confidence>
+     </p>
+    <heading id="h-22">
+      <confidence value="74">CI</confidence>
+    </heading>
+    <p id="p-13" num="13">
+      <confidence value="85">CI</confidence>
+          <confidence value="6">0</confidence>
+ <boundary-data type="header">CS8786                         -<confidence value="88">3-</confidence>
+      </boundary-data>
+      <page-break num="3"/>
+(6-11) 3,4-dichloro-N-(2-cyanophenyl)isothiazole-5-carboxamide (known from WO 99/24413) of the formula     </p>
+    <heading id="h-23">CI    CI</heading>
+    <heading id="h-24">
+      <confidence value="88">CN</confidence>
+    </heading>
+    <heading id="h-25">
+      <confidence value="2">H</confidence>
+    </heading>
+    <heading id="h-26">
+      <confidence value="5">N</confidence>
+       <confidence value="8">N</confidence>
+    </heading>
+    <p id="p-14" num="14">(6-12) carboxin (known from US 3,249,499) of the formula <part-num-ref name="formula">
+        <confidence value="2">0</confidence>
+      </part-num-ref>
+    <confidence value="11">I\</confidence>
+ <confidence value="5">s</confidence>
+     <confidence value="2">N</confidence>
+     </p>
+    <heading id="h-27">
+      <confidence value="1">C</confidence>
+     <confidence value="7">H</confidence>
+    </heading>
+    <p id="p-15" num="15">
+      <confidence value="5">0</confidence>
+   CH<confidence value="5">3</confidence>
+ (6-13) tiadinil <confidence value="555255">(known</confidence>
+ <confidence value="5226">from</confidence>
+ <confidence value="66">US</confidence>
+ <confidence value="6666662516">6,616,051)</confidence>
+ of the formula H3C   <confidence value="1622">0aC3</confidence>
+     </p>
+    <heading id="h-28">
+      <confidence value="2">H</confidence>
+       N        C<confidence value="4">I</confidence>
+    </heading>
+    <heading id="h-29">
+      <confidence value="21">N)</confidence>
+      <confidence value="8">H</confidence>
+    </heading>
+    <heading id="h-30">
+      <confidence value="868">N-S</confidence>
+    </heading>
+    <p id="p-16" num="16">(6-14) penthiopyrad (known from EP-A 0 <part-num-ref name="">737</part-num-ref>
+ <part-num-ref name="">682)</part-num-ref>
+ of the formula F3C   <part-num-ref name="formula F3C">0</part-num-ref>
+      <confidence value="1">-</confidence>
+     </p>
+    <heading id="h-31">
+      <confidence value="116">Y"S</confidence>
+    </heading>
+    <p id="p-17" num="17">
+      <confidence value="2">N</confidence>
+ <confidence value="6">H</confidence>
+            <confidence value="888">CH3</confidence>
+ <confidence value="8">N</confidence>
+       <confidence value="2272">H3H3</confidence>
+ H3C (6-15) silthiofam (known from WO 96/18631) of the formula <confidence value="868">H3C</confidence>
+   <part-num-ref name="formula H3C">
+        <confidence value="5">0</confidence>
+      </part-num-ref>
+ <confidence value="22">H3</confidence>
+ <confidence value="22222">NCH2.</confidence>
+    </p>
+    <p id="p-18" num="18">H3C    I    H </p>
+    <heading id="h-32">
+      <confidence value="8">S</confidence>
+    </heading>
+    <p id="p-19" num="19">(6-16) N-[2-(<confidence value="5">1</confidence>
+,3-dimethylbutyl)phenyl]-1-methyl-4-(trifluoromethyl)-1 H-pyrrole-3- carboxamide (known from WO 02/38542) of the formula F3C   <part-num-ref name="formula F3C">
+        <confidence value="6">0</confidence>
+      </part-num-ref>
+    <confidence value="2">/</confidence>
+ <confidence value="6">N</confidence>
+       <confidence value="588">CH3</confidence>
+     </p>
+    <heading id="h-33">
+      <confidence value="71">N'</confidence>
+I     H    </heading>
+    <p id="p-20" num="20">
+      <confidence value="6666">H3CN</confidence>
+      H3C      <confidence value="686">CH3</confidence>
+ <boundary-data type="header">CS8786                          -<confidence value="88">4-</confidence>
+      </boundary-data>
+      <page-break num="4"/>
+Please replace the paragraph beginning at page <part-num-ref name="paragraph beginning at page">29,</part-num-ref>
+ lines 7-14, with the following rewritten paragraph:    </p>
+    <p id="p-21" num="21">-- The formula (X<confidence value="5">I</confidence>
+) embraces the following preferred mixing partners of group (16):    </p>
+    <p id="p-22" num="22">(16-1) fenpiclonil (known from EP-A 0 <part-num-ref name="">236</part-num-ref>
+ <part-num-ref name="">272)</part-num-ref>
+ of the formula     </p>
+    <heading id="h-34">
+      <confidence value="88">NC</confidence>
+    </heading>
+    <heading id="h-35">
+      <confidence value="88">NH</confidence>
+    </heading>
+    <heading id="h-36">
+      <confidence value="84">CI</confidence>
+   <confidence value="65">CI</confidence>
+    </heading>
+    <p id="p-23" num="23">(16-2) fludioxonil (known from EP-A 0 <part-num-ref name="">206</part-num-ref>
+ <part-num-ref name="">999)</part-num-ref>
+ of the formula     </p>
+    <heading id="h-37">
+      <confidence value="7">H</confidence>
+    </heading>
+    <heading id="h-38">
+      <confidence value="17">/N</confidence>
+    </heading>
+    <heading id="h-39">
+      <confidence value="88">NC</confidence>
+    </heading>
+    <heading id="h-40">O   F</heading>
+    <p id="p-24" num="24">
+      <confidence value="1">o</confidence>
+  <confidence value="7">F</confidence>
+ (16-3) pyrrolnitrin (known <confidence value="8625">from</confidence>
+ <confidence value="45">JP</confidence>
+ <confidence value="68">65</confidence>
+ <part-num-ref name="">
+        <confidence value="88566">25876</confidence>
+)      </part-num-ref>
+ of the formula     </p>
+    <heading id="h-41">
+      <confidence value="88">CI</confidence>
+    </heading>
+    <heading id="h-42">
+      <confidence value="88">NH</confidence>
+    </heading>
+    <p id="p-25" num="25">CI   NO<confidence value="6">2</confidence>
+      <confidence value="66">--</confidence>
+ <confidence value="885">Ple</confidence>
+ase replace the paragraph beginning at page <part-num-ref name="paragraph beginning at page">31,</part-num-ref>
+ line <part-num-ref name="paragraph beginning at page 31, line">7,</part-num-ref>
+ and continuing through to page <part-num-ref name="paragraph beginning at page 31, line 7, and continuing through to page">34,</part-num-ref>
+ line <part-num-ref name="paragraph beginning at page 31, line 7, and continuing through to page 34, line">5,</part-num-ref>
+ with the following rewritten paragraph:    </p>
+    <p id="p-26" num="26">
+      <confidence value="88">--</confidence>
+ Preferred mixing partners of group (19) are (19-1) acibenzolar-S-methyl (known from EP-A <part-num-ref name="are (19-1) acibenzolar-S-methyl (known from EP-A">0</part-num-ref>
+ <part-num-ref name="">313</part-num-ref>
+ <part-num-ref name="">512)</part-num-ref>
+ of the formula <confidence value="4">O</confidence>
+   SMe     </p>
+    <heading id="h-43">
+      <confidence value="8">S</confidence>
+    </heading>
+    <p id="p-27" num="27">
+      <confidence value="2">|</confidence>
+      <confidence value="8">N</confidence>
+     </p>
+    <heading id="h-44">
+      <confidence value="8">N</confidence>
+    </heading>
+    <p id="p-28" num="28">(19-2) chlorothalonil (known from US 3,290,353) of the formula </p>
+    <heading id="h-45">
+      <confidence value="88">CN</confidence>
+    </heading>
+    <p id="p-29" num="29">
+      <confidence value="85">Cl</confidence>
+       <confidence value="84">Cl</confidence>
+     </p>
+    <heading id="h-46">
+      <confidence value="85">CI</confidence>
+        <confidence value="88">CN</confidence>
+    </heading>
+    <heading id="h-47">
+      <confidence value="85">CI</confidence>
+    </heading>
+    <boundary-data type="header">CS8786                        -5-</boundary-data>
+    <p id="p-30" num="30">
+      <page-break num="5"/>
+(19-3) <confidence value="222222222">cymoxanil</confidence>
+ (known from DE-A 23 <part-num-ref name="">12</part-num-ref>
+ <part-num-ref name="">956)</part-num-ref>
+ of the formula     </p>
+    <heading id="h-48">
+      <confidence value="5">O</confidence>
+    <confidence value="5">O</confidence>
+    </heading>
+    <p id="p-31" num="31">
+      <confidence value="885">H3C</confidence>
+ <confidence value="65">ON</confidence>
+        <confidence value="818">NKN</confidence>
+       <confidence value="68">CH</confidence>
+ H    H      <confidence value="2">3</confidence>
+     </p>
+    <heading id="h-49">
+      <confidence value="68">CN</confidence>
+    </heading>
+    <p id="p-32" num="32">(19-4) edifenphos (known from DE-A 14 <part-num-ref name="">
+        <confidence value="88">93</confidence>
+      </part-num-ref>
+ <part-num-ref name="">736)</part-num-ref>
+ of the formula     </p>
+    <heading id="h-50">
+      <confidence value="1">I</confidence>
+       <confidence value="22">//</confidence>
+    </heading>
+    <heading id="h-51">
+      <confidence value="5">S</confidence>
+    </heading>
+    <p id="p-33" num="33">
+      <confidence value="7822">O\..</confidence>
+--CH3 (19-5) famoxadone (known from EP-A 0 <part-num-ref name="">393</part-num-ref>
+ <part-num-ref name="">911)</part-num-ref>
+ of the formula <confidence value="8828">H3C0</confidence>
+ <confidence value="6">O</confidence>
+     </p>
+    <heading id="h-52">
+      <confidence value="22">ON</confidence>
+    </heading>
+    <p id="p-34" num="34">(19-6) fluazinam (known from EP-A 0 <part-num-ref name="">031</part-num-ref>
+ <part-num-ref name="">257)</part-num-ref>
+ of the formula <confidence value="868">NO2</confidence>
+      <confidence value="65">CI</confidence>
+ <confidence value="42">C0</confidence>
+        <confidence value="8">N</confidence>
+ <confidence value="11">I~</confidence>
+       <confidence value="12">I\</confidence>
+ <confidence value="684">CF3</confidence>
+        NO<confidence value="6">2</confidence>
+     <confidence value="588">CF3</confidence>
+ (19-7) copper <confidence value="22222222222">oxychloride</confidence>
+ (19-9) oxadixyl (known from DE-A <part-num-ref name="formula NO2      CI C0        N I~       I\ CF3        NO2     CF3 (19-7) copper oxychloride (19-9) oxadixyl (known from DE-A">30</part-num-ref>
+ <part-num-ref name="">30</part-num-ref>
+ <part-num-ref name="">026)</part-num-ref>
+ of the formula     </p>
+    <heading id="h-53">
+      <confidence value="22">OH</confidence>
+    </heading>
+    <p id="p-35" num="35">CH3 N<confidence value="2">O</confidence>
+ <confidence value="151">IN.</confidence>
+    OMe <confidence value="685">CH3</confidence>
+ (19-10) spiroxamine (known from DE-A 37 <part-num-ref name="">35</part-num-ref>
+ <part-num-ref name="">555)</part-num-ref>
+ of the formula <part-num-ref name="formula">
+        <confidence value="8">0</confidence>
+      </part-num-ref>
+           <confidence value="272">OH3</confidence>
+     </p>
+    <heading id="h-54">
+      <confidence value="221">OHO</confidence>
+    </heading>
+    <p id="p-36" num="36">
+      <confidence value="872">H3C</confidence>
+                <confidence value="812">NOH</confidence>
+ <confidence value="866">H3C</confidence>
+ <boundary-data type="header">CS8786                          -<confidence value="88">6-</confidence>
+      </boundary-data>
+      <page-break num="6"/>
+(19-11) dithianon (known from JP-A 44-29464) of the formula <part-num-ref name="formula">
+        <confidence value="2">0</confidence>
+      </part-num-ref>
+     </p>
+    <heading id="h-55">
+      <confidence value="8">S</confidence>
+   <confidence value="27">ON</confidence>
+    </heading>
+    <heading id="h-56">
+      <confidence value="1">S</confidence>
+        <confidence value="1">C</confidence>
+    </heading>
+    <p id="p-37" num="37">(19-12) metrafenone (known from EP-A 0 <part-num-ref name="">897</part-num-ref>
+ <part-num-ref name="">904)</part-num-ref>
+ of the formula <confidence value="686">CH3</confidence>
+        <confidence value="4666">oCH3</confidence>
+ Br        <confidence value="5">O</confidence>
+        <confidence value="56666">O,CH3</confidence>
+ <confidence value="5">O</confidence>
+ <confidence value="886">H3C</confidence>
+      <confidence value="4">O</confidence>
+ <confidence value="5">C</confidence>
+H3        <confidence value="588">CH3</confidence>
+ (19-13) fenamidone (known from EP-A <part-num-ref name="formula CH3        oCH3 Br        O        O,CH3 O H3C      O CH3        CH3 (19-13) fenamidone (known from EP-A">0</part-num-ref>
+ <part-num-ref name="">629</part-num-ref>
+ <part-num-ref name="">616)</part-num-ref>
+ of the formula <confidence value="2666">HCH3</confidence>
+ <confidence value="2">s</confidence>
+ <confidence value="1">/</confidence>
+ <confidence value="588">CH3</confidence>
+ (19-14) 2,3-dibutyl-6-<confidence value="4">C</confidence>
+hlorothieno[2,3-d]pyrimidin-4(3H)one (known from WO 99/14202) of the formula <confidence value="116">CIN</confidence>
+           <confidence value="588">CH3</confidence>
+ (19-15) probenazole (known from US 3,629,428) of the formula     </p>
+    <heading id="h-57">
+      <confidence value="2">I</confidence>
+ <confidence value="7">\</confidence>
+ <confidence value="26">S,</confidence>
+    </heading>
+    <heading id="h-58">
+      <confidence value="5">N</confidence>
+    </heading>
+    <p id="p-38" num="38">(19-16) isoprothiolane (known from US 3,856,814) of the formula <confidence value="685">CH3</confidence>
+ <confidence value="666">H3C</confidence>
+ <confidence value="2">O</confidence>
+ <confidence value="6">-</confidence>
+ H3C<confidence value="2">-</confidence>
+    <confidence value="7">O</confidence>
+ <confidence value="685">CH3</confidence>
+ <boundary-data type="header">CS8786                         -<confidence value="88">7-</confidence>
+      </boundary-data>
+      <page-break num="7"/>
+(19-17) kasugamycin (known from GB <part-num-ref name="formula CH3 H3C O - H3C-    O CH3 (19-17) kasugamycin (known from GB">1</part-num-ref>
+ <part-num-ref name="">094</part-num-ref>
+ <part-num-ref name="">567)</part-num-ref>
+ of the formula <confidence value="5">O</confidence>
+H     NH<confidence value="1">2</confidence>
+ HO      <part-num-ref name="formula OH     NH2 HO">
+        <confidence value="2">0</confidence>
+      </part-num-ref>
+     </p>
+    <heading id="h-59">
+      <confidence value="88">NH</confidence>
+    </heading>
+    <p id="p-39" num="39">
+      <confidence value="27">oo</confidence>
+          <confidence value="178">)OH</confidence>
+ HO      OH<confidence value="1">O</confidence>
+    <confidence value="2">N</confidence>
+ <confidence value="11">ly</confidence>
+ <confidence value="5">O</confidence>
+H     CH3    <confidence value="4">O</confidence>
+ (19-18) phthalide (known from <confidence value="6868">JP-A</confidence>
+ <confidence value="885">57-</confidence>
+ 558<confidence value="66">44</confidence>
+ DE <part-num-ref name="DE">1643347)</part-num-ref>
+ of the formula <confidence value="88">CI</confidence>
+   <confidence value="4">o</confidence>
+ <confidence value="44">cI</confidence>
+     </p>
+    <heading id="h-60">
+      <confidence value="1">\</confidence>
+    </heading>
+    <p id="p-40" num="40">
+      <confidence value="1">I</confidence>
+      <confidence value="1">o</confidence>
+ <confidence value="41">cI</confidence>
+     </p>
+    <heading id="h-61">
+      <confidence value="41">CI</confidence>
+    </heading>
+    <p id="p-41" num="41">(19-19) ferimzone (known from EP-A 0 <part-num-ref name="">019</part-num-ref>
+ <part-num-ref name="">450)</part-num-ref>
+ of the formula <confidence value="885">CH3</confidence>
+ <confidence value="2">N</confidence>
+ <confidence value="8">N</confidence>
+   <confidence value="8">N</confidence>
+   CH<confidence value="4">3</confidence>
+ <confidence value="1">c</confidence>
+ <confidence value="1">l</confidence>
+      <confidence value="8">N</confidence>
+ <confidence value="11">.-</confidence>
+ <confidence value="666">CH3</confidence>
+ CH3 (19-20) tricyclazole (known from DE-A <part-num-ref name="formula CH3 N N   N   CH3 c l      N .- CH3 CH3 (19-20) tricyclazole (known from DE-A">22</part-num-ref>
+ <part-num-ref name="">50</part-num-ref>
+ <part-num-ref name="">077)</part-num-ref>
+ of the formula CH3     </p>
+    <heading id="h-62">
+      <confidence value="28">IN</confidence>
+      <confidence value="1">\</confidence>
+    </heading>
+    <p id="p-42" num="42">
+      <confidence value="5">s</confidence>
+ <confidence value="88">(1</confidence>
+9-21) N-({4-[(cyclopropylamino)carbonyl]phenyl<confidence value="5">}</confidence>
+sulphonyl)-2-methoxybenzamide of the formula <confidence value="4">o</confidence>
+            <confidence value="4">o</confidence>
+   <confidence value="22222">o'CH3</confidence>
+ <part-num-ref name="formula o            o   o'CH3">
+        <confidence value="2">0</confidence>
+      </part-num-ref>
+ <confidence value="8">H</confidence>
+          <confidence value="2">s</confidence>
+ <confidence value="1">I</confidence>
+ <confidence value="2">H</confidence>
+ (19-22) 2-(4-chlorophenyl)-N-{2-[3-methoxy-4-(prop-2-yn-1-yloxy)phenyl]ethyl}-2- (prop-2-yn-1-yloxy)acetamide (known from WO 01/87822) of the formula     </p>
+    <heading id="h-63">
+      <confidence value="86">CI</confidence>
+           <confidence value="2">N</confidence>
+                 <confidence value="66">CH</confidence>
+    </heading>
+    <p id="p-43" num="43">
+      <confidence value="4">o</confidence>
+     </p>
+    <heading id="h-64">
+      <confidence value="1">N</confidence>
+                  <confidence value="1">O</confidence>
+    </heading>
+    <heading id="h-65">
+      <confidence value="88">HC</confidence>
+         <confidence value="8">H</confidence>
+           <confidence value="66">CH</confidence>
+    </heading>
+    <boundary-data type="header">CS8786                          -<confidence value="88">8-</confidence>
+    </boundary-data>
+    <p id="p-44" num="44">
+      <page-break num="8"/>
+Please replace the paragraph beginning at page <part-num-ref name="paragraph beginning at page">36,</part-num-ref>
+ line <part-num-ref name="paragraph beginning at page 36, line">16,</part-num-ref>
+ and continuing through to page <part-num-ref name="paragraph beginning at page 36, line 16, and continuing through to page">38,</part-num-ref>
+ line <part-num-ref name="paragraph beginning at page 36, line 16, and continuing through to page 38, line">10,</part-num-ref>
+ with the following rewritten paragraph:    </p>
+    <p id="p-45" num="45">-- Preferred mixing partners of group (24) are (24-1) N-(3',4'-dichloro-5-fluoro-1,1'-biphenyl-2-y<confidence value="5">l</confidence>
+)-3-(difluoromethyl)-1-methyl-<confidence value="5">1</confidence>
+ <confidence value="88">H-</confidence>
+ pyrazole-4-carboxamide (known from WO 03/070705) of the formula     </p>
+    <heading id="h-66">
+      <confidence value="8">F</confidence>
+    </heading>
+    <p id="p-46" num="46">F2HC  <confidence value="4">o</confidence>
+     </p>
+    <heading id="h-67">
+      <confidence value="55">NN</confidence>
+    </heading>
+    <heading id="h-68">
+      <confidence value="8">N</confidence>
+    </heading>
+    <p id="p-47" num="47">
+      <confidence value="884">H3C</confidence>
+     </p>
+    <heading id="h-69">
+      <confidence value="54">CI</confidence>
+    </heading>
+    <heading id="h-70">
+      <confidence value="65">CI</confidence>
+    </heading>
+    <p id="p-48" num="48">(24-2) 3-(difluoromethyl)-N-{3'-fluoro-4'-[(E)-(methoxyimino)methyl]-1<confidence value="86">,1</confidence>
+'-biphenyl-2- yl}-1-methyl-<confidence value="5">1</confidence>
+H-pyrazole-4-carboxamide (known from WO 02/08197) of the formula     </p>
+    <heading id="h-71">
+      <confidence value="1">O</confidence>
+  <confidence value="6">/</confidence>
+    </heading>
+    <p id="p-49" num="49">F2H<confidence value="5">C</confidence>
+     <confidence value="8">N</confidence>
+     </p>
+    <heading id="h-72">
+      <confidence value="8">H</confidence>
+    </heading>
+    <heading id="h-73">
+      <confidence value="8">N</confidence>
+    </heading>
+    <p id="p-50" num="50">
+      <confidence value="588">CH3</confidence>
+          <confidence value="6">N</confidence>
+ OMe (24-3) 3-(trifluoromethyl)-N-{3'-fluoro-4'-[(E)-(methoxyimino)methyl]-1<confidence value="88">,1</confidence>
+'-biphenyl-2- yl}-1-methyl-<confidence value="5">1</confidence>
+H-pyrazole-4-carboxamide (known from WO 02/08197) of the formula <confidence value="8">o</confidence>
+     <confidence value="5">/</confidence>
+ <confidence value="666">F3C</confidence>
+    <confidence value="5">N</confidence>
+     </p>
+    <heading id="h-74">
+      <confidence value="7">H</confidence>
+    </heading>
+    <heading id="h-75">
+      <confidence value="71">N'</confidence>
+        <confidence value="6">_</confidence>
+  <confidence value="8">F</confidence>
+    </heading>
+    <heading id="h-76">
+      <confidence value="7">N</confidence>
+    </heading>
+    <p id="p-51" num="51">
+      <confidence value="5">C</confidence>
+H3          N <confidence value="588">OMe</confidence>
+ <boundary-data type="header">CS8786                        -9-</boundary-data>
+      <page-break num="9"/>
+(24-4) N-(3',4'-d<confidence value="86">ic</confidence>
+hloro-1<confidence value="68">,1</confidence>
+'-biphenyl-2-yl)-5-fluoro-<confidence value="8">1</confidence>
+,3-dimethyl-1 H-pyrazole-4- <confidence value="5">c</confidence>
+arboxamide (known from <confidence value="6562222667">WO-99/4-74</confidence>
+ WO 03/70705) of the formula     </p>
+    <heading id="h-77">
+      <confidence value="8">F</confidence>
+    </heading>
+    <p id="p-52" num="52">
+      <confidence value="4">o</confidence>
+ H3C     <confidence value="6">N</confidence>
+     </p>
+    <heading id="h-78">
+      <confidence value="8">F</confidence>
+    </heading>
+    <heading id="h-79">
+      <confidence value="7">N</confidence>
+    </heading>
+    <p id="p-53" num="53">
+      <confidence value="588">CH3</confidence>
+        <confidence value="65">CI</confidence>
+ (24-5) N-(4'-<confidence value="5">c</confidence>
+hloro-3'-fluoro-1<confidence value="88">,1</confidence>
+'-biphenyl-2-yl)-2-methyl-4-(trifluoromethyl)-1,3- thiazole-5-<confidence value="5">c</confidence>
+arboxamide (known from WO 03/066609) of the formula <confidence value="4">o</confidence>
+ F3C     <confidence value="5">N</confidence>
+     </p>
+    <heading id="h-80">
+      <confidence value="7">H</confidence>
+    </heading>
+    <heading id="h-81">
+      <confidence value="818">N"S</confidence>
+            <confidence value="2">F</confidence>
+    </heading>
+    <p id="p-54" num="54">
+      <confidence value="5654">CH3I</confidence>
+ (24-6) N-(4'-<confidence value="4">c</confidence>
+hloro-1<confidence value="86">,1</confidence>
+'-biphenyl-2-yl)-4-(difluoromethyl)-2-methyl-<confidence value="8">1</confidence>
+,3-thiazole-5- <confidence value="5">c</confidence>
+arboxamide (known from WO 03/066610) of the formula <confidence value="8">o</confidence>
+      <confidence value="5">/</confidence>
+ F2HC     <confidence value="6">N</confidence>
+     </p>
+    <heading id="h-82">
+      <confidence value="7">H</confidence>
+    </heading>
+    <p id="p-55" num="55">
+      <confidence value="71">N~</confidence>
+ <confidence value="7">S</confidence>
+ <confidence value="66">CH</confidence>
+3        C<confidence value="4">I</confidence>
+ (24-7) N-(4'-bromo-1<confidence value="88">,1</confidence>
+'-biphenyl-2-y<confidence value="5">l</confidence>
+)-4-(difluoromethyl)-2-methyl-1,3-thiazole-5- <confidence value="5">c</confidence>
+arboxamide (known from WO 03/066610) of the formula <confidence value="7">o</confidence>
+ F2HC     N     </p>
+    <heading id="h-83">
+      <confidence value="7">H</confidence>
+    </heading>
+    <heading id="h-84">N  S<confidence value="22">--</confidence>
+    </heading>
+    <p id="p-56" num="56">
+      <confidence value="666">CH3</confidence>
+         Br <boundary-data type="header">CS8786                        -10-</boundary-data>
+      <page-break num="10"/>
+(24-8) 4-(difluoromethyl)-2-methyl-N-<confidence value="5">[</confidence>
+4'-(trifluoromethyl)-1<confidence value="86">,1</confidence>
+'-biphenyl-2-y<confidence value="5">l</confidence>
+]-1,3- thiazole-5-carboxamide (known from WO 03/066610) of the formula <part-num-ref name="formula">
+        <confidence value="2">0</confidence>
+      </part-num-ref>
+ <confidence value="888">F2H</confidence>
+C     N     </p>
+    <heading id="h-85">
+      <confidence value="7">H</confidence>
+    </heading>
+    <heading id="h-86">N   S<confidence value="222">---</confidence>
+    </heading>
+    <p id="p-57" num="57">
+      <confidence value="666">CH3</confidence>
+         CF3 <boundary-data type="header">
+        <confidence value="5">C</confidence>
+S8786                        -<confidence value="888">11-</confidence>
+      </boundary-data>
+    </p>
+  </description>
+</us-patent-application>
+

prior_art/10594708.xml

@@ -0,0 +1,16 @@
+<?xml version="1.0" encoding="UTF-8"?>
+<pat:SpecificationDocument xmlns:pat="urn:us:gov:doc:uspto:patent" xmlns="urn:us:gov:doc:uspto:patent" xmlns:ent="urn:us:gov:doc:uspto:enterprise" xmlns:mml="http://www.w3.org/1998/Math/MathML" xmlns:tbl="http://www.oasis-open.org/tables/exchange/1.0" xmlns:xsi="http://www.w3.org/2001/XMLSchema-instance" xmlns:com="http://www.wipo.int/standards/XMLSchema/Common/1" pat:instanceFileName="10594708.03-28-2012.H0FAPDVEPXXIFW2.SPEC.xml" pat:id="H0FAPDVEPXXIFW2" xsi:schemaLocation="urn:us:gov:doc:uspto:patent XMLSchema/V1_3/SpecificationDocument_1_0.xsd">
+<pat:DocumentCode>SPEC</pat:DocumentCode><pat:DocumentHeaderDetails pat:id="ID-00001">
+<pat:ApplicationHeaderDetails><pat:ApplicationNumber>10594708</pat:ApplicationNumber></pat:ApplicationHeaderDetails>
+<pat:PageTotalQuantity>1</pat:PageTotalQuantity>
+<pat:ParagraphTotalQuantity>3</pat:ParagraphTotalQuantity>
+</pat:DocumentHeaderDetails>
+<pat:MailRoomDate>2012-03-28</pat:MailRoomDate>
+<pat:Specification pat:id="Specification">
+<?PageStart number="1"?>
+<pat:Heading pat:id="h-1">AMENDMENTS</pat:Heading>
+<pat:P pat:id="p-1" pat:pNumber="1">In the Specification</pat:P>
+<pat:P pat:id="p-2" pat:pNumber="2"><pat:OCRConfidenceData pat:levelNumber="5">[</pat:OCRConfidenceData>0322<pat:OCRConfidenceData pat:levelNumber="5">]</pat:OCRConfidenceData> Suitable m<pat:OCRConfidenceData pat:levelNumber="6655">etas</pat:OCRConfidenceData> metals for use in making the nano-particles, nano-shell nano-particles, <pat:OCRConfidenceData pat:levelNumber="88668">nano-</pat:OCRConfidenceData> rod nano-particles, and/or nano-rod nano-shell nano-particles of this invention include, without limitation, any metal capable of forming nano-particles. Non-limiting exemplary examples include non-transition metals, transition metals, lanthanide metals, actinide metals, alloys thereof or mixtures or combinations thereof. Non-limiting exemplary examples of non-transition metals include aluminum (Al), silicon (Si), magnesium (Mg), calcium (Ca), strontium (Sr), barium (Ba), gallium (Ga), germanium (Ge), arsenic (As), selenium (Se), indium (In), tin (Sn), antimony (Sb), tellurium (Te), thallium (<pat:OCRConfidenceData pat:levelNumber="52">Tl</pat:OCRConfidenceData>), lead (Pb), bismuth (Bi), alloys thereof or mixture or combinations thereof. Non- limiting exemplary examples of transition metals include scandium (Sc), titanium (Ti), vanadium (V), chromium (Cr), manganese (Mn), iron (Fe), cobalt (Co), nickel (Ni), copper (Cu), zin<pat:OCRConfidenceData pat:levelNumber="5">c</pat:OCRConfidenceData> (Zn), yttrium (Y), zirconium (Zr), niobium (Nb), molybdenum (Mo), technetium (<pat:OCRConfidenceData pat:levelNumber="5">T</pat:OCRConfidenceData>c), ruthenium (Ru), rhodium (Rh), palladium (Pd), silver (Ag), cadmium (Cd), hafnium (Hf), tantalum (Ta), tungsten (W), rhenium (Re), osmium (Os), iridium (Ir), platinum (Pt), gold (Au), mercury (Hg), alloys thereof, or mixtures or combinations thereof. Preferred metals include iron (Fe), ruthenium (Ru), osmium (Os), cobalt (Co), rhodium (Rh), iridium (Ir), nickel (Ni), palladium (Pd), platinum (Pt), copper (Cu), silver (Ag), gold (Au), alloys thereof or mixture or combinations thereof. More preferred metals include the noble metals ruthenium (Ru), rhodium (Rh), palladium (Pd), silver (Ag), osmium (Os), iridium (Ir), platinum (Pt), gold (Au), their alloys or mixtures and combinations thereof.</pat:P>
+<pat:P pat:id="p-3" pat:pNumber="3">Page 2 <pat:PartName pat:idref="PN-00001">Response to </pat:PartName><pat:PartNumber pat:id="PN-00001">12</pat:PartNumber> July 2011 Non-Final Office</pat:P>
+<pat:Heading pat:id="h-2">AD: 96605<pat:OCRConfidenceData pat:levelNumber="588684">/28US;</pat:OCRConfidenceData> USSN: 10/594708                                  ROBERT W. STROZIER<pat:OCRConfidenceData pat:levelNumber="5">,</pat:OCRConfidenceData> P.L.L.<pat:OCRConfidenceData pat:levelNumber="68">C.</pat:OCRConfidenceData></pat:Heading>
+</pat:Specification></pat:SpecificationDocument>

prior_art/10599793.xml

@@ -0,0 +1,40 @@
+<?xml version="1.0" encoding="utf-8"?>
+<!DOCTYPE us-patent-application SYSTEM "PATI-v1.0.3-2011-06-23.dtd">
+<us-patent-application lang="EN" dtd-version="v1.0.3 2011-06-23" id="us-patent-application" country="US">
+  <us-bibliographic-data-application lang="EN" country="US">
+    <application-reference appl-type="utility">
+      <document-id>
+        <doc-number>10599793</doc-number>
+        <date>2009-12-22</date>
+      </document-id>
+    </application-reference>
+  </us-bibliographic-data-application>
+  <description id="description">
+    <boundary-data type="header">Atty. Dkt. No. 069818-3600</boundary-data>
+    <heading id="h-1">AMENDMENTS TO THE SPECIFICATION</heading>
+    <p id="p-1" num="1">Please replace paragraph starting at page 4, line 30, with the following rewritten paragraph:</p>
+    <p id="p-2" num="2">Preferably, the major part of the proteins is obtained by d<confidence value="4">e</confidence>
+min<confidence value="586558848888">er-alisation</confidence>
+ demineralization of defatted (skimmed) milk. This major part is at least <part-num-ref name="proteins is obtained by deminer-alisation demineralization of defatted (skimmed) milk. This major part is at least">70</part-num-ref>
+ wt.%, preferably at least <part-num-ref name="wt.%, preferably at least">80</part-num-ref>
+ wt% of the protein fraction. It was found that such a protein fraction allows high concentrations in a complete food concentrate without excessive viscosity problems, while combinations of caseinate products and whey protein preparations result in high viscosities.    </p>
+    <p id="p-3" num="3">The <confidence value="2222222222222222">demineralisation</confidence>
+ demineralization is preferably performed in such a manner that at least 97%, especially at least 99% of lactose is removed from the milk, leaving essentially intact protein; the protein is enriched in calcium relative to sodium, potassium and other electrolytes. This can be done using extended ultrafiltration. Such <confidence value="2222222222222">demineralised</confidence>
+ <confidence value="2222222222222">demineralized</confidence>
+ milk protein are sometimes referred to as milk protein isolates.    </p>
+    <p id="p-4" num="4">Please replace paragraph starting at page 5, line 3, with the following rewritten paragraph:</p>
+    <p id="p-5" num="5">The protein fraction of the composition of the invention can also be obtained by <confidence value="222222222222">deieralising</confidence>
+ <confidence value="22222222222222">demineralizing</confidence>
+ casein in a similar way, and then optionally adding whey proteins (whey protein isolate). Other proteins, such as vegetable proteins like proteins from lupine, maize, rice, soy, pea or potato, can also be present, although it is preferred that these do not account for more than 10% (w/w), especially not more than 5%, of the protein content of the composition.    </p>
+    <p id="p-6" num="6">Please replace paragraph starting at page 8, line 11, with the following rewritten paragraph:</p>
+    <p id="p-7" num="7">The product of the invention is a thin liquid and it is preferred that it is packaged in small individual dosage units. Preferred package units are 5-250 ml, especially 80-200 ml, in particular 100-150 ml, or alternatively, 5-30 ml. These packaging sizes for liquid food products containing at least 1.45 kcal per ml, and preferably containing at least 7.6 g protein per 100 ml, were found to be very effective in administering sufficient food to patients having food ingestion problems, and constitute a special embodiment of the invention. The liquid <boundary-data type="header">-2-</boundary-data>
+      <boundary-data type="header">WASH_6217640.1</boundary-data>
+      <page-break num="2"/>
+      <boundary-data type="header">Atty. Dkt. No. 069818-3600</boundary-data>
+should at least contain 7.6 g or more protein per 100 <confidence value="66">ml</confidence>
+, and preferably contains one or more of the components described above, such as specific carbohydrates, specific fats, vitamins and the like. The packaging can e.g. have the form of a block-shaped carton to be emptied with a straw, a carton or plastic beaker with removable cover, or a small-sized bottle for the 80-200 ml range, and e.g. small cups for the 10-30 ml range. Another suitable packaging mode is inclusion of small volumes of liquid (e.g. 10-20 ml) in edible solid or semi-solid hulls or capsules, for example chocolate coverings (bonbon type), gelatine-like coverings etc.    </p>
+    <boundary-data type="header">-3-</boundary-data>
+    <boundary-data type="header">WASH_6217640.1</boundary-data>
+  </description>
+</us-patent-application>
+

prior_art/10720448.xml

@@ -0,0 +1,602 @@
+<?xml version="1.0" encoding="utf-8"?>
+<!DOCTYPE us-patent-application SYSTEM "PATI-v1.0.3-2011-06-23.dtd">
+<us-patent-application lang="EN" dtd-version="v1.0.3 2011-06-23" id="us-patent-application" country="US">
+  <us-bibliographic-data-application lang="EN" country="US">
+    <application-reference appl-type="utility">
+      <document-id>
+        <doc-number>10720448</doc-number>
+        <date>2009-05-19</date>
+      </document-id>
+    </application-reference>
+  </us-bibliographic-data-application>
+  <description id="description">
+    <p id="p-1" num="1">Amendments to the Specification On page <part-num-ref name="Specification On page">1,</part-num-ref>
+ please replace the paragraph spanning lines 4-22 with the following<confidence value="5">:</confidence>
+    </p>
+    <p id="p-2" num="2">This application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. Patent Application No.</p>
+    <p id="p-3" num="3">10/693,095, filed October 23, 2003, which is a [[a]] continuation-in-part of U.S. Patent Application No. 10/444,853, filed May <part-num-ref name="[[a]] continuation-in-part of U.S. Patent Application No. 10/444,853, filed May">23,</part-num-ref>
+ <part-num-ref name="[[a]] continuation-in-part of U.S. Patent Application No. 10/444,853, filed May 23,">2003<confidence value="5">,</confidence>
+      </part-num-ref>
+ which is <confidence value="6">a</confidence>
+ <confidence value="7711">10,'</confidence>
+652,791, filed <confidence value="111611">AXuguf</confidence>
+st <part-num-ref name="10,'652,791, filed AXugufst">29,</part-num-ref>
+ <part-num-ref name="10,'652,791, filed AXugufst 29,">2003,</part-num-ref>
+ whi<confidence value="7">c</confidence>
+h is a <confidence value="66">co</confidence>
+ntin<confidence value="66">ua</confidence>
+tion of 10<confidence value="11">,'</confidence>
+422,704, filed <confidence value="111127">~Xrl2,</confidence>
+ <part-num-ref name="continuation of 10,'422,704, filed ~Xrl2,">2003,</part-num-ref>
+ whi<confidence value="8">c</confidence>
+h is a <confidence value="66">co</confidence>
+ntin<confidence value="66">ua</confidence>
+tion of U.S. Patent Appli<confidence value="2">c</confidence>
+ation No. 10/417,012, filed Ap<confidence value="2">r</confidence>
+il <part-num-ref name="continuation of U.S. Patent Application No. 10/417,012, filed April">
+        <confidence value="27">1,</confidence>
+      </part-num-ref>
+ <part-num-ref name="continuation of U.S. Patent Application No. 10/417,012, filed April 1,">
+        <confidence value="66665">2003.</confidence>
+      </part-num-ref>
+ <confidence value="6555">U.S.</confidence>
+ <confidence value="88888888888">application</confidence>
+ <confidence value="5655555655">10/693,095</confidence>
+ <confidence value="56">is</confidence>
+ <confidence value="5665">also</confidence>
+ a continuation-in-part of International Patent Application No. PCT/U<confidence value="5">S</confidence>
+03/05346, filed February <part-num-ref name="continuation-in-part of International Patent Application No. PCT/US03/05346, filed February">20,</part-num-ref>
+ <part-num-ref name="continuation-in-part of International Patent Application No. PCT/US03/05346, filed February 20,">2003,</part-num-ref>
+ and a continuation-in-part of International Patent Application No. PCT/U<confidence value="5">S</confidence>
+03/05028, filed February <part-num-ref name="continuation-in-part of International Patent Application No. PCT/US03/05028, filed February">20,</part-num-ref>
+ <part-num-ref name="continuation-in-part of International Patent Application No. PCT/US03/05028, filed February 20,">2003,</part-num-ref>
+ both of which claim the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 60/358,580 filed February <part-num-ref name="benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 60/358,580 filed February">20,</part-num-ref>
+ <part-num-ref name="benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 60/358,580 filed February 20,">2002,</part-num-ref>
+ U.S. Provisional Application No. 60/363,124 filed March <part-num-ref name="benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 60/358,580 filed February 20, 2002, U.S. Provisional Application No. 60/363,124 filed March">11,</part-num-ref>
+ <part-num-ref name="benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 60/358,580 filed February 20, 2002, U.S. Provisional Application No. 60/363,124 filed March 11,">2002,</part-num-ref>
+ U.S.    </p>
+    <p id="p-4" num="4">Provisional Application No. 60/386,782 filed June 6, 2002, U.S. Provisional Application No. 60/406,784 filed August 29, 2002, U.S. Provisional Application No. 60/408,378 filed September 5, 2002, U.S. Provisional Application No. 60/409,293 filed September 9, 2002, and U.S. Provisional Application No. 60/440,129 filed January 15, 2003. <confidence value="6666">U-S-</confidence>
+ appli<confidence value="2">c</confidence>
+ation 10/693,095 is also a <confidence value="66">co</confidence>
+ntin<confidence value="66">ua</confidence>
+tion in pa<confidence value="22">rt</confidence>
+ of US Patent Appli<confidence value="2">c</confidence>
+ation No.    </p>
+    <p id="p-5" num="5">10/427,160, filed  Ap<confidence value="2">r</confidence>
+il 30, 2003  and  <confidence value="6776">inte</confidence>
+rnational Patent Appli<confidence value="2">c</confidence>
+ation  No.    </p>
+    <p id="p-6" num="6">
+      <confidence value="85555515555555">PCT/USO2/15876</confidence>
+ <confidence value="55666">filed</confidence>
+ <confidence value="666">May</confidence>
+ <confidence value="556">17,</confidence>
+    <confidence value="6">.</confidence>
+ The instant application claims the benefit of all the listed applications, which are hereby incorporated by reference herein in their entireties, including the drawings.    </p>
+    <p id="p-7" num="7">On page 4, please replace the paragraph of lines 1-19, as filed, with the following<confidence value="5">:</confidence>
+    </p>
+    <p id="p-8" num="8">Studies have shown that replacing the 3<confidence value="5">'</confidence>
+-terminal nucleotide overhanging segments of   a  21-mer   siRNA    duplex  having   two-nucleotide  3<confidence value="5">'</confidence>
+-overhangs  with deoxyribonucleotides does not have an adverse effect on RNAi activity. Replacing up to four nucleotides on each end of the siRNA with deoxyribonucleotides has been reported to be well tolerated, whereas complete substitution with deoxyribonucleotides results in no RNAi activity (Elbashir et al., <part-num-ref name="siRNA with deoxyribonucleotides has been reported to be well tolerated, whereas complete substitution with deoxyribonucleotides results in no RNAi activity (Elbashir et al.,">2001,</part-num-ref>
+ EMBO J., <part-num-ref name="siRNA with deoxyribonucleotides has been reported to be well tolerated, whereas complete substitution with deoxyribonucleotides results in no RNAi activity (Elbashir et al., 2001, EMBO J.,">20,</part-num-ref>
+ 6877). In addition, Elbashir et al., supra, also report that substitution of siRNA with 2<confidence value="5">'</confidence>
+-O-methyl nucleotides completely abolishes RNAi activity. Li et al., International PCT Publication No. WO 00/44914, and Beach et al., International PCT Publication No. WO 01/68836 preliminarily suggest that siRNA may include modifications to either the phosphate-sugar backbone or the nucleoside to include at least one of a nitrogen or sulfur heteroatom, however, neither application postulates to what extent such modifications would be tolerated in siRNA molecules, nor provides any further guidance or examples of such modified siRNA.    </p>
+    <p id="p-9" num="9">Kreutzer et al., Canadian Patent Application No. 2,359,180, also describe certain chemical modifications for use in dsRNA constructs in order to counteract activation of double-stranded RNA-dependent protein kinase PKR, specifically 2<confidence value="5">'</confidence>
+-amino or <confidence value="666665666">2'-[[0-]]</confidence>
+ methyl nucleotides, and nucleotides containing a 2<confidence value="664">'-O</confidence>
+ or 4<confidence value="5">'</confidence>
+-C methylene bridge.    </p>
+    <p id="p-10" num="10">However, Kreutzer et al. similarly fails to provide examples or guidance as to what extent these modifications would be tolerated in siRNA molecules.</p>
+    <boundary-data type="header">2               Preliminary Amendment, dated May 19, 2009</boundary-data>
+    <boundary-data type="header">In USSN 10/720,448, filed November 24, 2003</boundary-data>
+    <boundary-data type="header">Attorney Docket No.: SIR-MIS-00001-US-CIP[3]</boundary-data>
+    <p id="p-11" num="11">
+      <page-break num="2"/>
+Please replace the paragraph bridging pages <part-num-ref name="paragraph bridging pages">6</part-num-ref>
+ and <part-num-ref name="and">7</part-num-ref>
+ with the following paragraph<confidence value="5">:</confidence>
+    </p>
+    <p id="p-12" num="12">This invention relates to compounds, compositions, and methods useful for modulating RNA function and/or gene expression in a cell. Specifically, the instant invention features synthetic small nucleic acid molecules, such as short interfering nucleic acid (siNA), short interfering RNA (siRNA), double-stranded RNA (dsRNA), micro-RNA (miRNA), and short hairpin RNA (shRNA) molecules capable of modulating gene expression in cells by RNA <confidence value="222222222">infefenee</confidence>
+ interference (RNAi). The siNA molecules of the invention can be chemically modified. The use of chemically modified siNA can improve various properties of native siRNA molecules through increased resistance to nuclease degradation in vivo and/or improved cellular uptake. The chemically modified siNA molecules of the instant invention provide useful reagents and methods for a variety of therapeutic, diagnostic, agricultural, target validation, genomic discovery, genetic engineering and pharmacogenomic applications.    </p>
+    <p id="p-13" num="13">Please replace the paragraph bridging pages <part-num-ref name="paragraph bridging pages">7</part-num-ref>
+ and <part-num-ref name="and">8</part-num-ref>
+ with the following paragraph<confidence value="5">:</confidence>
+    </p>
+    <p id="p-14" num="14">In one embodiment, the nucleic acid molecules of the invention that act as mediators of the RNA interference gene silencing response are chemically modified double stranded nucleic acid molecules. As in their native double stranded RNA counterparts, these siNA molecules typically consist of duplexes containing about <part-num-ref name="RNA interference gene silencing response are chemically modified double stranded nucleic acid molecules. As in their native double stranded RNA counterparts, these siNA molecules typically consist of duplexes containing about">19</part-num-ref>
+ base pairs between oligonucleotides comprising about <part-num-ref name="base pairs between oligonucleotides comprising about">19</part-num-ref>
+ to about <part-num-ref name="to about">25</part-num-ref>
+ nucleotides. The most active siRNA molecules are thought to have such duplexes with overhanging ends of 1-3 nucleotides, for example <part-num-ref name="most active siRNA molecules are thought to have such duplexes with overhanging ends of 1-3 nucleotides, for example">21</part-num-ref>
+ nucleotide duplexes with <part-num-ref name="nucleotide duplexes with">19</part-num-ref>
+ base pairs and <part-num-ref name="base pairs and">2</part-num-ref>
+ nucleotide 3'-overhangs. These overhanging segments are readily hydrolyzed by endonucleases in vivo. Studies have shown that replacing the 3'-overhanging segments of a 21-mer siRNA duplex having <part-num-ref name="21-mer siRNA duplex having">2</part-num-ref>
+ nucleotide 3' overhangs with deoxyribonucleotides does not have an adverse effect on RNAi activity. Replacing up to <part-num-ref name="adverse effect on RNAi activity. Replacing up to">4</part-num-ref>
+ nucleotides on each end of the siRNA with deoxyribonucleotides has been reported to be well tolerated whereas complete substitution with deoxyribonucleotides results in no RNAi activity (Elbashir et al., <part-num-ref name="siRNA with deoxyribonucleotides has been reported to be well tolerated whereas complete substitution with deoxyribonucleotides results in no RNAi activity (Elbashir et al.,">2001,</part-num-ref>
+ EMBO J., <part-num-ref name="siRNA with deoxyribonucleotides has been reported to be well tolerated whereas complete substitution with deoxyribonucleotides results in no RNAi activity (Elbashir et al., 2001, EMBO J.,">20,</part-num-ref>
+ 6877). In addition, Elbashir et al, supra, also report that substitution of siRNA with 2'-O-methyl nucleotides completely abolishes RNAi activity. Li et al., International PCT Publication No. WO 00/44914, and Beach et al., International PCT Publication No. WO 01/68836 both suggest that siRNA may include modifications to either the phosphate-sugar back bone or the nucleoside to include at least one of a nitrogen or sulfur heteroatom, however neither application teaches to what extent these modifications are tolerated in siRNA molecules nor provide any examples of such modified siRNA.    Kreutzer and Limmer, Canadian Patent Application No.    </p>
+    <p id="p-15" num="15">2,359,180, also describe certain chemical modifications for use in dsRNA constructs in order to counteract activation of double stranded-RNA-dependent protein kinase PKR, specifically 2'-amino or 2'-<confidence value="665">[[O</confidence>
+-]]methyl nucleotides, and nucleotides containing a 2'-<confidence value="5">O</confidence>
+ or 4'-C methylene bridge. However, Kreutzer and Limmer similarly fail to show to what extent these modifications are tolerated in siRNA molecules nor provide any examples of such modified siRNA.    </p>
+    <p id="p-16" num="16">Please replace the paragraph bridging pages 24-25 with the following paragraph<confidence value="5">:</confidence>
+    </p>
+    <boundary-data type="header">3               Preliminary Amendment, dated May 19, 2009</boundary-data>
+    <boundary-data type="header">In USSN 10/720,448, filed November 24, 2003</boundary-data>
+    <boundary-data type="header">Attorney Docket No.: SIR-MIS-00001-US-CIP[3]</boundary-data>
+    <p id="p-17" num="17">
+      <page-break num="3"/>
+In one embodiment, the invention features a chemically-modified short interfering nucleic acid (siNA) molecule capable of mediating RNA interference (RNAi) inside a cell or reconstituted in vitro system, wherein the chemical modification comprises one or more (e.g., about <part-num-ref name="about">1,</part-num-ref>
+ <part-num-ref name="about 1,">2,</part-num-ref>
+ <part-num-ref name="about 1, 2,">3,</part-num-ref>
+ <part-num-ref name="about 1, 2, 3,">4,</part-num-ref>
+ <part-num-ref name="about 1, 2, 3, 4,">5,</part-num-ref>
+ <part-num-ref name="about 1, 2, 3, 4, 5,">6,</part-num-ref>
+ <part-num-ref name="about 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6,">7,</part-num-ref>
+ <part-num-ref name="about 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7,">8,</part-num-ref>
+ <part-num-ref name="about 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8,">9,</part-num-ref>
+ <part-num-ref name="about 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9,">10,</part-num-ref>
+ or more) nucleotides or non-nucleotides having Formula I<confidence value="66">I:</confidence>
+    </p>
+    <heading id="h-1">
+      <confidence value="8">B</confidence>
+    </heading>
+    <p id="p-18" num="18">R7 R11 <confidence value="52">R9</confidence>
+ <confidence value="72">R6</confidence>
+            <confidence value="82">R1</confidence>
+ <confidence value="72">R5</confidence>
+         R3 wherein each R3, R4, R5, R6, R7, R8, R<confidence value="66">10</confidence>
+, R <confidence value="52">11</confidence>
+ and R12 is independently H, OH, alkyl, substituted alkyl, alkaryl or aralkyl, F, Cl, Br, CN, CF3, OCF3, OCN, <confidence value="4">0</confidence>
+-alkyl, S-alkyl, N-alkyl, <confidence value="4">0</confidence>
+-alkenyl, S-alkenyl, N-alkenyl, S<confidence value="5">O</confidence>
+-alkyl, alkyl-<confidence value="88588">[[0]]</confidence>
+SH, alkyl-OH, <confidence value="4">0</confidence>
+-alkyl- OH, <confidence value="4">O</confidence>
+-alkyl-SH, S-alkyl-OH, S-alkyl-SH, alkyl-S-alkyl, alkyl-<confidence value="5">O</confidence>
+-alkyl, <confidence value="684">ON0</confidence>
+2, N<confidence value="4">O</confidence>
+2, N3, NH2, aminoalkyl, aminoacid, aminoacyl, ONH2, <confidence value="4">0</confidence>
+-aminoalkyl, <confidence value="5">0</confidence>
+-aminoacid, <confidence value="68">0-</confidence>
+ aminoacyl, heterocycloalkyl, heterocycloalkaryl, aminoalkylamino, polyalklylamino, substituted silyl, or group having Formula I or II; R9 is <part-num-ref name="and R12 is independently H, OH, alkyl, substituted alkyl, alkaryl or aralkyl, F, Cl, Br, CN, CF3, OCF3, OCN, 0-alkyl, S-alkyl, N-alkyl, 0-alkenyl, S-alkenyl, N-alkenyl, SO-alkyl, alkyl-[[0]]SH, alkyl-OH, 0-alkyl- OH, O-alkyl-SH, S-alkyl-OH, S-alkyl-SH, alkyl-S-alkyl, alkyl-O-alkyl, ON02, NO2, N3, NH2, aminoalkyl, aminoacid, aminoacyl, ONH2, 0-aminoalkyl, 0-aminoacid, 0- aminoacyl, heterocycloalkyl, heterocycloalkaryl, aminoalkylamino, polyalklylamino, substituted silyl, or group having Formula I or II; R9 is">
+        <confidence value="58">0,</confidence>
+      </part-num-ref>
+ <confidence value="5">S</confidence>
+, CH2, S<confidence value="55">=O</confidence>
+, CHF, or CF2, and B is a nucleosidic base such as adenine, guanine, uracil, cytosine, thymine, 2- aminoadenosine, 5-methylcytosine, 2,6-diaminopurine, or any other non-naturally occurring base that can be complementary or non-complementary to target RNA or a non-nucleosidic base such as phenyl, naphthyl, 3-nitropyrrole, 5-nitroindole, nebularine, pyridone, pyridinone, or any other non-naturally occurring universal base that can be complementary or non-complementary to target RNA.    </p>
+    <p id="p-19" num="19">Please also replace the paragraph bridging pages 25-26 with the following paragraph<confidence value="5">:</confidence>
+    </p>
+    <p id="p-20" num="20">In one embodiment, the invention features a chemically-modified short interfering nucleic acid (siNA) molecule capable of mediating RNA interference (RNAi) inside a cell or reconstituted in vitro system, wherein the chemical modification comprises one or more (e.g., about <part-num-ref name="about">1,</part-num-ref>
+ <part-num-ref name="about 1,">2,</part-num-ref>
+ <part-num-ref name="about 1, 2,">3,</part-num-ref>
+ <part-num-ref name="about 1, 2, 3,">4,</part-num-ref>
+ <part-num-ref name="about 1, 2, 3, 4,">5,</part-num-ref>
+ <part-num-ref name="about 1, 2, 3, 4, 5,">6,</part-num-ref>
+ <part-num-ref name="about 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6,">7,</part-num-ref>
+ <part-num-ref name="about 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7,">8,</part-num-ref>
+ <part-num-ref name="about 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8,">9,</part-num-ref>
+ <part-num-ref name="about 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9,">10,</part-num-ref>
+ or more) nucleotides or non-nucleotides having Formula III:    </p>
+    <boundary-data type="header">
+      <confidence value="6">4</confidence>
+               Preliminary Amendment, dated May 19, 2009    </boundary-data>
+    <boundary-data type="header">In USSN 10/720,448, filed November 24, 2003</boundary-data>
+    <boundary-data type="header">Attorney Docket No.: SIR-MIS-00001-US-CIP[3<confidence value="5">]</confidence>
+    </boundary-data>
+    <p id="p-21" num="21">
+      <page-break num="4"/>
+R10 R7 R11 <confidence value="22">R6</confidence>
+ <confidence value="72">R8</confidence>
+               <confidence value="8">B</confidence>
+ <confidence value="72">R5</confidence>
+         R3 wherein each R3, R4, R5, R6, R7, R8, R<confidence value="66">10</confidence>
+, R<confidence value="5">1</confidence>
+1 and R12 is independently H, OH, alkyl, substituted alkyl, alkaryl or aralkyl, F, Cl, Br, CN, CF3, OCF3, OCN, 0-alkyl, S-alkyl, N-alkyl, <confidence value="4">0</confidence>
+-alkenyl, S-alkenyl, N-alkenyl, SO-alkyl, alkyl-<confidence value="665">[[O</confidence>
+]]SH, alkyl-OH, <confidence value="4">0</confidence>
+-alkyl-OH, <confidence value="4">O</confidence>
+-alkyl-SH, <confidence value="8">S</confidence>
+-alkyl-OH, S-alkyl-SH, alkyl-S-alkyl, alkyl-<confidence value="4">O</confidence>
+-alkyl, <confidence value="684">ON0</confidence>
+2, N<confidence value="4">O</confidence>
+2, N3, NH2, aminoalkyl, aminoacid, aminoacyl, ONH2, <confidence value="4">0</confidence>
+-aminoalkyl, <confidence value="4">0</confidence>
+-aminoacid, <confidence value="4">0</confidence>
+-aminoacyl, heterocycloalkyl, heterocycloalkaryl, aminoalkylamino, polyalklylamino, substituted silyl, or group having Formula I or <confidence value="66">II</confidence>
+; R9 is <confidence value="58">0,</confidence>
+ <confidence value="5">S</confidence>
+, CH2, S<confidence value="55">=O</confidence>
+, CHF, or CF2, and B is a nucleosidic base such as adenine, guanine, uracil, cytosine, thymine, 2-aminoadenosine, <part-num-ref name="nucleosidic base such as adenine, guanine, uracil, cytosine, thymine, 2-aminoadenosine,">5</part-num-ref>
+ -methylcytosine, 2,6- diaminopurine, or any other non-naturally occurring base that can be employed to be complementary or non-complementary to target RNA or a non-nucleosidic base such as phenyl, naphthyl, 3-nitropyrrole, 5-nitroindole, nebularine, pyridone, pyridinone, or any other non- naturally occurring universal base that can be complementary or non-complementary to target     </p>
+    <heading id="h-2">RNA.</heading>
+    <p id="p-22" num="22">Please replace the paragraph bridging pages 29-30 with the following paragraph<confidence value="5">:</confidence>
+    </p>
+    <p id="p-23" num="23">In one embodiment, the invention features a siNA molecule, wherein the <confidence value="222222222">antisense</confidence>
+ sense strand comprises one or more, for example, about <part-num-ref name="antisense sense strand comprises one or more, for example, about">1,</part-num-ref>
+ <part-num-ref name="antisense sense strand comprises one or more, for example, about 1,">2,</part-num-ref>
+ <part-num-ref name="antisense sense strand comprises one or more, for example, about 1, 2,">3,</part-num-ref>
+ <part-num-ref name="antisense sense strand comprises one or more, for example, about 1, 2, 3,">4,</part-num-ref>
+ <part-num-ref name="antisense sense strand comprises one or more, for example, about 1, 2, 3, 4,">5,</part-num-ref>
+ <part-num-ref name="antisense sense strand comprises one or more, for example, about 1, 2, 3, 4, 5,">6,</part-num-ref>
+ <part-num-ref name="antisense sense strand comprises one or more, for example, about 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6,">7,</part-num-ref>
+ <part-num-ref name="antisense sense strand comprises one or more, for example, about 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7,">8,</part-num-ref>
+ <part-num-ref name="antisense sense strand comprises one or more, for example, about 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8,">9,</part-num-ref>
+ <part-num-ref name="antisense sense strand comprises one or more, for example, about 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9,">10,</part-num-ref>
+ or more phosphorothioate internucleotide linkages, and/or about one or more (e.g., about <part-num-ref name="about">1,</part-num-ref>
+ <part-num-ref name="about 1,">2,</part-num-ref>
+ <part-num-ref name="about 1, 2,">3,</part-num-ref>
+ <part-num-ref name="about 1, 2, 3,">4,</part-num-ref>
+ <part-num-ref name="about 1, 2, 3, 4,">5,</part-num-ref>
+ <part-num-ref name="about 1, 2, 3, 4, 5,">6,</part-num-ref>
+ <part-num-ref name="about 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6,">7,</part-num-ref>
+ <part-num-ref name="about 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7,">8,</part-num-ref>
+ <part-num-ref name="about 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8,">9,</part-num-ref>
+ <part-num-ref name="about 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9,">10</part-num-ref>
+ or more) 2<confidence value="5">'</confidence>
+-deoxy, 2<confidence value="585">'-O</confidence>
+-methyl, 2<confidence value="5">'</confidence>
+-deoxy-2<confidence value="5">'</confidence>
+-fluoro, and/or one or more (e.g., about <part-num-ref name="about">1,</part-num-ref>
+ <part-num-ref name="about 1,">2,</part-num-ref>
+ <part-num-ref name="about 1, 2,">3,</part-num-ref>
+ <part-num-ref name="about 1, 2, 3,">4,</part-num-ref>
+ <part-num-ref name="about 1, 2, 3, 4,">5,</part-num-ref>
+ <part-num-ref name="about 1, 2, 3, 4, 5,">6,</part-num-ref>
+ <part-num-ref name="about 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6,">7,</part-num-ref>
+ <part-num-ref name="about 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7,">8,</part-num-ref>
+ <part-num-ref name="about 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8,">9,</part-num-ref>
+ <part-num-ref name="about 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9,">10</part-num-ref>
+ or more) universal base modified nucleotides, and optionally a terminal cap molecule at the 3<confidence value="5">'</confidence>
+-end, the 5<confidence value="5">'</confidence>
+-end, or both of the 3<confidence value="5">'</confidence>
+- and 5<confidence value="68">'-</confidence>
+ ends of the sense strand; and wherein the antisense strand comprises about <part-num-ref name="antisense strand comprises about">1</part-num-ref>
+ to about <part-num-ref name="to about">10</part-num-ref>
+ or more, specifically about <part-num-ref name="or more, specifically about">1,</part-num-ref>
+ <part-num-ref name="or more, specifically about 1,">2,</part-num-ref>
+ <part-num-ref name="or more, specifically about 1, 2,">3,</part-num-ref>
+ <part-num-ref name="or more, specifically about 1, 2, 3,">4,</part-num-ref>
+ <part-num-ref name="or more, specifically about 1, 2, 3, 4,">5,</part-num-ref>
+ <part-num-ref name="or more, specifically about 1, 2, 3, 4, 5,">6,</part-num-ref>
+ <part-num-ref name="or more, specifically about 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6,">7,</part-num-ref>
+ <part-num-ref name="or more, specifically about 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7,">8,</part-num-ref>
+ <part-num-ref name="or more, specifically about 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8,">9,</part-num-ref>
+ <part-num-ref name="or more, specifically about 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9,">10</part-num-ref>
+ or more phosphorothioate internucleotide linkages, and/or one or more (e.g., about <part-num-ref name="about">1,</part-num-ref>
+ <part-num-ref name="about 1,">2,</part-num-ref>
+ <part-num-ref name="about 1, 2,">3,</part-num-ref>
+ <part-num-ref name="about 1, 2, 3,">4,</part-num-ref>
+ <part-num-ref name="about 1, 2, 3, 4,">5,</part-num-ref>
+ <part-num-ref name="about 1, 2, 3, 4, 5,">6,</part-num-ref>
+ <part-num-ref name="about 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6,">7,</part-num-ref>
+ <part-num-ref name="about 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7,">8,</part-num-ref>
+ <part-num-ref name="about 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8,">9,</part-num-ref>
+ <part-num-ref name="about 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9,">10</part-num-ref>
+ or more) 2<confidence value="5">'</confidence>
+-deoxy, 2<confidence value="585">'-O</confidence>
+-methyl, 2<confidence value="5">'</confidence>
+-deoxy-2<confidence value="5">'</confidence>
+-fluoro, and/or one or more (e.g., about <part-num-ref name="about">1,</part-num-ref>
+ <part-num-ref name="about 1,">2,</part-num-ref>
+ <part-num-ref name="about 1, 2,">3,</part-num-ref>
+ <part-num-ref name="about 1, 2, 3,">4,</part-num-ref>
+ <part-num-ref name="about 1, 2, 3, 4,">5,</part-num-ref>
+ <part-num-ref name="about 1, 2, 3, 4, 5,">6,</part-num-ref>
+ <part-num-ref name="about 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6,">7,</part-num-ref>
+ <part-num-ref name="about 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7,">8,</part-num-ref>
+ <part-num-ref name="about 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8,">9,</part-num-ref>
+ <part-num-ref name="about 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9,">10</part-num-ref>
+ or more) universal base modified nucleotides, and optionally a terminal cap molecule at the 3<confidence value="5">'</confidence>
+-end, the 5<confidence value="5">'</confidence>
+-end, or both of the 3<confidence value="5">'</confidence>
+- and 5<confidence value="5">'</confidence>
+-ends of the antisense strand. In another embodiment, one or more, for example about <part-num-ref name="antisense strand. In another embodiment, one or more, for example about">1,</part-num-ref>
+ <part-num-ref name="antisense strand. In another embodiment, one or more, for example about 1,">2,</part-num-ref>
+ <part-num-ref name="antisense strand. In another embodiment, one or more, for example about 1, 2,">3,</part-num-ref>
+ <part-num-ref name="antisense strand. In another embodiment, one or more, for example about 1, 2, 3,">4,</part-num-ref>
+ <part-num-ref name="antisense strand. In another embodiment, one or more, for example about 1, 2, 3, 4,">5,</part-num-ref>
+ <part-num-ref name="antisense strand. In another embodiment, one or more, for example about 1, 2, 3, 4, 5,">6,</part-num-ref>
+ <part-num-ref name="antisense strand. In another embodiment, one or more, for example about 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6,">7,</part-num-ref>
+ <part-num-ref name="antisense strand. In another embodiment, one or more, for example about 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7,">8,</part-num-ref>
+ <part-num-ref name="antisense strand. In another embodiment, one or more, for example about 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8,">9,</part-num-ref>
+ <part-num-ref name="antisense strand. In another embodiment, one or more, for example about 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9,">10</part-num-ref>
+ or more pyrimidine nucleotides of the sense and/or antisense siNA strand are chemically- modified with 2<confidence value="5">'</confidence>
+-deoxy, 2<confidence value="585">'-O</confidence>
+-methyl and/or 2<confidence value="5">'</confidence>
+-deoxy-2<confidence value="5">'</confidence>
+-fluoro nucleotides, with or without one or more, for example, about <part-num-ref name="sense and/or antisense siNA strand are chemically- modified with 2'-deoxy, 2'-O-methyl and/or 2'-deoxy-2'-fluoro nucleotides, with or without one or more, for example, about">1,</part-num-ref>
+ <part-num-ref name="sense and/or antisense siNA strand are chemically- modified with 2'-deoxy, 2'-O-methyl and/or 2'-deoxy-2'-fluoro nucleotides, with or without one or more, for example, about 1,">2,</part-num-ref>
+ <part-num-ref name="sense and/or antisense siNA strand are chemically- modified with 2'-deoxy, 2'-O-methyl and/or 2'-deoxy-2'-fluoro nucleotides, with or without one or more, for example, about 1, 2,">3,</part-num-ref>
+ <part-num-ref name="sense and/or antisense siNA strand are chemically- modified with 2'-deoxy, 2'-O-methyl and/or 2'-deoxy-2'-fluoro nucleotides, with or without one or more, for example, about 1, 2, 3,">4,</part-num-ref>
+ <part-num-ref name="sense and/or antisense siNA strand are chemically- modified with 2'-deoxy, 2'-O-methyl and/or 2'-deoxy-2'-fluoro nucleotides, with or without one or more, for example, about 1, 2, 3, 4,">5,</part-num-ref>
+ <part-num-ref name="sense and/or antisense siNA strand are chemically- modified with 2'-deoxy, 2'-O-methyl and/or 2'-deoxy-2'-fluoro nucleotides, with or without one or more, for example, about 1, 2, 3, 4, 5,">6,</part-num-ref>
+ <part-num-ref name="sense and/or antisense siNA strand are chemically- modified with 2'-deoxy, 2'-O-methyl and/or 2'-deoxy-2'-fluoro nucleotides, with or without one or more, for example, about 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6,">7,</part-num-ref>
+ <part-num-ref name="sense and/or antisense siNA strand are chemically- modified with 2'-deoxy, 2'-O-methyl and/or 2'-deoxy-2'-fluoro nucleotides, with or without one or more, for example, about 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7,">8,</part-num-ref>
+ <part-num-ref name="sense and/or antisense siNA strand are chemically- modified with 2'-deoxy, 2'-O-methyl and/or 2'-deoxy-2'-fluoro nucleotides, with or without one or more, for example, about 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8,">9,</part-num-ref>
+ <part-num-ref name="sense and/or antisense siNA strand are chemically- modified with 2'-deoxy, 2'-O-methyl and/or 2'-deoxy-2'-fluoro nucleotides, with or without one or more, for example, about 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9,">10</part-num-ref>
+ or more phosphorothioate internucleotide linkages and/or a terminal cap molecule at the 3<confidence value="5">'</confidence>
+-end, the <confidence value="66">5'</confidence>
+-end, or both of the <confidence value="66">3'</confidence>
+ and <confidence value="66">5'</confidence>
+-ends, being present in the same or different strand.    </p>
+    <boundary-data type="header">5               Preliminary Amendment, dated May 19, 2009</boundary-data>
+    <boundary-data type="header">In USSN 10/720,448, filed November 24, 2003</boundary-data>
+    <boundary-data type="header">Attorney Docket No.: SIR-MIS-00001-US-CIP[3<confidence value="5">]</confidence>
+    </boundary-data>
+    <p id="p-24" num="24">
+      <page-break num="5"/>
+Please replace the paragraph spanning lines 3-20 of page <part-num-ref name="paragraph spanning lines 3-20 of page">30,</part-num-ref>
+ as filed, with the following<confidence value="5">:</confidence>
+    </p>
+    <p id="p-25" num="25">In another embodiment, the invention features a siNA molecule, wherein the <confidence value="222222222">antisense</confidence>
+ sense strand comprises about <part-num-ref name="antisense sense strand comprises about">1</part-num-ref>
+ to about <part-num-ref name="to about">5</part-num-ref>
+ or more, specifically about <part-num-ref name="or more, specifically about">1,</part-num-ref>
+ <part-num-ref name="or more, specifically about 1,">2,</part-num-ref>
+ <part-num-ref name="or more, specifically about 1, 2,">3,</part-num-ref>
+ <part-num-ref name="or more, specifically about 1, 2, 3,">4,</part-num-ref>
+ <part-num-ref name="or more, specifically about 1, 2, 3, 4,">5</part-num-ref>
+ or more phosphorothioate internucleotide linkages, and/or one or more (e.g., about <part-num-ref name="about">1,</part-num-ref>
+ <part-num-ref name="about 1,">2,</part-num-ref>
+ <part-num-ref name="about 1, 2,">3,</part-num-ref>
+ <part-num-ref name="about 1, 2, 3,">4,</part-num-ref>
+ <part-num-ref name="about 1, 2, 3, 4,">5,</part-num-ref>
+ <part-num-ref name="about 1, 2, 3, 4, 5,">6,</part-num-ref>
+ <part-num-ref name="about 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6,">7,</part-num-ref>
+ <part-num-ref name="about 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7,">8,</part-num-ref>
+ <part-num-ref name="about 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8,">9,</part-num-ref>
+ <part-num-ref name="about 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9,">10</part-num-ref>
+ or more) 2<confidence value="5">'</confidence>
+-deoxy, 2<confidence value="685">'-O</confidence>
+-methyl, 2<confidence value="5">'</confidence>
+-deoxy-2<confidence value="5">'</confidence>
+-fluoro, and/or one or more (e.g., about <part-num-ref name="about">1,</part-num-ref>
+ <part-num-ref name="about 1,">2,</part-num-ref>
+ <part-num-ref name="about 1, 2,">3,</part-num-ref>
+ <part-num-ref name="about 1, 2, 3,">4,</part-num-ref>
+ <part-num-ref name="about 1, 2, 3, 4,">5,</part-num-ref>
+ <part-num-ref name="about 1, 2, 3, 4, 5,">6,</part-num-ref>
+ <part-num-ref name="about 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6,">7,</part-num-ref>
+ <part-num-ref name="about 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7,">8,</part-num-ref>
+ <part-num-ref name="about 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8,">9,</part-num-ref>
+ <part-num-ref name="about 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9,">10</part-num-ref>
+ or more) universal base modified nucleotides, and optionally a terminal cap molecule at the 3<confidence value="5">'</confidence>
+-end, the 5<confidence value="5">'</confidence>
+-end, or both of the 3<confidence value="5">'</confidence>
+- and 5<confidence value="68">'-</confidence>
+ ends of the sense strand; and wherein the antisense strand comprises about <part-num-ref name="antisense strand comprises about">1</part-num-ref>
+ to about <part-num-ref name="to about">5</part-num-ref>
+ or more, specifically about <part-num-ref name="or more, specifically about">1,</part-num-ref>
+ <part-num-ref name="or more, specifically about 1,">2,</part-num-ref>
+ <part-num-ref name="or more, specifically about 1, 2,">3,</part-num-ref>
+ <part-num-ref name="or more, specifically about 1, 2, 3,">4,</part-num-ref>
+ <part-num-ref name="or more, specifically about 1, 2, 3, 4,">5</part-num-ref>
+ or more phosphorothioate internucleotide linkages, and/or one or more (e.g., about <part-num-ref name="about">1,</part-num-ref>
+ <part-num-ref name="about 1,">2,</part-num-ref>
+ <part-num-ref name="about 1, 2,">3,</part-num-ref>
+ <part-num-ref name="about 1, 2, 3,">4,</part-num-ref>
+ <part-num-ref name="about 1, 2, 3, 4,">5,</part-num-ref>
+ <part-num-ref name="about 1, 2, 3, 4, 5,">6,</part-num-ref>
+ <part-num-ref name="about 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6,">7,</part-num-ref>
+ <part-num-ref name="about 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7,">8,</part-num-ref>
+ <part-num-ref name="about 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8,">9,</part-num-ref>
+ <part-num-ref name="about 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9,">10</part-num-ref>
+ or more) 2<confidence value="5">'</confidence>
+-deoxy, 2<confidence value="5">'</confidence>
+-O-methyl, <confidence value="86">2'</confidence>
+-deoxy-2<confidence value="5">'</confidence>
+-fluoro, and/or one or more (e.g., about <part-num-ref name="about">1,</part-num-ref>
+ <part-num-ref name="about 1,">2,</part-num-ref>
+ <part-num-ref name="about 1, 2,">3,</part-num-ref>
+ <part-num-ref name="about 1, 2, 3,">4,</part-num-ref>
+ <part-num-ref name="about 1, 2, 3, 4,">5,</part-num-ref>
+ <part-num-ref name="about 1, 2, 3, 4, 5,">6,</part-num-ref>
+ <part-num-ref name="about 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6,">7,</part-num-ref>
+ <part-num-ref name="about 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7,">8,</part-num-ref>
+ <part-num-ref name="about 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8,">9,</part-num-ref>
+ <part-num-ref name="about 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9,">10</part-num-ref>
+ or more) universal base modified nucleotides, and optionally a terminal cap molecule at the 3'-end, the 5'-end, or both of the 3'- and 5'-ends of the antisense strand. In another embodiment, one or more, for example about <part-num-ref name="antisense strand. In another embodiment, one or more, for example about">1,</part-num-ref>
+ <part-num-ref name="antisense strand. In another embodiment, one or more, for example about 1,">2,</part-num-ref>
+ <part-num-ref name="antisense strand. In another embodiment, one or more, for example about 1, 2,">3,</part-num-ref>
+ <part-num-ref name="antisense strand. In another embodiment, one or more, for example about 1, 2, 3,">4,</part-num-ref>
+ <part-num-ref name="antisense strand. In another embodiment, one or more, for example about 1, 2, 3, 4,">5,</part-num-ref>
+ <part-num-ref name="antisense strand. In another embodiment, one or more, for example about 1, 2, 3, 4, 5,">6,</part-num-ref>
+ <part-num-ref name="antisense strand. In another embodiment, one or more, for example about 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6,">7,</part-num-ref>
+ <part-num-ref name="antisense strand. In another embodiment, one or more, for example about 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7,">8,</part-num-ref>
+ <part-num-ref name="antisense strand. In another embodiment, one or more, for example about 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8,">9,</part-num-ref>
+ <part-num-ref name="antisense strand. In another embodiment, one or more, for example about 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9,">10</part-num-ref>
+ or more pyrimidine nucleotides of the sense and/or antisense siNA strand are chemically-modified with 2<confidence value="5">'</confidence>
+-deoxy, 2<confidence value="6666">'-0-</confidence>
+ methyl and/or 2<confidence value="5">'</confidence>
+-deoxy-2<confidence value="5">'</confidence>
+-fluoro nucleotides, with or without about <part-num-ref name="sense and/or antisense siNA strand are chemically-modified with 2'-deoxy, 2'-0- methyl and/or 2'-deoxy-2'-fluoro nucleotides, with or without about">1</part-num-ref>
+ to about <part-num-ref name="to about">5,</part-num-ref>
+ for example about <part-num-ref name="to about 5, for example about">1,</part-num-ref>
+ <part-num-ref name="to about 5, for example about 1,">2,</part-num-ref>
+ <part-num-ref name="to about 5, for example about 1, 2,">3,</part-num-ref>
+ <part-num-ref name="to about 5, for example about 1, 2, 3,">4,</part-num-ref>
+ <part-num-ref name="to about 5, for example about 1, 2, 3, 4,">5</part-num-ref>
+ or more phosphorothioate internucleotide linkages and/or a terminal cap molecule at the 3<confidence value="5">'</confidence>
+-end, the <confidence value="66">5'</confidence>
+-end, or both of the 3<confidence value="5">'</confidence>
+- and <confidence value="66">5'</confidence>
+-ends, being present in the same or different strand.    </p>
+    <p id="p-26" num="26">Please replace the paragraph spanning lines 5-15 of page <part-num-ref name="paragraph spanning lines 5-15 of page">34,</part-num-ref>
+ as filed, with the following<confidence value="5">:</confidence>
+    </p>
+    <p id="p-27" num="27">In one embodiment, a siNA molecule of the invention comprises at least one (e.g., about <part-num-ref name="about">1,</part-num-ref>
+ <part-num-ref name="about 1,">2,</part-num-ref>
+ <part-num-ref name="about 1, 2,">3,</part-num-ref>
+ <part-num-ref name="about 1, 2, 3,">4,</part-num-ref>
+ <part-num-ref name="about 1, 2, 3, 4,">5,</part-num-ref>
+ <part-num-ref name="about 1, 2, 3, 4, 5,">6,</part-num-ref>
+ <part-num-ref name="about 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6,">7,</part-num-ref>
+ <part-num-ref name="about 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7,">8,</part-num-ref>
+ <part-num-ref name="about 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8,">9,</part-num-ref>
+ <part-num-ref name="about 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9,">10,</part-num-ref>
+ or more) abasic moiety, for example a compound having Formula V:    </p>
+    <p id="p-28" num="28">
+      <confidence value="721">R10</confidence>
+ <confidence value="5">R</confidence>
+    <confidence value="2">e</confidence>
+    <confidence value="866">R11</confidence>
+                               <confidence value="6">R</confidence>
+   <confidence value="22">ad</confidence>
+ <confidence value="8">R</confidence>
+ <confidence value="2">,</confidence>
+       R11 R12            <confidence value="2722">R9/R</confidence>
+ <confidence value="72">R6</confidence>
+        R    2           <confidence value="17">R9</confidence>
+ <confidence value="72">R5</confidence>
+ <confidence value="2">R</confidence>
+        R3 <confidence value="2">B</confidence>
+    <confidence value="72">R8</confidence>
+              R13 <confidence value="72">R5</confidence>
+        R3 wherein each R3, R4, R5, R6, R7, R8, R10, R11, R12, and R13 is independently H, OH, alkyl, substituted alkyl, alkaryl or aralkyl, F, Cl, Br, CN, CF3, OCF3, OCN, <confidence value="4">0</confidence>
+-alkyl, S- alkyl, N-alkyl, <confidence value="4">0</confidence>
+-alkenyl, S-alkenyl, N-alkenyl, SO-alkyl, alkyl-<confidence value="665">[[O</confidence>
+]]SH, alkyl-OH, <confidence value="68">0-</confidence>
+ alkyl-OH, <confidence value="4">O</confidence>
+-alkyl-SH, S-alkyl-OH, S-alkyl-SH, alkyl-S-alkyl, alkyl-<confidence value="4">O</confidence>
+-alkyl, <confidence value="68488">ON02,</confidence>
+ <confidence value="85">NO</confidence>
+2, N3, NH2, aminoalkyl, aminoacid, aminoacyl, ONH2, <confidence value="4">0</confidence>
+-aminoalkyl, <confidence value="4">0</confidence>
+-aminoacid, <confidence value="4">0</confidence>
+-aminoacyl, heterocycloalkyl, heterocycloalkaryl, aminoalkylamino, polyalklylamino, substituted silyl, or group having Formula I or II; R9 is <part-num-ref name="R9 R5 R        R3 B    R8              R13 R5        R3 wherein each R3, R4, R5, R6, R7, R8, R10, R11, R12, and R13 is independently H, OH, alkyl, substituted alkyl, alkaryl or aralkyl, F, Cl, Br, CN, CF3, OCF3, OCN, 0-alkyl, S- alkyl, N-alkyl, 0-alkenyl, S-alkenyl, N-alkenyl, SO-alkyl, alkyl-[[O]]SH, alkyl-OH, 0- alkyl-OH, O-alkyl-SH, S-alkyl-OH, S-alkyl-SH, alkyl-S-alkyl, alkyl-O-alkyl, ON02, NO2, N3, NH2, aminoalkyl, aminoacid, aminoacyl, ONH2, 0-aminoalkyl, 0-aminoacid, 0-aminoacyl, heterocycloalkyl, heterocycloalkaryl, aminoalkylamino, polyalklylamino, substituted silyl, or group having Formula I or II; R9 is">
+        <confidence value="58">0,</confidence>
+      </part-num-ref>
+ <confidence value="5">S</confidence>
+, CH2, S<confidence value="55">=O</confidence>
+, CHF, or CF2.    </p>
+    <boundary-data type="header">6              Preliminary Amendment, dated May 19, 2009</boundary-data>
+    <boundary-data type="header">In USSN 10/720,448, filed November 24, 2003</boundary-data>
+    <boundary-data type="header">Attorney Docket No.: SIR-MIS-00001-US-CIP[3<confidence value="5">]</confidence>
+    </boundary-data>
+    <p id="p-29" num="29">
+      <page-break num="6"/>
+Please replace the paragraph bridging pages <part-num-ref name="paragraph bridging pages">34</part-num-ref>
+ and <part-num-ref name="and">35</part-num-ref>
+ with the following paragraph<confidence value="5">:</confidence>
+    </p>
+    <p id="p-30" num="30">In one embodiment, a siNA molecule of the invention comprises at least one (e.g., about <part-num-ref name="about">1,</part-num-ref>
+ <part-num-ref name="about 1,">2,</part-num-ref>
+ <part-num-ref name="about 1, 2,">3,</part-num-ref>
+ <part-num-ref name="about 1, 2, 3,">4,</part-num-ref>
+ <part-num-ref name="about 1, 2, 3, 4,">5,</part-num-ref>
+ <part-num-ref name="about 1, 2, 3, 4, 5,">6,</part-num-ref>
+ <part-num-ref name="about 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6,">7,</part-num-ref>
+ <part-num-ref name="about 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7,">8,</part-num-ref>
+ <part-num-ref name="about 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8,">9,</part-num-ref>
+ <part-num-ref name="about 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9,">10,</part-num-ref>
+ or more) inverted abasic moiety, for example a compound having Formula VI:    </p>
+    <p id="p-31" num="31">
+      <confidence value="86">R3</confidence>
+        <confidence value="8">R</confidence>
+ <confidence value="72">R4</confidence>
+             Rs     </p>
+    <heading id="h-3">
+      <confidence value="2">R</confidence>
+    </heading>
+    <p id="p-32" num="32">
+      <confidence value="71">Rs</confidence>
+           <confidence value="2">R</confidence>
+ <confidence value="88">12</confidence>
+ R11        <confidence value="27">R7</confidence>
+ R10 wherein each R3, R4, R5, R6, R7, R8, R10, R11, R12, and R13 is independently H, OH, alkyl, substituted alkyl, alkaryl or aralkyl, F, Cl, Br, CN, CF3, OCF3, OCN, <confidence value="4">0</confidence>
+-alkyl, S- alkyl, N-alkyl, <confidence value="4">0</confidence>
+-alkenyl, S-alkenyl, N-alkenyl, SO-alkyl, alkyl-<confidence value="665">[[O</confidence>
+]]SH, alkyl-OH, <confidence value="68">0-</confidence>
+ alkyl-OH, <confidence value="5">O</confidence>
+-alkyl-SH, S-alkyl-OH, S-alkyl-SH, alkyl-S-alkyl, alkyl-<confidence value="5">O</confidence>
+-alkyl, <confidence value="68488">ON02,</confidence>
+ <confidence value="85">NO</confidence>
+2, N3, NH2, aminoalkyl, aminoacid, aminoacyl, ONH2, <confidence value="4">0</confidence>
+-aminoalkyl, <confidence value="4">0</confidence>
+-aminoacid, <confidence value="4">0</confidence>
+-aminoacyl, heterocycloalkyl, heterocycloalkaryl, aminoalkylamino, polyalklylamino, substituted silyl, or group having Formula I or II; R9 is <part-num-ref name="R11        R7 R10 wherein each R3, R4, R5, R6, R7, R8, R10, R11, R12, and R13 is independently H, OH, alkyl, substituted alkyl, alkaryl or aralkyl, F, Cl, Br, CN, CF3, OCF3, OCN, 0-alkyl, S- alkyl, N-alkyl, 0-alkenyl, S-alkenyl, N-alkenyl, SO-alkyl, alkyl-[[O]]SH, alkyl-OH, 0- alkyl-OH, O-alkyl-SH, S-alkyl-OH, S-alkyl-SH, alkyl-S-alkyl, alkyl-O-alkyl, ON02, NO2, N3, NH2, aminoalkyl, aminoacid, aminoacyl, ONH2, 0-aminoalkyl, 0-aminoacid, 0-aminoacyl, heterocycloalkyl, heterocycloalkaryl, aminoalkylamino, polyalklylamino, substituted silyl, or group having Formula I or II; R9 is">
+        <confidence value="58">0,</confidence>
+      </part-num-ref>
+ <confidence value="5">S</confidence>
+, CH2, S<confidence value="55">=O</confidence>
+, CHF, or CF2, and either R3, R5, R8 or R13 serve as points of attachment to the siNA molecule of the invention.    </p>
+    <p id="p-33" num="33">Please replace the paragraph spanning lines 10-2<confidence value="5">1</confidence>
+ of page <part-num-ref name="paragraph spanning lines 10-21 of page">35,</part-num-ref>
+ as filed, with the following<confidence value="5">:</confidence>
+    </p>
+    <p id="p-34" num="34">In another embodiment, a siNA molecule of the invention comprises at least one (e.g., about <part-num-ref name="about">1,</part-num-ref>
+ <part-num-ref name="about 1,">2,</part-num-ref>
+ <part-num-ref name="about 1, 2,">3,</part-num-ref>
+ <part-num-ref name="about 1, 2, 3,">4,</part-num-ref>
+ <part-num-ref name="about 1, 2, 3, 4,">5,</part-num-ref>
+ <part-num-ref name="about 1, 2, 3, 4, 5,">6,</part-num-ref>
+ <part-num-ref name="about 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6,">7,</part-num-ref>
+ <part-num-ref name="about 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7,">8,</part-num-ref>
+ <part-num-ref name="about 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8,">9,</part-num-ref>
+ <part-num-ref name="about 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9,">10,</part-num-ref>
+ or more) substituted polyalkyl moieties, for example a compound having Formula VII:    </p>
+    <p id="p-35" num="35">
+      <confidence value="66">R1</confidence>
+     n        n  R3 <confidence value="88">R2</confidence>
+ wherein each n is independently an integer from <part-num-ref name="integer from">1</part-num-ref>
+ to <part-num-ref name="to">12,</part-num-ref>
+ each R<confidence value="5">1</confidence>
+, R2 and R3 is independently H, OH, alkyl, substituted alkyl, alkaryl or aralkyl, F, Cl, Br, CN, CF3, OCF3, OCN, <confidence value="5">0</confidence>
+-alkyl, <confidence value="5">S</confidence>
+-alkyl, N-alkyl, <confidence value="5">0</confidence>
+-alkenyl, <confidence value="5">S</confidence>
+-alkenyl, N-alkenyl, SO-alkyl, alkyl- <confidence value="885">[[O</confidence>
+]]SH, alkyl-OH, <confidence value="4">0</confidence>
+-alkyl-OH, <confidence value="5">O</confidence>
+-alkyl-SH, S-alkyl-OH, S-alkyl-SH, alkyl-S-alkyl, alkyl-<confidence value="5">O</confidence>
+-alkyl, ON<confidence value="5">O</confidence>
+2, NO2, N3, NH2, aminoalkyl, aminoacid, aminoacyl, ONH2, <confidence value="68">0-</confidence>
+ aminoalkyl,   <confidence value="5">0</confidence>
+-aminoacid,   <confidence value="5">0</confidence>
+-aminoacyl,   heterocycloalkyl,  heterocycloalkaryl, aminoalkylamino, polyalklylamino, substituted silyl, or a group having Formula I, and R<confidence value="68">1,</confidence>
+ R2 or R3 serves as points of attachment to the siNA molecule of the invention.    </p>
+    <boundary-data type="header">
+      <confidence value="6">7</confidence>
+               Preliminary Amendment, dated May 19, 2009    </boundary-data>
+    <boundary-data type="header">In USSN 10/720,448, filed November 24, 2003</boundary-data>
+    <boundary-data type="header">Attorney Docket No.: SIR-MIS-00001-US-CIP[3<confidence value="5">]</confidence>
+    </boundary-data>
+    <p id="p-36" num="36">
+      <page-break num="7"/>
+Please replace the paragraph spanning lines 1-12 of page <part-num-ref name="paragraph spanning lines 1-12 of page">177,</part-num-ref>
+ as filed, with the following paragraph<confidence value="5">:</confidence>
+    </p>
+    <p id="p-37" num="37">Internal labeling was performed via kinase reactions with polynucleotide kinase (PNK) and <confidence value="5588">32P-</confidence>
+y-ATP, with addition of radiolabeled phosphate at nucleotide 13 of strand <part-num-ref name="of strand">2,</part-num-ref>
+ counting in from the 3' side. Ligation of the remaining 8-mer fragments with T4 RNA ligase resulted in the full length, 21-mer, strand <part-num-ref name="full length, 21-mer, strand">2.</part-num-ref>
+ Duplexing of RNAi was done by adding appropriate concentrations of the siNA oligonucleotides and heating to <part-num-ref name="siNA oligonucleotides and heating to">95<confidence value="2">0</confidence>
+      </part-num-ref>
+ C for 5minutes followed by slow cooling to room temperature. Reactions were performed by adding 100% serum to the siNA duplexes and incubating at <part-num-ref name="siNA duplexes and incubating at">37<confidence value="2">0</confidence>
+      </part-num-ref>
+ C, then removing aliquots at desired time-points. Results of this study are summarized in Figure 3. As shown in the Figure 3, chemically modified siNA molecules (e.g., SEQ <confidence value="5">I</confidence>
+D NOs:    </p>
+    <p id="p-38" num="38">
+      <confidence value="86588865">4-1244-1</confidence>
+3396/397,  4<confidence value="5488865">-1244-1</confidence>
+4396/398,  4<confidence value="5488865">-1244-1</confidence>
+5396/399,  4<confidence value="5488865">-1244-1</confidence>
+6396/400,  and <confidence value="572818855">41-2/4418</confidence>
+397/401) have significantly increased serum  stability compared to an siNA construct having all ribonucleotides except a 3'-terminal dithymidine (TT) modification (e.g., SEQ ID NOs: 4<confidence value="8685884">1-9/429</confidence>
+394/395).    </p>
+    <p id="p-39" num="39">On page 222, please replace the paragraph spanning lines 13-25 with the following paragraph<confidence value="5">:</confidence>
+    </p>
+    <p id="p-40" num="40">The invention illustratively described herein suitably can be practiced in the absence of any element or elements, limitation or limitations that are not specifically disclosed herein.  <confidence value="66656">Thus,</confidence>
+ <confidence value="522">for</confidence>
+        <confidence value="5">,</confidence>
+ <confidence value="88">of</confidence>
+ <confidence value="666">the</confidence>
+ <confidence value="66662">other</confidence>
+ <confidence value="666">two</confidence>
+ terms<confidence value="6">.</confidence>
+ The terms and expressions which have been employed are used as terms of description and not of limitation, and there is no intention that in the use of such terms and expressions of excluding any equivalents of the features shown and described or portions thereof, but it is recognized that various modifications are possible within the scope of the invention claimed. Thus, it should be understood that although the present invention has been specifically disclosed by preferred embodiments, optional features, modification and variation of the concepts herein disclosed may be resorted to by those skilled in the art, and that such modifications and variations are considered to be within the scope of this invention as defined by the description and the appended claims.    </p>
+    <p id="p-41" num="41">Please replace the as<confidence value="5">-</confidence>
+filed Table I with the Replacement Table I, as attached herewith.    </p>
+    <boundary-data type="header">8               Preliminary Amendment, dated May 19, 2009</boundary-data>
+    <boundary-data type="header">In USSN 10/720,448, filed November 24, 2003</boundary-data>
+    <boundary-data type="header">Attorney Docket No.: SIR-MIS-00001-US-CIP[3]</boundary-data>
+  </description>
+</us-patent-application>
+

prior_art/10883926.xml

@@ -0,0 +1,27 @@
+<?xml version="1.0" encoding="utf-8"?>
+<!DOCTYPE us-patent-application SYSTEM "PATI-v1.0.3-2011-06-23.dtd">
+<us-patent-application lang="EN" dtd-version="v1.0.3 2011-06-23" id="us-patent-application" country="US">
+  <us-bibliographic-data-application lang="EN" country="US">
+    <application-reference appl-type="utility">
+      <document-id>
+        <doc-number>10883926</doc-number>
+        <date>2008-10-09</date>
+      </document-id>
+    </application-reference>
+  </us-bibliographic-data-application>
+  <description id="description">
+    <p id="p-1" num="1">
+      <confidence value="22222">Appin</confidence>
+. S.N. 10<confidence value="5">/</confidence>
+883,926 <confidence value="2222">Amdt</confidence>
+. dated October 9, 2008 Reply to Office Action of July <part-num-ref name="Reply to Office Action of July">10,</part-num-ref>
+ <part-num-ref name="Reply to Office Action of July 10,">2008</part-num-ref>
+ Docket No. GP-305063-OST-ALS Page <part-num-ref name="Docket No. GP-305063-OST-ALS Page">2</part-num-ref>
+ of <part-num-ref name="of">12</part-num-ref>
+ In the specification:    </p>
+    <p id="p-2" num="2">Please amend the paragraph at page <part-num-ref name="paragraph at page">2,</part-num-ref>
+ lines 2-9 of Applicants' specification as filed as follows:    </p>
+    <p id="p-3" num="3">For example, traffic and driving directions may be accessed through a voice portal that uses incoming number identification to generate location information responsive to the area code or prefix of the phone number, or to access location information stored in a user's profile associated with the phone number. Users may be prompted to enter more details through a voice interface. Other examples are web and wireless portals that offer location-based services such as maps and driving directions where the user enters both [[a]] start and end addresses. Some of these services may have a voice interface.</p>
+  </description>
+</us-patent-application>
+

prior_art/10947858.xml

@@ -0,0 +1,528 @@
+<?xml version="1.0" encoding="utf-8"?>
+<!DOCTYPE us-patent-application SYSTEM "PATI-v1.0.3-2011-06-23.dtd">
+<us-patent-application lang="EN" dtd-version="v1.0.3 2011-06-23" id="us-patent-application" country="US">
+  <us-bibliographic-data-application lang="EN" country="US">
+    <application-reference appl-type="utility">
+      <document-id>
+        <doc-number>10947858</doc-number>
+        <date>2004-09-23</date>
+      </document-id>
+    </application-reference>
+  </us-bibliographic-data-application>
+  <description id="description">
+    <boundary-data type="header">Express Mail No. ED<confidence value="4">0</confidence>
+39807115US    </boundary-data>
+    <heading id="h-1">SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR SERVICE RESPONSE MONITORING</heading>
+    <heading id="h-2">BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION</heading>
+    <p id="p-1" num="1">
+      <boundary-data type="line-number">5                 </boundary-data>
+1. Technical Field:    </p>
+    <p id="p-2" num="2">The present invention relates generally to computer software and, more particularly, to software for <boundary-data type="line-number">10  </boundary-data>
+monitoring web services.    </p>
+    <p id="p-3" num="3">2. Description of Related Art:</p>
+    <p id="p-4" num="4">The "Internet" is a worldwide network of computers.</p>
+    <p id="p-5" num="5">Today, the Internet is made up of more than <part-num-ref name="Internet is made up of more than">65</part-num-ref>
+ million <boundary-data type="line-number">15  </boundary-data>
+computers in more than <part-num-ref name="million computers in more than">100</part-num-ref>
+ countries covering commercial, academic and government endeavors. Originally developed for the U.S. military, the Internet became widely used for academic and commercial research. Users had access to unpublished data and journals on a huge variety of <boundary-data type="line-number">20  </boundary-data>
+subjects. Today, the Internet has become commercialized into a worldwide information highway, providing information on every subject known to humankind.    </p>
+    <p id="p-6" num="6">One means of exploiting the Internet that has gained acceptance over the past several years is through the use <boundary-data type="line-number">25  </boundary-data>
+of Web services. Web services are Web- (or Internet-) based applications that dynamically interact with other Web applications using open standards, such as, for example, Extensible Markup Language (XML), Universal Description, Discovery, and Integration (UDDI), and <boundary-data type="line-number">30  </boundary-data>
+Simple Object Access Protocol (SOAP). Such applications <boundary-data type="header">
+        <confidence value="8">1</confidence>
+      </boundary-data>
+      <boundary-data type="header">Docket No. LEDS.00150</boundary-data>
+      <page-break num="2"/>
+      <boundary-data type="header">Express Mail No. ED<confidence value="4">0</confidence>
+39807115US      </boundary-data>
+typically run behind the scenes with one program communicating with another (i.e., server to server).    </p>
+    <p id="p-7" num="7">Examples of two major development platforms that support these standards are Microsoft's <confidence value="5">.</confidence>
+NET and Sun's Sun ONE <boundary-data type="line-number">5 </boundary-data>
+(<confidence value="222285">J2EE).</confidence>
+    </p>
+    <p id="p-8" num="8">Service Oriented Architectures are gaining acceptance in the industry and are important to businesses, in part, because Web services enable systems in different companies, and applications built using <boundary-data type="line-number">10  </boundary-data>
+different technologies, to interoperate with each other more easily than before. Web services provide the foundation for building loosely-coupled integration that leads to increased modularity in a complex distributed computing environment. Loose coupling implies that <boundary-data type="line-number">15  </boundary-data>
+components should know as little as possible about one another, which allows the components to be changed without impacting the other. Loose coupling generally leads both to modularity and asynchrony (i.e., events that are not synchronized or coordinated in time)<confidence value="5">.</confidence>
+    </p>
+    <p id="p-9" num="9">
+      <boundary-data type="line-number">20       </boundary-data>
+As Web services proliferate, so will the scope of managing all interactions from back-end hardware and software systems through to end-user applications and portals. As more business services are offered by an enterprise, measuring the quality of services in terms of <boundary-data type="line-number">25  </boundary-data>
+their reliability, availability and performance will become critical. Measuring the response time for services and mapping them to the Service Level Agreement will be important to measure the quality of service.    </p>
+    <boundary-data type="header">
+      <confidence value="8">2</confidence>
+    </boundary-data>
+    <boundary-data type="header">Docket No. LEDS.00150</boundary-data>
+    <boundary-data type="header">Express Mail No. ED<confidence value="4">0</confidence>
+39807115US    </boundary-data>
+    <p id="p-10" num="10">
+      <page-break num="3"/>
+In traditional component based applications such as, for example, EJB Application Response time, Measurement requires invasive code to be inserted at critical points in the code of each web service to measure response time.    </p>
+    <p id="p-11" num="11">
+      <boundary-data type="line-number">5       </boundary-data>
+Many enterprises require their deployed web services to have the following characteristics:    </p>
+    <p id="p-12" num="12">
+      <confidence value="1">e</confidence>
+ Real time response time monitoring <confidence value="1">e</confidence>
+  Integration of the response time monitoring into their existing management environment <boundary-data type="line-number">10            </boundary-data>
+      <confidence value="1">e</confidence>
+  Independence from a single point of failure from Application Response Management (ARM) <confidence value="2">"</confidence>
+ Non-invasive measurement of response time <confidence value="2">"</confidence>
+  Single strategy for monitoring of commercial and custom services.    </p>
+    <p id="p-13" num="13">
+      <boundary-data type="line-number">15       </boundary-data>
+However, most enterprises do not have a strategy and/or a mechanism to capture service response time and require manual measurement or through network traffic monitoring. For enterprises that are not integrated, tools provide only a fragmented approach without <boundary-data type="line-number">20  </boundary-data>
+providing a complete solution, since each application or web service requires code to be inserted in order to provide the monitoring services desired by many enterprises. Therefore, it would be desirable to have a application monitoring process that allows an enterprise <boundary-data type="line-number">25  </boundary-data>
+the ability to seamlessly integrate Custom and COTS Business Web Services; Commercial Web Service Management Platform; Application Response Measurement (ARM) Tools;    </p>
+    <p id="p-14" num="14">and Management Console in the Data Center without the <boundary-data type="header">
+        <confidence value="8">3</confidence>
+      </boundary-data>
+      <boundary-data type="header">Docket No. LEDS.00150</boundary-data>
+      <page-break num="4"/>
+      <boundary-data type="header">Express Mail No. ED<confidence value="4">0</confidence>
+39807115US      </boundary-data>
+need for creating and inserting customized code into each component of the web service offering.    </p>
+    <boundary-data type="header">
+      <confidence value="8">4</confidence>
+    </boundary-data>
+    <boundary-data type="header">Docket No. LEDS.00150</boundary-data>
+    <boundary-data type="header">Express Mail No. ED<confidence value="4">0</confidence>
+39807115<confidence value="68">US</confidence>
+    </boundary-data>
+    <heading id="h-3">SU<confidence value="888">MMA</confidence>
+RY OF THE INVENTION    </heading>
+    <p id="p-15" num="15">
+      <page-break num="5"/>
+      <boundary-data type="line-number">
+        <confidence value="8">5</confidence>
+      </boundary-data>
+ The present invention provides a method, system, and computer program product for monitoring the response time for a web service provider. In one embodiment, receiving a web service inbound transaction is received at a web <boundary-data type="line-number">10  </boundary-data>
+service proxy server. The web service proxy server invokes a response time monitoring service and provides the response time monitoring service with a unique transaction identifier for the inbound transaction. The web service proxy server also invokes, on the web service <boundary-data type="line-number">15  </boundary-data>
+provider, a web service requested by the inbound transaction. The proxy server later receives an outbound transaction from the web service provider corresponding to the original inbound transaction and invokes the response time monitoring service, once again, providing <boundary-data type="line-number">20  </boundary-data>
+the unique transaction identifier to the response time monitoring service. The response time monitoring service determines a time for the inbound transaction and for the outbound transaction corresponding to the same unique transaction identifier and sets a response time as the <boundary-data type="line-number">25  </boundary-data>
+difference in times between the time for the outbound transaction and the time for the inbound transaction.    </p>
+    <boundary-data type="header">
+      <confidence value="8">5</confidence>
+    </boundary-data>
+    <boundary-data type="header">Docket No. LEDS.00150</boundary-data>
+    <boundary-data type="header">Express Mail No. ED039807115US</boundary-data>
+    <heading id="h-4">BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS</heading>
+    <p id="p-16" num="16">
+      <page-break num="6"/>
+      <boundary-data type="line-number">5       </boundary-data>
+The novel features believed characteristic of the invention are set forth in the appended claims. The invention itself, however, as well as a preferred mode of use, further objectives and advantages thereof, will best be understood by reference to the following detailed <boundary-data type="line-number">10  </boundary-data>
+description of an illustrative embodiment when read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein:    </p>
+    <p id="p-17" num="17">Figure 1 depicts a block diagram illustrating a high level overview of an application monitoring process in accordance with the prior art;</p>
+    <p id="p-18" num="18">
+      <boundary-data type="line-number">15       </boundary-data>
+Figure 2 depicts a block diagram illustrating an application response time monitoring service for a web service in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention;    </p>
+    <p id="p-19" num="19">Figure 3 depicts a pictorial representation of a <boundary-data type="line-number">20  </boundary-data>
+distributed data processing system in which the present invention may be implemented;    </p>
+    <p id="p-20" num="20">Figure 4 depicts a diagram of a data processing system which may be implemented as a server in accordance with the present invention;</p>
+    <p id="p-21" num="21">
+      <boundary-data type="line-number">25       </boundary-data>
+Figure 5 depicts a block diagram of a data processing system in which the present invention may be implemented; and Figure 6 depicts a diagram illustrating an exemplary process flow and program function for a response time <boundary-data type="header">
+        <confidence value="8">6</confidence>
+      </boundary-data>
+      <boundary-data type="header">Docket No. LEDS.00150</boundary-data>
+      <page-break num="7"/>
+      <boundary-data type="header">Express Mail No. ED<confidence value="4">0</confidence>
+39807115US      </boundary-data>
+management process in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention.    </p>
+    <boundary-data type="header">
+      <confidence value="8">7</confidence>
+    </boundary-data>
+    <boundary-data type="header">Docket No. LEDS.00150</boundary-data>
+    <boundary-data type="header">Express Mail No. ED<confidence value="4">0</confidence>
+39807115<confidence value="68">US</confidence>
+    </boundary-data>
+    <heading id="h-5">DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT</heading>
+    <p id="p-22" num="22">
+      <page-break num="8"/>
+      <boundary-data type="line-number">
+        <confidence value="8">5</confidence>
+      </boundary-data>
+ With reference now to the figures, and in particular with reference to Figure 1, a block diagram illustrating a high level overview of an application monitoring process for a web service provider is depicted in accordance with <boundary-data type="line-number">10  </boundary-data>
+the prior art. In the prior art, each service interface <part-num-ref name="prior art, each service interface">110</part-num-ref>
+ has an intermediate proxy <part-num-ref name="intermediate proxy">106</part-num-ref>
+ used in conjunction with a commercial web service management software <part-num-ref name="commercial web service management software">104.</part-num-ref>
+    </p>
+    <p id="p-23" num="23">The web proxy server or intermediary proxy 106 is an intermediary between the consumer <part-num-ref name="consumer">102</part-num-ref>
+ of the web services <boundary-data type="line-number">15  </boundary-data>
+(e.g., a user, a web site, a partner) and the provider of the service (e.g., a bank, an airline carrier). The web proxy server <part-num-ref name="web proxy server">106</part-num-ref>
+ is typically a <confidence value="2222222222222222">commercial.proxy</confidence>
+ server that intercepts web service invocations for an enterprise and performs add on functions such as, for example, <boundary-data type="line-number">20  </boundary-data>
+authentication, specialized validations, helps with version management of web services.    </p>
+    <p id="p-24" num="24">An example of a web service is an airline reservation system that allows a consumer to make a reservation for travel on the airline. This web service <boundary-data type="line-number">25  </boundary-data>
+may be provided by the airline carrier or on behalf of the airline carrier by an IT or IS provider. However, the request for making reservations needs to be monitored for performance and integrated with existing monitoring <boundary-data type="header">
+        <confidence value="8">8</confidence>
+      </boundary-data>
+      <boundary-data type="header">Docket No. LEDS.00150</boundary-data>
+      <page-break num="9"/>
+      <boundary-data type="header">Express Mail No. ED<confidence value="4">0</confidence>
+3980711<confidence value="488">5US</confidence>
+      </boundary-data>
+toolsets such that they can be leveraged with the use of new technology.    </p>
+    <p id="p-25" num="25">Thus, continuing with the description of Figure 1, a business web service consumer <part-num-ref name="business web service consumer">102</part-num-ref>
+ invokes a web service <boundary-data type="line-number">
+        <confidence value="5">5</confidence>
+        </boundary-data>
+provided by web service provider <part-num-ref name="web service provided by web service provider">108</part-num-ref>
+ through a business web service proxy <part-num-ref name="business web service proxy">106</part-num-ref>
+ implemented by a commercial (or custom) web service management tool <part-num-ref name="commercial (or custom) web service management tool">104.</part-num-ref>
+ The call to the web service provider <part-num-ref name="web service provider">108</part-num-ref>
+ is thus forwarded by the business web service proxy <part-num-ref name="business web service proxy">106</part-num-ref>
+ to the web service <boundary-data type="line-number">10  </boundary-data>
+provider <part-num-ref name="web service provider">108</part-num-ref>
+ through the business web service interface <part-num-ref name="business web service interface">110.</part-num-ref>
+ The web service provider <part-num-ref name="web service provider">108</part-num-ref>
+ includes business web service implementation <part-num-ref name="includes business web service implementation">112</part-num-ref>
+ which performs whatever action is desired and transmits the results back to business web service consumer <part-num-ref name="results back to business web service consumer">102</part-num-ref>
+ via business web service interface <boundary-data type="line-number">15  </boundary-data>
+      <part-num-ref name="via business web service interface">110</part-num-ref>
+ and business web service proxy <part-num-ref name="and business web service proxy">106.</part-num-ref>
+    </p>
+    <p id="p-26" num="26">Many web services are provided not by the enterprise desiring the service, but by a third party Information Technology (IT) or Information Service (IS) Provider on behalf of the enterprise. As part of the service level <boundary-data type="line-number">20  </boundary-data>
+agreement or contract between the IT or IS provider and the enterprise are provisions specifying the response time that should be achieved b y the web service as well as penalties for failing to achieve a certain response time as well as possibly incentives for exceeding a <boundary-data type="line-number">25  </boundary-data>
+proscribed response time. However, in order to determine whether the response time goals have been met or have not been met, in the prior art, code was written and inserted into each business web service implementation <part-num-ref name="prior art, code was written and inserted into each business web service implementation">112</part-num-ref>
+ to send response time data, indicating when a request was <boundary-data type="header">
+        <confidence value="8">9</confidence>
+      </boundary-data>
+      <boundary-data type="header">Docket No. LEDS.00150</boundary-data>
+      <page-break num="10"/>
+      <boundary-data type="header">Express Mail No. ED039807115US</boundary-data>
+received and when a result was provided, to a application response management server (ARM) <part-num-ref name="application response management server (ARM)">116</part-num-ref>
+ implemented on a commercial ARM server <part-num-ref name="commercial ARM server">114.</part-num-ref>
+ The data was then placed in a log file <part-num-ref name="log file">118</part-num-ref>
+ by the ARM server <part-num-ref name="ARM server">116</part-num-ref>
+ and could be monitored <boundary-data type="line-number">5  </boundary-data>
+by a monitoring tool <part-num-ref name="monitoring tool">120</part-num-ref>
+ to determine whether the response time goals had been met.    </p>
+    <p id="p-27" num="27">When a single web service implementation <part-num-ref name="single web service implementation">112</part-num-ref>
+ was provided, such a solution may be satisfactory. However, when several business web services are provided, the cost <boundary-data type="line-number">10  </boundary-data>
+and complexity of writing and inserting code into several web services becomes exceedingly high. This is especially true when some of the web services are Commercial from Third party Services (COTS) which require the IT or IS provider to alter code for a software <boundary-data type="line-number">15  </boundary-data>
+product not produced by the IT or IS provider. Such alterations may result in the COTS software failing to perform as intended or result in a warranty for the COTS product being voided.    </p>
+    <p id="p-28" num="28">The present invention overcomes these obstacles by <boundary-data type="line-number">20  </boundary-data>
+altering the code in the web service proxy <part-num-ref name="web service proxy">106</part-num-ref>
+ which is utilized by most if not all service oriented architecture designs.    </p>
+    <p id="p-29" num="29">Thus, referring now to Figure 2, a block diagram illustrating an application response time monitoring <boundary-data type="line-number">25  </boundary-data>
+service for a web service is depicted in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. This service response monitoring process of the present invention is best described in two phases: Design Time and Run Time.    </p>
+    <boundary-data type="header">
+      <confidence value="88">10</confidence>
+    </boundary-data>
+    <boundary-data type="header">Docket No. LEDS.00150</boundary-data>
+    <boundary-data type="header">Express Mail No. ED<confidence value="4">0</confidence>
+39807115US    </boundary-data>
+    <p id="p-30" num="30">
+      <page-break num="11"/>
+In the Design Time, a business web service interface <part-num-ref name="business web service interface">210</part-num-ref>
+ is defined with its implementation <part-num-ref name="is defined with its implementation">212</part-num-ref>
+ by a web service provider <part-num-ref name="web service provider">208.</part-num-ref>
+ An intermediate business web service proxy <part-num-ref name="intermediate business web service proxy">206</part-num-ref>
+ for the business service interface <part-num-ref name="business service interface">210</part-num-ref>
+ <boundary-data type="line-number">5  </boundary-data>
+is created, deployed and managed by a Web Service Management Platform as a Commercial Web Service Management Tool <part-num-ref name="Commercial Web Service Management Tool">204.</part-num-ref>
+ However, in contrast to the prior art, the business web service implementation <part-num-ref name="business web service implementation">212</part-num-ref>
+ is not modified, but rather, the business web service proxy <part-num-ref name="business web service proxy">206</part-num-ref>
+ <boundary-data type="line-number">10  </boundary-data>
+is configured to exit out of calls to it by a business web service consumer <part-num-ref name="business web service consumer">202</part-num-ref>
+ to invoke Response Time Measurement (RTM) web service <part-num-ref name="to invoke Response Time Measurement (RTM) web service">214</part-num-ref>
+ through RTM Service Interface <part-num-ref name="through RTM Service Interface">216.</part-num-ref>
+ Implementation <part-num-ref name="through RTM Service Interface 216. Implementation">218</part-num-ref>
+ or the RTM Web Service <part-num-ref name="RTM Web Service">214</part-num-ref>
+ integrates with a commercial or custom server <part-num-ref name="commercial or custom server">220</part-num-ref>
+ <boundary-data type="line-number">15  </boundary-data>
+with an ARM server <part-num-ref name="ARM server">222</part-num-ref>
+ or other response time measurement server. The ARM server <part-num-ref name="ARM server">222</part-num-ref>
+ (or other response time server) is configured to log the response time information for the service into a log file <part-num-ref name="log file">224</part-num-ref>
+ and a Management Console <part-num-ref name="Management Console">226</part-num-ref>
+ (ARM or generic) is configured to <boundary-data type="line-number">20  </boundary-data>
+scan the log file and, for example, compare the results to a Service Level Agreement (SLA) or notify an administrator if response times differ from a goal or differ from the goal for more than a specified amount of occurrences. The management console <part-num-ref name="management console">226</part-num-ref>
+ may also be tied <boundary-data type="line-number">25  </boundary-data>
+into a accounting or auditing software to adjust money charges billed to the enterprise by the web service provider <part-num-ref name="web service provider">208.</part-num-ref>
+    </p>
+    <p id="p-31" num="31">At runtime, the consumer of the business web service <part-num-ref name="business web service">202</part-num-ref>
+ will bind to the intermediate proxy <part-num-ref name="intermediate proxy">206.</part-num-ref>
+ The <boundary-data type="header">
+        <confidence value="88">11</confidence>
+      </boundary-data>
+      <boundary-data type="header">Docket No. LEDS.00150</boundary-data>
+      <page-break num="12"/>
+      <boundary-data type="header">Express Mail No. ED<confidence value="4">0</confidence>
+39807115US      </boundary-data>
+intermediate proxy will utilize the transaction ID or another type of unique identifier for an inbound transaction and binds and invokes the response time measurement service <part-num-ref name="response time measurement service">214.</part-num-ref>
+ The RTM implementation <part-num-ref name="RTM implementation">218</part-num-ref>
+ <boundary-data type="line-number">5  </boundary-data>
+binds to the ARM server <part-num-ref name="ARM server">222</part-num-ref>
+ (or other response time measurement server) to initiate the transaction. The intermediate proxy, when it receives the response back from the back end business service interface <part-num-ref name="back end business service interface">210,</part-num-ref>
+ will utilize the same transaction ID (or other type of unique <boundary-data type="line-number">10  </boundary-data>
+identifier previously used) for the outbound response to the transaction and again binds and invokes the RTM monitoring service <part-num-ref name="RTM monitoring service">214.</part-num-ref>
+ The ARM server <part-num-ref name="ARM server">222</part-num-ref>
+ (or other response time measurement server) logs the response time information for the service into a log file <part-num-ref name="log file">224</part-num-ref>
+ which may <boundary-data type="line-number">15  </boundary-data>
+be accessed by the management console <part-num-ref name="management console">226.</part-num-ref>
+    </p>
+    <p id="p-32" num="32">If other web service implementation in addition to business web service implementation 212 are provided, no new response time monitoring code need be written since the business web service proxy <part-num-ref name="business web service proxy">206</part-num-ref>
+ will still invoke the <boundary-data type="line-number">20  </boundary-data>
+RTM web service <part-num-ref name="RTM web service">214</part-num-ref>
+ when a transaction is initiated and again when completed regardless of the particular web service accessed. However, it is possible to reconfigure th4e business web service proxy to indicate which web service a particular transaction accessed if the response <boundary-data type="line-number">25  </boundary-data>
+time for different web services is allowed to be different. Thus, by implementing a call to the RTM web service from the proxy rather than the web service, cost and complexity of implementing response time monitoring is greatly reduced over that obtained in the prior art.    </p>
+    <boundary-data type="header">
+      <confidence value="88">12</confidence>
+    </boundary-data>
+    <boundary-data type="header">Docket No. LEDS.00150</boundary-data>
+    <boundary-data type="header">Express Mail No. ED<confidence value="4">0</confidence>
+39807115US    </boundary-data>
+    <p id="p-33" num="33">
+      <page-break num="13"/>
+Although described as a proxy, the present invention may be implemented through the use of any component that is capable of invoking a web service.    </p>
+    <p id="p-34" num="34">With reference now to Fig<confidence value="5">u</confidence>
+re 3, a pictorial <boundary-data type="line-number">5  </boundary-data>
+representation of a distributed data processing system is depicted in which the present invention may be implemented.    </p>
+    <p id="p-35" num="35">Distributed data processing system 300 is a network of computers in which the present invention may be <boundary-data type="line-number">10  </boundary-data>
+implemented. Distributed data processing system <part-num-ref name="present invention may be implemented. Distributed data processing system">300</part-num-ref>
+ contains network <part-num-ref name="contains network">302,</part-num-ref>
+ which is the medium used to provide communications links between various devices and computers connected within distributed data processing system <part-num-ref name="medium used to provide communications links between various devices and computers connected within distributed data processing system">300.</part-num-ref>
+ Network <part-num-ref name="medium used to provide communications links between various devices and computers connected within distributed data processing system 300. Network">302</part-num-ref>
+ may include permanent <boundary-data type="line-number">15  </boundary-data>
+connections, such as wire or fiber optic cables, or temporary connections made through telephone connections.    </p>
+    <p id="p-36" num="36">In the depicted example, servers 322-326 are connected to network <part-num-ref name="depicted example, servers 322-326 are connected to network">302,</part-num-ref>
+ along with storage unit <part-num-ref name="depicted example, servers 322-326 are connected to network 302, along with storage unit">306.</part-num-ref>
+    </p>
+    <p id="p-37" num="37">In addition, clients 308, 310 and <part-num-ref name="and">312</part-num-ref>
+ are also connected <boundary-data type="line-number">20  </boundary-data>
+to network <part-num-ref name="are also connected to network">302.</part-num-ref>
+ These clients, <part-num-ref name="are also connected to network 302. These clients,">308,</part-num-ref>
+ <part-num-ref name="are also connected to network 302. These clients, 308,">310</part-num-ref>
+ and <part-num-ref name="and">312,</part-num-ref>
+ may be, for example, personal computers or network computers.    </p>
+    <p id="p-38" num="38">In the depicted example, server <part-num-ref name="depicted example, server">322</part-num-ref>
+ acts as a proxy server for a web service provided by server <part-num-ref name="web service provided by server">324.</part-num-ref>
+ Server <part-num-ref name="web service provided by server 324. Server">326</part-num-ref>
+ is a business web service consumer. Clients <part-num-ref name="business web service consumer. Clients">308</part-num-ref>
+ and <boundary-data type="line-number">25  </boundary-data>
+      <part-num-ref name="and">312</part-num-ref>
+ may be clients to server <part-num-ref name="may be clients to server">324</part-num-ref>
+ while client <part-num-ref name="while client">310</part-num-ref>
+ may be implemented as a management console allowing, for example, a administrator to monitor response time for web services administered by server <part-num-ref name="administrator to monitor response time for web services administered by server">324.</part-num-ref>
+ Distributed data <boundary-data type="header">
+        <confidence value="88">13</confidence>
+      </boundary-data>
+      <boundary-data type="header">Docket No. LEDS.00150</boundary-data>
+      <page-break num="14"/>
+      <boundary-data type="header">Express Mail No. ED<confidence value="4">0</confidence>
+39807115US      </boundary-data>
+processing system <part-num-ref name="administrator to monitor response time for web services administered by server 324. Distributed data processing system">300</part-num-ref>
+ may include additional servers, clients, and other devices not shown.    </p>
+    <p id="p-39" num="39">Distributed data processing system 300 also includes printers <part-num-ref name="also includes printers">314,</part-num-ref>
+ <part-num-ref name="also includes printers 314,">316</part-num-ref>
+ and <part-num-ref name="and">318.</part-num-ref>
+ A client, such as client <part-num-ref name="client, such as client">310,</part-num-ref>
+ <boundary-data type="line-number">5  </boundary-data>
+may print directly to printer <part-num-ref name="client, such as client 310, may print directly to printer">314.</part-num-ref>
+ Clients such as client <part-num-ref name="client, such as client 310, may print directly to printer 314. Clients such as client">308</part-num-ref>
+ and client <part-num-ref name="and client">312</part-num-ref>
+ do not have directly attached printers. These clients may print to printer <part-num-ref name="do not have directly attached printers. These clients may print to printer">316,</part-num-ref>
+ which is attached to server <part-num-ref name="do not have directly attached printers. These clients may print to printer 316, which is attached to server">304,</part-num-ref>
+ or to printer <part-num-ref name="do not have directly attached printers. These clients may print to printer 316, which is attached to server 304, or to printer">318,</part-num-ref>
+ which is a network printer that does not require connection to a <boundary-data type="line-number">10  </boundary-data>
+computer for printing documents. Client <part-num-ref name="computer for printing documents. Client">310,</part-num-ref>
+ alternatively, may print to printer <part-num-ref name="computer for printing documents. Client 310, alternatively, may print to printer">316</part-num-ref>
+ or printer <part-num-ref name="or printer">318,</part-num-ref>
+ depending on the printer type and the document requirements. Printers 314-318 may allow an administrator to print out reports or other data related <boundary-data type="line-number">15  </boundary-data>
+to response time management.    </p>
+    <p id="p-40" num="40">In the depicted example, distributed data processing system <part-num-ref name="depicted example, distributed data processing system">300</part-num-ref>
+ is the Internet, with network <part-num-ref name="Internet, with network">302</part-num-ref>
+ representing a worldwide collection of networks and gateways that use the TCP/IP suite of protocols to communicate with one <boundary-data type="line-number">20  </boundary-data>
+another. At the heart of the Internet is a backbone of high-speed data communication lines between major nodes or host computers consisting of thousands of commercial, government, education, and other computer systems that route data and messages. Of course, distributed data <boundary-data type="line-number">25  </boundary-data>
+processing system <part-num-ref name="backbone of high-speed data communication lines between major nodes or host computers consisting of thousands of commercial, government, education, and other computer systems that route data and messages. Of course, distributed data processing system">300</part-num-ref>
+ also may be implemented as a number of different types of networks such as, for example, an intranet or a local area network.    </p>
+    <boundary-data type="header">
+      <confidence value="88">14</confidence>
+    </boundary-data>
+    <boundary-data type="header">Docket No. LEDS.00150</boundary-data>
+    <boundary-data type="header">Express Mail No. ED<confidence value="4">0</confidence>
+39807115US    </boundary-data>
+    <p id="p-41" num="41">
+      <page-break num="15"/>
+Figure 3 is intended as an example and not as an architectural limitation for the processes of the present invention.    </p>
+    <p id="p-42" num="42">Referring to Figure 4, a block diagram of a data <boundary-data type="line-number">5  </boundary-data>
+processing system which may be implemented as a server, such as any of servers 322-326 in Figure 3, is depicted in accordance with the present invention. Data processing system <part-num-ref name="present invention. Data processing system">400</part-num-ref>
+ may be a symmetric multiprocessor (SMP) system including a plurality of processors <part-num-ref name="plurality of processors">402</part-num-ref>
+ and <boundary-data type="line-number">10  </boundary-data>
+      <part-num-ref name="and">404</part-num-ref>
+ connected to system bus <part-num-ref name="connected to system bus">406.</part-num-ref>
+ Alternatively, a single processor system may be employed. Also connected to system bus <part-num-ref name="single processor system may be employed. Also connected to system bus">406</part-num-ref>
+ is memory controller/cache <part-num-ref name="is memory controller/cache">408,</part-num-ref>
+ which provides an interface to local memory <part-num-ref name="interface to local memory">409.</part-num-ref>
+ I/O bus bridge <part-num-ref name="interface to local memory 409. I/O bus bridge">410</part-num-ref>
+ is connected to system bus <part-num-ref name="is connected to system bus">406</part-num-ref>
+ and provides an <boundary-data type="line-number">15  </boundary-data>
+interface to I/O bus <part-num-ref name="interface to I/O bus">412.</part-num-ref>
+ Memory controller/cache <part-num-ref name="interface to I/O bus 412. Memory controller/cache">408</part-num-ref>
+ and I/O bus bridge <part-num-ref name="and I/O bus bridge">410</part-num-ref>
+ may be integrated as depicted.    </p>
+    <p id="p-43" num="43">Peripheral component interconnect (PCI) bus bridge 414 connected to I/O bus <part-num-ref name="connected to I/O bus">412</part-num-ref>
+ provides an interface to PCI local bus <part-num-ref name="interface to PCI local bus">416.</part-num-ref>
+ A number of modems 418-220 may be <boundary-data type="line-number">20  </boundary-data>
+connected to PCI bus <part-num-ref name="number of modems 418-220 may be connected to PCI bus">416.</part-num-ref>
+ Typical PCI bus implementations will support four PCI expansion slots or add-in connectors. Communications links to network computers 308-312 in Figure 3 may be provided through modem <part-num-ref name="may be provided through modem">418</part-num-ref>
+ and network adapter <part-num-ref name="and network adapter">420</part-num-ref>
+ connected to PCI local <boundary-data type="line-number">25  </boundary-data>
+bus <part-num-ref name="connected to PCI local bus">416</part-num-ref>
+ through add-in boards.    </p>
+    <p id="p-44" num="44">Additional PCI bus bridges 422 and <part-num-ref name="and">424</part-num-ref>
+ provide interfaces for additional PCI buses <part-num-ref name="provide interfaces for additional PCI buses">426</part-num-ref>
+ and <part-num-ref name="and">428,</part-num-ref>
+ from which additional modems or network adapters may be supported. In this manner, server <part-num-ref name="and 428, from which additional modems or network adapters may be supported. In this manner, server">400</part-num-ref>
+ allows connections <boundary-data type="header">
+        <confidence value="88">15</confidence>
+      </boundary-data>
+      <boundary-data type="header">Docket No. LEDS.00150</boundary-data>
+      <page-break num="16"/>
+      <boundary-data type="header">Express Mail No. ED<confidence value="4">0</confidence>
+39807115US      </boundary-data>
+to multiple network computers. A memory mapped graphics adapter <part-num-ref name="memory mapped graphics adapter">430</part-num-ref>
+ and hard disk <part-num-ref name="and hard disk">432</part-num-ref>
+ may also be connected to I/O bus <part-num-ref name="may also be connected to I/O bus">412</part-num-ref>
+ as depicted, either directly or indirectly.    </p>
+    <p id="p-45" num="45">Those of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate <boundary-data type="line-number">5  </boundary-data>
+that the hardware depicted in Figure 4 may vary. For example, other peripheral devices, such as optical disk drives and the like, also may be used in addition to or in place of the hardware depicted. The depicted example is not meant to imply architectural limitations with <boundary-data type="line-number">10 </boundary-data>
+respect to the present invention.    </p>
+    <p id="p-46" num="46">Data processing system 400 may be implemented as, for example, an AlphaServer GS1280 running a UNIX<confidence value="2">®</confidence>
+ operating system. AlphaServer GS1280 is a product of Hewlett-Packard Company of Palo Alto, California.    </p>
+    <p id="p-47" num="47">
+      <boundary-data type="line-number">15 </boundary-data>
+"AlphaServer" is a trademark of Hewlett-Packard Company.    </p>
+    <p id="p-48" num="48">"UNIX" is a registered trademark of The Open Group in the United States and other countries.</p>
+    <p id="p-49" num="49">With reference now to Figure 5, a block diagram of a data processing system in which the present invention may <boundary-data type="line-number">20  </boundary-data>
+be implemented is illustrated. Data processing system <part-num-ref name="present invention may be implemented is illustrated. Data processing system">500</part-num-ref>
+ is an example of a client computer. Data processing system <part-num-ref name="client computer. Data processing system">500</part-num-ref>
+ employs a peripheral component interconnect (PCI) local bus architecture. Although the depicted example employs a PCI bus, other bus architectures, such <boundary-data type="line-number">25  </boundary-data>
+as Micro Channel and ISA, may be used. Processor <part-num-ref name="PCI bus, other bus architectures, such as Micro Channel and ISA, may be used. Processor">502</part-num-ref>
+ and main memory <part-num-ref name="and main memory">504</part-num-ref>
+ are connected to PCI local bus <part-num-ref name="are connected to PCI local bus">506</part-num-ref>
+ through PCI bridge <part-num-ref name="through PCI bridge">508.</part-num-ref>
+ PCI bridge <part-num-ref name="through PCI bridge 508. PCI bridge">508</part-num-ref>
+ may also include an integrated memory controller and cache memory for processor <part-num-ref name="integrated memory controller and cache memory for processor">502.</part-num-ref>
+ Additional connections to PCI local bus <boundary-data type="header">
+        <confidence value="88">16</confidence>
+      </boundary-data>
+      <boundary-data type="header">Docket No. LEDS.00150</boundary-data>
+      <page-break num="17"/>
+      <boundary-data type="header">Express Mail No. ED<confidence value="4">0</confidence>
+39807115US      </boundary-data>
+      <part-num-ref name="integrated memory controller and cache memory for processor 502. Additional connections to PCI local bus">506</part-num-ref>
+ may be made through direct component interconnection or through add-in boards. In the depicted example, local area network (LAN) adapter <part-num-ref name="depicted example, local area network (LAN) adapter">510,</part-num-ref>
+ SCSI host bus adapter <part-num-ref name="depicted example, local area network (LAN) adapter 510, SCSI host bus adapter">512,</part-num-ref>
+ and expansion bus interface <part-num-ref name="depicted example, local area network (LAN) adapter 510, SCSI host bus adapter 512, and expansion bus interface">514</part-num-ref>
+ are connected to PCI <boundary-data type="line-number">5  </boundary-data>
+local bus <part-num-ref name="are connected to PCI local bus">506</part-num-ref>
+ by direct component connection. In contrast, audio adapter <part-num-ref name="by direct component connection. In contrast, audio adapter">516,</part-num-ref>
+ graphics adapter <part-num-ref name="by direct component connection. In contrast, audio adapter 516, graphics adapter">518,</part-num-ref>
+ and audio/video adapter (A/V) <part-num-ref name="by direct component connection. In contrast, audio adapter 516, graphics adapter 518, and audio/video adapter (A/V)">519</part-num-ref>
+ are connected to PCI local bus <part-num-ref name="are connected to PCI local bus">506</part-num-ref>
+ by add-in boards inserted into expansion slots.    </p>
+    <p id="p-50" num="50">Expansion bus interface 514 provides a connection for a <boundary-data type="line-number">10  </boundary-data>
+keyboard and mouse adapter <part-num-ref name="keyboard and mouse adapter">520,</part-num-ref>
+ modem <part-num-ref name="keyboard and mouse adapter 520, modem">522,</part-num-ref>
+ and additional memory <part-num-ref name="keyboard and mouse adapter 520, modem 522, and additional memory">524.</part-num-ref>
+ In the depicted example, SCSI host bus adapter <part-num-ref name="depicted example, SCSI host bus adapter">512</part-num-ref>
+ provides a connection for hard disk drive <part-num-ref name="connection for hard disk drive">526,</part-num-ref>
+ tape drive <part-num-ref name="connection for hard disk drive 526, tape drive">528,</part-num-ref>
+ CD-ROM drive <part-num-ref name="connection for hard disk drive 526, tape drive 528, CD-ROM drive">530,</part-num-ref>
+ and digital video disc read only memory drive (DVD-ROM) <part-num-ref name="connection for hard disk drive 526, tape drive 528, CD-ROM drive 530, and digital video disc read only memory drive (DVD-ROM)">532.</part-num-ref>
+ Typical PCI <boundary-data type="line-number">15  </boundary-data>
+local bus implementations will support three or four PCI expansion slots or add-in connectors.    </p>
+    <p id="p-51" num="51">An operating system runs on processor 502 and is used to coordinate and provide control of various components within data processing system <part-num-ref name="and is used to coordinate and provide control of various components within data processing system">500</part-num-ref>
+ in Figure 5.    </p>
+    <p id="p-52" num="52">
+      <boundary-data type="line-number">20  </boundary-data>
+The operating system may be a commercially available operating system, such as Windows XP, which is available from Microsoft Corporation of Redmond, Washington.    </p>
+    <p id="p-53" num="53">"Windows XP" is a trademark of Microsoft Corporation. An object oriented programming system, such as Java, may run <boundary-data type="line-number">25  </boundary-data>
+in conjunction with the operating system, providing calls to the operating system from Java programs or applications executing on data processing system <part-num-ref name="operating system from Java programs or applications executing on data processing system">500.</part-num-ref>
+    </p>
+    <p id="p-54" num="54">Instructions for the operating system, the object- oriented operating system, and applications or programs <boundary-data type="header">
+        <confidence value="88">17</confidence>
+      </boundary-data>
+      <boundary-data type="header">Docket No. LEDS.00150</boundary-data>
+      <page-break num="18"/>
+      <boundary-data type="header">Express Mail No. ED<confidence value="4">0</confidence>
+39807115US      </boundary-data>
+are located on a storage device, such as hard disk drive <part-num-ref name="storage device, such as hard disk drive">526,</part-num-ref>
+ and may be loaded into main memory <part-num-ref name="storage device, such as hard disk drive 526, and may be loaded into main memory">504</part-num-ref>
+ for execution by processor <part-num-ref name="for execution by processor">502.</part-num-ref>
+    </p>
+    <p id="p-55" num="55">Those of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate <boundary-data type="line-number">5  </boundary-data>
+that the hardware in Figure 5 may vary depending on the implementation. For example, other peripheral devices, such as optical disk drives and the like, may be used in addition to or in place of the hardware depicted in Figure <confidence value="5">5</confidence>
+. The depicted example is not meant to imply <boundary-data type="line-number">10  </boundary-data>
+architectural limitations with respect to the present invention. For example, the processes of the present invention may be applied to multiprocessor data processing systems.    </p>
+    <p id="p-56" num="56">With reference now to Figure 6, a diagram <boundary-data type="line-number">15  </boundary-data>
+illustrating an exemplary process flow and program function for a response time management process is depicted in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. A proxy server receives an inbound web service transaction from a web service consumer (step <boundary-data type="line-number">20  </boundary-data>
+602). The proxy server invokes a response time measurement service utilizing a unique identifier associated with the inbound transaction (step 604). The response time measurement service records the time for the inbound transaction (step 606). The proxy server <boundary-data type="line-number">25  </boundary-data>
+also invokes the web service for the inbound transaction (step 608)<confidence value="5">.</confidence>
+    </p>
+    <p id="p-57" num="57">Once the web service provider has processed the inbound transaction, it sends an outbound transaction back to the proxy server which then receives the outbound <boundary-data type="header">
+        <confidence value="88">18</confidence>
+      </boundary-data>
+      <boundary-data type="header">Docket No. LEDS.00150</boundary-data>
+      <page-break num="19"/>
+      <boundary-data type="header">Express Mail No. ED<confidence value="4">0</confidence>
+39807115US      </boundary-data>
+transaction (step 610). The proxy server, upon receiving the outbound transaction, invokes the response time measurement service once again utilizing the unique identifier (step 612). The response time measurement <boundary-data type="line-number">5  </boundary-data>
+service, either itself or through the use of other services, such as, for example, an application response measurement server, sets the response time to the different of the time of the outbound transaction and the time of the inbound transaction for the same unique <boundary-data type="line-number">10 </boundary-data>
+transaction identifier and records this to a log file (step 614). The proxy server, after, prior to, or simultaneously with invoking the response time measurement server, transmits the outbound response to the originating web service consumer (step 616)<confidence value="5">.</confidence>
+    </p>
+    <p id="p-58" num="58">
+      <boundary-data type="line-number">15       </boundary-data>
+In one embodiment of the response time monitoring service process of the present invention, a proxy server receives a web service inbound transaction, invokes a response time monitoring service, and provides the response time monitoring service with a unique <boundary-data type="line-number">20  </boundary-data>
+transaction identifier for the inbound transaction. The proxy service also invokes, on the web service provider, a web service requested by the inbound transaction. Once the web service provider has processed the inbound transaction, the proxy server receives the outbound <boundary-data type="line-number">25 </boundary-data>
+transaction from the web service provider corresponding to the inbound transaction, invokes the response time monitoring service, and provides the unique transaction identifier to the response time monitoring service. The response time monitoring service determines a time for <boundary-data type="header">
+        <confidence value="88">19</confidence>
+      </boundary-data>
+      <boundary-data type="header">Docket No. LEDS.001<confidence value="55">50</confidence>
+      </boundary-data>
+      <page-break num="20"/>
+      <boundary-data type="header">Express Mail No. ED<confidence value="4">0</confidence>
+39807115US      </boundary-data>
+the inbound transaction and for the outbound transaction corresponding to the same unique transaction identifier and sets a response time as the difference in times between the time for the outbound transaction and the <boundary-data type="line-number">5 </boundary-data>
+time for the inbound transaction.    </p>
+    <p id="p-59" num="59">The response time is then recorded in a log file. A management console may monitor response times recorded in the log file and determine whether the response times are in accord with requirements of a service level agreement.</p>
+    <p id="p-60" num="60">
+      <boundary-data type="line-number">10 </boundary-data>
+The management console or other component may also, in response to a determination that a percentage of response times that exceed a response time specified in a service level agreement is greater than a threshold value, alert an administrator in order to allow the administrator to <boundary-data type="line-number">15 </boundary-data>
+take corrective action to improve the web service response time. Charges billed to an enterprise by a web service provider may also be adjusted based on a comparison of actual response times with a formula for determining billing charges.    </p>
+    <p id="p-61" num="61">
+      <boundary-data type="line-number">20       </boundary-data>
+      <confidence value="5">I</confidence>
+n another embodiment, the response time monitoring service comprises a web service proxy server, a web service provider, and a response time monitoring service.    </p>
+    <p id="p-62" num="62">The web service proxy server receives a web service inbound transaction having a unique transaction <boundary-data type="line-number">25  </boundary-data>
+identifier from a web service consumer, invokes the response time monitoring service, and invokes the web service requested by the web service inbound transaction.    </p>
+    <p id="p-63" num="63">The web service proxy server also receives a web service outbound transaction corresponding to the unique <boundary-data type="header">
+        <confidence value="88">20</confidence>
+      </boundary-data>
+      <boundary-data type="header">Docket No. LEDS.00150</boundary-data>
+      <page-break num="21"/>
+      <boundary-data type="header">Express Mail No. ED<confidence value="4">0</confidence>
+39807115US      </boundary-data>
+transaction identifier, invokes the response time monitoring service; and transmits the web service outbound transaction to the web service consumer. The response time monitoring service determines a response <boundary-data type="line-number">5 </boundary-data>
+time for the web service transaction based upon a time associated with the proxy server receiving the web service inbound transaction and the time associated with the proxy server receiving the web service outbound transaction. The web service provider provides a web <boundary-data type="line-number">10  </boundary-data>
+service to the web service consumer.    </p>
+    <p id="p-64" num="64">It is important to note that while the present invention has been described in the context of a fully functioning data processing system, those of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that the processes of <boundary-data type="line-number">15 </boundary-data>
+the present invention are capable of being distributed in the form of a computer readable medium of instructions and a variety of forms and that the present invention applies equally regardless of the particular type of signal bearing media actually used to carry out the <boundary-data type="line-number">20  </boundary-data>
+distribution. Examples of computer readable media include recordable-type media such a floppy disc, a hard disk drive, a RAM, and CD-ROMs and transmission-type media such as digital and analog communications links.    </p>
+    <p id="p-65" num="65">The description of the present invention has been <boundary-data type="line-number">25 </boundary-data>
+presented for purposes of illustration and description, but is not intended to be exhaustive or limited to the invention in the form disclosed. Many modifications and variations will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art. The embodiment was chosen and described in <boundary-data type="header">
+        <confidence value="88">21</confidence>
+      </boundary-data>
+      <boundary-data type="header">Docket No. LEDS.00150</boundary-data>
+      <page-break num="22"/>
+      <boundary-data type="header">Express Mail No. ED039807115US</boundary-data>
+order to best explain the principles of the invention, the practical application, and to enable others of ordinary skill in the art to understand the invention for various embodiments with various modifications as are <boundary-data type="line-number">5  </boundary-data>
+suited to the particular use contemplated.    </p>
+    <boundary-data type="header">
+      <confidence value="88">22</confidence>
+    </boundary-data>
+    <boundary-data type="header">Docket No. LEDS.00150</boundary-data>
+  </description>
+</us-patent-application>
+

prior_art/11000019.xml

@@ -0,0 +1,916 @@
+<?xml version="1.0" encoding="utf-8"?>
+<!DOCTYPE us-patent-application SYSTEM "PATI-v1.0.3-2011-06-23.dtd">
+<us-patent-application lang="EN" dtd-version="v1.0.3 2011-06-23" id="us-patent-application" country="US">
+  <us-bibliographic-data-application lang="EN" country="US">
+    <application-reference appl-type="utility">
+      <document-id>
+        <doc-number>11000019</doc-number>
+        <date>2004-11-30</date>
+      </document-id>
+    </application-reference>
+  </us-bibliographic-data-application>
+  <description id="description">
+    <boundary-data type="header">2003<confidence value="8">1</confidence>
+6021-1 (HPCO.154PA)    </boundary-data>
+    <heading id="h-1">DATA LOGGING TO A DATABASE</heading>
+    <p id="p-1" num="1">Inventor Antony Manoj Justin <page-break num="2"/>
+      <boundary-data type="header">200316021-1 (HPCO.154PA)</boundary-data>
+    </p>
+    <heading id="h-2">DATA LOGGING TO A DATABASE</heading>
+    <heading id="h-3">FIELD OF THE INVENTION</heading>
+    <p id="p-2" num="2">[0001]   The present disclosure relates to data processing, and more particularly to handling log data of data processing arrangements.</p>
+    <heading id="h-4">BACKGROUND</heading>
+    <p id="p-3" num="3">[0002]   Computers and networks have become commonplace in all types of enterprises, including manufacturing, services, government, and academia.</p>
+    <p id="p-4" num="4">Computers play important roles in these organizations. In particular, the use of computing networking has provided significant productivity gains over the last decade. In many cases, the networks have become as important as the computers themselves. Computer networks can be used by all parts of an organization to quickly and easily share data. Data sharing allows managers to know what is going on within the organization and to quickly react to problems and changes.</p>
+    <p id="p-5" num="5">[0003]   Networks can range in size from two machines on a home network to global scale networks such as the Internet. The smaller networks are often referred to as local area networks (LANs). A LAN can be used to share computing resources such as files and printers. In some arrangements, common computing resources are shared in a client/server arrangement. The clients are typically stand- </p>
+    <heading id="h-5">
+      <confidence value="1">I</confidence>
+    </heading>
+    <boundary-data type="header">200316021-1 (HPCO.<confidence value="8">1</confidence>
+54PA)    </boundary-data>
+    <p id="p-6" num="6">
+      <page-break num="3"/>
+alone computers that access a server. The servers are centralized computers that provide particular services to clients. Other paradigms for computer usage exist, such <confidence value="885">as.</confidence>
+peer-to-peer, <confidence value="222222222222222">terminal/server</confidence>
+ and thin-client<confidence value="5">/</confidence>
+server. However, the implementation of Internet-like services in enterprises has made the client/server model dominant in many business infrastructures.    </p>
+    <p id="p-7" num="7">
+      <confidence value="5">[</confidence>
+0004<confidence value="5">]</confidence>
+   In a large enterprise, the services provided by servers and other entities may be quite complex. Besides the standard email, file sharing, print sharing and Web services associated with the client-server model, large enterprises may have custom applications. These applications can be used for Customer Relationship Management (CRM), human resources, engineering, inventory, materials acquisition, finance, etc. These applications often leverage the power of networks by utilizing distributed computing, network accessible databases, Web services, and other network technologies to perform specialized functions.    </p>
+    <p id="p-8" num="8">
+      <confidence value="5">[</confidence>
+0005<confidence value="5">]</confidence>
+   Deploying and maintaining specialized applications in a large enterprise can be difficult. Such applications can have many users distributed around the globe. Even when all the users are in the same building, the analysis of performance data and error logs sometimes requires physically accessing the client machines to look at the data. This quickly becomes unworkable when maintaining a large number of machines. Therefore a better way of managing log data in a distributed computing environment is desirable.    </p>
+    <heading id="h-6">SUMMARY</heading>
+    <p id="p-9" num="9">[0006]   Logging data to a database involves gathering log data from one or more applications executing on a first data-processing arrangement. The log data is gathered via a data-gathering utility executing on a first data-processing <boundary-data type="header">
+        <confidence value="8">2</confidence>
+      </boundary-data>
+      <page-break num="4"/>
+      <boundary-data type="header">200316021-1 (HPCO.<confidence value="5">1</confidence>
+54PA)      </boundary-data>
+arrangement. The log data is sent via a network to a Web services interface of a log server. The log data is stored in a database accessible by the log server. The status of the first data processing arrangement is determined based on the log data stored in the database.    </p>
+    <heading id="h-7">BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS</heading>
+    <p id="p-10" num="10">[00<confidence value="5">0</confidence>
+7]   FIG. 1 illustrates a system in which data logging according to embodiments of the present invention may be employed;    </p>
+    <p id="p-11" num="11">
+      <confidence value="5">[</confidence>
+0008]   FIG. 2 illustrates a data processing arrangement with a data- gathering utility according to embodiments of the present invention;    </p>
+    <p id="p-12" num="12">[0009]   FIG. 3 illustrates logging data associated with distributed transactions according to embodiments of the present invention;</p>
+    <p id="p-13" num="13">[0010]   FIG. 4 illustrates a component diagram of a data-gathering utility according to embodiments of the present invention;</p>
+    <p id="p-14" num="14">
+      <confidence value="5">[</confidence>
+0011<confidence value="5">]</confidence>
+   FIG. 5 illustrates a logging database server arrangement according to embodiments of the present invention;    </p>
+    <p id="p-15" num="15">[0012]   FIG. 6 illustrates a sequence of data exchanges in a logging system according to embodiments of the present invention;</p>
+    <p id="p-16" num="16">[0013]   FIG. 7 is a flowchart illustrating client logging operations according to embodiments of the present invention; and [0014]   FIG. 8 is a flowchart illustrating server logging operations according to embodiments of the present invention.</p>
+    <boundary-data type="header">
+      <confidence value="8">3</confidence>
+    </boundary-data>
+    <boundary-data type="header">200316021-1 (HPCO.154PA)</boundary-data>
+    <heading id="h-8">DETAILED DESCRIPTION</heading>
+    <p id="p-17" num="17">
+      <page-break num="5"/>
+      <confidence value="5">[</confidence>
+0015<confidence value="5">]</confidence>
+   In the following description of various embodiments, reference is made to the accompanying drawings that form a part hereof, and in which is shown by way of illustration various example manners by which the invention may be practiced. It is to be understood that other embodiments may be utilized, as structural and operational changes may be made without departing from the scope of the present invention.    </p>
+    <p id="p-18" num="18">[0016<confidence value="5">]</confidence>
+   In general, the present disclosure relates to collecting, collating and providing analysis tools for computer debug data. In particular, a system is disclosed for centrally collecting log data in a distributed computing environment. A distributed computing environment generally includes at least a plurality of client machines independently running processes that generate logging data. The client machines may communicate with one or more server machines via a network. The client machines may also co<confidence value="8">m</confidence>
+municate with each other, either as client-server or peer-to-peer.    </p>
+    <p id="p-19" num="19">
+      <confidence value="5">[</confidence>
+0017]   In reference now to FIG. 1, a system <part-num-ref name="system">100</part-num-ref>
+ is illustrated that utilizes centralized logging according to embodiments of the present invention. The system <part-num-ref name="system">100</part-num-ref>
+ is generally utilized by an enterprise for all manner of computing tasks.    </p>
+    <p id="p-20" num="20">The system 100 includes internal user computers <part-num-ref name="includes internal user computers">102</part-num-ref>
+ and support user computers <part-num-ref name="and support user computers">104.</part-num-ref>
+    </p>
+    <p id="p-21" num="21">The user computers 102, 104 are typically networked client machines, although some users <part-num-ref name="are typically networked client machines, although some users">102,</part-num-ref>
+ <part-num-ref name="are typically networked client machines, although some users 102,">104</part-num-ref>
+ may also have access to servers via directly connected terminals or similar devices. The user computers <part-num-ref name="user computers">102,</part-num-ref>
+ <part-num-ref name="user computers 102,">104</part-num-ref>
+ may include any manner of data processing device, including desktops machine, portable computers, personal digital assistants (PDAs), cellular phones, etc.    </p>
+    <boundary-data type="header">
+      <confidence value="8">4</confidence>
+    </boundary-data>
+    <boundary-data type="header">200316021-1 (HPCO.<confidence value="8">1</confidence>
+54PA)    </boundary-data>
+    <p id="p-22" num="22">
+      <page-break num="6"/>
+      <confidence value="5">[</confidence>
+0018<confidence value="5">]</confidence>
+   The internal user computers <part-num-ref name="internal user computers">102</part-num-ref>
+ typically run end-user applications. These applications often have a user interface (UI) configured to allow people to input data into the computer and receive output. For example, a human resource time tracking system allows workers to enter hours worked for different projects using a keyboard and mouse. The time and project data entered may be viewable by the user and others. The internal user computers <part-num-ref name="internal user computers">102</part-num-ref>
+ may be used for any type of end-user application, including finance, human resources, engineering, marketing, sales, inventory, materials tracking, content creation, data entry, etc.    </p>
+    <p id="p-23" num="23">
+      <confidence value="5">[</confidence>
+0019]   The support user computers <part-num-ref name="support user computers">104</part-num-ref>
+ may run applications that are similar to those run on the internal user computers <part-num-ref name="internal user computers">102.</part-num-ref>
+ However, the support user computers <part-num-ref name="support user computers">104</part-num-ref>
+ may also include support applications. The support applications may include network monitoring tools, help ticket reporting, technical support databases, debuggers, remote access applications (e.g., login terminals), etc.    </p>
+    <p id="p-24" num="24">
+      <confidence value="5">[</confidence>
+0020]   The user and support computers <part-num-ref name="user and support computers">102,</part-num-ref>
+ <part-num-ref name="user and support computers 102,">104</part-num-ref>
+ are coupled via a network <part-num-ref name="network">106.</part-num-ref>
+ This network <part-num-ref name="network 106. This network">106</part-num-ref>
+ may include any combination of LAN and Wide Area Network (WAN) elements known in the art. The user and support computers <part-num-ref name="user and support computers">102,</part-num-ref>
+ <part-num-ref name="user and support computers 102,">104</part-num-ref>
+ may exchange data directly (e.g., peer-to-peer) via the network <part-num-ref name="network">106.</part-num-ref>
+ The computers <part-num-ref name="computers">102,</part-num-ref>
+ <part-num-ref name="computers 102,">104</part-num-ref>
+ may also use the network <part-num-ref name="network">106</part-num-ref>
+ to access servers, such as the application servers <part-num-ref name="application servers">108,</part-num-ref>
+ Web services servers <part-num-ref name="application servers 108, Web services servers">110,</part-num-ref>
+ print/file servers <part-num-ref name="application servers 108, Web services servers 110, print/file servers">112,</part-num-ref>
+ Network Attached Storage (NAS) <part-num-ref name="application servers 108, Web services servers 110, print/file servers 112, Network Attached Storage (NAS)">114,</part-num-ref>
+ etc. In general, servers may include any commonly accessible data processing elements that store and manage data. The data may be restricted to select users or may be made available to all users of the system <part-num-ref name="system">100.</part-num-ref>
+    </p>
+    <p id="p-25" num="25">[0021]   A database <part-num-ref name="database">116</part-num-ref>
+ may also be commonly accessible to clients and servers on the network <part-num-ref name="network">106.</part-num-ref>
+ The database <part-num-ref name="database">116</part-num-ref>
+ is typically a specialized data storage arrangement for storing and querying large amounts of data quickly. The database <boundary-data type="header">
+        <confidence value="8">5</confidence>
+      </boundary-data>
+      <page-break num="7"/>
+      <boundary-data type="header">200316021-1 (HPCO.154PA)</boundary-data>
+      <part-num-ref name="database">116</part-num-ref>
+ often stores data in the form of tables. In a particular type of database known as a relational database, associations may be defined between the tables that allow sophisticated and flexible searching of data. The database <part-num-ref name="database">116</part-num-ref>
+ may be implemented on a single machine. In other arrangement, the database <part-num-ref name="database">116</part-num-ref>
+ may be distributed across multiple machines, such as on a server farm <part-num-ref name="server farm">118.</part-num-ref>
+ Often, the database <part-num-ref name="database">116</part-num-ref>
+ includes a generic interface that hides the programmatic and physical implementation of the database <part-num-ref name="database">116</part-num-ref>
+ from users. For example, the database may support standardized Structured Query Language (SQL) queries.    </p>
+    <p id="p-26" num="26">[0022]   The system <part-num-ref name="system">100</part-num-ref>
+ can provide many advantages to an organization. Tasks that require data inputs from various parts of the organization can be entered into computer systems (e.g., internal user computers <part-num-ref name="internal user computers">102)</part-num-ref>
+ and stored on commonly accessible servers. By doing this, the managers of the organization can obtain near-real-time data that shows status of many activities in the organization.    </p>
+    <p id="p-27" num="27">These activities need not be confined to a single building or campus. The ubiquity of wide area networks such as the Internet <part-num-ref name="Internet">120</part-num-ref>
+ allow this data exchange to occur on national and global scales. In sophisticated enterprise systems, external users <part-num-ref name="allow this data exchange to occur on national and global scales. In sophisticated enterprise systems, external users">122</part-num-ref>
+ can seamlessly connect to the organization wherever there is Internet <part-num-ref name="organization wherever there is Internet">120</part-num-ref>
+ availability.    </p>
+    <p id="p-28" num="28">
+      <confidence value="5">[</confidence>
+0023<confidence value="5">]</confidence>
+   Regardless of the advantages, distributing tasks among users of the system <part-num-ref name="system">100</part-num-ref>
+ can give rise to problems. These problems often relate to tracking technical problems on transactions that occur between distributed computational resources of the system <part-num-ref name="system">100.</part-num-ref>
+ For example, a transaction may involve computations that occur on both internal user computers <part-num-ref name="transaction may involve computations that occur on both internal user computers">102</part-num-ref>
+ and Web services servers <part-num-ref name="and Web services servers">110.</part-num-ref>
+ If the internal user computers <part-num-ref name="internal user computers">102</part-num-ref>
+ are using standalone PCs, the log data is typically stored on the local machine in a file or database. Likewise, the log data of the Web services servers <part-num-ref name="Web services servers">110</part-num-ref>
+ will be stored locally on those servers <part-num-ref name="will be stored locally on those servers">110.</part-num-ref>
+ It can be difficult to match up <boundary-data type="header">
+        <confidence value="8">6</confidence>
+      </boundary-data>
+      <page-break num="8"/>
+      <boundary-data type="header">200316021-1 (HPCO.154PA)</boundary-data>
+log data for a single transaction that occurred partially on a user computer <part-num-ref name="user computer">102</part-num-ref>
+ and a server <part-num-ref name="server">110.</part-num-ref>
+ This may be exacerbated when the different computers use different operating systems and different methods of creating and storing log data.    </p>
+    <p id="p-29" num="29">
+      <confidence value="5">[</confidence>
+0024]   In order to better manage log data among elements of the system <part-num-ref name="system">100,</part-num-ref>
+ a database <part-num-ref name="database">116</part-num-ref>
+ may be set up as a centralized repository of log data <part-num-ref name="centralized repository of log data">124.</part-num-ref>
+    </p>
+    <p id="p-30" num="30">Computing elements of the system may generate, modify and send log data <part-num-ref name="system may generate, modify and send log data">124</part-num-ref>
+ to this commonly accessible database <part-num-ref name="to this commonly accessible database">116.</part-num-ref>
+ Elements that generate log data may include internal users <part-num-ref name="to this commonly accessible database 116. Elements that generate log data may include internal users">102,</part-num-ref>
+ support users <part-num-ref name="to this commonly accessible database 116. Elements that generate log data may include internal users 102, support users">104,</part-num-ref>
+ external users <part-num-ref name="to this commonly accessible database 116. Elements that generate log data may include internal users 102, support users 104, external users">122,</part-num-ref>
+ servers <part-num-ref name="to this commonly accessible database 116. Elements that generate log data may include internal users 102, support users 104, external users 122, servers">108,</part-num-ref>
+ <part-num-ref name="to this commonly accessible database 116. Elements that generate log data may include internal users 102, support users 104, external users 122, servers 108,">110,</part-num-ref>
+ <part-num-ref name="to this commonly accessible database 116. Elements that generate log data may include internal users 102, support users 104, external users 122, servers 108, 110,">112,</part-num-ref>
+ <part-num-ref name="to this commonly accessible database 116. Elements that generate log data may include internal users 102, support users 104, external users 122, servers 108, 110, 112,">114,</part-num-ref>
+ etc. The log data may originate from an application, process, daemon, service, module, operating system, or any other executable code running on any device in the system <part-num-ref name="system">100.</part-num-ref>
+    </p>
+    <p id="p-31" num="31">[0025<confidence value="5">]</confidence>
+   It will be appreciated that a wide variety of software running on different hardware and operating systems will incorporate a wide variety of logging techniques. These logging techniques may include sending logs to files, memory, network connections, OS messaging, Inter-Process Communications (IPC), and the like. Therefore, a logging system that is useful across the entire enterprise should be able to take these various logging methods into account.    </p>
+    <p id="p-32" num="32">
+      <confidence value="5">[</confidence>
+0026]   Referring now to FIG. 2, a data processing arrangement <part-num-ref name="data processing arrangement">200</part-num-ref>
+ is shown using a logging utility according to embodiments of the present invention. The data processing arrangement <part-num-ref name="data processing arrangement">200</part-num-ref>
+ may be representative of any computational device used in the enterprise, including desktop computers, servers, portables, PDAs, embedded devices, etc. The data processing arrangement <part-num-ref name="data processing arrangement">200</part-num-ref>
+ includes one or more processors <part-num-ref name="includes one or more processors">202</part-num-ref>
+ coupled to various forms of memory. The processor(s) <part-num-ref name="processor(s)">202</part-num-ref>
+ are arranged to execute instructions stored on or provided by such memory. Memory accessible by the processor(s) may include random access memory (RAM) <part-num-ref name="processor(s) may include random access memory (RAM)">204,</part-num-ref>
+ read- <boundary-data type="header">
+        <confidence value="8">7</confidence>
+      </boundary-data>
+      <page-break num="9"/>
+      <boundary-data type="header">200316021-1 (HPCO.154PA)</boundary-data>
+only memory (ROM) <part-num-ref name="processor(s) may include random access memory (RAM) 204, read- only memory (ROM)">206,</part-num-ref>
+ disk drives <part-num-ref name="processor(s) may include random access memory (RAM) 204, read- only memory (ROM) 206, disk drives">208,</part-num-ref>
+ optical storage <part-num-ref name="processor(s) may include random access memory (RAM) 204, read- only memory (ROM) 206, disk drives 208, optical storage">210</part-num-ref>
+ (e.g., CD-ROM, DVD), etc. The processor(s) <part-num-ref name="processor(s)">202</part-num-ref>
+ may also access data via memory available on removable media <part-num-ref name="may also access data via memory available on removable media">212,</part-num-ref>
+ such as floppy disks, Zip disks, flash memory, CD- ROM<confidence value="686">/R/</confidence>
+RW, DVD, etc. The processor(s) <part-num-ref name="processor(s)">202</part-num-ref>
+ may also execute instructions received via a network interface <part-num-ref name="network interface">214.</part-num-ref>
+ The network interface <part-num-ref name="network interface">214</part-num-ref>
+ may be data coupled to any data transfer network such as a LAN, WAN or global area network (GAN) such as the Internet.    </p>
+    <p id="p-33" num="33">
+      <confidence value="5">[</confidence>
+0027]   The data processing arrangement <part-num-ref name="data processing arrangement">200</part-num-ref>
+ may include and/or be coupled to a user input interface <part-num-ref name="user input interface">218</part-num-ref>
+ and an output device <part-num-ref name="output device">220</part-num-ref>
+ (e.g., a monitor) for interacting with users. The data processing arrangement <part-num-ref name="data processing arrangement">200</part-num-ref>
+ includes software that may be provided in the form of instructions executable by the processor(s) <part-num-ref name="processor(s)">202.</part-num-ref>
+    </p>
+    <p id="p-34" num="34">Generally, the software includes an operating system (OS) <part-num-ref name="operating system (OS)">222</part-num-ref>
+ for the control and management of hardware and basic system operations, as well as running processes/applications <part-num-ref name="control and management of hardware and basic system operations, as well as running processes/applications">224,</part-num-ref>
+ <part-num-ref name="control and management of hardware and basic system operations, as well as running processes/applications 224,">226.</part-num-ref>
+ The <confidence value="66">OS</confidence>
+ <part-num-ref name="OS">222</part-num-ref>
+ may include any type of kernel (e.g., monolithic kernel, <confidence value="22222222222">microkernel</confidence>
+, exokernel, etc.) and user interface software such as a shell and/or graphical user interface (GUI).    </p>
+    <p id="p-35" num="35">[0028]   The data processing arrangement <part-num-ref name="data processing arrangement">200</part-num-ref>
+ includes firmware <part-num-ref name="includes firmware">228</part-num-ref>
+ used by the OS/kernel <part-num-ref name="OS/kernel">222</part-num-ref>
+ for accessing hardware and processor functionality during boot time and run time. The firmware <part-num-ref name="firmware">228</part-num-ref>
+ may include a Basic Input-Output System (BIOS) for providing basic hardware access during system boot. The data processing arrangement <part-num-ref name="data processing arrangement">200</part-num-ref>
+ may also include independently running hardware/processors such as a management service processor <part-num-ref name="management service processor">230.</part-num-ref>
+ A management service processor <part-num-ref name="management service processor">230</part-num-ref>
+ may be utilized in server farms, clusters, and other remotely serviced and managed systems. The management service processor <part-num-ref name="management service processor">230</part-num-ref>
+ runs independently of the processor(s) <part-num-ref name="processor(s)">202</part-num-ref>
+ and <confidence value="66">OS</confidence>
+ <part-num-ref name="and OS">222</part-num-ref>
+ of the data processing arrangement <part-num-ref name="data processing arrangement">200.</part-num-ref>
+ The service <boundary-data type="header">
+        <confidence value="8">8</confidence>
+      </boundary-data>
+      <page-break num="10"/>
+      <boundary-data type="header">200316021-1 (HPCO.154PA)</boundary-data>
+processor <part-num-ref name="service processor">230</part-num-ref>
+ may be remotely accessed for checking status, logs, and providing system updates, including revisions to firmware/BIOS <part-num-ref name="may be remotely accessed for checking status, logs, and providing system updates, including revisions to firmware/BIOS">228.</part-num-ref>
+    </p>
+    <p id="p-36" num="36">
+      <confidence value="5">[</confidence>
+0029<confidence value="5">]</confidence>
+  It will be appreciated that the example data processing arrangement <part-num-ref name="example data processing arrangement">200</part-num-ref>
+ need not contain all of the software and hardware components listed for purposes of performing centralized logging. However, the arrangement <part-num-ref name="arrangement">200</part-num-ref>
+ may at least include a data-gathering utility <part-num-ref name="data-gathering utility">232</part-num-ref>
+ for receiving, formatting, and sending log data to a centralized logging database <part-num-ref name="centralized logging database">234.</part-num-ref>
+ The data-gathering utility <part-num-ref name="data-gathering utility">232</part-num-ref>
+ is typically configured as a locally running process that gathers logs and other useful maintenance data from various parts of the data processing arrangement <part-num-ref name="data processing arrangement">200.</part-num-ref>
+    </p>
+    <p id="p-37" num="37">[0030]  The data-gathering utility <part-num-ref name="data-gathering utility">232</part-num-ref>
+ may collect logging data from any source on the data processing arrangement <part-num-ref name="data processing arrangement">200.</part-num-ref>
+ Those sources may include applications, processes, services, operating systems, firmware, hardware, etc. For example, the data-gathering utility <part-num-ref name="data-gathering utility">232</part-num-ref>
+ may collect data from user applications <part-num-ref name="may collect data from user applications">224.</part-num-ref>
+    </p>
+    <p id="p-38" num="38">This data collection may occur by examining local log files 236 or other pe<confidence value="8">r</confidence>
+sistent storage such as a local database <part-num-ref name="local database">238.</part-num-ref>
+ The data-gathering utility <part-num-ref name="data-gathering utility">232</part-num-ref>
+ may collect data from these persistent sources <part-num-ref name="may collect data from these persistent sources">236,</part-num-ref>
+ <part-num-ref name="may collect data from these persistent sources 236,">238</part-num-ref>
+ by any mechanism known in the art, including polling, redirection of output, monitoring write accesses, etc.    </p>
+    <p id="p-39" num="39">[0031]  The data-gathering utility <part-num-ref name="data-gathering utility">232</part-num-ref>
+ may also collect log data from the application <part-num-ref name="application">224</part-num-ref>
+ directly, as represented by path <part-num-ref name="directly, as represented by path">240.</part-num-ref>
+ This direct collection may be accomplished through mechanism such as pipes, messages, IPC, and the like. The OS <part-num-ref name="OS">222</part-num-ref>
+ may also provide a standardized way for applications/process/services <part-num-ref name="standardized way for applications/process/services">226</part-num-ref>
+ to report logging data. This is represented by the logging services module <part-num-ref name="logging services module">242.</part-num-ref>
+ The logging services module <part-num-ref name="logging services module">242</part-num-ref>
+ may be accessed via a standard Application Program Interface (API) provided for use with the OS <part-num-ref name="OS">222.</part-num-ref>
+ The data-gathering utility <part-num-ref name="data-gathering utility">232</part-num-ref>
+ may also access this API to receive log data from the logging services module <part-num-ref name="logging services module">242.</part-num-ref>
+    </p>
+    <boundary-data type="header">
+      <confidence value="8">9</confidence>
+    </boundary-data>
+    <boundary-data type="header">200316021-1 (HPCO.154PA)</boundary-data>
+    <p id="p-40" num="40">
+      <page-break num="11"/>
+      <confidence value="5">[</confidence>
+0032<confidence value="5">]</confidence>
+   Another function of the data-gathering utility <part-num-ref name="data-gathering utility">232</part-num-ref>
+ is to send data to the central logging database <part-num-ref name="central logging database">234.</part-num-ref>
+ The database <part-num-ref name="database">234</part-num-ref>
+ may be accessed via a network as indicated by path <part-num-ref name="network as indicated by path">236</part-num-ref>
+ to the network interface <part-num-ref name="network interface">236.</part-num-ref>
+ Other data interfaces may also be used to send log data to the database <part-num-ref name="database">234.</part-num-ref>
+ For example, data busses such as serial, USB, IEEE <part-num-ref name="database 234. For example, data busses such as serial, USB, IEEE">1394,</part-num-ref>
+ direct wireless transmissions, and the like, may be used to communicate log data to the database <part-num-ref name="database">234.</part-num-ref>
+    </p>
+    <p id="p-41" num="41">
+      <confidence value="5">[</confidence>
+0033]   In addition to sending data, the data-gathering utility <part-num-ref name="data-gathering utility">232</part-num-ref>
+ may also receive data via the network interface <part-num-ref name="network interface">236</part-num-ref>
+ and other external data interfaces. For example, a logging controller <part-num-ref name="logging controller">244</part-num-ref>
+ may be used to externally control aspects of the data-gathering utility <part-num-ref name="data-gathering utility">232.</part-num-ref>
+ The logging controller <part-num-ref name="logging controller">244</part-num-ref>
+ may control behavior of the logging application <part-num-ref name="logging application">232</part-num-ref>
+ such as debug log levels, enabling logging, system parameters, security settings, etc. The behaviors of the data-gathering utility <part-num-ref name="data-gathering utility">232</part-num-ref>
+ may also be controlled locally via a user interface (UI) <part-num-ref name="user interface (UI)">246.</part-num-ref>
+ In addition, the user interface <part-num-ref name="user interface">246</part-num-ref>
+ may control other local settings such as user identity, transformation/filtering of logs, UI preferences, performance settings, etc.    </p>
+    <p id="p-42" num="42">
+      <confidence value="5">[</confidence>
+0034<confidence value="5">]</confidence>
+   The data-gathering utility <part-num-ref name="data-gathering utility">232</part-num-ref>
+ may be utilized on any computing arrangement that generates log data. The data-gathering utility <part-num-ref name="data-gathering utility">232</part-num-ref>
+ may be configured and compiled for particular computers and operating systems. This OS-specific code may include both binary code (e.g., compiled C/C++ code) and interpreted code (e.g., Visual BasicTM). The data-gathering utility <part-num-ref name="data-gathering utility">232</part-num-ref>
+ may also utilize OS-independent code, such as a JavaTM applications.    </p>
+    <p id="p-43" num="43">
+      <confidence value="5">[</confidence>
+0035<confidence value="5">]</confidence>
+   The data-gathering utility <part-num-ref name="data-gathering utility">232</part-num-ref>
+ generally includes a uniform interface for communicating with the database <part-num-ref name="database">234.</part-num-ref>
+ The uniform logging interface provides the ability to collect a uniform set of logs from multiple hosts without requiring details of the underlying database architecture. This uniformity of log data <boundary-data type="header">
+        <confidence value="88">10</confidence>
+      </boundary-data>
+      <page-break num="12"/>
+      <boundary-data type="header">200316021-1 (HPCO.<confidence value="4">1</confidence>
+54PA)      </boundary-data>
+is useful when disparate hosts each create logs that relate to a single transaction. An example of a multi-host transaction according to embodiments of the present invention is shown in FIG. 3. Three network elements are shown in FIG. 3: a client <part-num-ref name="client">300,</part-num-ref>
+ a Web server <part-num-ref name="Web server">302,</part-num-ref>
+ and an application server <part-num-ref name="application server">304.</part-num-ref>
+    </p>
+    <p id="p-44" num="44">[0036]   The client <part-num-ref name="client">300</part-num-ref>
+ is often the initiator of transactions, such as in response to user actions/inputs. Network transactions may result from these inputs, and the transactions may involve communications between a number of computing elements. In the illustrated example, two transactions <part-num-ref name="illustrated example, two transactions">306,</part-num-ref>
+ <part-num-ref name="illustrated example, two transactions 306,">308</part-num-ref>
+ are illustrated.    </p>
+    <p id="p-45" num="45">Transaction 306 involves the client <part-num-ref name="client">300</part-num-ref>
+ accessing the Web server <part-num-ref name="Web server">302.</part-num-ref>
+ This transaction <part-num-ref name="Web server 302. This transaction">306</part-num-ref>
+ may occur, for example, in response to a Hypertext Transfer Protocol (HTTP) "GET" method call. The other transaction <part-num-ref name="other transaction">308</part-num-ref>
+ is between the client <part-num-ref name="client">300</part-num-ref>
+ and the application server <part-num-ref name="application server">304.</part-num-ref>
+ This transaction <part-num-ref name="application server 304. This transaction">308</part-num-ref>
+ may be, for example, a Remote Procedure Call (RPC).    </p>
+    <p id="p-46" num="46">
+      <confidence value="5">[</confidence>
+0037]   Real world transactions may involve many lines of debug logging and involve more than two machines. For example, the Web server <part-num-ref name="Web server">302</part-num-ref>
+ may invoke an RPC call on the application server <part-num-ref name="application server">304</part-num-ref>
+ in response to a request, as represented by path <part-num-ref name="request, as represented by path">310.</part-num-ref>
+ In such scenarios, it is useful to gather all of the log data in a commonly accessible database <part-num-ref name="commonly accessible database">312.</part-num-ref>
+    </p>
+    <p id="p-47" num="47">[0038]   It will be appreciated that for the illustrated transactions <part-num-ref name="illustrated transactions">306,</part-num-ref>
+ <part-num-ref name="illustrated transactions 306,">308,</part-num-ref>
+ log data will be generated at both the client <part-num-ref name="client">300</part-num-ref>
+ and the servers <part-num-ref name="servers">302,</part-num-ref>
+ <part-num-ref name="servers 302,">304.</part-num-ref>
+ For this simple example, it will be assumed that the transactions <part-num-ref name="transactions">306,</part-num-ref>
+ <part-num-ref name="transactions 306,">308</part-num-ref>
+ generate one line of debug at the client <part-num-ref name="client">300</part-num-ref>
+ and the affected server <part-num-ref name="affected server">302,</part-num-ref>
+ <part-num-ref name="affected server 302,">304.</part-num-ref>
+ The actual log data is represented in FIG. 3 by the text "Server log" or "Client log" as appropriate.    </p>
+    <p id="p-48" num="48">
+      <confidence value="5">[</confidence>
+0039]  To gather the log data into the database <part-num-ref name="database">312,</part-num-ref>
+ the client <part-num-ref name="client">300,</part-num-ref>
+ Web server <part-num-ref name="client 300, Web server">302,</part-num-ref>
+ and application server <part-num-ref name="client 300, Web server 302, and application server">304</part-num-ref>
+ each include data-gathering utilities <part-num-ref name="each include data-gathering utilities">314,</part-num-ref>
+ <boundary-data type="header">
+        <confidence value="88">11</confidence>
+      </boundary-data>
+      <page-break num="13"/>
+      <boundary-data type="header">200316021-1 (HPCO.<confidence value="8">1</confidence>
+54PA)      </boundary-data>
+      <part-num-ref name="each include data-gathering utilities 314,">316,</part-num-ref>
+ and <part-num-ref name="each include data-gathering utilities 314, 316, and">318,</part-num-ref>
+ respectively. Each of the data-gathering utilities <part-num-ref name="data-gathering utilities">314,</part-num-ref>
+ <part-num-ref name="data-gathering utilities 314,">316,</part-num-ref>
+ and <part-num-ref name="data-gathering utilities 314, 316, and">318</part-num-ref>
+ maintain internal variables that are of use when entering data into the database. For example, a machine ID (e.g., ID <part-num-ref name="ID">317)</part-num-ref>
+ is useful to identify the physical device that generated the log. The machine ID may be, for example, an Internet Protocol (IP) address, a processor ID, a Media Access Control (MAC) address, etc. In the illustrated example, the machine ID <part-num-ref name="machine ID">317</part-num-ref>
+ is a hexadecimal value. The client data- gathering utility <part-num-ref name="client data- gathering utility">314</part-num-ref>
+ also maintains a client ID <part-num-ref name="client ID">319,</part-num-ref>
+ which is set to "user x" in this example. The client ID <part-num-ref name="client ID">319</part-num-ref>
+ is useful for tracking transactions initiated by the user of a client computer <part-num-ref name="client computer">300.</part-num-ref>
+    </p>
+    <p id="p-49" num="49">[0040<confidence value="2">]</confidence>
+  The client ID <part-num-ref name="client ID">319</part-num-ref>
+ may include any user specific data that is appropriate for the target application. The client ID <part-num-ref name="client ID">319</part-num-ref>
+ may be formed using a login/email ID <part-num-ref name="login/email ID">320,</part-num-ref>
+ a value stored in a browser "cookie" <part-num-ref name="browser &quot;cookie&quot;">322,</part-num-ref>
+ an encryption key <part-num-ref name="encryption key">324,</part-num-ref>
+ or any other data token known in the art. The machine ID <part-num-ref name="machine ID">317</part-num-ref>
+ may also be used as a part of a client ID <part-num-ref name="client ID">319.</part-num-ref>
+    </p>
+    <p id="p-50" num="50">[0041<confidence value="2">1</confidence>
+   The data-gathering utilities <part-num-ref name="data-gathering utilities">314,</part-num-ref>
+ <part-num-ref name="data-gathering utilities 314,">316,</part-num-ref>
+ and <part-num-ref name="data-gathering utilities 314, 316, and">318</part-num-ref>
+ may include identifying data along with the log data so that the log data can be identified and categorized in the database <part-num-ref name="database">312.</part-num-ref>
+ In the illustrated database <part-num-ref name="illustrated database">312,</part-num-ref>
+ the log data is shown into two tables, a transaction log table <part-num-ref name="transaction log table">326</part-num-ref>
+ and a machine log table <part-num-ref name="machine log table">328.</part-num-ref>
+ The transaction log table <part-num-ref name="transaction log table">326</part-num-ref>
+ is indexed by client ID, and contains entries <part-num-ref name="is indexed by client ID, and contains entries">330</part-num-ref>
+ for both of the illustrated transactions <part-num-ref name="illustrated transactions">306,</part-num-ref>
+ <part-num-ref name="illustrated transactions 306,">308.</part-num-ref>
+ The machine log table <part-num-ref name="machine log table">328</part-num-ref>
+ contains entries <part-num-ref name="contains entries">332,</part-num-ref>
+ <part-num-ref name="contains entries 332,">334,</part-num-ref>
+ <part-num-ref name="contains entries 332, 334,">336</part-num-ref>
+ indexed by machine ID. It will be appreciated that for purposes of keeping the database <part-num-ref name="database">312</part-num-ref>
+ compact, all the log entries would likely be placed in a single log table. The data from this single log table can be queried to produce the listings shown in the transaction log table <part-num-ref name="transaction log table">326</part-num-ref>
+ and a machine log table <part-num-ref name="machine log table">328.</part-num-ref>
+    </p>
+    <boundary-data type="header">
+      <confidence value="88">12</confidence>
+    </boundary-data>
+    <boundary-data type="header">200316021-1 (HPCO.<confidence value="8">1</confidence>
+54PA)    </boundary-data>
+    <p id="p-51" num="51">
+      <page-break num="14"/>
+      <confidence value="5">[</confidence>
+0042]   The database <part-num-ref name="database">312</part-num-ref>
+ may contain other tables useful for analyzing debug log tables. For example, tables may be created that describe users and machines to help link logs that were generated from different computers involved in distributed transactions. In some computers, certain identity information may not be included the logging data. Some servers, for example, may not have access to the user ID <part-num-ref name="user ID">319</part-num-ref>
+ of the transaction initiator. However, data such as IP address of the source (e.g., the client <part-num-ref name="client">300)</part-num-ref>
+ may be included in these server logs. In that case, user and machine tables in the database <part-num-ref name="database">312</part-num-ref>
+ may be used to link a source IP address to a particular user ID.    </p>
+    <p id="p-52" num="52">
+      <confidence value="5">[</confidence>
+0043<confidence value="5">]</confidence>
+   As shown in FIG. 3, various data-gathering utilities 314, 316, 318 are utilized to collect log data and send that data to the database <part-num-ref name="database">312.</part-num-ref>
+ The data- gathering utilities <part-num-ref name="data- gathering utilities">314,</part-num-ref>
+ <part-num-ref name="data- gathering utilities 314,">316,</part-num-ref>
+ <part-num-ref name="data- gathering utilities 314, 316,">318</part-num-ref>
+ may include any form of binary instructions, interpreted code, scripts, hardware, and firmware. The components of an example data-gathering utility <part-num-ref name="example data-gathering utility">400</part-num-ref>
+ according to embodiments of the present invention are shown in FIG. 4. The data-gathering utility <part-num-ref name="data-gathering utility">400</part-num-ref>
+ is divided into two functional components, a user interface <part-num-ref name="user interface">402</part-num-ref>
+ and a log handler <part-num-ref name="log handler">404.</part-num-ref>
+ The log handler <part-num-ref name="log handler">404</part-num-ref>
+ may be configured to gather, modify, and send logging data. The user interface <part-num-ref name="user interface">402</part-num-ref>
+ allows a user to configure and control the behavior of the utility <part-num-ref name="utility">400,</part-num-ref>
+ as well as to view data used by the utility <part-num-ref name="utility">400,</part-num-ref>
+ including the logs themselves.    </p>
+    <p id="p-53" num="53">[0044<confidence value="5">]</confidence>
+   The user interface <part-num-ref name="user interface">402</part-num-ref>
+ may include a status component <part-num-ref name="status component">406</part-num-ref>
+ that provides the user with status data. The status data may include indications as to whether the application <part-num-ref name="application">400</part-num-ref>
+ is currently operating, number of logs collected/sent, existence of errors, etc. The user interface <part-num-ref name="user interface">402</part-num-ref>
+ may also include a log viewer component <part-num-ref name="log viewer component">408</part-num-ref>
+ that provides the user with a real-time or historical playback of logging data. The viewer component <part-num-ref name="viewer component">408</part-num-ref>
+ may present, for example, a list of log <boundary-data type="header">
+        <confidence value="88">13</confidence>
+      </boundary-data>
+      <page-break num="15"/>
+      <boundary-data type="header">200316021-1 (HPCO.<confidence value="8">1</confidence>
+54PA)      </boundary-data>
+messages along with associated meta-data such as time stamps, originating application, etc.    </p>
+    <p id="p-54" num="54">
+      <confidence value="5">[</confidence>
+0045<confidence value="5">]</confidence>
+   Many times, the log messages are in a format that is specified by a particular application <part-num-ref name="particular application">410.</part-num-ref>
+ If the application <part-num-ref name="application">410</part-num-ref>
+ is written by a third party, the data-gathering utility <part-num-ref name="data-gathering utility">400</part-num-ref>
+ may have no control over the format of those logs as they are received. Therefore, the data-gathering utility <part-num-ref name="data-gathering utility">400</part-num-ref>
+ may include a transformation component <part-num-ref name="transformation component">41<confidence value="5">1</confidence>
+      </part-num-ref>
+ that transforms and formats log messages. The transformations may be defined by a transformation/filter component <part-num-ref name="transformation/filter component">412</part-num-ref>
+ of the user interface <part-num-ref name="user interface">402.</part-num-ref>
+    </p>
+    <p id="p-55" num="55">
+      <confidence value="5">[</confidence>
+0046<confidence value="5">]</confidence>
+   Transformations applied by the transformation component <part-num-ref name="transformation component">411</part-num-ref>
+ may make the logs easier to read and/or make the messages more compliant with what is expected for use in a logging database <part-num-ref name="logging database">413.</part-num-ref>
+ For example, the application <part-num-ref name="application">410</part-num-ref>
+ may include text or binary numerical codes as part of debug output. The numerical codes may map to one or more error strings. The transformation component <part-num-ref name="transformation component">411</part-num-ref>
+ may be configured to parse those numerical values, look up the error strings, and replace the numerical values with the strings. The transformation component <part-num-ref name="transformation component">411</part-num-ref>
+ may also be used to transform cryptic or misleading text messages. For example, the transformer <part-num-ref name="transformer">411</part-num-ref>
+ may be configured to automatically change the text "ERROR ON DISC LOAD DRIVE" to "CD ROM DRIVE NOT WORKING." [0047]   The transformation component <part-num-ref name="transformation component">411</part-num-ref>
+ may also be used to filter logging data. For example, for some situations, the user may want to report only the error messages of the application <part-num-ref name="application">410,</part-num-ref>
+ and ignore status messages. If the application <part-num-ref name="application">410</part-num-ref>
+ cannot limit the debug output in this way, the transformation component <part-num-ref name="transformation component">411</part-num-ref>
+ may be configured to detect and discard all non-error messages. The transformation component <part-num-ref name="transformation component">411</part-num-ref>
+ may perform this function by string searching using regular expressions or other search methods known in the art.    </p>
+    <boundary-data type="header">
+      <confidence value="88">14</confidence>
+    </boundary-data>
+    <boundary-data type="header">200316021-1 (HPCO.154PA)</boundary-data>
+    <p id="p-56" num="56">
+      <page-break num="16"/>
+      <confidence value="5">[</confidence>
+0048<confidence value="5">]</confidence>
+   The transformer component <part-num-ref name="transformer component">411</part-num-ref>
+ may get its transform and filter settings from any combination of a local source (e.g., the transform/filter component <part-num-ref name="transform/filter component">412</part-num-ref>
+ and/or a configuration file) and a remote source (e.g., the logging database 413).    </p>
+    <p id="p-57" num="57">The user may manage other application settings via a user preferences component <part-num-ref name="user preferences component">414</part-num-ref>
+ of the user interface <part-num-ref name="user interface">402.</part-num-ref>
+ The user preferences component <part-num-ref name="user preferences component">414</part-num-ref>
+ may be used to set any other preferences of the user interface <part-num-ref name="user interface">402</part-num-ref>
+ and the log handler <part-num-ref name="log handler">404.</part-num-ref>
+ These preferences may include GUI settings, applications selected for log reporting, performance parameters (e.g., use of compression, binary messages), destination databases, authentication, security, network parameters, etc.    </p>
+    <p id="p-58" num="58">[0049<confidence value="5">]</confidence>
+   The user preferences component <part-num-ref name="user preferences component">414</part-num-ref>
+ provides a user accessible front end to manage configuration settings. The storage and retrieval of those settings is handled by a configuration/settings component <part-num-ref name="configuration/settings component">416</part-num-ref>
+ of the log handler <part-num-ref name="log handler">404.</part-num-ref>
+ The configuration/settings component <part-num-ref name="configuration/settings component">416</part-num-ref>
+ interfaces with persistent storage (e.g., registry, configuration file) to maintain settings between sessions. The configuration settings component <part-num-ref name="configuration settings component">416</part-num-ref>
+ may also utilize a network interface <part-num-ref name="network interface">418</part-num-ref>
+ for retrieving remotely stored settings and/or receiving dynamic commands via a network control entity. For example, the user settings may be accessed from a Web server using HTTP commands via the network interface <part-num-ref name="network interface">418,</part-num-ref>
+ <confidence value="66">so</confidence>
+ that certain settings remain constant no matter what physical machine the user is on.    </p>
+    <p id="p-59" num="59">[0050<confidence value="5">]</confidence>
+   The network interface <part-num-ref name="network interface">418</part-num-ref>
+ in this example is a software interface designed to transparently access network hardware via the OS <part-num-ref name="OS">420.</part-num-ref>
+ The network interface <part-num-ref name="network interface">418</part-num-ref>
+ may provide a generic interface that allows network data access using multiple network protocols (e.g., HTTP, SOAP, RPC). The use of a generic network interface <part-num-ref name="generic network interface">418</part-num-ref>
+ allows the components of the application <part-num-ref name="application">400</part-num-ref>
+ to be designed independently of the underlying networking technologies used in the enterprise.    </p>
+    <boundary-data type="header">
+      <confidence value="88">15</confidence>
+    </boundary-data>
+    <boundary-data type="header">200316021-1 (HPCO.154PA)</boundary-data>
+    <p id="p-60" num="60">
+      <page-break num="17"/>
+      <confidence value="5">[</confidence>
+0051]  It will be appreciated that in many cases a system maintainer may want to remotely switch logging facilities on and off, or set a particular debug level to restrict the amount of data received at the logging database <part-num-ref name="logging database">413.</part-num-ref>
+ This may be accomplished by sending command messages to the data-gathering utility <part-num-ref name="data-gathering utility">400</part-num-ref>
+ via a network. The data-gathering utility <part-num-ref name="data-gathering utility">400</part-num-ref>
+ may include a command message parser <part-num-ref name="command message parser">422</part-num-ref>
+ to handle command messages received via the network interface <part-num-ref name="network interface">418.</part-num-ref>
+ These messages can be interpreted at the parser <part-num-ref name="parser">422</part-num-ref>
+ and be passed along to a logging manager <part-num-ref name="logging manager">424.</part-num-ref>
+ One function of the logging manager <part-num-ref name="logging manager">424</part-num-ref>
+ is to handle control logic for the application <part-num-ref name="application">400.</part-num-ref>
+    </p>
+    <p id="p-61" num="61">[0052<confidence value="5">]</confidence>
+  The parser <part-num-ref name="parser">422</part-num-ref>
+ may also be configured to deal with messages and alerts sent via a technical support service. The messages and alerts may be directed to a component of the user interface <part-num-ref name="user interface">402</part-num-ref>
+ (e.g., the status component <part-num-ref name="status component">406)</part-num-ref>
+ to alert the user to important information such as system malfunctions. Alerts received at the data-gathering utility <part-num-ref name="data-gathering utility">400</part-num-ref>
+ may contain data that assists the user in solving a particular problem. For example, the alerts may contain a hyperlink to an application server where the user may download a software component (e.g., patch or program) that solves the problem. Alternatively, the alert may contain executable code (e.g., script or binary instructions) that may be passed to the logging manager <part-num-ref name="logging manager">424</part-num-ref>
+ for further handling. Typically, the logging manager <part-num-ref name="logging manager">424</part-num-ref>
+ would pass this executable code to the OS <part-num-ref name="OS">420</part-num-ref>
+ for execution/processing. The execution of such code would likely be predicated upon user acceptance and involve other checks, such as verifying authentication certificates and code integrity (e.g., MD5 digest). These checks may be performed by the OS <part-num-ref name="OS">420</part-num-ref>
+ and/or the logging application manager <part-num-ref name="logging application manager">424.</part-num-ref>
+    </p>
+    <p id="p-62" num="62">[0053<confidence value="5">]</confidence>
+  The logging manager <part-num-ref name="logging manager">424</part-num-ref>
+ generally handles the control logic for operation of the data-gathering utility <part-num-ref name="data-gathering utility">400.</part-num-ref>
+ The logging manager <part-num-ref name="logging manager">424</part-num-ref>
+ may be <boundary-data type="header">
+        <confidence value="88">16</confidence>
+      </boundary-data>
+      <page-break num="18"/>
+      <boundary-data type="header">200316021-1 (HPCO.154PA)</boundary-data>
+configured to receive commands from both the user via the user interface <part-num-ref name="user interface">402</part-num-ref>
+ and from remote sources via the network interface <part-num-ref name="network interface">418</part-num-ref>
+ and parser <part-num-ref name="and parser">422.</part-num-ref>
+ These commands can be used to set states of the data-gathering utility <part-num-ref name="data-gathering utility">400.</part-num-ref>
+ The states of the data- gathering utility <part-num-ref name="data- gathering utility">400</part-num-ref>
+ may include persistent states (e.g., logging turned on or of<confidence value="5">f</confidence>
+) that are maintained by the configuration settings component <part-num-ref name="configuration settings component">416.</part-num-ref>
+ Dynamic states (e.g., current activity level) of the data-gathering utility <part-num-ref name="data-gathering utility">400</part-num-ref>
+ may also be tracked by such components as the logging manager <part-num-ref name="logging manager">424</part-num-ref>
+ and the user interface <part-num-ref name="user interface">402.</part-num-ref>
+    </p>
+    <p id="p-63" num="63">[0054<confidence value="5">]</confidence>
+   In addition to the previously discussed transformer/filter component <part-num-ref name="previously discussed transformer/filter component">411,</part-num-ref>
+ the log handler <part-num-ref name="log handler">404</part-num-ref>
+ may include other components for processing log data received from the application <part-num-ref name="application">410.</part-num-ref>
+ These components include a log reader <part-num-ref name="log reader">426,</part-num-ref>
+ a log message builder <part-num-ref name="log message builder">428,</part-num-ref>
+ a database interface <part-num-ref name="database interface">430,</part-num-ref>
+ and log reader interface <part-num-ref name="database interface 430, and log reader interface">432.</part-num-ref>
+ The log reader interface <part-num-ref name="log reader interface">432</part-num-ref>
+ may include one or more specific interfaces used to receive logs generated by applications <part-num-ref name="may include one or more specific interfaces used to receive logs generated by applications">410,</part-num-ref>
+ the OS <part-num-ref name="OS">420,</part-num-ref>
+ and any other system component capable of generating logging data. The log reader interface <part-num-ref name="log reader interface">432</part-num-ref>
+ may contain multiple data interface instantiations to read from sources such as files, OS services, messages, IPC, etc.    </p>
+    <p id="p-64" num="64">[0055]   The logging manager <part-num-ref name="logging manager">424</part-num-ref>
+ may also be used to arbitrate the connections between the log reader interface <part-num-ref name="log reader interface">432</part-num-ref>
+ and the applications <part-num-ref name="applications">410.</part-num-ref>
+ For example, the logging manager <part-num-ref name="logging manager">424</part-num-ref>
+ may be configured to automatically detect the addition and/or deletion of applications <part-num-ref name="addition and/or deletion of applications">410</part-num-ref>
+ from the system. This detection may occur, for example, by the use of specialized registry entries maintained by the OS <part-num-ref name="OS">420.</part-num-ref>
+ The log handler may check these registry entries on startup and/or by regular polling of the registry, as indicated by the path <part-num-ref name="path">433.</part-num-ref>
+ If a new application <part-num-ref name="new application">410</part-num-ref>
+ is detected, the logging manager <part-num-ref name="logging manager">424</part-num-ref>
+ may configure the log reader interface <part-num-ref name="log reader interface">432</part-num-ref>
+ to receive data from this new application <part-num-ref name="to receive data from this new application">410.</part-num-ref>
+    </p>
+    <boundary-data type="header">
+      <confidence value="88">17</confidence>
+    </boundary-data>
+    <boundary-data type="header">200316021-1 (HPCO.<confidence value="5">1</confidence>
+54PA)    </boundary-data>
+    <p id="p-65" num="65">
+      <page-break num="19"/>
+      <confidence value="5">[</confidence>
+0056<confidence value="5">]</confidence>
+   The logging manager <part-num-ref name="logging manager">424</part-num-ref>
+ may also be configured to detect whether a previously detected application <part-num-ref name="previously detected application">410</part-num-ref>
+ is currently running. If the application <part-num-ref name="application">410</part-num-ref>
+ is not running, there is no need to activate a log reader interface <part-num-ref name="log reader interface">432</part-num-ref>
+ for that application <part-num-ref name="for that application">410.</part-num-ref>
+ However, the logging manager <part-num-ref name="logging manager">424</part-num-ref>
+ may use facilities available via the OS <part-num-ref name="OS">420</part-num-ref>
+ to detect when the applications <part-num-ref name="applications">410</part-num-ref>
+ start, and thereby activate an appropriate log reader interface <part-num-ref name="appropriate log reader interface">432</part-num-ref>
+ to collect logs from that application <part-num-ref name="to collect logs from that application">410.</part-num-ref>
+    </p>
+    <p id="p-66" num="66">
+      <confidence value="5">[</confidence>
+0057<confidence value="5">]</confidence>
+   The log data received at the log reader interface <part-num-ref name="log reader interface">432</part-num-ref>
+ is passed to the log reader <part-num-ref name="log reader">426</part-num-ref>
+ that buffers and selects messages for further processing. The log reader <part-num-ref name="log reader">426</part-num-ref>
+ passes selected messages to the transformer/filter <part-num-ref name="transformer/filter">411</part-num-ref>
+ that processes the messages as previously described. The transformer/filter <part-num-ref name="transformer/filter">411</part-num-ref>
+ then passes the log data to the message builder <part-num-ref name="message builder">428,</part-num-ref>
+ which may add system data to the logs (e.g., timestamps, IDs) and create a message conforming to a standard format. The message builder <part-num-ref name="message builder">428</part-num-ref>
+ passes the messages to the database interface <part-num-ref name="database interface">430,</part-num-ref>
+ which handles the formats and states required to send the messages to the logging database <part-num-ref name="logging database">413.</part-num-ref>
+    </p>
+    <p id="p-67" num="67">[0058<confidence value="5">]</confidence>
+   The database interface <part-num-ref name="database interface">430</part-num-ref>
+ may also be configured to read log data from the logging database <part-num-ref name="logging database">413.</part-num-ref>
+ For example, the user may desire to use the data- gathering utility <part-num-ref name="data- gathering utility">400</part-num-ref>
+ to query log data from this or other computers that is stored in the database <part-num-ref name="database">413.</part-num-ref>
+ The application <part-num-ref name="application">400</part-num-ref>
+ may include a query generator <part-num-ref name="query generator">434</part-num-ref>
+ that sends inquiries to the logging database <part-num-ref name="logging database">413.</part-num-ref>
+ The query responses may be received at the database interface <part-num-ref name="database interface">430</part-num-ref>
+ and sent to the log viewer <part-num-ref name="log viewer">408,</part-num-ref>
+ either directly or via the log reader <part-num-ref name="log reader">426.</part-num-ref>
+ The query generator <part-num-ref name="query generator">434</part-num-ref>
+ may have an associated query UI component <part-num-ref name="associated query UI component">438</part-num-ref>
+ to assist in forming the queries.    </p>
+    <p id="p-68" num="68">[0059]   It will be appreciated that variations of the data-gathering utility <part-num-ref name="data-gathering utility">400</part-num-ref>
+ may be tailored to specific users. For example, for users outside the enterprise (e.g., external customers), the application <part-num-ref name="application">400</part-num-ref>
+ may be configured to track <boundary-data type="header">
+        <confidence value="88">18</confidence>
+      </boundary-data>
+      <page-break num="20"/>
+      <boundary-data type="header">200316021-1 (HPCO.154PA)</boundary-data>
+only a small set of actions, such as those actions required to access enterprise Web sites. This restricted operation may be preferable for reasons of limited bandwidth and privacy. For an external user, the logging information would be transferred from the application <part-num-ref name="application">400</part-num-ref>
+ to the logging database <part-num-ref name="logging database">413</part-num-ref>
+ using a secure method such as Secure Sockets Layer (SSL).    </p>
+    <p id="p-69" num="69">
+      <confidence value="5">[</confidence>
+0060<confidence value="5">]</confidence>
+   In another example, the data-gathering utility <part-num-ref name="data-gathering utility">400</part-num-ref>
+ may be tailored for use by support users (e.g., help desk clients). In such a configuration, the reading of local logs via the log reader interface <part-num-ref name="log reader interface">432</part-num-ref>
+ may not be required because the maintainer is generally interested in the logs of other machines. A maintainer would typically access stored log data through the query generator <part-num-ref name="query generator">434.</part-num-ref>
+ The configuration of the data-gathering utility <part-num-ref name="data-gathering utility">400</part-num-ref>
+ used by the maintainer would likely have much broader permissions to access the database <part-num-ref name="database">413</part-num-ref>
+ and other computers than would a typical user configuration. A maintainer application may also include other components for controlling logs, such as a command generator and analysis tools.    </p>
+    <p id="p-70" num="70">[0061<confidence value="5">]</confidence>
+   The data-gathering utility <part-num-ref name="data-gathering utility">400</part-num-ref>
+ may also be adapted for users such as software developers. The utility could be use to transmit logs of debug output, compiler warnings/errors, etc., to the database <part-num-ref name="database">413</part-num-ref>
+ instead of writing this data lo<confidence value="8">c</confidence>
+ally. The data-gathering utility <part-num-ref name="data-gathering utility">400</part-num-ref>
+ may have custom designed interfaces <part-num-ref name="may have custom designed interfaces">402</part-num-ref>
+ for various types of users from finance to technology which are configurable and log enabled. The data-gathering utility may also be enabled to transfer history or browsing usage from the Web browsers to the logging database <part-num-ref name="logging database">413.</part-num-ref>
+ This way, all browsing history of a user will be in a central place through which an administrator can generate reports and make use of them.    </p>
+    <p id="p-71" num="71">[0062<confidence value="5">]</confidence>
+   Generally, the log data collected by the data-gathering utility <part-num-ref name="data-gathering utility">400</part-num-ref>
+ is sent to a commonly accessible logging database <part-num-ref name="commonly accessible logging database">413.</part-num-ref>
+ Such a database <part-num-ref name="database">413</part-num-ref>
+ may <boundary-data type="header">
+        <confidence value="88">19</confidence>
+      </boundary-data>
+      <page-break num="21"/>
+      <boundary-data type="header">200316021-1 (<confidence value="5">H</confidence>
+PCO.154PA)      </boundary-data>
+associated with a logging database server that provides system-wide monitoring and control of data logging activities. An example of a logging database server <part-num-ref name="logging database server">500</part-num-ref>
+ according to embodiments of the present invention is shown in FIG. 5. The database server <part-num-ref name="database server">500</part-num-ref>
+ may be included on a single machine or distributed among multiple physical machines.    </p>
+    <p id="p-72" num="72">
+      <confidence value="5">[</confidence>
+0063<confidence value="5">]</confidence>
+  The database server <part-num-ref name="database server">500</part-num-ref>
+ contains a client interface <part-num-ref name="client interface">502</part-num-ref>
+ that receives log data from a plurality of internal clients <part-num-ref name="plurality of internal clients">504.</part-num-ref>
+ The client interface <part-num-ref name="client interface">502</part-num-ref>
+ may also receive log data from external clients <part-num-ref name="may also receive log data from external clients">506,</part-num-ref>
+ such as via a Web server <part-num-ref name="Web server">508</part-num-ref>
+ coupled to the Internet <part-num-ref name="Internet">510.</part-num-ref>
+ The client interface <part-num-ref name="client interface">502</part-num-ref>
+ may also send data to internal clients <part-num-ref name="may also send data to internal clients">504</part-num-ref>
+ and external clients <part-num-ref name="and external clients">506.</part-num-ref>
+ For example, the client interface <part-num-ref name="client interface">502</part-num-ref>
+ may send configuration settings from a command message handler module <part-num-ref name="command message handler module">512</part-num-ref>
+ to clients <part-num-ref name="to clients">506,</part-num-ref>
+ <part-num-ref name="to clients 506,">508.</part-num-ref>
+    </p>
+    <p id="p-73" num="73">[0064]  The command message handler <part-num-ref name="command message handler">512</part-num-ref>
+ is used to route command messages to logging software on client computers <part-num-ref name="is used to route command messages to logging software on client computers">506,</part-num-ref>
+ <part-num-ref name="is used to route command messages to logging software on client computers 506,">508.</part-num-ref>
+ The commands may originate from a support user machine <part-num-ref name="support user machine">514</part-num-ref>
+ or be automatically generated via a reporting/alerts module <part-num-ref name="reporting/alerts module">516</part-num-ref>
+ of the database server <part-num-ref name="database server">500.</part-num-ref>
+ The command message handler <part-num-ref name="command message handler">512</part-num-ref>
+ may provide the ability to identify particular clients <part-num-ref name="ability to identify particular clients">506,</part-num-ref>
+ <part-num-ref name="ability to identify particular clients 506,">508</part-num-ref>
+ as targets for command messages. In other scenarios, the command message handler <part-num-ref name="command message handler">512</part-num-ref>
+ may broadcast or multicast messages to groups of machines. The command message handler <part-num-ref name="command message handler">512</part-num-ref>
+ may also handle other bookkeeping tasks involved in sending messages, including receiving acknowledgements and reporting failures or errors in the commands. It will be appreciated that the functionality included in the command message handler <part-num-ref name="command message handler">512</part-num-ref>
+ may also be included entirely within the support user machine <part-num-ref name="support user machine">514</part-num-ref>
+ and similar entities.    </p>
+    <boundary-data type="header">
+      <confidence value="88">20</confidence>
+    </boundary-data>
+    <boundary-data type="header">200316021-1 (HPCO.1<confidence value="5">5</confidence>
+4PA)    </boundary-data>
+    <p id="p-74" num="74">
+      <page-break num="22"/>
+      <confidence value="5">[</confidence>
+0065<confidence value="5">]</confidence>
+   Client log data received at the client interface <part-num-ref name="client interface">502</part-num-ref>
+ may be sent to a log message handler <part-num-ref name="log message handler">518.</part-num-ref>
+ The log message handler <part-num-ref name="log message handler">518</part-num-ref>
+ may perform actions such as buffering messages, checking log messages for errors, stripping headers from messages, etc. The log message handler <part-num-ref name="log message handler">518</part-num-ref>
+ then passes messages to a correlation/analysis module <part-num-ref name="correlation/analysis module">520.</part-num-ref>
+ The correlation/analysis module <part-num-ref name="correlation/analysis module">520</part-num-ref>
+ may be used for data reduction (e.g., grouping redundant data), correlating messages with transaction identifiers, monitoring rate of incoming messages, identifying patterns, etc. The analysis data gathered by the correlation/analysis module <part-num-ref name="correlation/analysis module">520</part-num-ref>
+ may be used by the reporting/alerts module <part-num-ref name="reporting/alerts module">516.</part-num-ref>
+    </p>
+    <p id="p-75" num="75">
+      <confidence value="5">[</confidence>
+0066<confidence value="5">]</confidence>
+   It will be appreciated that the correlation/analysis module <part-num-ref name="correlation/analysis module">520</part-num-ref>
+ and reporting/alerts module <part-num-ref name="and reporting/alerts module">516</part-num-ref>
+ may be used to quickly identify and resolve system problems. For example, the reporting/alerts module <part-num-ref name="reporting/alerts module">516</part-num-ref>
+ may be configured to detect a threshold number of logging errors that indicate a server is refusing connections.    </p>
+    <p id="p-76" num="76">This may be used to generate an alert that is sent to a support user <part-num-ref name="support user">514</part-num-ref>
+ for resolution.    </p>
+    <p id="p-77" num="77">In another example, a recognizable pattern of logging errors may indicate that a system has misconfigured software (e.g., incompatible versions) or compromised software (e.g., infected with a virus). The correlation/analysis module <part-num-ref name="correlation/analysis module">520</part-num-ref>
+ and reporting/alerts module <part-num-ref name="and reporting/alerts module">516</part-num-ref>
+ may be used to detect these patterns and alert a client machine (e.g., client <part-num-ref name="client">504)</part-num-ref>
+ of the problem. The alert may also provide a solution for the user, such assisting in downloading a software patch via a download/upgrade module <part-num-ref name="download/upgrade module">522</part-num-ref>
+ of the server <part-num-ref name="server">500.</part-num-ref>
+    </p>
+    <p id="p-78" num="78">
+      <confidence value="5">[</confidence>
+0067<confidence value="4">]</confidence>
+   After passing through the correlation/analysis module <part-num-ref name="correlation/analysis module">520,</part-num-ref>
+ the logging messages are then sent to a database interface <part-num-ref name="database interface">524</part-num-ref>
+ for placement in a database <part-num-ref name="database">526.</part-num-ref>
+ The database <part-num-ref name="database">526</part-num-ref>
+ may be a relational database (e.g., SQL compatible) such as Oracle, SQL Server, DB2, MySQL, and the like. The database <part-num-ref name="database">526</part-num-ref>
+ may be XML- <boundary-data type="header">
+        <confidence value="88">21</confidence>
+      </boundary-data>
+      <page-break num="23"/>
+      <boundary-data type="header">200316021-1 (HPCO.1<confidence value="5">5</confidence>
+4PA)      </boundary-data>
+enabled, object-relational, object-oriented, multi-dimensional, and include any other features known in the art. The database <part-num-ref name="database">526</part-num-ref>
+ may be implemented on a single host or be distributed over multiple hosts.    </p>
+    <p id="p-79" num="79">
+      <confidence value="5">[</confidence>
+0068]  Access to the database <part-num-ref name="database">526</part-num-ref>
+ may be provided to various clients (e.g., <part-num-ref name="">504,</part-num-ref>
+ <part-num-ref name="504,">514)</part-num-ref>
+ via a query handler <part-num-ref name="query handler">528.</part-num-ref>
+ For example, the query handler <part-num-ref name="query handler">528</part-num-ref>
+ may receive a query from a support user <part-num-ref name="support user">514</part-num-ref>
+ via a support interface <part-num-ref name="support interface">530.</part-num-ref>
+ The query handler <part-num-ref name="query handler">528</part-num-ref>
+ may transform this query (e.g., from plain text to an SQL query) and send the query to the database interface <part-num-ref name="database interface">524.</part-num-ref>
+ The response to the query may pass through the query handler <part-num-ref name="query handler">528</part-num-ref>
+ or be sent directly to the requesting user <part-num-ref name="requesting user">514.</part-num-ref>
+    </p>
+    <p id="p-80" num="80">[0069]   The database <part-num-ref name="database">526</part-num-ref>
+ may contain a wide variety of information pertaining to client users and equipment. This information may be used to form specialized queries of the database <part-num-ref name="database">526.</part-num-ref>
+ For example, a query could be used to answer <confidence value="2222222222">a.question</confidence>
+ such as "How many seconds is boot up on a HP Pavilion with Pentium <part-num-ref name="HP Pavilion with Pentium">4</part-num-ref>
+ 2.4 GHZ processor running windows?" The query handler <part-num-ref name="query handler">528</part-num-ref>
+ could process this query through the database interface <part-num-ref name="database interface">524</part-num-ref>
+ and provide a response. Such query responses could present the average of all such systems, and also break down information by major component differences such as OS versions (WindowsTM 3.1, <part-num-ref name="average of all such systems, and also break down information by major component differences such as OS versions (WindowsTM 3.1,">95,</part-num-ref>
+ Millennium, XP, <part-num-ref name="average of all such systems, and also break down information by major component differences such as OS versions (WindowsTM 3.1, 95, Millennium, XP,">2003,</part-num-ref>
+ etc.), amount/type of memory, video drivers, software differences, etc. These specialized reports could be processed using Online Analytical Processing (OLAP) tools.    </p>
+    <p id="p-81" num="81">[0070]  The database <part-num-ref name="database">526</part-num-ref>
+ and correlation/analysis module <part-num-ref name="and correlation/analysis module">520</part-num-ref>
+ could also be used for pattern analysis and recognition on stored data. For example, patterns of stored data could be analyzed to answer such performance optimization questions as "What is the difference between systems that boot in <part-num-ref name="difference between systems that boot in">30</part-num-ref>
+ seconds versus those that take longer?" or "What is the difference in the input error rate between a Wacom <boundary-data type="header">
+        <confidence value="88">22</confidence>
+      </boundary-data>
+      <page-break num="24"/>
+      <boundary-data type="header">200316021-1 (HPCO.154PA)</boundary-data>
+tablet and a Microsoft Natural Keyboard?" Similarly, the stored data could be analyzed to provide troubleshooting and problem resolutions. For example, user could compare system configuration with those in the database <part-num-ref name="database">526.</part-num-ref>
+ If other users are located that had similar problems, the solution those other users used could be determined.    </p>
+    <p id="p-82" num="82">[0071<confidence value="5">]</confidence>
+   The database server <part-num-ref name="database server">500</part-num-ref>
+ and related equipment can serve as a repository and analysis center for enterprise-wide logging data. The database server <part-num-ref name="database server">500</part-num-ref>
+ may also provide other commonly accessible functions related to logging. For example, an account configuration module <part-num-ref name="account configuration module">532</part-num-ref>
+ may be accessed to read, save, and modify user account information. The account configuration module <part-num-ref name="account configuration module">532</part-num-ref>
+ may be useful in applying system wide configuration settings, such as setting default log levels.    </p>
+    <p id="p-83" num="83">[0072<confidence value="5">]</confidence>
+   The client interface <part-num-ref name="client interface">502,</part-num-ref>
+ database interface <part-num-ref name="client interface 502, database interface">524,</part-num-ref>
+ and support interface <part-num-ref name="client interface 502, database interface 524, and support interface">530</part-num-ref>
+ may use any combinations of new and existing data transfer protocols.    </p>
+    <p id="p-84" num="84">For example, the client and support interfaces <part-num-ref name="client and support interfaces">502,</part-num-ref>
+ <part-num-ref name="client and support interfaces 502,">524,</part-num-ref>
+ may be Web services based.    </p>
+    <p id="p-85" num="85">Web service interfaces may support, for example, Simple Object Access Protocol (SOAP) calls over HTTP. The database interface <part-num-ref name="database interface">524</part-num-ref>
+ may be native to the database <part-num-ref name="database">526,</part-num-ref>
+ or may include middleware components that provide generic database access methods that are independent of a particular database <part-num-ref name="particular database">526.</part-num-ref>
+    </p>
+    <p id="p-86" num="86">[0073<confidence value="5">]</confidence>
+   The functions of the database server <part-num-ref name="database server">500</part-num-ref>
+ may be provided on a single computing arrangement or be distributed among various server components.    </p>
+    <p id="p-87" num="87">An example of logging transactions that occur between multiple client and server components according the present invention is shown in FIG. 6. In FIG. 6, a sequence diagram shows transactions between a client <part-num-ref name="client">600</part-num-ref>
+ and a logging service <part-num-ref name="logging service">602.</part-num-ref>
+    </p>
+    <p id="p-88" num="88">The client 600 at least includes an OS and applications <part-num-ref name="OS and applications">604.</part-num-ref>
+ The logging service <part-num-ref name="logging service">602</part-num-ref>
+ <boundary-data type="header">
+        <confidence value="88">23</confidence>
+      </boundary-data>
+      <page-break num="25"/>
+      <boundary-data type="header">200316021-1 (<confidence value="5">H</confidence>
+PCO.154PA)      </boundary-data>
+includes an application server <part-num-ref name="application server">606,</part-num-ref>
+ a Web server <part-num-ref name="Web server">608</part-num-ref>
+ and a database <part-num-ref name="database">610.</part-num-ref>
+ These logging service components <part-num-ref name="database 610. These logging service components">606,</part-num-ref>
+ <part-num-ref name="database 610. These logging service components 606,">608,</part-num-ref>
+ <part-num-ref name="database 610. These logging service components 606, 608,">610</part-num-ref>
+ may be distributed across different physical machines or be hosted on a single machine.    </p>
+    <p id="p-89" num="89">[0074<confidence value="5">]</confidence>
+  Initially, the client <part-num-ref name="client">600</part-num-ref>
+ downloads <part-num-ref name="downloads">(612)</part-num-ref>
+ the data-gathering utility <part-num-ref name="data-gathering utility">614</part-num-ref>
+ from the application server <part-num-ref name="application server">606.</part-num-ref>
+ Once the data-gathering utility <part-num-ref name="data-gathering utility">614</part-num-ref>
+ is started, it will read <part-num-ref name="is started, it will read">(616)</part-num-ref>
+ the available log sources from a system registry or other source on the client <part-num-ref name="client">600.</part-num-ref>
+ Subsequently, the data-gathering utility <part-num-ref name="data-gathering utility">614</part-num-ref>
+ can receive logs <part-num-ref name="can receive logs">(618)</part-num-ref>
+ from the OS and application <part-num-ref name="OS and application">604.</part-num-ref>
+ These logs can be sent <part-num-ref name="OS and application 604. These logs can be sent">(620)</part-num-ref>
+ by the data- gathering utility <part-num-ref name="data- gathering utility">614</part-num-ref>
+ to the Web server <part-num-ref name="Web server">608.</part-num-ref>
+ In this example, the logs are sent <part-num-ref name="logs are sent">(620)</part-num-ref>
+ using a SOAP method invocation. The Web server <part-num-ref name="Web server">608</part-num-ref>
+ puts <part-num-ref name="puts">(622)</part-num-ref>
+ the logs into the database <part-num-ref name="database">610,</part-num-ref>
+ in this example via a SQL "<confidence value="8">I</confidence>
+NSERT INTO" command.    </p>
+    <p id="p-90" num="90">[0075]  The data-gathering utility <part-num-ref name="data-gathering utility">614</part-num-ref>
+ may be configured to monitor the client system <part-num-ref name="client system">600</part-num-ref>
+ for any software additions that are a source of additional logs.    </p>
+    <p id="p-91" num="91">If software is added (624), the data-gathering utility <part-num-ref name="data-gathering utility">614</part-num-ref>
+ may add <part-num-ref name="may add">(626)</part-num-ref>
+ this new software to the list of log sources. Subsequently, log data from this new application will be added to the database <part-num-ref name="database">610</part-num-ref>
+ as previously described (e.g., receiving <part-num-ref name="receiving">618,</part-num-ref>
+ sending <part-num-ref name="receiving 618, sending">620,</part-num-ref>
+ and inserting 620).    </p>
+    <p id="p-92" num="92">
+      <confidence value="5">[</confidence>
+0076]  In some cases, the client <part-num-ref name="client">600</part-num-ref>
+ may need to retrieve logs from the database <part-num-ref name="database">610.</part-num-ref>
+ The data-gathering utility <part-num-ref name="data-gathering utility">614</part-num-ref>
+ may facilitate log retrieval by accepting a query <part-num-ref name="query">(628)</part-num-ref>
+ from the user via hardware coupled to the <confidence value="66">OS</confidence>
+ <part-num-ref name="OS">604</part-num-ref>
+ (e.g., a keyboard and mouse). The query need not be limited to selecting logs from this particular client <part-num-ref name="query need not be limited to selecting logs from this particular client">600.</part-num-ref>
+ For example, the query may be used to retrieve logs from a transaction that was distributed across many network entities. The query is sent <part-num-ref name="query is sent">(630)</part-num-ref>
+ to the Web server <part-num-ref name="Web server">608</part-num-ref>
+ via a SOAP method. The SOAP method is used to form a SQL "SELECT FROM" for selecting <part-num-ref name="SQL &quot;SELECT FROM&quot; for selecting">(632)</part-num-ref>
+ the desired logging data. The result is sent <part-num-ref name="result is sent">(634)</part-num-ref>
+ to the <boundary-data type="header">
+        <confidence value="88">24</confidence>
+      </boundary-data>
+      <page-break num="26"/>
+      <boundary-data type="header">200316021-1 (HPCO.<confidence value="8">1</confidence>
+54PA)      </boundary-data>
+Web server <part-num-ref name="Web server">608,</part-num-ref>
+ which formats and sends <part-num-ref name="Web server 608, which formats and sends">(636)</part-num-ref>
+ the result to the data-gathering utility <part-num-ref name="data-gathering utility">614</part-num-ref>
+ as part of the HTTP response. The data-gathering utility <part-num-ref name="data-gathering utility">614</part-num-ref>
+ can thereafter show <part-num-ref name="can thereafter show">(638)</part-num-ref>
+ the results to the user.    </p>
+    <p id="p-93" num="93">
+      <confidence value="5">[</confidence>
+0077]   In reference now to FIG. 7, a flowchart illustrates a procedure <part-num-ref name="procedure">700</part-num-ref>
+ that may be used by a client data processing arrangement for handling log data according to embodiments of the present invention. A data-gathering utility gathers <part-num-ref name="data-gathering utility gathers">(702)</part-num-ref>
+ log data from one or more applications executing on the data processing arrangement. The log data is sent <part-num-ref name="log data is sent">(704)</part-num-ref>
+ to a log server via a network for insertion into a database accessible by the log server. The client is adapted to receive <part-num-ref name="client is adapted to receive">(706)</part-num-ref>
+ via the network, an alert describing a malfunction of the data processing arrangement. This alert is generated in response to log data sent to the log server. The client may be directed to download <part-num-ref name="client may be directed to download">(708)</part-num-ref>
+ a software component that is configured to repair the malfunction based on data contained in the alert.    </p>
+    <p id="p-94" num="94">[0078]   In reference now to FIG. 8, a flowchart illustrates a procedure <part-num-ref name="procedure">800</part-num-ref>
+ that may be used by a log server for handling log data according to embodiments of the present invention. The log server is configured to receive (802), via a network, log data from a plurality of client data processing arrangements. The log data is stored <part-num-ref name="log data is stored">(804)</part-num-ref>
+ in a database accessible by the log server.    </p>
+    <p id="p-95" num="95">[0079<confidence value="5">]</confidence>
+   The log server determines <part-num-ref name="log server determines">(806)</part-num-ref>
+ a status of at least one of the client data processing arrangements based the log data received from the client data processing arrangements. For example, the log server may parse data received from the client arrangements and search for identifying data that indicates errors, problems, and/or correct operation. The search may involve specific words, may involve statistical and/or lexical analysis, and may involve comparing the data between various machines to establish non-conforming behavior. The determination <part-num-ref name="determination">(806)</part-num-ref>
+ <boundary-data type="header">
+        <confidence value="88">25</confidence>
+      </boundary-data>
+      <page-break num="27"/>
+      <boundary-data type="header">200316021-1 (<confidence value="5">H</confidence>
+PCO.154PA)      </boundary-data>
+may also involve determining that expected data is lacking, such as when a machine or process is hung. Once the log server has determined <part-num-ref name="log server has determined">(806)</part-num-ref>
+ a change in state of a data processing arrangement, the log server sends <part-num-ref name="log server sends">(808)</part-num-ref>
+ an alert to the affected client data processing arrangement based on this determination of status.    </p>
+    <p id="p-96" num="96">[0080]  Hardware, firmware, software or a combination thereof may be used to perform the various functions and operations described herein of a distributed- computation program. Articles of manufacture encompassing code to carry out functions associated with the present invention are intended to encompass a computer program that exists permanently or temporarily on any computer-usable medium or in any transmitting medium, which transmits such a program. Transmitting mediums include, but are not limited to, transmissions via wireless/radio wave communication networks, the Internet, intranets, telephone/modem-based network communication, hard-wired/cabled communication network, satellite communication, and other stationary or mobile network systems/communication links. From the description provided herein, those skilled in the art will be readily able to combine software created as described with appropriate general purpose or special purpose computer hardware to create a distributed-computation system, apparatus, and method in accordance with the present invention.</p>
+    <p id="p-97" num="97">[0081<confidence value="5">]</confidence>
+  The foregoing description of the example embodiments of the invention has been presented for the purposes of illustration and description. It is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to the precise form disclosed.    </p>
+    <p id="p-98" num="98">Many modifications and variations are possible in light of the above teaching. It is intended that the scope of the invention not be limited with this detailed description, but rather the scope of the invention is defined by the claims appended hereto.</p>
+    <boundary-data type="header">
+      <confidence value="88">26</confidence>
+    </boundary-data>
+  </description>
+</us-patent-application>
+

prior_art/11000117.xml

@@ -0,0 +1,762 @@
+<?xml version="1.0" encoding="utf-8"?>
+<!DOCTYPE us-patent-application SYSTEM "PATI-v1.0.3-2011-06-23.dtd">
+<us-patent-application lang="EN" dtd-version="v1.0.3 2011-06-23" id="us-patent-application" country="US">
+  <us-bibliographic-data-application lang="EN" country="US">
+    <application-reference appl-type="utility">
+      <document-id>
+        <doc-number>11000117</doc-number>
+        <date>2004-11-30</date>
+      </document-id>
+    </application-reference>
+  </us-bibliographic-data-application>
+  <description id="description">
+    <boundary-data type="header">F-782                                      Express Mail Label No.: ED 164 264 626 US</boundary-data>
+    <heading id="h-1">
+      <confidence value="1">,</confidence>
+    </heading>
+    <heading id="h-2">SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR SELECTING POSTAL INDICIA IMAGE</heading>
+    <heading id="h-3">FORMATS</heading>
+    <heading id="h-4">BACKGROUND</heading>
+    <p id="p-1" num="1">[0001]      This invention relates generally to the field of printing postal indicia, and more particularly to selecting postal indicia image formats.</p>
+    <p id="p-2" num="2">[0002]      Postal indicia may be printed on a variety of envelopes, postcards, indicia strip tapes and other mail pieces. However, it may be important to select postal indicia formats based on the mail piece to be printed upon. More generally, it may be desirable to avoid printing postal indicia images that overlap mail piece edges and/or that overlap pre- printed objects on the mail piece.</p>
+    <heading id="h-5">SUMMARY</heading>
+    <p id="p-3" num="3">[0003]      Accordingly, systems and methods of operating a postal indicia printing apparatus to select postal indicia image formats are provided.</p>
+    <p id="p-4" num="4">[0004]      In one aspect, a method comprises storing, in the apparatus, a first indicia image format comprising a first dimension. The method may further comprise storing, in <confidence value="2">-</confidence>
+    the apparatus, a second indicia image format comprising a second dimension that corresponds to and differs from the first dimension. In some embodiments, the method may continue by prompting a user of the apparatus to select one of the first and second indicia image formats. The method may further comprise receiving a signal indicative of a selection of one of the first and second indicia image formats. According to some embodiments, the method may comprise printing, on a mail piece, an indicia image in accordance with the selected indicia image format.    </p>
+    <p id="p-5" num="5">[0005]      The method may further comprise recommending one of the first and second indicia image formats to the user. In some embodiments, the prompting of the user may comprise determining a type of the mail piece, determining that the first and second indicia image formats are associated with the type of the mail piece, and prompting the user to select one of the first and second indicia image formats.</p>
+    <p id="p-6" num="6">
+      <confidence value="666685">(10032</confidence>
+246.2 <confidence value="5">)</confidence>
+ <boundary-data type="header">
+        <confidence value="8">1</confidence>
+ <confidence value="88">of</confidence>
+ <confidence value="88">31</confidence>
+      </boundary-data>
+      <page-break num="2"/>
+      <boundary-data type="header">F-782                                      Express Mail Label No.: ED 164 264 626 US</boundary-data>
+[0006]      In some aspects, the signal indica<confidence value="8">t</confidence>
+ive of a selection of one of the first and second indicia image formats may comprise an indication that printing resources are desired to be conserved. The printing resources may comprise, for example, at least one of ink, toner, power, or memory.    </p>
+    <p id="p-7" num="7">[0007]      According to some embodiments, the signal indicative of a selection of one of the first and second indicia image formats may comprise an indication defining at least one dimension associated with the mail piece that corresponds to the first and second dimensions. The method may further comprise comparing the at least one dimension associated with the mail piece with at least one of the corresponding first or second dimensions, and determining that at least one of the corresponding first or second dimensions are smaller than or equal to the at least one dimension associated with the mail piece. The method may continue by notifying the user of the at least one of the corresponding first or second dimensions determined to be smaller than the at least one dimension associated with the mail piece.</p>
+    <p id="p-8" num="8">[0008]      In another aspect, a method comprises storing, in the apparatus, a first indicia image format comprising a first dimension, storing, in the apparatus, a second indicia image format comprising a second dimension that correspond to and differs from the first dimension, determining a size of a mail piece, selecting one of the indicia image formats based at least in part on the determined size of the mail piece, and printing, on the mail piece, an indicia image in accordance with the selected indicia image format.</p>
+    <p id="p-9" num="9">The selecting may comprise, for example, comparing the first and second dimensions to the size of the mail piece, determining that at least one of the first and second dimensions are smaller than the size of the mail piece, and selecting at least one of the first and second indicia image formats based on the determination that at least one of the first and second dimensions are smaller than the size of the mail piece.</p>
+    <p id="p-10" num="10">[0009]      In some embodiments, the indicia image format associated with the smaller of the first and second dimensions may be selected such that the indicia image printed in accordance with the indicia image format will not overrun an edge of the mail piece.</p>
+    <p id="p-11" num="11">[0010]      In yet another aspect, a method comprises storing, in the apparatus, a first indicia image format comprising a first dimension, storing, in the apparatus, a second <boundary-data type="header">
+        <confidence value="42556">(7003</confidence>
+224<confidence value="5684">6.2)</confidence>
+      </boundary-data>
+      <boundary-data type="header">
+        <confidence value="8">2</confidence>
+ <confidence value="88">of</confidence>
+ <confidence value="88">31</confidence>
+      </boundary-data>
+      <page-break num="3"/>
+      <boundary-data type="header">F-782                                     Express Mail Label No.: ED 164 264 626 US</boundary-data>
+indicia image format comprising a second dimension that corresponds to and differs from the first dimension, identifying a location of an object printed on a mail piece, selecting one of the indicia image formats based at least in part on the identified location of the object printed on the mail piece, and printing, on the mail piece, an indicia image in accordance with the selected indicia image format.    </p>
+    <p id="p-12" num="12">[0011<confidence value="5">]</confidence>
+      In some embodiments, the object printed on the mail piece comprises at least one of a facing indication mark, a postage guide, a return address, or a barcode. In some aspects, the object printed on the mail piece comprises multiple objects. According to some embodiments, the identifying of the location of the object may comprise sensing, by the apparatus, the location of the object printed on the mail piece. The sensing may, for example, be conducted by directing a signal toward the mail piece.    </p>
+    <p id="p-13" num="13">[0012]      The method may continue by altering the selected indicia image format based at least in part on the identified location of the object printed on the mail piece. The altering may comprise, for example, rearranging at least one portion of the indicia image format such that the indicia image format, when printed on the mail piece, does not overlap the object printed on the mail piece. In some aspects, the altering may comprise reducing a font size used within the indicia image format or deleting human-readable information from the indicia image format.</p>
+    <p id="p-14" num="14">[0013]      In still another aspect, a system comprises a postal indicia printing apparatus, comprising, a sensor to identify a mail piece, a memory device to store a plurality of postal indicia image formats, a processor to automatically select one of the plurality of postal indicia image formats, wherein the selection is based at least in part on the identified mail piece, and a printing device to print, on the identified mail piece, an indicia image in accordance with the selected postal indicia image format. In some embodiments, the sensor may be further to locate one or more objects printed on the identified mail piece. In some aspects, the indicia image, when printed in accordance with the indicia image format, may not overlap the one or more objects printed on the identified mail piece. According to some embodiments, the indicia image, when printed in accordance with the indicia image format, may not overlap an edge of the mail piece.</p>
+    <p id="p-15" num="15">Further, one of the plurality of postal indicia image formats may comprise a dimension <confidence value="5266666252">1300322o2f</confidence>
+ <boundary-data type="header">
+        <confidence value="7">3</confidence>
+ <confidence value="88">of</confidence>
+ <confidence value="88">31</confidence>
+      </boundary-data>
+      <page-break num="4"/>
+      <boundary-data type="header">F-782                                      Express Mail Label No.: ED 164 264 626 US</boundary-data>
+that differs from a corresponding dimension of a second one of the plurality of postal indicia image formats.    </p>
+    <p id="p-16" num="16">[0014]      Therefore, it should now be apparent that the claimed embodiments substantially achieve all the above aspects and advantages. Additional aspects and advantages of the claimed embodiments will be set forth in the description that follows, and in part will be discernable from the description, and/or may be learned by practice of the embodiments. Various features and embodiments are further described in the following drawings, description, and claims.</p>
+    <heading id="h-6">DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS</heading>
+    <p id="p-17" num="17">[0015]      The accompanying drawings illustrate aspects of some embodiments, and together with the general description given above and the detailed description given below, serve to explain various principles of some embodiments. Where it has been practicable and/or convenient, like reference numerals have been used to designate like and/or corresponding parts or procedures.</p>
+    <p id="p-18" num="18">[0016]      FIG. <confidence value="2">L</confidence>
+A is a block diagram of an exemplary mail piece.    </p>
+    <p id="p-19" num="19">[0017]      FIG. <confidence value="4">1</confidence>
+B is a block diagram of an exemplary mail piece.    </p>
+    <p id="p-20" num="20">[00<confidence value="5">1</confidence>
+8]      FIG. 2 is a flow diagram of a method according to some embodiments.    </p>
+    <p id="p-21" num="21">[00<confidence value="5">1</confidence>
+9]      FIG. 3A is a block diagram of an exemplary mail piece according to some embodiments.    </p>
+    <p id="p-22" num="22">[0020]      FIG. 3B is a block diagram of an exemplary mail piece according to some embodiments.</p>
+    <p id="p-23" num="23">[0021]      FIG. 4 is a flow diagram of a method according to some embodiments.</p>
+    <p id="p-24" num="24">[0022]      FIG. 5 is a block diagram of a system according to some embodiments.</p>
+    <heading id="h-7">DETAILED DESCRIPTION</heading>
+    <p id="p-25" num="25">[0023]      According to some embodiments, systems and methods may allow a user of a postal indicia printing apparatus to select an indicia image format to print an indicia <boundary-data type="header">
+        <confidence value="255">(00</confidence>
+322<confidence value="55864">46.2)</confidence>
+      </boundary-data>
+      <boundary-data type="header">
+        <confidence value="8">4</confidence>
+ <confidence value="88">of</confidence>
+ <confidence value="88">31</confidence>
+      </boundary-data>
+      <page-break num="5"/>
+      <boundary-data type="header">F-782                                      Express Mail Label No.: ED 164 264 626 US</boundary-data>
+image on a mail piece. Typical postal <confidence value="2222222">indicia</confidence>
+ ima<confidence value="7">g</confidence>
+e printing apparatus do not allow such a selection, and instead print indicia images using a single postal indicia image format on all mail pieces. Other features such as advertising slogans, graphics, postal endorsements or inscriptions, and/or tracking barcodes may be added to the standard postal indicia image format, but no alternate postal indicia image format may be selected by the user.    </p>
+    <p id="p-26" num="26">In another embodiment, portions or fields of the postal indicia may be printed using a postal indicia field priority process. The field priority may be preset or variable and an illustrative priority is shown herein.</p>
+    <p id="p-27" num="27">[0024<confidence value="5">]</confidence>
+      In some circumstances, such as in the case that the mail piece is a small postcard and/or includes a pre-printed object (e.g., a return address field, an address field, a barcode, a Facing Indication Mark (FIM), and/or a postage guide), the standard postal indicia image format, when used to print an indicia image on the mail piece, may overlap the pre-printed objects and/or may overrun the mail piece itself. According to some embodiments, a user operating a postal indicia printing apparatus may select from a plurality of available postal indicia image formats. The user may, for example, select a <confidence value="2">'</confidence>
+shorter" postal indicia image format for use on small postcards and/or may select a "modified" version of a postal indicia image format to print an indicia image without overlapping pre-printed objects. According to some embodiments, the postal indicia printing apparatus may automatically determine and/or select a postal indicia image format to utilize to print an indicia image on the mail piece.    </p>
+    <p id="p-28" num="28">[0025]      As used herein, the terms "printed" and/or "pre-printed" may refer to any form of printing, recording, embossing, etching, and/or any other method for affixing, temporarily or permanently, an object to a medium. In some embodiments for example, an object (e.g., a return address label and/or a barcode) may be printed on a sticker which is adhered to a mail piece. It is to be understood that, as used herein, the adhering of the sticker to the mail piece may be considered "printing" the object on the mail piece.</p>
+    <p id="p-29" num="29">[0026]      Some embodiments herein are associated with a "postal indicia image format". As used herein, the term "postal indicia image format" may refer to any information, data, signal, configuration, layout, and/or any other object associated with a postal indicia and/or a postal indicia image. According to some embodiments, a postal <confidence value="55">(7</confidence>
+003<confidence value="8858852">2246.2)</confidence>
+ <boundary-data type="header">
+        <confidence value="8">5</confidence>
+ <confidence value="88">of</confidence>
+ <confidence value="88">31</confidence>
+      </boundary-data>
+      <page-break num="6"/>
+      <boundary-data type="header">F-782                                       Express Mail Label No.: ED 164 264 626 US</boundary-data>
+indicia image format may be or include a format and/or layout defining one or more printing attributes associated with a postal indicia and/or postal indicia image. The postal indicia image format may, for example, define how various portions of a postal indicia image (e.g., machine-readable and/or human-readable data) are to be printed.    </p>
+    <p id="p-30" num="30">[0027]      According to some embodiments, postal indicia image formats may define different and/or various dimensions and/or may otherwise define various layouts of postal indicia portions. In some embodiments, one or more postal indicia formats may result in and/or produce shorter, longer, narrower, and/or wider indicia images than other postal indicia image formats. Some postal indicia image formats may be configured and/or customized for printing on certain mail piece types and/or may otherwise define various layouts and/or printing attributes or parameters. In some embodiments, postal indicia image formats may be stored in any form and/or medium that is or becomes known or practicable. Postal indicia image formats may be stored, for example, as images, data files, database files, and/or templates. In some embodiments, a postal indicia image format may be prescribed and/or approved by a postal authority such as the U.S. Postal Service.</p>
+    <p id="p-31" num="31">[0028]      As used herein, the terms "information" and "data" may be used interchangeably and may refer to any data, text, voice, video, image, message, bit, packet, pulse, tone, waveform, and/or other type or configuration of signal and/or information.</p>
+    <p id="p-32" num="32">Information may be or include, for example, a data field in the form of a two-dimensional barcode such as a barcode printed in accordance with the "Information-Based Indicia Program (IBIP) Indicium Specification", published by the U.S. Postal Service, June <part-num-ref name="U.S. Postal Service, June">
+        <confidence value="588">13,</confidence>
+      </part-num-ref>
+ <part-num-ref name="U.S. Postal Service, June 13,">1996.</part-num-ref>
+ Information may, according to some embodiments, be compressed, encrypted, and/or otherwise packaged or manipulated in accordance with any method that is or becomes known or practicable.    </p>
+    <p id="p-33" num="33">[0029]      In addition, some embodiments described herein are associated with an "indication". As used herein, the term "indication" may be used to refer to any information indicative of or associated with a subject, item, entity, and/or other object and/or idea. As used herein, the phrase "information indicative of<confidence value="5">"</confidence>
+ may be used to refer to any information that represents, describes, and/or is otherwise associated with a related <boundary-data type="header">
+        <confidence value="42">(1</confidence>
+003<confidence value="4">2</confidence>
+246.2 <confidence value="8">)</confidence>
+      </boundary-data>
+      <boundary-data type="header">
+        <confidence value="8">6</confidence>
+ <confidence value="88">of</confidence>
+ <confidence value="88">31</confidence>
+      </boundary-data>
+      <page-break num="7"/>
+      <boundary-data type="header">F-782                                     Express Mail Label No.: ED 164 264 626 US</boundary-data>
+entity, subject, or object. An indication of information may include, for example, a code, a reference, a link, a signal, an identifier, and/or any combination thereof and/or any other informative representation associated with the information. In some embodiments, an indication of information may be or include the information itself and/or any portion or component of the information. In some embodiments, an indication may include a request, a solicitation, a broadcast, and/or any other form of information gathering and/or dissemination.    </p>
+    <p id="p-34" num="34">[0030]      Referring first to FIG. <confidence value="2">1</confidence>
+A, a block diagram of an exemplary mail piece <part-num-ref name="exemplary mail piece">102</part-num-ref>
+ is shown. The various diagrams provided and described herein are depicted for use in explanation, but not limitation, of described embodiments. Different types, layouts, quantities, and configurations of any of the diagrams described herein may be used without deviating from the scope of some embodiments. Fewer or more components than are shown in relation to the diagrams described herein may be utilized without deviating from some embodiments.    </p>
+    <p id="p-35" num="35">[0031]      The exemplary mail piece <part-num-ref name="exemplary mail piece">102</part-num-ref>
+ may, according to some configurations, comprise a small mail piece such as a postcard. The exemplary mail piece <part-num-ref name="exemplary mail piece">102</part-num-ref>
+ may comprise, for example, an address component <part-num-ref name="address component">104</part-num-ref>
+ and/or a return address component <part-num-ref name="return address component">106.</part-num-ref>
+ In some configurations, the mail piece <part-num-ref name="mail piece">102</part-num-ref>
+ may also or alternatively comprise a postal indicia image <part-num-ref name="postal indicia image">120.</part-num-ref>
+ The postal indicia image <part-num-ref name="postal indicia image">120</part-num-ref>
+ may, for example, be printed on the mail piece <part-num-ref name="mail piece">102</part-num-ref>
+ (e.g., by a personal postage meter such as a Pitney Bowes<confidence value="4">®</confidence>
+ Personal Post<confidence value="55">TM</confidence>
+ Postage Meter). In some configurations, the mail piece <part-num-ref name="mail piece">102</part-num-ref>
+ may comprise fewer or more components than are shown in FIG. <confidence value="288">1A.</confidence>
+    </p>
+    <p id="p-36" num="36">[0032]      According to some configurations, the mail piece <part-num-ref name="mail piece">102</part-num-ref>
+ may define one or more dimensions such as the mail piece <part-num-ref name="mail piece">102</part-num-ref>
+ length dimension <part-num-ref name="length dimension">150.</part-num-ref>
+ The mail piece <part-num-ref name="mail piece">102</part-num-ref>
+ may, for example, be a postcard having a mail piece <part-num-ref name="mail piece">102</part-num-ref>
+ length dimension <part-num-ref name="length dimension">150</part-num-ref>
+ of substantially five inches. In some configurations, the mail piece <part-num-ref name="mail piece">102</part-num-ref>
+ may also or alternatively define different dimensions (not labeled and/or shown in FIG. <confidence value="2">1</confidence>
+A). The components <part-num-ref name="components">104,</part-num-ref>
+ <part-num-ref name="components 104,">106</part-num-ref>
+ of the mail piece <part-num-ref name="mail piece">102</part-num-ref>
+ may also or alternatively define one or more dimensions. The return address component <part-num-ref name="return address component">106</part-num-ref>
+ may, for example, define the return address length dimension <part-num-ref name="return address length dimension">152.</part-num-ref>
+    </p>
+    <p id="p-37" num="37">
+      <confidence value="42666626666">(10032246.2</confidence>
+ <confidence value="5">)</confidence>
+ <boundary-data type="header">
+        <confidence value="7">7</confidence>
+ <confidence value="88">of</confidence>
+ <confidence value="88">31</confidence>
+      </boundary-data>
+      <page-break num="8"/>
+      <boundary-data type="header">F-782                                      Express Mail Label No.: ED 164 264 626 US</boundary-data>
+[0033]      In some configurations, the postal indicia image <part-num-ref name="postal indicia image">120</part-num-ref>
+ may define one or more dimensions. As shown in FIG. <confidence value="5">1</confidence>
+A, for example, the postal indicia image <part-num-ref name="postal indicia image">120</part-num-ref>
+ may define the postal indicia length dimension <part-num-ref name="postal indicia length dimension">154.</part-num-ref>
+ In some configurations, the various dimensions <part-num-ref name="various dimensions">150,</part-num-ref>
+ <part-num-ref name="various dimensions 150,">152,</part-num-ref>
+ <part-num-ref name="various dimensions 150, 152,">154</part-num-ref>
+ may be corresponding dimensions. As shown in FIG. <confidence value="2">1</confidence>
+A, for example, all of the dimensions <part-num-ref name="dimensions">150,</part-num-ref>
+ <part-num-ref name="dimensions 150,">152,</part-num-ref>
+ <part-num-ref name="dimensions 150, 152,">154</part-num-ref>
+ are horizontal length dimensions. Other corresponding dimensions may also or alternatively be utilized according to some configurations. In some configurations, the postal indicia image <part-num-ref name="postal indicia image">120</part-num-ref>
+ may be printed in the upper-right corner of the mail piece <part-num-ref name="mail piece">102</part-num-ref>
+ (e.g., as is standard practice in accordance with U.S. Postal Service regulations). In the case that the postal indicia image <part-num-ref name="postal indicia image">120</part-num-ref>
+ is printed in the upper-right corner of the mail piece <part-num-ref name="mail piece">102,</part-num-ref>
+ the postal indicia image <part-num-ref name="postal indicia image">120</part-num-ref>
+ may overlap one or more components <part-num-ref name="may overlap one or more components">104,</part-num-ref>
+ <part-num-ref name="may overlap one or more components 104,">106</part-num-ref>
+ of the mail piece <part-num-ref name="mail piece">102.</part-num-ref>
+    </p>
+    <p id="p-38" num="38">[0034]      As shown in <confidence value="66">FI</confidence>
+G. <confidence value="5">1</confidence>
+A, for example, the return address length dimension <part-num-ref name="return address length dimension">152</part-num-ref>
+ (e.g<confidence value="25">.,</confidence>
+ justified to the upper-left of the mail piece <part-num-ref name="mail piece">102)</part-num-ref>
+ and the postal indicia length dimension <part-num-ref name="postal indicia length dimension">154</part-num-ref>
+ may overlap to define the overlap dimension <part-num-ref name="overlap dimension">156.</part-num-ref>
+ In other words, the mail piece <part-num-ref name="mail piece">102</part-num-ref>
+ length dimension <part-num-ref name="length dimension">150</part-num-ref>
+ may be smaller than the combination of the return address length dimension <part-num-ref name="return address length dimension">152</part-num-ref>
+ and the postal indicia length dimension <part-num-ref name="postal indicia length dimension">154.</part-num-ref>
+ In the case that the return address <part-num-ref name="return address">106</part-num-ref>
+ is left<confidence value="5">-</confidence>
+justified on the mail piece <part-num-ref name="mail piece">102</part-num-ref>
+ and the postal indicia image <part-num-ref name="postal indicia image">120</part-num-ref>
+ is right<confidence value="5">-</confidence>
+justified on the mail piece <part-num-ref name="mail piece">102,</part-num-ref>
+ the postal indicia image <part-num-ref name="postal indicia image">120</part-num-ref>
+ may overlap (e.g., defining the overlap dimension <part-num-ref name="overlap dimension">156)</part-num-ref>
+ the return address <part-num-ref name="return address">106.</part-num-ref>
+    </p>
+    <p id="p-39" num="39">[0035]      According to some configurations, the postal indicia length dimension <part-num-ref name="postal indicia length dimension">154</part-num-ref>
+ may be greater than the mail piece <part-num-ref name="mail piece">102</part-num-ref>
+ length dimension <part-num-ref name="length dimension">150</part-num-ref>
+ (not shown). The postal indicia image <part-num-ref name="postal indicia image">120</part-num-ref>
+ may, for example, comprise more information than is shown in <confidence value="6688">FIG.</confidence>
+    </p>
+    <p id="p-40" num="40">
+      <confidence value="2">I</confidence>
+A, causing the postal indicia image <part-num-ref name="postal indicia image">120</part-num-ref>
+ to overrun an edge (e.g., the left edge) of the mail piece <part-num-ref name="mail piece">102.</part-num-ref>
+ The postal indicia image <part-num-ref name="postal indicia image">120</part-num-ref>
+ may, for example, comprise any number and/or combination of advertising slogans, postal endorsements and/or inscriptions, tracking barcodes, and/or other information and/or images. In some configurations for example, the postal indicia length dimension <part-num-ref name="postal indicia length dimension">154</part-num-ref>
+ may be greater than five inches (e.g., the minimum length of a postcard or envelope in accordance with U.S. Postal Service regulations).    </p>
+    <boundary-data type="header">
+      <confidence value="526666666662">180032246.2)</confidence>
+    </boundary-data>
+    <boundary-data type="header">
+      <confidence value="7">8</confidence>
+ <confidence value="88">of</confidence>
+ <confidence value="88">31</confidence>
+    </boundary-data>
+    <boundary-data type="header">F-782                                     Express Mail Label No.: ED 164 264 626 US</boundary-data>
+    <p id="p-41" num="41">
+      <page-break num="9"/>
+[0036]      Turning now to FIG. <confidence value="686">1B,</confidence>
+ <confidence value="82">a'</confidence>
+ block diagram of an exemplary mail piece <part-num-ref name="exemplary mail piece">102</part-num-ref>
+ is shown. The exemplary mail piece <part-num-ref name="exemplary mail piece">102</part-num-ref>
+ may be similar to the mail piece <part-num-ref name="mail piece">102</part-num-ref>
+ described in conjunction with FIG. <confidence value="2">1</confidence>
+A. The mail piece <part-num-ref name="mail piece">102</part-num-ref>
+ may, according to some configurations, comprise a pre-printed business-size return envelope. The mail piece <part-num-ref name="mail piece">102</part-num-ref>
+ may, for example, comprise an address component <part-num-ref name="address component">104,</part-num-ref>
+ a return address template component <part-num-ref name="return address template component">106,</part-num-ref>
+ a Facing Indication Mark (FI<confidence value="5">M</confidence>
+) component <part-num-ref name="Facing Indication Mark (FIM) component">108,</part-num-ref>
+ and/or a postage guide component <part-num-ref name="postage guide component">110.</part-num-ref>
+    </p>
+    <p id="p-42" num="42">In some configurations, a postal indicia image <part-num-ref name="postal indicia image">120</part-num-ref>
+ may be printed on the mail piece <part-num-ref name="mail piece">102.</part-num-ref>
+    </p>
+    <p id="p-43" num="43">The components 104, 106, 120 of the mail piece <part-num-ref name="mail piece">102</part-num-ref>
+ may be similar in configuration and/or functionality to the similarly-named (and/or numbered) components described in conjunction with FIG. <confidence value="2">1</confidence>
+A. In some configurations, fewer or more components than are shown in FIG. <confidence value="5">1</confidence>
+B may be included in the mail piece <part-num-ref name="mail piece">102.</part-num-ref>
+    </p>
+    <p id="p-44" num="44">[0037<confidence value="5">]</confidence>
+      In some configurations, the postal indicia image <part-num-ref name="postal indicia image">120</part-num-ref>
+ may be the same postal indicia image <part-num-ref name="same postal indicia image">120</part-num-ref>
+ described in conjunction with FIG. <confidence value="2">I</confidence>
+A. The postal indicia image <part-num-ref name="postal indicia image">120</part-num-ref>
+ may, for example, be or include a standard and/or default image printed on all mail pieces. Even though the information contained within the postal indicia image <part-num-ref name="postal indicia image">120</part-num-ref>
+ may be customized for a particular entity, date, and/or mailing, the format of the postal indicia image <part-num-ref name="postal indicia image">120</part-num-ref>
+ may remain the same. In some configurations, utilizing the same postal indicia image <part-num-ref name="same postal indicia image">120</part-num-ref>
+ (and/or same image format) for different mail pieces <part-num-ref name="(and/or same image format) for different mail pieces">102</part-num-ref>
+ (and/or mail types) may be problematic. For example, while the postal indicia image <part-num-ref name="postal indicia image">120</part-num-ref>
+ printed on the pre- printed return envelope <part-num-ref name="pre- printed return envelope">102</part-num-ref>
+ does not overlap the return address template component <part-num-ref name="return address template component">106</part-num-ref>
+ in FIG. <confidence value="4">1</confidence>
+B, the same postal indicia image <part-num-ref name="same postal indicia image">120</part-num-ref>
+ printed on the smaller postcard <part-num-ref name="smaller postcard">102</part-num-ref>
+ in FIG.    </p>
+    <p id="p-45" num="45">
+      <confidence value="4">l</confidence>
+A does overlap the return address component <part-num-ref name="return address component">106.</part-num-ref>
+    </p>
+    <p id="p-46" num="46">[0038]      As shown in FIG. <confidence value="686">1B,</confidence>
+ the postal indicia image <part-num-ref name="postal indicia image">120</part-num-ref>
+ may also or alternatively be problematic when printed on the pre-printed return envelope <part-num-ref name="pre-printed return envelope">102.</part-num-ref>
+ The postal indicia image <part-num-ref name="postal indicia image">120</part-num-ref>
+ may, for example, overlap the pre-printed FI<confidence value="5">M</confidence>
+ component <part-num-ref name="pre-printed FIM component">108</part-num-ref>
+ and/or the pre-printed postage guide component <part-num-ref name="pre-printed postage guide component">110</part-num-ref>
+ on the mail piece <part-num-ref name="mail piece">102.</part-num-ref>
+ At least for these reasons, systems and methods of operating a postal indicia printing apparatus to select postal indicia image formats are desirable.    </p>
+    <p id="p-47" num="47">[0039]      Referring to FIG. 2, for example, a method <part-num-ref name="method">200</part-num-ref>
+ according to some embodiments is shown. In some embodiments, the method <part-num-ref name="method">200</part-num-ref>
+ may be conducted by <confidence value="5">1</confidence>
+0032246.2<confidence value="8">)</confidence>
+ <boundary-data type="header">
+        <confidence value="8">9</confidence>
+ <confidence value="88">of</confidence>
+ <confidence value="88">31</confidence>
+      </boundary-data>
+      <page-break num="10"/>
+      <boundary-data type="header">F-782                                      Express Mail Label No.: ED 164 264 626 U<confidence value="5">S</confidence>
+      </boundary-data>
+and/or by utilizing the mail pieces <part-num-ref name="mail pieces">102</part-num-ref>
+ and/or m<confidence value="5">a</confidence>
+y be otherwise associated with the mail pieces <part-num-ref name="mail pieces">102</part-num-ref>
+ and/or any of the associated components described in conjunction with any of FIG. <confidence value="5">1</confidence>
+A and/or FIG. <confidence value="5">1</confidence>
+B. The method <part-num-ref name="method">200</part-num-ref>
+ may, for example, be performed by and/or otherwise associated with a mail piece such as the mail piece <part-num-ref name="mail piece">102</part-num-ref>
+ described herein.    </p>
+    <p id="p-48" num="48">[0040]      The flow diagrams described herein do not necessarily imply a fixed order to the actions, and embodiments may be performed in any order that is practicable. Note that any of the methods described herein may be performed by hardware, software (including microcode), firmware, manual means, or any combination thereof. For example, a storage medium may store thereon instructions that when executed by a machine result in performance according to any of the embodiments described herein.</p>
+    <p id="p-49" num="49">[0041]      In some embodiments, the method <part-num-ref name="method">200</part-num-ref>
+ may begin at <part-num-ref name="may begin at">202</part-num-ref>
+ to store a first indicia format. A postal indicia printing apparatus may, for example, store a first postal indicia image format. The indicia image format may be stored in any manner and/or in any medium that is or becomes known or practicable. In some embodiments, the indicia image format may be stored in a database and/or in a memory device associated with the postal indicia printing apparatus.    </p>
+    <p id="p-50" num="50">[0042<confidence value="5">]</confidence>
+      According to some embodiments, the postal indicia format may comprise a template, an image, code, and/or other instructions defining one or more printing characteristics and/or parameters associated with a postal indicia image. Various portions of a postal indicia image may, for example, be located in different areas and/or positioned differently in accordance with different indicia image formats. According to some embodiments, some indicia image formats may be customized and/or otherwise configured for printing indicia images on certain mail piece types. In some embodiments, the postal indicia image format may be or include a standard and/or default format.    </p>
+    <p id="p-51" num="51">[0043]      The method <part-num-ref name="method">200</part-num-ref>
+ may continue, according to some embodiments, to store a second indicia image format at <part-num-ref name="second indicia image format at">204.</part-num-ref>
+ The second indicia image format may, in some embodiments, be stored by a postal indicia printing apparatus (e.g., such as the apparatus that stores the first indicia image format). The second indicia image format may, for example, be an indicia image format that is different than a standard and/or default indicia image format (e.g., the first indicia image format). In some embodiments, the indicia image format may be customized for specific mail piece types and/or to overcome <boundary-data type="header">
+        <confidence value="68">(1</confidence>
+003224<confidence value="682">&amp;2}</confidence>
+      </boundary-data>
+      <boundary-data type="header">10 of 31</boundary-data>
+      <page-break num="11"/>
+      <boundary-data type="header">F-782                                      Express Mail Label No.: ED 164 264 626 US</boundary-data>
+certain difficulties and/or problems. The second i<confidence value="7">n</confidence>
+dicia image format may, for example, be a shortened version of the first indicia image format, configured for printing indicia images on small mail pieces such as postcards. In other words, the second indicia image format may comprise a length dimension that differs from a corresponding (i.e., length) dimension of the first indicia image format.    </p>
+    <p id="p-52" num="52">[0044]      According to some embodiments, the method <part-num-ref name="method">200</part-num-ref>
+ may continue to prompt a user to select one of the indicia image formats, at <part-num-ref name="indicia image formats, at">206.</part-num-ref>
+ The postal indicia printing apparatus may, for example, cause a menu item to be displayed (e.g., on a display screen and/or Graphical User Interface (GUI)) that allows a user operating the apparatus to choose which indicia image format to utilize to print an indicia image on the mail piece.    </p>
+    <p id="p-53" num="53">The user may, according to some embodiments, realize that the first indicia image format (e.g., a standard and/or default format) may cause an indicia image to overlap pre-printed objects on the mail piece and/or an edge of the mail piece.</p>
+    <p id="p-54" num="54">[0045]      In some embodiments, the apparatus may sense pre-printed objects on the mail piece and/or may determine (e.g., from the postal rate class) that the size of the mail piece may not be appropriate and/or desirable for use with the first indicia image format (e.g., a standard indicia image format). According to some embodiments, the apparatus may also or alternatively recommend one of the indicia image formats to the user. In the case that the apparatus determines that the mail piece is a small postcard (e.g., utilizing a scanner and/or other device), for example, the apparatus may prompt the user by recommending and/or suggesting that the second indicia image format (e.g., a shortened indicia image format configured for printing indicia images on postcards) be chosen for printing an indicia image on the postcard mail piece. In some embodiments, the apparatus may determine that a potential conflict between one of the postal indicia image formats and the mail piece (e.g., pre-printed objects on the mail piece and/or the size of the mail piece) exists, and may notify the user of such conflict and/or potential conflict.</p>
+    <p id="p-55" num="55">[0046]      In some embodiments, the method <part-num-ref name="method">200</part-num-ref>
+ may continue at <part-num-ref name="may continue at">208</part-num-ref>
+ to receive a signal indicative of a selection of one of the indicia image formats. The user of the apparatus may, for example, select one of the stored indicia image formats from a menu, GUI, and/or other input device associated with the postal indicia printing apparatus. In <confidence value="42">(1</confidence>
+003<confidence value="66">22</confidence>
+46.2<confidence value="2">)</confidence>
+ <boundary-data type="header">11 of 31</boundary-data>
+      <page-break num="12"/>
+      <boundary-data type="header">F-782                                       Express Mail Label No.: ED 164 264 626 US</boundary-data>
+some embodiments, the signal may be received a<confidence value="5">s</confidence>
+ a response from the prompting at <part-num-ref name="prompting at">206.</part-num-ref>
+    </p>
+    <p id="p-56" num="56">The user may, for example, view and/or otherwise receive the prompt from the apparatus and may then select one of the indicia image formats for use in printing an indicia image on the mail piece.</p>
+    <p id="p-57" num="57">[0047]      According to some embodiments, the user may select one of the indicia image formats and/or the apparatus may receive the signal indicative of the selection without the user having been prompted at <part-num-ref name="user having been prompted at">206.</part-num-ref>
+ In other words, the user may be aware that multiple indicia image formats are available and may select one of the indicia image formats without requiring a prompt (and/or before receiving a prompt) from the apparatus. One or more keys, buttons, soft keys, and/or other input devices may, for example, be pre-designated for selection of postal indicia image format selection. In the case that the first indicia image format is a standard format and the second indicia image format is a shortened version (e.g., for use on small mail pieces), for example, the first indicia format may automatically be used by the apparatus (e.g., a default indicia image format) unless the user activates a certain key and/or key combination.    </p>
+    <p id="p-58" num="58">[0048]      In some embodiments, a keyboard of the apparatus may, for example, comprise a key and/or toggle labeled "Shortened Indicia". The keyboard may also or alternatively comprise a template that shows the user which keystroke combination may be used to select the second indicia image format. According to some embodiments, such as in the case that more than two indicia image formats are available and/or stored by the apparatus, the user may be able to scroll through and/or otherwise select any one of the indicia image formats for use in printing an indicia image on the mail piece.</p>
+    <p id="p-59" num="59">[0049]      The user may select one of the indicia image formats for a variety of reasons. The user may, for example, choose a shortened and/or modified indicia image format to prevent the indicia image from overlapping one or more pre-printed objects on the mail piece. Similarly, the user may choose a shortened version of an indicia image to prevent the indicia image from overrunning an edge of the mail piece. In some embodiments, the user may also or alternatively select an indicia image format to conserve printing resources. The user may, for example, select a smaller, shorter, and/or <boundary-data type="header">
+        <confidence value="4">(</confidence>
+10032<confidence value="555682">246.2J</confidence>
+      </boundary-data>
+      <boundary-data type="header">12 of 31</boundary-data>
+      <page-break num="13"/>
+      <boundary-data type="header">F-782                                     Express Mail Label No.: ED 164 264 626 US</boundary-data>
+less complex indicia image format to reduce the <confidence value="8">a</confidence>
+mount of ink, toner, memory, and/or power required to print the indicia image on the mail piece.    </p>
+    <p id="p-60" num="60">[0050]      While a standard indicia image format may require a certain amount of ink, toner, memory, and/or power, for example, other indicia image formats may require and/or may be configured to require lesser amounts of any such printing resources. In some embodiments, the prompting at <part-num-ref name="prompting at">206</part-num-ref>
+ may be based at least in part on conservation of printing recourses. In the case that he apparatus determines that a printing resource is running low, for example, the apparatus may prompt the user to notify the user of the problem and/or may recommend that a particular indicia image format be selected in response to the problem.    </p>
+    <p id="p-61" num="61">[0051]      The method <part-num-ref name="method">200</part-num-ref>
+ may continue at <part-num-ref name="may continue at">210,</part-num-ref>
+ for example, to print an indicia image in accordance with the selected indicia image format on the mail piece. Any method of printing the postal indicia image on the mail piece that is or becomes known or practicable may be used. In some embodiments, the selected indicia image format may comprise data fields that may be populated with information prior to being utilized to print an indicia image on the mail piece. The indicia image format may, for example, define where and/or how various portions of information and/or data (e.g., postal rate, postal rate class, meter number, zip code and/or other information) are to be printed. The required information may, according to some embodiments, be retrieved (e.g., from a database and/or file) and utilized to populate the fields defined by the indicia image format. In such a manner, for example, any required and/or desired postal information may be printed on a mail piece utilizing an indicia image format selected by a user.    </p>
+    <p id="p-62" num="62">[0052]      Referring now to FIG. 3A, a block diagram of an exemplary mail piece <part-num-ref name="exemplary mail piece">302</part-num-ref>
+ according to some embodiments is shown. The exemplary mail piece <part-num-ref name="exemplary mail piece">302</part-num-ref>
+ may be similar to the mail pieces <part-num-ref name="mail pieces">102</part-num-ref>
+ described in conjunction with any of FIG. <confidence value="2">1</confidence>
+A and/or FIG.    </p>
+    <p id="p-63" num="63">
+      <confidence value="5">1</confidence>
+B. The mail piece <part-num-ref name="mail piece">302</part-num-ref>
+ may, according to some embodiments, comprise a small mail piece such as a postcard. The mail piece <part-num-ref name="mail piece">302</part-num-ref>
+ may, for example, comprise an address component <part-num-ref name="address component">304</part-num-ref>
+ and/or a return address component <part-num-ref name="return address component">306.</part-num-ref>
+ In some embodiments, a postal indicia image <part-num-ref name="postal indicia image">320</part-num-ref>
+ may be printed on the mail piece <part-num-ref name="mail piece">302.</part-num-ref>
+ The components <part-num-ref name="components">304,</part-num-ref>
+ <part-num-ref name="components 304,">306,</part-num-ref>
+ <part-num-ref name="components 304, 306,">320</part-num-ref>
+ of the mail piece <part-num-ref name="mail piece">302</part-num-ref>
+ may be similar in configuration and/or functionality to the <confidence value="566">100</confidence>
+32246.2<confidence value="2">)</confidence>
+ <boundary-data type="header">13 of 31</boundary-data>
+      <page-break num="14"/>
+      <boundary-data type="header">F-782                                     Express Mail Label No.: ED 164 264 626 US</boundary-data>
+similarly-named (and/or numbered) components described in conjunction with any of FIG. <confidence value="4">l</confidence>
+A and/or FIG. <confidence value="5">1</confidence>
+B. In some configurations, fewer or more components than are shown in FIG. 3A may be included in the mail piece <part-num-ref name="mail piece">302.</part-num-ref>
+    </p>
+    <p id="p-64" num="64">[0053]      In some embodiments, the postal indicia image <part-num-ref name="postal indicia image">320</part-num-ref>
+ may be printed in accordance with and/or by the method <part-num-ref name="method">200</part-num-ref>
+ described in conjunction with FIG. 2. The postal indicia image <part-num-ref name="postal indicia image">320</part-num-ref>
+ may, for example, comprise a shortened and/or modified indicia image format selected to prevent and/or otherwise avoid overlap printing on the mail piece <part-num-ref name="mail piece">302.</part-num-ref>
+ As shown in FIG. 3A, for example, the postal indicia image <part-num-ref name="postal indicia image">320</part-num-ref>
+ may be a condensed and/or shorter version of the postal indicia image <part-num-ref name="postal indicia image">120</part-num-ref>
+ shown in FIG. <confidence value="2">L</confidence>
+A and FIG. <confidence value="5">1</confidence>
+B. The mail piece <part-num-ref name="mail piece">302</part-num-ref>
+ length dimension <part-num-ref name="length dimension">350</part-num-ref>
+ may, for example, be greater than the combination of the return address length dimension <part-num-ref name="return address length dimension">352</part-num-ref>
+ and the postal indicia length dimension <part-num-ref name="postal indicia length dimension">354.</part-num-ref>
+ In other words, the postal indicia length dimension <part-num-ref name="postal indicia length dimension">354</part-num-ref>
+ may be substantially small enough to not overlap the return address component <part-num-ref name="return address component">306.</part-num-ref>
+    </p>
+    <p id="p-65" num="65">
+      <confidence value="5">[</confidence>
+0054]      Similarly, the postal indicia length dimension <part-num-ref name="postal indicia length dimension">354</part-num-ref>
+ may be substantially small enough to not overrun an edge of the mail piece <part-num-ref name="mail piece">302.</part-num-ref>
+ The postal indicia image <part-num-ref name="postal indicia image">320</part-num-ref>
+ may be formatted and/or configured, for example, so that printing of the postal indicia image <part-num-ref name="postal indicia image">320</part-num-ref>
+ on the mail piece <part-num-ref name="mail piece">302</part-num-ref>
+ does not obscure and/or otherwise compromise any required and/or desired postal (and/or other) information. In the exemplary mail piece <part-num-ref name="exemplary mail piece">302,</part-num-ref>
+ for example, the postal indicia image <part-num-ref name="postal indicia image">320</part-num-ref>
+ may be a modified version of a standard postal indicia image such as the indicia image <part-num-ref name="indicia image">120</part-num-ref>
+ described in conjunction with FIG. <confidence value="68">1A</confidence>
+ and FIG. <confidence value="488">1B.</confidence>
+    </p>
+    <p id="p-66" num="66">[0055]      For example, the "shortened" postal indicia image <part-num-ref name="&quot;shortened&quot; postal indicia image">320</part-num-ref>
+ lacks the eagle image included within the indicia image <part-num-ref name="indicia image">120,</part-num-ref>
+ and other data and/or information within the indicia image <part-num-ref name="indicia image">320</part-num-ref>
+ is rearranged to shorten the postal indicia length dimension <part-num-ref name="postal indicia length dimension">354.</part-num-ref>
+ In some embodiments, the font used in the indicia image <part-num-ref name="indicia image">320</part-num-ref>
+ may also or alternatively be reduced (e.g., to a minimum allowable and/or readable font) and/or other human-readable information and/or all human-readable information may be omitted. Only those portions of the indicia image <part-num-ref name="indicia image">320</part-num-ref>
+ required by applicable postal regulations (e.g., the two- dimensional barcode and/or another machine-readable indicia) may, for example, be printed on the mail piece <part-num-ref name="mail piece">302.</part-num-ref>
+    </p>
+    <boundary-data type="header">
+      <confidence value="86">(7</confidence>
+0032246.2 <confidence value="8">)</confidence>
+    </boundary-data>
+    <boundary-data type="header">14 of 31</boundary-data>
+    <boundary-data type="header">F-782                                     Express Mail Label No.: ED 164 264 626 US</boundary-data>
+    <p id="p-67" num="67">
+      <page-break num="15"/>
+[0056]      In some embodiments, a user may be presented with multiple possible indicia formats to choose from. There may, for example, be many formatting alternatives that accomplish the desired shortening of the indicia image <part-num-ref name="indicia image">320.</part-num-ref>
+ According to some embodiments, the user may select an indicia image <part-num-ref name="indicia image">320</part-num-ref>
+ that is preferred, desired, and/or otherwise intended for use. In some embodiments, the user (and/or the postal indicia printing apparatus) may customize, modify, and/or alter an indicia image <part-num-ref name="indicia image">320</part-num-ref>
+ and/or an associated indicia image format. The user may, for example, manually modify a standard indicia image format to create the shortened indicia image <part-num-ref name="shortened indicia image">320.</part-num-ref>
+ In such a manner, for example, the user may select an indicia image format appropriate for the mail piece <part-num-ref name="mail piece">302</part-num-ref>
+ while retaining control over which portions (if any) of the indicia image <part-num-ref name="indicia image">320</part-num-ref>
+ are altered and/or omitted (e.g., to prevent overlap and/or overrun printing and/or conserve printing resources).    </p>
+    <p id="p-68" num="68">[0057]      Turning to FIG. 3B, a block diagram of an exemplary mail piece <part-num-ref name="exemplary mail piece">302</part-num-ref>
+ according to some embodiments is shown. The mail piece <part-num-ref name="mail piece">302</part-num-ref>
+ may be similar to the mail pieces <part-num-ref name="mail pieces">102,</part-num-ref>
+ <part-num-ref name="mail pieces 102,">303</part-num-ref>
+ described in conjunction with any of FIG. <confidence value="5">I</confidence>
+A, FIG. <confidence value="586">1B,</confidence>
+ and/or FIG. 3A.    </p>
+    <p id="p-69" num="69">The mail piece 302 may, according to some embodiments, comprise a pre-printed business-size return envelope. The mail piece <part-num-ref name="mail piece">302</part-num-ref>
+ may, for example, comprise an address component <part-num-ref name="address component">304,</part-num-ref>
+ a return address template component <part-num-ref name="return address template component">306,</part-num-ref>
+ an FIM component <part-num-ref name="FIM component">308,</part-num-ref>
+ and/or a postage guide <part-num-ref name="postage guide">310.</part-num-ref>
+ In some embodiments, a postal indicia image <part-num-ref name="postal indicia image">320</part-num-ref>
+ may be printed on the mail piece <part-num-ref name="mail piece">302.</part-num-ref>
+ The components <part-num-ref name="components">304,</part-num-ref>
+ <part-num-ref name="components 304,">306,</part-num-ref>
+ <part-num-ref name="components 304, 306,">308,</part-num-ref>
+ <part-num-ref name="components 304, 306, 308,">310,</part-num-ref>
+ <part-num-ref name="components 304, 306, 308, 310,">320</part-num-ref>
+ of the mail piece <part-num-ref name="mail piece">302</part-num-ref>
+ may be similar in configuration and/or functionality to the similarly-named (and/or numbered) components described in conjunction with any of FIG. <confidence value="5">1</confidence>
+A, FIG. <confidence value="555">1B,</confidence>
+ and/or FIG. 3A. In some configurations, fewer or more components than are shown in FIG. 3B may be included in the mail piece <part-num-ref name="mail piece">302.</part-num-ref>
+    </p>
+    <p id="p-70" num="70">
+      <confidence value="5">[</confidence>
+0058]      In some embodiments, the postal indicia image <part-num-ref name="postal indicia image">320</part-num-ref>
+ may be substantially the same length (e.g., have substantially the same the postal indicia length dimension <part-num-ref name="postal indicia length dimension">354)</part-num-ref>
+ as the postal indicia image <part-num-ref name="postal indicia image">120,</part-num-ref>
+ <part-num-ref name="postal indicia image 120,">320</part-num-ref>
+ described in conjunction with any of FIG. <confidence value="588">1A,</confidence>
+ FIG. <confidence value="586">1B,</confidence>
+ and/or FIG. 3A. The postal indicia image <part-num-ref name="postal indicia image">320</part-num-ref>
+ may, according to some embodiments, be modified (e.g., from the standard, default, and/or other indicia image format) to not overlap either or both of the <confidence value="5">F</confidence>
+IM component <part-num-ref name="FIM component">308</part-num-ref>
+ and the postage guide <part-num-ref name="postage guide">310.</part-num-ref>
+ For example, portions of the indicia image <part-num-ref name="indicia image">320</part-num-ref>
+ may be omitted, reduced in size <confidence value="22285586852">(1032246.2)</confidence>
+ <boundary-data type="header">15 of 31</boundary-data>
+      <page-break num="16"/>
+      <boundary-data type="header">F-782                                     Express Mail Label No.: ED 164 264 626 US</boundary-data>
+and/or font, and/or otherwise shortened and/or <confidence value="8">m</confidence>
+oved to prevent conflict with any or all objects pre-printed on the mail piece <part-num-ref name="mail piece">302.</part-num-ref>
+    </p>
+    <p id="p-71" num="71">[0059]      As shown in FIG. 3B, for example, the postal indicia image <part-num-ref name="postal indicia image">320</part-num-ref>
+ may be altered to fit between, below, and/or around either or both of the FIM component <part-num-ref name="FIM component">308</part-num-ref>
+ and the postage guide <part-num-ref name="postage guide">310.</part-num-ref>
+ In some embodiments, the eagle image may, for example, be shortened and/or otherwise altered to allow it to fit between the FIM component <part-num-ref name="FIM component">308</part-num-ref>
+ and the postage guide <part-num-ref name="postage guide">310.</part-num-ref>
+ Similarly, the data fields may be arranged to fit between and/or under the components <part-num-ref name="components">308,</part-num-ref>
+ <part-num-ref name="components 308,">310,</part-num-ref>
+ while the two-dimensional barcode and/or the "non profit organization" slogan may be printed to the left of the <confidence value="686">FIM</confidence>
+ component <part-num-ref name="FIM component">308.</part-num-ref>
+    </p>
+    <p id="p-72" num="72">[0060]      In some embodiments, the altered indicia image <part-num-ref name="altered indicia image">320</part-num-ref>
+ may be longer than the standard and/or default indicia image (e.g., the indicia image 120). At least because overlapping the return address template <part-num-ref name="return address template">306</part-num-ref>
+ may not be of great concern on longer mail pieces <part-num-ref name="may not be of great concern on longer mail pieces">302</part-num-ref>
+ like business-size envelopes, for example, the length of the indicia image <part-num-ref name="indicia image">320</part-num-ref>
+ may be extended to facilitate avoidance of the pre-printed components <part-num-ref name="pre-printed components">308,</part-num-ref>
+ <part-num-ref name="pre-printed components 308,">310.</part-num-ref>
+    </p>
+    <p id="p-73" num="73">According to some embodiments, such as in the case where pre-printed objects are to be avoided on a small mail piece such as a postcard, the indicia image <part-num-ref name="indicia image">320</part-num-ref>
+ may need to be shortened as well as restructured to prevent pre-printed object overlapping and/or mail piece <part-num-ref name="may need to be shortened as well as restructured to prevent pre-printed object overlapping and/or mail piece">302</part-num-ref>
+ overrunning.    </p>
+    <p id="p-74" num="74">[0061]      According to some embodiments, a postal indicia image format may be selected automatically by the postal indicia image printing apparatus. Referring to FIG. 4, <confidence value="5">f</confidence>
+or example, a flow diagram of a method <part-num-ref name="method">400</part-num-ref>
+ according to some embodiments is shown.    </p>
+    <p id="p-75" num="75">In some embodiments, the method <part-num-ref name="method">400</part-num-ref>
+ may be similar to the method <part-num-ref name="method">200</part-num-ref>
+ described herein. The method <part-num-ref name="method">400</part-num-ref>
+ may, for example, be utilized and/or carried out to select and/or print postal indicia images of various formats on mail pieces (e.g., mail pieces <part-num-ref name="mail pieces">102,</part-num-ref>
+ 302).    </p>
+    <p id="p-76" num="76">According to some embodiments, the postal indicia image formats may be selected to prevent object overlap on the mail piece, prevent overrun of the mail piece itself, and/or to conserve printing resources.</p>
+    <p id="p-77" num="77">[0062]      The method <part-num-ref name="method">400</part-num-ref>
+ may begin at <part-num-ref name="may begin at">402,</part-num-ref>
+ according to some embodiments, to store a plurality of indicia image formats. A postal indicia printing apparatus may, for example, store and/or otherwise have access to various images, templates, and/or other <boundary-data type="header">
+        <confidence value="68">(1</confidence>
+003224<confidence value="6682">6.2}</confidence>
+      </boundary-data>
+      <boundary-data type="header">16 of 31</boundary-data>
+      <page-break num="17"/>
+      <boundary-data type="header">F-782                                       Express Mail Label No.: ED 164 264 626 US</boundary-data>
+information associated with multiple indicia image formats. The formats may, in some embodiments, comprise different layouts and/or dimensions. Some of the indicia image formats may be configured for small mail pieces and/or some of the indicia image formats may be configured to print indicia images on pre-printed return envelopes (such as the envelopes <part-num-ref name="envelopes">102,</part-num-ref>
+ <part-num-ref name="envelopes 102,">302</part-num-ref>
+ of FIG. <confidence value="5">1</confidence>
+B and FIG. 3B). Some indicia image formats may comprise fields for printing various postal and/or user information, and other indicia image formats may comprise different fields and/or different information.    </p>
+    <p id="p-78" num="78">[0063]      At 404, the method <part-num-ref name="method">400</part-num-ref>
+ may continue to determine a type of a mail piece.    </p>
+    <p id="p-79" num="79">The postal indicia printing apparatus may, for example, scan an inserted mail piece to determine mail piece dimensions. In some embodiments, a user may provide an indication of the mail piece type by, for example, entering a code associated with a particular mail piece type and/or postal rate class. According to some embodiments, such as in the case that the postal indicia printing apparatus stores various mail piece stock and/or is otherwise capable of selecting various mail piece types for printing, the apparatus may automatically determine and/or select the mail piece type.</p>
+    <p id="p-80" num="80">[0064]      The method <part-num-ref name="method">400</part-num-ref>
+ may continue at <part-num-ref name="may continue at">406,</part-num-ref>
+ for example, to select an indicia image format. In some embodiments, such as described in conjunction with the method <part-num-ref name="method">200,</part-num-ref>
+ a user may select the indicia image format. According to some embodiments, the apparatus may automatically select the indicia image format (e.g., without requiring substantial input from the user). The apparatus may, for example, provisionally select an indicia image format such as a standard and/or default indicia image format. In some embodiments, the user may pre-specify and/or select an indicia image format for the apparatus to utilize as a standard and/or default indicia image format.    </p>
+    <p id="p-81" num="81">[0065]      According to some embodiments, the method <part-num-ref name="method">400</part-num-ref>
+ may continue at <part-num-ref name="may continue at">408</part-num-ref>
+ by determining whether the selected indicia image format will fit on the mail piece. The determination at <part-num-ref name="determination at">408</part-num-ref>
+ may, for example, be a preliminary determination to check whether the selected indicia image format is appropriate for the mail piece and/or mail piece type.    </p>
+    <p id="p-82" num="82">A standard indicia image format may, for example, not be appropriate for printing on a postcard because the standard indicia image may overrun an edge of the postcard.</p>
+    <p id="p-83" num="83">According to some embodiments, the determination at <part-num-ref name="determination at">408</part-num-ref>
+ may be made after all postal <confidence value="1556666">o003224</confidence>
+6.2 <confidence value="2">)</confidence>
+ <boundary-data type="header">17 of 31</boundary-data>
+      <page-break num="18"/>
+      <boundary-data type="header">F-782                                      Express Mail Label No.: ED 164 264 626 US</boundary-data>
+indicia image components, such as advertising slogans, postal endorsements or inscriptions, and/or tracking barcodes, have been selected (e.g., by a user) and/or determined. In some embodiments, the determination may be made by comparing one or more dimensions of the mail piece with one or more dimensions of the selected indicia image format. In the case that the indicia image format dimension is larger than the dimension of the mail piece, the indicia image format may be determined not to fit on the mail piece.    </p>
+    <p id="p-84" num="84">[0066]      If it is determined that the indicia image format may not fit on the mail piece, the method <part-num-ref name="method">400</part-num-ref>
+ may continue at <part-num-ref name="may continue at">410</part-num-ref>
+ to determine whether the indicia image may be adjusted to fit on the mail piece. The indicia image format may, for example, be adjusted by reducing font and/or image sizes, omitting human-readable information, and/or rearranging the placement and/or organization of indicia information. According to some embodiments, various criteria (e.g., defined by a user) may govern the determination as to whether the indicia image format may be modified to fit the mail piece.    </p>
+    <p id="p-85" num="85">[0067]      In the case that a user indicates that certain information and/or indicia objects are necessary and/or not to be modified, for example, the indicia image format may not be capable of avoiding overrunning an edge of the mail piece. In some embodiments, if the indicia image format does not fit the mail piece and/or may not be modified (and/or easily modified) to fit the mail piece, the method <part-num-ref name="method">400</part-num-ref>
+ may revert to <part-num-ref name="may revert to">406</part-num-ref>
+ to select a different indicia image format. In some embodiments, the apparatus may iterate through indicia image format selections until an indicia image format is selected that does fit on the mail piece and/or may be adjusted to fit on the mail piece.    </p>
+    <p id="p-86" num="86">[0068]      According to some embodiments, if the indicia image format can be adjusted to fit the mail piece, the method <part-num-ref name="method">400</part-num-ref>
+ may proceed to <part-num-ref name="may proceed to">412</part-num-ref>
+ to adjust the indicia image format. The indicia image format may be adjusted, for example, to fit within the boundaries of the mail piece and/or to fit within a designated print area of the mail piece.    </p>
+    <p id="p-87" num="87">A user may, for example, define various margins, setbacks, and/or other constraints or criteria defining the designated print area for the mail piece. In some embodiments, the user may be prompted to enter and/or define the designated print area. The designated <boundary-data type="header">
+        <confidence value="58">(1</confidence>
+0032246.2<confidence value="2">)</confidence>
+      </boundary-data>
+      <boundary-data type="header">18 of 31</boundary-data>
+      <page-break num="19"/>
+      <boundary-data type="header">F-782                                       Express Mail Label No.: ED 164 264 626 US</boundary-data>
+print area may be defined for each <confidence value="222222">and/or</confidence>
+ every i<confidence value="67">nd</confidence>
+ividual mail piece and/or may be defined for one or more classes or types of mail pieces.    </p>
+    <p id="p-88" num="88">[0069]      In some embodiments, such as in the case that the apparatus stores one or more indicia image formats for various mail piece types, the determinations at <part-num-ref name="determinations at">408</part-num-ref>
+ and/or <part-num-ref name="and/or">410</part-num-ref>
+ may be unnecessary. For example, in the case that the apparatus determines the mail type at <part-num-ref name="mail type at">404,</part-num-ref>
+ the selection of the indicia at <part-num-ref name="indicia at">406</part-num-ref>
+ may be based upon the determined mail type. In some embodiments for example, such as in the case that the mail piece is determined to be a postcard and/or other small mail piece, the apparatus may select a standard and/or default indicia image associated with the postcard and/or small mail type.    </p>
+    <p id="p-89" num="89">The indicia image format may, for example, be selected from a group of indicia image formats pre-determined to fit on mail pieces of the associated mail type (e.g., postcards).</p>
+    <p id="p-90" num="90">According to some embodiments, the method <part-num-ref name="method">400</part-num-ref>
+ may proceed directly from the indicia image format selection at <part-num-ref name="indicia image format selection at">406</part-num-ref>
+ to the process at <part-num-ref name="process at">414.</part-num-ref>
+    </p>
+    <p id="p-91" num="91">[0070]      The method <part-num-ref name="method">400,</part-num-ref>
+ whether continuing from the indicia image format selection at <part-num-ref name="indicia image format selection at">406</part-num-ref>
+ or the indicia image format adjustment at <part-num-ref name="indicia image format adjustment at">412,</part-num-ref>
+ may, according to some embodiments, continue at <part-num-ref name="indicia image format adjustment at 412, may, according to some embodiments, continue at">414</part-num-ref>
+ to identify any objects printed on the mail piece. The postal indicia printing apparatus may, for example, direct a signal toward the mail piece (e.g., in the case that the mail piece is inserted into and/or passed through the apparatus).    </p>
+    <p id="p-92" num="92">In some embodiments, the signal (and/or a portion thereof) may be bounced back to a receiver of the apparatus. The receipt of the signal by the apparatus, the form, content, and/or other information associated with the signal may, for example, indicate the presence and/or location of any or all objects printed on the mail piece. According to some embodiments, the mail piece may be scanned by the apparatus utilizing any method and/or procedure for scanning documents that is or becomes known or practicable.</p>
+    <p id="p-93" num="93">[0071<confidence value="4">1</confidence>
+      In some embodiments, a user may indicate to the apparatus that one or more objects are printed on the mail piece. The user may, for example, designate one or more areas of the mail piece (e.g., by entering margins and/or otherwise defining locations and/or sizes of pre-printed objects) that may be occupied by one or more pre- printed objects. In some embodiments, the user may also or alternatively designate and/or define one or more areas of the mail piece that are free of pre-printed objects (i.e., clear <confidence value="726666886684">(n0032246.2)</confidence>
+ <boundary-data type="header">19 of 31</boundary-data>
+      <page-break num="20"/>
+      <boundary-data type="header">F-782                                      Express Mail Label No.: ED 164 264 626 US</boundary-data>
+print areas). Pre-printed objects may include, for example, but are not limited to, return addresses and/or return address templates or guides, addresses and/or address templates or guides, barcodes (such as tracking barcodes), FIM objects, logos, postage guides, and/or any combinations thereof.    </p>
+    <p id="p-94" num="94">[0072<confidence value="5">]</confidence>
+      In some embodiments, an object "printed" on the mail piece may comprise an object adhered to the mail piece and/or an object that creates a discontinuity in the mail piece surface. Such objects may include, for example, but are not limited to, stickers, address and/or return address labels, address and/or return address windows (including cellophane and/or laminated windows), and/or any combinations thereof.    </p>
+    <p id="p-95" num="95">[0073]      The method <part-num-ref name="method">400</part-num-ref>
+ may continue at <part-num-ref name="may continue at">416,</part-num-ref>
+ according to some embodiments, by determining whether the indicia image format may overlap an identified object. The size and/or position of the indicia image format may, for example, be compared to the size and/or position of any pre-printed objects determined to be on the mail piece. In the case that the selected indicia image format is determined not to overlap any objects on the mail piece, the method <part-num-ref name="method">400</part-num-ref>
+ may continue at <part-num-ref name="may continue at">418</part-num-ref>
+ to print, on the mail piece, an indicia image in accordance with the indicia image format. Any data fields defined by the indicia image format may, for example, be populated and the resulting indicia image may be printed on the mail piece.    </p>
+    <p id="p-96" num="96">[0074]      In the case that the indicia image format is determined to overlap one or more objects on the mail piece, the method <part-num-ref name="method">400</part-num-ref>
+ may continue at <part-num-ref name="may continue at">420</part-num-ref>
+ to determine whether the indicia image format can be adjusted not to overlap the one or more objects.    </p>
+    <p id="p-97" num="97">The apparatus may, for example, alter, rearrange, and/or reposition the indicia image format to avoid overlapping any objects on the mail piece. In some embodiments, a user may provide input to determine how the indicia image format may be adjusted. The user may, for example, determine and/or direct how the indicia image format is to be rearranged and/or repositioned for printing an indicia image on the mail piece without overlapping other objects. In some embodiments, the apparatus may automatically determine how the indicia image format is to be adjusted and/or repositioned. According to some embodiments, the apparatus may iterate through a variety of strategies in an attempt to properly adjust, rearrange, and/or reposition the indicia image format.</p>
+    <boundary-data type="header">
+      <confidence value="5855884">(100322</confidence>
+46.2<confidence value="2">)</confidence>
+    </boundary-data>
+    <boundary-data type="header">20 of 31</boundary-data>
+    <boundary-data type="header">F-782                                      Express Mail Label No.: ED 164 264 626 US</boundary-data>
+    <p id="p-98" num="98">
+      <page-break num="21"/>
+[0075]      In some embodiments, the <confidence value="2222222222222">indicia'image</confidence>
+ format may not be capable of being adjusted to prevent overlap of an object on the mail piece. According to some embodiments, the method <part-num-ref name="method">400</part-num-ref>
+ may revert to <part-num-ref name="may revert to">406</part-num-ref>
+ to select a different indicia image format. In some embodiments, the apparatus may prompt the user to make a determination. The apparatus may, for example, notify the user of the inability to prevent overlap and/or may request that the user determine a course of action. The user may, for example, determine that the method <part-num-ref name="method">400</part-num-ref>
+ is to revert to <part-num-ref name="is to revert to">406</part-num-ref>
+ and that a different indicia image format be selected. In some embodiments, the user may command the apparatus to print the indicia image utilizing the selected indicia image format despite the overlap. In the case that the overlap has been minimized by indicia image selections and/or adjustments made by the apparatus, for example, and/or the overlap is substantially unavoidable, the user may desire that the indicia image format be used to print an indicia image on the mail piece nonetheless.    </p>
+    <p id="p-99" num="99">[0076]      In the case that the indicia image format may be adjusted to avoid overlapping objects printed on the mail piece, the method <part-num-ref name="method">400</part-num-ref>
+ may continue at <part-num-ref name="may continue at">422</part-num-ref>
+ to adjust the indicia image format. According to some embodiments, once the indicia image format is adjusted to avoid overlap printing, the method <part-num-ref name="method">400</part-num-ref>
+ may continue at <part-num-ref name="may continue at">418</part-num-ref>
+ to print, on the mail piece, an indicia image in accordance with the indicia image format. In such a manner, for example, an indicia image format may be selected that results in printing an indicia image on the mail piece that does not overrun the mail piece and/or overlap objects on the mail piece.    </p>
+    <p id="p-100" num="100">[0077]      According to some embodiments, the apparatus may also or alternatively select and/or prioritize indicia image format selection to conserve printing resources. The apparatus may, for example, determine that a printing resource is to be conserved (e.g., ink and/or toner is determined to be low and/or memory and/or battery power is determined to be low) and automatically select an indicia image format configured to reduce the consumption of the printing resource. In some embodiments, a user may utilize a setup program to configure the apparatus. The user may, for example, prioritize the prevention of overlap and/or overrun printing over the conservation of printing resources. According to some embodiments, the user may specify if and/or when printing resources are to be conserved.</p>
+    <p id="p-101" num="101">
+      <confidence value="22">(1</confidence>
+003<confidence value="88244">221&amp;2</confidence>
+ <confidence value="5">J</confidence>
+ <boundary-data type="header">21 of 31</boundary-data>
+      <page-break num="22"/>
+      <boundary-data type="header">F-782                                      Express Mail Label No.: ED 164 264 626 US</boundary-data>
+[0078]      Referring now to <confidence value="66">FI</confidence>
+G. 5, a block diagram of a system <part-num-ref name="system">500</part-num-ref>
+ according to some embodiments is shown. The system <part-num-ref name="system">500</part-num-ref>
+ may, for example, be utilized to implement and/or perform the methods <part-num-ref name="methods">200,</part-num-ref>
+ <part-num-ref name="methods 200,">400</part-num-ref>
+ described herein and/or may be associated with the mail pieces <part-num-ref name="mail pieces">102,</part-num-ref>
+ <part-num-ref name="mail pieces 102,">302</part-num-ref>
+ described in conjunction with any of FIG. <confidence value="5">I</confidence>
+A, <confidence value="66">FI</confidence>
+G. <confidence value="5">1</confidence>
+B, FIG. 2, FIG.    </p>
+    <p id="p-102" num="102">3A, <confidence value="66">FI</confidence>
+G. 3B, and/or FIG. 4. In some embodiments, fewer or more components than are shown in <confidence value="66">FI</confidence>
+G. <confidence value="5">5</confidence>
+ may be included in the system <part-num-ref name="system">500.</part-num-ref>
+ According to some embodiments, different types, layouts, quantities, and configurations of systems may be used.    </p>
+    <p id="p-103" num="103">[0079]      In some embodiments, the system <part-num-ref name="system">500</part-num-ref>
+ may be or include postal indicia printing apparatus such as a personal postage meter. The system <part-num-ref name="system">500</part-num-ref>
+ may also or alternatively comprise a computer such as a Personal Computer (PC) or computer server.    </p>
+    <p id="p-104" num="104">The system 500 may include, for example, one or more processors <part-num-ref name="may include, for example, one or more processors">502,</part-num-ref>
+ which may be any type or configuration of processor, microprocessor, and/or micro-engine that is or becomes known or available. In some embodiments, the system <part-num-ref name="system">500</part-num-ref>
+ may also or alternatively include one or more communication interfaces <part-num-ref name="may also or alternatively include one or more communication interfaces">504,</part-num-ref>
+ one or more input devices <part-num-ref name="may also or alternatively include one or more communication interfaces 504, one or more input devices">506,</part-num-ref>
+ one or more output devices <part-num-ref name="may also or alternatively include one or more communication interfaces 504, one or more input devices 506, one or more output devices">508,</part-num-ref>
+ and/or a memory device <part-num-ref name="memory device">510,</part-num-ref>
+ all and/or any of which may be in communication with the processor <part-num-ref name="processor">502.</part-num-ref>
+ The memory device <part-num-ref name="memory device">510</part-num-ref>
+ may store, for example, indicia image formats <part-num-ref name="may store, for example, indicia image formats">512</part-num-ref>
+ and/or an indicia image format selection module <part-num-ref name="indicia image format selection module">514.</part-num-ref>
+    </p>
+    <p id="p-105" num="105">[0080]      The communication interface <part-num-ref name="communication interface">504</part-num-ref>
+ may be or include any type and/or configuration of communication device that is or becomes known or available. In some embodiments, the communication device <part-num-ref name="communication device">504</part-num-ref>
+ may allow the system <part-num-ref name="system">500</part-num-ref>
+ (and/or the processor <part-num-ref name="processor">502)</part-num-ref>
+ to communicate with, for example, one or more other systems and/or devices such as other postal-related devices. According to some embodiments, the communication interface <part-num-ref name="communication interface">504</part-num-ref>
+ may be or include a Network Interface Card (NIC) such as an Intel<confidence value="5">@</confidence>
+ PRO/<confidence value="5">1</confidence>
+000 <confidence value="66">MT</confidence>
+ Desktop Adaptor that operates in accordance with the Fast Ethernet LAN transmission standard 802.3-2002<confidence value="4">®</confidence>
+ published by the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE), or an Intel<confidence value="5">@</confidence>
+ PRO/Wireless 2225BG Network Connection that operates in accordance with the Wireless LAN transmission standard 802.1<confidence value="5">1</confidence>
+B/G-1999/2003<confidence value="4">®</confidence>
+ published by the IEEE.    </p>
+    <boundary-data type="header">
+      <confidence value="226626666666">(10022246.2)</confidence>
+    </boundary-data>
+    <boundary-data type="header">22 of 31</boundary-data>
+    <boundary-data type="header">F-782                                     Express Mail Label No.: ED 164 264 626 US</boundary-data>
+    <p id="p-106" num="106">
+      <page-break num="23"/>
+[0081<confidence value="4">]</confidence>
+      The input device <part-num-ref name="input device">506</part-num-ref>
+ may be or in<confidence value="8">c</confidence>
+lude one or more conventional devices such as a keypad or discrete buttons, a keyboard, a mouse, a trackball, etc. The input device <part-num-ref name="input device">506</part-num-ref>
+ may be utilized, for example, by a user to interface with the system <part-num-ref name="system">500</part-num-ref>
+ to select postal indicia image formats and/or print postal indicia images in accordance with embodiments described herein. The output device <part-num-ref name="output device">508</part-num-ref>
+ may be or include any type of output device that is or becomes known or practicable, including, but not limited to, a printer, a Cathode Ray Tube (CRT) display device, a Liquid Crystal Display (LCD) device, and/or a Light-Emitting Diode (LED) display device. In some embodiments, the output device <part-num-ref name="output device">508</part-num-ref>
+ may be or include a printer to print postal indicia images in accordance with one or more of the indicia image formats <part-num-ref name="indicia image formats">512.</part-num-ref>
+    </p>
+    <p id="p-107" num="107">[0082]      The memory device <part-num-ref name="memory device">510</part-num-ref>
+ may be or include, according to some embodiments, one or more magnetic storage devices, such as hard disks, one or more optical storage devices, and/or solid state storage. The memory device <part-num-ref name="memory device">510</part-num-ref>
+ may store, for example, the indicia image formats <part-num-ref name="indicia image formats">512</part-num-ref>
+ and/or the indicia image format selection module <part-num-ref name="indicia image format selection module">514.</part-num-ref>
+ In some embodiments, the indicia image format selection module <part-num-ref name="indicia image format selection module">514</part-num-ref>
+ may store instructions that cause the processor <part-num-ref name="processor">502</part-num-ref>
+ to operate in accordance with embodiments described herein. The indicia image format selection module <part-num-ref name="indicia image format selection module">514</part-num-ref>
+ may, for example, automatically select one of the indicia image formats <part-num-ref name="indicia image formats">512</part-num-ref>
+ for use in printing an indicia image on a mail piece.    </p>
+    <p id="p-108" num="108">[0083]      In some embodiments, the system <part-num-ref name="system">500</part-num-ref>
+ and/or the processor <part-num-ref name="processor">502</part-num-ref>
+ may, for example, operate in accordance with any of the methods <part-num-ref name="methods">200,</part-num-ref>
+ <part-num-ref name="methods 200,">400</part-num-ref>
+ described herein.    </p>
+    <p id="p-109" num="109">According to some embodiments, the system <part-num-ref name="system">500</part-num-ref>
+ may utilize the indicia image format selection module <part-num-ref name="indicia image format selection module">514</part-num-ref>
+ to automatically select an indicia image format <part-num-ref name="indicia image format">512</part-num-ref>
+ to utilize in printing an indicia image on a mail piece. The indicia image format <part-num-ref name="indicia image format">512</part-num-ref>
+ may be selected, for example, to print an indicia image on the mail piece without overlapping objects on the mail piece and/or without overrunning an edge of the mail piece itself.    </p>
+    <p id="p-110" num="110">[0084]      According to some embodiments, the indicia image format selection module <part-num-ref name="indicia image format selection module">514</part-num-ref>
+ may also or alternatively select an indicia image format <part-num-ref name="indicia image format">512</part-num-ref>
+ to conserve a printing resource. A user may direct the system <part-num-ref name="system">500,</part-num-ref>
+ for example, to automatically utilize the smallest indicia image format <part-num-ref name="smallest indicia image format">512</part-num-ref>
+ that is practicable for use in printing an indicia <confidence value="555">(00</confidence>
+322<confidence value="2">.</confidence>
+6.2 <confidence value="4">)</confidence>
+ <boundary-data type="header">23 of 31</boundary-data>
+      <page-break num="24"/>
+      <boundary-data type="header">F-782                                      Express Mail Label No.: ED 164 264 626 US</boundary-data>
+image on a given mail piece and/or mail type. In some embodiments, the system <part-num-ref name="system">500</part-num-ref>
+ and/or the processor <part-num-ref name="processor">502</part-num-ref>
+ may automatically determine that a printing resource is to be conserved and may automatically select an indicia image format <part-num-ref name="indicia image format">512</part-num-ref>
+ configured to conserve the printing resource.    </p>
+    <p id="p-111" num="111">[0085]      In some embodiments, the system <part-num-ref name="system">500</part-num-ref>
+ may also or alternatively comprise a scanner <part-num-ref name="scanner">516.</part-num-ref>
+ The scanner <part-num-ref name="scanner">516</part-num-ref>
+ may, for example, be any type and/or configuration of device capable of detecting, identifying, and/or otherwise determining the presence and/or characteristics of a mail piece. According to some embodiments, the scanner <part-num-ref name="scanner">516</part-num-ref>
+ may be utilized to determine a type of mail piece. The scanner <part-num-ref name="scanner">516</part-num-ref>
+ may, for example, determine one or more dimensions associated with a mail piece (e.g., a mail piece inserted into the scanner <part-num-ref name="scanner">516</part-num-ref>
+ and/or otherwise associated with the system 500). In some embodiments, the scanner <part-num-ref name="scanner">516</part-num-ref>
+ may provide scanning information to the processor <part-num-ref name="processor">502</part-num-ref>
+ (e.g., to determine the mail piece type and/or other characteristics).    </p>
+    <p id="p-112" num="112">[0086]      Any or all components 502, 504, 506, 508, 510, 516 of the system <part-num-ref name="system">500</part-num-ref>
+ may, according to some embodiments, be contained in and/or supported by a housing <part-num-ref name="housing">518.</part-num-ref>
+ The housing <part-num-ref name="housing">518</part-num-ref>
+ may, for example, be a compact housing such as a compact housing of conventional postage meters. In the case that the system <part-num-ref name="system">500</part-num-ref>
+ is a personal postage meter, for example, the housing <part-num-ref name="housing">518</part-num-ref>
+ may be or include a compact plastic housing that contains one or more of the components <part-num-ref name="components">502,</part-num-ref>
+ <part-num-ref name="components 502,">504,</part-num-ref>
+ <part-num-ref name="components 502, 504,">506,</part-num-ref>
+ <part-num-ref name="components 502, 504, 506,">508,</part-num-ref>
+ <part-num-ref name="components 502, 504, 506, 508,">510,</part-num-ref>
+ <part-num-ref name="components 502, 504, 506, 508, 510,">516.</part-num-ref>
+ In some embodiments, such as in the case that the housing <part-num-ref name="housing">518</part-num-ref>
+ houses the scanner <part-num-ref name="scanner">516,</part-num-ref>
+ the housing <part-num-ref name="housing">518</part-num-ref>
+ may define an opening (not shown) that permits a mail piece to be inserted into the system <part-num-ref name="system">500</part-num-ref>
+ to be scanned and/or printed upon (e.g., a postal indicia image may be printed by the output device 508).    </p>
+    <p id="p-113" num="113">[0087]      In an alternative embodiment, the use of postal indicia strip tapes is facilitated. Certain mailing machines and postage meters may print postage indicia on strip tapes that may be later affixed to a mail piece. In this embodiment, precut strip tapes of a certain length are utilized. When the mailing machine is placed in the strip tape-printing mode, the system prompts the user to enter or select the size of the strip tapes that are being used. The system either prompts the user for a selection among commonly used strip tape sizes or requests entry of the length using the numeric keypad.</p>
+    <boundary-data type="header">
+      <confidence value="21">{I</confidence>
+0032246.2 <confidence value="4">)</confidence>
+    </boundary-data>
+    <boundary-data type="header">24 of 31</boundary-data>
+    <boundary-data type="header">F-782                                        Express Mail Label No.: ED 164 264 626 US</boundary-data>
+    <p id="p-114" num="114">
+      <page-break num="25"/>
+[0088]       In another alternative embodiment, the mailing machine postage meter includes the capability to print portions of the postal indicia based upon a postal indicia field priority list. For example, a representative postal indicia includes several field such as a 2D barcode including postage indicia data (priority level 1), a human readable indicia portion that includes a postage amount, zip code, and meter number among other human readable sub fields (priority level <part-num-ref name="postage amount, zip code, and meter number among other human readable sub fields (priority level">2)</part-num-ref>
+ and an inscription (priority level 3).    </p>
+    <p id="p-115" num="115">Additionally, the postal indicia includes an ad slogan (priority level 4). Depending on the size of the mail piece available for printing, the system drops fields that will not fit in priority order. If the mailing machine is also printing additional fields such as a return address (priority level 5), tracking barcode (priority level <part-num-ref name="return address (priority level 5), tracking barcode (priority level">6)</part-num-ref>
+ or other fields, those fields may also be assigned a priority for printing on a mail piece. In that way, the system may determine not to print the mail piece return address and instead print a full postal indicia.    </p>
+    <p id="p-116" num="116">In an alternative setting, the system may print the return address, but instead select to print a short postal indicia due to the presence and/or size of the return address field.</p>
+    <p id="p-117" num="117">[0089]       The words "comprise," "comprises," "comprising," "include," "including," and "includes" when used in this specification and in the following claims are intended to specify the presence of stated features, elements, integers, components, or procedures, but they do not preclude the presence and/or addition of one or more other features, elements, integers, components, procedures, and/or combinations thereof.</p>
+    <p id="p-118" num="118">[0090]       A number of embodiments have been described. Nevertheless, it will be understood that various modifications may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of some embodiments. Accordingly, other embodiments are within the scope of the following claims.</p>
+    <p id="p-119" num="119">
+      <confidence value="4">1</confidence>
+0032<confidence value="5">2</confidence>
+46.2 <confidence value="8">)</confidence>
+ <boundary-data type="header">25 of 31</boundary-data>
+    </p>
+  </description>
+</us-patent-application>
+

prior_art/11032384.xml

@@ -0,0 +1,366 @@
+<?xml version="1.0" encoding="utf-8"?>
+<!DOCTYPE us-patent-application SYSTEM "PATI-v1.0.3-2011-06-23.dtd">
+<us-patent-application lang="EN" dtd-version="v1.0.3 2011-06-23" id="us-patent-application" country="US">
+  <us-bibliographic-data-application lang="EN" country="US">
+    <application-reference appl-type="utility">
+      <document-id>
+        <doc-number>11032384</doc-number>
+        <date>2005-01-10</date>
+      </document-id>
+    </application-reference>
+  </us-bibliographic-data-application>
+  <description id="description">
+    <boundary-data type="header">200404065-1</boundary-data>
+    <p id="p-1" num="1">EV510354735US </p>
+    <heading id="h-1">AUTOMATED ALERTS FOR RESOURCE RETENTION</heading>
+    <heading id="h-2">PROBLEMS</heading>
+    <p id="p-2" num="2">Inventors:</p>
+    <p id="p-3" num="3">
+      <boundary-data type="line-number">5           </boundary-data>
+Piotr Findeisen, David Isaiah Seidman, and Joseph Coha     </p>
+    <heading id="h-3">BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION</heading>
+    <p id="p-4" num="4">
+      <boundary-data type="line-number">
+        <confidence value="86">10</confidence>
+        </boundary-data>
+      <confidence value="6">F</confidence>
+ield of the Invention The present invention relates generally to computer systems.    </p>
+    <p id="p-5" num="5">Descri<confidence value="8">p</confidence>
+tion of the Back<confidence value="5">g</confidence>
+round Art <boundary-data type="line-number">
+        <confidence value="88">15</confidence>
+      </boundary-data>
+ Undesired Retention of Limited Resources One of the issues involved in information processing on computer systems is the undesired retention of limited resources by computer programs, such as applications or operating systems. Typically, a computer system is <boundary-data type="line-number">20  </boundary-data>
+comprised of limited resources, regardless of whether the resources are physical, virtual, or abstract. Examples of such resources are memory, disk space, file descriptors, socket port numbers, database connections or other entities that are manipulated by computer programs.    </p>
+    <p id="p-6" num="6">A computer program may dynamically allocate resources for its <boundary-data type="line-number">25  </boundary-data>
+exclusive use during its execution. When a resource is no longer needed, it may be released by the program. Releasing the resource can be done by an explicit action performed by the program, or by an automatic resource management system.    </p>
+    <p id="p-7" num="7">
+      <boundary-data type="line-number">30            </boundary-data>
+Memory leaks As mentioned above, one example of a managed resource is memory in a computer system that may be allocated to programs at runtime. In other words, this portion of memory is dynamically managed. The entity that <boundary-data type="header">
+        <confidence value="8">1</confidence>
+      </boundary-data>
+      <page-break num="2"/>
+      <boundary-data type="header">200404065-1</boundary-data>
+dynamically manages memory is usually referred to as a memory manager, and the memory managed by the memory manager is often referred to as a memory "heap." Blocks of the memory heap may be allocated temporarily to a specific program and then freed when no longer needed by the program. Free blocks <boundary-data type="line-number">5  </boundary-data>
+are available for re-allocation.    </p>
+    <p id="p-8" num="8">In some programming languages, such as C and C++ and others, the memory manager functionality is typically provided by the application program itself. Any release of unneeded memory is controlled by the programmer. Failure to explicitly release unneeded memory results in memory <boundary-data type="line-number">10  </boundary-data>
+being wasted, as it will not be used by this or any other program. Program errors which lead to such wasted memory are often called "memory leaks." In other programming languages, such as Java, Eiffel, C sharp (C#) and others, automatic memory management is employed, rather than explicit memory release. Automatic memory management, popularly known in <boundary-data type="line-number">15 </boundary-data>
+the art as "garbage collection," is an active component of the runtime system associated with the implementation of these programming languages. The automatic memory management removes unneeded chunks of allocated memory, also known as objects, from the heap during the application execution.    </p>
+    <p id="p-9" num="9">An object is unneeded if the application can no longer use it during its execution.</p>
+    <p id="p-10" num="10">
+      <boundary-data type="line-number">20            </boundary-data>
+A frequent problem appearing in applications written in languages with automatic memory management is that some objects remain live despite being no longer needed and often contrary to the programmer's intentions. This is typically caused by either design or coding errors within the application program, but it may also be caused by shortcomings in the garbage collector.    </p>
+    <p id="p-11" num="11">
+      <boundary-data type="line-number">25  </boundary-data>
+Such objects are referred to as retained or "lingering objects", or sometimes also as "memory leaks." Regardless of whether the language runtime has automatic memory management, memory leaks accumulate wasted memory over time.    </p>
+    <p id="p-12" num="12">This unnecessarily builds up the heap and causes various performance <boundary-data type="line-number">30  </boundary-data>
+problems. It may eventually lead to an application that is no longer able to make efficient forward progress, often followed by a premature application termination when memory is finally exhausted.    </p>
+    <boundary-data type="header">
+      <confidence value="8">2</confidence>
+    </boundary-data>
+    <boundary-data type="header">200404065-1</boundary-data>
+    <p id="p-13" num="13">
+      <page-break num="3"/>
+It is useful and advantageous, particularly in production environments, to detect and be alerted to the presence of memory leaks at an early time, before an application reaches an unstable state. Early detection and notification of memory leaks gives the operations staff choices, such as a <boundary-data type="line-number">5  </boundary-data>
+graceful application shutdown, or other contingency actions. Catching such problems early may be particularly useful in environments striving for automatic management of the entire computing infrastructure.    </p>
+    <p id="p-14" num="14">Prior attempts have been made to deal with the problem of detecting memory leaks. Some of these prior attempts are now discussed.</p>
+    <p id="p-15" num="15">
+      <boundary-data type="line-number">10            </boundary-data>
+To detect memory leaks or lingering objects, programmers in the development phase of the application life-cycle typically employ memory debugging or memory profiling tools. However, such tools are often unusable in a production environment (i.e., when the application is deployed) because these tools are usually too performance or memory intrusive and may require an <boundary-data type="line-number">15  </boundary-data>
+application to re-start.    </p>
+    <p id="p-16" num="16">A second type of tool, designed for monitoring applications in the production environment, is able to detect and present changes in the size of the heap over time. Using such a tool, the operator can observe the behavior of the heap and use his or her best judgment to deduce that a possible memory <boundary-data type="line-number">20 </boundary-data>
+leakage problem has affected the monitored application.    </p>
+    <p id="p-17" num="17">A third type of tool may alert an operator in a production environment when the level of an available resource reaches a dangerously low condition. For example, such a tool may utilize a simple threshold and provide an alert or alarm when the available resource (for example, free memory) goes <boundary-data type="line-number">25  </boundary-data>
+below that pre-defined threshold. A difficulty with this type of tool is determining a threshold value that gives sufficient advance warning to the operator without being overly conservative. An overly conservative threshold may flood the operator with false alarms, for example, when the resource usage pattern is spiky.    </p>
+    <p id="p-18" num="18">
+      <boundary-data type="line-number">30            </boundary-data>
+A fourth type of tool, also designed for production environment, collects information about the allocation and lifetime of selected objects in the heap. Such tools may employ code instrumentation in the application code and/or libraries to collect the information. These tools typically do not cover all <boundary-data type="header">
+        <confidence value="8">3</confidence>
+      </boundary-data>
+      <page-break num="4"/>
+      <boundary-data type="header">200404065-1</boundary-data>
+situations because they make assumptions about the heap structure of the specific runtime environment and because their code instrumentation is selective. These tools also introduce undesirable overhead to the monitored application. As such, there is a trade-off between the information they collect <boundary-data type="line-number">5  </boundary-data>
+and their level of intrusion.    </p>
+    <heading id="h-4">SUMMARY</heading>
+    <p id="p-19" num="19">One embodiment of the invention relates to a method of automated <boundary-data type="line-number">
+        <confidence value="66">10</confidence>
+        </boundary-data>
+alerts for resource retention problems. Data on the resource usage is obtained as a function of time, and an automated analysis of the resource usage data is performed to determine whether the data indicates a minimum level of retention of the resource that increases over time for a period of time longer than a threshold time period. An alert notification is provided if the analysis determines <boundary-data type="line-number">15 </boundary-data>
+that said indication is inferred from the data.    </p>
+    <p id="p-20" num="20">Another embodiment of the invention relates to an apparatus providing automated alerts for resource retention problems. Computer-readable code of the apparatus is configured to obtain data on the resource usage as a function of time, and to perform an automated analysis of the resource usage <boundary-data type="line-number">20  </boundary-data>
+data to determine whether the data indicates a minimum level of retention of the resource that increases over time for a period of time longer than a threshold time period. An alert notification is provided if the analysis determines that said indication is present in the data.    </p>
+    <p id="p-21" num="21">Other embodiments of the invention are also disclosed.</p>
+    <p id="p-22" num="22">
+      <boundary-data type="line-number">
+        <confidence value="88">25</confidence>
+      </boundary-data>
+     </p>
+    <heading id="h-5">BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS</heading>
+    <p id="p-23" num="23">FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of an exemplary computer system in the context of which an embodiment of the invention may be implemented.</p>
+    <p id="p-24" num="24">
+      <boundary-data type="line-number">30            </boundary-data>
+FIG. 2 is a flow chart depicting an exemplary process for periodically measuring a resource usage level and storing the data in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.    </p>
+    <boundary-data type="header">
+      <confidence value="8">4</confidence>
+    </boundary-data>
+    <boundary-data type="header">200404065-1</boundary-data>
+    <p id="p-25" num="25">
+      <page-break num="5"/>
+FIG. 3 is a flow chart depicting an exemplary method of generating an automated alert regarding a resource retention problem in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.    </p>
+    <p id="p-26" num="26">FIG. 4 is a chart depicting a hypothetical resource usage function <boundary-data type="line-number">5  </boundary-data>
+h(t) over a set of times T that is analyzed to determine the linear function <confidence value="2">I</confidence>
+(t) in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.    </p>
+    <heading id="h-6">DETAILED DESCRIPTION</heading>
+    <p id="p-27" num="27">
+      <boundary-data type="line-number">10            </boundary-data>
+The following detailed description focuses primarily on embodiments of the invention where the resource being managed is a memory heap that may be allocated at runtime to programs. However, the scope of the invention is not necessarily limited to memory management. Other embodiments of the invention may be used in relation to the undesirable <boundary-data type="line-number">15  </boundary-data>
+retention of other available resources in computer systems or in other environments, so long as the level of the available resource may be counted or measured. Other available resources in a computer system to which embodiments of the present invention may be applied include, for example, data storage space in a hard disk or other data storage system, file descriptors, <boundary-data type="line-number">20  </boundary-data>
+socket port numbers, database connections, or other entities that are manipulated by computer programs.    </p>
+    <p id="p-28" num="28">Exem<confidence value="8">p</confidence>
+lar<confidence value="8">y</confidence>
+ embodiments of the invention <confidence value="5">I</confidence>
+n accordance with an embodiment of the invention, the <boundary-data type="line-number">25  </boundary-data>
+aforementioned problems and limitations are overcome with an automated low- intrusion technique for detecting undesired resource retention. The technique is discussed in detail in relation to memory management in a computer system, but the technique may also be applied to other resource usage problems in computer systems or other systems.    </p>
+    <p id="p-29" num="29">
+      <boundary-data type="line-number">30            </boundary-data>
+An embodiment of the invention may be implemented in the context of a computer system, such as, for example, the computer system <part-num-ref name="computer system">60</part-num-ref>
+ depicted in FIG. 1. Other embodiments of the invention may be implemented in the context of different types of computer systems or other systems.    </p>
+    <boundary-data type="header">
+      <confidence value="8">5</confidence>
+    </boundary-data>
+    <boundary-data type="header">200404065-1</boundary-data>
+    <p id="p-30" num="30">
+      <page-break num="6"/>
+The computer system 60 may be configured with a processing unit <part-num-ref name="processing unit">62,</part-num-ref>
+ a system memory <part-num-ref name="system memory">64,</part-num-ref>
+ and a system bus <part-num-ref name="system bus">66</part-num-ref>
+ that couples various system components together, including the system memory <part-num-ref name="system memory">64</part-num-ref>
+ to the processing unit <part-num-ref name="processing unit">62.</part-num-ref>
+    </p>
+    <p id="p-31" num="31">The system bus 66 may be any of several types of bus structures including a <boundary-data type="line-number">5  </boundary-data>
+memory bus or memory controller, a peripheral bus, and a local bus using any of a variety of bus architectures.    </p>
+    <p id="p-32" num="32">Processor 62 typically includes cache circuitry <part-num-ref name="typically includes cache circuitry">61,</part-num-ref>
+ which includes cache memories having cache lines, and pre-fetch circuitry <part-num-ref name="typically includes cache circuitry 61, which includes cache memories having cache lines, and pre-fetch circuitry">63.</part-num-ref>
+ The processor <part-num-ref name="processor">62,</part-num-ref>
+ the cache circuitry <part-num-ref name="cache circuitry">61</part-num-ref>
+ and the pre-fetch circuitry <part-num-ref name="pre-fetch circuitry">63</part-num-ref>
+ operate with each other <boundary-data type="line-number">10  </boundary-data>
+as known in the art. The system memory <part-num-ref name="system memory">64</part-num-ref>
+ includes read only memory (ROM) <part-num-ref name="includes read only memory (ROM)">68</part-num-ref>
+ and random access memory (RAM) <part-num-ref name="and random access memory (RAM)">70.</part-num-ref>
+ A basic input/output system <part-num-ref name="basic input/output system">72</part-num-ref>
+ (BIOS) is stored in ROM <part-num-ref name="(BIOS) is stored in ROM">68.</part-num-ref>
+    </p>
+    <p id="p-33" num="33">The computer system 60 may also be configured with one or more of the following drives: a hard disk drive <part-num-ref name="hard disk drive">74</part-num-ref>
+ for reading from and writing to a hard <boundary-data type="line-number">15  </boundary-data>
+disk, a magnetic disk drive <part-num-ref name="magnetic disk drive">76</part-num-ref>
+ for reading from or writing to a removable magnetic disk <part-num-ref name="removable magnetic disk">78,</part-num-ref>
+ and an optical disk drive <part-num-ref name="optical disk drive">80</part-num-ref>
+ for reading from or writing to a removable optical disk <part-num-ref name="removable optical disk">82</part-num-ref>
+ such as a CD ROM or other optical media. The hard disk drive <part-num-ref name="hard disk drive">74,</part-num-ref>
+ magnetic disk drive <part-num-ref name="hard disk drive 74, magnetic disk drive">76,</part-num-ref>
+ and optical disk drive <part-num-ref name="hard disk drive 74, magnetic disk drive 76, and optical disk drive">80</part-num-ref>
+ may be connected to the system bus <part-num-ref name="system bus">66</part-num-ref>
+ by a hard disk drive interface <part-num-ref name="hard disk drive interface">84,</part-num-ref>
+ a magnetic <boundary-data type="line-number">20  </boundary-data>
+disk drive interface <part-num-ref name="magnetic disk drive interface">86,</part-num-ref>
+ and an optical drive interface <part-num-ref name="optical drive interface">88,</part-num-ref>
+ respectively. The drives and their associated computer-readable media provide nonvolatile storage of computer readable instructions, data structures, program modules and other data for the computer system <part-num-ref name="computer system">60.</part-num-ref>
+ Other forms of data storage may also be used.    </p>
+    <p id="p-34" num="34">
+      <boundary-data type="line-number">25            </boundary-data>
+A number of program modules may be stored on the hard disk, magnetic disk <part-num-ref name="hard disk, magnetic disk">78,</part-num-ref>
+ optical disk <part-num-ref name="hard disk, magnetic disk 78, optical disk">82,</part-num-ref>
+ ROM <part-num-ref name="hard disk, magnetic disk 78, optical disk 82, ROM">68,</part-num-ref>
+ and/or RAM <part-num-ref name="hard disk, magnetic disk 78, optical disk 82, ROM 68, and/or RAM">70.</part-num-ref>
+ These programs include an operating system <part-num-ref name="operating system">90,</part-num-ref>
+ one or more application programs <part-num-ref name="operating system 90, one or more application programs">92,</part-num-ref>
+ <confidence value="8">o</confidence>
+ther program modules <part-num-ref name="operating system 90, one or more application programs 92, other program modules">94,</part-num-ref>
+ and program data <part-num-ref name="operating system 90, one or more application programs 92, other program modules 94, and program data">96.</part-num-ref>
+ A user may enter commands and information into the computer system <part-num-ref name="computer system">60</part-num-ref>
+ through input devices such as a <boundary-data type="line-number">
+        <confidence value="86">30</confidence>
+        </boundary-data>
+keyboard <part-num-ref name="keyboard">98</part-num-ref>
+ and a mouse <part-num-ref name="mouse">100</part-num-ref>
+ or other input devices. These and other input devices are often connected to the processing unit <part-num-ref name="processing unit">62</part-num-ref>
+ through a serial port interface <part-num-ref name="serial port interface">102</part-num-ref>
+ that is coupled to the system bus <part-num-ref name="system bus">66,</part-num-ref>
+ but may be connected by other interfaces, such as a parallel port, game port, or a universal serial bus <boundary-data type="header">
+        <confidence value="8">6</confidence>
+      </boundary-data>
+      <page-break num="7"/>
+      <boundary-data type="header">200404065-1</boundary-data>
+(USB). A monitor <part-num-ref name="monitor">104</part-num-ref>
+ or other type of display device may also be connected to the system bus <part-num-ref name="system bus">66</part-num-ref>
+ via an interface, such as a video adapter <part-num-ref name="video adapter">106.</part-num-ref>
+ In addition to the monitor, personal computers typically include other peripheral output devices (not shown) such as speakers and printers. The computer system <part-num-ref name="computer system">60</part-num-ref>
+ may also <boundary-data type="line-number">
+        <confidence value="2">-</confidence>
+5        </boundary-data>
+have a network interface or adapter <part-num-ref name="network interface or adapter">108,</part-num-ref>
+ a modem <part-num-ref name="modem">110,</part-num-ref>
+ or other means for establishing communications over a network (e.g., LAN, <confidence value="5">I</confidence>
+nternet, etc.).    </p>
+    <p id="p-35" num="35">The operating system 90 may be configured with a memory manager <part-num-ref name="memory manager">120.</part-num-ref>
+ The memory manager <part-num-ref name="memory manager">120</part-num-ref>
+ may be configured to handle allocations, reallocations, and <confidence value="2222222222222">deallocations</confidence>
+ of RAM <part-num-ref name="may be configured to handle allocations, reallocations, and deallocations of RAM">70</part-num-ref>
+ for one or more <boundary-data type="line-number">10  </boundary-data>
+application programs <part-num-ref name="for one or more application programs">92,</part-num-ref>
+ other program modules <part-num-ref name="for one or more application programs 92, other program modules">94,</part-num-ref>
+ or internal kernel operations. The memory manager may be tasked with dividing memory resources among these executables.    </p>
+    <p id="p-36" num="36">FIG. 2 is a flow chart depicting an exemplary process <part-num-ref name="exemplary process">200</part-num-ref>
+ for periodically measuring <confidence value="2222222222">a.resource</confidence>
+ usage level and storing the data in <boundary-data type="line-number">15  </boundary-data>
+accordance with an embodiment of the invention. In an embodiment, the process <part-num-ref name="process">200</part-num-ref>
+ may be performed by the memory manager <part-num-ref name="memory manager">120</part-num-ref>
+ in a computer system <part-num-ref name="computer system">60,</part-num-ref>
+ and the resource usage level being measured may correspond to the used heap size. In that embodiment, the used heap size may be measured, timestamped, and stored by the memory manager, for example, after every <boundary-data type="line-number">20  </boundary-data>
+garbage collection by the memory manager. In other embodiments, the process may be performed by other software and the resource may not relate to available memory. Other available resources in a computer system to which embodiments of the present invention may be applied include, for example, data storage space in a hard disk or other data storage system, file descriptors, <boundary-data type="line-number">25  </boundary-data>
+socket port numbers, database connections, or other entities that are manipulated by computer programs.    </p>
+    <p id="p-37" num="37">As depicted in FIG. 2, the process may be configured to wait <part-num-ref name="process may be configured to wait">(202)</part-num-ref>
+ until a periodic time is reached. When the periodic time is reached, then a measure of the resource usage is obtained (204). For example, the measure of <boundary-data type="line-number">30 </boundary-data>
+the used resource may be received from the automatic resource management system, or may be received from a resource counter utility when no automatic resource management system is used. For a further example, if the resource at issue comprises the available memory for programs at runtime under an <boundary-data type="header">
+        <confidence value="8">7</confidence>
+      </boundary-data>
+      <page-break num="8"/>
+      <boundary-data type="header">200404065-1</boundary-data>
+automatic memory management system, then the measured value obtained may relate to the current size of the heap after garbage collection.    </p>
+    <p id="p-38" num="38">The measure of the used resource and a timestamp of when the measure was taken is then stored (206). The process <part-num-ref name="process">200</part-num-ref>
+ may then loop back <boundary-data type="line-number">5  </boundary-data>
+and wait <part-num-ref name="may then loop back and wait">(202)</part-num-ref>
+ for the next periodic time to be reached<confidence value="5">.</confidence>
+    </p>
+    <p id="p-39" num="39">FIG. 3 is a flow chart depicting an exemplary method <part-num-ref name="exemplary method">300</part-num-ref>
+ of generating an automated alert regarding a resource retention problem in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. Generating the alert is automated in that it does not require a user to monitor the system and generate <boundary-data type="line-number">
+        <confidence value="66">10</confidence>
+       </boundary-data>
+the alert manually. Instead, the system is able to generate the alert without human intervention by analyzing the resource usage data.    </p>
+    <p id="p-40" num="40">This method 300 shows how the resource usage data is analyzed in an automated technique to determine the existence of a problem. In an exemplary implementation, the process <part-num-ref name="process">200</part-num-ref>
+ may be perfor<confidence value="8">m</confidence>
+ed by the memory <boundary-data type="line-number">15  </boundary-data>
+manager <part-num-ref name="memory manager">120</part-num-ref>
+ in a computer system <part-num-ref name="computer system">60.</part-num-ref>
+    </p>
+    <p id="p-41" num="41">Per FIG. 3, data regarding the resource usage h(t) as a function of time t for a recent set of times T is considered (302). In one example, if the resource at issue comprises the available memory for programs at runtime in a computer system with automatic memory management, then the function h(t) <boundary-data type="line-number">20  </boundary-data>
+may represent the heap size after garbage collection at various times t. Ways to determine the heap size after garbage collection are known to those of skill in the art.    </p>
+    <p id="p-42" num="42">The data is analyzed or processed (304) to effectively estimate the resource usage "from below" using a straight line. In other words, a line is fit to <boundary-data type="line-number">25 </boundary-data>
+local minima in the resource usage data. For example, the analysis finds a straight line <confidence value="2">I</confidence>
+(t) = A(t - t<confidence value="4">0</confidence>
+) +B that satisfies the following conditions. First, h(t<confidence value="48">O)</confidence>
+ <confidence value="5">=</confidence>
+ <confidence value="2222">I(t0</confidence>
+), and <confidence value="2222">h(t1</confidence>
+) = <confidence value="1885">l(t1</confidence>
+), where t<confidence value="5">1</confidence>
+ &gt; t<confidence value="4">0</confidence>
+. Second, h(t) is greater than or equal to <confidence value="2">I</confidence>
+(t) for all <confidence value="5">t</confidence>
+ greater than t<confidence value="4">0</confidence>
+. In other words, the linear function <confidence value="2">I</confidence>
+(t) intersects the resource usage function h(t) at two points t<confidence value="4">0</confidence>
+ and <confidence value="55">t1</confidence>
+, where <confidence value="2">I</confidence>
+(t) is less than or <boundary-data type="line-number">
+        <confidence value="86">30</confidence>
+        </boundary-data>
+equal to h(t) for all times t after t<confidence value="4">0</confidence>
+. Illustrative example of this analysis procedure is shown in FIG. 4. The above-discussed analysis may be implemented using numerical analysis techniques that are known to those of skill in the art.    </p>
+    <boundary-data type="header">
+      <confidence value="8">8</confidence>
+    </boundary-data>
+    <boundary-data type="header">200404065-1</boundary-data>
+    <p id="p-43" num="43">
+      <page-break num="9"/>
+FIG. 4 is a chart depicting a hypothetical resource usage function h(t) over a set of times T that is analyzed to determine the linear function <confidence value="2">I</confidence>
+(t) that satisfies the above-described conditions. In the example shown in FIG. 4, resource usage function h(t) exhibits a tendency of its local minima [for example, <boundary-data type="line-number">5  </boundary-data>
+      <confidence value="2222">h(t0</confidence>
+) and <confidence value="2222">h(t1</confidence>
+)] to have higher values with time, such that the slope A of the linear function <confidence value="2">I</confidence>
+(t) is positive (greater than zero). Such a positive slope to the linear function <confidence value="2">I</confidence>
+(t) indicates the trend that an increasing amount of resources are being retained (i.e., reserved by a component of the system for a substantially non-temporary period) as time goes on. This is indicative of a resource retention <boundary-data type="line-number">
+        <confidence value="86">10</confidence>
+        </boundary-data>
+problem.    </p>
+    <p id="p-44" num="44">Once the line (or lines) <confidence value="2">I</confidence>
+(t) is found, then a determination is made <part-num-ref name="determination is made">(306)</part-num-ref>
+ as to whether the slope A of <confidence value="2">I</confidence>
+(t) is positive. If the slope A is zero or negative, then the method <part-num-ref name="method">300</part-num-ref>
+ determines that a resource retention problem (such as, for example, a memory leak) is not detected <part-num-ref name="memory leak) is not detected">(308)</part-num-ref>
+ at this time. This is <boundary-data type="line-number">15  </boundary-data>
+because a negative slope to the linear function <confidence value="2">I</confidence>
+(t) indicates the trend that a decreasing amount of resources are being retained as time goes on, and a zero slope to the linear function <confidence value="2">I</confidence>
+(t) indicates the trend that a same amount of resources are being retained as time goes on. In that case, further data on the resource usage as a function of time is obtained (310). In other words, the <boundary-data type="line-number">20  </boundary-data>
+resource usage data is updated, for example, by way of the process <part-num-ref name="process">200</part-num-ref>
+ in FIG.    </p>
+    <p id="p-45" num="45">2. Subsequently, the method <part-num-ref name="method">300</part-num-ref>
+ loops back to re-consider <part-num-ref name="loops back to re-consider">(302)</part-num-ref>
+ the updated data.    </p>
+    <p id="p-46" num="46">On the other hand, if the slope A is positive, then the method <part-num-ref name="method">300</part-num-ref>
+ makes a further determination <part-num-ref name="further determination">(312)</part-num-ref>
+ as to whether the time elapsed since t<confidence value="4">0</confidence>
+ is <boundary-data type="line-number">25  </boundary-data>
+greater than a threshold value C. The threshold value C comprises a tunable parameter of the method <part-num-ref name="method">300.</part-num-ref>
+ The greater the threshold value C, the greater the time that must elapse in order for a resource retention problem to be positively identified. If the time elapsed since t<confidence value="4">0</confidence>
+ is not greater than the threshold C, then the method <part-num-ref name="method">300</part-num-ref>
+ determines that a resource retention problem (such as, for <boundary-data type="line-number">
+        <confidence value="86">30</confidence>
+        </boundary-data>
+example, a memory leak) is not detected <part-num-ref name="memory leak) is not detected">(308)</part-num-ref>
+ at this time. In that case, further data on the resource usage as a function of time is obtained (310), and the method <part-num-ref name="method">300</part-num-ref>
+ loops back to re-consider <part-num-ref name="loops back to re-consider">(302)</part-num-ref>
+ the updated data.    </p>
+    <boundary-data type="header">
+      <confidence value="8">9</confidence>
+    <confidence value="6">-</confidence>
+    </boundary-data>
+    <boundary-data type="header">200404065-1</boundary-data>
+    <p id="p-47" num="47">
+      <page-break num="10"/>
+On the other hand, if the time elapsed since t<confidence value="4">0</confidence>
+ is greater than the tunable threshold time period C, then the method <part-num-ref name="method">300</part-num-ref>
+ has detected <part-num-ref name="has detected">(314)</part-num-ref>
+ a resource retention problem. This is because h(t) has stayed at or above the positive sloping line <confidence value="2">I</confidence>
+(t) for a sufficiently long enough time (i.e., for at least as <boundary-data type="line-number">5  </boundary-data>
+long as the threshold time period C), and so this confirms the problematic trend that the retained resource level is increasing over time.    </p>
+    <p id="p-48" num="48">In accordance with an embodiment of the invention, when a resource retention problem is positively identified as discussed above, the method <part-num-ref name="method">300</part-num-ref>
+ may further make an assessment <part-num-ref name="assessment">(316)</part-num-ref>
+ of the severity of the <boundary-data type="line-number">
+        <confidence value="86">10</confidence>
+        </boundary-data>
+problem based on the magnitude of the slope A of the linear function <confidence value="2">I</confidence>
+(t). The greater the magnitude of the slope A, the greater the severity of the problem.    </p>
+    <p id="p-49" num="49">This is because a higher magnitude slope A indicates a more rapid increase in the retained resource level. Action may then be taken <part-num-ref name="retained resource level. Action may then be taken">(318)</part-num-ref>
+ based on the level of severity. For exa<confidence value="8">m</confidence>
+ple, if the resource retention problem relates to memory <boundary-data type="line-number">15 </boundary-data>
+leakage, then the action taken may include determining the "memory leak rate" from the slope A, calculating the expected time when the heap would completely fill, and including such information when alerting an operator as to the memory leakage problem.    </p>
+    <p id="p-50" num="50">The new technique discussed above does not necessarily require <boundary-data type="line-number">20 </boundary-data>
+intrusive code instrumentation and so may advantageously use a minimal amount of system resources. The technique is not dependent on the particular structure of the resource used, and so may advantageously be applied to other resource usage problems. Furthermore, the technique advantageously does not require involvement of a human operator in the assessment of the monitoring <boundary-data type="line-number">25  </boundary-data>
+data. Not only can the technique provide automatic alerts for resource retention problems, but it can also estimate the remaining lifetime left for the system or application before it runs out of that resource. This remaining lifetime estimate (i.e. an estimate of the time left before depletion of the available resource) is determinable based on the slope of the fitted line <confidence value="2">I</confidence>
+(t). The amount of unretained <boundary-data type="line-number">
+        <confidence value="85">30</confidence>
+        </boundary-data>
+resources left may be divided by the slope to calculate a rough estimate of the remaining lifetime. With such information, adverse consequences (such as forced premature termination) can be avoided. For example, being informed that a resource (such as memory, for example) is getting low and will run out in <boundary-data type="header">
+        <confidence value="88">10</confidence>
+      </boundary-data>
+      <page-break num="11"/>
+      <boundary-data type="header">200404065-1</boundary-data>
+approximately <part-num-ref name="resource (such as memory, for example) is getting low and will run out in approximately">30</part-num-ref>
+ minutes, a human operator can perform orderly terminations of applications and avoid forced premature terminations by the system.    </p>
+    <p id="p-51" num="51">In the above description, numerous specific details are given to provide a thorough understanding of embodiments of the invention. However, <boundary-data type="line-number">5  </boundary-data>
+the above description of illustrated embodiments of the invention is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to the precise forms disclosed. One skilled in the relevant art will recognize that the invention can be practiced without one or more of the specific details, or with other methods, components, etc. In other instances, well-known structures or operations are not shown or <boundary-data type="line-number">
+        <confidence value="85">10</confidence>
+        </boundary-data>
+described in detail to avoid obscuring aspects of the invention. While specific embodiments of, and examples for, the invention are described herein for illustrative purposes, various equivalent modifications are possible within the scope of the invention, as those skilled in the relevant art will recognize.    </p>
+    <p id="p-52" num="52">These modifications can be made to the invention in light of the <boundary-data type="line-number">
+        <confidence value="66">15</confidence>
+        </boundary-data>
+above detailed description. The terms used in the following claims should not be construed to limit the invention to the specific embodiments disclosed in the specification and the claims. Rather, the scope of the invention is to be determined by the following claims, which are to be construed in accordance with established doctrines of claim interpretation.    </p>
+    <boundary-data type="header">
+      <confidence value="88">11</confidence>
+    </boundary-data>
+  </description>
+</us-patent-application>
+

prior_art/11035591.xml

@@ -0,0 +1,1048 @@
+<?xml version="1.0" encoding="utf-8"?>
+<!DOCTYPE us-patent-application SYSTEM "PATI-v1.0.3-2011-06-23.dtd">
+<us-patent-application lang="EN" dtd-version="v1.0.3 2011-06-23" id="us-patent-application" country="US">
+  <us-bibliographic-data-application lang="EN" country="US">
+    <application-reference appl-type="utility">
+      <document-id>
+        <doc-number>11035591</doc-number>
+        <date>2005-01-13</date>
+      </document-id>
+    </application-reference>
+  </us-bibliographic-data-application>
+  <description id="description">
+    <p id="p-1" num="1">
+      <confidence value="86">PO</confidence>
+- 8436 <confidence value="8">M</confidence>
+ D-04-40     </p>
+    <heading id="h-1">SOLID POLYURETHANE ELASTOMERS WHICH</heading>
+    <heading id="h-2">EXHIBIT REDUCED DIMENSIONAL SHRINKAGE</heading>
+    <heading id="h-3">BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION</heading>
+    <p id="p-2" num="2">This invention relates to solid polyurethane elastomers which exhibit reduced shrink and to a process for the production of these elastomers. These elastomers comprise the reaction product of a <boundary-data type="line-number">5   </boundary-data>
+polyisocyanate component or prepolymer, with an isocyanate-reactive component comprising a high molecular weight component having an EO cap of less than about 17% by wt., a chain extender and optionally, a crosslinker, in the presence of at least one catalysts. These solid elastomers are produced via the reaction injection molding process in a <boundary-data type="line-number">10  </boundary-data>
+closed mold, at an isocyanate index of about <part-num-ref name="isocyanate index of about">70</part-num-ref>
+ to about <part-num-ref name="to about">130.</part-num-ref>
+    </p>
+    <p id="p-3" num="3">The production of polyurethane moldings via the reaction injection molding (i.e. RIM) technique is well known and described in, for example, U.S. Patent 4,218,543. The RIM process involves a technique of filling the mold by which highly reactive, liquid starting components are injected into <boundary-data type="line-number">15  </boundary-data>
+the mold within a very short time by means of a high output, high pressure dosing apparatus after they have been mixed in so-called "positively controlled mixing heads".    </p>
+    <p id="p-4" num="4">In the production of polyurethane moldings via the RIM process, the reaction mixture generally comprises an A-side based on polyisocyanates <boundary-data type="line-number">20   </boundary-data>
+and a B-side based on organic compounds containing isocyanate-reactive hydrogen atoms, in addition to suitable chain extenders, catalysts, blowing agents, and other additives. The polyisocyanates which are typically used in a commercial RIM process are the aromatic isocyanates such as, for example, diphenyl methane-4,4'-diisocyanate (i.e. MDI).    </p>
+    <p id="p-5" num="5">
+      <boundary-data type="line-number">25        </boundary-data>
+A RIM process and polyurethane integral skin foams produced by that process are disclosed in U.S. Patent 4,243,760. These integral skin foams comprise the reaction product of an aromatic isocyanate, a high molecular weight polyether triol, a<confidence value="51">nd</confidence>
+ <confidence value="1">a</confidence>
+ <confidence value="22222">nhain</confidence>
+ extender<confidence value="6">.</confidence>
+ The high molecular <confidence value="5">"</confidence>
+Express Mail<confidence value="2">"</confidence>
+ mailing label number  ED  <part-num-ref name="high molecular &quot;Express Mail&quot; mailing label number  ED">39<confidence value="6666">8888</confidence>
+569      </part-num-ref>
+ Date<confidence value="88">of</confidence>
+ <confidence value="8866">Depo</confidence>
+sit      January  <part-num-ref name="Dateof Deposit      January">13,</part-num-ref>
+ <part-num-ref name="Dateof Deposit      January  13,">2005</part-num-ref>
+ I hereby certify that this paper or fee is being deposited with the United States Postal Service "Express Mail Post Office to Addre<confidence value="5">s</confidence>
+see<confidence value="5">"</confidence>
+ service under <part-num-ref name="United States Postal Service &quot;Express Mail Post Office to Addressee&quot; service under">37</part-num-ref>
+ CFR 1.10 on the date indicated above and is addressed to the Commissioner of Patents and Trademarks, Alexandria, VA 22313-1450.    </p>
+    <p id="p-6" num="6">Donna J. <confidence value="222222">Veatch</confidence>
+ <confidence value="2">[</confidence>
+  (Name <confidence value="2">q</confidence>
+  <confidence value="5851">ersd</confidence>
+  <confidence value="68">ai</confidence>
+   <confidence value="222222226">paperjfe)</confidence>
+ <page-break num="2"/>
+      <boundary-data type="header">
+        <confidence value="86">PO</confidence>
+8436                      -<confidence value="88">2-</confidence>
+      </boundary-data>
+weight polyether is characterized as having an internal mixed propylene oxide/ethylene oxide segment and a sufficient EO cap to result in a primary hydroxyl group content of &gt; 50%, and usually &gt;90%. These integral skin foams have a compact skin or surface and a cellular foam <boundary-data type="line-number">5  </boundary-data>
+core, and require a blowing agent.    </p>
+    <p id="p-7" num="7">RIM elastomers that are dimensionally stable at high temperatures and a process for their production are described in U.S. Patent 4,297,444.</p>
+    <p id="p-8" num="8">These comprise the reaction product of a polyether polyol, a relateively low molecular weight compound containing at least two active hydrogen <boundary-data type="line-number">10  </boundary-data>
+groups, and a polyisocyanate. The polyisocyanate and at least about 30% of the polyether polyol are pre-reacted to form a prepolymer, and the balance of polyether polyol (if any) is mixed with the low molecular weight compound, which is then added to the prepolymer and reacted. The polyisocyanate component may be a blend of a prepolymer and a <boundary-data type="line-number">15  </boundary-data>
+polyisocyanate. It is also disclosed in the <confidence value="5">'</confidence>
+444 patent that shrinkage factors are similar after 250<confidence value="2">*</confidence>
+F postcure and 325<confidence value="2">*</confidence>
+F postcure when more polyol is introduced on the A-side in the form of a quasi-prepolymer.    </p>
+    <p id="p-9" num="9">U.S. Patent 4,440,705 describes a process for preparing cellular and non-cellular polyurethane elastomers, preferably by a RIM process.</p>
+    <p id="p-10" num="10">
+      <boundary-data type="line-number">20  </boundary-data>
+The process comprises reacting an organic isocyanate, with a polyether polyol, chain extender and/or crosslinking agent in the presence of catalysts, blowing agents, and various additives. The polyether polyols have terminal hydroxyethylene groups with ethoxylation degrees of <part-num-ref name="polyether polyols have terminal hydroxyethylene groups with ethoxylation degrees of">1</part-num-ref>
+ to <part-num-ref name="to">12,</part-num-ref>
+ preferably <part-num-ref name="to 12, preferably">2</part-num-ref>
+ to <part-num-ref name="to">8,</part-num-ref>
+ and a high content of primary hydroxyl groups. All of <boundary-data type="line-number">25  </boundary-data>
+the examples are cellular elastomers prepared with a blowing agent (dichlorodifluoromethane). The resultant integral skin foams exhibited shorter demold times, and good dimensional stability (i.e. no shrinking or swelling), along with good elongation and bending stability.    </p>
+    <p id="p-11" num="11">U.S. Patent 5,238,973 discloses a process for preparing elastic <boundary-data type="line-number">30  </boundary-data>
+moldings which are optionally cellular by the RIM process in a closed mold. This process comprises reacting a prepolymer which comprises the reaction product of an M<confidence value="5">D</confidence>
+I-based isocyanate component with a polyether <page-break num="3"/>
+      <confidence value="86">PO</confidence>
+8436                       - <part-num-ref name="polyether PO8436                       -">
+        <confidence value="8">3</confidence>
+      </part-num-ref>
+ <confidence value="8">-</confidence>
+ polyol (MW <confidence value="6">=</confidence>
+ <part-num-ref name="- polyol (MW =">1000</part-num-ref>
+ to <part-num-ref name="to">6000</part-num-ref>
+ and OH functionality of no more than 2.4), at an equivalent ratio of at least 3.2:1 to form a semi-prepolymer, and reacting the prepolymer via the RIM process with B) which consists essentially of up to 10% of the polyol b) and c) an aromatic diamine having <boundary-data type="line-number">5  </boundary-data>
+an alkyl substituent in at least one ortho-position to the amino groups, and optionally d) low molecular weight aliphatic polyols or aliphatic aminopolyethers. At least 90% by weight of the high molecular weight polyol is used to make the prepolymer in the first step.    </p>
+    <p id="p-12" num="12">A RIM process comprising reacting a N<confidence value="55">CO</confidence>
+-terminated prepolymer <boundary-data type="line-number">10  </boundary-data>
+and one or more NCO-reactive components which contain inorganic fillers is disclosed in U.S. Patent 5,504,179. A compound which contains an acidic group is typically included in the NCO-reactive component. Suitable prepolymers include those of any isocyanate with a polyol having a MW of <part-num-ref name="MW of">1500</part-num-ref>
+ to 12,000 and OH functionality of at least <part-num-ref name="to 12,000 and OH functionality of at least">2.</part-num-ref>
+ Suitable isocyanate- <boundary-data type="line-number">15  </boundary-data>
+reactive components comprise <part-num-ref name="to 12,000 and OH functionality of at least 2. Suitable isocyanate- reactive components comprise">(1)</part-num-ref>
+ aromatic diamines having at least one alkyl substituent in a position ortho to the amino groups (e.g. DETDA) and <part-num-ref name="DETDA) and">(2)</part-num-ref>
+ aliphatic reactive components having OH or NH functionalities of <part-num-ref name="aliphatic reactive components having OH or NH functionalities of">2</part-num-ref>
+ to <part-num-ref name="to">6</part-num-ref>
+ and MWs of <part-num-ref name="and MWs of">230</part-num-ref>
+ to 12,000, and being a <confidence value="222222222">polyether</confidence>
+ or polyester which contains OH and/or primary NH groups in an amount of from <part-num-ref name="amount of from">5</part-num-ref>
+ to <part-num-ref name="to">20</part-num-ref>
+ <boundary-data type="line-number">20  </boundary-data>
+equivalent %. It is disclosed that surprisingly the invention shows the effect of a reduced shrinkage due to the acidic component. The shrinkage with the acidic component in the present invention is essentially the same as seen in a single step process. The use of fillers in these elastomers is also known to reduce shrinkage.    </p>
+    <p id="p-13" num="13">
+      <boundary-data type="line-number">25       </boundary-data>
+High performance RIM polyurethane(urea) elastomers are described in U.S. Patent 6,765,080. These comprise the reaction product of (A) an allophanate-modified diphenylmethane diisocyanate prepolymer having an NCO group content of <part-num-ref name="NCO group content of">5</part-num-ref>
+ to 20%, and (B) an isocyanate-reactive component comprising <part-num-ref name="isocyanate-reactive component comprising">(1)</part-num-ref>
+ a high molecular weight ATPE having a <part-num-ref name="">30</part-num-ref>
+  functionality of <part-num-ref name="functionality of">2</part-num-ref>
+ to <part-num-ref name="to">5,</part-num-ref>
+ <part-num-ref name="to 5,">(2)</part-num-ref>
+ an aromatic diamine chain extender having a molecular weight of <part-num-ref name="molecular weight of">100</part-num-ref>
+ to <part-num-ref name="to">500,</part-num-ref>
+ <part-num-ref name="to 500,">(3)</part-num-ref>
+ optionally, chain extenders and/or <page-break num="4"/>
+      <boundary-data type="header">
+        <confidence value="86">PO</confidence>
+8436                      -<confidence value="88">4-</confidence>
+      </boundary-data>
+crosslinkers having a molecular weight of <part-num-ref name="molecular weight of">200</part-num-ref>
+ to <part-num-ref name="to">600,</part-num-ref>
+ a functionality of 1.5 to <part-num-ref name="functionality of 1.5 to">6,</part-num-ref>
+ and are either aliphatic amine terminated polyether polyols or aliphatic hydroxyl terminated polyether polyols.    </p>
+    <p id="p-14" num="14">Advantages of the present invention include the ability to control <boundary-data type="line-number">5  </boundary-data>
+and/or reduce shrinkage of solid polyurethane elastomers without the addition or inclusion of a special additive such as inorganic fillers as in U.S. Patent 5,238,973 and/or acidic additives as described in U.S.    </p>
+    <p id="p-15" num="15">Patent 5,504,179.</p>
+    <heading id="h-4">SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION</heading>
+    <p id="p-16" num="16">
+      <boundary-data type="line-number">10       </boundary-data>
+This invention relates to solid polyurethane elastomers which exhibit reduced dimensional shrinkage and to a process for the production of these solid polyurethane elastomers. These solid elastomers are prepared via the reaction injection molding process in a closed mold at an Isocyanate Index of about <part-num-ref name="Isocyanate Index of about">70</part-num-ref>
+ to about <part-num-ref name="to about">130.</part-num-ref>
+ These elastomers comprise <boundary-data type="line-number">15  </boundary-data>
+the reaction product of:    </p>
+    <p id="p-17" num="17">(A)  at least one polyisocyanate component having an isocyanate functionality of from about <part-num-ref name="isocyanate functionality of from about">2</part-num-ref>
+ to about 2.5, or a prepolymer thereof, in which the prepolymer comprises the reaction product of the polyisocyanate with an isocyanate-reactive component having a <boundary-data type="line-number">20       </boundary-data>
+molecular weight of less than 1,000, preferably less than <part-num-ref name="molecular weight of less than 1,000, preferably less than">500</part-num-ref>
+ and most preferably less than <part-num-ref name="and most preferably less than">300,</part-num-ref>
+ and a hydroxyl functionality of about <part-num-ref name="hydroxyl functionality of about">2</part-num-ref>
+ to about <part-num-ref name="to about">4,</part-num-ref>
+ preferably about <part-num-ref name="to about 4, preferably about">2</part-num-ref>
+ to about <part-num-ref name="to about">3</part-num-ref>
+ and most preferably about 2.2;    </p>
+    <p id="p-18" num="18">with <boundary-data type="line-number">25  </boundary-data>
+(B)  an isocyanate-reactive component comprising:    </p>
+    <p id="p-19" num="19">(1)  from about 75% to about 90% by weight, based one 100% of the combined weight of (B)(1), (B)(2) and (B)(3), of one or more isocyanate-reactive component having a functionality of from about <part-num-ref name="functionality of from about">2</part-num-ref>
+ to about <part-num-ref name="to about">3,</part-num-ref>
+ an OH number of from about <part-num-ref name="OH number of from about">28</part-num-ref>
+ <boundary-data type="line-number">30            </boundary-data>
+to about <part-num-ref name="to about">35,</part-num-ref>
+ a molecular weight of from about <part-num-ref name="molecular weight of from about">4000</part-num-ref>
+ to about <part-num-ref name="to about">6000,</part-num-ref>
+ and containing less than 17% (preferably less than 15%, more preferably no more than 13% and preferably at <page-break num="5"/>
+      <confidence value="86">PO</confidence>
+8436                       -<confidence value="88">5-</confidence>
+ least about 1% and more preferably at least about 2%) by weight of ethylene oxide as an external cap;    </p>
+    <p id="p-20" num="20">(2)  from about 4% to about 25%, based on 100% of the combined weight of (B)(1), (B)(2) and (B)(3), of a chain <boundary-data type="line-number">5             </boundary-data>
+extender having a hydroxyl functionality of about <part-num-ref name="hydroxyl functionality of about">2</part-num-ref>
+ and a molecular weight of from about <part-num-ref name="molecular weight of from about">60</part-num-ref>
+ to less than about 250;    </p>
+    <p id="p-21" num="21">and (3)  from 0% to about 6%, based on 100% of the combined weight of (B)(1), (B)(2) and (B)(3), of an isocyanate-reactive <boundary-data type="line-number">10            </boundary-data>
+component selected from the group consisting of (a)  at least one isocyanate-reactive compound having a hydroxyl functionality of from about <part-num-ref name="hydroxyl functionality of from about">3</part-num-ref>
+ to about <part-num-ref name="to about">4,</part-num-ref>
+ an OH number of from about <part-num-ref name="OH number of from about">400</part-num-ref>
+ to about <part-num-ref name="to about">850,</part-num-ref>
+ a molecular weight of from about <part-num-ref name="molecular weight of from about">200</part-num-ref>
+ to about <part-num-ref name="to about">400,</part-num-ref>
+ <boundary-data type="line-number">15            </boundary-data>
+and (b)  at least one organic amine compound having a functionality of <part-num-ref name="functionality of">2</part-num-ref>
+ to <part-num-ref name="to">4,</part-num-ref>
+ and a molecular weight of from about <part-num-ref name="molecular weight of from about">
+        <confidence value="88">60</confidence>
+      </part-num-ref>
+ <confidence value="88">to</confidence>
+ about 400;    </p>
+    <p id="p-22" num="22">in the presence of:</p>
+    <p id="p-23" num="23">
+      <boundary-data type="line-number">20  </boundary-data>
+(C)  one or more catalyst.    </p>
+    <p id="p-24" num="24">The process of producing these solid polyurethane elastomers comprises:</p>
+    <p id="p-25" num="25">
+      <confidence value="86">(I</confidence>
+)  reacting:    </p>
+    <p id="p-26" num="26">(A)  at least one polyisocyanate component having an isocyanate <boundary-data type="line-number">25            </boundary-data>
+functionality of from about <part-num-ref name="isocyanate functionality of from about">2</part-num-ref>
+ to about 2.5, or a prepolymer thereof, in which the prepolymer comprises the reaction product of the polyisocyanate with an isocyanate-reactive component having a molecular weight of less than 1,000, preferably less than <part-num-ref name="molecular weight of less than 1,000, preferably less than">500</part-num-ref>
+ and most preferably less than <part-num-ref name="and most preferably less than">300,</part-num-ref>
+ <boundary-data type="line-number">30            </boundary-data>
+and a hydroxyl functionality of about <part-num-ref name="hydroxyl functionality of about">2</part-num-ref>
+ to about <part-num-ref name="to about">4,</part-num-ref>
+ preferably about <part-num-ref name="to about 4, preferably about">2</part-num-ref>
+ to about <part-num-ref name="to about">3</part-num-ref>
+ and most preferably about 2.2;    </p>
+    <p id="p-27" num="27">with <page-break num="6"/>
+      <boundary-data type="header">
+        <confidence value="86">PO</confidence>
+8436                      -<confidence value="88">6-</confidence>
+      </boundary-data>
+(B)  an isocyanate-reactive component comprising:    </p>
+    <p id="p-28" num="28">(1)  from about 75% to about 90% by weight, based one 100% of the combined weight of (<confidence value="2222">B)(1</confidence>
+), (B)(2) and (B)(3), of one or more isocyanate-reactive component <boundary-data type="line-number">5                 </boundary-data>
+having a functionality of from about <part-num-ref name="functionality of from about">2</part-num-ref>
+ to about <part-num-ref name="to about">3,</part-num-ref>
+ an OH number of from about <part-num-ref name="OH number of from about">28</part-num-ref>
+ to about <part-num-ref name="to about">35,</part-num-ref>
+ a molecular weight of from about <part-num-ref name="molecular weight of from about">4000</part-num-ref>
+ to about <part-num-ref name="to about">6000,</part-num-ref>
+ and containing less than 17% (preferably less than 15%, more preferably no more than 13%, and preferably at <boundary-data type="line-number">10                </boundary-data>
+least 1% and more preferably at least 2%) by weight of ethylene oxide as an external cap;    </p>
+    <p id="p-29" num="29">(2)  from about 4% to about 25%, based on 100% of the combined weight of (B)(1), (B)(2) and (B)(3), of a chain extender having a hydroxyl functionality of <boundary-data type="line-number">15                 </boundary-data>
+about <part-num-ref name="hydroxyl functionality of about">2</part-num-ref>
+ and a molecular weight of from about <part-num-ref name="molecular weight of from about">60</part-num-ref>
+ to less than about 250;    </p>
+    <p id="p-30" num="30">and (3)  from 0% to about 6%, based on 100% of the combined weight of (B)(1), (B)(2) and (B)(3), of an <boundary-data type="line-number">20                 </boundary-data>
+isocyanate-reactive component selected from the group consisting of (a)  at least one isocyanate-reactive compound having a hydroxyl functionality of from about <part-num-ref name="hydroxyl functionality of from about">3</part-num-ref>
+ to about <part-num-ref name="to about">4,</part-num-ref>
+ an OH number of from about <part-num-ref name="OH number of from about">400</part-num-ref>
+ to <boundary-data type="line-number">25                      </boundary-data>
+about <part-num-ref name="to about">850,</part-num-ref>
+ and a molecular weight of from about <part-num-ref name="molecular weight of from about">200</part-num-ref>
+ <confidence value="88">to</confidence>
+ about <part-num-ref name="to about">400,</part-num-ref>
+ and (b)  at least one organic amine compound having a functionality of <part-num-ref name="functionality of">2</part-num-ref>
+ to <part-num-ref name="to">4,</part-num-ref>
+ and a molecular weight <boundary-data type="line-number">30                      </boundary-data>
+of from about <part-num-ref name="molecular weight of from about">60</part-num-ref>
+ to about 400;    </p>
+    <p id="p-31" num="31">in the presence of:</p>
+    <p id="p-32" num="32">(C)  one or more catalyst.</p>
+    <p id="p-33" num="33">
+      <page-break num="7"/>
+      <confidence value="86">PO</confidence>
+8436                       - <confidence value="8">7</confidence>
+ <confidence value="8">-</confidence>
+     </p>
+    <heading id="h-5">DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION</heading>
+    <p id="p-34" num="34">Suitable polyisocyanates which can be used as component (A) in the present invention include those commonly used for the production of polyurethane systems such as diphenylmethane-4,4'- and/or -2,4'- and/or <boundary-data type="line-number">5  </boundary-data>
+-2,2'- diisocyanate (MDI); and the technical polyphenyl-polymethylene polyisocyanates obtained by phosgenating aniline-formaldehyde condensates and described, for example, in British Patent No. 874,430, and 848,671 (MDI containing polynuclear polyisocyanates). The modified polyisocyanates obtained by the modification of MDI, for example, <boundary-data type="line-number">10  </boundary-data>
+polyisocyanates modified with polyols through urethane groups, carbodiimide polyisocyanates, isocyanurate polyisocyanates, biuretized polyisocyanates, allophanatized polyisocyanates or uretdione polyisocyanates are examples of suitable modified technical isocyanates.    </p>
+    <p id="p-35" num="35">Allophanate-modified polyisocyanates which are suitable for the <boundary-data type="line-number">15  </boundary-data>
+present invention include, for example, those which are known and described in, for example, U.S. Patents 4,810,820, 5,124,427, 5,208,334, 5,235,018, 5,444,146, 5,614,605, 5,663,272, 5,783,652, 5,789,519, 5,859,163, 6,028,158, 6,063,891, the disclosures of which are herein incorporated by reference.    </p>
+    <p id="p-36" num="36">
+      <boundary-data type="line-number">20       </boundary-data>
+In an alternate embodiment of the invention, the polyisocyanate component comprises an NCO-terminated of a polyisocyanate. Suitable NCO-terminated prepolymers comprise the reaction product of a polyisocyanate as described above with an isocyanate-reactive compound. Suitable isocyanate-reactive compound are those having a <boundary-data type="line-number">25  </boundary-data>
+molecular weight of less than 1,000 or so, preferably less than about <part-num-ref name="molecular weight of less than 1,000 or so, preferably less than about">500</part-num-ref>
+ and more preferably less than about <part-num-ref name="and more preferably less than about">300,</part-num-ref>
+ and having a hydroxyl functionality of about <part-num-ref name="hydroxyl functionality of about">2</part-num-ref>
+ to about <part-num-ref name="to about">4.</part-num-ref>
+ Preferably, these prepolymers are formed by reacting MDI/PMDI with an isocyanate-reactive component in quantities such that the NCO content is from about <part-num-ref name="NCO content is from about">10</part-num-ref>
+ to 30%, preferably <part-num-ref name="to 30%, preferably">30</part-num-ref>
+  from about <part-num-ref name="from about">15</part-num-ref>
+ to 30%, and most preferably from about <part-num-ref name="to 30%, and most preferably from about">20</part-num-ref>
+ to 30%.    </p>
+    <boundary-data type="header">
+      <confidence value="86">P0</confidence>
+8436                      - <confidence value="8">8</confidence>
+ <confidence value="8">-</confidence>
+    </boundary-data>
+    <p id="p-37" num="37">
+      <page-break num="8"/>
+The isocyanate-reactive component (B) of the present invention comprises <part-num-ref name="present invention comprises">(1)</part-num-ref>
+  from <part-num-ref name="from">75</part-num-ref>
+ to 90%, preferably from <part-num-ref name="to 90%, preferably from">80</part-num-ref>
+ to 90% and most preferably from <part-num-ref name="to 90% and most preferably from">80</part-num-ref>
+ to 85% by weight, based on 100% of the combined weight <boundary-data type="line-number">5       </boundary-data>
+of (B)(1), (B) <part-num-ref name="combined weight of (B)(1), (B)">(2)</part-num-ref>
+ and (B)(3), of one or more isocyanate-reactive components having a functionality of from about <part-num-ref name="functionality of from about">2</part-num-ref>
+ to about <part-num-ref name="to about">3,</part-num-ref>
+ an OH number of from about <part-num-ref name="OH number of from about">28</part-num-ref>
+ to about <part-num-ref name="to about">35,</part-num-ref>
+ a molecular weight of from about 4,000 to about 6,000 and containing less than 17%, preferably less than 15%, more preferably no more than 13%; and <boundary-data type="line-number">10       </boundary-data>
+preferably at least 1%, and more preferably at least 2% by weight of ethylene oxide as an external cap;    </p>
+    <p id="p-38" num="38">(2)  from about 4 to about 25%, preferably from about <part-num-ref name="to about 25%, preferably from about">10</part-num-ref>
+ to about 20% and most preferably from about <part-num-ref name="to about 20% and most preferably from about">10</part-num-ref>
+ to 15% by weight, based on 100% of the combined weight of (B)(1), (B)(2) and (B)(3), of at least <boundary-data type="line-number">15       </boundary-data>
+one chain extender having a hydroxyl functionality of <part-num-ref name="hydroxyl functionality of">2</part-num-ref>
+ and a molecular weight of from about <part-num-ref name="molecular weight of from about">60</part-num-ref>
+ to less than about 250;    </p>
+    <p id="p-39" num="39">and (3)  from <part-num-ref name="from">0</part-num-ref>
+ to 6%, preferably from <part-num-ref name="to 6%, preferably from">2</part-num-ref>
+ to 5% and most preferably from <part-num-ref name="to 5% and most preferably from">2</part-num-ref>
+ to 4% by weight, based on 100% of the combined weight of (B)(1), <boundary-data type="line-number">20       </boundary-data>
+(B)(2) and (B)(3), of an isocyanate-reactive component selected from the group consisting of:    </p>
+    <p id="p-40" num="40">(a)  at least one isocyanate-reactive compound having a hydroxyl functionality of from about <part-num-ref name="hydroxyl functionality of from about">3</part-num-ref>
+ to about <part-num-ref name="to about">4,</part-num-ref>
+ an OH number of from about <part-num-ref name="OH number of from about">400</part-num-ref>
+ to about <part-num-ref name="to about">850,</part-num-ref>
+ a molecular weight <boundary-data type="line-number">25            </boundary-data>
+of from about <part-num-ref name="molecular weight of from about">200</part-num-ref>
+ to about <part-num-ref name="to about">400,</part-num-ref>
+ and (b)  at least one organic amine compound having a functionality of <part-num-ref name="functionality of">2</part-num-ref>
+ to <part-num-ref name="to">4,</part-num-ref>
+ and a molecular weight of from about <part-num-ref name="molecular weight of from about">60</part-num-ref>
+ to about <part-num-ref name="to about">400.</part-num-ref>
+    </p>
+    <p id="p-41" num="41">
+      <boundary-data type="line-number">30       </boundary-data>
+Suitable isocyanate-reactive compounds to be used as component (B)(1) in the present invention include those compounds containing from about <part-num-ref name="present invention include those compounds containing from about">2</part-num-ref>
+ to about <part-num-ref name="to about">3</part-num-ref>
+ hydroxyl groups which are capable of reacting with the <page-break num="9"/>
+      <confidence value="86">PO</confidence>
+8436                       -<confidence value="88">9-</confidence>
+ isocyanate groups of component (A), an OH number of from about <part-num-ref name="OH number of from about">28</part-num-ref>
+ to about <part-num-ref name="to about">35,</part-num-ref>
+ a molecular weight of from about 4,000 to about 6,000, and containing less than about 17% (preferably less than 15%, more preferably no more than 13%) by weight of ethylene oxide as an external <boundary-data type="line-number">5  </boundary-data>
+cap. The weight basis of ethylene oxide as an external cap is based on 100% by weight of alkylene oxide groups.    </p>
+    <p id="p-42" num="42">These relatively high molecular weight polyols include linear or branched, di-, tri-, tetra- or higher functional polyoxyalkyene polyols (polyalkylene oxide polyols) having molecular weight of from about 4,000 <boundary-data type="line-number">10  </boundary-data>
+to about 6,000, preferably from about 4,800 to about 6,000. The polyols preferably have OH numbers of from about <part-num-ref name="polyols preferably have OH numbers of from about">28</part-num-ref>
+ to about <part-num-ref name="to about">35.</part-num-ref>
+ These polyoxyalkylene polyols may be obtained by the addition of alkyloxiranes, such as propylene oxide, ethylene oxide, epichlorohydrin, 1,2- or 2,3- butylene oxide and/or styrene oxide onto difunctional or trifunctional <boundary-data type="line-number">15  </boundary-data>
+starters, such as water, diols, triols, Mixtures of alkyloxiranes (for examples, of propylene oxide and epichlorohydrin) may also be used for producing the polyoxyalkylene polyols.    </p>
+    <p id="p-43" num="43">Suitable isocyanate-reactive components to be used as component (B)(1) in accordance with the present invention include, for example those <boundary-data type="line-number">20  </boundary-data>
+which contain less than 17% by weight of ethylene oxide as an external cap, and preferably less than 15% by weight of ethylene oxide as an external cap. The compounds to be used as the isocyanate-reactive component (B)(1) typically have an external cap of ethylene oxide of less than 17% by weight, preferably less than 15% by weight, and more <boundary-data type="line-number">25  </boundary-data>
+preferably of no more than 13% by weight. These compounds also typically have an external cap of ethylene oxide preferably of at least about 1% by weight and more preferably of at least about 2% by weight.    </p>
+    <p id="p-44" num="44">These compounds may have an external cap of ethylene oxide ranging between any combination of these upper and lower values, inclusive. The <boundary-data type="line-number">30  </boundary-data>
+weight of ethylene oxide as an external cap is based on the sum or all the oxyalkylene units present in the isocyanate-reactive component (B)(1).    </p>
+    <p id="p-45" num="45">The remaining oxyalkylene radicals are preferably oxypropylene radicals.</p>
+    <boundary-data type="header">
+      <confidence value="86">PO</confidence>
+8436                       - <confidence value="88">10</confidence>
+ <confidence value="8">-</confidence>
+    </boundary-data>
+    <p id="p-46" num="46">
+      <page-break num="10"/>
+These isocyanate-reactive components typically have a hydroxyl functionality of from about <part-num-ref name="hydroxyl functionality of from about">2</part-num-ref>
+ to about <part-num-ref name="to about">3.</part-num-ref>
+ Technically, the most important isocyanate-reactive components are the polyoxypropylene polyols which contain less than 17% by weight, preferably from 1% to less than 15% by <boundary-data type="line-number">5  </boundary-data>
+weight, and more preferably from 2% to no more than about 13% by weight of ethylene oxide as an external cap.    </p>
+    <p id="p-47" num="47">The polyalkylene polyether polyols can also be used in the form of mixtures.</p>
+    <p id="p-48" num="48">In the preferred polyether polyols described above, the oxyethylene <boundary-data type="line-number">10  </boundary-data>
+content should be such that at room temperature the polyether polyol is liquid or the non-oxyethylene content in the polyether polyol should be selected so that a liquid is obtained.    </p>
+    <p id="p-49" num="49">The isocyanate-reactive components suitable for (B)(1) of the present invention may be produced in known manner by the <boundary-data type="line-number">15  </boundary-data>
+polymerization of alkyloxiranes or mixtures thereof or by their addition onto starter components containing reactive hydrogen (such as water, ethylene glycol, 1,2- or 1,3-propane diol, dipropylene glycol, 1,4- or 3,6-dianhydro- sorbitol, trimethylol propane, glycerol, pentaerythritol, sorbitol, 4,4'-dihydroxydiphenyl propane, optionally, in the presence of acidic or, <boundary-data type="line-number">20  </boundary-data>
+preferably basic catalysts. The polymerization process is optionally carried out in a mixture with ethylene oxide, but preferably in stages with addition of the ethylene oxide in the final stage being preferred, or in stepwise reactions, in a manner such that the above-described polyols are formed.    </p>
+    <p id="p-50" num="50">Production, properties and specific examples of polyethers of this <boundary-data type="line-number">25  </boundary-data>
+type are described in Ullmanns Enzyklopadie der Technischen Chemie, Verlag Chemie, Weihheim 4<confidence value="66">th</confidence>
+ Edition, Vol. 19 (1981), in the chapter on polyalkylene glycols (pages <part-num-ref name="chapter on polyalkylene glycols (pages">31</part-num-ref>
+ to <part-num-ref name="to">38)</part-num-ref>
+ and in the chapter on polyurethanes (pages <part-num-ref name="chapter on polyurethanes (pages">301</part-num-ref>
+ to <part-num-ref name="to">341,</part-num-ref>
+ more particularly pages <part-num-ref name="to 341, more particularly pages">304</part-num-ref>
+ to 308). They are also discussed in Kunststoff-Handbuch, Vol. V<confidence value="66">II</confidence>
+, Polyurethane, Carl Hanser <part-num-ref name="to 308). They are also discussed in Kunststoff-Handbuch, Vol. VII, Polyurethane, Carl Hanser">30</part-num-ref>
+  Verlag, Munich, <confidence value="512">1St</confidence>
+ Edition <confidence value="6666666">(1966),</confidence>
+ pages <part-num-ref name="Verlag, Munich, 1St Edition (1966), pages">
+        <confidence value="66">61</confidence>
+      </part-num-ref>
+ to <part-num-ref name="to">75</part-num-ref>
+ and 2<confidence value="25">nd</confidence>
+ Edition <part-num-ref name="and 2nd Edition">(1983)</part-num-ref>
+ pages <part-num-ref name="pages">42</part-num-ref>
+ to <part-num-ref name="to">54</part-num-ref>
+ and pages <part-num-ref name="and pages">75</part-num-ref>
+ to <part-num-ref name="to">77.</part-num-ref>
+    </p>
+    <p id="p-51" num="51">
+      <page-break num="11"/>
+      <confidence value="86">PO</confidence>
+8436                      - <confidence value="88">11</confidence>
+ <confidence value="8">-</confidence>
+ Suitable compounds to be used as component (B)(2) of the present invention include those chain extenders having about <part-num-ref name="present invention include those chain extenders having about">2</part-num-ref>
+ hydroxyl groups and having a molecular weight in the range of from about <part-num-ref name="range of from about">60</part-num-ref>
+ to less than about <part-num-ref name="to less than about">250.</part-num-ref>
+    </p>
+    <p id="p-52" num="52">
+      <boundary-data type="line-number">5       </boundary-data>
+Examples of suitable low molecular weight chain extenders include, for example, diols or mixtures of diols, preferably straight-chain or branched-chain (cyclo)alkylene diols, such as ethylene glycol, 1,2-propane diol, 1,3-propane diol, 3-chloro-2-propane diol, 2-methyl-<confidence value="5">1</confidence>
+,3-propanediol, <confidence value="8">1</confidence>
+,3-butanediol, 1,4-butanediol, 2,3-butanediol, 1,6-hexanediol, <boundary-data type="line-number">10  </boundary-data>
+1,10-decanediol, diethylene glycol, triethylene glycol, dipropylene glycol, tripropylene glycol, neopentyl glycol, 2-butene-,4-diol, 2,2,4-trimethyl- pentane-1,3-diol, <confidence value="5">1</confidence>
+,4-dihydroxy cyclohexane, <confidence value="5">1</confidence>
+,4-dihydroxy methyl cyclohexane, cyclohexane dimethanol, etc. Preferred chain extenders are, for example, ethylene glycol, diethylene glycol, dipropylene glycol, <boundary-data type="line-number">15  </boundary-data>
+triethylene glycol, tripropylene glycol, 1,4-butane diol and mixtures thereof.    </p>
+    <p id="p-53" num="53">Suitable isocyanate-reactive components to be used as (B)(3) when present in accordance with the invention, include those isocyanate- reactive components selected from the group consisting of:</p>
+    <p id="p-54" num="54">(a)  at least one isocyanate-reactive compound having a hydroxyl <boundary-data type="line-number">20       </boundary-data>
+functionality of from about <part-num-ref name="hydroxyl functionality of from about">3</part-num-ref>
+ to about <part-num-ref name="to about">4,</part-num-ref>
+ an OH number of from about <part-num-ref name="OH number of from about">400</part-num-ref>
+ to about <part-num-ref name="to about">850,</part-num-ref>
+ and a number average molecular weight of from about <part-num-ref name="number average molecular weight of from about">200</part-num-ref>
+ to about <part-num-ref name="to about">400,</part-num-ref>
+ and (b)  at least one organic amine compound having a functionality of <part-num-ref name="functionality of">2</part-num-ref>
+ to <boundary-data type="line-number">25       </boundary-data>
+      <part-num-ref name="to">4,</part-num-ref>
+ and a molecular weight of from about <part-num-ref name="molecular weight of from about">60</part-num-ref>
+ to about <part-num-ref name="to about">400.</part-num-ref>
+    </p>
+    <p id="p-55" num="55">There are generally two main groups of compounds suitable for component (B)(3). These include compounds described as component (B)(3)(a) which have hydroxyl functionality, and compounds described as component (B)(3)(b) which have amine functionality, and optionally 30  hydroxyl functionality.</p>
+    <boundary-data type="header">
+      <confidence value="86">PO</confidence>
+8436                      - <confidence value="88">12</confidence>
+ <confidence value="8">-</confidence>
+    </boundary-data>
+    <p id="p-56" num="56">
+      <page-break num="12"/>
+Component (B)(3)(a) includes isocyanate-reactive compounds having a hydroxyl functionality of from about <part-num-ref name="hydroxyl functionality of from about">3</part-num-ref>
+ to about <part-num-ref name="to about">4,</part-num-ref>
+ an OH number of from about <part-num-ref name="OH number of from about">400</part-num-ref>
+ to about <part-num-ref name="to about">850</part-num-ref>
+ and a number average molecular weight of from about <part-num-ref name="number average molecular weight of from about">200</part-num-ref>
+ to about <part-num-ref name="to about">400.</part-num-ref>
+ Suitable compounds to be used as (B)(3)(a) <boundary-data type="line-number">5   </boundary-data>
+include, for example, the reaction product of a compound containing at least two amine groups with an alkylene oxide such as, for example, propylene oxide and/or ethylene oxide, as well as compounds such as isocyanate-reactive tertiary amine polyethers.    </p>
+    <p id="p-57" num="57">Among the suitable compounds to be used as isocyanate-reactive <boundary-data type="line-number">10  </boundary-data>
+tertiary amine polyethers, i.e. component (B)(3(a) of the present invention, include compounds having the formula:    </p>
+    <p id="p-58" num="58">R[NR <confidence value="8658">R2]m</confidence>
+ wherein:    </p>
+    <p id="p-59" num="59">R:   represents a saturated or unsaturated <boundary-data type="line-number">15                            </boundary-data>
+      <confidence value="58852">C2-C$</confidence>
+ aliphatic or <confidence value="58855">C2-C8</confidence>
+ aliphatic substituted with -OH, -SH, or <confidence value="5">-</confidence>
+NHRa wherein Ra is a <confidence value="56855">C1-C8</confidence>
+ alkyl or <confidence value="5885">C2-C</confidence>
+ alkenyl; saturated or unsaturated <confidence value="568">C5-</confidence>
+ <confidence value="52">C8</confidence>
+ cycloaliphatic or <confidence value="55862">C5-C8</confidence>
+ cycloaliphatic <boundary-data type="line-number">20                            </boundary-data>
+substituted with <confidence value="56852">C1-C$</confidence>
+ alkyl, <confidence value="58855">C2-C8</confidence>
+ alkenyl, <confidence value="5685">C1-C</confidence>
+ alkylene, -OH, -SH or <confidence value="5">-</confidence>
+NHRa wherein Ra is <confidence value="5685">C1-C</confidence>
+ alkyl or <confidence value="58855">C2-C8</confidence>
+ alkenyl; or five- or six-membered aromatic or heteroaromatic optionally <boundary-data type="line-number">25                            </boundary-data>
+substituted with <confidence value="5685">C1-C</confidence>
+ alkyl, <confidence value="56852">C1-C8</confidence>
+ alkoxy, halogen, cyano, nitro, <confidence value="56852">C1-C8</confidence>
+ alkylene, -OH, -SH, or <confidence value="5">-</confidence>
+NHRa wherein Ra is <confidence value="56852">C1-C8</confidence>
+ alkyl or <confidence value="56852">C2-C8</confidence>
+ alkenyl;    </p>
+    <p id="p-60" num="60">
+      <confidence value="86">R1</confidence>
+ and R2: each independently represent 30                                 polyether groups terminated with isocyanate-reactive groups <page-break num="13"/>
+      <confidence value="86">PO</confidence>
+8436                      - <part-num-ref name="polyether groups terminated with isocyanate-reactive groups PO8436                      -">
+        <confidence value="88">13</confidence>
+      </part-num-ref>
+ <confidence value="8">-</confidence>
+ selected from -OH, -SH and -NHR<confidence value="1">b</confidence>
+ wherein R<confidence value="1">b</confidence>
+ is a <confidence value="56852">C1-C8</confidence>
+ alkyl or <confidence value="58855">C2-C8</confidence>
+ alkenyl;    </p>
+    <p id="p-61" num="61">and <boundary-data type="line-number">5                      </boundary-data>
+m:   represents an integer of from <part-num-ref name="integer of from">1</part-num-ref>
+ to <part-num-ref name="to">4.</part-num-ref>
+    </p>
+    <p id="p-62" num="62">The term "saturated or unsaturated <confidence value="5885">C2-C</confidence>
+ aliphatic" as applied to group R of component (B)(3)(a) refers to straight or branched chain hydrocarbon groups having from 2 to <part-num-ref name="to">8</part-num-ref>
+ carbon atoms attached to form <part-num-ref name="carbon atoms attached to form">1</part-num-ref>
+ to <part-num-ref name="to">4</part-num-ref>
+ - NR <confidence value="86">R2</confidence>
+ groups (preferably such that no carbon atoms is attached to <boundary-data type="line-number">10  </boundary-data>
+two nitrogen atoms) and optionally containing carbon-carbon double bonds (with the proviso that no double-bonded carbon atom is attached directly to a nitrogen atom). For example, when m is <part-num-ref name="nitrogen atom). For example, when m is">2,</part-num-ref>
+ saturated or unsaturated <confidence value="5885">C2-C</confidence>
+ aliphatic groups include linear ethylene, propylene, butylene, pentylene, hexylene, heptylene, and octylene groups, as well as <boundary-data type="line-number">15  </boundary-data>
+the isomeric branched forms thereof. The term "saturated or unsaturated <confidence value="55862">C5-C8</confidence>
+ cycloaliphatic" as applied to group R of component (B)(3)(a) refers to cyclopentane, cyclohexane, cycloheptane, and cyclooctane groups, as well as to <confidence value="56855">C1-C8</confidence>
+ alkyl derivatives thereof, that are attached to the - NR <confidence value="86">R2</confidence>
+ groups either directly to the ring carbon atoms or indirectly through the <boundary-data type="line-number">20  </boundary-data>
+optional C<confidence value="286">l-C</confidence>
+ alkylene substituents (preferably such that no carbon atom is attached directly to two nitrogen atoms) and that optionally contain carbon-carbon double bonds in the cyclic moiety (preferably such that no double-bonded carbon atom is attached directly to a nitrogen atom). For example, when m is <part-num-ref name="nitrogen atom). For example, when m is">2,</part-num-ref>
+ preferred saturated or unsaturated <confidence value="5586">C5-C</confidence>
+ <boundary-data type="line-number">25  </boundary-data>
+cycloaliphatic groups include the various isomeric cyclopentylene, cyclohexylene, cycloheptylene, and cyclooctylene groups. Suitable but less preferred saturated or unsaturated <confidence value="5586">C5-C</confidence>
+ cycloaliphatic groups include those in which at least one ring carbon atom is attached to the - <confidence value="88186">NR'R2</confidence>
+ groups indirectly through an optional <confidence value="5685">C1-C</confidence>
+ alkylene substituent, <part-num-ref name="optional C1-C alkylene substituent,">30</part-num-ref>
+  such as groups in which m is <part-num-ref name="such as groups in which m is">2</part-num-ref>
+ having the formulas:    </p>
+    <p id="p-63" num="63">
+      <confidence value="5">C</confidence>
+H2-<confidence value="5">,</confidence>
+ <confidence value="825">-OC</confidence>
+H2            <confidence value="58885">CH2-'</confidence>
+ <page-break num="14"/>
+      <boundary-data type="header">
+        <confidence value="86">PO</confidence>
+8436                       - <confidence value="88">14</confidence>
+ <confidence value="8">-</confidence>
+      </boundary-data>
+and the like. The term "five- or six-membered aromatic or heteroaromatic" as applied to group R of component (B)(2)(a) refers to benzene, six- membered heterocyclic groups containing at least one ring nitrogen atom (such as pyridine, pyrazine, pyrimidine, pyridazine, and the like), five- <boundary-data type="line-number">
+        <confidence value="5">5</confidence>
+         </boundary-data>
+membered heterocyclic groups containing at least one ring nitrogen, oxygen, or sulfur atom (such as, furan, pyrrole, imidazole, pyrazole, thiophene, oxazole, isoxazole, thiazole, isothiazole, and the like), each of which can be substituted with C<confidence value="5882">1-C$</confidence>
+ alkyl, C<confidence value="2882">1-Ca</confidence>
+ alkoxy, halogen, cyano, nitro, or C<confidence value="682">-C$</confidence>
+ alkylene. When the substituent is C<confidence value="5882">1-C$</confidence>
+ alkylene, the <boundary-data type="line-number">10  </boundary-data>
+aromatic or heteroaromatic group can be attached to the -NR<confidence value="1">1</confidence>
+R2 groups indirectly through the alkylene substituents.    </p>
+    <p id="p-64" num="64">Each group R can optionally be substituted with -OH, -SH, or <confidence value="5">-</confidence>
+NHRa groups wherein Ra is C<confidence value="682">-C$</confidence>
+ alkyl or C2-C<confidence value="5">8</confidence>
+ alkenyl (preferably alkenyl in which no double-bonded carbon atom is attached directly to a nitrogen <boundary-data type="line-number">15  </boundary-data>
+atom), particularly when m is <part-num-ref name="nitrogen atom), particularly when m is">1,</part-num-ref>
+ to provide additional isocyanate-reactive sites. Examples of suitable such groups R when m is <part-num-ref name="nitrogen atom), particularly when m is 1, to provide additional isocyanate-reactive sites. Examples of suitable such groups R when m is">
+        <confidence value="5">1</confidence>
+      </part-num-ref>
+ include hydroxyethyl and hydroxypropyl. Such groups are generally not preferred when m is <part-num-ref name="include hydroxyethyl and hydroxypropyl. Such groups are generally not preferred when m is">2,</part-num-ref>
+ <part-num-ref name="include hydroxyethyl and hydroxypropyl. Such groups are generally not preferred when m is 2,">3</part-num-ref>
+ or <part-num-ref name="or">4.</part-num-ref>
+    </p>
+    <p id="p-65" num="65">The term "polyether groups terminated with isocyanate-reactive <boundary-data type="line-number">20  </boundary-data>
+groups" as applied to groups R<confidence value="1">'</confidence>
+ and R<confidence value="5">2</confidence>
+ of component (B)(3)(a) refers to polyethers prepared, for example, by the general methods described above for preparing isocyanate-reactive component (B)(1), provided that one end of each polyether chain is attached to the nitrogen atom indicated in the formula and the other end is terminated by at least one -OH, -SH, or <boundary-data type="line-number">25  </boundary-data>
+-NHR<confidence value="1">b</confidence>
+ group, and that the molecular weight of the resultant tertiary amine polyether (B)(3)(a) ranges from about <part-num-ref name="resultant tertiary amine polyether (B)(3)(a) ranges from about">200</part-num-ref>
+ to about <part-num-ref name="to about">400.</part-num-ref>
+ Suitable polyethers include hydroxy-terminated <confidence value="222222222222222">polyoxyalkylene</confidence>
+ polyethers, such as those having polyoxyethylene, polyoxypropylene, polyoxybutylene, or polytetramethylene groups, especially hydroxy-terminated polyoxypro- <part-num-ref name="to about 400. Suitable polyethers include hydroxy-terminated polyoxyalkylene polyethers, such as those having polyoxyethylene, polyoxypropylene, polyoxybutylene, or polytetramethylene groups, especially hydroxy-terminated polyoxypro-">30</part-num-ref>
+  pylene groups.    </p>
+    <p id="p-66" num="66">
+      <page-break num="15"/>
+      <confidence value="86">PO</confidence>
+8436                       - <confidence value="88">15</confidence>
+ <confidence value="8">-</confidence>
+ Particularly preferred isocyanate-reactive tertiary amine polyethers (B)(3)(a) are those in which R is a difunctional saturated C2-C<confidence value="2">$</confidence>
+ aliphatic groups, R<confidence value="1">'</confidence>
+ and R<confidence value="5">2</confidence>
+ are independently hydroxy-terminated polyethers containing exclusively polypropylene oxide units, and m is <part-num-ref name="difunctional saturated C2-C$ aliphatic groups, R' and R2 are independently hydroxy-terminated polyethers containing exclusively polypropylene oxide units, and m is">2,</part-num-ref>
+ and in which <boundary-data type="line-number">5  </boundary-data>
+the molecular weight is from <part-num-ref name="molecular weight is from">200</part-num-ref>
+ to <part-num-ref name="to">400.</part-num-ref>
+    </p>
+    <p id="p-67" num="67">Suitable compounds to be used as component (B)(3)(b) in the present invention include those organic amine compounds having a functionality of <part-num-ref name="functionality of">2</part-num-ref>
+ to <part-num-ref name="to">4</part-num-ref>
+ and a molecular weight of from about <part-num-ref name="molecular weight of from about">60</part-num-ref>
+ to about <part-num-ref name="to about">400.</part-num-ref>
+ Reactivities of the attenuated-reactivity amino groups can be <boundary-data type="line-number">10  </boundary-data>
+moderated by steric effects and/or electronic effects.    </p>
+    <p id="p-68" num="68">Suitable organic amines for component (B)(3)(b) are selected from the group consisting of:</p>
+    <p id="p-69" num="69">(1)  a sterically hindered aromatic amine in which one or more aromatic ring substituents are situated ortho to the amino groups, <boundary-data type="line-number">15  </boundary-data>
+      <part-num-ref name="amino groups,">(2)</part-num-ref>
+  an aromatic amine other than amine (B)(3)(b)(1) in which at least one of the amine groups exhibits reduced reactivity due primarily to electronic effects rather than steric factors, <part-num-ref name="amine groups exhibits reduced reactivity due primarily to electronic effects rather than steric factors,">(3)</part-num-ref>
+  an aromatic or non-aromatic amine having secondary amine groups, <boundary-data type="line-number">20  </boundary-data>
+      <part-num-ref name="aromatic or non-aromatic amine having secondary amine groups,">(4)</part-num-ref>
+   a non-aromatic amine having sterically hindered primary amine groups, and <part-num-ref name="non-aromatic amine having sterically hindered primary amine groups, and">(5)</part-num-ref>
+  mixtures thereof.    </p>
+    <p id="p-70" num="70">Suitable amines include sterically hindered aromatic amines <boundary-data type="line-number">25  </boundary-data>
+(B)(3)(b)(1) in which one or more aromatic ring substituents (preferably C1- <confidence value="55">C6</confidence>
+ alkyl groups) are situated ortho to the amino groups. It is, of course, possible for such compounds to include substituents that inhibit reactivity by electronic effects. Examples of such hindered aromatic amines include diamines such as 1-methyl-3,5-bis(methylthio)-2,4- and/or -2,6-diamino- <part-num-ref name="amino groups. It is, of course, possible for such compounds to include substituents that inhibit reactivity by electronic effects. Examples of such hindered aromatic amines include diamines such as 1-methyl-3,5-bis(methylthio)-2,4- and/or -2,6-diamino-">30</part-num-ref>
+  benzene, 1,3,5-triethyl-2,4-diaminobenzene, 1,3,5-triisopropyl-2,4-di- aminobenzene, 1-methyl-3,5-diethyl-2,4- and/or 2,6-diaminobenzene <page-break num="16"/>
+      <boundary-data type="header">
+        <confidence value="86">PO</confidence>
+8436                      - <confidence value="88">16</confidence>
+ <confidence value="8">-</confidence>
+      </boundary-data>
+(DETDA), 4,6-dimethyl-2-ethyl-1,3-diaminobenzene, 3,5,3',5'-tetraethyl- 4,4'-diaminodiphenylmethane, 3,5,3',5'-tetraisopropyl-4,4'-diaminodi- phenylmethane, and 3,5-diethyl-3',5'-diisopropyl-4,4'-diaminodiphenyl- methane.    </p>
+    <p id="p-71" num="71">
+      <boundary-data type="line-number">5       </boundary-data>
+Suitable compounds (B)(3)(b) also include other aromatic amines (B)(3)(b)(2) in which reactivity is primarily determined by electronic effects rather than steric factors. It is, of course, possible for such compounds to include sterically hindered amino groups as well. Examples of suitable aromatic amines include those containing deactivating substituents (such <boundary-data type="line-number">10  </boundary-data>
+as halogens, nitro or carbonyl groups), especially diamines such as halogenated diaminodiphenylmethanes (for example, 3,3<confidence value="5">'</confidence>
+-dichloro-4,4<confidence value="68">'-</confidence>
+ diaminodiphenylmethane (MOCA) and 3-chloro-4,4'-diaminodiphenyl- methane (in which the amino group attached to the chlorinated aromatic ring is left exposed )), and 4-(4<confidence value="5">'</confidence>
+-aminobenzyl)cyclohexylamine (1/2 <boundary-data type="line-number">15  </boundary-data>
+    </p>
+    <heading id="h-6">PACM).</heading>
+    <p id="p-72" num="72">Examples of aromatic or non-aromatic amines (B)(3)(b)(3) having secondary amino groups include N,N<confidence value="5">'</confidence>
+-dialkyl-p-phenylenediamines, N,N'-dialkylaminodiphenylmethanes, and piperzine or sterically hindered derivatives thereof.    </p>
+    <p id="p-73" num="73">
+      <boundary-data type="line-number">20       </boundary-data>
+Examples of non-aromatic amines suitable as component (B)(3)(b)(4) having sterically hindered primary amino groups include 2-methyl-2-amino-propanol.    </p>
+    <p id="p-74" num="74">Suitable catalysts for the present invention include those known in the art to be capable of promoting the reaction between isocyanate groups <boundary-data type="line-number">25  </boundary-data>
+of polyisocyanates and isocyanate-reactive groups of isocyanate-reactive compounds. Some examples of suitable catalysts include the tertiary amines, organometallic compounds, particularly organotin catalysts, such as, for example, tin carboxylates and bismuth carboxylates, tin-sulfur catalysts, etc.    </p>
+    <p id="p-75" num="75">
+      <boundary-data type="line-number">30       </boundary-data>
+In addition to the catalysts, other additives may also optionally be present in the formulations in accordance with the present invention. Such additives include, but are not limited to, cell regulators, flame retarding <page-break num="17"/>
+      <confidence value="86">P0</confidence>
+8436                       - <part-num-ref name="present invention. Such additives include, but are not limited to, cell regulators, flame retarding P08436                       -">
+        <confidence value="88">17</confidence>
+      </part-num-ref>
+ <confidence value="8">-</confidence>
+ agents, plasticizers, dyes, pigments, external mold release agents, etc. A preferred pigment is carbon black. When present in the formulation of the invention, carbon black is typically dispersed in a small quantity of an isocyanate-reactive component such as, for example, polyether polyol.    </p>
+    <p id="p-76" num="76">
+      <boundary-data type="line-number">5        </boundary-data>
+The compositions according to the present invention may be molded using conventional processing techniques at isocyanate indexes ranging from about <part-num-ref name="present invention may be molded using conventional processing techniques at isocyanate indexes ranging from about">70</part-num-ref>
+ to <part-num-ref name="to">130,</part-num-ref>
+ preferably from <part-num-ref name="to 130, preferably from">90</part-num-ref>
+ to <part-num-ref name="to">110.</part-num-ref>
+ By the term <confidence value="85">"I</confidence>
+socyanate Index" (also commonly referred to as "N<confidence value="68">CO</confidence>
+ index"), is defined herein as the equivalents of isocyanate, divided by the total equivalents of <boundary-data type="line-number">10  </boundary-data>
+isocyanate-reactive hydrogen containing materials, multiplied by <part-num-ref name="total equivalents of isocyanate-reactive hydrogen containing materials, multiplied by">100.</part-num-ref>
+    </p>
+    <p id="p-77" num="77">When water is present in the reaction systems of the present invention, the quantity of water present is not considered in calculating the isocyanate index.</p>
+    <p id="p-78" num="78">As used herein, the term "molecular weight" refers to the number <boundary-data type="line-number">15  </boundary-data>
+average molecular weight as determined by end-group analysis. Also, as used herein, the term "number average functionality" refers to the functionality of a blend of polyisocyanates or polyols of different functionalities, averaged over the total weight of the blend.    </p>
+    <p id="p-79" num="79">The following examples further illustrate details for the preparation <boundary-data type="line-number">20  </boundary-data>
+and use of the compositions of this invention. The invention, which is set forth in the foregoing disclosure, is not to be limited either in spirit or scope by these examples. Those skilled in the art will readily understand that known variations of the conditions and processes of the following preparative procedures can be used to prepare these compositions.    </p>
+    <p id="p-80" num="80">
+      <boundary-data type="line-number">25  </boundary-data>
+Unless otherwise noted, all temperatures are degrees Celsius and all parts and percentages are parts by weight and percentages by weight, respectively.    </p>
+    <heading id="h-7">EXAMPLES</heading>
+    <p id="p-81" num="81">The following components were used in the working examples:</p>
+    <p id="p-82" num="82">
+      <boundary-data type="line-number">30  </boundary-data>
+Polyisocyanate A: an isocyanate prepolymer having an NCO group content of about 23%, a viscosity of between about <part-num-ref name="viscosity of between about">500</part-num-ref>
+ and <part-num-ref name="and">800</part-num-ref>
+ mPa<confidence value="2">-</confidence>
+s at 25<confidence value="2">°</confidence>
+C, and comprising the <page-break num="18"/>
+      <boundary-data type="header">
+        <confidence value="86">PO</confidence>
+8436                      - <confidence value="88">18</confidence>
+ <confidence value="8">-</confidence>
+      </boundary-data>
+reaction product of about 86.5% by weight of 4,4'- diphenylmethane <confidence value="222222222222">diisocyanate</confidence>
+ having an NCO group content of about 33.6% and a functionality of about <part-num-ref name="functionality of about">2</part-num-ref>
+ and about 13.5% by weight of tripropylene glycol <boundary-data type="line-number">5   </boundary-data>
+Pol<confidence value="5">y</confidence>
+ol A:     a glycerin initiated polyether polyol having an internal propylene oxide block content of about 83% and an external ethylene oxide cap of about 17%, characterized by an OH number of about <part-num-ref name="OH number of about">28</part-num-ref>
+ and a functionality of about <part-num-ref name="functionality of about">3</part-num-ref>
+ <boundary-data type="line-number">10  </boundary-data>
+Pol<confidence value="68">yo</confidence>
+l B:      a glycerin initiated polyether polyol having an internal propylene oxide block content of about 87% and an external ethylene oxide cap of about 13%, characterized by an OH number of about <part-num-ref name="OH number of about">28</part-num-ref>
+ and a functionality of about <part-num-ref name="functionality of about">3</part-num-ref>
+ <boundary-data type="line-number">15  </boundary-data>
+Extender A:    ethylene glycol Extender B:    1,4-butanediol Crosslinker A:  a ethylene diamine initiated polyether polyol of propylene oxide, having an OH number of about <part-num-ref name="OH number of about">630</part-num-ref>
+ and a functionality of about <part-num-ref name="functionality of about">4</part-num-ref>
+ <boundary-data type="line-number">20  </boundary-data>
+Surfactant A:  a silicone surfactant commercially available as L <part-num-ref name="silicone surfactant commercially available as L">1000</part-num-ref>
+ from GE Silicones Catalyst A:    an organo tin catalyst commercially available as Fomrez UL-38 from Air Products DR-0217:       carbon black dispersed in a polyether polyol <boundary-data type="line-number">
+        <confidence value="88">25</confidence>
+      </boundary-data>
+ RIM Examples:    </p>
+    <p id="p-83" num="83">The four (4) formulations as shown in TABLE <part-num-ref name="formulations as shown in TABLE">1</part-num-ref>
+ were used to produce reaction injection molded articles. The polyurethane-forming system was injected using a Cincinnati High Pressure Cylinder machine.    </p>
+    <p id="p-84" num="84">
+      <boundary-data type="line-number">30  </boundary-data>
+The isocyanate-reactive materials and various additives were put into the B-side of the machine and the appropriate quantites of the specific prepolymer were loaded into the A-side. The Cincinnati High Pressure <page-break num="19"/>
+      <confidence value="86">PO</confidence>
+8436                      - <part-num-ref name="Cincinnati High Pressure PO8436                      -">
+        <confidence value="88">19</confidence>
+      </part-num-ref>
+ <confidence value="8">-</confidence>
+ Cylinder was equipped with a Cincinnati mixhead. The B-side was preheated to 30<confidence value="2">°</confidence>
+C and the A-side was preheated to 30<confidence value="25">0C</confidence>
+. The materials were injected at an injection pressure of about 2,000 psi and an injection rate of <part-num-ref name="injection rate of">3500</part-num-ref>
+ grams/sec. The material was injected to a plaque mold of <boundary-data type="line-number">
+        <confidence value="5">5</confidence>
+        </boundary-data>
+about <part-num-ref name="plaque mold of about">3</part-num-ref>
+ ft. x <part-num-ref name="ft. x">4</part-num-ref>
+ ft.. The mold was heated to a temperature of about 49<confidence value="268">0C,</confidence>
+ <confidence value="8825">65°C</confidence>
+ or 74<confidence value="266">0C.</confidence>
+ After <part-num-ref name="temperature of about 490C, 65°C or 740C. After">1,</part-num-ref>
+ <part-num-ref name="temperature of about 490C, 65°C or 740C. After 1,">2</part-num-ref>
+ or <part-num-ref name="or">3</part-num-ref>
+ minutes, the plaques were demolded.    </p>
+    <p id="p-85" num="85">TABLE 1:</p>
+    <p id="p-86" num="86">Exam<confidence value="8">p</confidence>
+le     1          <part-num-ref name="">2</part-num-ref>
+          <part-num-ref name="">3</part-num-ref>
+           <part-num-ref name="">4</part-num-ref>
+ <confidence value="222222">Polyol</confidence>
+ A   <part-num-ref name="">88</part-num-ref>
+                     <part-num-ref name="">82</part-num-ref>
+ <confidence value="222222">Polyol</confidence>
+ B               <part-num-ref name="Polyol B">88</part-num-ref>
+                     <part-num-ref name="">88</part-num-ref>
+ Extender A  <part-num-ref name="">11</part-num-ref>
+         <part-num-ref name="">11</part-num-ref>
+ Extender B                        <part-num-ref name="Extender B">16</part-num-ref>
+          <part-num-ref name="">16</part-num-ref>
+ Crosslinker  <part-num-ref name="Crosslinker">2</part-num-ref>
+         <part-num-ref name="">2</part-num-ref>
+          <part-num-ref name="">2</part-num-ref>
+           <part-num-ref name="">2</part-num-ref>
+     </p>
+    <heading id="h-8">
+      <confidence value="8">A</confidence>
+    </heading>
+    <p id="p-87" num="87">Surfactant A  <part-num-ref name="">1</part-num-ref>
+        <part-num-ref name="">1</part-num-ref>
+           <part-num-ref name="">1</part-num-ref>
+          <part-num-ref name="">1</part-num-ref>
+ Catal<confidence value="8">y</confidence>
+st A  0.12       0.12       0.12        0.12 DR-0217    <part-num-ref name="0.12       0.12       0.12        0.12 DR-0217">6</part-num-ref>
+           <part-num-ref name="">6</part-num-ref>
+          <part-num-ref name="">6</part-num-ref>
+           <part-num-ref name="">6</part-num-ref>
+ <confidence value="7">I</confidence>
+soc<confidence value="7">y</confidence>
+anate A 81.5      81.5       <part-num-ref name="81.5      81.5">81</part-num-ref>
+          <part-num-ref name="">81</part-num-ref>
+ Molded     63.00       63.00      63.00       63.00 Density <confidence value="66885">(pcf)</confidence>
+ Isocyanate  <part-num-ref name="Molded     63.00       63.00      63.00       63.00 Density (pcf) Isocyanate">105</part-num-ref>
+        <part-num-ref name="">105</part-num-ref>
+        <part-num-ref name="">105</part-num-ref>
+         <part-num-ref name="">105</part-num-ref>
+ Index Mix Ratio  75.34       75.34      75.62       75.62 <confidence value="54">(I</confidence>
+so:Pol<confidence value="6856">yol)</confidence>
+ <boundary-data type="line-number">
+        <confidence value="88">10</confidence>
+      </boundary-data>
+ It is known from experience that there are several key processing parameters which influence part shrinkage. The two main ones are the demold time and the mold temperature. In addition, flow direction of the <boundary-data type="line-number">15  </boundary-data>
+material in the mold also shows differences, particularly in systems which contain fillers.    </p>
+    <p id="p-88" num="88">The four formulations above were evaluated by molding plaques of each of these formulations at 3 different mold temperatures, and <part-num-ref name="different mold temperatures, and">3</part-num-ref>
+ different demold times as shown in TABLES 2A, 2B, 2C and 2D. Part <part-num-ref name="different demold times as shown in TABLES 2A, 2B, 2C and 2D. Part">20</part-num-ref>
+  measurements were taken at least a day after molding, and the parts were measured in both directions, parallel to flow and perpendicular to flow.    </p>
+    <boundary-data type="header">
+      <confidence value="86">P0</confidence>
+8436         -20-    </boundary-data>
+    <p id="p-89" num="89">
+      <page-break num="20"/>
+      <confidence value="7">o</confidence>
+                 <confidence value="6">o</confidence>
+ <confidence value="1211">coLf</confidence>
+ <confidence value="2">o</confidence>
+ <confidence value="1">o</confidence>
+            <confidence value="21">E~</confidence>
+     </p>
+    <heading id="h-9">
+      <confidence value="21">O-</confidence>
+ <confidence value="21">ON</confidence>
+  <confidence value="2">N</confidence>
+  <confidence value="2">N</confidence>
+        <confidence value="21">ON</confidence>
+    </heading>
+    <heading id="h-10">
+      <confidence value="2">O</confidence>
+  <confidence value="2">O</confidence>
+ <confidence value="8">N</confidence>
+  <confidence value="2">N</confidence>
+       <confidence value="21211">OLOC)</confidence>
+    </heading>
+    <p id="p-90" num="90">
+      <confidence value="11">E-</confidence>
+   <confidence value="111">C0)</confidence>
+            <confidence value="1">C</confidence>
+   <confidence value="1">7</confidence>
+     </p>
+    <heading id="h-11">
+      <confidence value="22">N.</confidence>
+               <confidence value="6">E</confidence>
+    </heading>
+    <heading id="h-12">
+      <confidence value="7">E</confidence>
+    </heading>
+    <p id="p-91" num="91">
+      <confidence value="11">co</confidence>
+                     <confidence value="1">o</confidence>
+     </p>
+    <heading id="h-13">
+      <confidence value="2">-</confidence>
+  <confidence value="2">-</confidence>
+ <confidence value="2">-</confidence>
+     <confidence value="2">-</confidence>
+ <confidence value="2">-</confidence>
+  <confidence value="2">-</confidence>
+    <confidence value="2">-</confidence>
+  <confidence value="2">-</confidence>
+  <confidence value="2">-</confidence>
+  <confidence value="2">-</confidence>
+  <confidence value="2">-</confidence>
+    </heading>
+    <p id="p-92" num="92">
+      <confidence value="1">L</confidence>
+                <confidence value="11">++</confidence>
+ <confidence value="62">a-</confidence>
+ <confidence value="22">o.</confidence>
+               <confidence value="1">-</confidence>
+     </p>
+    <heading id="h-14">
+      <confidence value="12">VE</confidence>
+    </heading>
+    <p id="p-93" num="93">
+      <confidence value="2">O</confidence>
+                <confidence value="11">a)</confidence>
+ <confidence value="21">Oj</confidence>
+  <confidence value="21">ND</confidence>
+  <confidence value="1">(</confidence>
+         <confidence value="71">CD</confidence>
+     <confidence value="2">N</confidence>
+   <confidence value="1">I</confidence>
+ <confidence value="1">a</confidence>
+                <confidence value="21">No</confidence>
+  <part-num-ref name="No">
+        <confidence value="2">0</confidence>
+      </part-num-ref>
+ <confidence value="21">E.</confidence>
+   <confidence value="122">E&gt;:</confidence>
+  <part-num-ref name="E.   E&gt;:">
+        <confidence value="1">0</confidence>
+      </part-num-ref>
+        <confidence value="2">E</confidence>
+   <confidence value="221">&gt;:5</confidence>
+ <confidence value="6">E</confidence>
+   <confidence value="2">o</confidence>
+ <confidence value="2">O</confidence>
+    <confidence value="1">C</confidence>
+ <confidence value="1">v</confidence>
+   <confidence value="1">&lt;</confidence>
+ <confidence value="1">)</confidence>
+  <confidence value="2">C</confidence>
+  <confidence value="2">E</confidence>
+ <confidence value="2">-</confidence>
+  <confidence value="142">ti-</confidence>
+ <part-num-ref name="E   &gt;:5 E   o O    C v   &lt; )  C  E -  ti-">
+        <confidence value="5">2</confidence>
+      </part-num-ref>
+  <confidence value="115">.i-</confidence>
+  <confidence value="22">W.</confidence>
+ <confidence value="22">N.</confidence>
+  <confidence value="2">-</confidence>
+  <confidence value="2">-</confidence>
+     </p>
+    <heading id="h-15">
+      <confidence value="2">W</confidence>
+  <confidence value="2">-</confidence>
+    </heading>
+    <p id="p-94" num="94">
+      <confidence value="221">"Lt</confidence>
+ <confidence value="1111">N~~C</confidence>
+           <confidence value="2">-</confidence>
+  <confidence value="11">__</confidence>
+   <confidence value="111">___</confidence>
+ <confidence value="1">V</confidence>
+ <confidence value="2">W</confidence>
+   <confidence value="1">-</confidence>
+ <confidence value="11">..</confidence>
+  <confidence value="212">Wg-</confidence>
+          <confidence value="1">.</confidence>
+    </p>
+    <p id="p-95" num="95">
+      <confidence value="21">JU</confidence>
+  <confidence value="28">N-</confidence>
+  <confidence value="64">(n</confidence>
+       <confidence value="1">X</confidence>
+  <confidence value="2">N</confidence>
+ <confidence value="2">J</confidence>
+ <confidence value="18">f-</confidence>
+ <confidence value="11">(N</confidence>
+   <confidence value="2">N</confidence>
+ <confidence value="1">x</confidence>
+  <confidence value="17">I-</confidence>
+   <confidence value="11">__</confidence>
+       <confidence value="1">w</confidence>
+   <confidence value="111">___</confidence>
+  <confidence value="111">___</confidence>
+  <confidence value="21">-F</confidence>
+      <confidence value="1">(</confidence>
+    <confidence value="1">(</confidence>
+ <page-break num="21"/>
+      <confidence value="86">P0</confidence>
+8436          -21-     </p>
+    <heading id="h-16">
+      <confidence value="21">MO</confidence>
+  <confidence value="2">O</confidence>
+            <confidence value="8">N</confidence>
+   <confidence value="11">LO</confidence>
+    </heading>
+    <p id="p-96" num="96">
+      <confidence value="2">'</confidence>
+  <confidence value="1">I</confidence>
+               <confidence value="2">|</confidence>
+       <confidence value="2">|</confidence>
+ <confidence value="1">'</confidence>
+ <confidence value="1">r</confidence>
+ <confidence value="11">a,</confidence>
+  <confidence value="21">oo</confidence>
+                <confidence value="11">Co</confidence>
+  <part-num-ref name="oo                Co">
+        <confidence value="11">0,</confidence>
+      </part-num-ref>
+ <confidence value="11">d'</confidence>
+  <confidence value="211">N0,</confidence>
+ <confidence value="2">N</confidence>
+     </p>
+    <heading id="h-17">
+      <confidence value="2">O</confidence>
+              <confidence value="2">O</confidence>
+ <confidence value="2">O</confidence>
+    </heading>
+    <p id="p-97" num="97">
+      <confidence value="21">O~</confidence>
+ <confidence value="18">CO</confidence>
+  <confidence value="21">M-</confidence>
+  <confidence value="21">N-</confidence>
+ <confidence value="2">O</confidence>
+    <confidence value="8">O</confidence>
+   <confidence value="2">O</confidence>
+     </p>
+    <heading id="h-18">
+      <confidence value="2">E</confidence>
+                <confidence value="2">E</confidence>
+    </heading>
+    <heading id="h-19">
+      <confidence value="6">E</confidence>
+                <confidence value="6">E</confidence>
+    </heading>
+    <heading id="h-20">
+      <confidence value="4">O</confidence>
+                 <confidence value="2">.</confidence>
+ <confidence value="2">O</confidence>
+  <confidence value="1">V</confidence>
+ <confidence value="222">COO</confidence>
+    </heading>
+    <heading id="h-21">
+      <confidence value="2">E</confidence>
+                <confidence value="2">E</confidence>
+    </heading>
+    <heading id="h-22">
+      <confidence value="1">V</confidence>
+                <confidence value="1">V</confidence>
+    </heading>
+    <heading id="h-23">
+      <confidence value="6">C</confidence>
+                <confidence value="4">C</confidence>
+    </heading>
+    <p id="p-98" num="98">
+      <confidence value="12">f0</confidence>
+      <confidence value="2">0</confidence>
+   <confidence value="1">O</confidence>
+     <confidence value="1">)</confidence>
+      <confidence value="1">(</confidence>
+ <confidence value="111">L..</confidence>
+  <confidence value="11">Co</confidence>
+            <confidence value="1">o</confidence>
+   <confidence value="1111">o...</confidence>
+    </p>
+    <p id="p-99" num="99">
+      <confidence value="2">E</confidence>
+  <confidence value="2">O</confidence>
+  <confidence value="2">M</confidence>
+          <confidence value="2">E</confidence>
+  <confidence value="214">tCo</confidence>
+ <confidence value="1">o</confidence>
+ <confidence value="17">.-</confidence>
+  <confidence value="2">-</confidence>
+           <confidence value="121121">4-oa.'</confidence>
+ <confidence value="28">.-</confidence>
+   <confidence value="1111">___o</confidence>
+ <confidence value="1">a</confidence>
+  <confidence value="1">o</confidence>
+ <confidence value="1">a</confidence>
+     </p>
+    <heading id="h-24">
+      <confidence value="7">.</confidence>
+               <confidence value="6">.</confidence>
+    </heading>
+    <heading id="h-25">
+      <confidence value="2">E</confidence>
+                <confidence value="1">E</confidence>
+    </heading>
+    <p id="p-100" num="100">
+      <confidence value="11">"O</confidence>
+ <confidence value="2">C</confidence>
+ CO <confidence value="2">M</confidence>
+        <confidence value="1">C</confidence>
+  <confidence value="84">CO</confidence>
+  <confidence value="2">M</confidence>
+   <confidence value="1">r</confidence>
+ <confidence value="2">o</confidence>
+                <confidence value="2">0</confidence>
+     </p>
+    <heading id="h-26">
+      <confidence value="21">O.</confidence>
+      <confidence value="2">O</confidence>
+  <confidence value="11">N-</confidence>
+    <confidence value="221">,O.</confidence>
+     <confidence value="14">CO</confidence>
+    </heading>
+    <heading id="h-27">
+      <confidence value="2">N</confidence>
+                <confidence value="2">O</confidence>
+    </heading>
+    <p id="p-101" num="101">
+      <confidence value="1">E</confidence>
+   to           <confidence value="1">E</confidence>
+ <confidence value="212">ONO</confidence>
+ CO <confidence value="2">O</confidence>
+   <confidence value="2">O</confidence>
+   <confidence value="1">I</confidence>
+ <confidence value="2">W</confidence>
+  <confidence value="8">N</confidence>
+ <confidence value="11">(N</confidence>
+    <confidence value="1">r</confidence>
+    <confidence value="1">X</confidence>
+  <confidence value="8">N</confidence>
+   <confidence value="1">r</confidence>
+ <confidence value="2">o</confidence>
+                <confidence value="2">0</confidence>
+     </p>
+    <heading id="h-28">
+      <confidence value="11">U)</confidence>
+       <confidence value="2112">OU)C</confidence>
+             <confidence value="2">U</confidence>
+ <confidence value="2">C</confidence>
+    </heading>
+    <p id="p-102" num="102">
+      <confidence value="1">.</confidence>
+  <confidence value="11">02</confidence>
+  <confidence value="11">Co</confidence>
+      <confidence value="1">-</confidence>
+       <confidence value="12">co</confidence>
+ <confidence value="12">0o</confidence>
+ <confidence value="7">-</confidence>
+ <confidence value="1">C</confidence>
+  <confidence value="7">-</confidence>
+   <confidence value="11">'i</confidence>
+  <confidence value="2">W</confidence>
+    <confidence value="6">-</confidence>
+ <confidence value="111">___</confidence>
+ <confidence value="11">U)</confidence>
+ <confidence value="2">a</confidence>
+  <confidence value="4">c</confidence>
+   c     <confidence value="11">.=</confidence>
+  <confidence value="2">a</confidence>
+ <part-num-ref name="">
+        <confidence value="11">0.</confidence>
+      </part-num-ref>
+ <confidence value="1">U</confidence>
+  c  <confidence value="1">-</confidence>
+ <confidence value="111">H./</confidence>
+ <part-num-ref name="0. U  c  - H./">
+        <confidence value="1">0</confidence>
+      </part-num-ref>
+      <confidence value="1">n</confidence>
+ <confidence value="1">f</confidence>
+ <confidence value="7">.</confidence>
+ <confidence value="11">cn</confidence>
+ <confidence value="2">a</confidence>
+ <confidence value="111">I-H</confidence>
+ <page-break num="22"/>
+      <boundary-data type="header">
+        <confidence value="86">P0</confidence>
+8436                       - 22 -      </boundary-data>
+The above data shows shrinkage as % parallel and <confidence value="6">%</confidence>
+ perpendicular to flow at mold temperatures of about <part-num-ref name="above data shows shrinkage as % parallel and % perpendicular to flow at mold temperatures of about">74,</part-num-ref>
+ about <part-num-ref name="above data shows shrinkage as % parallel and % perpendicular to flow at mold temperatures of about 74, about">65</part-num-ref>
+ and about 49<confidence value="25">°C</confidence>
+. Demold times of <part-num-ref name="and about 49°C. Demold times of">3,</part-num-ref>
+ <part-num-ref name="and about 49°C. Demold times of 3,">2,</part-num-ref>
+ and <part-num-ref name="and about 49°C. Demold times of 3, 2, and">1</part-num-ref>
+ minute (at each of the above mold temperatures) were also examined. The trend was very consistent, <boundary-data type="line-number">5  </boundary-data>
+and it surprisingly illustrated that substituting butanediol for ethylene glycol did not result in lower shrinkage. It was, however, found that with either butanediol and ethylene glycol, less shrinkage resulted when using a high molecular weight polyether polyol which had a smaller quantity of E<confidence value="5">O</confidence>
+ as an external cap, regardless of the mold temperature, demold time and/or <boundary-data type="line-number">10  </boundary-data>
+flow direction used.    </p>
+    <p id="p-103" num="103">Although the invention has been described in detail in the foregoing for the purpose of illustration, it is to be understood that such detail is solely for that purpose and that variations can be made therein by those skilled in the art without departing from the spirit and scope of the <part-num-ref name="">15</part-num-ref>
+  invention except as it may be limited by the claims.    </p>
+  </description>
+</us-patent-application>
+

prior_art/11037845.xml

@@ -0,0 +1,65 @@
+<?xml version="1.0" encoding="utf-8"?>
+<!DOCTYPE us-patent-application SYSTEM "PATI-v1.0.3-2011-06-23.dtd">
+<us-patent-application lang="EN" dtd-version="v1.0.3 2011-06-23" id="us-patent-application" country="US">
+  <us-bibliographic-data-application lang="EN" country="US">
+    <application-reference appl-type="utility">
+      <document-id>
+        <doc-number>11037845</doc-number>
+        <date>2008-04-23</date>
+      </document-id>
+    </application-reference>
+  </us-bibliographic-data-application>
+  <description id="description">
+    <p id="p-1" num="1">Please amend the present application as follows:</p>
+    <p id="p-2" num="2">Specification The following is a copy of Applicant's specification that identifies language being added with underlining ("  ") and language being deleted with strikethrough (" ") or brackets ("[[ <confidence value="5">]</confidence>
+]"), as is applicable:    </p>
+    <p id="p-3" num="3">Page 1, lines 10-13.</p>
+    <p id="p-4" num="4">Display systems have been developed that comprise table-top interactive displays that can be used both as an output device and as an input device. With these display systems, it can be difficult to input the full range of desired information.</p>
+    <p id="p-5" num="5">Page 2, lines 21-31.</p>
+    <p id="p-6" num="6">Referring now to the figures, in which like numerals identify corresponding parts, Fig. 1 illustrates an example of a display system, such as an interactive display system <part-num-ref name="interactive display system">10.</part-num-ref>
+ In the embodiment of Fig. 1, the interactive display system <part-num-ref name="interactive display system">10</part-num-ref>
+ comprises an interactive display device <part-num-ref name="interactive display device">12</part-num-ref>
+ that is formed as a table having a base <part-num-ref name="base">14</part-num-ref>
+ and an interactive display <part-num-ref name="interactive display">16</part-num-ref>
+ that is integrated into the a tabletop <part-num-ref name="tabletop">18.</part-num-ref>
+ In such an arrangement, one or multiple persons may interact with the device <part-num-ref name="device">12,</part-num-ref>
+ for instance when seated next to the device. Although a table embodiment is shown in Fig. <confidence value="5">1</confidence>
+ and is described herein, the interactive display system <part-num-ref name="interactive display system">10</part-num-ref>
+ can take other forms. For example, the interactive display device <part-num-ref name="interactive display device">10</part-num-ref>
+ could, alternatively, be vertically oriented in a manner in which the interactive display is mounted to a vertical surface in similar manner to wall-mounted flat panel televisions.    </p>
+    <boundary-data type="header">-2-</boundary-data>
+    <p id="p-7" num="7">
+      <page-break num="2"/>
+Page 6, lines 3-15.    </p>
+    <p id="p-8" num="8">The memory 44 comprises various programs including an operating system <part-num-ref name="operating system">46,</part-num-ref>
+ one or more user applications <part-num-ref name="operating system 46, one or more user applications">48,</part-num-ref>
+ and a token control module <part-num-ref name="token control module">50.</part-num-ref>
+ The operating system <part-num-ref name="operating system">46</part-num-ref>
+ controls the execution of other programs and provides scheduling, input- output control, file and data management, memory management, and communication control and related services. The user applications <part-num-ref name="user applications">48</part-num-ref>
+ include any programs that the user may use in conjunction with the interactive display device <part-num-ref name="interactive display device">12,</part-num-ref>
+ such as office-type programs, games, Internet browsers, and so forth. The token control module <part-num-ref name="token control module">50</part-num-ref>
+ is configured to control use of the tokens. For example, the token control module <part-num-ref name="token control module">50</part-num-ref>
+ can<confidence value="5">,</confidence>
+ in some embodiments, determine whether to accept inputs entered via a given token <part-num-ref name="given token">30</part-num-ref>
+ based upon the ident<confidence value="777">ity</confidence>
+ identity of the user that is operating the token and/or that user's privileges. Operation of the token control module <part-num-ref name="token control module">50</part-num-ref>
+ is described in relation to Figs. 5 and <part-num-ref name="and">8</part-num-ref>
+ below.    </p>
+    <p id="p-9" num="9">Page 12, line 29 through page <part-num-ref name="through page">13,</part-num-ref>
+ line <part-num-ref name="through page 13, line">12.</part-num-ref>
+    </p>
+    <p id="p-10" num="10">Referring now to Fig. 8, the RFID and token ID transmitted by the game piece <part-num-ref name="game piece">30</part-num-ref>
+ are received by the interactive display device <part-num-ref name="interactive display device">12,</part-num-ref>
+ as indicated in block <part-num-ref name="interactive display device 12, as indicated in block">106.</part-num-ref>
+ From those two pieces of information, the interactive display device <part-num-ref name="interactive display device">12,</part-num-ref>
+ and the token control module <part-num-ref name="token control module">50</part-num-ref>
+ in particular, determines whether the RFID is correct for the token ID (block <part-num-ref name="token ID (block">108)</part-num-ref>
+ and, therefore, whether the person who is manipulating the game piece is entitled to do so. That determination can be made relative to information collected during an initialization that is performed prior to a game being played. Assume, for instance, that <boundary-data type="header">-3-</boundary-data>
+      <page-break num="3"/>
+the game to be played is checkers. During the initialization, a first player can indicate which side, red or black, the player will be playing by selecting (e.g., touching or moving) a black game piece or a red game piece. A second player can then do the same (presumably selecting the other color). When such selections are made by the players with their RFID tags p<confidence value="8">o</confidence>
+sition positioned in proximity to the game pieces, the interactive display device <part-num-ref name="interactive display device">12</part-num-ref>
+ can record which side each player is playing and therefore allow each player to manipulate their own game pieces and not those of other players.    </p>
+    <boundary-data type="header">-4-</boundary-data>
+  </description>
+</us-patent-application>
+

prior_art/11087561.xml

@@ -0,0 +1,1012 @@
+<?xml version="1.0" encoding="utf-8"?>
+<!DOCTYPE us-patent-application SYSTEM "PATI-v1.0.3-2011-06-23.dtd">
+<us-patent-application lang="EN" dtd-version="v1.0.3 2011-06-23" id="us-patent-application" country="US">
+  <us-bibliographic-data-application lang="EN" country="US">
+    <application-reference appl-type="utility">
+      <document-id>
+        <doc-number>11087561</doc-number>
+        <date>2005-03-24</date>
+      </document-id>
+    </application-reference>
+  </us-bibliographic-data-application>
+  <description id="description">
+    <p id="p-1" num="1">Our Docket No. 4749-7002 </p>
+    <heading id="h-1">IN THE UNITED STATES PATENT AND TRADEMARK OFFICE</heading>
+    <heading id="h-2">U.S. PATENT APPLICATION</heading>
+    <heading id="h-3">FOR:</heading>
+    <heading id="h-4">BIODEGRADABLE POLYURETHANE</heading>
+    <heading id="h-5">AND POLYURETHANE UREAS</heading>
+    <heading id="h-6">INVENTORS:</heading>
+    <p id="p-2" num="2">Timothy G. MOORE Raju ADHIKARI Pathiraja A. GUNATILLAKE </p>
+    <heading id="h-7">MORGAN &amp; FINNEGAN, LLP</heading>
+    <p id="p-3" num="3">3 World Financial Center New York, NY 10281-2101 Telephone No. (212) 415-8700 Facsimile No. <part-num-ref name="415-8700 Facsimile No.">(212)</part-num-ref>
+ 415-8701 <part-num-ref name="415-8701">58731</part-num-ref>
+ v<confidence value="4">l</confidence>
+ <page-break num="2"/>
+      <boundary-data type="header">
+        <confidence value="8">1</confidence>
+      </boundary-data>
+    </p>
+    <heading id="h-8">BIODEGRADABLE POLYURETHANE AND POLYURETHANE UREAS</heading>
+    <heading id="h-9">FIELD OF THE INVENTION</heading>
+    <p id="p-4" num="4">The present invention relates to biodegradable processable and preferably thermoplastic polyurethanes or polyurethane/ureas and processes for their <boundary-data type="line-number">5   </boundary-data>
+preparation. The polymers are biodegradable, processable and preferably thermoplastic which makes them useful in biomedical applications inc<confidence value="8">l</confidence>
+uding, for example, in the fabrication of scaffolds for tissue engineering applications. The invention particularly relates to the use of such polyurethanes and polyurethane/ureas in fabricating scaffolds using rapid prototyping techniques.    </p>
+    <heading id="h-10">BACKGROUND TO THE INVENTION</heading>
+    <p id="p-5" num="5">
+      <boundary-data type="line-number">10  </boundary-data>
+Biodegradable synthetic polymers offer a number of advantages over other materials in various biological applications including tissue repair. For example, in relation to the development of scaffolds in tissue engineering, the key advantages include the ability to tailor mechanical properties and degradation <boundary-data type="line-number">15  </boundary-data>
+kinetics to suit various applications. The simple and routine fabrication of scaffolds with a size and shape similar to organs or parts of organs would, for example, help tissue engineering technology to develop such organs in vivo or in vitro using bioreactors. Likewise, scaffolds with appropriate mechanical properties can be fabricated and implanted in the body to help repair damaged tissues such <boundary-data type="line-number">20  </boundary-data>
+as those in coronary arteries and other blood vessels. For example, biodegradable scaffolds fabricated as coronary stents can support the vessel during the healing process and degrade and be released from the body after the vessel is repaired.    </p>
+    <p id="p-6" num="6">Synthetic polymers are also attractive in tissue engineering applications <boundary-data type="line-number">25  </boundary-data>
+because they can be fabricated into various shapes with desired pore morphologic features conducive to tissue in-growth. Furthermore, polymers can be designed with chemical functional groups that can, for example, induce tissue in-growth, or be utilised to adapt the polymers to the application in question.    </p>
+    <p id="p-7" num="7">A vast majority of biodegradable polymers studied in these fields belong to <boundary-data type="line-number">30  </boundary-data>
+the polyester family. Among these, poly(<confidence value="5">a</confidence>
+-hydroxy acids) such as poly(glycolic acid), poly(lactic acid) and a range of their copolymers have historically comprised the bulk of published material on biodegradable polyesters and have a long history of use as synthetic biodegradable materials in a number of clinical <page-break num="3"/>
+      <boundary-data type="header">
+        <confidence value="8">2</confidence>
+      </boundary-data>
+app<confidence value="8">l</confidence>
+ications. Poly(glycolic acid), <confidence value="22222222222">poly(lactic</confidence>
+ acid) and their copolymers, poly-p- dioxanone, and copolymers of trimethylene carbonate and glycolide have been the most widely used as scaffolds. Their major applications include as resorbable sutures, drug delivery systems and orthopaedic fixation devices such as pins, <boundary-data type="line-number">5   </boundary-data>
+rods and screws. Among the families of synthetic polymers, the polyesters have been attractive for these applications because of (i) their ease of degradation by hydrolysis of the ester linkage, (ii) degradation products are resorbed through the metabolic pathways in some cases and (iii) the potential to tailor the structure to alter degradation rates.    </p>
+    <p id="p-8" num="8">
+      <boundary-data type="line-number">10       </boundary-data>
+The recent interest in finding tissue-engineered solutions to repair damaged tissues and organs due to injury/disease has led to the development of new degradable polymers that meet a number of demanding requirements.    </p>
+    <p id="p-9" num="9">These requirements range from the ability of the polymer scaffold to provide mechanical support during tissue growth and gradual degradation to <boundary-data type="line-number">15  </boundary-data>
+biocompatible products, to more demanding requirements such as the ability to incorporate drugs, cells and growth factors, for example, and provide cell- conductive and inductive environments as well as promotion of the healing process. Drugs to suppress inflammatory response and promote the healing process can be incorporated within the biodegradable polymer scaffold or as a <boundary-data type="line-number">20  </boundary-data>
+drug-eluting coating on the surface of the scaffold.  Many of the currently available degradable polymers do not meet all of the requirements to be used in such applications. Most biodegradable polymers in the polyester and ester family, for example, are hydrophobic in nature and as such, only a limited number of drugs can be incorporated into such polymers.    </p>
+    <p id="p-10" num="10">
+      <boundary-data type="line-number">25       </boundary-data>
+In particular, biodegradable synthetic polymers with appropriate mechanical properties are sought after for the development of biodegradable stents and stent coatings for the treatment of coronary artery disease by percutaneous intervention. Stents provide mechanical support for the vessel and keep the lumen open to its normal diameter while tissue growth takes place to <boundary-data type="line-number">30  </boundary-data>
+repair the affected vessel wall. Current stents are fabricated using metals such as stainless steel or nickel-titanium alloys, and once deployed these stents remain permanently within the vessel. Biodegradable polymers have the advantage of being removable from the vessel through polymer degradation and resorption <page-break num="4"/>
+      <boundary-data type="header">
+        <confidence value="8">3</confidence>
+      </boundary-data>
+once the vessel is repaired. This leaves the repaired vessel free of foreign material and allows re-stenting if needed in the future. Biodegradable polymers can also be useful in delivering drugs such as sirolimus, everolimus and paclitaxel D-actinomycin, all of which help to inhibit the formation of neointimal hyperplasia <boundary-data type="line-number">5  </boundary-data>
+by suppression of platelet activation, suppression of inflammatory response, and promotion of the healing.    </p>
+    <p id="p-11" num="11">Scaffolds made from synthetic and natural polymers, and ceramics have been investigated extensively for orthopaedic repair. The use of scaffolds has advantages such as the ability to generate desired pore structures and the ability <boundary-data type="line-number">10  </boundary-data>
+to match size, shape and mechanical properties to suit a variety of applications.    </p>
+    <p id="p-12" num="12">However, shaping these scaffolds to fit cavities or defects with complicated geometries, to bond to bone tissue, and to incorporate cells, drugs and growth factors, and the requirements of open surgery are a few major disadvantages of the use of known scaffold materials.</p>
+    <p id="p-13" num="13">
+      <boundary-data type="line-number">15  </boundary-data>
+      <confidence value="5">-</confidence>
+    The most common synthetic polymers used in fabricating scaffolds for growing cells and for biodegradable stents and stent coatings belong to the polyester family. For example, poly(glycolic acid) and poly(lactic acid) have been the most commonly used polymers because of their relative ease of degradation under hydrolytic conditions and the resorption of the degradation products into the <boundary-data type="line-number">20  </boundary-data>
+body. However, these polymers have a number of disadvantages, including rapid loss of mechanical properties, long degradation times, difficulty in processing, and the acidity of degradation products resulting in tissue necrosis. These polymers, when used in biodegradable stents, have to be heated during the deployment process to temperatures as high as 70<confidence value="25">0C</confidence>
+ which can cause cell damage.    </p>
+    <p id="p-14" num="14">
+      <boundary-data type="line-number">25       </boundary-data>
+Common methods that are currently employed for the synthesis of three dimensional biodegradable tissue engineering scaffolds include: porogen leaching, gas foaming, phase separation and the use of non-woven mesh. All of these methods have disadvantages including that:    </p>
+    <p id="p-15" num="15">
+      <confidence value="2">"</confidence>
+   they require a mould to shape the scaffold - this is costly and can <boundary-data type="line-number">30           </boundary-data>
+only produce a single shape;    </p>
+    <p id="p-16" num="16">
+      <confidence value="2">"</confidence>
+   these methods offer little or no control over the orientation of the pores and degree of interconnectivity;    </p>
+    <boundary-data type="header">
+      <confidence value="8">4</confidence>
+    </boundary-data>
+    <p id="p-17" num="17">
+      <page-break num="5"/>
+      <confidence value="2">"</confidence>
+   usually a polymer skin forms on a moulded scaffold (even if it is porous) which can require extensive post-synthesis treatment; and <confidence value="2">"</confidence>
+   some of the methods of scaffold fabrication such as phase separation and porogen leaching often involve the use of toxic <boundary-data type="line-number">5            </boundary-data>
+organic solvents which is undesirable.    </p>
+    <p id="p-18" num="18">A controlled rapid prototyping method can address these problems. The shape of the mould can be quickly altered by computer design, the direction and degree of porosity can be specified to exact levels, a polymer skin is not formed in production, and the process is solvent free. When fabricating scaffolds such as <boundary-data type="line-number">10  </boundary-data>
+stents for example, the process can be modified to deposit a grid like layout with polymer strands to dimensions and patterns specific to the stent design. The grid structure can then be used to fabricate the stent. Alternatively, the grid structure could be deposited on a rotating mandrel to fabricate the stent in one operation.    </p>
+    <p id="p-19" num="19">There are a number of different rapid prototyping machines available in the <boundary-data type="line-number">15  </boundary-data>
+marketplace.    </p>
+    <p id="p-20" num="20">Synthetic polymers that can be used in such rapid prototyping apparatus need to meet specific property requirements which include melt processing characteristics, mechanical properties and other properties. For example, in fused deposition modelling (FDM) applications, the polymer must be able to be <boundary-data type="line-number">20  </boundary-data>
+melt-processed into a filament of appropriate diameter for the rate of extrusion of the particular FDM apparatus.    </p>
+    <p id="p-21" num="21">Most synthetic biodegradable polymers do not meet the requisite property requirements. A review of the literature indicates that among the biodegradable polymers only poly-(<confidence value="5">E</confidence>
+-caprolactone) meets some of the requirements. Hutmacher <boundary-data type="line-number">25  </boundary-data>
+et al at the National University of Singapore (Biomaterials, 24: 4445-4448, <part-num-ref name="National University of Singapore (Biomaterials, 24: 4445-4448,">2003)</part-num-ref>
+ have reported the use of poly-(<confidence value="5">E</confidence>
+-caprolactone) (PCL) (MW 80,000) to fabricate tissue engineering scaffolds. They have also reported the use of hydroxyapatite as a filler (Schantz et al, Materials Science and Engineering 20: 9-17, <part-num-ref name="filler (Schantz et al, Materials Science and Engineering 20: 9-17,">2002)</part-num-ref>
+ in PCL to fabricate 3D constructs for bone tissue applications. A report by a group <boundary-data type="line-number">30  </boundary-data>
+from the University of Nottingham (Christian et al, Composites: Part A, 32: 969- <part-num-ref name="32: 969-">976,</part-num-ref>
+ 2001), discusses PCL impregnated with long glass fibre in a MDM (Material Deposition Modelling) process to fabricate scaffolds. Commercially the market for biodegradable structures with interconnected pores is very large and growing <page-break num="6"/>
+      <boundary-data type="header">
+        <confidence value="8">5</confidence>
+      </boundary-data>
+rapidly.  One product available is Degrapol<confidence value="4">®</confidence>
+ foam which is based on polyurethanes but they have much less control of the degree of porosity, orientation of pores and pore morphology, and it is available only as small foam discs (except on special order).    </p>
+    <p id="p-22" num="22">
+      <boundary-data type="line-number">5       </boundary-data>
+Polymers that can be used to fabricate biodegradable scaffolds using rapid prototyping techniques such as FDM need to meet a set of criteria including that:    </p>
+    <p id="p-23" num="23">
+      <confidence value="2">"</confidence>
+   the polymer must be thermoplastic;    </p>
+    <p id="p-24" num="24">
+      <confidence value="2">"</confidence>
+   the polymer must be extrudable;    </p>
+    <p id="p-25" num="25">
+      <confidence value="2">"</confidence>
+   the filament must be mechanically stiff and have a low melt viscosity <boundary-data type="line-number">10           </boundary-data>
+(a high Melt Flow Index); and <confidence value="2">"</confidence>
+   the polymer must be biodegradable and biocompatible (eg. contain groups that are liable to hydrolyse and have degradation products that are non-toxic).    </p>
+    <p id="p-26" num="26">In short, the use of rapid prototyping machines to make porous, highly <boundary-data type="line-number">15  </boundary-data>
+controlled and interconnected tissue engineering structures requires a complex combination of various techniques including polymer chemistry, polymer processing, rapid prototyping and tissue engineering and, accordingly, is particularly complex.    </p>
+    <p id="p-27" num="27">Accordingly, there is a need for biocompatible and biodegradable polymers <boundary-data type="line-number">20  </boundary-data>
+that can be processed using methods including rapid prototyping as well as thermal and solvent based methods to fabricate scaffolds and coatings for various biomedical applications including tissue engineering.    </p>
+    <p id="p-28" num="28">It is thus one object of this invention to develop polymers with properties suited to use in rapid prototyping techniques which will, in turn, enable the <boundary-data type="line-number">25  </boundary-data>
+fabrication of three dimensional scaffolds with complicated structures for use in tissue growth and repair therapies and technologies, including the fabrication of stents, and coatings for stents useful in drug delivery <confidence value="8">.</confidence>
+    </p>
+    <heading id="h-11">SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION</heading>
+    <p id="p-29" num="29">To this end, there is provided a b<confidence value="7">i</confidence>
+ocompatible biodegradable polyurethane <boundary-data type="line-number">30  </boundary-data>
+or polyurethane/urea comprising isocyanates, polyol and a conventional chain extender and/or a chain extender having a hydrolysable linking group. Preferably the isocyanates are diisocyanates. The polyurethane or polyurethane/urea may also be prepared using only a diisocyanate and a chain extender wherein the <page-break num="7"/>
+      <boundary-data type="header">
+        <confidence value="8">6</confidence>
+      </boundary-data>
+chain extender in this instance has dual functionality both as a conventional chain extender and as a polyol. Preferably the polyurethanes or polyurethane/ureas are thermoplastic.    </p>
+    <p id="p-30" num="30">Preferably the  biocompatible, biodegradable  polyurethanes  or <boundary-data type="line-number">5  </boundary-data>
+polyurethane/ureas of the invention are of the general formula N   O<confidence value="1">\</confidence>
+ O     N<confidence value="1">l</confidence>
+ <confidence value="1">/</confidence>
+N    O  O    N <confidence value="7">R</confidence>
+ <part-num-ref name="general formula N   O\ O     Nl /N    O  O    N R">
+        <confidence value="71">10</confidence>
+      </part-num-ref>
+     <confidence value="82">R2</confidence>
+      <confidence value="2">-</confidence>
+ <confidence value="8">R</confidence>
+   <part-num-ref name="R2      - R">
+        <confidence value="1">0</confidence>
+      </part-num-ref>
+  <confidence value="82">Rs</confidence>
+ where R<confidence value="5">1</confidence>
+ is from the isocyanate, R2 is from the chain extender and R3 is from the <boundary-data type="line-number">10  </boundary-data>
+soft segment polyol. The pronumeral 'n' represents the average number of repeat units in the hard segment. The pronumeral <confidence value="685">'p'</confidence>
+ is proportional to the molecular weight of the polymer and includes both the hard segment repeat units and the soft segment.    </p>
+    <p id="p-31" num="31">Throughout this specification, the term "polyol" should be taken to mean a <boundary-data type="line-number">15  </boundary-data>
+molecule which has at least two or more functional hydroxyl groups that can react with isocyanate groups to form urethane groups. Examples of polyols include but are not limited to diols, triols, and polyols such as macrodiols. Preferably the polyol has a molecular weight of 200-1000, more preferably 200-600, and even more preferably 200-400. The polyol may be terminated by, for example, a <boundary-data type="line-number">20  </boundary-data>
+hydroxyl, thiol or carboxylic acid group.    </p>
+    <p id="p-32" num="32">Isocyanates suitable for preparation  of the  polyurethanes or polyurethane/ureas of the invention are those which are selected from the group consisting of optionally substituted aliphatic, aromatic and hindered isocyanates.</p>
+    <p id="p-33" num="33">Throughout this specification, the term "chain extender" should be taken to <boundary-data type="line-number">25  </boundary-data>
+mean a low molecular weight compound having two or more functional groups that are reactive towards isocyanate and having a molecular weight of less than <part-num-ref name="molecular weight of less than">350.</part-num-ref>
+ Chain extenders include functional monomers with degradable arms. The chain extender may be employed to introduce easily degradable hard segment components into the polyurethane or polyurethane/urea structure. Incorporating <part-num-ref name="polyurethane or polyurethane/urea structure. Incorporating">30</part-num-ref>
+  such chain extenders allows preparation of easily degradable polyurethanes with fewer degradation products. For example, polyurethane based on ethyl-lysine <page-break num="8"/>
+      <boundary-data type="header">
+        <confidence value="8">7</confidence>
+      </boundary-data>
+diisocyanate and glycolic acid based polyol and chain extender degrades to bioresorbable glycolic acid, lysine, ethylene glycol and ethanol.    </p>
+    <p id="p-34" num="34">"Degradable arms" according to the invention are any molecular moiety which may be part of the chain extenders and the molecular moiety structure is <boundary-data type="line-number">5  </boundary-data>
+preferably biocompatible and bioresorbable on in vivo degradation of the biocompatible, biodegradable polyurethanes or polyurethane/ureas.    </p>
+    <p id="p-35" num="35">A "hard segment" polymer according to the invention is one which imbues the copolymer with its physical strength which arises from the nature of the chain extender and the isocyanate selected.</p>
+    <p id="p-36" num="36">
+      <boundary-data type="line-number">10       </boundary-data>
+According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, the hard segment represents <part-num-ref name="hard segment represents">20</part-num-ref>
+ to 100% by weight of the polyurethane or polyurethane/urea.    </p>
+    <p id="p-37" num="37">Where the hard segment represents 100% by weight, the chain extender has a dual functionality of being both a conventional chain extender and a polyol.</p>
+    <p id="p-38" num="38">Throughout this specification the term "comprises/comprising" when used <boundary-data type="line-number">15  </boundary-data>
+is taken to specify<confidence value="5">-</confidence>
+the presence of stated features, integers, steps or components but does not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, components or groups thereof.    </p>
+    <p id="p-39" num="39">It has been found that the polyurethanes and <confidence value="5">-</confidence>
+polyurethane/ureas according to the invention form porous or non-porous cross-linked or linear <boundary-data type="line-number">20  </boundary-data>
+polymers which can be used as tissue engineering scaffolds, and may be used in rapid prototyping techniques including FDM. It has also been found that certain of the biodegradable polyurethanes according to the invention exhibit a glass transition between room temperature and 37<confidence value="25">0C</confidence>
+. This property can be used to extrude hard materials on FDM apparatus (going in at 20<confidence value="25">0C</confidence>
+) which will soften and <boundary-data type="line-number">25  </boundary-data>
+even become elastomeric in vivo or while growing cells on scaffolds in a bioreactor at physiological temperatures of 37<confidence value="25">°C</confidence>
+. This is also a very useful property for soft tissue applications.    </p>
+    <p id="p-40" num="40">The polyurethanes and polyurethane/ureas can be sterilized without risk to their physical and chemical characteristics, preferably using gamma radiation to <boundary-data type="line-number">30  </boundary-data>
+ensure sterility.    </p>
+    <p id="p-41" num="41">The polyurethanes and polyurethane/ureas may incorporate biological and inorganic components selected for their ability to aid tissue repair in vivo, or to create certain physical characteristics for rapid prototyping purposes. When <page-break num="9"/>
+      <boundary-data type="header">
+        <confidence value="8">8</confidence>
+      </boundary-data>
+cured, the polyurethanes and polyurethane/ureas according to the invention form a biodegradable biocompatible scaffold which may be porous and contain interpenetrating polymer networks so as to enable the inclusion of biological and inorganic components. These biological and inorganic components which are <boundary-data type="line-number">5  </boundary-data>
+preferably selected from the group consisting of cells, progenitor cells, growth factors, other components for supporting cell growth, drugs, calcium phosphate, hydroxyapatite, hyaluronic acid, nanoparticulate tricalcium phosphate and hydroxyapatite  type  fillers,  adhesives  including  fibrin,  collagen  and transglutaminase systems, surfactants including siloxane surfactants, silica <boundary-data type="line-number">10  </boundary-data>
+particles, powdered silica, hollow fibres which may be used to seed cells in the polyurethanes, and other porogens including, for example, gelatin beads. The biological and inorganic components may be present in quantities according to need, especially in the case of the living additives such as cells and progenitor cells. Amounts of up to at least 20% w/w may be acceptable.    </p>
+    <p id="p-42" num="42">
+      <boundary-data type="line-number">15       </boundary-data>
+The invention also provides a biodegradable, biocompatible polymeric scaffold comprising a cured biocompatible, biodegradable polyurethane or polyurethane/urea being the reaction product of isocyanate, polyol and a conventional chain extender and/or a chain extender having a hydrolysable linking group.    </p>
+    <p id="p-43" num="43">
+      <boundary-data type="line-number">20       </boundary-data>
+In the biodegradable, biocompatible polymeric scaffolds according to this aspect of the invention the isocyanates are preferably diisocyanates. The scaffolds may also be prepared using a diisocyanate and a chain extender wherein the chain extender has the dual functionality of a conventional chain extender and a polyol. Preferably the isocyanate is selected from the group <boundary-data type="line-number">25  </boundary-data>
+consisting of optionally substituted aliphatic, aromatic and hindered isocyanates.    </p>
+    <p id="p-44" num="44">The scaffolds may preferably incorporate biological and inorganic components which are desirably selected from the group consisting of cells, progenitor cells, growth factors, other components for supporting cell growth, drugs, calcium phosphate, hydroxyapatite, hyaluronic acid, nanoparticulate <boundary-data type="line-number">30  </boundary-data>
+tricalcium phosphate and hydroxyapatite type fillers, adhesives including fibrin, collagen and transglutaminase systems, surfactants including siloxane surfactants, silica particles, powdered silica, hollow fibres which may be used to seed cells in the polyurethanes, and other porogens including, for example, <page-break num="10"/>
+      <boundary-data type="header">
+        <confidence value="8">9</confidence>
+      </boundary-data>
+gelatin beads. The biological and inorganic components may be present in quantities according to need, especially in the case of the living additives such as cells and progenitor cells. Amounts of up to at least 20% w/w may be acceptable.    </p>
+    <p id="p-45" num="45">Preferably the cured scaffolds according to this aspect of the invention <boundary-data type="line-number">5   </boundary-data>
+have a compressive strength in the range of 0.05-100 MPa. The compressive strength of the scaffold will vary according to its porosity and according to the biological components added. Preferably the scaffolds have pores in the size range of 100-500 micron, more preferably 150-300 micron.    </p>
+    <p id="p-46" num="46">More preferably the porous scaffolds are seeded with living biological <boundary-data type="line-number">10  </boundary-data>
+components or drugs selected so as to aid the tissue repair process in the patient being treated. The biological components so selected may be cells, progenitor cells, growth factors and other components for supporting cell growth. Suitable cells may include osteoblasts, chondrocytes, fibroblasts or other precursor cells.    </p>
+    <p id="p-47" num="47">Suitable drugs are any which assist in the tissue engineering application of <boundary-data type="line-number">15  </boundary-data>
+interest.    </p>
+    <p id="p-48" num="48">In one preferred embodiment of the invention, the scaffold is a biodegradable stent useful in treatment of coronary heart disease.</p>
+    <p id="p-49" num="49">In another aspect of the invention, the biodegradable biocompatible polyurethanes or polyurethane/ureas of the invention are utilized as stent <boundary-data type="line-number">20  </boundary-data>
+coatings in the treatment of coronary heart disease.    </p>
+    <p id="p-50" num="50">In another aspect of the invention, there is provided a use of polyurethanes and polyurethane/ureas according to the invention in rapid prototyping techniques such as fused deposition modeling.</p>
+    <p id="p-51" num="51">In another aspect of the invention, there is provided a use of polyurethanes <boundary-data type="line-number">25  </boundary-data>
+and polyurethane/ureas according to the invention in tissue repair or engineering in a patient requiring such treatment the use comprising inserting in said patient a scaffold which is the cured end product of said biocompatible, biodegradable polyurethane or polyurethane/urea according to the invention prepared by rapid prototyping techniques such as, but not limited to, fused deposition modelling.    </p>
+    <p id="p-52" num="52">
+      <boundary-data type="line-number">30  </boundary-data>
+The polyurethane or polyurethane/urea may preferably include additives or drugs to assist for example in the repair of the damaged bone or cartilage such as cells, progenitor cells, growth factors, or other suitable materials or other additives, such as pharmaceuticals for use in drug delivery. Biological additives used may <page-break num="11"/>
+      <boundary-data type="header">
+        <confidence value="88">10</confidence>
+      </boundary-data>
+preferab<confidence value="8">l</confidence>
+y  include  osteoblasts,  chondrocytes,  fibroblasts,  fibrin,  collagen, transglutaminase systems and the like.    </p>
+    <p id="p-53" num="53">The invention also provides for the use of biocompatible, biodegradable polyurethanes and polyurethane/ureas according to the invention as a tissue <boundary-data type="line-number">5  </boundary-data>
+engineering scaffold for assistance in tissue engineering applications such as bone and cartilage repair.    </p>
+    <p id="p-54" num="54">Other embodiments of the invention will be evident from the following detailed description of various aspects of the invention.</p>
+    <heading id="h-12">BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES</heading>
+    <p id="p-55" num="55">
+      <boundary-data type="line-number">10  </boundary-data>
+FIGURE 1   shows the SEM of a polyurethane scaffold made according to Example <part-num-ref name="polyurethane scaffold made according to Example">1.</part-num-ref>
+    </p>
+    <p id="p-56" num="56">FIGURE 2  shows the SEM of a polyurethane scaffold made according to Example <part-num-ref name="polyurethane scaffold made according to Example">1</part-num-ref>
+ but under higher magnification.    </p>
+    <p id="p-57" num="57">FIGURE 3  shows the scaffold of Example <part-num-ref name="scaffold of Example">1</part-num-ref>
+ and demonstrates stratified design <boundary-data type="line-number">15            </boundary-data>
+and overlap in the z axis.    </p>
+    <p id="p-58" num="58">FIGURE 4  shows the scaffold of Example <part-num-ref name="scaffold of Example">1</part-num-ref>
+ showing the interconnected pores in a regular section.    </p>
+    <p id="p-59" num="59">FIGURE 5  shows the scaffold of Example <part-num-ref name="scaffold of Example">1</part-num-ref>
+ under light microscopy and demonstrates optical clarity and fusion.    </p>
+    <p id="p-60" num="60">
+      <boundary-data type="line-number">20  </boundary-data>
+FIGURE 6   shows the scaffold of Example <part-num-ref name="scaffold of Example">1</part-num-ref>
+ under light microscopy and demonstrates the proliferation of primary ovine fibroblast therein.    </p>
+    <p id="p-61" num="61">FIGURE 7  shows the scaffold of Example <part-num-ref name="scaffold of Example">9</part-num-ref>
+ under optical microscopy after <part-num-ref name="under optical microscopy after">9</part-num-ref>
+ weeks cell culture.    </p>
+    <p id="p-62" num="62">FIGURE 8  shows the scaffold of Example <part-num-ref name="scaffold of Example">9</part-num-ref>
+ under scanning electron <boundary-data type="line-number">25             </boundary-data>
+microscopy and demonstrates confluent cell growth.    </p>
+    <p id="p-63" num="63">FIGURE 9  shows the scaffold of Example <part-num-ref name="scaffold of Example">9</part-num-ref>
+ under scanning electron microscopy and demonstrates confluence and some bridging.    </p>
+    <p id="p-64" num="64">FIGURE 10 shows the scaffold of Example <part-num-ref name="scaffold of Example">9</part-num-ref>
+ under scanning electron microscopy and demonstrates the bridging of a corner of the <boundary-data type="line-number">30            </boundary-data>
+scaffold by cell growth.    </p>
+    <p id="p-65" num="65">FIGURE 11 shows the scaffold of Example <part-num-ref name="scaffold of Example">9</part-num-ref>
+ under scanning electron microscopy and shows a dose up of unsupported cells demonstrating a fibrous extra-cellular matrix.    </p>
+    <boundary-data type="header">
+      <confidence value="88">11</confidence>
+    </boundary-data>
+    <heading id="h-13">DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION</heading>
+    <p id="p-66" num="66">
+      <page-break num="12"/>
+The present invention provides polyurethanes and polyurethane/ureas which are particularly suited to rapid prototyping techniques such as fused deposition modelling and therefore have specific characteristics as described in <boundary-data type="line-number">5  </boundary-data>
+the preamble of this specification.    </p>
+    <p id="p-67" num="67">In a preferred form, this invention provides a biocompatible biodegradable polyurethane or polyurethane/urea comprising <confidence value="2222222222222">diisocyanates</confidence>
+, polyol of molecular weight 200-600 and a conventional chain extender and/or a chain extender having a hydrolysable linking group.    </p>
+    <p id="p-68" num="68">
+      <boundary-data type="line-number">10       </boundary-data>
+Isocyanates suitable for preparing polyurethanes and polyurethane/ureas according to the invention include but are not limited to the following:    </p>
+    <heading id="h-14">
+      <confidence value="2">O</confidence>
+ <confidence value="7">O</confidence>
+    </heading>
+    <heading id="h-15">
+      <confidence value="68">OC</confidence>
+N                N<confidence value="68">CO</confidence>
+    </heading>
+    <p id="p-69" num="69">MLDI - lysine diisocyanate methyl ester <boundary-data type="line-number">
+        <confidence value="88">15</confidence>
+      </boundary-data>
+     </p>
+    <heading id="h-16">O    O</heading>
+    <heading id="h-17">
+      <confidence value="68">OC</confidence>
+N                N<confidence value="68">CO</confidence>
+    </heading>
+    <p id="p-70" num="70">ELDI - lysine diisocyanate ethyl ester </p>
+    <heading id="h-18">
+      <confidence value="68">OC</confidence>
+N             N<confidence value="68">CO</confidence>
+    </heading>
+    <p id="p-71" num="71">BDI - Butane diisocyanate <boundary-data type="line-number">
+        <confidence value="88">20</confidence>
+      </boundary-data>
+     </p>
+    <heading id="h-19">
+      <confidence value="68">OC</confidence>
+N                  N<confidence value="68">CO</confidence>
+    </heading>
+    <p id="p-72" num="72">HDI - hexamethylene diisocyanate </p>
+    <heading id="h-20">
+      <confidence value="688">OCN</confidence>
+           <confidence value="6">C</confidence>
+          NCO    </heading>
+    <p id="p-73" num="73">
+      <confidence value="66">H2</confidence>
+ 25  H12MD<confidence value="1">I</confidence>
+ - 4,4'-methylene-bis(cyclohexyl isocyanate) <page-break num="13"/>
+      <boundary-data type="header">
+        <confidence value="88">12</confidence>
+      </boundary-data>
+Polyols or "soft segments" which may be used to prepare the polyurethanes and polyurethane/ureas of the invention are most preferably those having a molecular weight of 200-400. The structure of the polyol in the present invention is preferably:    </p>
+    <p id="p-74" num="74">
+      <boundary-data type="line-number">
+        <confidence value="8">5</confidence>
+      </boundary-data>
+     </p>
+    <heading id="h-21">
+      <confidence value="8">O</confidence>
+               <confidence value="5">O</confidence>
+    </heading>
+    <p id="p-75" num="75">where h and/or k can equal 0 (as is the case of the dimer, eg, h = <part-num-ref name="dimer, eg, h =">0,</part-num-ref>
+ j = <part-num-ref name="dimer, eg, h = 0, j =">1</part-num-ref>
+ and k = <part-num-ref name="and k =">1)</part-num-ref>
+ or are integers as is j and R<confidence value="5">"</confidence>
+ and R" independently of each other are hydrogen, hydroxy alkyl, aminoalkyl (both primary and secondary) or carboxy alkyl and R <boundary-data type="line-number">10  </boundary-data>
+and R' cannot be hydrogen, but can be a linear or branched alkyl, alkenyl, aminoalkyl, alkoxy or aryl. The molecular weight of the entire structure is more preferably <part-num-ref name="entire structure is more preferably">120</part-num-ref>
+ to <part-num-ref name="to">400.</part-num-ref>
+ Less preferably the molecular weight can be up to <part-num-ref name="molecular weight can be up to">2000</part-num-ref>
+ and much less preferably above <part-num-ref name="and much less preferably above">2000.</part-num-ref>
+ Four examples of suitable soft segments are as follows:    </p>
+    <p id="p-76" num="76">
+      <boundary-data type="line-number">15     </boundary-data>
+      <confidence value="1">*</confidence>
+ Poly(<confidence value="2">E</confidence>
+-caprolactone) diol, MW 400 (from Example 1): where R is (CH<confidence value="68">2-</confidence>
+ <confidence value="586">CH2</confidence>
+), R' is (<confidence value="58684">CH2)5</confidence>
+, R" and R"' are both H, and j = <part-num-ref name="(from Example 1): where R is (CH2- CH2), R' is (CH2)5, R&quot; and R&quot;' are both H, and j =">1</part-num-ref>
+ and (h + k) = 2.96 <confidence value="2">"</confidence>
+ (Glycolic acid - ethylene glycol) dimer (from Example 8): where R is (<confidence value="5868">CH2-</confidence>
+ <confidence value="586">CH2</confidence>
+), R' is (<confidence value="586">CH2</confidence>
+), R" and R"' are both H, j = <part-num-ref name="and (h + k) = 2.96 &quot; (Glycolic acid - ethylene glycol) dimer (from Example 8): where R is (CH2- CH2), R' is (CH2), R&quot; and R&quot;' are both H, j =">1</part-num-ref>
+ and (h + k) = <part-num-ref name="and (h + k) =">1</part-num-ref>
+ <confidence value="2">"</confidence>
+ Poly<confidence value="7">e</confidence>
+thylene glycol), MW <part-num-ref name="&quot; Polyethylene glycol), MW">400</part-num-ref>
+ (from Example 4): h = <part-num-ref name="(from Example 4): h =">0,</part-num-ref>
+ k = <part-num-ref name="(from Example 4): h = 0, k =">0,</part-num-ref>
+ j = <confidence value="2">~</confidence>
+13, R is <boundary-data type="line-number">20       </boundary-data>
+(CH<confidence value="68586">2-CH2</confidence>
+), and R" and R<confidence value="68">"'</confidence>
+ are both H <confidence value="2">"</confidence>
+ Poly<confidence value="7">e</confidence>
+thylene glycol) bis(3-aminopropyl) terminated (Aldrich): where R is <confidence value="86868586">(CH2-CH2</confidence>
+), R" and R"' are both -(CH<confidence value="5">2</confidence>
+)3NH<confidence value="5">2</confidence>
+, j = <part-num-ref name="(from Example 4): h = 0, k = 0, j = ~13, R is (CH2-CH2), and R&quot; and R&quot;' are both H &quot; Polyethylene glycol) bis(3-aminopropyl) terminated (Aldrich): where R is (CH2-CH2), R&quot; and R&quot;' are both -(CH2)3NH2, j =">34</part-num-ref>
+ and (h + k) = <part-num-ref name="and (h + k) =">0</part-num-ref>
+ Either or both of R and R' can contain nonlinear structures, for example where R' <confidence value="5">=</confidence>
+ (<confidence value="22222222">CH2CHCH3</confidence>
+) which is lactic acid. However, the R and R' should preferably not <boundary-data type="line-number">25  </boundary-data>
+contain groups such as OH and NH<confidence value="5">2</confidence>
+ which are likely to cause crosslinking.    </p>
+    <p id="p-77" num="77">Suitable compounds include but are not limited to the following polyester polyols:</p>
+    <p id="p-78" num="78">
+      <confidence value="6">0</confidence>
+              <confidence value="6">0</confidence>
+ <confidence value="5">H</confidence>
+  <confidence value="6">O</confidence>
+        <confidence value="6">O</confidence>
+    <confidence value="8">R</confidence>
+   <confidence value="25">0O</confidence>
+             <confidence value="5">H</confidence>
+ <page-break num="14"/>
+      <boundary-data type="header">
+        <confidence value="88">13</confidence>
+      </boundary-data>
+PGA - Poly-(glycolic acid) diol, where R is typically -(<confidence value="58858688">CH2CH2)-</confidence>
+ <part-num-ref name="H  O        O    R   0O             H PGA - Poly-(glycolic acid) diol, where R is typically -(CH2CH2)-">
+        <confidence value="6">0</confidence>
+      </part-num-ref>
+              <part-num-ref name="">
+        <confidence value="6">0</confidence>
+      </part-num-ref>
+ <confidence value="811">H'P</confidence>
+ <confidence value="62">hO</confidence>
+ <confidence value="61">O-</confidence>
+ <confidence value="8">R</confidence>
+                      <part-num-ref name="H'P hO O- R">
+        <confidence value="1">0</confidence>
+      </part-num-ref>
+   <confidence value="5">H</confidence>
+ <boundary-data type="line-number">5 </boundary-data>
+PLA - Poly-(lactic acid) diol, where R is typically -(CH2CH<confidence value="588">2)-</confidence>
+     </p>
+    <heading id="h-22">
+      <confidence value="6">O</confidence>
+            <confidence value="6">O</confidence>
+    </heading>
+    <heading id="h-23">
+      <confidence value="2">H</confidence>
+  <confidence value="8">O</confidence>
+                   <confidence value="22">O'</confidence>
+   R          O<confidence value="2">O</confidence>
+            <confidence value="2">H</confidence>
+    </heading>
+    <p id="p-79" num="79">PCL - Poly-(E-<confidence value="5">c</confidence>
+aprolactone) diol, where R is typically -(CH2CH2)- <boundary-data type="line-number">
+        <confidence value="88">10</confidence>
+      </boundary-data>
+ PEG - Poly-(ethylene glycol) Examples of other polyols which may act as soft segments include poly-(4- hydroxybutyrate) diol (P4HB <confidence value="2222">diol</confidence>
+), poly-(3-hydroxybutyrate) diol (<confidence value="2222">P3HB</confidence>
+ diol), <boundary-data type="line-number">15  </boundary-data>
+polypropylene glycol and any copolymers of the aforesaid including PLGA diol, P(LA<confidence value="5">/</confidence>
+CL) diol, P(3HB/4HB) diol.    </p>
+    <p id="p-80" num="80">Chain extenders according to the invention are any low molecular weight molecule having two or more functional groups which when reacted with diisocyanates form a urethane or urea linkage. Preferably the chain extender is <boundary-data type="line-number">20  </boundary-data>
+difunctional and examples of such chain extenders are diols, dithiols, diamines, amino alcohols and dicarboxylic acids. <confidence value="22222">Diols</confidence>
+ are also relatively non-toxic and can be resorbed or excreted from the body upon degradation and examples include ethylene  glycol, diethylene  glycol, tetraethylene  glycol, 1,3-propane  diol, 1,4- butane diol, 1,6-hexane diol, GA-EG dimer, LA-EG dimer, trimers including a <boundary-data type="line-number">25  </boundary-data>
+combination of LA and/or GA and EG, and oligomeric diols such as dimers and trimers.  Examples of amines that may be used are butane diamine, ethanolamine, glycine and lysine. Incorporated into the hard segment, these <page-break num="15"/>
+      <boundary-data type="header">
+        <confidence value="88">14</confidence>
+      </boundary-data>
+chain extenders increase degradation. Esters in the hard segment degrade much faster than urethane linkages. The following chain extenders are illustrated:    </p>
+    <heading id="h-24">
+      <confidence value="5">O</confidence>
+    </heading>
+    <heading id="h-25">
+      <confidence value="66">HO</confidence>
+       <confidence value="88">OH</confidence>
+    </heading>
+    <p id="p-81" num="81">
+      <boundary-data type="line-number">5  </boundary-data>
+A degradable <confidence value="2222">diol</confidence>
+ chain extender EG-GA diol, MW <confidence value="2">~</confidence>
+ 120     </p>
+    <heading id="h-26">
+      <confidence value="5">O</confidence>
+    </heading>
+    <heading id="h-27">
+      <confidence value="66">HO</confidence>
+                <confidence value="88">OH</confidence>
+    </heading>
+    <p id="p-82" num="82">
+      <confidence value="588">CH3</confidence>
+ A degradable chain extender EG-LA diol, MW <confidence value="2">~</confidence>
+ <part-num-ref name="degradable chain extender EG-LA diol, MW ~">134</part-num-ref>
+     </p>
+    <heading id="h-28">
+      <confidence value="5">O</confidence>
+    </heading>
+    <heading id="h-29">
+      <confidence value="22">HO</confidence>
+      O            OH    </heading>
+    <p id="p-83" num="83">
+      <boundary-data type="line-number">
+        <confidence value="22">10</confidence>
+        </boundary-data>
+      <boundary-data type="line-number">
+        <confidence value="88">10</confidence>
+      </boundary-data>
+ A degradable diol chain extender EG-4H<confidence value="5">B</confidence>
+ diol, MW <confidence value="2">~</confidence>
+ <part-num-ref name="degradable diol chain extender EG-4HB diol, MW ~">148</part-num-ref>
+ Preferred polyurethane and polyurethane/ureas prepared according to the invention may utilise PCL diol, PGA diol, PLA diol or PEG diol and HDI/EG as the <boundary-data type="line-number">15  </boundary-data>
+hard segment. Another preferred polyurethane or polyurethane/urea according to the invention includes a diol of poly(4-hydroxybutyrate) or copolymers therewith to give an improved range of properties and degradation rates.    </p>
+    <p id="p-84" num="84">According to the present invention, the monomeric units of the polyurethanes or polyurethane/ureas of the invention are preferably reacted by <boundary-data type="line-number">20  </boundary-data>
+bulk polymerisation to form  a straight-chain poly-(ester-urethane) block copolymer. Catalysts such as titanium butoxide, Tyzor-LA, stannous octoate, ferric acety<confidence value="8">l</confidence>
+ acetonate, magnesium methoxide, zinc octoate, manganese 2-ethyl hexanoate, amine catalyst may, if desired, be used in such polymerisation. The general form of the repeat units in the polymer after polymerisation is:    </p>
+    <p id="p-85" num="85">
+      <boundary-data type="line-number">
+        <confidence value="88">25</confidence>
+      </boundary-data>
+     </p>
+    <heading id="h-30">H            H    <confidence value="8">H</confidence>
+            <confidence value="8">H</confidence>
+    </heading>
+    <p id="p-86" num="86">
+      <confidence value="2">0</confidence>
+ <confidence value="5">O</confidence>
+      <confidence value="8">N</confidence>
+    <confidence value="8">N</confidence>
+   <confidence value="6">O</confidence>
+   <confidence value="6">O</confidence>
+    <confidence value="6">N</confidence>
+ <confidence value="2">O</confidence>
+       <confidence value="2">O</confidence>
+         <confidence value="212">O0O</confidence>
+ <confidence value="1">R</confidence>
+  <confidence value="7">0</confidence>
+  <confidence value="1">R</confidence>
+   <part-num-ref name="R">
+        <confidence value="1">0</confidence>
+      </part-num-ref>
+         <part-num-ref name="">
+        <confidence value="11">11</confidence>
+      </part-num-ref>
+   <confidence value="22">sO</confidence>
+ <page-break num="16"/>
+      <boundary-data type="header">
+        <confidence value="88">15</confidence>
+      </boundary-data>
+Where R<confidence value="5">1</confidence>
+ is from the diisocyanate e.g. hexamethylene diisocyanate. R2 is from a low molecular weight diol chain extender e.g. ethylene glycol. R3 is from a soft segment diol e.g. PCL diol (MW 400). The pronumeral <confidence value="5">'</confidence>
+n' represents the average <boundary-data type="line-number">5  </boundary-data>
+number of repeat units in the hard segment. The pronumeral <confidence value="685">'p'</confidence>
+ is proportional to the molecular weight of the polymer and includes both the hard segment repeat units and the soft segment.    </p>
+    <p id="p-87" num="87">In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the hard segment represents <part-num-ref name="hard segment represents">20</part-num-ref>
+ to 100% by weight of the polyurethane / polyurethane/urea. More preferably <boundary-data type="line-number">10  </boundary-data>
+the hard segment represents <part-num-ref name="hard segment represents">60</part-num-ref>
+ to 70% by weight. The polyol and chain extender may be the same compound and this corresponds to the embodiment where the hard segment corresponds to 100% by weight of the polyurethane / polyurethane/urea. It has been found that there must be a reasonably high proportion of hard segment for the materials to have adequate properties to <boundary-data type="line-number">15  </boundary-data>
+extrude through FDM as well as a reasonably high melt flow index.    </p>
+    <heading id="h-31">EXAMPLES</heading>
+    <p id="p-88" num="88">The following examples are not intended to limit the invention but rather illustrate the nature of the broad invention and its applicability.</p>
+    <p id="p-89" num="89">Example <confidence value="5">1</confidence>
+ <confidence value="8">-</confidence>
+ Preparation of 12TM4 (65% Hard Segment, 35% PCL DIOL 400).    </p>
+    <p id="p-90" num="90">
+      <boundary-data type="line-number">20       </boundary-data>
+Materials: The P<confidence value="5">C</confidence>
+L diol (molecular weight 402.1) from ERA Polymer Pty was dried at 90<confidence value="25">0C</confidence>
+ for <part-num-ref name="PCL diol (molecular weight 402.1) from ERA Polymer Pty was dried at 900C for">4</part-num-ref>
+ hours under vacuum (0.1 torr). Ethylene glycol (Aldrich) was degassed at 90<confidence value="2">°</confidence>
+C under vacuum (0.1 torr) for three hours and HDI (Aldrich) was used as received. A polyurethane composition based on a mixture of P<confidence value="68">CL</confidence>
+ diol, EG and HDI was prepared by a one-step bulk polymerisation procedure.    </p>
+    <p id="p-91" num="91">
+      <boundary-data type="line-number">25  </boundary-data>
+Stannous octoate (Aldrich) was kept moisture-free and used as received.    </p>
+    <p id="p-92" num="92">A mixture of P<confidence value="5">C</confidence>
+L (25.000 g) and EG (9.696 g) and stannous octoate (0.0714 g) was placed in a 100 ml predried polypropylene beaker, covered with aluminium foil and heated to 70<confidence value="2">*</confidence>
+C under nitrogen in a laboratory oven. HDI (36.732 g) was weighed in a separate wet-tared predried polypropylene beaker <boundary-data type="line-number">30 </boundary-data>
+and added to the P<confidence value="566">CL/</confidence>
+EG/stannous octoate beaker and stirred manually until gelation occurred <part-num-ref name="PCL/EG/stannous octoate beaker and stirred manually until gelation occurred">(90</part-num-ref>
+ seconds), at which time the viscous mixture was poured onto a Teflon coated metal tray to cure at 100<confidence value="25">0C</confidence>
+ for a period of about <part-num-ref name="period of about">18</part-num-ref>
+ hours.    </p>
+    <p id="p-93" num="93">The resulting polymer was clear, colourless and tough.</p>
+    <boundary-data type="header">
+      <confidence value="88">16</confidence>
+    </boundary-data>
+    <p id="p-94" num="94">
+      <page-break num="17"/>
+A sample of the polymer after curing was compression moulded at 175<confidence value="28">*C</confidence>
+ to a 1 mm thick flat sheet for tensile testing. Dumbbells punched from the sheet were tensile tested using an Instron Model <part-num-ref name="Instron Model">5568</part-num-ref>
+ Universal Testing Machine.    </p>
+    <p id="p-95" num="95">The mechanical properties of the materials prepared in EXAMPLE <part-num-ref name="materials prepared in EXAMPLE">
+        <confidence value="5">1</confidence>
+      </part-num-ref>
+ were <boundary-data type="line-number">5  </boundary-data>
+examined and the results are shown in Table <part-num-ref name="results are shown in Table">1.</part-num-ref>
+    </p>
+    <p id="p-96" num="96">Example <confidence value="5">1</confidence>
+a - Post-Synthesis Processing The solid polymer sheet was chopped into about <part-num-ref name="solid polymer sheet was chopped into about">1</part-num-ref>
+ cm3 pieces with clean tin-snips, cooled in liquid nitrogen and ground into a powder using a cryogrinder.    </p>
+    <p id="p-97" num="97">The polymer powder was then dried at 100<confidence value="25">°C</confidence>
+ under vacuum overnight. The <boundary-data type="line-number">10 </boundary-data>
+polymer was extruded on a mini-extruder equipped with a 1.7 mm die at 180<confidence value="25">0C</confidence>
+ and <part-num-ref name="1.7 mm die at 1800C and">40</part-num-ref>
+ rpm. The polymer was taken off by a belt conveyor and cooled at ambient temperature in air without water bath. The filament was spooled and kept under nitrogen in a moisture-free environment for at least one week prior to use.    </p>
+    <p id="p-98" num="98">The polymer filament was fed though the FDM apparatus and a small <boundary-data type="line-number">15  </boundary-data>
+lattice was made to show that the material was suitable for FDM. The scaffolds were characterised by light microscopy and SEM and were shown to have very good precision and weld. It has been shown to work with a number of commercially available nozzle diameters.    </p>
+    <p id="p-99" num="99">The operating envelope temperature inside the machine was 25<confidence value="25">0C</confidence>
+ and the <boundary-data type="line-number">20  </boundary-data>
+heating zone was set at 168<confidence value="2">°</confidence>
+C. SEM micrographs and optical microscopy of FDM scaffolds are shown in Figures 1-6.    </p>
+    <p id="p-100" num="100">Example 2 - Preparation of <confidence value="5">1</confidence>
+2TM<confidence value="5">1</confidence>
+ (A softer material than Example <part-num-ref name="softer material than Example">1,</part-num-ref>
+ 60% HARD SEGMENT, 40% PCL DIOL <part-num-ref name="softer material than Example 1, 60% HARD SEGMENT, 40% PCL DIOL">400)</part-num-ref>
+ Materials: The P<confidence value="5">C</confidence>
+L diol (molecular weight 402.1) from ERA Polymer Pty <boundary-data type="line-number">25  </boundary-data>
+was dried at 90<confidence value="25">0C</confidence>
+ for <part-num-ref name="PCL diol (molecular weight 402.1) from ERA Polymer Pty was dried at 900C for">4</part-num-ref>
+ hours under vacuum (0.1 torr). Ethylene glycol (Aldrich) was degassed at 90<confidence value="25">0C</confidence>
+ /0.1 torr for <part-num-ref name="hours under vacuum (0.1 torr). Ethylene glycol (Aldrich) was degassed at 900C /0.1 torr for">3</part-num-ref>
+ hours and HDI (Aldrich) was used as received. A polyurethane composition based on a mixture of P<confidence value="5">C</confidence>
+L diol, EG and <confidence value="866">HDI</confidence>
+ was prepared by a one-step bulk polymerisation procedure. Stannous octoate (A<confidence value="5">l</confidence>
+drich) was kept moisture-free and used as received.    </p>
+    <p id="p-101" num="101">
+      <boundary-data type="line-number">30       </boundary-data>
+A mixture of PCL (40.0 g) and EG (11.663 g) and stannous octoate (0.100 g) was placed in a <confidence value="66682">100ml</confidence>
+ predried polypropylene beaker, covered with aluminium foil and heated to 70<confidence value="2">*</confidence>
+C under nitrogen in a laboratory oven. H<confidence value="66">DI</confidence>
+ (48.337 g) was <page-break num="18"/>
+      <boundary-data type="header">
+        <confidence value="88">17</confidence>
+      </boundary-data>
+weighed in a separate wet-tared predried polypropylene beaker, covered and then added to the P<confidence value="566">CL/</confidence>
+EG/stannous octoate beaker and stirred manually until gelation occurred <part-num-ref name="PCL/EG/stannous octoate beaker and stirred manually until gelation occurred">(90</part-num-ref>
+ seconds). The viscous mixture was poured onto a Teflon coated metal tray to cure at 70<confidence value="25">0C</confidence>
+ for a period of about <part-num-ref name="period of about">18</part-num-ref>
+ hours. The resulting <boundary-data type="line-number">5   </boundary-data>
+polymer was clear, colourless and tough.    </p>
+    <p id="p-102" num="102">A sample of the polymer after curing was compression moulded at 170<confidence value="25">*C</confidence>
+ to a 1 mm thick flat sheet for tensile testing. Dumbbells punched from the sheet were tensile tested using an Instron Model <part-num-ref name="Instron Model">5568</part-num-ref>
+ Universal Testing Machine.    </p>
+    <p id="p-103" num="103">The mechanical properties of the materials prepared in EXAMPLE <part-num-ref name="materials prepared in EXAMPLE">2</part-num-ref>
+ were <boundary-data type="line-number">10  </boundary-data>
+examined and the results are shown in Table <part-num-ref name="results are shown in Table">1.</part-num-ref>
+    </p>
+    <p id="p-104" num="104">Example 2a - Post-Synthesis Processing The solid polymer sheet was chopped into about <part-num-ref name="solid polymer sheet was chopped into about">1</part-num-ref>
+ cm3 pieces with clean tin-snips, cooled in liquid nitrogen and ground into powder using a cryogrinder.    </p>
+    <p id="p-105" num="105">The polymer powder was then dried at 70<confidence value="25">*C</confidence>
+ under vacuum overnight. The <boundary-data type="line-number">15  </boundary-data>
+polymer was extruded on the mini-extruder equipped with a 1.7 mm die at 175<confidence value="25">0C</confidence>
+ and 35-40 rpm. The polymer was taken off on a rotating shaft and cooled at ambient temperature in air without water bath. The filament was spooled and kept under nitrogen in a moisture-free environment for at least one week prior to use.    </p>
+    <p id="p-106" num="106">
+      <boundary-data type="line-number">20       </boundary-data>
+The polymer filament was fed though the FDM apparatus and a small lattice was made to show that the material was suitable for FDM.    </p>
+    <p id="p-107" num="107">Example 3 - Preparation of 12TM6 (A harder material than Example <part-num-ref name="harder material than Example">1,</part-num-ref>
+ 70% HARD SEGMENT, 30% PCL DIOL <part-num-ref name="harder material than Example 1, 70% HARD SEGMENT, 30% PCL DIOL">400)</part-num-ref>
+ Materials: The P<confidence value="5">C</confidence>
+L diol (molecular weight 402.1) from ERA Polymer Pty <boundary-data type="line-number">25  </boundary-data>
+was dried at 90<confidence value="25">0C</confidence>
+ for <part-num-ref name="PCL diol (molecular weight 402.1) from ERA Polymer Pty was dried at 900C for">4</part-num-ref>
+ hours under vacuum (0.1 torr). Ethylene glycol (Aldrich) was degassed at 90<confidence value="25">0C</confidence>
+ /0.1 torr for <part-num-ref name="hours under vacuum (0.1 torr). Ethylene glycol (Aldrich) was degassed at 900C /0.1 torr for">3</part-num-ref>
+ hours and HDL (Aldrich) was used as received. A polyurethane composition based on a mixture of P<confidence value="5">C</confidence>
+L diol, EG and HDI was prepared by a one-step bulk polymerisation procedure. Stannous octoate (Aldrich) was kept moisture-free and used as received.    </p>
+    <p id="p-108" num="108">
+      <boundary-data type="line-number">30       </boundary-data>
+A mixture of P<confidence value="5">C</confidence>
+L (21.0 g) and EG (10.840 g) and stannous octoate (0.070 g) was placed in a <confidence value="66682">100ml</confidence>
+ predried polypropylene beaker, covered with aluminium foil and heated to 70<confidence value="25">0C</confidence>
+ under nitrogen in a laboratory oven. HDI (38.160 g) was weighed in a separate predried polypropylene beaker and added to the <page-break num="19"/>
+      <boundary-data type="header">
+        <confidence value="88">18</confidence>
+      </boundary-data>
+      <confidence value="86">PC</confidence>
+L/EG/stannous octoate beaker and stirred until gelation occurred <part-num-ref name="PCL/EG/stannous octoate beaker and stirred until gelation occurred">(60</part-num-ref>
+ seconds), at which time the viscous mixture was poured onto a Teflon coated metal tray to cure at 100<confidence value="25">0C</confidence>
+ for a period of about <part-num-ref name="period of about">18</part-num-ref>
+ hours. The resulting polymer was clear, colourless and tough.    </p>
+    <p id="p-109" num="109">
+      <boundary-data type="line-number">5       </boundary-data>
+A sample of the polymer after curing was compression moulded at 175<confidence value="25">0C</confidence>
+ to a 1 mm thick flat sheet for tensile testing. Dumbbells punched from the sheet were tensile tested using an Instron Model <part-num-ref name="Instron Model">5568</part-num-ref>
+ Universal Testing Machine.    </p>
+    <p id="p-110" num="110">The mechanical properties of the materials prepared in EXAMPLE <part-num-ref name="materials prepared in EXAMPLE">3</part-num-ref>
+ were examined and the results are shown in Table <part-num-ref name="results are shown in Table">1.</part-num-ref>
+    </p>
+    <p id="p-111" num="111">
+      <boundary-data type="line-number">10 </boundary-data>
+Example 3a - Post-Synthesis Processing The solid polymer sheet was chopped into about <part-num-ref name="solid polymer sheet was chopped into about">1</part-num-ref>
+ cm3 pieces with clean tin-snips, cooled in liquid nitrogen and ground into powder using a cryogrinder.    </p>
+    <p id="p-112" num="112">The polymer powder was then dried at 70<confidence value="25">0C</confidence>
+ under vacuum overnight. The polymer was extruded on the mini-extruder equipped with a 1.7 mm die at 175<confidence value="25">°C</confidence>
+ <boundary-data type="line-number">15  </boundary-data>
+and <part-num-ref name="1.7 mm die at 175°C and">40</part-num-ref>
+ rpm. The polymer was taken off on a rotating shaft and cooled at ambient temperature in air without water bath. The filament was spooled and kept under nitrogen in a moisture-free environment for at least one week prior to use.    </p>
+    <p id="p-113" num="113">The polymer filament was fed though the FDM apparatus and a small lattice was made to show that the material was suitable for FDM.</p>
+    <p id="p-114" num="114">
+      <boundary-data type="line-number">20 </boundary-data>
+Example 4 - Preparation of 14TM12 (Changing the soft segment to PEG     </p>
+    <heading id="h-32">DIOL)</heading>
+    <p id="p-115" num="115">Materials: The PEG diol (molecular weight 394.7) from Aldrich was dried at <confidence value="8825">900C</confidence>
+ for <part-num-ref name="PEG diol (molecular weight 394.7) from Aldrich was dried at 900C for">4</part-num-ref>
+ hours under vacuum (0.1 torr). Ethylene glycol (Aldrich) was degassed at 90<confidence value="25">0C</confidence>
+ /0.1 torr for three hours and HDI (Aldrich) was used as <boundary-data type="line-number">25  </boundary-data>
+received. A polyurethane composition based on a mixture of P<confidence value="5">C</confidence>
+L diol, EG and <confidence value="866">HDI</confidence>
+ was prepared by a one-step bulk polymerisation procedure. Stannous octoate (Aldrich) was kept moisture-free and used as received.    </p>
+    <p id="p-116" num="116">A mixture of PEG (20.000 g) and EG (7.715 g) and stannous octoate (0.0571 g) was placed in a 100 ml predried polypropylene beaker, covered with <boundary-data type="line-number">30  </boundary-data>
+aluminium foil and heated to 70<confidence value="25">0C</confidence>
+ under nitrogen in a laboratory oven. HDI (29.428 g) was weighed in a separate predried polypropylene beaker, and added to the PEG/EG/stannous octoate beaker and stirred until gelation occurred <part-num-ref name="PEG/EG/stannous octoate beaker and stirred until gelation occurred">(150</part-num-ref>
+ seconds), when the viscous mixture was poured onto a Teflon coated metal tray <page-break num="20"/>
+      <boundary-data type="header">
+        <confidence value="88">19</confidence>
+      </boundary-data>
+to cure at 70<confidence value="25">0C</confidence>
+ for a period of about <part-num-ref name="period of about">18</part-num-ref>
+ hours. The resulting polymer was clear, colourless and tough.    </p>
+    <p id="p-117" num="117">A sample of the polymer after curing was compression moulded at 150<confidence value="25">0C</confidence>
+ to a 1 mm thick flat sheet for tensile testing. Dumbbells punched from the sheet <boundary-data type="line-number">5  </boundary-data>
+were tensile tested using an Instron Model <part-num-ref name="Instron Model">4032</part-num-ref>
+ Universal Testing Machine.    </p>
+    <p id="p-118" num="118">Example 4a - Post-Synthesis Processing The solid polymer sheet was chopped into about <part-num-ref name="solid polymer sheet was chopped into about">1</part-num-ref>
+ cm3 pieces with clean tin-snips, cooled in liquid nitrogen and ground into powder using a cryogrinder.    </p>
+    <p id="p-119" num="119">The polymer powder was then dried at 100<confidence value="25">0C</confidence>
+ under vacuum overnight. The <boundary-data type="line-number">10  </boundary-data>
+polymer was extruded on the mini-extruder equipped with a 1.7 mm die at 150<confidence value="25">0C</confidence>
+ and <part-num-ref name="1.7 mm die at 1500C and">40</part-num-ref>
+ rpm. The polymer was taken off by a belt conveyor and cooled at ambient temperature in air without water bath. The filament was spooled and kept under nitrogen in a moisture-free environment for at least one week prior to use.    </p>
+    <p id="p-120" num="120">The polymer filament was fed though the FDM apparatus and a small <boundary-data type="line-number">15  </boundary-data>
+lattice was made to show that the material was suitable for FDM. The scaffolds were characterised by light microscopy and SEM and were shown to have very good precision and weld. It has been shown to work with a number of commercially available nozzle diameters.    </p>
+    <p id="p-121" num="121">The operating envelope temperature inside the machine was 25<confidence value="25">0C</confidence>
+ and the <boundary-data type="line-number">20  </boundary-data>
+heating zone was set at 168<confidence value="268">0C.</confidence>
+    </p>
+    <p id="p-122" num="122">Example 5<confidence value="6">-</confidence>
+ Preparation of 14TM3-1 (using a different diisocyanate - MLDI) Materials: The PEG diol (molecular weight 394.7) from Aldrich was dried at <confidence value="8825">900C</confidence>
+ for <part-num-ref name="PEG diol (molecular weight 394.7) from Aldrich was dried at 900C for">4</part-num-ref>
+ hours under vacuum (0.1 torr). Ethylene glycol (Aldrich) was degassed at 90<confidence value="25">0C</confidence>
+ /0.1 torr for <part-num-ref name="hours under vacuum (0.1 torr). Ethylene glycol (Aldrich) was degassed at 900C /0.1 torr for">3</part-num-ref>
+ hours. Methyl ester of Lysine diisocyanate MLDI <boundary-data type="line-number">25  </boundary-data>
+(Kyowa Hakko Kogyo <confidence value="66">CO</confidence>
+. Ltd) was used as received. A polyurethane composition based on a mixture of P<confidence value="5">C</confidence>
+L diol, EG and HDI was prepared by a one- step bulk polymerisation procedure. Stannous octoate (Aldrich) was kept moisture-free and used as received.    </p>
+    <p id="p-123" num="123">A mixture of PEG (12.814 g) and EG (16.380 g) and stannous octoate <boundary-data type="line-number">30  </boundary-data>
+(0.0992 g) was placed in a 100 ml predried polypropylene beaker, covered with aluminium foil and heated to 70<confidence value="25">0C</confidence>
+ under nitrogen in a laboratory oven. MLDI (70.00 g) was measured in a separate predried polypropylene beaker and added <page-break num="21"/>
+      <boundary-data type="header">
+        <confidence value="88">20</confidence>
+      </boundary-data>
+to the beaker containing mixture of PEG/EG/stannous octoate and stirred until gelation occurred <confidence value="52">(~</confidence>
+300 seconds), at which time the viscous mixture was poured onto a Teflon coated metal tray to cure at 70<confidence value="25">0C</confidence>
+ for a period of about <part-num-ref name="period of about">18</part-num-ref>
+ hours.    </p>
+    <p id="p-124" num="124">The resulting polymer was clear, slightly golden in colour and tough.</p>
+    <p id="p-125" num="125">
+      <boundary-data type="line-number">5       </boundary-data>
+A sample of the polymer after curing was compression moulded at 175<confidence value="25">*C</confidence>
+ to a 1 mm thick flat sheet for tensile testing.    </p>
+    <p id="p-126" num="126">Example 6<confidence value="6">-</confidence>
+ Preparation of 16TM9 (100% hard segment using MLDI and EG) Materials: The EG (Aldrich) was degassed at 90<confidence value="2">*</confidence>
+C/0.1 torr for three hours.    </p>
+    <p id="p-127" num="127">MLDI (Kyowa Hakko Kogyo CO. Ltd) was used as received. A polyurethane <boundary-data type="line-number">10  </boundary-data>
+composition based on a <part-num-ref name="">1</part-num-ref>
+ to <part-num-ref name="to">1</part-num-ref>
+ ratio of MLDI and EG was prepared by a one-step bulk polymerisation procedure. Stannous octoate (Aldrich) was kept moisture free and used as received.    </p>
+    <p id="p-128" num="128">EG (22.000 g) and stannous octoate (0.0972 g) were weighed into a 100 ml predried polypropylene beaker, covered with aluminium foil and heated to <boundary-data type="line-number">15  </boundary-data>
+70<confidence value="2">°</confidence>
+C under nitrogen in a laboratory oven. MLDI (75.214 g) was measured in a separate predried polypropylene beaker, covered with aluminium foil and also heated under nitrogen at 70<confidence value="25">°C</confidence>
+ before being added to the EG/stannous octoate and stirred until gelation occurred <confidence value="52">(~</confidence>
+700 sec), at which time the viscous mixture was poured onto a Teflon coated metal tray to cure at 70<confidence value="25">*C</confidence>
+ overnight for a period <boundary-data type="line-number">20  </boundary-data>
+of about <part-num-ref name="period of about">18</part-num-ref>
+ hours. The resulting polymer was clear, golden in colour, very hard and brittle.    </p>
+    <p id="p-129" num="129">Example 6a - Post-Synthesis Processing The melt flow index of the material prepared was measured to be <part-num-ref name="material prepared was measured to be">136</part-num-ref>
+ g/<confidence value="68">10</confidence>
+ <confidence value="866">min</confidence>
+ with a 2.16 kg load.    </p>
+    <p id="p-130" num="130">
+      <boundary-data type="line-number">25 </boundary-data>
+Example 7 - Preparation of 12TM19 illustrating shape memory effects (100% hard segment using MLD<confidence value="5">1</confidence>
+ and 2-ethyl-<confidence value="66">1,</confidence>
+3-hexanediol) Materials: The 2-ethyl-1,3-hexanediol (Fluka) was degassed at 90<confidence value="2">*</confidence>
+C /0.1 torr for <part-num-ref name="2-ethyl-1,3-hexanediol (Fluka) was degassed at 90*C /0.1 torr for">3</part-num-ref>
+ hours. MLDI (Kyowa Hakko Kogyo CO. Ltd) was used as received. A polyurethane composition based on a <part-num-ref name="">1</part-num-ref>
+ to <part-num-ref name="to">
+        <confidence value="5">1</confidence>
+      </part-num-ref>
+ ratio of MLDI and 2-ethyl-1,3- <boundary-data type="line-number">30  </boundary-data>
+hexanediol was prepared by a one-step bulk polymerisation procedure. Stannous octoate (Aldrich) was kept moisture free and used as received.    </p>
+    <p id="p-131" num="131">2-ethyl-1,3-hexanediol (8.269 g) and stannous octoate (0.021 g) were weighed into a 100 ml predried polypropylene beaker, covered with aluminium foil <page-break num="22"/>
+      <boundary-data type="header">
+        <confidence value="88">21</confidence>
+      </boundary-data>
+and heated to 70<confidence value="25">0C</confidence>
+ under nitrogen in a laboratory oven. MLDI (12.000 g) was measured in a separate predried polypropylene beaker, covered with aluminium foil and also heated under nitrogen at 70<confidence value="25">0C</confidence>
+ before being added to the 2-ethyl-1,3- hexanediol /stannous octoate and stirred until gelation occurred (<confidence value="2">-</confidence>
+30 m<confidence value="66">in</confidence>
+), at <boundary-data type="line-number">5  </boundary-data>
+which time the viscous mixture was poured onto a Teflon coated metal tray to cure at 70<confidence value="25">0C</confidence>
+ overnight for a period of about <part-num-ref name="period of about">18</part-num-ref>
+ hours. The resulting polymer was clear, golden in colour, very hard and brittle.    </p>
+    <p id="p-132" num="132">Example 7a - Post-Synthesis Processing DSC was taken on a Mettler DSC <part-num-ref name="Mettler DSC">30</part-num-ref>
+ and showed the Tg to be <confidence value="2">~</confidence>
+ 30<confidence value="268">*C.</confidence>
+    </p>
+    <p id="p-133" num="133">
+      <boundary-data type="line-number">10  </boundary-data>
+When left at room temperature it was hard and brittle but it reversibly softened in the hand and became elastic.    </p>
+    <p id="p-134" num="134">Example 8 - Preparation of a hydrolysable chain extender (15TM7, GA-EG diol) 22.19 g of glycolic acid (GA) (Sigma) was heated at 200<confidence value="25">0C</confidence>
+ under nitrogen <boundary-data type="line-number">15  </boundary-data>
+outgassing in a round bottomed flask equipped with a stillhead sidearm and condenser to collect the water runoff. After <part-num-ref name="water runoff. After">18</part-num-ref>
+ hours the nitrogen was stopped and vacuum applied (0.1 torr), by which stage the GA had polymerised to a white solid (PGA). Dry ethylene glycol (EG) (Aldrich) <part-num-ref name="white solid (PGA). Dry ethylene glycol (EG) (Aldrich)">(106</part-num-ref>
+ g) was added to the PGA in an approximate ratio of 5:1 in order to transesterify the polymer. This was <boundary-data type="line-number">20  </boundary-data>
+refluxed for a period of <part-num-ref name="period of">8</part-num-ref>
+ hours in total and was followed by GP<confidence value="5">C</confidence>
+ until there were three major products: EG, EG-GA and some EG-GA-GA. The EG was removed under vacuum and heat and the resulting chain extender was used to make a polyurethane (16TM7).    </p>
+    <p id="p-135" num="135">Example 8a - Preparation of a polyurethane using a hydrolysable chain <boundary-data type="line-number">25  </boundary-data>
+extender (16TM7 from Example <part-num-ref name="hydrolysable chain extender (16TM7 from Example">8)</part-num-ref>
+ Materials: The 15TM7 (GA-EG diol chain extender) was degassed at 90<confidence value="25">0C</confidence>
+ /0.1 torr for three hours, as was the P<confidence value="5">C</confidence>
+L diol (MW400). HDI (Aldrich) was used as received. A polyurethane composition based on an 80% hard segment composition was prepared by a one-step bulk polymerisation procedure.    </p>
+    <p id="p-136" num="136">
+      <boundary-data type="line-number">30  </boundary-data>
+Stannous octoate (Aldrich) was kept moisture free and used as received.    </p>
+    <p id="p-137" num="137">15TM7 (30.73 g) and P<confidence value="5">C</confidence>
+L diol (MW402.099) (20.05 g) and stannous octoate (0.100 g) were weighed into a 100 m<confidence value="5">l</confidence>
+ predried polypropylene beaker, covered with aluminium foil and heated to 70<confidence value="2">°</confidence>
+C under nitrogen in<confidence value="5">.</confidence>
+ a laboratory <page-break num="23"/>
+      <boundary-data type="header">
+        <confidence value="88">22</confidence>
+      </boundary-data>
+oven. HDI (49.47 g) was measured in a separate predried polypropylene beaker, covered with aluminium foil and also heated under nitrogen at 70<confidence value="25">0C</confidence>
+ before being added to the P<confidence value="5">C</confidence>
+L diol / 15TM7 /stannous octoate mixture and stirred until gelation occurred when the viscous mixture was poured onto a Teflon coated metal tray to <boundary-data type="line-number">5  </boundary-data>
+cure at 70<confidence value="25">0C</confidence>
+ overnight for a period of about <part-num-ref name="period of about">18</part-num-ref>
+ hours. The resulting polymer was slightly cloudy, hard but flexible.    </p>
+    <p id="p-138" num="138">Table <confidence value="5">1</confidence>
+ <confidence value="8">-</confidence>
+ Mechanical properties of some PCL-based polyurethanes with different hard segment percentages Hard segment          Y. Mod UTS   Shore Code   (Wt %)   Elong (%) (MPa)  (MPa) (D) 12TM1  <part-num-ref name="- Mechanical properties of some PCL-based polyurethanes with different hard segment percentages Hard segment          Y. Mod UTS   Shore Code   (Wt %)   Elong (%) (MPa)  (MPa) (D) 12TM1">60</part-num-ref>
+      899<confidence value="5">±</confidence>
+189   103<confidence value="5">±</confidence>
+5  41<confidence value="5">±</confidence>
+1  <part-num-ref name="899±189   103±5  41±1">44</part-num-ref>
+ 12TM4  <part-num-ref name="12TM4">65</part-num-ref>
+       1300<confidence value="5">±</confidence>
+42  112<confidence value="5">±</confidence>
+3  54<confidence value="5">±</confidence>
+5  <part-num-ref name="1300±42  112±3  54±5">52</part-num-ref>
+ 12TM6   <part-num-ref name="12TM6">70</part-num-ref>
+      1537<confidence value="5">±</confidence>
+141- 143<confidence value="5">±</confidence>
+7  56<confidence value="5">±</confidence>
+6  <part-num-ref name="1537±141- 143±7  56±6">57</part-num-ref>
+ <boundary-data type="line-number">
+        <confidence value="88">10</confidence>
+      </boundary-data>
+ Table 2<confidence value="6">-</confidence>
+ Melt flow index of various materials The Melt Flow Index of various materials according to the present invention was calculated, along with the readily available commercial materials:    </p>
+    <p id="p-139" num="139">acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS), polyamide and investment casting wax <boundary-data type="line-number">15  </boundary-data>
+(<confidence value="56">IC</confidence>
+W). In order to be suitable for FDM, the materials of the present invention preferably should have a MFI which is similar or higher than that of the commercial samples, without significant degradation of the material.    </p>
+    <p id="p-140" num="140">Material        Temperature (<confidence value="25">*C</confidence>
+)  MFI (<confidence value="2222222">g/10min</confidence>
+), 2.16kg weight ABS                    270               8.5 Polyamide              <part-num-ref name="8.5 Polyamide">140</part-num-ref>
+               <part-num-ref name="">75</part-num-ref>
+ <confidence value="56">IC</confidence>
+W                    <part-num-ref name="ICW">73</part-num-ref>
+                9.5 14TM3-1                <part-num-ref name="9.5 14TM3-1">160</part-num-ref>
+               7.64 12TM4-6                <part-num-ref name="7.64 12TM4-6">165</part-num-ref>
+              10.43 16TM9                  <part-num-ref name="10.43 16TM9">160</part-num-ref>
+               <part-num-ref name="">136</part-num-ref>
+ <page-break num="24"/>
+      <boundary-data type="header">
+        <confidence value="88">23</confidence>
+      </boundary-data>
+It will be appreciated that the scope of the invention is not limited to the specific examples described herein but extends to the general inventive concepts defined.    </p>
+    <p id="p-141" num="141">None of the examples should be considered limiting.</p>
+    <p id="p-142" num="142">Example 9 - cell compatability of <confidence value="222222222">sacffolds</confidence>
+ <boundary-data type="line-number">5  </boundary-data>
+This example illustrates the cell compatibility of scaffolds fabricated using polymers prepared according to the invention.    </p>
+    <p id="p-143" num="143">Polymers were prepared according to the procedure disclosed in Example <part-num-ref name="procedure disclosed in Example">1</part-num-ref>
+ and 3D scaffolds were fabricated using the procedure described in E<confidence value="5">X</confidence>
+AMPLE <confidence value="588">1A.</confidence>
+    </p>
+    <p id="p-144" num="144">
+      <boundary-data type="line-number">10       </boundary-data>
+Three dimensional scaffolds similar to those shown in Figures 1 to <part-num-ref name="to">3</part-num-ref>
+ were seeded with primary ovine fibroblasts explanted from the aortic heart-valve leaflet.    </p>
+    <p id="p-145" num="145">The cells were grown in Dulbecco's Modified Eagle's Medium (DMEM) in static culture for a period of nine weeks. The temperature was 37<confidence value="2">*</confidence>
+C and incubator contained 5% C<confidence value="5">O</confidence>
+2(g). The DMEM was replaced every five days. At the end of the <boundary-data type="line-number">15  </boundary-data>
+nine weeks the scaffolds were cross linked using glutaraldehyde and then dehydrated progressively through ethanol and dried.    </p>
+    <p id="p-146" num="146">SEM micrographs and optical microscopy of the cell-seeded FDM scaffolds are shown in Figures 7-1<confidence value="88">1.</confidence>
+    </p>
+    <p id="p-147" num="147">Example 10 <boundary-data type="line-number">20  </boundary-data>
+This example illustrates the preparation of polyurethanes by varying the weight percentage of hard segment, the molecular weight of the soft segment polyol and the type of polyol. The quantities of the diisocyanate, polyol and the chain extender used are summarised in Table <part-num-ref name="chain extender used are summarised in Table">3.</part-num-ref>
+ The following example illustrates the procedure used in making sample with code TM1-9 in Table <part-num-ref name="procedure used in making sample with code TM1-9 in Table">3.</part-num-ref>
+ Other materials in <boundary-data type="line-number">25  </boundary-data>
+the Table were prepared accruing the same one-step polymerisation procedure.    </p>
+    <p id="p-148" num="148">Preparation of TM<confidence value="5">1</confidence>
+-9 (50% hard segment, 50% PCL diol 1000).    </p>
+    <p id="p-149" num="149">Materials: The PCL diol (molecular weight <part-num-ref name="PCL diol (molecular weight">1000)</part-num-ref>
+ from ERA polymer Pty Ltd was dried at 90<confidence value="25">0C</confidence>
+ for four hours under vacuum (0.1 torr). Ethylene glycol (Aldrich) was distilled and degassed at 90<confidence value="25">0C</confidence>
+ under vacuum (0.1 torr) for three hours. Ethyl- <boundary-data type="line-number">30  </boundary-data>
+LDI was distilled before use. Stannous octoate (Aldrich) was used as received. A polyurethane composition based on a mixture of P<confidence value="5">C</confidence>
+L diol, EG and eLDI was prepared by a one-step bulk polymerisation procedure.    </p>
+    <boundary-data type="header">
+      <confidence value="88">24</confidence>
+    </boundary-data>
+    <p id="p-150" num="150">
+      <page-break num="25"/>
+A mixture of PCL diol (20.<confidence value="6665">000g</confidence>
+) and EG (3.336<confidence value="5">g</confidence>
+) and stannous octoate (0.040<confidence value="5">g</confidence>
+) were placed in a <confidence value="66682">100ml</confidence>
+ predried glass beaker, covered with aluminium foil and heated to 70<confidence value="25">0C</confidence>
+ under nitrogen in a laboratory oven. ELDI (16.665<confidence value="5">g</confidence>
+) was weighed in a separate wet-tared predried polypropylene beaker and added to the <boundary-data type="line-number">5     </boundary-data>
+P<confidence value="5">C</confidence>
+L/EG/stannous octoate            beaker, covered with        aluminium     foil and    heated    to <confidence value="8825">70'C</confidence>
+    under nitrogen        in  a  laboratory     oven. ELDI was          then    added    to   the <confidence value="86">PC</confidence>
+L/EG/stannous octoate beaker and stirred manually until gelation occurred at which time the viscous mixture was poured onto Teflon coated metal tray to cure at 100<confidence value="25">"C</confidence>
+ for a period of about <part-num-ref name="period of about">18</part-num-ref>
+ hours. The resulting polymer was clear, <boundary-data type="line-number">10     </boundary-data>
+colourless and rubbery. The molecular weight of the polymer was determined by gel permeation chromatography and the results reported in Table <part-num-ref name="results reported in Table">3</part-num-ref>
+ are relative to polystyrene standards.    </p>
+    <p id="p-151" num="151">Table 3. Formulation details of various polyurethanes prepared.</p>
+    <p id="p-152" num="152">Diisocyanate    Chain Extenders          Soft Segments            GP<confidence value="5">C</confidence>
+ Results (in THF) Hard                                               P<confidence value="5">C</confidence>
+L      P<confidence value="5">C</confidence>
+L     PEG Code      Segment   eLDI     H<confidence value="5">D</confidence>
+I    EG     EG-LA    TETEG    1000    <part-num-ref name="">2000</part-num-ref>
+     <part-num-ref name="">1000</part-num-ref>
+    Mn       Mw       PD (%)       (<confidence value="5">g</confidence>
+)      (<confidence value="5">g</confidence>
+)    <part-num-ref name="Mn       Mw       PD (%)       (g)      (g)">(<confidence value="5">9</confidence>
+)      </part-num-ref>
+    (<confidence value="5">g</confidence>
+)     (<confidence value="5">g</confidence>
+)       (<confidence value="5">g</confidence>
+)      (<confidence value="5">g</confidence>
+)     (<confidence value="68">g)</confidence>
+ TM1-11         <part-num-ref name="(g)     (g)       (g)      (g)     (g) TM1-11">30</part-num-ref>
+   10.778   -      1.222  -        -        28.000  -        -        58,758   97,196   1.65 TM1-9          <part-num-ref name="10.778   -      1.222  -        -        28.000  -        -        58,758   97,196   1.65 TM1-9">50</part-num-ref>
+   16.665   -      3.336  -        -        20.000  -        -        94,673  172,649   1.82 TM1-14         <part-num-ref name="16.665   -      3.336  -        -        20.000  -        -        94,673  172,649   1.82 TM1-14">70</part-num-ref>
+   22.551   -      5.449  -        -        12.000  -        -        55,398   92,696   1.67 TM1-15         <part-num-ref name="22.551   -      5.449  -        -        12.000  -        -        55,398   92,696   1.67 TM1-15">70</part-num-ref>
+   18.587   -      -       9.413   -        12.000  -        -        57,847  115,357   1.99 TM1-16         <part-num-ref name="18.587   -      -       9.413   -        12.000  -        -        57,847  115,357   1.99 TM1-16">100</part-num-ref>
+  25.111   -      -       14.889<confidence value="5">.</confidence>
+ -        -        -       -        28,242   51,038   1.81 TM1-22         <part-num-ref name="25.111   -      -       14.889. -        -        -       -        28,242   51,038   1.81 TM1-22">50</part-num-ref>
+   15.305   1.266  3.429  -        -        20.000  -        -        56,742   94,031   1.66 TM1-23         <part-num-ref name="15.305   1.266  3.429  -        -        20.000  -        -        56,742   94,031   1.66 TM1-23">50</part-num-ref>
+   13.889   2.584  3.527  -        -        20.000  -        -        39,369   73,452   1.87 TM1-24         <part-num-ref name="13.889   2.584  3.527  -        -        20.000  -        -        39,369   73,452   1.87 TM1-24">50</part-num-ref>
+   12.846   -      -      -          7.154  20.000  -        -        53,266   96,737   1.82 TM1-25         <part-num-ref name="12.846   -      -      -          7.154  20.000  -        -        53,266   96,737   1.82 TM1-25">70</part-num-ref>
+   16.313   -      -      -         11.687  12.000  -        -        50,059   89,809   1.79 TM1-27       33.33  11.759   -      1.574  -        -        13.333  -        13.333   55,39<confidence value="5">8</confidence>
+   97,045   1.75 TM1-28       33.33  -        9.410  -       3.923   -        13.333  -        13.333  47,625    63,464   1.33 TM1-30         <part-num-ref name="16.313   -      -      -         11.687  12.000  -        -        50,059   89,809   1.79 TM1-27       33.33  11.759   -      1.574  -        -        13.333  -        13.333   55,398   97,045   1.75 TM1-28       33.33  -        9.410  -       3.923   -        13.333  -        13.333  47,625    63,464   1.33 TM1-30">50</part-num-ref>
+   16.665   -      3.335  -        -        10.000  -        10.000  43,770    72,845   1.66 TM1-31         <part-num-ref name="16.665   -      3.335  -        -        10.000  -        10.000  43,770    72,845   1.66 TM1-31">50</part-num-ref>
+   14.238   -      -       5.762   -        10.000  -        10.000   30,631   50,196   1.64 TM1-29         <part-num-ref name="14.238   -      -       5.762   -        10.000  -        10.000   30,631   50,196   1.64 TM1-29">50</part-num-ref>
+   16.178   -      3.822  -        -        -        20.000  -        59,057  101,750   1.72 TM1-32         <part-num-ref name="16.178   -      3.822  -        -        -        20.000  -        59,057  101,750   1.72 TM1-32">50</part-num-ref>
+   13.397   -      -       6.603   -        -        20.000  -        36,466   61,103   1.68 <boundary-data type="line-number">
+        <confidence value="88">15</confidence>
+      </boundary-data>
+ Abbreviations:      eLDI: lysine       diisocyanate      ethyl ester,      H<confidence value="5">D</confidence>
+I:    hexamethylene diisocyanate, EG-LA: ethylene glycol-lactic acid ester diol: TETEG: tetraethylene glycol, P<confidence value="5">C</confidence>
+L: polycaprolactone diol, PEG: poly<confidence value="7">e</confidence>
+thylene glycol), PD: polydispersity.    </p>
+    <p id="p-153" num="153">
+      <confidence value="88">20</confidence>
+ <page-break num="26"/>
+      <boundary-data type="header">
+        <confidence value="88">25</confidence>
+      </boundary-data>
+Example <confidence value="668">11-</confidence>
+ use as stent coatings This example illustrates that the polymers could be easily dissolved in solvents such as tetrahydrofuran and coated on stainless steel surfaces.    </p>
+    <p id="p-154" num="154">The polymers TM<confidence value="5">1</confidence>
+-9, TM1-11, TM1-14, TM<confidence value="5">1</confidence>
+-15 and TM1-16 were <boundary-data type="line-number">5  </boundary-data>
+dissolved separately in tetrahydrofuran to make 5%, 10% and 20% solutions. The solutions were used to coat stainless steel coupons by dip-coating and by spin coating (Spin coater: Model WS-400B-6NPP/<confidence value="5">L</confidence>
+ite, Laurell Technologies Corporation). The coatings adhered well to the stainless steel showing their suitability for coating metallic surfaces. These polymers were also soluble in <boundary-data type="line-number">10  </boundary-data>
+solvents such as chloroform, dichloromethane, dimethyl formamide and dimethyl acetamide.    </p>
+    <p id="p-155" num="155">Example 12 The following example illustrates the preparation of strands, fibres and tubes using a reactive extruder (Prism Model) <boundary-data type="line-number">15       </boundary-data>
+Polyurethanes were produced on a Prism 16mm twin screw extruder of <confidence value="668">L/D</confidence>
+ = 26:1 via liquid feed of the diisocyanate, polyester polyol, ethylene glycol and catalyst.    </p>
+    <p id="p-156" num="156">Methyl ester Lysine diisocyanate (m-LDI), polycaprolactone diol GMW <confidence value="2">~</confidence>
+ 426 ( ERA 2043), chain extender ethylene glycol, and catalyst stannous <part-num-ref name="( ERA 2043), chain extender ethylene glycol, and catalyst stannous">2</part-num-ref>
+ ethyl <boundary-data type="line-number">20  </boundary-data>
+hexanoate were used as reagents to prepare polyurethanes with hard segment weight percentage of <part-num-ref name="ethyl hexanoate were used as reagents to prepare polyurethanes with hard segment weight percentage of">65</part-num-ref>
+ and 95%.    </p>
+    <p id="p-157" num="157">The ratio of isocyanate to hydroxyl was kept at 1:1 and the catalyst loading was 0.1 wt%. The throughput rate was <confidence value="2">~</confidence>
+ 2g/min and the reaction was controlled via extruder screw speed (for mixing control) and via the temperature settings <boundary-data type="line-number">25  </boundary-data>
+across the <part-num-ref name="">6</part-num-ref>
+ individual barrel sections and the dies. Materials based on <part-num-ref name="dies. Materials based on">95</part-num-ref>
+ and 65% hard segment produced good tubes and filaments. A cross-linked polyurethane was produced using this technique by replacing <part-num-ref name="cross-linked polyurethane was produced using this technique by replacing">40</part-num-ref>
+ % of the ethylene glycol with trimethylol propane in the 65% hard segment polyurethane formulation.    </p>
+    <boundary-data type="header">
+      <confidence value="88">26</confidence>
+    </boundary-data>
+    <p id="p-158" num="158">
+      <page-break num="27"/>
+Example 13 - 15RA40: ELDI/PEG/EG<confidence value="4">/</confidence>
+TMP -80% HS:    </p>
+    <p id="p-159" num="159">A cross linked polyurethane material was produced following <confidence value="6">a</confidence>
+ one-step procedure as described below.    </p>
+    <p id="p-160" num="160">A mixture of pre-dried (degassed) macrodiol PEG (2.5 g, MW 394.75), <boundary-data type="line-number">5   </boundary-data>
+Ethylene glycol (18.77 g), Trimethylol propane (1.50 g, 40 mol% of EG) and catalyst Dibutyltin dilaurate (0.1 wt%) were weighed in a polypropylene beaker.    </p>
+    <p id="p-161" num="161">The polymer mixture was then degassed at 70<confidence value="25">"C</confidence>
+ for about an hour under a vacuum of <part-num-ref name="vacuum of">1</part-num-ref>
+ torr at 70<confidence value="2">°</confidence>
+C. ELDI (7.10 g) was weighed in a syringe and added to the polyol mixture and stirred rapidly for about <part-num-ref name="polyol mixture and stirred rapidly for about">3</part-num-ref>
+ minutes and then poured into a <boundary-data type="line-number">10  </boundary-data>
+Teflon-coated metal pan and pressed under a nominal load of <part-num-ref name="nominal load of">8</part-num-ref>
+ tonn for <part-num-ref name="tonn for">2</part-num-ref>
+ hours at 100<confidence value="25">0C</confidence>
+ followed by further curing in a nitrogen-circulating oven <part-num-ref name="nitrogen-circulating oven">16</part-num-ref>
+ hours. The polymer showed maximum tensile stress ( <part-num-ref name="polymer showed maximum tensile stress (">34</part-num-ref>
+ <confidence value="5">±</confidence>
+3 MPa), Youngs Modulus (1.0 +0.2 MPa) and elongation at break 156<confidence value="5">±</confidence>
+32 %).    </p>
+    <p id="p-162" num="162">Example 14 <boundary-data type="line-number">15       </boundary-data>
+A mixture of pre-dried (degassed) macrodiol PEG (10.0 g, MW 394.75);    </p>
+    <p id="p-163" num="163">Ethylene glycol (7.17 g) and catalyst Dibutyltin dilaurate (0.1 wt% ) was weighed in a polypropylene beaker. The polymer mixture was then degassed at 70<confidence value="2">°</confidence>
+C for about an hour under a vacuum of <part-num-ref name="vacuum of">1</part-num-ref>
+ torr at 70<confidence value="45">0C</confidence>
+. ELDI (32.82 g) was weighed in a syringe and added to the polyol mixture and stirred rapidly for about <part-num-ref name="polyol mixture and stirred rapidly for about">3</part-num-ref>
+ minutes <boundary-data type="line-number">20 </boundary-data>
+and then poured into a Teflon-coated metal pan and pressed under a nominal load of <part-num-ref name="nominal load of">8</part-num-ref>
+ tonne for <part-num-ref name="tonne for">2</part-num-ref>
+ hours at 100<confidence value="25">0C</confidence>
+ followed by further curing in a nitrogen- circulating oven <part-num-ref name="nitrogen- circulating oven">16</part-num-ref>
+ hours. GP<confidence value="5">C</confidence>
+ showed molecular weight (MP) 112,000 and had maximum tensile stress <part-num-ref name="hours. GPC showed molecular weight (MP) 112,000 and had maximum tensile stress">(10</part-num-ref>
+ <confidence value="5">±</confidence>
+0.5 MPa), Young's Modulus (3.7 +0.4 MPa) and elongation at break <part-num-ref name="±0.5 MPa), Young's Modulus (3.7 +0.4 MPa) and elongation at break">301</part-num-ref>
+ <confidence value="5">±</confidence>
+6 %).    </p>
+    <p id="p-164" num="164">
+      <confidence value="88">25</confidence>
+     </p>
+  </description>
+</us-patent-application>
+

prior_art/11096283.xml

@@ -0,0 +1,578 @@
+<?xml version="1.0" encoding="utf-8"?>
+<!DOCTYPE us-patent-application SYSTEM "PATI-v1.0.3-2011-06-23.dtd">
+<us-patent-application lang="EN" dtd-version="v1.0.3 2011-06-23" id="us-patent-application" country="US">
+  <us-bibliographic-data-application lang="EN" country="US">
+    <application-reference appl-type="utility">
+      <document-id>
+        <doc-number>11096283</doc-number>
+        <date>2005-03-31</date>
+      </document-id>
+    </application-reference>
+  </us-bibliographic-data-application>
+  <description id="description">
+    <heading id="h-1">UNITED STATES PATENT APPLICATION</heading>
+    <p id="p-1" num="1">
+      <confidence value="88">of</confidence>
+ Shumeet BALUJA Ashutosh GARG and Henry A. ROWLEY for     </p>
+    <heading id="h-2">USING IMAGE INFORMATION TO FIND RELEVANT ADS, TO SCORE ADS,</heading>
+    <heading id="h-3">AND/OR TO INFER INFORMATION ABOUT COMPONENTS OF, OR</heading>
+    <heading id="h-4">PARTICIPANTS IN, AN ADVERTIS<confidence value="8">I</confidence>
+NG ENVIRONMENT    </heading>
+    <p id="p-2" num="2">Express Mail No. EV572473560U<confidence value="5">S</confidence>
+ <page-break num="2"/>
+      <boundary-data type="header">Google-91 (GP-385-<confidence value="66">00</confidence>
+-US)      </boundary-data>
+    </p>
+    <heading id="h-5">AUTOMATED OFFER MANAGEMENT USING AUDIENCE SEGMENT</heading>
+    <heading id="h-6">INFORMATION</heading>
+    <p id="p-3" num="3">
+      <confidence value="5">§</confidence>
+ 1. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION <confidence value="5">§</confidence>
+ 1.1 FIELD OF THE INVENTION [0001] The present invention concerns advertising. In particular, the present invention concerns improving advertising by automating offer management in a way that reflects the value of different audience segments to different advertisers.    </p>
+    <p id="p-4" num="4">
+      <confidence value="5">§</confidence>
+ 1.2 BACKGROUND INFORMATION [0002] Advertising using traditional media, such as television, radio, newspapers and magazines, is well known. Unfortunately, even when armed with demographic studies and entirely reasonable assumptions about the typical audience of various media outlets, advertisers recognize that much of their ad budget is simply wasted. Moreover, it is very difficult to identify and eliminate such waste.    </p>
+    <p id="p-5" num="5">[0003]  Recently, advertising over more interactive media has become popular. For example, as the number of people using the Internet has exploded, advertisers have come to appreciate media and services offered over the Internet as a potentially powerful way to advertise.</p>
+    <p id="p-6" num="6">[0004] Interactive advertising provides opportunities for advertisers to target their ads to a receptive audience. That is, targeted ads are more likely to be useful to end users since the ads may be relevant to a need inferred from some user activity (e.g., relevant to a user's search query to a search engine, relevant to content in a document requested by the user, etc.). Query keyword targeting has been used by search engines to deliver relevant ads. For example, the AdWords advertising system by Google of Mountain View, CA, delivers ads targeted to keywords from search queries. Similarly, content targeted ad delivery Express Mail No. EV572473573US <boundary-data type="header">
+        <confidence value="8">1</confidence>
+      </boundary-data>
+      <page-break num="3"/>
+      <boundary-data type="header">Google-91 (GP-385-00-US)</boundary-data>
+systems have been proposed. For example, U.S. Patent Application Serial Numbers: 10/314,427 (incorporated herein by reference and referred to as "the <confidence value="5">'</confidence>
+427 application") titled "METHODS AND APPARATUS FOR SERVING RELEVANT ADVERTISEMENTS", filed on December <part-num-ref name="AdWords advertising system by Google of Mountain View, CA, delivers ads targeted to keywords from search queries. Similarly, content targeted ad delivery Express Mail No. EV572473573US systems have been proposed. For example, U.S. Patent Application Serial Numbers: 10/314,427 (incorporated herein by reference and referred to as &quot;the '427 application&quot;) titled &quot;METHODS AND APPARATUS FOR SERVING RELEVANT ADVERTISEMENTS&quot;, filed on December">6,</part-num-ref>
+ <part-num-ref name="AdWords advertising system by Google of Mountain View, CA, delivers ads targeted to keywords from search queries. Similarly, content targeted ad delivery Express Mail No. EV572473573US systems have been proposed. For example, U.S. Patent Application Serial Numbers: 10/314,427 (incorporated herein by reference and referred to as &quot;the '427 application&quot;) titled &quot;METHODS AND APPARATUS FOR SERVING RELEVANT ADVERTISEMENTS&quot;, filed on December 6,">2002</part-num-ref>
+ and listing Jeffrey A. Dean, Georges R. <confidence value="22222">Harik</confidence>
+ and Paul Buchheit as inventors; and 10/375,900 (incorporated by reference and referred to as "the <confidence value="5">'</confidence>
+900 application") titled "SERVING ADVERTISEMENTS BASED ON CONTENT," filed on February <part-num-ref name="Dean, Georges R. Harik and Paul Buchheit as inventors; and 10/375,900 (incorporated by reference and referred to as &quot;the '900 application&quot;) titled &quot;SERVING ADVERTISEMENTS BASED ON CONTENT,&quot; filed on February">26,</part-num-ref>
+ <part-num-ref name="Dean, Georges R. Harik and Paul Buchheit as inventors; and 10/375,900 (incorporated by reference and referred to as &quot;the '900 application&quot;) titled &quot;SERVING ADVERTISEMENTS BASED ON CONTENT,&quot; filed on February 26,">2003</part-num-ref>
+ and listing Darrell Anderson, Paul Buchheit, Alex Carobus, Claire Cui, Jeffrey A. Dean, Georges R. <confidence value="22222">Harik</confidence>
+, Deepak Jindal and Narayanan Shivakumar as inventors, describe methods and apparatus for serving ads relevant to the content of a document, such as a Web page for example. Content targeted ad delivery systems, such as the AdSense advertising system by Google for example, have been used to serve ads on Web pages.    </p>
+    <p id="p-7" num="7">[0005] As can be appreciated from the foregoing, serving ads relevant to concepts of text in a text document and/or ads relevant to keywords in a search query is useful because such ads presumably concern a current user interest.</p>
+    <p id="p-8" num="8">Although keyword-targeted and content-targeted ad systems have improved the usefulness of ads, and consequently their performance (e.g., in terms of click-through rate, conversion rate, etc.), there is still room for improvement.</p>
+    <p id="p-9" num="9">[0006]  Like other advertising leads, not all impressions or selections are worth the same. For example, in online advertising, local advertisers may value leads from certain locales or audiences (neighborhoods, cities, counties) higher than they would other more distant or less desirable locales. More specifically, consider advertisers that cross relatively open borders, for example Canada and the USA. Although an American advertiser may value a lead from Canada, it might not value such as lead as much as one from the United States (e.g., due to extra costs and/or efforts due to customs and shipping).</p>
+    <p id="p-10" num="10">[0007]  Some current advertising systems allow advertisers to select countries or other predefined areas for targeting the serving of their ads.</p>
+    <p id="p-11" num="11">However, such systems present challenges when advertisers want to value different locations within a targeted location or locations differently. U.S. Patent <boundary-data type="header">
+        <confidence value="8">2</confidence>
+      </boundary-data>
+      <page-break num="4"/>
+      <boundary-data type="header">Google-91 (GP-385-00-US)</boundary-data>
+Application Serial No. 10/654,265 (incorporated herein by reference and referred to as "the '265 application"), titled "DETERMINING AND/OR USING LOCATION INFORMATION IN AN AD SYSTEM," filed on August <part-num-ref name="AD SYSTEM,&quot; filed on August">23,</part-num-ref>
+ <part-num-ref name="AD SYSTEM,&quot; filed on August 23,">2004</part-num-ref>
+ and listing Leslie Yeh, Sridhar Ramaswamy and Zhe Qian as inventors describes techniques for targeting the serving of ads. For example, a restaurant may want to target ads only to potential customers within a <part-num-ref name="">30</part-num-ref>
+ minute drive. A dry cleaner may want to target ads only to potential customers in the same town, and perhaps a few neighboring towns. As yet still another example, a regional chain of drug stores may only want to target ads to potential customers living within their region.    </p>
+    <p id="p-12" num="12">Even if such businesses have ads that are relevant to a search query or a Web page, if the end user viewing a search results Web page or the content of a Web page is outside the geographic reach of their business, the ads will not be very useful and will not perform well. The '265 application describes solutions that address these needs. However, even within a targeted location, eligible ad impressions or selections might not be of equal value to an advertiser.</p>
+    <p id="p-13" num="13">Unfortunately, it may be cumbersome for an advertiser to express these difference in value such that they are reflected in their ad campaign.</p>
+    <p id="p-14" num="14">[0008] As another example, an all night diner might value leads in the evening (e.g., between <part-num-ref name="between">5</part-num-ref>
+ PM and <part-num-ref name="PM and">10</part-num-ref>
+ PM local time) more than leads in the morning or afternoon. As yet another example, an advertiser with a rich video-based advertisement might value impressions on desktop computers more than on impressions on mobile telephones or other devices that might not be able to render the ad well.    </p>
+    <p id="p-15" num="15">[0009] As can be appreciated from the foregoing examples, although advertisers might want to be able to generate leads in non-optimal segments, they might not be willing to pay "full price" (e.g., the amount that they are willing to pay for optimal segments) for them.</p>
+    <p id="p-16" num="16">[0010] As introduced above, some advertising systems, such as the Google AdWords system for example, allow advertisers to specify various audience segments such as country, dates, etc., for purposes of targeting.</p>
+    <boundary-data type="header">
+      <confidence value="8">3</confidence>
+    </boundary-data>
+    <boundary-data type="header">Google-91 (GP-385-<confidence value="66">00</confidence>
+-US)    </boundary-data>
+    <p id="p-17" num="17">
+      <page-break num="5"/>
+However, managing different offers (e.g., bids) for different audience segments can be challenging.    </p>
+    <p id="p-18" num="18">[0011]  Unfortunately, online advertising systems do not support the ability to easily designate differing offer values for different market segments (e.g., different geographic areas, different times, different user devices, different audience demographics, etc., referred to collectively as different "audience segments"). Thus, advertisers may pay too much for sub-optimal leads, or may undertake significant extra work to run distinct advertising campaigns (and bids) for different audience segments. Accordingly, it would be useful to simplify the management of offers for targeted, but non-optimal, audience segments.</p>
+    <p id="p-19" num="19">
+      <confidence value="5">§</confidence>
+ 2. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION:    </p>
+    <p id="p-20" num="20">[0012] At least one embodiment consistent with the present invention helps an advertiser to manage an advertising campaign by (a) accepting information defining a plurality of audience segments to which an advertisement may be served, (b) accepting a first offer, and (c) determining, using the first offer, a second offer associated with at least one of the plurality of audience segments.</p>
+    <p id="p-21" num="21">[0013] The act of determining a second offer associated with one of the plurality of audience segments may use an indication of value assigned to the one audience segment. The indication of value may be automatically determined, and/or provided by an advertiser. The indication of value may be expressed as functions, rules, and/or parameter values.</p>
+    <p id="p-22" num="22">[0014] At least one alternative embodiment consistent with the present invention helps advertisers manage advertising campaigns by (a) accepting information defining a plurality of audience segments to which an advertisement may be served, and (b) determining, for each of the plurality of audience segments, a relative value of the audience segment to an advertiser.</p>
+    <p id="p-23" num="23">[0015] In at least some embodiments consistent with the present invention, the information defining a plurality of audience segments is one or <boundary-data type="header">
+        <confidence value="8">4</confidence>
+      </boundary-data>
+      <page-break num="6"/>
+      <boundary-data type="header">Google-91 (GP-385-<confidence value="66">00</confidence>
+-US)      </boundary-data>
+more of (a) location information, (b) user information, (c) temporal information, and (d) client device information.    </p>
+    <p id="p-24" num="24">
+      <confidence value="5">§</confidence>
+ 3. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS [0016]  Figure 1 is a high-level diagram showing parties or entities that can interact with an advertising system.    </p>
+    <p id="p-25" num="25">[0017]  Figure 2 is a diagram illustrating an environment in which, or with which, embodiments consistent with the present invention may operate.</p>
+    <p id="p-26" num="26">[0018]  Figure 3 is a bubble diagram illustrating various operations that may be performed, and various information that may be used and/or generated, by embodiments consistent with the present invention.</p>
+    <p id="p-27" num="27">[0019]  Figure 4 illustrates exemplary ad information that is consistent with the present invention.</p>
+    <p id="p-28" num="28">[0020]  Figure 5 is a flow diagram of an exemplary method for automatically generating different offers (e.g., bids) for different audience segments in a manner consistent with the present invention.</p>
+    <p id="p-29" num="29">[0021]  Figure 6 is a flow diagram of an exemplary method for performing audience segment selection operations in a manner consistent with the present invention.</p>
+    <p id="p-30" num="30">[0022]  Figure 7 is a flow diagram of an exemplary method for performing automatic offer adjustment operations in a manner consistent with the present invention.</p>
+    <p id="p-31" num="31">[0023]  Figure 8 is a flow diagram of an exemplary method of performing user behavior feedback operations in a manner consistent with the present invention.</p>
+    <p id="p-32" num="32">[0024]  Figure 9 is a block diagram of an exemplary apparatus that may perform various operations and store various information in a manner consistent with the present invention.</p>
+    <boundary-data type="header">
+      <confidence value="8">5</confidence>
+    </boundary-data>
+    <boundary-data type="header">Google-91 (GP-385-<confidence value="66">00</confidence>
+-US)    </boundary-data>
+    <p id="p-33" num="33">
+      <page-break num="7"/>
+      <confidence value="5">§</confidence>
+ 4. DETAILED DESCRIPTION [0025]  The present invention may involve novel methods, apparatus, message formats, and/or data structures for obtaining audience segment information in an ad serving system, and/or using such audience segment information for automating offer management. The following description is presented to enable one skilled in the art to make and use the invention, and is provided in the context of particular applications and their requirements. Thus, the following description of embodiments consistent with the present invention provides illustration and description, but is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the present invention to the precise form disclosed. Various modifications to the disclosed embodiments will be apparent to those skilled in the art, and the general principles set forth below may be applied to other embodiments and applications. For example, although a series of acts may be described with reference to a flow diagram, the order of acts may differ in other implementations when the performance of one act is not dependent on the completion of another act. Further, non-dependent acts may be performed in parallel. No element, act or instruction used in the description should be construed as critical or essential to the present invention unless explicitly described as such. Also, as used herein, the article "a" is intended to include one or more items. Where only one item is intended, the term "one" or similar language is used. Thus, the present invention is not intended to be limited to the embodiments shown and the inventors regard their invention as any patentable subject matter described.    </p>
+    <p id="p-34" num="34">[0026]  In the following, definitions of terms that may be used in this specification are provided in <confidence value="5">§</confidence>
+ 4.1. Then, environments in which, or with which, embodiments consistent with the present invention may operate are described in <confidence value="5">§</confidence>
+ 4.2. Thereafter, exemplary embodiments consistent with the present invention are described in <confidence value="5">§</confidence>
+ 4.3. Examples of operations illustrating the utility of exemplary embodiments consistent with invention are described in <confidence value="5">§</confidence>
+ 4.4. Finally, some conclusions regarding the present invention are set forth in <confidence value="5">§</confidence>
+ 4.5.    </p>
+    <boundary-data type="header">
+      <confidence value="8">6</confidence>
+    </boundary-data>
+    <boundary-data type="header">Google-91 (GP-385-<confidence value="66">00</confidence>
+-US)    </boundary-data>
+    <p id="p-35" num="35">
+      <page-break num="8"/>
+      <confidence value="5">§</confidence>
+ 4.1 DEFINITIONS [0027]  Online ads may have various intrinsic features. Such features may be specified by an application and/or an advertiser. These features are referred to as "ad features" below. For example, in the case of a text ad, ad features may include a title line, ad text, and an embedded link. In the case of an image ad, ad features may include images, executable code, and an embedded link.    </p>
+    <p id="p-36" num="36">Depending on the type of online ad, ad features may include one or more of the following: text, a link, an audio file, a video file, an image file, executable code, embedded information, etc.</p>
+    <p id="p-37" num="37">[0028] When an online ad is served, one or more parameters may be used to describe how, when, and/or where the ad was served. These parameters are referred to as "serving parameters" below. Serving parameters may include, for example, one or more of the following: features of (including information on) a document on which, or with which, the ad was served, a search query or search results associated with the serving of the ad, a user characteristic (e.g., their geographic location, the language used by the user, the type of browser used, previous page views, previous behavior, user account, any Web cookies used by the system, user device characteristics, etc.), a host or affiliate site (e.g., America Online, Google, Yahoo) that initiated the request, an absolute position of the ad on the page on which it was served, a position (spatial or temporal) of the ad relative to other ads served, an absolute size of the ad, a size of the ad relative to other ads, a color of the ad, a number of other ads served, types of other ads served, time of day served, time of week served, time of year served, etc.</p>
+    <p id="p-38" num="38">Naturally, there are other serving parameters that may be used in the context of the present invention.</p>
+    <p id="p-39" num="39">[0029] Although serving parameters may be extrinsic to ad features, they may be associated with an ad as serving conditions or constraints. When used as serving conditions or constraints, such serving parameters are referred to simply as "serving constraints" (or "targeting criteria"). For example, in some systems, an advertiser may be able to target the serving of its ad by specifying <boundary-data type="header">
+        <confidence value="8">7</confidence>
+      </boundary-data>
+      <page-break num="9"/>
+      <boundary-data type="header">Google-<confidence value="66">91</confidence>
+ (GP-385-<confidence value="66">00</confidence>
+-US)      </boundary-data>
+that it is only to be served on weekdays, no lower than a certain position, only to users in a certain location, etc. As another example, in some systems, an advertiser may specify that its ad is to be served only if a page or search query includes certain keywords or phrases. As yet another example, in some systems, an advertiser may specify that its ad is to be served only if a document being served includes certain topics or concepts, or falls under a particular cluster or clusters, or some other classification or classifications. In some systems, an advertiser may specify that its ad is to be served only to (or is not to be served to) user devices having certain characteristics. Finally, in some systems an ad might be targeted so that it is served in response to a request sourced from a particular location, or in response to a request concerning a particular location.    </p>
+    <p id="p-40" num="40">[0030] "Ad information" may include any combination of ad features, ad serving constraints, information derivable from ad features or ad serving constraints (referred to as "ad derived information"), and/or information related to the ad (referred to as "ad related information"), as well as an extension of such information (e.g., information derived from ad related information).</p>
+    <p id="p-41" num="41">[0031] The ratio of the number of selections (e.g., clickthroughs) of an ad to the number of impressions of the ad (i.e., the number of times an ad is rendered) is defined as the "selection rate" (or "clickthrough rate") of the ad.</p>
+    <p id="p-42" num="42">[0032] A "conversion" is said to occur when a user consummates a transaction related to a previously served ad. What constitutes a conversion may vary from case to case and can be determined in a variety of ways. For example, it may be the case that a conversion occurs when a user clicks on an ad, is referred to the advertiser's Web page, and consummates a purchase there before leaving that Web page. Alternatively, a conversion may be defined as a user being shown an ad, and making a purchase on the advertiser's Web page within a predetermined time (e.g., seven days). In yet another alternative, a conversion may be defined by an advertiser to be any measurable/observable user action such as, for example, downloading a white paper, navigating to at least a given depth of a Website, viewing at least a certain number of Web <boundary-data type="header">
+        <confidence value="8">8</confidence>
+      </boundary-data>
+      <page-break num="10"/>
+      <boundary-data type="header">Google-91 (GP-385-<confidence value="66">00</confidence>
+-US)      </boundary-data>
+pages, spending at least a predetermined amount of time on a Website or Web page, registering on a Website, etc. Often, if user actions don't indicate a consummated purchase, they may indicate a sales lead, although user actions constituting a conversion are not limited to this. Indeed, many other definitions of what constitutes a conversion are possible.    </p>
+    <p id="p-43" num="43">[0033] The ratio of the number of conversions to the number of impressions of the ad (i.e., the number of times an ad is rendered) is referred to as the "conversion rate." If a conversion is defined to be able to occur within a predetermined time since the serving of an ad, one possible definition of the conversion rate might only consider ads that have been served more than the predetermined time in the past.</p>
+    <p id="p-44" num="44">[0034] A "document" is to be broadly interpreted to include any machine-readable and machine-storable work product. A document may be a file, a combination of files, one or more files with embedded links to other files, etc. The files may be of any type, such as text, audio, image, video, etc. Parts of a document to be rendered to an end user can be thought of as "content" of the document. A document may include "structured data" containing both content (words, pictures, etc.) and some indication of the meaning of that content (for example, e-mail fields and associated data, HTML tags and associated data, etc.) Ad spots in the document may be defined by embedded information or instructions. In the context of the Internet, a common document is a Web page.</p>
+    <p id="p-45" num="45">Web pages often include content and may include embedded information (such as meta information, hyperlinks, etc.) and/or embedded instructions (such as JavaScript, etc.). In many cases, a document has an addressable storage location and can therefore be uniquely identified by this addressable location. A universal resource locator (URL) is an address used to access information on the Internet.</p>
+    <p id="p-46" num="46">[0035]  "Document information" may include any information included in the document, information derivable from information included in the document (referred to as "document derived information"), and/or information related to the document (referred to as "document related information"), as well as an <boundary-data type="header">
+        <confidence value="8">9</confidence>
+      </boundary-data>
+      <page-break num="11"/>
+      <boundary-data type="header">Google-91 (GP-385-<confidence value="66">00</confidence>
+-US)      </boundary-data>
+extensions of such information (e.g., information derived from related information). An example of document derived information is a classification based on textual content of a document. Examples of document related information include document information from other documents with links to the instant document, as well as document information from other documents to which the instant document links.    </p>
+    <p id="p-47" num="47">[0036]  Content from a document may be rendered on a "content rendering application or device". Examples of content rendering applications include an Internet browser (e.g., Explorer, Netscape, Opera, Firefox, etc.), a media player (e.g., an MP3 player, a Realnetworks streaming audio file player, etc.), a viewer (e.g., an Abobe Acrobat pdf reader), etc.</p>
+    <p id="p-48" num="48">[0037]  A "content owner" is a person or entity that has some property right in the content of a document. A content owner may be an author of the content.</p>
+    <p id="p-49" num="49">In addition, or alternatively, a content owner may have rights to reproduce the content, rights to prepare derivative works of the content, rights to display or perform the content publicly, and/or other proscribed rights in the content.</p>
+    <p id="p-50" num="50">Although a content server might be a content owner in the content of the documents it serves, this is not necessary. A "Web publisher" is an example of a content owner.</p>
+    <p id="p-51" num="51">[0038]  "User information" may include user behavior information and/or user profile information.</p>
+    <p id="p-52" num="52">[0039]  <confidence value="66">"E</confidence>
+-mail information" may include any information included in an e-mail (also referred to as "internal e-mail information"), information derivable from information included in the e-mail and/or information related to the e-mail, as well as extensions of such information (e.g., information derived from related information). An example of information derived from e-mail information is information extracted or otherwise derived from search results returned in response to a search query composed of terms extracted from an e-mail subject line. Examples of information related to e-mail information include e-mail information about one or more other <confidence value="5">e</confidence>
+-mails sent by the same sender of a given <boundary-data type="header">
+        <confidence value="88">10</confidence>
+      </boundary-data>
+      <page-break num="12"/>
+      <boundary-data type="header">Google-91 (GP-385-<confidence value="66">00</confidence>
+-US)      </boundary-data>
+e-mail, or user information about an e-mail recipient. Information derived from or related to e-mail information may be referred to as "external e-mail information." [0040]  "Geolocation information" may include information specifying one or more of one or more countries, one or more (inter-country) regions, one or more states, one or more metro areas, one or more cities, one or more towns, one or more boroughs, one or more areas with common zip codes, one or more areas with common telephone area codes, one or more areas served by common cable head end stations, one or more areas served by common network access points or nodes, etc. It may include latitude and/or longitude, or a range thereof. It may include information, such as an IP address, from which a user location can be estimated.    </p>
+    <p id="p-53" num="53">[0041] An "audience segment" can be defined by one or more of when, to where, to what, and to whom an ad is being served. Thus, audience segments may be defined by one or more of location information, temporal information, user device (client device) information, and user information. Although the term "audience segment" may suggest defining groups of audiences using some discrete or quantified measure (e.g., within 0-5 mile radius, within 5-10 mile radius, outside <part-num-ref name="within 0-5 mile radius, within 5-10 mile radius, outside">10</part-num-ref>
+ mile radius), an audience segment may be defined by continuous values (such that as the number of segments increases, the segments can be defined by a value that approaches continuity). Accordingly, "audience segments" may be used to differentiate different ad serves having different ad serve parameters (different serve times, different client device locations, different end user characteristics, different client device characteristics, etc.). As can be appreciated from the foregoing, some audience segments may be defined by rules and/or parameters (e.g., ad serves to within the United States of America versus ad serves to outside the United States of America, ad serves on weekdays versus ad serves on weekends, etc.), or by functions and/or parameters (e.g., parametera/(distance to client device).). As can be appreciated, some audience segments may be known ahead of time, while others (typically those defined by functions) may be determined as needed (e.g., substantially at the time of serving an ad).    </p>
+    <boundary-data type="header">
+      <confidence value="88">11</confidence>
+    </boundary-data>
+    <boundary-data type="header">Google-91 (GP-385-00-US)</boundary-data>
+    <p id="p-54" num="54">
+      <page-break num="13"/>
+[0042]  An "offer<confidence value="5">"</confidence>
+ includes, but is not limited to a maximum bid (perhaps subject to discounting) per ad impression, a maximum bid per ad selection, a maximum bid per ad conversion, a bid per impression, a bid per ad selection, and a bid per ad conversion.    </p>
+    <p id="p-55" num="55">
+      <confidence value="5">§</confidence>
+ 4.2 EXEMPLARY ADVERTISING ENVIORNMENTS IN WHICH, OR     </p>
+    <heading id="h-7">WITH WHICH, EMBODIMENTS CONSISTENT WITH THE</heading>
+    <heading id="h-8">PRESENT INVENTION MAY OPERATE</heading>
+    <p id="p-56" num="56">[0043]  Figure 1 is a high level diagram of an exemplary advertising environment. The environment may include an ad entry, maintenance and delivery system (simply referred to as an ad server) <part-num-ref name="ad server)">120.</part-num-ref>
+ Advertisers <part-num-ref name="ad server) 120. Advertisers">110</part-num-ref>
+ may directly, or indirectly, enter, maintain, and track ad information in the system <part-num-ref name="system">120.</part-num-ref>
+    </p>
+    <p id="p-57" num="57">The ads may be in the form of graphical ads such as so-called banner ads, text only ads, image ads, audio ads, video ads, ads combining one of more of any of such components, etc. The ads may also include embedded information, such as a link, and/or machine executable instructions. Ad consumers <part-num-ref name="link, and/or machine executable instructions. Ad consumers">130</part-num-ref>
+ may submit requests for ads to, accept ads responsive to their request from, and provide usage information to, the system <part-num-ref name="system">120.</part-num-ref>
+ An entity other than an ad consumer <part-num-ref name="ad consumer">130</part-num-ref>
+ may initiate a request for ads. Although not shown, other entities may provide usage information (e.g., whether or not a conversion or selection related to the ad occurred) to the system <part-num-ref name="system">120.</part-num-ref>
+ This usage information may include measured or observed user behavior related to ads that have been served.    </p>
+    <p id="p-58" num="58">[0044] The ad server <part-num-ref name="ad server">120</part-num-ref>
+ may be similar to the one described in Figure 2 of the '900 application. An advertising program may include information concerning accounts, campaigns, creatives, targeting, etc. The term "account" relates to information for a given advertiser (e.g., a unique e-mail address, a password, billing information, etc.). A "campaign" or "ad campaign" refers to one or more groups of one or more advertisements, and may include a start date, an end date, budget information, geo-targeting information, syndication information, etc. For example, Honda may have one advertising campaign for its automotive <boundary-data type="header">
+        <confidence value="88">12</confidence>
+      </boundary-data>
+      <page-break num="14"/>
+      <boundary-data type="header">Google-91 (GP-385-<confidence value="5">0</confidence>
+0-US)      </boundary-data>
+line, and a separate advertising campaign for its motorcycle line. The campaign for its automotive line may have one or more ad groups, each containing one or more ads. Each ad group may include targeting information (e.g., a set of keywords, a set of one or more topics, etc.), and price information (e.g., maximum cost (cost per selection, cost per conversion, etc.)). Alternatively, or in addition, each ad group may include an average cost (e.g., average cost per selection, average cost per conversion, etc.). Therefore, a single maximum cost and/or a single average cost may be associated with one or more keywords, and/or topics. As stated, each ad group may have one or more ads or "creatives" (That is, ad content that is ultimately rendered to an end user.). Each ad may also include a link to a URL (e.g., a landing Web page, such as the home page of an advertiser, or a Web page associated with a particular product or service).    </p>
+    <p id="p-59" num="59">Consistent with the present invention, the ad information may include audience segment targeting information, audience segment performance information, and audience segment price information. Naturally, the ad information may include more or less information, and may be organized in a number of different ways.</p>
+    <p id="p-60" num="60">[0045]  Figure 2 illustrates an environment <part-num-ref name="environment">200</part-num-ref>
+ in which the present invention may be used. A user device (also referred to as a "client" or "client device") <part-num-ref name="&quot;client&quot; or &quot;client device&quot;)">250</part-num-ref>
+ may include a browser facility (such as the Explorer browser from Microsoft, the Opera Web Browser from Opera Software of Norway, the Navigator browser from AOL/Time Warner, the Firefox browser from Mozzila, etc.), an e-mail facility (e.g., Outlook from Microsoft), etc. A search engine <part-num-ref name="search engine">220</part-num-ref>
+ may permit user devices <part-num-ref name="may permit user devices">250</part-num-ref>
+ to search collections of documents (e.g., Web pages). A content server <part-num-ref name="content server">210</part-num-ref>
+ may permit user devices <part-num-ref name="may permit user devices">250</part-num-ref>
+ to access documents. An e-mail server (such as GMail from Google, Hotmail from Microsoft Network, Yahoo Mail, etc.) <part-num-ref name="e-mail server (such as GMail from Google, Hotmail from Microsoft Network, Yahoo Mail, etc.)">240</part-num-ref>
+ may be used to provide e-mail functionality to user devices <part-num-ref name="may be used to provide e-mail functionality to user devices">250.</part-num-ref>
+ An ad server <part-num-ref name="ad server">210</part-num-ref>
+ may be used to serve ads to user devices <part-num-ref name="may be used to serve ads to user devices">250.</part-num-ref>
+ The ads may be served in association with search results provided by the search engine <part-num-ref name="search engine">220.</part-num-ref>
+ However, content-relevant ads may be served in association with content provided by the content server <part-num-ref name="content server">230,</part-num-ref>
+ and/or e- mail supported by the e-mail server <part-num-ref name="e-mail server">240</part-num-ref>
+ and/or user device e-mail facilities.    </p>
+    <boundary-data type="header">
+      <confidence value="88">13</confidence>
+    </boundary-data>
+    <boundary-data type="header">Google-91 (GP-385-00-US)</boundary-data>
+    <p id="p-61" num="61">
+      <page-break num="15"/>
+[0046] As discussed in the <confidence value="5">'</confidence>
+900 application (introduced above), ads may be targeted to documents served by content servers. Thus, one example of an ad consumer <part-num-ref name="ad consumer">130</part-num-ref>
+ is a general content server <part-num-ref name="general content server">230</part-num-ref>
+ that receives requests for documents (e.g., articles, discussion threads, music, video, graphics, search results, Web page listings, etc.), and retrieves the requested document in response to, or otherwise services, the request. The content server may submit a <confidence value="22222222222">request.for</confidence>
+ ads to the ad server 120/210. Such an ad request may include a number of ads desired. The ad request may also include document request information. This information may include the document itself (e.g., page), a category or topic corresponding to the content of the document or the document request (e.g., arts, business, computers, arts-movies, arts-music, etc.), part or all of the document request, content age, content type (e.g., text, graphics, video, audio, mixed media, etc.), geo-location information, document information, etc.    </p>
+    <p id="p-62" num="62">Consistent with the present invention, the request may also include geolocation information, such as location information about an end user that submitted a search query. Consistent with the present invention, the request may also include audience segment information, or information (e.g., end user information) from which an audience segment can be derived.</p>
+    <p id="p-63" num="63">[0047] The content server <part-num-ref name="content server">230</part-num-ref>
+ may combine the requested document with one or more of the advertisements provided by the ad server 120/210. This combined information including the document content and advertisement(s) is then forwarded towards the end user device <part-num-ref name="end user device">250</part-num-ref>
+ that requested the document, for presentation to the user. Finally, the content server <part-num-ref name="content server">230</part-num-ref>
+ may transmit information about the ads and how, when, and/or where (such as geolocation information) the ads are to be rendered (e.g., position, selection or not, geo- location information, audience segment information, impression time, impression date, size, conversion or not, etc.) back to the ad server 120/210. Alternatively, or in addition, such information may be provided back to the ad server 120/210 by some other means. Consistent with the present invention, the ad server 120/210 may store ad performance information on the basis of geolocation information and/or audience segment information.    </p>
+    <boundary-data type="header">
+      <confidence value="88">14</confidence>
+    </boundary-data>
+    <boundary-data type="header">Google-91 (GP-385-00-US)</boundary-data>
+    <p id="p-64" num="64">
+      <page-break num="16"/>
+[0048] Another example of an ad consumer <part-num-ref name="ad consumer">130</part-num-ref>
+ is the search engine <part-num-ref name="search engine">220.</part-num-ref>
+    </p>
+    <p id="p-65" num="65">A search engine 220 may receive queries for search results. In response, the search engine may retrieve relevant search results (e.g., from an index of Web pages). An exemplary search engine is described in the article S. Brin and L.</p>
+    <p id="p-66" num="66">Page, "The Anatomy of a Large-Scale Hypertextual Search Engine," Seventh International World Wide Web Conference, Brisbane, Australia and in U.S.</p>
+    <p id="p-67" num="67">Patent No. 6,285,999 (both incorporated herein by reference). Such search results may include, for example, lists of Web page titles, snippets of text extracted from those Web pages, and hypertext links to those Web pages, and may be grouped into a predetermined number of (e.g., ten) search results.</p>
+    <p id="p-68" num="68">[0049] The search engine <part-num-ref name="search engine">220</part-num-ref>
+ may submit a request for ads to the ad server 120/210. The request may include a number of ads desired. This number may depend on the search results, the amount of screen or page space occupied by the search results, the size and shape of the ads, etc. In one embodiment, the number of desired ads will be from one to ten, and preferably from three to five. The request for ads may also include the query (as entered or parsed), information based on the query (such as geolocation information, whether the query came from an affiliate and an identifier of such an affiliate), and/or information associated with, or based on, the search results. Such information may include, for example, identifiers related to the search results (e.g., document identifiers or "doc<confidence value="5">l</confidence>
+Ds"), scores related to the search results (e.g., information retrieval ("<confidence value="5">I</confidence>
+R") scores such as dot products of feature vectors corresponding to a query and a document, Page Rank scores, and/or combinations of IR scores and Page Rank scores), snippets of text extracted from identified documents (e.g., Web pages), full text of identified documents, topics of identified documents, feature vectors of identified documents, etc. Consistent with the present invention, the request may also include geolocation information, such as location information about an end user that submitted a search query. Consistent with the present invention, the request may also include audience segment information, or information (e.g., end user information) from which an audience segment can be derived.    </p>
+    <boundary-data type="header">
+      <confidence value="88">15</confidence>
+    </boundary-data>
+    <boundary-data type="header">Google-91 (GP-385-00-US)</boundary-data>
+    <p id="p-69" num="69">
+      <page-break num="17"/>
+[0050] The search engine <part-num-ref name="search engine">220</part-num-ref>
+ may combine the search results with one or more of the advertisements provided by the ad server 120/210. This combined information including the search results and advertisement(s) is then forwarded towards the user that submitted the search, for presentation to the user.    </p>
+    <p id="p-70" num="70">Preferably, the search results are maintained as distinct from the ads, so as not to confuse the user between paid advertisements and presumably neutral search results.</p>
+    <p id="p-71" num="71">[0051]  Finally, the search engine <part-num-ref name="search engine">220</part-num-ref>
+ may transmit information about the ad and when, where (e.g., geolocation), and/or how the ad was to be rendered (e.g., position, click-through or not, impression time, impression date, size, conversion or not, geolocation information, audience segment information, etc.) back to the ad server 120/210. Alternatively, or in addition, such information may be provided back to the ad server 120/210 by some other means. Consistent with the present invention, the ad server 120/210 may store ad performance information on the basis of geolocation information and/or audience segment information.    </p>
+    <p id="p-72" num="72">[0052]  Finally, the e-mail server <part-num-ref name="e-mail server">240</part-num-ref>
+ may be thought of, generally, as a content server in which a document served is simply an e-mail. Further, e-mail applications (such as Microsoft Outlook for example) may be used to send and/or receive e-mail. Therefore, an e-mail server <part-num-ref name="e-mail server">240</part-num-ref>
+ or application may be thought of as an ad consumer <part-num-ref name="ad consumer">130.</part-num-ref>
+ Thus, <confidence value="5">e</confidence>
+-mails may be thought of as documents, and targeted ads may be served in association with such documents. For example, one or more ads may be served in, under over, or otherwise in association with an e-mail.    </p>
+    <p id="p-73" num="73">[0053] Although the foregoing examples described servers as (i) requesting ads, and (ii) combining them with content, one or both of these operations may be performed by a client device (such as an end user computer for example).</p>
+    <boundary-data type="header">
+      <confidence value="88">16</confidence>
+    </boundary-data>
+    <boundary-data type="header">Google-91 (GP-385-<confidence value="5">0</confidence>
+0-US)    </boundary-data>
+    <p id="p-74" num="74">
+      <page-break num="18"/>
+      <confidence value="4">§</confidence>
+ 4.3 EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS [0054]  Different audience segments may be defined using one or more of location information, temporal information, user device information, and user information. Different value indicators may be associated with different audience segments. The value indicators may be expressed as rules, parameters, and/or functions. The value indicators may be defined by an advertiser and/or automatically determined (e.g., using per audience segment ad performance information). Given a baseline offer (e.g., provided by an advertiser), an offer for a particular audience segment can be determined using the baseline offer and the value indicator associated with the audience segment. This simplifies the management of offers in an online ad campaign.    </p>
+    <p id="p-75" num="75">[0055]  Figure 3 is a bubble diagram illustrating various operations that may be performed in a manner consistent with the present invention, and various information that may be used and/or generated in a manner consistent with the present invention. Advertisers may use advertiser user interface operations <part-num-ref name="present invention. Advertisers may use advertiser user interface operations">305</part-num-ref>
+ to enter and manage (e.g., update, delete, supplement, etc.) ad information in the ad information database <part-num-ref name="ad information database">325</part-num-ref>
+ (through ad information entry and/or management operations 310). Advertisers may also use the advertiser user interface operations <part-num-ref name="advertiser user interface operations">305</part-num-ref>
+ to select audience segments to be used (e.g., for targeting and/or automated offer management) with their ad campaigns using the audience segment selection/determination operations <part-num-ref name="audience segment selection/determination operations">315.</part-num-ref>
+    </p>
+    <p id="p-76" num="76">[0056] The ad information <part-num-ref name="ad information">325</part-num-ref>
+ may include audience segment-based performance information. Such information may be tracked, aggregated, and/or provided by user behavior feedback operations <part-num-ref name="may include audience segment-based performance information. Such information may be tracked, aggregated, and/or provided by user behavior feedback operations">320.</part-num-ref>
+ (Exemplary methods that may be used to perform the user behavior feedback operations <part-num-ref name="user behavior feedback operations">320</part-num-ref>
+ are described below with reference to Figure 8.) [0057] The automatic offer management operations <part-num-ref name="automatic offer management operations">330</part-num-ref>
+ can be used to determine or adjust (e.g., tier) automatically offer information using an audience segment, or segments to which the ad is to be rendered, advertiser defined or selected parameters, functions and/or rules (heuristics), etc. Such offer <boundary-data type="header">
+        <confidence value="88">17</confidence>
+      </boundary-data>
+      <page-break num="19"/>
+      <boundary-data type="header">Google-91 (GP-385-00-US)</boundary-data>
+adjustments may be performed ahead of time, and/or as needed (e.g., at a time of ad arbitration or auction). The automatic offer management operations <part-num-ref name="automatic offer management operations">330</part-num-ref>
+ may determine or adjust offers in accordance with pre-defined default rules, functions, and/or parameters, and/or rules, functions, and/or parameters entered and/or selected by an advertiser. For instance, an advertiser may specify an offer multiplier (which is an example of a parameter) that exponentially decreases as the distance from the end user (to which the ad is to be presented) to the location of the advertiser increases (which is an example of a function). In this example, without any intervention from the advertiser (perhaps besides initial setup), the advertising system could automatically adjust the advertiser's offers in real-time depending on the location of the end user to which the advertiser's ads are to be rendered. If the advertiser were to change its "baseline" offer (e.g., for one audience segment, such as its optimal audience segment), it would not need to separately update offers for other audience segments. As another example, an advertiser may specify an offer multiplier of 1.0 for end users within a <part-num-ref name="">5</part-num-ref>
+ mile radius of its location, an offer multiplier of 0.7 for end users more than a <part-num-ref name="">5</part-num-ref>
+ mile radius, but within a <part-num-ref name="">10</part-num-ref>
+ mile radius of its location, and an offer multiplier of 0.1 for end users outside a <part-num-ref name="">10</part-num-ref>
+ mile radius of its location, thereby defining three <part-num-ref name="mile radius of its location, thereby defining three">(3)</part-num-ref>
+ "tiers" of audience segments, defined by distance from location, each of which will have a different associated offer.    </p>
+    <p id="p-77" num="77">[0058] The audience segment selection/determination operations <part-num-ref name="audience segment selection/determination operations">315</part-num-ref>
+ may be used by the advertiser to specify audience segments (e.g., to be used for targeting and/or adjusting offers). Such operations <part-num-ref name="to be used for targeting and/or adjusting offers). Such operations">315</part-num-ref>
+ may be used to automatically determine audience segments as suggestions which may be selected by the advertiser. For example, the advertising audience targeting selection operations <part-num-ref name="advertising audience targeting selection operations">315</part-num-ref>
+ may provide the advertiser with a list of suggested audience segments that were determined using performance information tracked by the user behavior feedback operations <part-num-ref name="user behavior feedback operations">320.</part-num-ref>
+ The advertiser may select one or more audience segments from the suggested list. Alternatively, or in addition, an audience segment can be defined manually by having the advertiser specify characteristics of audience segments to generate custom-defined audience <boundary-data type="header">
+        <confidence value="88">18</confidence>
+      </boundary-data>
+      <page-break num="20"/>
+      <boundary-data type="header">Google-91 (GP-385-00-US)</boundary-data>
+segments on the basis of one or more of user information (e.g., languages, demographics, salary, occupation, nationality, ancestry, age, sex, etc.), user device location (e.g., zip codes, IP address, town, city state, region, country, etc.), end user device information (e.g., mobile telephone, PDA, laptop computer, personal computer, connection speed, processor speed, communications speed, display size, display resolution, etc.), temporal information (e.g., time of day, day of week, month, season, etc.), etc.    </p>
+    <p id="p-78" num="78">[0059]  Finally, the ad information <part-num-ref name="ad information">325</part-num-ref>
+ may include an ad identifier, creative information, ad landing page information, targeting information, and/or price (offer) information. This information may be entered and/or modified by advertisers or their representatives via ad information entry and/or management operations <part-num-ref name="ad identifier, creative information, ad landing page information, targeting information, and/or price (offer) information. This information may be entered and/or modified by advertisers or their representatives via ad information entry and/or management operations">310</part-num-ref>
+ along with audience segment selection/determination operations <part-num-ref name="along with audience segment selection/determination operations">315.</part-num-ref>
+ As can be appreciated, the price information may include a single "baseline" offer. This offer may be associated with a particular audience segment (e.g., an optimal audience segment), but it doesn't have to be. Other offers for other audience segments can be predetermined (e.g., using rules, functions, and/or parameters) and stored as ad information. Alternatively, or in addition, other offers for other audience segments can be determined (e.g., using rules, functions, and/or parameters) as needed (e.g., at the time of an arbitration that uses offers of ads).    </p>
+    <p id="p-79" num="79">[0060] Although targeting information may correspond to audience segments having different offers, it doesn't have to. For example, an advertiser may specify that its ad is to be targeted to the keyword "shoes" and targeted only to end user devices in the state of California, but may specify "weekday<confidence value="6">"</confidence>
+ and "weekend" audience segments, where the weekend audience segment has an offer multiplier of 1.0, and the weekday audience segment has an offer multiplier of 0.4. The ad may have a maximum offer per selection of $1.00. Suppose that a first end user in Utah submits a search query for "shoes". In this instance, the ad would not be eligible for serving since it is targeted to end users in California.    </p>
+    <p id="p-80" num="80">Thus, the audience segment "California user devices" is used for targeting, but not for determining offers in this example. Suppose that a second end user in <boundary-data type="header">
+        <confidence value="88">19</confidence>
+      </boundary-data>
+      <page-break num="21"/>
+      <boundary-data type="header">Google-91 (GP-385-00-US)</boundary-data>
+California submits a search query for "shoes" on Tuesday. In this case, the ad would be eligible to be served, and a $1.00 offer ( = $1.00 * 1.0) could be used in an arbitration and to determine a payment if the second end user selected the ad. Finally, suppose that a third end user in California submits a search query for "shoes" on Saturday. In this case, the ad would be eligible to be served, and a $0.40 ( = $1.00 * 0.4) offer could be used in an arbitration and to determine a payment if the third end user selected the ad.    </p>
+    <p id="p-81" num="81">
+      <confidence value="5">§</confidence>
+ 4.3.1   EXEMPLARY DATA STRUCTURES [0061] Figure 4 illustrates exemplary ad information 325' that is consistent with the present invention. The ad information 325' may include information such as that described above. For example, the ad information 325' may include a unique ad identifier, ad creative content (or a pointer to such creative content), and/or a landing page link (e.g. URL), etc. Further, the exemplary ad information 325' may include at least one of audience segment targeting information and audience segment price information.<confidence value="5">.</confidence>
+ Audience segment performance information (not shown) may be tracked and associated with the ad.    </p>
+    <p id="p-82" num="82">[0062] Audience segment targeting information may include one or more of location information, temporal information, client device information, user information, etc.</p>
+    <p id="p-83" num="83">[0063] The location information may be geolocation information including one or more countries, one or more regions, one or more states, one or more metro areas, one or more cities, one or more towns, one or more postal zip codes, and/or one or more telephone area codes, etc. Thus, for example, a business selling irrigation systems can target its ads to the states California, Nevada, Arizona and New Mexico, while a business selling snow blowers can target its ads to states, such as Maine and Minnesota for example, with relatively significant snowfall. A dry cleaner can target its ads to the town in which it is located, as well as neighboring towns, and/or various postal zip codes, and/or various telephone area codes. A professional sports team can target ads for <boundary-data type="header">
+        <confidence value="88">20</confidence>
+      </boundary-data>
+      <page-break num="22"/>
+      <boundary-data type="header">Google-91 (GP-385-<confidence value="66">00</confidence>
+-US)      </boundary-data>
+tickets and/or merchandise to a metro area. A national shipping company can target its ads to a country.    </p>
+    <p id="p-84" num="84">[0064] The time information may include one or more of a time range, a day or day range, and a date or date range. Thus, for example, a pizzeria can target its ads to dinnertime, and Sundays during football season. A flower delivery business can target its ads to Mother's Day, Valentine's Day, and the days preceding these days.</p>
+    <p id="p-85" num="85">[0065] The client device information may include one or more of whether or not the client device is portable, whether or not the client device is mobile, whether or not the client device has call functionality, whether or not the client device has messaging (e.g., instant messaging, email, etc.) functionality, whether or not the client device has a display and if so, the characteristics of the display, whether or not the client device has a speaker, characteristics of the client device communications link, whether or not the client device has sufficient processing for images, audio, video, animation, etc., etc.</p>
+    <p id="p-86" num="86">[0066]  The user device information may include one or more of user demographic information (e.g., age or age range, income or income range, ethnicity, marital status, sex, level of education, etc.), user behavior information (e.g., Web browsing history, past ad selections, past online purchases, etc.), native languages, etc.</p>
+    <p id="p-87" num="87">[0067]  Price information may include price information for each of one or more audience segments. As described below, price information for various audience segments may be determined from so-called "baseline" price information (which may be (though need not be) associated with a particular audience segment), rules, functions, and/or parameters.</p>
+    <p id="p-88" num="88">
+      <confidence value="5">§</confidence>
+ 4.3.2   EXEMPLARY METHODS [0068]  Figure 5 is a flow diagram of an exemplary method <part-num-ref name="exemplary method">500</part-num-ref>
+ that may be used to automate price information determination using audience segment information in a manner consistent with the present invention. Ad information is <boundary-data type="header">
+        <confidence value="88">21</confidence>
+      </boundary-data>
+      <page-break num="23"/>
+      <boundary-data type="header">Google-91 (GP-385-00-US)</boundary-data>
+accepted. (Block <part-num-ref name="present invention. Ad information is accepted. (Block">510)</part-num-ref>
+ The advertising information may include, among other things, audience segment targeting information, (e.g., per audience segment) performance information (e.g., selection rate, conversion rate, etc.), etc.    </p>
+    <p id="p-89" num="89">Audience segments are accepted (Block 520) and a baseline offer (which may be associated with a particular audience segment) is accepted (Block 530). Then, as indicated by loop 540-560, an act is performed for each of one or more audience segments. Specifically, an offer is determined for a member of the audience set using the baseline offer and some indication of value of the audience segment. (Block <part-num-ref name="audience segment. (Block">550)</part-num-ref>
+ In this way the offer values associated with audience segments can be determined relative to the baseline offer.    </p>
+    <p id="p-90" num="90">[0069]  Referring to block 520, recall that advertisers may have used the audience segment selection/determination operations <part-num-ref name="audience segment selection/determination operations">315</part-num-ref>
+ to define or select audience segments (e.g., on the basis of one or more of location information, temporal information, client device information, user information, etc.). For example, the advertiser may be provided with a suggestion list from which the advertiser can select audience segments. Alternatively, or in addition the advertiser may define or specify the audience segments. Alternatively, or in addition, the audience segments may be defined by the ad serving system (e.g., using automated algorithms, or predefined segments) without advertiser input.    </p>
+    <p id="p-91" num="91">[0070]  Referring back to block 530, an advertiser may specify a baseline offer from which other offers may be derived by the system. For instance, an advertiser may specify different offers, for each targeting keyword/concept.</p>
+    <p id="p-92" num="92">Hence, the advertiser may choose to use a baseline measure of the value of selections, such as the value of selections coming from users within a favorite geographical location, to determine a baseline offer. Thus, a baseline offer may be (though need not be) associated with a particular audience segment.</p>
+    <p id="p-93" num="93">[0071]  Referring to block 550, the method <part-num-ref name="method">500</part-num-ref>
+ may use audience segment information and baseline offer information (Recall, e.g., Blocks <part-num-ref name="Blocks">520</part-num-ref>
+ and 530.) to determine offers for each of at least one audience segment. The advertiser may specify how offers are to be determined from the baseline offer for each audience segment. For example, perhaps after understanding the behavior of various <boundary-data type="header">
+        <confidence value="88">22</confidence>
+      </boundary-data>
+      <page-break num="24"/>
+      <boundary-data type="header">Google-91 (GP-385-00-US)</boundary-data>
+audience segments (e.g., as tracked by the user behavior feedback operations 320), the advertiser may enter and/or select rules, functions, and/or parameters on how the system may determine or adjust offers of ads according to the audience segment. Once the advertiser provides or selects such rules, functions, and/or parameters, the system may automatically determine offer values for the audience segments accordingly.    </p>
+    <p id="p-94" num="94">[0072]  Figure 6 is a flow diagram of an exemplary method <part-num-ref name="exemplary method">600</part-num-ref>
+ that may be used to perform audience segment selectio<confidence value="8">n</confidence>
+ operations in a manner consistent with the present invention. (Recall, e.g., operations <part-num-ref name="operations">315</part-num-ref>
+ of Figure 3.) Ad information may be accepted. (Block <part-num-ref name="of Figure 3.) Ad information may be accepted. (Block">610)</part-num-ref>
+ The ad information may include, among other things, (e.g., audience segment specific) performance information.    </p>
+    <p id="p-95" num="95">As indicated by loop 620-650, acts may be performed for each of one or more ads. More specifically, audience segment selections may be obtained (e.g., from an ad serving system, the advertiser, and/or advertiser approved system selections) (Block 630), and the selected audience segments are associated with the ad (Block 640).</p>
+    <p id="p-96" num="96">[0073]  Referring back to block 630, a suggested list of audiences may be automatically generated. For example, this may be done analyzing data from user behavior feedback operations <part-num-ref name="suggested list of audiences may be automatically generated. For example, this may be done analyzing data from user behavior feedback operations">320</part-num-ref>
+ and determining how the ad (or ads) performs when served to different audience segments. In some embodiments consistent with the present invention, the advertiser might have to select audience segments from this suggestion list. In some embodiments consistent with the present invention, advertiser input (other than specifying a baseline bid and perhaps an optimal audience segment) might not be necessary. In still other embodiments, the advertiser may itself define an audience by specifying location, temporal, user device, and/or user parameters. As can be understood from the foregoing, in at least some embodiments consistent with the present invention, the advertiser may select and/or define the audience segments of their choice.    </p>
+    <p id="p-97" num="97">Advertisers may later change, delete, or fine tune such segments (e.g., depending on ad performance when served to the various segments).</p>
+    <boundary-data type="header">
+      <confidence value="88">23</confidence>
+    </boundary-data>
+    <boundary-data type="header">Google-91 (GP-385-00-US)</boundary-data>
+    <p id="p-98" num="98">
+      <page-break num="25"/>
+[0074]  Still referring to block 630, the audience segments may be (a) defined by the system (perhaps subject to advertiser approval), or (b) specified by the advertiser. In the former case, the system may use performance information to define audience segments (e.g., by determining points at which ad performance changes, transitions). For example, if the conversion rate for an ad drops drastically for users outside of the state of California, the system may define the audience segments as (i) in California and (ii) outside of California.    </p>
+    <p id="p-99" num="99">The number of audience segments may be determined on a case-by-case basis (e.g., based on the number of appreciable transitions in performance), may be a predetermined number (e.g., between <part-num-ref name="between">2</part-num-ref>
+ and <part-num-ref name="and">4,</part-num-ref>
+ and preferably 3), or may be provided by the advertiser.    </p>
+    <p id="p-100" num="100">[0075]  Figure 7 is a flow diagram of an exemplary method <part-num-ref name="exemplary method">700</part-num-ref>
+ for performing automated offer management operations in a manner consistent with the present invention. (Recall, e.g., Block <part-num-ref name="Block">550</part-num-ref>
+ of Figure 5.) Ad information (e.g., a baseline offer and indicator of audience segment value) is accepted. (Block <part-num-ref name="baseline offer and indicator of audience segment value) is accepted. (Block">710)</part-num-ref>
+ The method <part-num-ref name="method">700</part-num-ref>
+ may then automatically determine offers for certain audience segments using the advertiser provided baseline offer and the indicator of audience segment value (e.g., rules, functions, and/or parameters automatically generated and/or provided by the advertiser) (Block <part-num-ref name="advertiser) (Block">720)</part-num-ref>
+ before the method <part-num-ref name="method">700</part-num-ref>
+ is left (Node 730).    </p>
+    <p id="p-101" num="101">[0076] As discussed earlier, the advertiser may choose a baseline offer (e.g., associated with a preferred audience). The baseline offer may be the value of selections from the advertiser's favored audience segment (e.g., favored geographical area). The advertiser may have specified how the automated bid management method <part-num-ref name="automated bid management method">700</part-num-ref>
+ is to determine or adjust (e.g., tier) offers for various audience segments by (A) providing parameters (e.g., multiplication factors) for each of a number of audience segments, (B) by providing or selecting a function, which may include parameters (e.g., offer = baseline offer *1/distance<confidence value="66">",</confidence>
+ where n is a parameter; or offer = offer*MAX [1, 0.80 + selection rateaudence segmen<confidence value="2">]</confidence>
+), (C) rules, etc.    </p>
+    <boundary-data type="header">
+      <confidence value="88">24</confidence>
+    </boundary-data>
+    <boundary-data type="header">Google-91 (GP-385-00-US)</boundary-data>
+    <p id="p-102" num="102">
+      <page-break num="26"/>
+[0077]  Comparing the performance of ads in the various audience segments, advertisers can learn the relative values of the audience segments.    </p>
+    <p id="p-103" num="103">For example, if the offer is per ad impression, the advertiser might want to know the selection rate or conversion rate of the ad in each of various audience segments. As another example, if the offer is per ad selection, the advertiser might want to know the conversion rate of the ad in each of various audience segments.</p>
+    <p id="p-104" num="104">[0078] As can be appreciated from the foregoing, since the advertiser can specify how the offers are to be determined or adjusted, the automated bid management method <part-num-ref name="automated bid management method">700</part-num-ref>
+ may automatically determine or adjust offers for various audience segments in an ad campaign (e.g., in real-time depending on the audience to which the ads are being shown) without any further intervention of the advertiser. Moreover, if the advertiser adjusts its baseline offer, the method <part-num-ref name="method">700</part-num-ref>
+ may automatically adjust offers for one or more audience segments.    </p>
+    <p id="p-105" num="105">Examples of such operations will be described in <confidence value="5">§</confidence>
+ 4.4 below.    </p>
+    <p id="p-106" num="106">[0079]  Figure 8 is a flow diagram of an exemplary method <part-num-ref name="exemplary method">800</part-num-ref>
+ that may be used to perform user behavior feedback operations (Recall, e.g., <part-num-ref name="">320</part-num-ref>
+ of Figure 3.) in a manner consistent with the present invention. The method <part-num-ref name="method">800</part-num-ref>
+ is one way to track ad performance information. When an ad is served, this event may be identified by a unique process identifier (e.g., an ad server IP address, a date and a time of day and/or other serving constraint information). The process identifier may be associated with any audience segment information (e.g., location information, temporal information, user device information, user information). Indeed, at least some of such audience segment information may be encoded into the process identifier. The ad may be served with its process identifier. (Block <part-num-ref name="ad may be served with its process identifier. (Block">810)</part-num-ref>
+ As indicated by event block <part-num-ref name="As indicated by event block">820,</part-num-ref>
+ different branches of the method <part-num-ref name="method">800</part-num-ref>
+ may be performed in response to different events. For example, if user behavior information is received, the received user behavior information (e.g., mouse-over, hover, scroll, selection, conversion, etc.) is associated with the process identifier (and therefore the audience segment information) (Block <part-num-ref name="audience segment information) (Block">830)</part-num-ref>
+ before the method <part-num-ref name="method">800</part-num-ref>
+ branches back to event block <part-num-ref name="branches back to event block">820.</part-num-ref>
+ If a condition for <boundary-data type="header">
+        <confidence value="88">25</confidence>
+      </boundary-data>
+      <page-break num="27"/>
+      <boundary-data type="header">Google-91 (GP-385-00-US)</boundary-data>
+updating performance information is met (e.g., the receipt of performance information, the receipt of a certain amount of performance information, a time expiration since the last update, an absolute time/date, etc.), the ad performance information is updated considering the audience segment information associated with the ad serving process (Block 840), before the method <part-num-ref name="method">800</part-num-ref>
+ branches back to event block <part-num-ref name="branches back to event block">820.</part-num-ref>
+    </p>
+    <p id="p-107" num="107">[0080] Thus, the method <part-num-ref name="method">800</part-num-ref>
+ can be used to track ad performance information with respect to audience segments. The audience segments may be globally defined audience segments (e.g., across all advertisers, across some grouping of advertisers, across all advertisements, across some grouping of advertisements, etc.). Alternatively, or in addition, the audience segments may be defined to correspond to audience segments specified by a particular advertiser. Thus, in at least some embodiments consistent with the present invention, ad performance is tracked with respect to (predefined or advertiser- defined) audience segments.    </p>
+    <p id="p-108" num="108">[0081] Similarly, the performance may be tracked on the basis of an ad, an advertiser, a collection of ads (e.g., those that use the same targeting information), a collection of advertisers, etc. Various alternative ways of associating advertiser segment information with performance information are possible.</p>
+    <p id="p-109" num="109">
+      <confidence value="5">§</confidence>
+ 4.3.3   EXEMPLARY APPARATUS [0082] Figure 9 is high-level block diagram of a machine <part-num-ref name="machine">900</part-num-ref>
+ that may perform one or more of the operations discussed above. The machine <part-num-ref name="machine">900</part-num-ref>
+ basically includes one or more processors <part-num-ref name="basically includes one or more processors">910,</part-num-ref>
+ one or more input/output interface units <part-num-ref name="basically includes one or more processors 910, one or more input/output interface units">930,</part-num-ref>
+ one or more storage devices <part-num-ref name="basically includes one or more processors 910, one or more input/output interface units 930, one or more storage devices">920,</part-num-ref>
+ and one or more system buses and/or networks <part-num-ref name="basically includes one or more processors 910, one or more input/output interface units 930, one or more storage devices 920, and one or more system buses and/or networks">940</part-num-ref>
+ for facilitating the communication of information among the coupled elements. One or more input devices <part-num-ref name="coupled elements. One or more input devices">932</part-num-ref>
+ and one or more output devices <part-num-ref name="and one or more output devices">934</part-num-ref>
+ may be coupled with the one or more input/output interfaces <part-num-ref name="one or more input/output interfaces">930.</part-num-ref>
+    </p>
+    <boundary-data type="header">
+      <confidence value="88">26</confidence>
+    </boundary-data>
+    <boundary-data type="header">Google-91 (GP-385-00-US)</boundary-data>
+    <p id="p-110" num="110">
+      <page-break num="28"/>
+[0083] The one or more processors <part-num-ref name="one or more processors">910</part-num-ref>
+ may execute machine-executable instructions (e.g., C or C++ running on the Solaris operating system available from Sun Microsystems Inc. of Palo Alto, California or the Linux operating system widely available from a number of vendors such as Red Hat, Inc. of Durham, North Carolina) to effect one or more aspects of the present invention. At least a portion of the machine executable instructions may be stored (temporarily or more permanently) on the one or more storage devices <part-num-ref name="one or more storage devices">920</part-num-ref>
+ and/or may be received from an external source via one or more input interface units <part-num-ref name="external source via one or more input interface units">930.</part-num-ref>
+    </p>
+    <p id="p-111" num="111">[0084]  In one embodiment, the machine <part-num-ref name="machine">900</part-num-ref>
+ may be one or more conventional personal computers. In this case, the processing units <part-num-ref name="processing units">910</part-num-ref>
+ may be one or more microprocessors. The bus <part-num-ref name="bus">940</part-num-ref>
+ may include a system bus. The storage devices <part-num-ref name="storage devices">920</part-num-ref>
+ may include system memory, such as read only memory (ROM) and/or random access memory (RAM). The storage devices <part-num-ref name="storage devices">920</part-num-ref>
+ may also include a hard disk drive for reading from and writing to a hard disk, a magnetic disk drive for reading from or writing to a (e.g., removable) magnetic disk, and an optical disk drive for reading from or writing to a removable (magneto-) optical disk such as a compact disk or other (magneto-) optical media.    </p>
+    <p id="p-112" num="112">[0085] A user may enter commands and information into the personal computer through input devices <part-num-ref name="personal computer through input devices">932,</part-num-ref>
+ such as a keyboard and pointing device (e.g., a mouse) for example. Other input devices such as a microphone, a joystick, a game pad, a satellite dish, a scanner, or the like, may also (or alternatively) be included. These and other input devices are often connected to the processing unit(s) <part-num-ref name="processing unit(s)">910</part-num-ref>
+ through an appropriate interface <part-num-ref name="appropriate interface">930</part-num-ref>
+ coupled to the system bus <part-num-ref name="system bus">940.</part-num-ref>
+ The output devices <part-num-ref name="output devices">934</part-num-ref>
+ may include a monitor or other type of display device, which may also be connected to the system bus <part-num-ref name="system bus">940</part-num-ref>
+ via an appropriate interface. In addition to (or instead of) the monitor, the personal computer may include other (peripheral) output devices (not shown), such as speakers and printers for example.    </p>
+    <boundary-data type="header">
+      <confidence value="88">27</confidence>
+    </boundary-data>
+    <boundary-data type="header">Google-91 (GP-385-00-US)</boundary-data>
+    <p id="p-113" num="113">
+      <page-break num="29"/>
+[0086]  Referring back to Figure 2, one or more machines 900 may be used as end user client devices <part-num-ref name="may be used as end user client devices">250,</part-num-ref>
+ content servers <part-num-ref name="may be used as end user client devices 250, content servers">230,</part-num-ref>
+ search engines <part-num-ref name="may be used as end user client devices 250, content servers 230, search engines">220,</part-num-ref>
+ email servers <part-num-ref name="may be used as end user client devices 250, content servers 230, search engines 220, email servers">240,</part-num-ref>
+ and/or ad servers <part-num-ref name="may be used as end user client devices 250, content servers 230, search engines 220, email servers 240, and/or ad servers">210.</part-num-ref>
+    </p>
+    <p id="p-114" num="114">
+      <confidence value="5">§</confidence>
+ 4.3.4   ALTERNATIVES AND REFINEMENTS [0087]  Although the automated offer manager <part-num-ref name="automated offer manager">330</part-num-ref>
+ was described as determining (e.g., tiering) offers based on advertiser input, in at least some embodiments consistent with the present invention, the automatic offer manager operations <part-num-ref name="automatic offer manager operations">330</part-num-ref>
+ may adjust bids without the need to follow any rules, functions, and/or parameters set by the advertiser. For example, the automatic offer manager operations <part-num-ref name="automatic offer manager operations">330</part-num-ref>
+ may simply determine per-audience segment performance of ad campaigns (e.g., as tracked by the user behavior feedback operations <part-num-ref name="user behavior feedback operations">320)</part-num-ref>
+ and use such information to associated different offers with different audience segments. The automated offer manager operations <part-num-ref name="automated offer manager operations">330</part-num-ref>
+ may adjust the offers for certain audience segments as per-audience segment performance changes.    </p>
+    <p id="p-115" num="115">[0088] Although the term "audience segment" may suggest groups of audience members using some discrete or quantified measure (e.g., within 0-5 mile radius, within 5-10 mile radius, outside <part-num-ref name="within 0-5 mile radius, within 5-10 mile radius, outside">10</part-num-ref>
+ mile radius), segment is to be interpreted to include continuous values (e.g., as the number of segments increases, the segments can approach continuity). Thus, offers may be determined or adjusted using one or more audience attributes (e.g., distance from advertiser business, time of serving, etc.) thereby enabling almost infinite audience segments.    </p>
+    <p id="p-116" num="116">[0089] Although some of the exemplary embodiments described above discussed "automatically" determining or adjusting offers for various audience segments, at least some embodiments consistent with the present invention may simply convey information about the (e.g., relative) value about different audience segments to advertisers. Being informed, the advertisers may then use this information to manually specify different offers for different audience <boundary-data type="header">
+        <confidence value="88">28</confidence>
+      </boundary-data>
+      <page-break num="30"/>
+      <boundary-data type="header">Google-91 (GP-385-00-US)</boundary-data>
+segments. Thus, for example, an exemplary system consistent with the present invention may provide a message to the advertiser, such as, "Based on information we have collected, selections from users within <part-num-ref name="advertiser, such as, &quot;Based on information we have collected, selections from users within">2</part-num-ref>
+ miles of your store are worth <part-num-ref name="miles of your store are worth">3</part-num-ref>
+ times as much as selections from users beyond <part-num-ref name="times as much as selections from users beyond">2</part-num-ref>
+ miles but within <part-num-ref name="miles but within">10</part-num-ref>
+ miles, and <part-num-ref name="miles, and">20</part-num-ref>
+ times as much as selections from users beyond <part-num-ref name="times as much as selections from users beyond">10</part-num-ref>
+ miles." At least some embodiments consistent with the present invention may invite advertisers to have the system adjust or determine their offer for various audience segments automatically. Thus, for example, such an exemplary system may provide a message or "button" to the advertiser, such as "Click here to adjust your keyword offers for each audience segment accordingly." [0090] As described above, the advertiser may have specified how the automated bid management method <part-num-ref name="automated bid management method">700</part-num-ref>
+ is to determine or adjust (e.g., tier) offers for various audience segments by (A) providing parameters for each of a number of audience segments, (B) by providing or selecting a function (which may include parameters), and/or (C) by providing rules. As a first example, the advertiser might simply provide a scaling function (e.g., offeraudiencesegment<confidence value="8">i</confidence>
+ <confidence value="5">=</confidence>
+ offerbaseline * <confidence value="22222222222222222222226">factoraudiencesegmenti)</confidence>
+ and multiplication factor parameters (typically less than 1.0) for one or more audience segments to scale (e.g., reduce) a baseline offer for such audience segments. As a second example, the advertiser might provide an additive or subtractive function (e.g., ., <confidence value="22222222222222222222">offeraudiencesegment</confidence>
+ <confidence value="6">=</confidence>
+ <confidence value="2222222222222">offerbaseline</confidence>
+ + adjustmentfactoraud<confidence value="5">i</confidence>
+encesegment<confidence value="68">_i</confidence>
+ )and adjustment factor parameters (e.g., positive or negative) for one or more audience segments to increase or reduce a baseline offer for such audience segments. Thus, for example, an advertiser having an ad with animation may be willing to pay a premium (e.g., an extra $0.25 per impression) for the audience segment "end user device with at "good" resolution." As a third example, an advertiser may specify a rule that certain audience segments trump others, such that the offer determinations or adjustments based on the other audience segments are weighted less or ignored. Thus, for example, an advertiser advertising Ford Mustang restoration parts may value the audience segment "user=VintageFord_MustangOwner<confidence value="5">"</confidence>
+ so much that they will ignore the location of such a user, while if the audience <boundary-data type="header">
+        <confidence value="88">29</confidence>
+      </boundary-data>
+      <page-break num="31"/>
+      <boundary-data type="header">Google-91 (GP-385-<confidence value="5">0</confidence>
+0-US)      </boundary-data>
+segment "user=Not Vintage_Ford_MustangOwner," location-based audience segments will be used to determine or adjust offers.    </p>
+    <p id="p-117" num="117">
+      <confidence value="5">§</confidence>
+ 4.4 EXAMPLES OF OPERATIONS IN EXEMPLARY     </p>
+    <heading id="h-9">EMBODIMENTS</heading>
+    <p id="p-118" num="118">Example <confidence value="5">1</confidence>
+ [0091] The following example illustrates the utility of an exemplary embodiment consistent with the present invention. In this example consider a local advertiser who wishes to advertise its products locally for the most part.    </p>
+    <p id="p-119" num="119">[0092] The advertiser may enter ad information through the ad information entry and/or management operations <part-num-ref name="ad information entry and/or management operations">310,</part-num-ref>
+ may target a relatively broad audience segment and initially provide one offer for the audience. After entering the information, the advertising system may serve the ads. Through the user behavior feedback operations <part-num-ref name="user behavior feedback operations">320,</part-num-ref>
+ the advertiser may learn the relative values of impressions, selections, etc. of its ad when served to various audience segments.    </p>
+    <p id="p-120" num="120">[0093]  For instance, local advertisers may realize that leads from an area within <part-num-ref name="area within">30</part-num-ref>
+ kilometers of their location are worth more than leads from 30-60 kilometers, which in turn are worth more than leads from 60-100 kilometers, and leads beyond <part-num-ref name="kilometers of their location are worth more than leads from 30-60 kilometers, which in turn are worth more than leads from 60-100 kilometers, and leads beyond">100</part-num-ref>
+ kilometers are of no value. Accordingly, the advertiser might define or select three <part-num-ref name="advertiser might define or select three">(3)</part-num-ref>
+ audience segments from the audience segment targeting operations <part-num-ref name="audience segment targeting operations">315.</part-num-ref>
+ The first audience segment would be end users within <part-num-ref name="first audience segment would be end users within">30</part-num-ref>
+ kilometers of the location of the advertiser. This audience may also serve as the "baseline" chosen by the advertiser for its best performance and the advertiser may associate a baseline offer (e.g., a bid) for the first audience segment. Suppose the baseline offer is $2.00 per selection The other audience segments will be compared to this baseline offer. The second audience segment would include users more than <part-num-ref name="second audience segment would include users more than">30</part-num-ref>
+ kilometers away, but within <part-num-ref name="kilometers away, but within">60</part-num-ref>
+ kilometers. The third audience segment would include users more than <part-num-ref name="third audience segment would include users more than">60</part-num-ref>
+ kilometers away, but within <part-num-ref name="kilometers away, but within">100</part-num-ref>
+ kilometers. (An audience segment of within <part-num-ref name="audience segment of within">100</part-num-ref>
+ kilometers may be <boundary-data type="header">
+        <confidence value="88">30</confidence>
+      </boundary-data>
+      <page-break num="32"/>
+      <boundary-data type="header">Google-91 (GP-385-00-US)</boundary-data>
+used to target the ad, such that the ad won't even be eligible for serving if the end user device is not within <part-num-ref name="end user device is not within">100</part-num-ref>
+ kilometers.) [0094]  Now that the baseline offer and audience segments have been provided, the advertiser may specify to the automatic bid management operation <part-num-ref name="automatic bid management operation">330</part-num-ref>
+ how to determine (e.g., tier) offers for the different audience segments. The advertiser may set rules, functions, and/or parameters used by automatic bid manager to adjust the relative values of bids. For example, in this example, assume that the advertiser associates a bid multiplier of 1.00 for the first audience segment, a bid multiplier of 0.80 for the second audience segment, and a bid multiplier 0.40 for the third audience segment. Now without any advertiser intervention, the system can automatically determine (tier) offer values for its ad in real-time, depending on the audience segment to which the ad is to be served.    </p>
+    <p id="p-121" num="121">In this case, the offer per selection for the first audience segment would be $2.00, the offer per selection for the second audience segment would be $1.60, and the offer per selection for the third audience segment would be $0.80.</p>
+    <p id="p-122" num="122">These offers may be used in an ad arbitration process (e.g., an auction to determine serving and position), and/or in determining an amount that the advertiser is to pay for an ad selection. If the advertiser changes its baseline offer (e.g., to $3.00), the offers for the three audience segments may be automatically updated (e.g., to $3.00, $2.40, and $1.20).</p>
+    <p id="p-123" num="123">Example 2 [0095] The following example illustrates how various (likely independent) audience segments, and parameters associated therewith, can be combined in a manner consistent with the present invention. Supposes that truck dealer has a full screen, 600x800 pixel video ad for the Ford <part-num-ref name="Ford">350</part-num-ref>
+ SuperDuty pickup truck.    </p>
+    <p id="p-124" num="124">Suppose further that one of the serving constraints is the keyword "ford" (with a baseline offer of $1.50) and another is that the end user device be within the United States of America or Canada. Since the ad may require a end user device with a full size screen and a high speed Internet connection to be <boundary-data type="header">
+        <confidence value="88">31</confidence>
+      </boundary-data>
+      <page-break num="33"/>
+      <boundary-data type="header">Google-91 (GP-385-00-US)</boundary-data>
+rendered in an acceptable manner, the advertiser may associate a factor of 1.0 for the segment "computer with high speed connection," 0.05 for the segment "computer with low speed connection," and 0.00 for the segment "mobile phone" with respect to user device audience segments. Since the ad may appeal to men much more than woman, the advertiser may associate a factor of 1.0 for the segment "men" and a factor of 0.10 for the segment "women" with respect to end user audience segments. Since the advertiser may close more sales on the weekend, it may associate a factor of 1.0 for the segment "weekend" and a factor of 0.75 for the segment "weekday" for a temporal audience segment. Finally, since the advertiser may close more sales with customers within <part-num-ref name="advertiser may close more sales with customers within">20</part-num-ref>
+ miles, it may associate a factor of 1.0 for the segment "0-20 miles," a factor of 0.70 for the segment "20-60 miles" and a factor of (0.7-(distance-60)/100) for the segment <confidence value="66">"&gt;</confidence>
+ <part-num-ref name="segment &quot;&gt;">60</part-num-ref>
+ miles" for a location audience segment.    </p>
+    <p id="p-125" num="125">[0096] In the following scenarios, it is assumed that the user device is within the United States of America and that the user entered a search query including the term <confidence value="5">"</confidence>
+ford." Suppose that in a first instance, a male, <part-num-ref name="male,">26</part-num-ref>
+ miles away, entered the search query "ford" on a weekday using a computer with a high speed Internet connection. The offer for the ad in this instance might be determined as $0.79 (<confidence value="25">~$</confidence>
+1.50 * 1.00 * 0.75 * 1.00 * 0.70). Suppose that in a second instance, a male, <part-num-ref name="male,">2</part-num-ref>
+ miles away, entered the search query "ford" on a weekend using a computer with a low speed Internet connection. The offer for the ad in this instance might be determined as $0.08 (<confidence value="5">4</confidence>
+1.50 * 1.00 * 1.00 * 1.00 * 0.05). Suppose that in a third instance, a female, five miles away, entered the search query "ford" on a weekday using a computer with a high speed Internet connection. The offer for the ad in this instance might be determined as $0.11 <confidence value="61">(=</confidence>
+ $1.50 * 0.10 * 1.00 * 1.00 * 0.75). Suppose that in a fourth instance, a female entered the search query "ford", but that not other information (e.g., location, time, user device) about the query can be determined. The offer in this instance might be determined as $0.15 (= $1.50 * 0.10). Note that in this last example, if audience segment information is unknown, it is ignored (i.e., the factor was assumed to be 1.00). Alternatively, a default factor for an unknown audience <boundary-data type="header">
+        <confidence value="88">32</confidence>
+      </boundary-data>
+      <page-break num="34"/>
+      <boundary-data type="header">Google-91 (GP-385-00-US)</boundary-data>
+segment might be used. The default factor value may be a predetermined value, some average of the factors, some estimate of the probability of the a audience segment being true, etc.    </p>
+    <p id="p-126" num="126">[0097] As can be appreciated by the foregoing example, a factor used to determine an offer may be a composite of various factors. Although in this example, the composite was simply the product of a various factors, other functions for generating a composite factor are possible. Such composite factors allow an advertiser to avoid specifying rules, functions, and/or parameters for many narrowly defined composite audience segments. For example, <part-num-ref name="advertiser to avoid specifying rules, functions, and/or parameters for many narrowly defined composite audience segments. For example,">3</part-num-ref>
+ user device segments, <part-num-ref name="user device segments,">2</part-num-ref>
+ user segments, <part-num-ref name="user segments,">2</part-num-ref>
+ temporal segments, and <part-num-ref name="temporal segments, and">3</part-num-ref>
+ location segments can be combined to define <part-num-ref name="location segments can be combined to define">36</part-num-ref>
+ ( = <part-num-ref name="( =">3</part-num-ref>
+ x <part-num-ref name="x">2</part-num-ref>
+ x <part-num-ref name="x">2</part-num-ref>
+ x <part-num-ref name="x">3)</part-num-ref>
+ possible composite audience segments.    </p>
+    <p id="p-127" num="127">[0098]  Note that by simply changing its baseline offer (e.g., up to $2.00, or down to $1.35), offers for the various audience segments can be automatically adjusted or determined as needed.</p>
+    <p id="p-128" num="128">
+      <confidence value="5">§</confidence>
+ 4.5 CONCLUSIONS [0099]  As can be appreciated from the foregoing, embodiments consistent with the present invention allow offer management to be simplified by considering audience segments (e.g., as defined by one or more of location information, temporal information, user information, client device information, etc.). Hence, offer values of ad campaigns may be automatically determined or adjusted depending on the current audience segment under consideration. This allows the advertiser to easily adjust an offer across numerous audience segments by simply changing a baseline offer. The audience segments may be predefined, automatically defined, or manually defined (e.g., by an advertiser).    </p>
+    <boundary-data type="header">
+      <confidence value="88">33</confidence>
+    </boundary-data>
+  </description>
+</us-patent-application>
+

prior_art/11107945.xml

@@ -0,0 +1,30 @@
+<?xml version="1.0" encoding="utf-8"?>
+<!DOCTYPE us-patent-application SYSTEM "PATI-v1.0.3-2011-06-23.dtd">
+<us-patent-application lang="EN" dtd-version="v1.0.3 2011-06-23" id="us-patent-application" country="US">
+  <us-bibliographic-data-application lang="EN" country="US">
+    <application-reference appl-type="utility">
+      <document-id>
+        <doc-number>11107945</doc-number>
+        <date>2008-05-22</date>
+      </document-id>
+    </application-reference>
+  </us-bibliographic-data-application>
+  <description id="description">
+    <p id="p-1" num="1">Application No.: 11/107,945                       Amendment under 37 C.F.R. <confidence value="5">§</confidence>
+1.111 Art Unit: <part-num-ref name="C.F.R. §1.111 Art Unit:">2811</part-num-ref>
+                                          Attorney Docket No.: <part-num-ref name="Attorney Docket No.:">052469</part-num-ref>
+     </p>
+    <heading id="h-1">AMENDMENTS TO THE SPECIFICATION</heading>
+    <p id="p-2" num="2">Please amend the specification as follows:</p>
+    <p id="p-3" num="3">Amend paragraph beginning on page 3, line 31 to read as follows:</p>
+    <p id="p-4" num="4">References (Patent Reference 1) <confidence value="66">Un</confidence>
+ites United States Patent 6,621,131 (Patent Reference <part-num-ref name="Unites United States Patent 6,621,131 (Patent Reference">2)</part-num-ref>
+ Japanese Laid-Open Patent Application 2004-31753 (Non-Patent Reference <part-num-ref name="Japanese Laid-Open Patent Application 2004-31753 (Non-Patent Reference">1)</part-num-ref>
+ Thompson, S. <confidence value="5">E</confidence>
+., et al., IEEE Transactions on Electron Devices, vol.51, No.11, November, <part-num-ref name="Thompson, S. E., et al., IEEE Transactions on Electron Devices, vol.51, No.11, November,">2004,</part-num-ref>
+ pp.1790 - <part-num-ref name="Thompson, S. E., et al., IEEE Transactions on Electron Devices, vol.51, No.11, November, 2004, pp.1790 -">1797</part-num-ref>
+ <confidence value="888">-2-</confidence>
+     </p>
+  </description>
+</us-patent-application>
+

prior_art/11118686.xml

@@ -0,0 +1,43 @@
+<?xml version="1.0" encoding="utf-8"?>
+<!DOCTYPE us-patent-application SYSTEM "PATI-v1.0.3-2011-06-23.dtd">
+<us-patent-application lang="EN" dtd-version="v1.0.3 2011-06-23" id="us-patent-application" country="US">
+  <us-bibliographic-data-application lang="EN" country="US">
+    <application-reference appl-type="utility">
+      <document-id>
+        <doc-number>11118686</doc-number>
+        <date>2009-07-14</date>
+      </document-id>
+    </application-reference>
+  </us-bibliographic-data-application>
+  <description id="description">
+    <p id="p-1" num="1">
+      <confidence value="5">S</confidence>
+AW:vjs 07/14/09  1187337.doc 312304.01           Attorney Reference Number 3382-68588-02 Application Number 11/118,686 Amendments to the S<confidence value="5">p</confidence>
+ecification Please replace the paragraph beginning at page <part-num-ref name="paragraph beginning at page">20,</part-num-ref>
+ line <part-num-ref name="paragraph beginning at page 20, line">19,</part-num-ref>
+ with the following rewritten paragraph:    </p>
+    <p id="p-2" num="2">In the picture buffering and display process <part-num-ref name="picture buffering and display process">800,</part-num-ref>
+ the compression decoder sets up buffering for the specified maximum coded resolution at operation <part-num-ref name="specified maximum coded resolution at operation">810.</part-num-ref>
+    </p>
+    <p id="p-3" num="3">At operation 820, the compression decoder accepts and stores pictures and their associated coded resolutions in the decoded picture buffer. Later, at display time of a picture, the compression decoder checks the picture's coded resolution at operation <part-num-ref name="picture's coded resolution at operation">830.</part-num-ref>
+ If the picture's coded resolution is less than the maximum coded resolution at operation <part-num-ref name="maximum coded resolution at operation">831,</part-num-ref>
+ the compression decoder filters and up-samples the picture to the maximum coded resolution <part-num-ref name="maximum coded resolution">832.</part-num-ref>
+ Likewise, the compression decoder can additionally perform range expansion (i.e., range re-mapping to an expanded display range) if the coded range of the picture is lower than the display range at operations 830-831. The decoding of video at a lower range than that of display can be done as described in Lin et al., "FLEXIBLE RANGE REDUCTION," U.S. Patent Application No. 10/989,702, filed 11/15/2004; and Lin et al., "RANGE REDUCTION," U.S. Patent Applieati<confidence value="4">e</confidence>
+n No. <confidence value="5588814121">-/893,809,</confidence>
+ filed <confidence value="8888886666866686">7/16/2004-7,502,</confidence>
+415, both of whose disclosures are hereby incorporated herein by reference.    </p>
+    <p id="p-4" num="4">Please replace the paragraph beginning at page <part-num-ref name="paragraph beginning at page">25,</part-num-ref>
+ line <part-num-ref name="paragraph beginning at page 25, line">30,</part-num-ref>
+ with the following rewritten paragraph:    </p>
+    <p id="p-5" num="5">In one example, the video decoder optionally applies the range remapping operation of the type described in Lin et al., "FLEXIBLE RANGE REDUCTION," U.S. Patent Application No. 10/989,702, filed 11/15/2004; and Lin et al., "RANGE REDUCTION," U.S. Patent App<confidence value="56">li</confidence>
+eati<confidence value="4">e</confidence>
+n No. <confidence value="4258855412">1-/893-89-</confidence>
+ <confidence value="868666868">7,502,415</confidence>
+ <confidence value="824662">fi1ed-</confidence>
+ <confidence value="8862555">76/-200</confidence>
+, both of whose disclosures are hereby incorporated herein by reference.    </p>
+    <p id="p-6" num="6">Page 2 of <part-num-ref name="of">11</part-num-ref>
+     </p>
+  </description>
+</us-patent-application>
+

prior_art/11127385.xml

@@ -0,0 +1,28 @@
+<?xml version="1.0" encoding="utf-8"?>
+<!DOCTYPE us-patent-application SYSTEM "PATI-v1.0.3-2011-06-23.dtd">
+<us-patent-application lang="EN" dtd-version="v1.0.3 2011-06-23" id="us-patent-application" country="US">
+  <us-bibliographic-data-application lang="EN" country="US">
+    <application-reference appl-type="utility">
+      <document-id>
+        <doc-number>11127385</doc-number>
+        <date>2010-03-13</date>
+      </document-id>
+    </application-reference>
+  </us-bibliographic-data-application>
+  <description id="description">
+    <p id="p-1" num="1">Application/Control Number: 11/127,385                       Page 5 Art Unit: <part-num-ref name="Art Unit:">2457</part-num-ref>
+ Please amend the specification as follows:    </p>
+    <p id="p-2" num="2">
+      <confidence value="1412">LCD3</confidence>
+                                                        <confidence value="111">Ifb</confidence>
+ <confidence value="662524">3/13/i</confidence>
+ <confidence value="86226814">-f{%&amp;2Fl</confidence>
+t should be noted that the invention is not limited to the embodiments described above with reference to FIGS. 1-4. Modifications may be made to the embodiments described herein and all such modifications are within the scope of the invention. For example, particular tasks have been described as being performed by particular network elements, e.g., the application server <part-num-ref name="application server">20</part-num-ref>
+ and the download server <part-num-ref name="download server">50.</part-num-ref>
+    </p>
+    <p id="p-3" num="3">These tasks may be performed by a single component, e.g., a single server instead of by multiple network components. This single server may include a non - transitory computer-readable medium containing a computer program with instruction sets for the described functions. The invention is not limited to particular tasks being performed by particular network elements. Other modifications may be made to the embodiments described herein and all such modifications are within the scope of the invention.</p>
+    <heading id="h-1">REASONS FOR ALLOWANCE</heading>
+    <p id="p-4" num="4">The following is an examiner's statement of reasons for allowance: The prior art, taken singly or in combination, does not teach or disclose "upload logic for uploading a link to a media file to network storage, the upload logic which receives a request to move a media file from a local memory of the wireless device to the media storage database, interprets the request as a request to store a link to the media file in the user storage database, causes a request to store the link in the user storage database to be sent to </p>
+  </description>
+</us-patent-application>
+

prior_art/11134998.xml

@@ -0,0 +1,94 @@
+<?xml version="1.0" encoding="utf-8"?>
+<!DOCTYPE us-patent-application SYSTEM "PATI-v1.0.3-2011-06-23.dtd">
+<us-patent-application lang="EN" dtd-version="v1.0.3 2011-06-23" id="us-patent-application" country="US">
+  <us-bibliographic-data-application lang="EN" country="US">
+    <application-reference appl-type="utility">
+      <document-id>
+        <doc-number>11134998</doc-number>
+        <date>2011-02-02</date>
+      </document-id>
+    </application-reference>
+  </us-bibliographic-data-application>
+  <description id="description">
+    <p id="p-1" num="1">
+      <confidence value="1">/</confidence>
+  <confidence value="6">I</confidence>
+     <confidence value="1">c</confidence>
+  <confidence value="4">'</confidence>
+ [0024] Figure 3 is an expanded scale view of the 3-3' area of Fig 1 which shows an embodiment where the fibers are enlaced through a single loop of the coil.    </p>
+    <p id="p-2" num="2">[0025] Figure  <confidence value="1">'</confidence>
+is an expanded scale view of the 3-3' area of Fig 1 which shows an embodiment where the fibers are enlaced through a pair of loops of the coil.    </p>
+    <p id="p-3" num="3">[0026] Figure 4 is an expanded scale view of the 4-4'area of Fig <confidence value="5">1</confidence>
+ which shows an embodiment where the fibers are enlaced in an "S" pattern through a plurality of loops of the coil.    </p>
+    <p id="p-4" num="4">[0027] Figure 5 is an expanded scale view similar to Fig 4 with a variation in the way the fibers are enlaced. In this embodiment two sets of fibers are enlaced adjacent to each other in "S" patterns on the coil.</p>
+    <p id="p-5" num="5">[0028] Figure 6 is a not-to-scale partial cross section of a type of fiber or a type of coil useful in the present invention having a core and an outer coating.</p>
+    <p id="p-6" num="6">[0029] Figure 7a is a not-to-scale side view of an example of one embodiment of the invention comprising a vaso-occlusive coil which includes a stretch resistant member fixedly attached to the coil and a plurality of fibers, where each fiber is wrapped around the stretch resistant member at least twice.</p>
+    <p id="p-7" num="7">[0030] Figure 7b is a not-to-scale top view of the embodiment of the invention shown in Figure 7a.</p>
+    <p id="p-8" num="8">Detailed Description of the Invention.</p>
+    <p id="p-9" num="9">[0031] This detailed description is broken down into the following sections.</p>
+    <p id="p-10" num="10">Metal Coils and Device Confi<confidence value="5">g</confidence>
+urations <boundary-data type="header">
+        <confidence value="8">8</confidence>
+      </boundary-data>
+      <page-break num="2"/>
+Stretch Resistant Members Fiber Materials Bioactive Materials A<confidence value="88">pp</confidence>
+lications Metal Coils and Device Confi<confidence value="5">g</confidence>
+urations [0032] The vaso-occ<confidence value="5">l</confidence>
+usion devices of this invention are made up of a coil, e.g. a metal coil preferably with enlaced fibers pendant therefrom. In certain embodiments the devices are in the form of a helix and may be comprised of a simple single helix. In other embodiments, however, the coils are coils on coils having a primary helical coil wound into a secondary helix or other secondary shape with fibers enlaced through the primary coil such as shown in Figure 1. In Figure 1 a device <part-num-ref name="device">10</part-num-ref>
+ is shown having a metal coil <part-num-ref name="metal coil">12</part-num-ref>
+ having a large or secondary helix having a diameter <confidence value="5">D</confidence>
+s and a small or primary helix having a diameter Dp. A plurality of fibers <part-num-ref name="plurality of fibers">14,</part-num-ref>
+ <part-num-ref name="plurality of fibers 14,">16,</part-num-ref>
+ and <part-num-ref name="plurality of fibers 14, 16, and">18</part-num-ref>
+ are shown enlaced through the coils of the primary helix in configurations captured in lines 2-2', 3-3' and 4- 4' and thereafter depicted in expanded scale in Figures <part-num-ref name="primary helix in configurations captured in lines 2-2', 3-3' and 4- 4' and thereafter depicted in expanded scale in Figures">2,</part-num-ref>
+ <part-num-ref name="primary helix in configurations captured in lines 2-2', 3-3' and 4- 4' and thereafter depicted in expanded scale in Figures 2,">3,</part-num-ref>
+ <confidence value="2">Y</confidence>
+ and <part-num-ref name="primary helix in configurations captured in lines 2-2', 3-3' and 4- 4' and thereafter depicted in expanded scale in Figures 2, 3, Y and">4</part-num-ref>
+ respectively. It will be appreciated that these four enlacing configurations are merely representative and that equivalent configurations which suitably associate the fibers with the coils are also contemplated within the scope of this invention.    </p>
+    <p id="p-11" num="11">[0033] The wire making up the coil <part-num-ref name="coil">12</part-num-ref>
+ may be a biocompatible metal, that is a metal that does not react adversely with the tissues and fluids it comes in contact with when used in the body. The metals may also be radio opaque so that the position and location of the coils in the body can be monitored with radiological techniques. Suitable <boundary-data type="header">
+        <confidence value="8">9</confidence>
+      </boundary-data>
+      <page-break num="3"/>
+[0042] As shown in <confidence value="666666">Figure</confidence>
+ <confidence value="2">,</confidence>
+ variations <confidence value="66">on</confidence>
+ <confidence value="666">the</confidence>
+ lacing <confidence value="777776">patten</confidence>
+ of Figure 3 are contemplated. Thus, a bundle of fibers 16-16c' or an individual fiber 16d-16d<confidence value="5">'</confidence>
+ may be laced through a pair of adjacent coils <part-num-ref name="pair of adjacent coils">24</part-num-ref>
+ and 24' in the primary helix. This configuration may advantageously provide a fiber- gripping spacing between adjacent coils.    </p>
+    <p id="p-12" num="12">[0043] As shown in Figures 4 and <part-num-ref name="and">5</part-num-ref>
+ , the fibers that are enlaced through the primary helix of the coil may be enlaced back and forth across the coil in an <confidence value="266">"S"</confidence>
+ configuration to facilitate gripping of the fibers by the coil and minimize the likelihood that they are dislodged in use. In Figure 4, a bundle of fibers <part-num-ref name="bundle of fibers">28</part-num-ref>
+ first laces though windings <part-num-ref name="first laces though windings">32</part-num-ref>
+ and <part-num-ref name="and">34</part-num-ref>
+ of coil <part-num-ref name="of coil">12</part-num-ref>
+ leaving a tail <part-num-ref name="tail">30</part-num-ref>
+ extending a suitable distance as set forth above. Next the bundle <part-num-ref name="bundle">28</part-num-ref>
+ forms loop <part-num-ref name="forms loop">38</part-num-ref>
+ spanning a number of windings <part-num-ref name="number of windings">36.</part-num-ref>
+ This number may be as small as one winding or may be as large as 10-12 windings. In certain embodiments the number of windings may be substantially larger than <part-num-ref name="number of windings may be substantially larger than">12.</part-num-ref>
+ Thus certain embodiments of the invention provide at least one winding looped by a fiber, e.g.    </p>
+    <p id="p-13" num="13">38 in Figure 4. Then the fibers may be enlaced through windings <part-num-ref name="fibers may be enlaced through windings">40</part-num-ref>
+ and <part-num-ref name="and">42</part-num-ref>
+ and out the other side of coil <part-num-ref name="other side of coil">12</part-num-ref>
+ to form a corresponding opposite loop <part-num-ref name="corresponding opposite loop">46</part-num-ref>
+ which spans a number of windings <part-num-ref name="number of windings">44</part-num-ref>
+ which may be about the same as the number of windings described for <part-num-ref name="number of windings described for">38.</part-num-ref>
+    </p>
+    <p id="p-14" num="14">The fibers may then be enlaced through windings 48 and <part-num-ref name="and">50</part-num-ref>
+ and end at 28' to form a tail <part-num-ref name="tail">52</part-num-ref>
+ similar to tail <part-num-ref name="similar to tail">28.</part-num-ref>
+    </p>
+    <p id="p-15" num="15">[00<confidence value="66">44</confidence>
+] Figure 5 shows that multiple bundles forming the double looped "<confidence value="68">S"</confidence>
+ configuration <part-num-ref name="double looped &quot;S&quot; configuration">28</part-num-ref>
+ and 28A through 28' and 28A' are also contemplated. These multiple loops may be arrayed parallel to one another and enlace adjacent windings as depicted in Figure 5 but may also vary from one another and be more random, if desired.    </p>
+    <p id="p-16" num="16">Stretch Resistant Members <boundary-data type="header">
+        <confidence value="88">14</confidence>
+      </boundary-data>
+    </p>
+  </description>
+</us-patent-application>
+

prior_art/11148010.xml

@@ -0,0 +1,32 @@
+<?xml version="1.0" encoding="UTF-8"?>
+<pat:SpecificationDocument xmlns:pat="urn:us:gov:doc:uspto:patent" xmlns="urn:us:gov:doc:uspto:patent" xmlns:ent="urn:us:gov:doc:uspto:enterprise" xmlns:mml="http://www.w3.org/1998/Math/MathML" xmlns:tbl="http://www.oasis-open.org/tables/exchange/1.0" xmlns:xsi="http://www.w3.org/2001/XMLSchema-instance" xmlns:com="http://www.wipo.int/standards/XMLSchema/Common/1" pat:instanceFileName="11148010.04-30-2013.HG5OQJB6PXXIFW4.SPEC.xml" pat:id="HG5OQJB6PXXIFW4" xsi:schemaLocation="urn:us:gov:doc:uspto:patent XMLSchema/V1_3/SpecificationDocument_1_0.xsd">
+<pat:DocumentCode>SPEC</pat:DocumentCode><pat:DocumentHeaderDetails pat:id="ID-00001">
+<pat:ApplicationHeaderDetails><pat:ApplicationNumber>11148010</pat:ApplicationNumber></pat:ApplicationHeaderDetails>
+<pat:PageTotalQuantity>1</pat:PageTotalQuantity>
+<pat:ParagraphTotalQuantity>14</pat:ParagraphTotalQuantity>
+</pat:DocumentHeaderDetails>
+<pat:MailRoomDate>2013-04-30</pat:MailRoomDate>
+<pat:Specification pat:id="Specification">
+<?PageStart number="1"?>
+<pat:P pat:id="p-1" pat:pNumber="1"><pat:OCRConfidenceData pat:levelNumber="85">Ck</pat:OCRConfidenceData>ange(s) <pat:OCRConfidenceData pat:levelNumber="6666688">applied</pat:OCRConfidenceData> to document, <pat:OCRConfidenceData pat:levelNumber="14111">/CI-U</pat:OCRConfidenceData>     Application/Control Number: 11/148,010                                   Page 2 <pat:PartName pat:idref="PN-00001"><pat:OCRConfidenceData pat:levelNumber="881268662">2/28/2015</pat:OCRConfidenceData> Art Unit: </pat:PartName><pat:PartNumber pat:id="PN-00001">2142</pat:PartNumber></pat:P>
+<pat:Heading pat:id="h-1">EXAMINER'S AMENDMENT</pat:Heading>
+<pat:P pat:id="p-2" pat:pNumber="2">1.    An examiner's amendment to the record appears below. Should the changes and/or additions be unacceptable to applicant, an <pat:PartName pat:idref="PN-00002">amendment may be filed as provided by </pat:PartName><pat:PartNumber pat:id="PN-00002">37</pat:PartNumber> CFR 1.312. To ensure consideration of such an amendment, it MUST be submitted no later than the payment of the issue fee.</pat:P>
+<pat:P pat:id="p-3" pat:pNumber="3">Authorization for this examiner's amendment was given in a telephone interview with Page Ponsford on 9/20/201<pat:OCRConfidenceData pat:levelNumber="88">2.</pat:OCRConfidenceData></pat:P>
+<pat:P pat:id="p-4" pat:pNumber="4">The application has been amended as follows:</pat:P>
+<pat:P pat:id="p-5" pat:pNumber="5"><pat:PatentImage com:orientationCategory="Portrait" pat:imageWrappingStyleCategory="In front of text">
+<com:ImageFormatCategory>SVG</com:ImageFormatCategory>
+<com:ImageFileName>11148010.04-30-2013.HG5OQJB6PXXIFW4.SPEC.1.svg</com:ImageFileName>
+<com:HeightMeasure com:measureUnitCode="In">0.16</com:HeightMeasure>
+<com:WidthMeasure com:measureUnitCode="In">1.03</com:WidthMeasure>
+<com:ColourModeCategory>Black and white</com:ColourModeCategory></pat:PatentImage></pat:P>
+<pat:P pat:id="p-7" pat:pNumber="7">[0001]      The subject matter of the invention is generally related to the following joined owned and co-pending patent applications, each incorporated by reference in its entirety:</pat:P>
+<pat:P pat:id="p-8" pat:pNumber="8">[0002] U.S. Provisional patent application serial no. 60/583,125, for "Procedurally Expressing Graphic Objects for Web Pages," filed Jun. 25, 2004 (P3489);</pat:P>
+<pat:P pat:id="p-9" pat:pNumber="9">[0003] U.S. Utility patent application serial no. 10/874,829, for "User Interface for Assisting in the Installation of an <pat:PartName pat:idref="PN-00003">Asset," filed Jun. </pat:PartName><pat:PartNumber pat:id="PN-00003">22</pat:PartNumber>, 2004;</pat:P>
+<pat:P pat:id="p-10" pat:pNumber="10">[0004] U.S. Utility Application serial no. 11/145,561, for "Presenting Clips of Content", filed June 3, 2005, to Scott Forstall and Imran Chaudhri;</pat:P>
+<pat:P pat:id="p-11" pat:pNumber="11">[0005] U.S. Utility Application serial no. 11/145,560, for "Webview Applications", filed June 3, 2005, to Scott Forstall and Imran Chaudhri; and.</pat:P>
+<pat:P pat:id="p-12" pat:pNumber="12">[0006] U.S. Utility Application serial no. 11/145,023, for "Clipview Applications", filed June 3, 2005, to Scott Forstall and Imran Chaudhri.</pat:P>
+<pat:Heading pat:id="h-2"><pat:OCRConfidenceData pat:levelNumber="866">105</pat:OCRConfidenceData></pat:Heading>
+<pat:P pat:id="p-13" pat:pNumber="13">Please replace paragraph [0<pat:OCRConfidenceData pat:levelNumber="121">M43</pat:OCRConfidenceData>], with the following amended paragraph:</pat:P>
+<pat:Heading pat:id="h-3"><pat:OCRConfidenceData pat:levelNumber="866">105</pat:OCRConfidenceData></pat:Heading>
+<pat:P pat:id="p-14" pat:pNumber="14"><pat:OCRConfidenceData pat:levelNumber="884">[01</pat:OCRConfidenceData>45]      In one embodiment, an <pat:PartName pat:idref="PN-00004">online store or free distribution site is provided for making widgets </pat:PartName><pat:PartNumber pat:id="PN-00004">303</pat:PartNumber> <pat:PartName pat:idref="PN-00005">available. Available widgets </pat:PartName><pat:PartNumber pat:id="PN-00005">303</pat:PartNumber> can be viewed, previewed, selected and</pat:P>
+</pat:Specification></pat:SpecificationDocument>

prior_art/11154749.xml

@@ -0,0 +1,38 @@
+<?xml version="1.0" encoding="utf-8"?>
+<!DOCTYPE us-patent-application SYSTEM "PATI-v1.0.3-2011-06-23.dtd">
+<us-patent-application lang="EN" dtd-version="v1.0.3 2011-06-23" id="us-patent-application" country="US">
+  <us-bibliographic-data-application lang="EN" country="US">
+    <application-reference appl-type="utility">
+      <document-id>
+        <doc-number>11154749</doc-number>
+        <date>2010-02-26</date>
+      </document-id>
+    </application-reference>
+  </us-bibliographic-data-application>
+  <description id="description">
+    <p id="p-1" num="1">Orrick Docket No. 700546.40<confidence value="88">15</confidence>
+ Patent     </p>
+    <heading id="h-1">IN THE SPECIFICATION</heading>
+    <p id="p-2" num="2">Please amend paragraph [0002] as follows.</p>
+    <p id="p-3" num="3">[0002] The present <confidence value="656">inv</confidence>
+enti<confidence value="5566666666666">on-disclosure</confidence>
+ relates generally to portable entertainment systems and more particularly, but not exclusively, to passenger entertainment systems for use in vehicles.    </p>
+    <p id="p-4" num="4">Please amend paragraph [0010] as follows.</p>
+    <p id="p-5" num="5">[0010]    Other aspects and features of the present <confidence value="22222222">iiwentie</confidence>
+ <confidence value="6">d</confidence>
+isclosure will become apparent from consideration of the following description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.    </p>
+    <p id="p-6" num="6">Please amend paragraph [0040] as follows.</p>
+    <p id="p-7" num="7">[0040]    It should be noted that the figures are not drawn to scale and that elements of similar structures or functions are generally represented by like reference numerals for illustrative purposes throughout the figures. It also should be noted that the figures are only intended to facilitate the description of the preferred embodiments of the present i<confidence value="458227425">iventien-</confidence>
+disclosure. The figures do not describe every aspect of the present i<confidence value="56842866866566666">nveion-disclosure</confidence>
+ and do not limit the scope of the <confidence value="6668246845">inven4ieRd</confidence>
+isclosure.    </p>
+    <p id="p-8" num="8">Please amend paragraph [0194] as follows.</p>
+    <p id="p-9" num="9">[0194]    The various embodiments disclosed herein are susceptible to various modifications and alternative forms, and specific examples thereof have been shown by way of example in the drawings and are herein described in detail. It should be understood, however, that the various embodiments disclosed herein are not to be limited to the particular forms or methods disclosed, but to the contrary, the i<confidence value="568858445">nventien-</confidence>
+disclosure is to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the spirit and scope of the claims.    </p>
+    <p id="p-10" num="10">OHS West:260754476.<confidence value="8">1</confidence>
+                     <confidence value="5">_</confidence>
+ 700546-4015 D2<confidence value="66885">S/D2S</confidence>
+     </p>
+  </description>
+</us-patent-application>
+

prior_art/11154879.xml

@@ -0,0 +1,384 @@
+<?xml version="1.0" encoding="utf-8"?>
+<!DOCTYPE us-patent-application SYSTEM "PATI-v1.0.3-2011-06-23.dtd">
+<us-patent-application lang="EN" dtd-version="v1.0.3 2011-06-23" id="us-patent-application" country="US">
+  <us-bibliographic-data-application lang="EN" country="US">
+    <application-reference appl-type="utility">
+      <document-id>
+        <doc-number>11154879</doc-number>
+        <date>2005-06-16</date>
+      </document-id>
+    </application-reference>
+  </us-bibliographic-data-application>
+  <description id="description">
+    <boundary-data type="header">Atty. Docket: 11985.002</boundary-data>
+    <boundary-data type="header">Express Mail Label No.: EV 436 429 322 US</boundary-data>
+    <heading id="h-1">SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR PROVID<confidence value="8">I</confidence>
+NG SECURE ACCESS TO AN    </heading>
+    <heading id="h-2">ELECTRONIC DEVICE US<confidence value="8">I</confidence>
+NG FACIAL BIOMETRICS    </heading>
+    <heading id="h-3">TECHNICAL FIELD</heading>
+    <p id="p-1" num="1">
+      <boundary-data type="line-number">
+        <confidence value="8">5</confidence>
+                                      </boundary-data>
+This invention relates in general to electronic security and more particularly to a method using facial biometrics to continuously authenticate a user for controlling access to an electronic device.    </p>
+    <heading id="h-4">BACKGROUND</heading>
+    <p id="p-2" num="2">
+      <boundary-data type="line-number">10                                  </boundary-data>
+Many electronic devices such as personal computers, mobile devices including phones and personal digital assistants (PDAs) use some form of authentication, typically a password that must be input into the device to gain access. The password is most often typed onto a keyboard or other interface which then allows the user to gain partial or full <boundary-data type="line-number">15   </boundary-data>
+access to the utility of the device and/or network. A problem associated with using passwords is that they are ti<confidence value="8">m</confidence>
+e consuming and inconvenient for the user to enter. Users often use informal passwords or share their password with others <confidence value="8">w</confidence>
+hich works to compromise system security. These practices negate the password's value and make it difficult to have an accurate auditing of access. Moreover, passwords are expensive to <boundary-data type="line-number">20   </boundary-data>
+administer when forgotten or misplaced. Although the use of other types of security access systems such as voice recognition, fingerprint recognition or iris scans have been implemented, these types of systems require a different procedure to access and use the device. These techniques also require a specific and time-consuming enrollment process in order to be operational.    </p>
+    <p id="p-3" num="3">
+      <boundary-data type="line-number">25          </boundary-data>
+Additionally, radio frequency (RF), infrared (IR), and ultrasonic transmitter devices have also been used as proximity-type devices to allow access when the transmitter is in a predetermined range of the device. The problem associated with these types of systems is the transmitter must be continuously worn or otherwise carried by the user. Should the transmitter signal be lost, misplaced or become inoperative, the user <part-num-ref name="user">30</part-num-ref>
+   will no longer have any access to the device. Moreover, if another user has possession of <boundary-data type="header">
+        <confidence value="888">-1-</confidence>
+      </boundary-data>
+      <page-break num="2"/>
+      <boundary-data type="header">Atty. Docket: 11985.002</boundary-data>
+      <boundary-data type="header">Express Mail Label No.: EV 436 429 322 US</boundary-data>
+the transmitter, the other user gains full access to the device. Obviously, this can lead to all types of security issues should the transmitter be lost or stolen.    </p>
+    <p id="p-4" num="4">Finally, biometric authentication using facial recognition is also often used to gain access to electronic devices. U.S Patent No. 6,853,739 to Kyle and U.S.<confidence value="5">-</confidence>
+Patent <boundary-data type="line-number">5   </boundary-data>
+No. 6,724,919 to Akiyama et al., which are both herein incorporated by reference, disclose examples of identity verification systems wherein a database is employed to compare facial features of a user to those in the pre-established database. Once a comparison is made, then authentication is verified and access is granted to the system.    </p>
+    <p id="p-5" num="5">The disadvantage of this type of system is the requirement of a separate and specific <boundary-data type="line-number">10   </boundary-data>
+enrollment procedure by the user to create the database. As with this type of facial recognition system and others in the prior art, the database must be populated before being used; otherwise, the system will not operate. This puts an unnecessary burden on the system operator, requiring detailed education on the steps to populate the database before the system may become operational. Additionally, this type of security system <boundary-data type="line-number">15   </boundary-data>
+does not permit the automatic updating of the database to accommodate changes in head position, user features (such as different glasses), a change in the camera's operational characteristics, lighting and other environmental factors. This can limit the speed, accuracy, and even the success of database matching (recognition). Also, these prior art facial recognition and other biometric systems operate only at the instant of <boundary-data type="line-number">20   </boundary-data>
+authentication.    </p>
+    <p id="p-6" num="6">Thus, these systems have no way of confirming the identity of the user even milliseconds after the actual authentication. The device has no way of knowing when a user has stepped away from the device, leaving the device unsecured. Existing methods of locking based on inactivity of data entry, such as keyboard or mouse activity, do not <boundary-data type="line-number">25   </boundary-data>
+provide the needed flexibility. If they are set to lock on a very short delay, the user is locked out as the user is using the device. Conversely, if the delays are set long enough to not impact the user, the device is vulnerable to unauthorized access when the user steps away.    </p>
+    <boundary-data type="header">
+      <confidence value="888">-2-</confidence>
+    </boundary-data>
+    <boundary-data type="header">Atty. Docket: 11985.002</boundary-data>
+    <boundary-data type="header">Express Mail Label No.: EV 436 429 322 US</boundary-data>
+    <p id="p-7" num="7">
+      <page-break num="3"/>
+Hence, the need exists to provide a system and method for providing secure access to an electronic device using facial recognition that provides continuous authentication, no special enrollment process, automatic updates to the biometric database to improve recognition performance and multi-factor authentication while not <boundary-data type="line-number">5   </boundary-data>
+requiring unnecessary data processing. The recognition system and method should be capable of running on devices requiring relatively low computing power so as to provide an inexpensive and responsive approach to providing biometric user authentication with a high level of security.    </p>
+    <heading id="h-5">BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS</heading>
+    <p id="p-8" num="8">
+      <boundary-data type="line-number">10                    </boundary-data>
+FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing the topology of the system and method of the invention wherein a camera is used to provide user system authentication.    </p>
+    <p id="p-9" num="9">FIG. 2 is a flow chart diagram illustrating an overview of the method using facial biometrics.</p>
+    <p id="p-10" num="10">
+      <boundary-data type="line-number">15         </boundary-data>
+FIG. 3 is a flow chart diagram illustrating a continuous authentication routine used in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.    </p>
+    <p id="p-11" num="11">FIG. 4 is a flow chart diagram illustrating a back-ti<confidence value="5">m</confidence>
+ing process used with the automatic database in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.    </p>
+    <p id="p-12" num="12">FIG. 5 is a flow chart diagram illustrating facial feature tracking and a delayed <boundary-data type="line-number">20   </boundary-data>
+lock subroutine as used in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.    </p>
+    <p id="p-13" num="13">FIG. 6 is a flow chart diagram illustrating an alternative embodiment to the biometric authentication and delayed lock routine shown in FIG. 5 as used in accordance with the invention.</p>
+    <heading id="h-6">DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT</heading>
+    <p id="p-14" num="14">
+      <boundary-data type="line-number">25           </boundary-data>
+The invention closes a fundamental security hole that exists in many forms of existing security authentication for all types of electronic devices that require secure access. Existing security methods only confirm the user at the moment the user enters his or her password, scans his or her fingerprint, or iris, etc. The system has no ability to <boundary-data type="header">
+        <confidence value="888">-3-</confidence>
+      </boundary-data>
+      <page-break num="4"/>
+      <boundary-data type="header">Atty. Docket: 11985.002</boundary-data>
+      <boundary-data type="header">Express Mail Label No.: EV 436 429 322 US</boundary-data>
+discern whether the current user is the same individual who authenticated even a few milliseconds earlier. This leaves the device completely unsecured and vulnerable until it is logged off or locked. It only takes a few moments for persons having malicious intent to steal and/or delete data from a device fromwhich the user has already logged in. The <boundary-data type="line-number">5   </boundary-data>
+existing solution is to require the user to manually lock/logoff, or create user inactivity timers to lock or logoff a user.    </p>
+    <p id="p-15" num="15">In addition, most information technology (IT) organizations resist change because they prefer not to risk changes that would affect their existing hardware/software systems. Also, they prefer not to expend the support costs necessary for implementing a <boundary-data type="line-number">10   </boundary-data>
+solution. Support costs. for training users and answering help desk questions can be significant factors. The present invention automates the database creation in way that is transparent to the end user. The invention requires little training with minimal "help desk" costs. The invention utilizes an auto-enrollment feature that permits the device to automatically update a database to constantly improve the quality of the user recognition.    </p>
+    <p id="p-16" num="16">
+      <boundary-data type="line-number">15   </boundary-data>
+In contrast, current biometric products require a special set of steps to establish and update the database. In some cases, these steps can be performed by the user only after a learning orientation. In many cases, an IT administrator must work with the user to actually train the database before it can be used in the system.    </p>
+    <p id="p-17" num="17">Security compliance is also a major problem often requiring users to manually <boundary-data type="line-number">20   </boundary-data>
+lock or logoff their computers when stepping away from them. This process is time consuming, cumbersome and is secondary to the user's purpose in using the computer.    </p>
+    <p id="p-18" num="18">Moreover, locking or logging off requires the user to enter a password when the user returns to the device which is a major inconvenience. Unless rigorously enforced, users will typically ignore the proper security procedures. Short of direct observation, there is <boundary-data type="line-number">25   </boundary-data>
+essentially no way for a system administrator to confirm that users are properly following a prescribed security policy.    </p>
+    <p id="p-19" num="19">One impractical solution has often involved the use of a timer. The timer works by locking the device when there is no peripheral activity within a predetermined time period. As will be recognized by those skilled in the art, the peripherals may include, but <boundary-data type="header">-4-</boundary-data>
+      <page-break num="5"/>
+      <boundary-data type="header">Atty. Docket: 11985.002</boundary-data>
+      <boundary-data type="header">Express Mail Label No.: EV 436 429 322 US</boundary-data>
+are not limited to, a mouse, keyboard or touch screen. If a timer is set to a short enough duration to reasonably close a security hole when the user steps away, the device will lock when the user is reviewing data on the screen. The user is then constantly inputting his or her credentials each time the system locks or logs the user off. This causes <boundary-data type="line-number">5   </boundary-data>
+frustration for the user and greatly reduces productivity. As a result, typical inactivity times are at least 2-5 minutes, which provides a huge window of vulnerability. In addition, inactivity timers are ineffective. All an unauthorized user must do is access the system within the timer period. After that, the unauthorized user can continue working indefinitely.    </p>
+    <p id="p-20" num="20">
+      <boundary-data type="line-number">10         </boundary-data>
+The system and method of the present invention directly address these compliance issues by automating the process, thus ensuring complete compliance. Since the process is automated and transparent to the operator, user acceptance is very high. The users find the system is more convenient to use than before the installation of the present invention.    </p>
+    <p id="p-21" num="21">Additionally, system audit logs showing persons who accessed the device are now <boundary-data type="line-number">15   </boundary-data>
+accurate because of this continuous authentication security process. The invention operates by instantly locking/logging off when the user is out of view of the device and then unlocking as soon as the user reappears in front of the computer.    </p>
+    <p id="p-22" num="22">Referring now to FIG. 1, the system as used in accordance with the present invention includes an electronic device <part-num-ref name="electronic device">101</part-num-ref>
+ including, but not limited to, a personal <boundary-data type="line-number">20   </boundary-data>
+computer, mobile telephone, alpha numeric paging device, personal digital assistant (PDA), electronic gaming device or the like which require some type of authentication to gain access to the utility of the device <part-num-ref name="device">101.</part-num-ref>
+ A camera <part-num-ref name="camera">105</part-num-ref>
+ may also be used to add an additional level of security to the device where the camera is used in connection with the device <part-num-ref name="device">101</part-num-ref>
+ to populate an internal database <part-num-ref name="internal database">107</part-num-ref>
+ with a plurality of image vectors. The <boundary-data type="line-number">25   </boundary-data>
+camera provides substantially real-time images and typically runs at a rate of approximately 5-10 frames per second for continuously supplying digital image data to the electronic device <part-num-ref name="electronic device">101.</part-num-ref>
+ The camera is used in connection with an optional facial feature tracking software typically used within the device that works to track the movement of the user's face while in a position in front of the camera. Thus, as the user <boundary-data type="header">
+        <confidence value="888">-5-</confidence>
+      </boundary-data>
+      <page-break num="6"/>
+      <boundary-data type="header">Atty. Docket: 11985.002</boundary-data>
+      <boundary-data type="header">Express Mail Label No.: EV 436 429 322 US</boundary-data>
+moves his head back and forth or side to side while using the device, the software used in connection with the camera will track this facial movement to allow continuous authentication while using low CPU and device resources <part-num-ref name="camera will track this facial movement to allow continuous authentication while using low CPU and device resources">113.</part-num-ref>
+    </p>
+    <p id="p-23" num="23">Those skilled in the art will recognize that the camera <part-num-ref name="camera">105</part-num-ref>
+ may be integrated into <boundary-data type="line-number">5   </boundary-data>
+the electronic device <part-num-ref name="electronic device">101</part-num-ref>
+ or it may stand alone as an accessory or peripheral, sending image data to the electronic device through a wired or wireless connection. As described in connection with the preferred method of the invention, a microprocessor <part-num-ref name="microprocessor">109</part-num-ref>
+ is then used with a comparator <part-num-ref name="comparator">1<confidence value="5">1</confidence>
+1      </part-num-ref>
+ for making a determination whether images continuously supplied by the camera <part-num-ref name="camera">105</part-num-ref>
+ are human facial images. If a human facial image is detected, <boundary-data type="line-number">10   </boundary-data>
+it is determined whether this image matches any of those stored in the database <part-num-ref name="database">107</part-num-ref>
+ from previous user sessions. Each vector represents a numerical representation of a digital image sent from the camera <part-num-ref name="camera">105</part-num-ref>
+ to the electronic device <part-num-ref name="electronic device">101.</part-num-ref>
+ As will be discussed herein, the electronic device <part-num-ref name="electronic device">101</part-num-ref>
+ makes a comparison between a vector established in the database <part-num-ref name="database">107</part-num-ref>
+ with a current vector provided by the camera <part-num-ref name="camera">105.</part-num-ref>
+ When a match is <boundary-data type="line-number">15   </boundary-data>
+affirmatively established and the user is authenticated, the system <part-num-ref name="system">100</part-num-ref>
+ may be configured to allow a user either full or limited access to the electronic device <part-num-ref name="electronic device">101.</part-num-ref>
+    </p>
+    <p id="p-24" num="24">FIG. 2 is a flow cha<confidence value="8">r</confidence>
+t diagram illustrating an overview of the facial biometri<confidence value="8">c</confidence>
+ method <part-num-ref name="facial biometric method">100</part-num-ref>
+ of an embodiment of the present invention. Although this method is depicted as a sequence in FIG. 2, it will be evident to those skilled in the art that other <boundary-data type="line-number">20   </boundary-data>
+iterations and definitions are possible without departing from the spirit and scope of the present method. These methods may include, but are not limited to, two-dimensional <confidence value="885">(2D</confidence>
+), three-dimensional (3<confidence value="5">D</confidence>
+), IR and/or other facial recognition techniques. In the method for the facial biometric overview <part-num-ref name="facial biometric overview">200,</part-num-ref>
+ the initial startup process for logging on to the device is initiated <part-num-ref name="device is initiated">201,</part-num-ref>
+ and the device displays a screen <part-num-ref name="screen">203</part-num-ref>
+ allowing the user to <boundary-data type="line-number">25   </boundary-data>
+supply his or her login password or other authentication credentials. A video frame is received <part-num-ref name="video frame is received">205</part-num-ref>
+ from the camera associated with the device whereby the device then determines <part-num-ref name="device then determines">207</part-num-ref>
+ whether the image data received from the camera is a facial image using face detection. If it is not a facial image, the device then continues to wait <part-num-ref name="device then continues to wait">203</part-num-ref>
+ for the user's login credentials. However, if the image data is a facial image, a user alert timer is <boundary-data type="header">-6-</boundary-data>
+      <page-break num="7"/>
+      <boundary-data type="header">Atty. Docket: 11985.002</boundary-data>
+      <boundary-data type="header">Express Mail Label No.: EV 436 429 322 US</boundary-data>
+started <part-num-ref name="user alert timer is started">209.</part-num-ref>
+ The user alert timer is used to establish some predetermined time within which the user should be authenticated before a message is displayed to the user to request the user to manually input his or her credentials. The expiration of the user alert timer has no effect on authentication other than to recommend to the user to login <boundary-data type="line-number">5   </boundary-data>
+manually since the authentication process has exceeded an expected duration and the system would benefit from a database update. Thus, the camera frames continue to be evaluated even if the user is requested to enter a password. The system may be able to identify users as they are entering their credentials, speeding their access. So long as the user remains in front of the device, the system and method of the invention attempts to <boundary-data type="line-number">10   </boundary-data>
+perform a database match. Even after authentication has occurred, each camera frame is evaluated utilizing this continuous authentication feature.    </p>
+    <p id="p-25" num="25">After the image from the camera is converted to an image vector, the device then determines <part-num-ref name="device then determines">211</part-num-ref>
+ if the vector has any match to one already established in the database. If no match occurs and the user alert timer has not expired <part-num-ref name="user alert timer has not expired">221,</part-num-ref>
+ then the device continues to <boundary-data type="line-number">15   </boundary-data>
+process new incoming image vectors with those in the database to determine whether a match occurs. If the user alert timer has expired, the user is then requested <part-num-ref name="user is then requested">223</part-num-ref>
+ for his log-in credentials which may be input using a keyboard onto which the user can manually input a password or other credentials or, alternatively, another type of interface such as other biometric methods. Concurrently, the device continues to scan new incoming <boundary-data type="line-number">20   </boundary-data>
+images/vectors for a match to the database <part-num-ref name="database">211.</part-num-ref>
+ If at any time there is a match to the database <part-num-ref name="database">211,</part-num-ref>
+ the system will proceed to match to optional factors <part-num-ref name="system will proceed to match to optional factors">213.</part-num-ref>
+ If the credentials input by the user do not match those stored in the database, the process starts again whereby the device waits for initial login credentials from the user <part-num-ref name="user">203</part-num-ref>
+ and scanning for vectors continues. However, if the credentials do match those in the database and match <boundary-data type="line-number">25   </boundary-data>
+the optional factors authentication factors <part-num-ref name="optional factors authentication factors">213,</part-num-ref>
+ then the automatic database process is initiated which will be discussed with regard to FIG. 3. <confidence value="5">I</confidence>
+n the event that a match does occur between the current vector received from the camera and one stored in the database before the user alert timer <part-num-ref name="user alert timer">221</part-num-ref>
+ expires, then the user may be prompted for one or more additional authentication factors such as a pass phrase or a second password that provides <boundary-data type="header">
+        <confidence value="888">-7-</confidence>
+      </boundary-data>
+      <page-break num="8"/>
+      <boundary-data type="header">Atty. Docket: 11985.002</boundary-data>
+      <boundary-data type="header">Express Mail Label No.: EV 436 429 322 US</boundary-data>
+an optional additional factor for authentication. If the user fails to provide this pass phrase or if the pass phrase does not match that in the database, the system returns to the start, the user alert timer is reset and the initial logon screen <part-num-ref name="initial logon screen">203</part-num-ref>
+ is displayed.    </p>
+    <p id="p-26" num="26">Once the user is authenticated, the user is then granted access <part-num-ref name="user is then granted access">215</part-num-ref>
+ and logged into <boundary-data type="line-number">5   </boundary-data>
+the device for full or limited use of its features. An inventive aspect of the present invention, as compared to the prior art, is that the user is <part-num-ref name="user is">217</part-num-ref>
+ is continuously scanned and authenticated once the user has gained access. Those skilled in the art will recognize that this continuous authentication process enables the user to step away from the device, allowing the viewing screen to be disabled so images present on the screen or monitor are <boundary-data type="line-number">10   </boundary-data>
+no longer able<confidence value="1">-</confidence>
+to be viewed and data entry locked. Thus, text, images or other data presently displayed on the device may be easily secured when the user moves from the camera's field of view. Once the user again steps back into the camera's view, the method of the present invention provides for re-authentication of that user. Once re- authentication is established, the display and data entry are unlocked, allowing instant <boundary-data type="line-number">15   </boundary-data>
+access to the device in the same state as when the user stepped from view.    </p>
+    <p id="p-27" num="27">In typical use, while a personal computer is secured using this method, the application software running on the device is unaffected and continues to run on the device, although with no display. However, the method of the invention allows the user to select to what extent the device will be affected when the device becomes locked or <boundary-data type="line-number">20   </boundary-data>
+unlocked. Thus, the user may determine to have the device: <part-num-ref name="device:">1)</part-num-ref>
+ locked; <part-num-ref name="locked;">2)</part-num-ref>
+ unlocked;    </p>
+    <p id="p-28" num="28">3) logon on; or 4) logged off, using this method. The "locking" of the device provides a secure desktop without disconnecting the user from a document or email server and without shutting down any application software running on the device. The display, keyboard and/or mouse on the device may be disabled while the user is not present within <boundary-data type="line-number">25   </boundary-data>
+the camera<confidence value="8">'</confidence>
+s view. Once the user steps back into the field of view, the method provides for re-authentication. Once this security is reestablished, the device's display is again enabled for use. Hence, this process provides a simplified means of maintaining security of a personal computer or other device while the user is situated outside the camera's field of view. Since facial biometrics are used and the user is continuously authenticated, <boundary-data type="header">
+        <confidence value="888">-8-</confidence>
+      </boundary-data>
+      <page-break num="9"/>
+      <boundary-data type="header">Atty. Docket: 11985.002</boundary-data>
+      <boundary-data type="header">Express Mail Label No.: EV 436 429 322 US</boundary-data>
+the user can be assured that data displayed on the device and access to the network will be secure when the user steps away from a work station for a moment or longer periods of time.    </p>
+    <p id="p-29" num="29">FIG. 3 is a flow chart diagram illustrating the continuous authentication routine as <boundary-data type="line-number">5   </boundary-data>
+briefly described in FIG. 2. The continuous authentication process is a key feature of the invention since it allows the user to be easy re-authenticated after stepping from the camera's field of view. The continuous authentication process <part-num-ref name="continuous authentication process">300</part-num-ref>
+ begins <part-num-ref name="begins">301</part-num-ref>
+ when an authenticated user is granted access and the device is unlocked <part-num-ref name="device is unlocked">303.</part-num-ref>
+ A biometric re- authentication or facial feature tracking routine is used to confirm <part-num-ref name="biometric re- authentication or facial feature tracking routine is used to confirm">305</part-num-ref>
+ that the user <boundary-data type="line-number">10   </boundary-data>
+remains present in the camera's field of view. Re-authentication of the user's face allows the highest degree of security while keeping the system unlocked. Conversely, Facial Feature tracking allows high security with low CPU resources by tracking the authenticated user's features. Facial Feature Tracking and continuous authentication is discussed herein with regard to FIG. 5.    </p>
+    <p id="p-30" num="30">
+      <boundary-data type="line-number">15          </boundary-data>
+If an authenticated user steps out of the field of view of the camera <part-num-ref name="camera">307,</part-num-ref>
+ an optional delayed locking timer process is initiated <part-num-ref name="optional delayed locking timer process is initiated">309.</part-num-ref>
+ The delayed locking timer process will be more fully described with regard to FIG. 5. After this process is complete, the device is locked <part-num-ref name="device is locked">311.</part-num-ref>
+ If a user does step into the field of view of the camera <part-num-ref name="camera">313,</part-num-ref>
+ a determination is made whether the optional fast unlock timer has expired <boundary-data type="line-number">20   </boundary-data>
+      <part-num-ref name="optional fast unlock timer has expired">315.</part-num-ref>
+ If used, the fast unlock timer is typically brief, usually 1-10 seconds. If the fast unlock timer has not expired, the device is unlocked <part-num-ref name="device is unlocked">335</part-num-ref>
+ with the presence of any face rather than the recognition of a specific face. If the fast lock timer has expired, the device resumes <part-num-ref name="device resumes">317</part-num-ref>
+ continuous biometric scanning for authentication. The u<confidence value="8">s</confidence>
+er alert timer is restarted <part-num-ref name="user alert timer is restarted">319,</part-num-ref>
+ and it is determined whether the image from the camera matches <part-num-ref name="camera matches">321</part-num-ref>
+ a <boundary-data type="line-number">25   </boundary-data>
+vector stored in the database. If the camera image does not match any stored image then it is determined whether the user alert timer has expired <part-num-ref name="user alert timer has expired">323.</part-num-ref>
+ If not, the process continues where the image is matched <part-num-ref name="image is matched">321</part-num-ref>
+ against those in the database. If the user alert timer has expired, biometric scanning and database matching continues and the current user is requested <part-num-ref name="current user is requested">325</part-num-ref>
+ for his or her authentication credentials. If there is a match, the <boundary-data type="header">
+        <confidence value="888">-9-</confidence>
+      </boundary-data>
+      <page-break num="10"/>
+      <boundary-data type="header">Atty. Docket: 11985.002</boundary-data>
+      <boundary-data type="header">Express Mail Label No.: EV 436 429 322 US</boundary-data>
+automatic database process is started <part-num-ref name="automatic database process is started">329</part-num-ref>
+ as more fully described in FIG 4. If a database match is made before the user enters his or her credentials but the user alert timer has expired, the automatic database process <part-num-ref name="automatic database process">329</part-num-ref>
+ is executed. At the completion of the automatic database process, the user will be considered authenticated. The system will <boundary-data type="line-number">5   </boundary-data>
+either unlock the device<confidence value="5">.</confidence>
+ <part-num-ref name="device.">335,</part-num-ref>
+ or optionally logoff an existing user <part-num-ref name="existing user">337</part-num-ref>
+ who had locked the computer. The system will then automatically log on the new user to the user's account without any additional authentication.    </p>
+    <p id="p-31" num="31">If an image does initially match one that is in the database <part-num-ref name="database">321,</part-num-ref>
+ the user may optionally be prompted <part-num-ref name="user may optionally be prompted">331</part-num-ref>
+ for additional authentication factors such as a pass phrase or <boundary-data type="line-number">10   </boundary-data>
+other type of password. If there is no match for the additional authentication factors, the ongoing biometric scanning is continued <part-num-ref name="ongoing biometric scanning is continued">317.</part-num-ref>
+ If there is a match, a determination <part-num-ref name="determination">333</part-num-ref>
+ is made whether this is the existing authenticated user who may have just momentarily stepped from the field of view. If it is the existing authenticated user, the device is unlocked <part-num-ref name="device is unlocked">335.</part-num-ref>
+ If it is not the existing user, the device may be configured to log off <part-num-ref name="device may be configured to log off">337</part-num-ref>
+ <boundary-data type="line-number">15   </boundary-data>
+the existing user and start the initial log-in process <part-num-ref name="initial log-in process">301</part-num-ref>
+ at which point the continuous authentication routine is completed <part-num-ref name="continuous authentication routine is completed">339.</part-num-ref>
+    </p>
+    <p id="p-32" num="32">FIG. 4 is a flow chart diagram illustrating the process for populating the database together with a back timer process <part-num-ref name="back timer process">400</part-num-ref>
+ that can be used to improve the quality of the vectors in the database. The automatic database is a process by which the system <boundary-data type="line-number">20   </boundary-data>
+database will be created or updated while a user uses the system and enters a password, or a database match occurred after the user alert timer expired. Although a password may initially be required, an objective of the automatic database is to permit the data to be populated through actual use rather than a specific enrollment procedure, whereby a user can eventually stop using password authentication and the method of the invention can be <boundary-data type="line-number">25   </boundary-data>
+employed to authenticate using facial biometric data. By updating the database whenever it has taken too long a period of time for the database matching, the quality of the database is improved and the amount of time for subsequent database matches decreases.    </p>
+    <p id="p-33" num="33">This also accommodates the various physical changes to a user's face over time, including ageing, changes in glasses, color of the skin (tanning), the<confidence value="5">-</confidence>
+ position of the user's <boundary-data type="header">
+        <confidence value="8">-</confidence>
+ <confidence value="888">10-</confidence>
+      </boundary-data>
+      <page-break num="11"/>
+      <boundary-data type="header">Atty. Docket: 11985.002</boundary-data>
+      <boundary-data type="header">Express Mail Label No.: EV 436 429 322 US</boundary-data>
+head relative to the camera, changing camera characteristic, and various environmental conditions including lighting. The purpose of the back timer process is to update the database with one or more images from a time previous to the actual recognition or authentication event. This permits the system to acquire higher quality images that <boundary-data type="line-number">5   </boundary-data>
+closely matc<confidence value="52">h-</confidence>
+the head position of the user when the user is first accessing the device.    </p>
+    <p id="p-34" num="34">The automatic database and back timer process starts 401 when a video frame is received <part-num-ref name="video frame is received">403</part-num-ref>
+ from the camera. The user alert timer is started <part-num-ref name="user alert timer is started">405</part-num-ref>
+ and a determination is made <part-num-ref name="determination is made">407</part-num-ref>
+ whether the image is a facial image. If it is not a facial image, the routine <confidence value="222222">retums</confidence>
+ to receiving a video <part-num-ref name="video">403.</part-num-ref>
+ Once a facial image is detected, the video frame is <boundary-data type="line-number">10   </boundary-data>
+temporarily stored <part-num-ref name="video frame is temporarily stored">409</part-num-ref>
+ in memory along with a time stamp. The time stamp denotes the actual time the facial image was processed by the camera. A comparison is made <part-num-ref name="comparison is made">411</part-num-ref>
+ to determine whether the image matches another image vector in the database. If a match occurs, then the user is authenticated <part-num-ref name="user is authenticated">427.</part-num-ref>
+ If no match occurs, a determination is made <part-num-ref name="determination is made">413</part-num-ref>
+ whether the user alert timer has expired. If the user alert timer has not expired, the <boundary-data type="line-number">15   </boundary-data>
+image is then reviewed <part-num-ref name="image is then reviewed">407</part-num-ref>
+ to determine whether it is a facial image. If the user alert timer has expired, the user is requested <part-num-ref name="user is requested">415</part-num-ref>
+ for the user's name and password, pass phrase or the like. If the user is not authenticated with the correct credentials <part-num-ref name="correct credentials">417,</part-num-ref>
+ the image is again reviewed <part-num-ref name="image is again reviewed">407</part-num-ref>
+ to determine whether it is a facial image. If the user is authenticated, then images from memory are acquired <part-num-ref name="user is authenticated, then images from memory are acquired">419</part-num-ref>
+ based on the actual <boundary-data type="line-number">20   </boundary-data>
+authentication time less the back timer value. Since video frames are still received <part-num-ref name="back timer value. Since video frames are still received">403</part-num-ref>
+ and database matching <part-num-ref name="and database matching">411</part-num-ref>
+ continues while the user is requested to enter his or her credentials, the system may make a database match and proceed to User Authenticated <part-num-ref name="database match and proceed to User Authenticated">407</part-num-ref>
+ even as the user is entering his or her credentials. It is next determined <part-num-ref name="user is entering his or her credentials. It is next determined">421</part-num-ref>
+ whether the user has preexisting images in the database. If the user does not have a preexisting <boundary-data type="line-number">25   </boundary-data>
+image in the database, a new database is created <part-num-ref name="new database is created">423</part-num-ref>
+ for that user. Subsequently, once the new database is created or preexisting images are available, the acquired images are added <part-num-ref name="acquired images are added">425</part-num-ref>
+ to the user's database. The user is then authenticated <part-num-ref name="user is then authenticated">427</part-num-ref>
+ and the process is completed <part-num-ref name="process is completed">429.</part-num-ref>
+    </p>
+    <boundary-data type="header">
+      <confidence value="8888">-11-</confidence>
+    </boundary-data>
+    <boundary-data type="header">Atty. Docket: 11985.002</boundary-data>
+    <boundary-data type="header">Express Mail Label No.: EV 436 429 322 US</boundary-data>
+    <p id="p-35" num="35">
+      <page-break num="12"/>
+FIG. <confidence value="5">5</confidence>
+ is a flow chart diagram illustrating a continuous facial feature tracking and delayed lock process <part-num-ref name="continuous facial feature tracking and delayed lock process">500</part-num-ref>
+ as used for the continuous authentication embodiment of the invention. The benefit of facial feature tracking as a method of continuous authentication is a substantially low central processing unit (CPU) load and high tolerance for the <boundary-data type="line-number">
+        <confidence value="5">5</confidence>
+         </boundary-data>
+position of the user's face relative to the camera. Since the system can lock or start a log off in a very short timer period, the delayed locking timer permits the user to set how quickly the system locks to match the user's usage requirements. This process operates immediately after initial authentication <part-num-ref name="user's usage requirements. This process operates immediately after initial authentication">215</part-num-ref>
+ until the device is locked or logged off. If this condition exists, the system will remain unlocked if there is tracking of the user's <boundary-data type="line-number">10   </boundary-data>
+face or any mouse or keyboard activity. This can be desirable as the locking/logoff action may occur too quickly. Once the mouse or keyboard activity is no longer detected, the method of the invention provides an optional predetermined time period before the device will be locked<confidence value="5">.</confidence>
+ If the user's face returns to the field of view or if keyboard/mouse activity is restarted before an inactivity timer expires, then the device will not lock and <boundary-data type="line-number">15   </boundary-data>
+the timer is reset.    </p>
+    <p id="p-36" num="36">More specifically, the process starts <part-num-ref name="process starts">501</part-num-ref>
+ when an authenticated user is granted access to the device which is unlocked <part-num-ref name="device which is unlocked">503.</part-num-ref>
+ A video frame is received from the camera <part-num-ref name="camera">505</part-num-ref>
+ and one or more tracking dots are placed <part-num-ref name="and one or more tracking dots are placed">507</part-num-ref>
+ on the prominent features of the user's face. The number of tracking dots are then counted <part-num-ref name="number of tracking dots are then counted">509</part-num-ref>
+ and a determination is made <part-num-ref name="determination is made">511</part-num-ref>
+ <boundary-data type="line-number">20   </boundary-data>
+of how many tracking dots are present. If tracking dots meet a minimum threshold, then the process begins again, where the user has been granted access <part-num-ref name="user has been granted access">503</part-num-ref>
+ and the device remains unlocked. If the number of tracking dots is below the minimum threshold, the delay locking timer is started <part-num-ref name="delay locking timer is started">513.</part-num-ref>
+ The process for using the delayed locking timer is more fully described with regard to FIG. 6. It is next determined <part-num-ref name="delayed locking timer is more fully described with regard to FIG. 6. It is next determined">515</part-num-ref>
+ whether there is <boundary-data type="line-number">25   </boundary-data>
+any mouse, keyboard <confidence value="5">o</confidence>
+r other peripheral activity such as activity on a touch screen. If there is no activity, the process begins again <part-num-ref name="process begins again">503</part-num-ref>
+ with the authenticated user having access to an unlocked device. If there is activity on the mouse or keyboard, it is determined <part-num-ref name="mouse or keyboard, it is determined">517</part-num-ref>
+ whether the delay locking timer <part-num-ref name="delay locking timer">519</part-num-ref>
+ has expired. If the delayed locking <boundary-data type="header">
+        <confidence value="8">-</confidence>
+ <confidence value="88">12</confidence>
+ <confidence value="8">-</confidence>
+      </boundary-data>
+      <page-break num="13"/>
+      <boundary-data type="header">Atty. Docket: 11985.002</boundary-data>
+      <boundary-data type="header">Express Mail Label No.: EV 436 429 322 US</boundary-data>
+ti<confidence value="8">m</confidence>
+er has not expired, the process is restarted <part-num-ref name="process is restarted">503.</part-num-ref>
+ If the locking timer has expired, the device is locked <part-num-ref name="device is locked">529</part-num-ref>
+ and the process is completed <part-num-ref name="process is completed">521.</part-num-ref>
+    </p>
+    <p id="p-37" num="37">FIG. 6 illustrates a Continuous Biometric Authentication &amp; Delayed Locking flow chart diagram which is an alternative embodiment to the Continuous Facial Feature <boundary-data type="line-number">
+        <confidence value="5">5</confidence>
+         </boundary-data>
+Tracking and Delayed Lock process <part-num-ref name="Continuous Facial Feature Tracking and Delayed Lock process">500</part-num-ref>
+ as shown in FIG. 5. Although the method described in FIG. 6 is very similar to the tracking feature described in FIG. 5, continuous biometric authentication provides theoretically better security because it is constantly reconfirming the user. In practice the continuous facial feature tracking can lock the system so rapidly that it would be difficult for a new user to replace the existing user <boundary-data type="line-number">10   </boundary-data>
+before the system locks. Matching database vectors for continuous biometric authentication is very CPU-intensive, and it requires a more consistent placement of the user's face in front of the camera. These two factors make continuous biometric authentication less desirable in many environments and devices. An alternative implementation would include a combination of both Continuous Biometric <boundary-data type="line-number">15   </boundary-data>
+Authentication and Continuous Facial Feature Tracking where facial feature tracking is performed the majority of the time and Biometric Authentication is run at periodic intervals.    </p>
+    <p id="p-38" num="38">In FIG. 6, a continuous biometric authentication and the delayed lock process <part-num-ref name="delayed lock process">600</part-num-ref>
+ are used. The process is started <part-num-ref name="process is started">601</part-num-ref>
+ when the user has been granted access <part-num-ref name="user has been granted access">603</part-num-ref>
+ to an <boundary-data type="line-number">20   </boundary-data>
+unlocked device. A video frame from the camera is received <part-num-ref name="camera is received">605</part-num-ref>
+ and it is determined whether the image matches the authenticated user. If the images do not match, the process begins again with the user continuing access <part-num-ref name="user continuing access">603</part-num-ref>
+ to an unlocked device. If the image does not match that of an authenticated user, a delayed lock timer is started <part-num-ref name="delayed lock timer is started">609</part-num-ref>
+ and it is determined <part-num-ref name="and it is determined">611</part-num-ref>
+ whether there is any mouse or keyboard activity. If no activity is <boundary-data type="line-number">25   </boundary-data>
+present and the delayed lock timer <part-num-ref name="delayed lock timer">613</part-num-ref>
+ has expired the device will lock or log off <part-num-ref name="device will lock or log off">615</part-num-ref>
+ and the routine will finish <part-num-ref name="routine will finish">617.</part-num-ref>
+ If there is no activity <part-num-ref name="routine will finish 617. If there is no activity">611</part-num-ref>
+ and the delayed locking timer has not expired <part-num-ref name="delayed locking timer has not expired">613,</part-num-ref>
+ the device begins again <part-num-ref name="device begins again">603.</part-num-ref>
+ If there is activity <part-num-ref name="device begins again 603. If there is activity">611</part-num-ref>
+ or the delayed locking timer <part-num-ref name="delayed locking timer">613</part-num-ref>
+ has not expired, the process begins again <part-num-ref name="process begins again">603.</part-num-ref>
+    </p>
+    <boundary-data type="header">
+      <confidence value="8">-</confidence>
+ <confidence value="88">13</confidence>
+ <confidence value="8">-</confidence>
+    </boundary-data>
+    <boundary-data type="header">Atty. Docket: 11985.002</boundary-data>
+    <boundary-data type="header">Express Mail Label No.: EV 436 429 322 US</boundary-data>
+    <p id="p-39" num="39">
+      <page-break num="14"/>
+Thus the system and method of the invention provide fast, simple, and secure access to a personal computer or other electronic device that requires security. The invention uses a camera to continually provide digital images to the electronic device.    </p>
+    <p id="p-40" num="40">These images are then compared with those in a database to provide continuous <boundary-data type="line-number">5   </boundary-data>
+authentication while the user is within the camera's field of view. The invention reduces and/or eliminates the need for a password while providing the user high-level security to text, images, network access, other data or the functionality of the device itself.    </p>
+    <p id="p-41" num="41">While the preferred embodiments of the invention have been illustrated and described, it will be clear that the invention is not so limited. Numerous modifications, <boundary-data type="line-number">10   </boundary-data>
+changes, variations, substitutions and equivalents will occur to those skilled in the art without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention as defined by -the appended claims. As used herein, the terms "comprises," "comprising," or any other variation thereof, are intended to cover a non-exclusive inclusion, such that a process, method, article, or apparatus that comprises a list of elements does not include only those <boundary-data type="line-number">15   </boundary-data>
+elements but may include other elements not expressly listed or inherent to such process, method, article, or apparatus.    </p>
+    <boundary-data type="header">
+      <confidence value="8">-</confidence>
+ <confidence value="88">14</confidence>
+ <confidence value="8">-</confidence>
+    </boundary-data>
+  </description>
+</us-patent-application>
+

prior_art/11186515.xml

@@ -0,0 +1,688 @@
+<?xml version="1.0" encoding="utf-8"?>
+<!DOCTYPE us-patent-application SYSTEM "PATI-v1.0.3-2011-06-23.dtd">
+<us-patent-application lang="EN" dtd-version="v1.0.3 2011-06-23" id="us-patent-application" country="US">
+  <us-bibliographic-data-application lang="EN" country="US">
+    <application-reference appl-type="utility">
+      <document-id>
+        <doc-number>11186515</doc-number>
+        <date>2005-07-21</date>
+      </document-id>
+    </application-reference>
+  </us-bibliographic-data-application>
+  <description id="description">
+    <heading id="h-1">DATA CLOCK RECOVERY SYSTEM AND METHOD EMPLOYING PHASE</heading>
+    <heading id="h-2">SHIFTING RELATED TO LAG OR LEAD TIME</heading>
+    <heading id="h-3">BACKGROUND</heading>
+    <p id="p-1" num="1">
+      <confidence value="5">[</confidence>
+0001<confidence value="5">]</confidence>
+      In virtually all communication systems, data is transferred from a transmitting node of the communication system to a receiving node over a communication path. Such a path may be a wired or wireless connection between the communicating nodes. In many of these systems, the data take the form of a digital signal transferred at a substantially constant rate over the connection. Normally, the data signal presents a series of binary digits ("bits") that represent the digital information being transmitted to form a serial communication path. Further, several such series of bits transferred simultaneously may form a multi-channel, parallel communication connection.    </p>
+    <p id="p-2" num="2">[0002]      Some communication systems also supply a data clock signal over the same connection to provide timing information for the data signal. Typically, the data signal is sampled, or "clocked," at each logic "low" to logic "high" transition of the data clock to identify each bit being transferred. However, other communication systems do not provide a clock signal along with the data signal over the connection, instead relying on the receiving node's knowledge of the transfer rate of the data signal to allow proper interpretation of the data signal.</p>
+    <p id="p-3" num="3">[0003<confidence value="5">]</confidence>
+      Unfortunately, drift of the data signal frequency, variations in the frequency of a local oscillator from which the data clock is derived, and similar problems may cause the receiving node to improperly clock the data signal. To counteract such problems, the receiving node is often equipped with a data clock recovery system to help ensure proper sampling of the data signal.    </p>
+    <p id="p-4" num="4">
+      <confidence value="5">[</confidence>
+0004<confidence value="5">]</confidence>
+      One example of such a system <part-num-ref name="system">100</part-num-ref>
+ is shown in Fig. 1. A data sampler <part-num-ref name="data sampler">102</part-num-ref>
+ samples an input data stream <part-num-ref name="input data stream">110</part-num-ref>
+ received over a communication system connection by way of a data clock <part-num-ref name="data clock">112,</part-num-ref>
+ resulting in a sampled input data stream <part-num-ref name="sampled input data stream">114</part-num-ref>
+ for use by the receiving node. The data sampler <part-num-ref name="data sampler">102</part-num-ref>
+ also compares the phase of the input data stream <part-num-ref name="input data stream">110</part-num-ref>
+ with the data clock <part-num-ref name="data clock">112</part-num-ref>
+ to generate a phase difference signal <part-num-ref name="phase difference signal">118</part-num-ref>
+ indicating when the data clock <part-num-ref name="data clock">112</part-num-ref>
+ is sampling the input data stream <part-num-ref name="input data stream">110</part-num-ref>
+ during each bit of the input data stream <part-num-ref name="input data stream">110</part-num-ref>
+ to yield the sampled input data stream <part-num-ref name="sampled input data stream">114.</part-num-ref>
+    </p>
+    <p id="p-5" num="5">
+      <page-break num="2"/>
+Typically, the data clock <part-num-ref name="data clock">112</part-num-ref>
+ is configured to sample the input data stream <part-num-ref name="input data stream">110</part-num-ref>
+ at substantially the midpoint between transitions of the input data stream <part-num-ref name="input data stream">110</part-num-ref>
+ to help avoid sampling while the input data stream <part-num-ref name="input data stream">110</part-num-ref>
+ is transitioning between logic states.    </p>
+    <p id="p-6" num="6">The midpoint is often selected as the preferred phase of the data clock <part-num-ref name="data clock">112.</part-num-ref>
+    </p>
+    <p id="p-7" num="7">Oftentimes, one or more versions of the data clock <part-num-ref name="data clock">112</part-num-ref>
+ of varying phase in addition to the data clock <part-num-ref name="data clock">112</part-num-ref>
+ are supplied to the data sampler <part-num-ref name="data sampler">102</part-num-ref>
+ to sample the input data stream <part-num-ref name="input data stream">110</part-num-ref>
+ at multiple points during each transferred bit to determine whether the data clock <part-num-ref name="data clock">112</part-num-ref>
+ transitions are being generated early ("leading") or late ("lagging") compared to the preferred phase.    </p>
+    <p id="p-8" num="8">
+      <confidence value="5">[</confidence>
+0005<confidence value="5">]</confidence>
+      In the particular implementation of Fig. 1, the various versions of the data clock <part-num-ref name="data clock">112</part-num-ref>
+ are derived from a multiphase local clock <part-num-ref name="multiphase local clock">116</part-num-ref>
+ originating in the receiving node. These phases are shown in the timing diagram of Fig. 2 as CP<confidence value="5">O</confidence>
+-CP3, thus indicating that the multiphase clock <part-num-ref name="multiphase clock">116</part-num-ref>
+ provides four phases spaced <part-num-ref name="provides four phases spaced">90</part-num-ref>
+ degrees apart. In addition, other phases of the local clock <part-num-ref name="local clock">116</part-num-ref>
+ (indicated as CI<confidence value="4">0</confidence>
+1-C<confidence value="5">I</confidence>
+03, C<confidence value="5428">Ill-</confidence>
+ <confidence value="864">CI1</confidence>
+3, C<confidence value="5">I</confidence>
+21-C<confidence value="5">I</confidence>
+23, and C<confidence value="5">I</confidence>
+31-C<confidence value="5">I</confidence>
+33) are generated by way of a phase interpolator <part-num-ref name="phase interpolator">108</part-num-ref>
+ driven by the local clock <part-num-ref name="local clock">116.</part-num-ref>
+ In the particular example of Fig. 2, sixteen total phases are supplied by the phase interpolator <part-num-ref name="phase interpolator">108,</part-num-ref>
+ which employs one of these phases as the data clock <part-num-ref name="data clock">112</part-num-ref>
+ to produce the sampled data input stream <part-num-ref name="sampled data input stream">114.</part-num-ref>
+    </p>
+    <p id="p-9" num="9">
+      <confidence value="5">[</confidence>
+0006<confidence value="5">]</confidence>
+      The phase difference signal <part-num-ref name="phase difference signal">118</part-num-ref>
+ generated by the data sampler <part-num-ref name="data sampler">102</part-num-ref>
+ indicates the phase relationship between the data clock <part-num-ref name="data clock">112</part-num-ref>
+ and the input data stream <part-num-ref name="input data stream">110,</part-num-ref>
+ thus signifying whether the data clock <part-num-ref name="data clock">112</part-num-ref>
+ is leading or lagging its preferred phase. In turn, a counter <part-num-ref name="counter">104</part-num-ref>
+ takes the phase difference signal <part-num-ref name="phase difference signal">118</part-num-ref>
+ as input to produce a phase count <part-num-ref name="phase count">120,</part-num-ref>
+ which accumulates the phase indications provided by the phase difference signal <part-num-ref name="phase difference signal">118.</part-num-ref>
+ More specifically, for each bit period in which the data clock <part-num-ref name="data clock">112</part-num-ref>
+ lags its preferred phase, the counter <part-num-ref name="counter">104</part-num-ref>
+ increments the phase count <part-num-ref name="phase count">120</part-num-ref>
+ by one.    </p>
+    <p id="p-10" num="10">Conversely, for each bit period in which the data clock <part-num-ref name="data clock">112</part-num-ref>
+ leads the preferred phase, the counter <part-num-ref name="counter">104</part-num-ref>
+ decrements the phase count <part-num-ref name="phase count">120</part-num-ref>
+ by one.    </p>
+    <p id="p-11" num="11">
+      <confidence value="5">[</confidence>
+0007]      In further reference to Fig. 1, a threshold comparator <part-num-ref name="threshold comparator">106</part-num-ref>
+ compares the phase count <part-num-ref name="phase count">120</part-num-ref>
+ with a threshold value. The threshold value is typically utilized to prevent unnecessary adjustments in the phase of the data clock <part-num-ref name="data clock">112</part-num-ref>
+ in reaction to noise or temporary phase misalignment between the data clock <part-num-ref name="data clock">112</part-num-ref>
+ and the input data<confidence value="2">'</confidence>
+ stream <part-num-ref name="input data' stream">110.</part-num-ref>
+ If the phase count <part-num-ref name="phase count">120</part-num-ref>
+ exceeds the threshold, or falls below the negative <boundary-data type="header">
+        <confidence value="8">2</confidence>
+      </boundary-data>
+      <page-break num="3"/>
+of the threshold, the threshold comparator <part-num-ref name="threshold comparator">106</part-num-ref>
+ produces a pulse on a phase shift signal <part-num-ref name="phase shift signal">122</part-num-ref>
+ to either advance or delay the phase of the data clock <part-num-ref name="data clock">112,</part-num-ref>
+ depending on the sign of the phase count <part-num-ref name="phase count">120.</part-num-ref>
+ Once the pulse on the phase shift sign <part-num-ref name="phase shift sign">122</part-num-ref>
+ is generated, the counter <part-num-ref name="counter">104</part-num-ref>
+ resets the phase count <part-num-ref name="phase count">120</part-num-ref>
+ to zero. In one example, the phase shift signal <part-num-ref name="phase shift signal">122</part-num-ref>
+ includes two separate signal lines, with one line providing pulses to delay the phase of the data clock <part-num-ref name="data clock">112</part-num-ref>
+ by a portion of a period, and another line supplying pulses to advance the phase of the data clock <part-num-ref name="data clock">112</part-num-ref>
+ by a portion of a period.    </p>
+    <p id="p-12" num="12">[0008<confidence value="5">]</confidence>
+      The phase shift signal <part-num-ref name="phase shift signal">122</part-num-ref>
+ is accepted as input by the phase interpolator <part-num-ref name="phase interpolator">108,</part-num-ref>
+ described above, to drive the data clock <part-num-ref name="data clock">112</part-num-ref>
+ with the appropriate phase of the local clock <part-num-ref name="local clock">116</part-num-ref>
+ or any of its interpolated phases, as depicted in Fig. 2. For example, if the data clock <part-num-ref name="data clock">112</part-num-ref>
+ is currently derived from interpolated clock phase C<confidence value="5">I</confidence>
+22, and the phase shift signal <part-num-ref name="phase shift signal">122</part-num-ref>
+ indicates that the phase of the data clock <part-num-ref name="data clock">112</part-num-ref>
+ utilized to produce the sampled input data stream <part-num-ref name="sampled input data stream">114</part-num-ref>
+ should be delayed, the phase interpolator <part-num-ref name="phase interpolator">108</part-num-ref>
+ begins deriving the data clock <part-num-ref name="data clock">112</part-num-ref>
+ from interpolated clock phase C<confidence value="5">I</confidence>
+23. Adjusting the phase in this manner allows the rising transitions of the data clock <part-num-ref name="data clock">112</part-num-ref>
+ to more closely align with the midpoint of each bit period of the input data stream <part-num-ref name="input data stream">110.</part-num-ref>
+    </p>
+    <p id="p-13" num="13">
+      <confidence value="5">[</confidence>
+0009<confidence value="5">]</confidence>
+      Fig. 3 presents an idealized timing diagram of a particular scenario in which the frequency of the input data stream <part-num-ref name="input data stream">110</part-num-ref>
+ is slightly higher than that of the data clock <part-num-ref name="data clock">112,</part-num-ref>
+ thus requiring a continuing adjustment in the phase of the data clock <part-num-ref name="data clock">112.</part-num-ref>
+ The phase difference signal <part-num-ref name="phase difference signal">118</part-num-ref>
+ indicates during each period of the data clock <part-num-ref name="data clock">112</part-num-ref>
+ whether the data clock <part-num-ref name="data clock">112</part-num-ref>
+ leads or lags its preferred phase, wherein the rising edge of the data clock <part-num-ref name="data clock">112</part-num-ref>
+ is aligned midway between input data stream <part-num-ref name="is aligned midway between input data stream">110</part-num-ref>
+ transitions. The preferred phase in this example is shown by way of vertical dotted lines in Fig. 3. Due to the frequency difference, each bit period displayed shows the data clock <part-num-ref name="data clock">112</part-num-ref>
+ lagging its preferred phase. Accordingly, the phase count <part-num-ref name="phase count">120</part-num-ref>
+ counts from zero past a threshold value of <part-num-ref name="threshold value of">64,</part-num-ref>
+ at which point the threshold comparator <part-num-ref name="threshold comparator">106</part-num-ref>
+ generates a pulse on the phase shift signal <part-num-ref name="phase shift signal">122</part-num-ref>
+ to advance the phase of the data clock <part-num-ref name="data clock">112</part-num-ref>
+ by one of the interpolated phases of the phase interpolator <part-num-ref name="phase interpolator">108.</part-num-ref>
+ The counter <part-num-ref name="counter">104</part-num-ref>
+ also resets the phase count <part-num-ref name="phase count">120</part-num-ref>
+ to zero. Since the data clock <part-num-ref name="data clock">112</part-num-ref>
+ still lags its preferred phase, as indicated by the phase difference signal <part-num-ref name="phase difference signal">118</part-num-ref>
+ from the data sampler <part-num-ref name="data sampler">102,</part-num-ref>
+ the counter <part-num-ref name="counter">104</part-num-ref>
+ increments the phase count <part-num-ref name="phase count">120</part-num-ref>
+ once per bit period from zero past the threshold. At that point, the threshold comparator <part-num-ref name="threshold comparator">106</part-num-ref>
+ issues another pulse on the <boundary-data type="header">
+        <confidence value="8">3</confidence>
+      </boundary-data>
+      <page-break num="4"/>
+phase shift signal <part-num-ref name="phase shift signal">122</part-num-ref>
+ to advance the data clock <part-num-ref name="data clock">112</part-num-ref>
+ another step. The counter <part-num-ref name="counter">104</part-num-ref>
+ is reset once again, and the process continues in this fashion to maintain the phase of the data clock <part-num-ref name="data clock">112</part-num-ref>
+ at or near its preferred phase.    </p>
+    <p id="p-14" num="14">[0010]      However, greater frequency differences between the input data stream <part-num-ref name="input data stream">110</part-num-ref>
+ and the data clock <part-num-ref name="data clock">112</part-num-ref>
+ may prevent the data clock <part-num-ref name="data clock">112</part-num-ref>
+ from maintaining its preferred phase, as the rate at which the phase of the data clock <part-num-ref name="data clock">112</part-num-ref>
+ is adjusted is limited. More specifically, due to the effect of the threshold and the updating of the phase of the data clock <part-num-ref name="data clock">112</part-num-ref>
+ once per cycle of the counter <part-num-ref name="counter">104,</part-num-ref>
+ the phase of the data clock <part-num-ref name="data clock">112</part-num-ref>
+ may be adjusted at most once per a number of bit periods equal to the threshold.    </p>
+    <heading id="h-4">SUMMARY</heading>
+    <p id="p-15" num="15">
+      <confidence value="5">[</confidence>
+0011]      One embodiment of the present invention provides a data clock recovery system for a communication system. A phase detector is configured to produce a first signal indicating whether a data clock lags or leads a preferred phase in relation to an input data stream. A phase controller is configured to process the first signal to shift a phase of the data clock toward the preferred phase at a rate positively related to a length of time the data clock lags or leads the preferred phase.    </p>
+    <p id="p-16" num="16">[0012]      In another embodiment of the invention, a method for recovering data clock information from a communication signal is provided. A first signal indicating whether a data clock lags or leads a preferred phase in relation to an input data stream is generated. A phase of the data clock is advanced at a rate positively related to a first length of time the first signal indicates the data clock lags the preferred phase.</p>
+    <p id="p-17" num="17">Conversely, the phase of the data clock is delayed at a rate positively related to a second length of time the first signal indicates the data clock leads the preferred phase.</p>
+    <p id="p-18" num="18">[0013<confidence value="5">]</confidence>
+      Additional embodiments and advantages of the present invention will be realized by those skilled in the art upon perusal of the following detailed description, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.    </p>
+    <heading id="h-5">BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS</heading>
+    <boundary-data type="header">
+      <confidence value="8">4</confidence>
+    </boundary-data>
+    <p id="p-19" num="19">
+      <page-break num="5"/>
+      <confidence value="66">[0</confidence>
+014<confidence value="5">]</confidence>
+      Fig. 1 is a block diagram of a data clock recovery system from the prior art.    </p>
+    <p id="p-20" num="20">
+      <confidence value="5">[</confidence>
+0015<confidence value="5">]</confidence>
+      Fig. 2 is a timing diagram of a multiphase clock generated by a phase interpolator of the data clock recovery system of Fig. 1 from the prior art.    </p>
+    <p id="p-21" num="21">[0016]      Fig. 3 is a simplified timing diagram illustrating the operation of the data clock recovery system of Fig. 1 from the prior art.</p>
+    <p id="p-22" num="22">[0017]      Fig. 4 is a block diagram of a data clock recovery system according to an embodiment of the invention.</p>
+    <p id="p-23" num="23">[0018]      Fig. 5 is a block diagram of a phase controller employed by the data clock recovery system of Fig. 4 according to a particular embodiment of the invention.</p>
+    <p id="p-24" num="24">[0019]      Fig. 6 is a simplified timing diagram illustrating the operation of the data clock recovery system of Fig. 4 employing the phase controller of Fig. 5 according to an embodiment of the invention.</p>
+    <p id="p-25" num="25">[0020]      Fig. 7 is a flow chart of a method for recovering clock information from a communication signal according to an embodiment of the invention.</p>
+    <p id="p-26" num="26">[0021]      Fig. 8 is a flow chart of delaying or advancing a phase of a data clock employed in the method of Fig. 7 according to an embodiment of the invention.</p>
+    <heading id="h-6">DETAILED DESCRIPTION</heading>
+    <p id="p-27" num="27">[0022]      One embodiment of a data clock recovery system <part-num-ref name="data clock recovery system">200</part-num-ref>
+ is presented in Fig. 4. Generally, a phase detector <part-num-ref name="phase detector">202</part-num-ref>
+ is configured to produce a first signal <part-num-ref name="first signal">214</part-num-ref>
+ indicating whether a data clock <part-num-ref name="data clock">212</part-num-ref>
+ lags or leads a preferred phase in relation to an input data stream <part-num-ref name="input data stream">210.</part-num-ref>
+ In one embodiment, the input data stream <part-num-ref name="input data stream">210</part-num-ref>
+ is received over a communication system connection or path. Also, in one implementation, the preferred phase of the data clock <part-num-ref name="data clock">212</part-num-ref>
+ is a midpoint between logical transitions of the input data stream <part-num-ref name="input data stream">210.</part-num-ref>
+ The system <part-num-ref name="system">200</part-num-ref>
+ also includes a phase controller <part-num-ref name="phase controller">300</part-num-ref>
+ configured to process the first signal <part-num-ref name="first signal">214</part-num-ref>
+ to shift the phase of the data clock <part-num-ref name="data clock">212</part-num-ref>
+ toward the preferred phase at a rate positively related to a length of time the data <boundary-data type="header">
+        <confidence value="8">5</confidence>
+      </boundary-data>
+      <page-break num="6"/>
+clock lags or leads the preferred phase. In other words, the rate of the phase shift of the data clock <part-num-ref name="data clock">212</part-num-ref>
+ generally increases while the data clock <part-num-ref name="data clock">212</part-num-ref>
+ continues to lag or lead the preferred phase.    </p>
+    <p id="p-28" num="28">[0023]      In one embodiment, the phase of the data clock <part-num-ref name="data clock">212</part-num-ref>
+ is to be adjusted via the phase controller <part-num-ref name="phase controller">300</part-num-ref>
+ to sample the input data stream <part-num-ref name="input data stream">210</part-num-ref>
+ once per bit period substantially at the midpoint between transitions of the input data stream <part-num-ref name="input data stream">210</part-num-ref>
+ in order to avoid sampling at or near logic state transitions of the input data stream <part-num-ref name="input data stream">210.</part-num-ref>
+ In one particular implementation, an additional version of the data clock <part-num-ref name="data clock">212,</part-num-ref>
+ separated in phase from the data clock <part-num-ref name="data clock">212</part-num-ref>
+ by <part-num-ref name="by">180</part-num-ref>
+ degrees, is supplied by the phase controller <part-num-ref name="phase controller">300</part-num-ref>
+ to the phase detector <part-num-ref name="phase detector">202</part-num-ref>
+ to sample the input data stream <part-num-ref name="input data stream">210</part-num-ref>
+ at or near the logic transitions of the input data stream <part-num-ref name="input data stream">210.</part-num-ref>
+ Use of this additional phase allows the phase detector <part-num-ref name="phase detector">202</part-num-ref>
+ to compare the input data stream <part-num-ref name="input data stream">210</part-num-ref>
+ near its logic transitions and midway between to help determine whether the data clock <part-num-ref name="data clock">212</part-num-ref>
+ leads or lags the midpoint of the current bit period of the input data stream <part-num-ref name="input data stream">210.</part-num-ref>
+ In alternative embodiments, more versions the data clock <part-num-ref name="data clock">212</part-num-ref>
+ of varying phase may be employed to provide more detailed information concerning the phase difference between the data clock <part-num-ref name="data clock">212</part-num-ref>
+ and the input data stream <part-num-ref name="input data stream">210.</part-num-ref>
+    </p>
+    <p id="p-29" num="29">
+      <confidence value="5">[</confidence>
+0024<confidence value="5">]</confidence>
+      In one embodiment, the first signal <part-num-ref name="first signal">214</part-num-ref>
+ produced by the phase detector <part-num-ref name="phase detector">202</part-num-ref>
+ generates a pulse once per data clock <part-num-ref name="pulse once per data clock">212</part-num-ref>
+ period that indicates whether the data clock <part-num-ref name="data clock">212</part-num-ref>
+ leads or lags the midpoint of the corresponding input data stream <part-num-ref name="corresponding input data stream">210</part-num-ref>
+ bit period. In one particular implementation, the first signal <part-num-ref name="first signal">214</part-num-ref>
+ is employed on two separate signal lines, one line which carries logic pulses indicating the data clock <part-num-ref name="data clock">212</part-num-ref>
+ leads the midpoint, and one line which carries logic pulses indicating the data clock <part-num-ref name="data clock">212</part-num-ref>
+ lags the midpoint. Many other methods for implementing the first signal <part-num-ref name="first signal">214</part-num-ref>
+ may be employed in alternative implementations.    </p>
+    <p id="p-30" num="30">[0025]      In one embodiment, the phase detector <part-num-ref name="phase detector">202</part-num-ref>
+ may determine the relative phase of the data clock <part-num-ref name="data clock">212</part-num-ref>
+ compared to its preferred phase once per period. In alternative embodiments, the data sampler may make this determination less often, such as once every two or more data clock <part-num-ref name="data sampler may make this determination less often, such as once every two or more data clock">212</part-num-ref>
+ cycles.    </p>
+    <p id="p-31" num="31">[0026]      Fig. 5 illustrates one particular example of the phase controller <part-num-ref name="phase controller">300</part-num-ref>
+ according to an embodiment of the invention. A first counter <part-num-ref name="first counter">302</part-num-ref>
+ generates a first <boundary-data type="header">
+        <confidence value="8">6</confidence>
+      </boundary-data>
+      <page-break num="7"/>
+count <part-num-ref name="first count">316</part-num-ref>
+ from the first signal <part-num-ref name="first signal">214.</part-num-ref>
+ The first counter <part-num-ref name="first counter">302,</part-num-ref>
+ in one particular implementation, counts pulses of the first signal <part-num-ref name="first signal">214</part-num-ref>
+ to generate the first count <part-num-ref name="first count">316.</part-num-ref>
+    </p>
+    <p id="p-32" num="32">More specifically, each pulse indicating the data clock <part-num-ref name="data clock">212</part-num-ref>
+ lags the midpoint of the input data stream <part-num-ref name="input data stream">210</part-num-ref>
+ may cause the first counter <part-num-ref name="first counter">302</part-num-ref>
+ to increment the first count <part-num-ref name="first count">316,</part-num-ref>
+ while each pulse denoting the data clock <part-num-ref name="data clock">212</part-num-ref>
+ lagging the midpoint may cause the first counter <part-num-ref name="first counter">302</part-num-ref>
+ to decrement the first count <part-num-ref name="first count">316.</part-num-ref>
+ In this case, the first count <part-num-ref name="first count">316</part-num-ref>
+ represents a running value generally indicating the relative phase of the data clock <part-num-ref name="data clock">212</part-num-ref>
+ and its preferred phase to help determine if any correction of the data clock <part-num-ref name="data clock">212</part-num-ref>
+ phase is necessary to maintain the data integrity of any data received from the input data stream <part-num-ref name="input data stream">210.</part-num-ref>
+    </p>
+    <p id="p-33" num="33">
+      <confidence value="5">[</confidence>
+0027<confidence value="5">]</confidence>
+      Continuing with Fig. 5, a threshold comparator <part-num-ref name="threshold comparator">304</part-num-ref>
+ is configured to activate a second signal <part-num-ref name="second signal">318</part-num-ref>
+ when the first count <part-num-ref name="first count">316</part-num-ref>
+ exceeds a threshold. In one embodiment, the threshold comparator <part-num-ref name="threshold comparator">304</part-num-ref>
+ compares each value of the first count <part-num-ref name="first count">316</part-num-ref>
+ against a threshold value. For example<confidence value="5">,</confidence>
+ in implementations in which the first count <part-num-ref name="first count">316</part-num-ref>
+ changes once per data clock <part-num-ref name="changes once per data clock">212</part-num-ref>
+ period, the threshold comparator <part-num-ref name="threshold comparator">304</part-num-ref>
+ may also perform the comparison once per data clock <part-num-ref name="comparison once per data clock">212</part-num-ref>
+ period. In alternative implementations, the first count <part-num-ref name="first count">316</part-num-ref>
+ may be updated less often, thus allowing the comparison to occur at a lower frequency.    </p>
+    <p id="p-34" num="34">[0028]      If the first count <part-num-ref name="first count">316</part-num-ref>
+ exceeds the threshold, the second signal <part-num-ref name="second signal">318</part-num-ref>
+ is activated, and the first counter <part-num-ref name="first counter">302</part-num-ref>
+ is reset, thus returning the first count <part-num-ref name="first count">316</part-num-ref>
+ to a zero value. In one embodiment, activation occurs by way of a pulse indicating a direction for shifting the phase of the data clock <part-num-ref name="data clock">212</part-num-ref>
+ being generated for each data clock <part-num-ref name="being generated for each data clock">212</part-num-ref>
+ period in which the first count <part-num-ref name="first count">316</part-num-ref>
+ exceeds the threshold. For example, two signal lines may be employed for the second signal <part-num-ref name="second signal">318</part-num-ref>
+ such that pulses on one line indicate advancing the phase of the data clock <part-num-ref name="data clock">212,</part-num-ref>
+ while pulses on the other line indicate delaying the phase. In that case, a positive value of the first count <part-num-ref name="first count">316</part-num-ref>
+ that exceeds the threshold causes a pulse of the second signal <part-num-ref name="second signal">318</part-num-ref>
+ indicating advancement of the data clock <part-num-ref name="data clock">212</part-num-ref>
+ phase. Similarly, the absolute value of a negative first count <part-num-ref name="negative first count">316</part-num-ref>
+ that exceeds the threshold generates a pulse of the second signal <part-num-ref name="second signal">318</part-num-ref>
+ indicating a desired delay in the phase of the data clock <part-num-ref name="data clock">212.</part-num-ref>
+    </p>
+    <p id="p-35" num="35">[0029]      Generally, the first counter <part-num-ref name="first counter">302</part-num-ref>
+ and the threshold comparator <part-num-ref name="threshold comparator">304</part-num-ref>
+ operate in tandem as a filter to prevent shifting the phase of the data clock <part-num-ref name="data clock">212</part-num-ref>
+ based <boundary-data type="header">
+        <confidence value="8">7</confidence>
+      </boundary-data>
+      <page-break num="8"/>
+upon each indication of the first signal <part-num-ref name="first signal">214.</part-num-ref>
+ More specifically, a pattern of the data clock <part-num-ref name="data clock">212</part-num-ref>
+ leading or lagging the midpoint of several bit periods of the input data stream <part-num-ref name="input data stream">210</part-num-ref>
+ may be required before activation of the second signal <part-num-ref name="second signal">318.</part-num-ref>
+ In one embodiment, the threshold may range in value from <part-num-ref name="threshold may range in value from">64</part-num-ref>
+ to <part-num-ref name="to">128.</part-num-ref>
+ Without such filtering, slight alterations in phase difference between the data clock <part-num-ref name="data clock">212</part-num-ref>
+ and its preferred phase may cause unnecessary adjustments in the phase of the data clock <part-num-ref name="data clock">212.</part-num-ref>
+    </p>
+    <p id="p-36" num="36">
+      <confidence value="5">[</confidence>
+0030<confidence value="5">]</confidence>
+      Unlike the phase shift signal <part-num-ref name="phase shift signal">122</part-num-ref>
+ of the data clock recovery system <part-num-ref name="data clock recovery system">100</part-num-ref>
+ of Fig. 1, each pulse of the second signal <part-num-ref name="second signal">318</part-num-ref>
+ of the phase controller <part-num-ref name="phase controller">300</part-num-ref>
+ does not directly indicate one increment of phase shift as provided by a phase interpolator.    </p>
+    <p id="p-37" num="37">Instead, the second signal <part-num-ref name="second signal">318</part-num-ref>
+ drives the remainder of the phase controller <part-num-ref name="phase controller">300,</part-num-ref>
+ which processes the second signal <part-num-ref name="second signal">318</part-num-ref>
+ to shift the phase of the data clock <part-num-ref name="data clock">212</part-num-ref>
+ at a rate positively related to the length of time the second signal <part-num-ref name="second signal">318</part-num-ref>
+ indicates the data clock <part-num-ref name="data clock">212</part-num-ref>
+ leads or lags the input data stream <part-num-ref name="input data stream">210.</part-num-ref>
+ As described above, the second signal <part-num-ref name="second signal">318</part-num-ref>
+ indicates this lagging or leading by way of the first signal <part-num-ref name="first signal">214.</part-num-ref>
+ In one implementation, for each pulse of the second signal <part-num-ref name="second signal">318,</part-num-ref>
+ the phase of the data clock <part-num-ref name="data clock">212</part-num-ref>
+ may be shifted one or more phase increments, as is described in greater detail below.    </p>
+    <p id="p-38" num="38">[003<confidence value="86">1]</confidence>
+      The second signal <part-num-ref name="second signal">318</part-num-ref>
+ drives a second counter <part-num-ref name="second counter">306</part-num-ref>
+ which counts the number of pulses of the second signal <part-num-ref name="second signal">318</part-num-ref>
+ to generate a second count <part-num-ref name="second count">320.</part-num-ref>
+ More specifically, for each pulse of the second signal <part-num-ref name="second signal">318</part-num-ref>
+ that indicates advancing the phase of the data clock <part-num-ref name="data clock">212,</part-num-ref>
+ the second count <part-num-ref name="second count">320</part-num-ref>
+ is incremented by one, while a pulse of the second signal <part-num-ref name="second signal">318</part-num-ref>
+ that indicates delaying the phase of the data clock <part-num-ref name="data clock">212</part-num-ref>
+ causes the second count <part-num-ref name="second count">320</part-num-ref>
+ to be <confidence value="222222222222">decreniented</confidence>
+ by one.    </p>
+    <p id="p-39" num="39">[0032]      The second count <part-num-ref name="second count">320</part-num-ref>
+ drives a frequency synthesizer <part-num-ref name="frequency synthesizer">308</part-num-ref>
+ for generating a third signal <part-num-ref name="third signal">322</part-num-ref>
+ with pulses exhibiting a frequency positively related with the absolute value of the second count <part-num-ref name="second count">320.</part-num-ref>
+ In one embodiment, the frequency<confidence value="8">f</confidence>
+ <confidence value="88">is</confidence>
+ proportional to the absolute value of the second count 320:    </p>
+    <p id="p-40" num="40">
+      <confidence value="5">[</confidence>
+0033<confidence value="6">]</confidence>
+      <confidence value="6">f</confidence>
+ <confidence value="56">oc</confidence>
+ <confidence value="2">l</confidence>
+2nd _ count <boundary-data type="header">
+        <confidence value="8">8</confidence>
+      </boundary-data>
+      <page-break num="9"/>
+[0034]     In a further embodiment, the frequency is the absolute value of the second count <part-num-ref name="second count">320</part-num-ref>
+ multiplied by a programmable constant such that the overall frequency of the third signal <part-num-ref name="third signal">322</part-num-ref>
+ in response to the second count <part-num-ref name="second count">320</part-num-ref>
+ may be altered:    </p>
+    <p id="p-41" num="41">
+      <confidence value="5">[</confidence>
+0035]      f = (programmable <confidence value="8">_</confidence>
+ const) x <confidence value="2">|</confidence>
+2nd <confidence value="5">_</confidence>
+count<confidence value="2">|</confidence>
+ <confidence value="2">-</confidence>
+    [0036]     Such alteration impacts how quickly the phase controller <part-num-ref name="phase controller">300</part-num-ref>
+ modifies the phase of the data clock <part-num-ref name="data clock">212</part-num-ref>
+ in response to any sustained leading or lagging of the data clock <part-num-ref name="data clock">212</part-num-ref>
+ phase, thus enhancing the stability of the response of the phase controller <part-num-ref name="phase controller">300</part-num-ref>
+ to phase changes between the input data stream <part-num-ref name="input data stream">210</part-num-ref>
+ and the data clock <part-num-ref name="data clock">212.</part-num-ref>
+ In one embodiment, the frequency synthesizer <part-num-ref name="frequency synthesizer">308</part-num-ref>
+ generates at least one pulse for the third signal <part-num-ref name="third signal">322</part-num-ref>
+ per pulse of the second signal <part-num-ref name="second signal">318.</part-num-ref>
+ As a result, higher absolute values of the second count <part-num-ref name="second count">320</part-num-ref>
+ result in multiple pulses of the third signal <part-num-ref name="third signal">322</part-num-ref>
+ per a number of data clock <part-num-ref name="number of data clock">212</part-num-ref>
+ periods equal to the threshold. In a particular implementation, the third signal <part-num-ref name="third signal">322</part-num-ref>
+ may be comprised of two signal lines such that pulses on one line indicate advancing the phase of the data clock <part-num-ref name="data clock">212,</part-num-ref>
+ while pulses on the other line indicate delaying the phase. As a result, a positive value of the second count <part-num-ref name="second count">320</part-num-ref>
+ causes pulses of the third signal <part-num-ref name="third signal">322</part-num-ref>
+ to indicate advancement of the data clock <part-num-ref name="data clock">212</part-num-ref>
+ phase. Similarly, a negative second count <part-num-ref name="negative second count">320</part-num-ref>
+ causes the generation of pulses of the second signal <part-num-ref name="second signal">318</part-num-ref>
+ indicating a desired delay in the phase of the data clock <part-num-ref name="data clock">212.</part-num-ref>
+ Accordingly, a second count <part-num-ref name="second count">320</part-num-ref>
+ of zero creates no pulses in the third signal <part-num-ref name="third signal">322.</part-num-ref>
+    </p>
+    <p id="p-42" num="42">
+      <confidence value="5">[</confidence>
+0037]     In one embodiment, the frequency synthesizer <part-num-ref name="frequency synthesizer">308</part-num-ref>
+ is also driven by a local clock <part-num-ref name="local clock">326</part-num-ref>
+ supplied by a local clock generator <part-num-ref name="local clock generator">314.</part-num-ref>
+ In some cases, the local clock <part-num-ref name="local clock">304</part-num-ref>
+ may be a multiphase local clock similar to the multiphase local clock <part-num-ref name="multiphase local clock">116</part-num-ref>
+ shown earlier in Fig. 2.    </p>
+    <p id="p-43" num="43">[0038]     Referring again to Fig. 5, a pulse generator <part-num-ref name="pulse generator">310</part-num-ref>
+ employs the second signal <part-num-ref name="second signal">318</part-num-ref>
+ and the third signal <part-num-ref name="third signal">322</part-num-ref>
+ to generate a phase update signal <part-num-ref name="phase update signal">324.</part-num-ref>
+ In one embodiment, the phase update signal <part-num-ref name="phase update signal">324</part-num-ref>
+ exhibits a pulse for each pulse of the second signal <part-num-ref name="second signal">318</part-num-ref>
+ and the third signal <part-num-ref name="third signal">322</part-num-ref>
+ to drive a phase interpolator <part-num-ref name="phase interpolator">312.</part-num-ref>
+ In a particular embodiment, the phase update signal <part-num-ref name="phase update signal">324</part-num-ref>
+ is propagated on two separate signal lines, one carrying pulses indicating advancement of the data clock <part-num-ref name="data clock">212,</part-num-ref>
+ and one carrying pulses indicating delay of the data clock <part-num-ref name="data clock">212.</part-num-ref>
+    </p>
+    <boundary-data type="header">
+      <confidence value="8">9</confidence>
+    </boundary-data>
+    <p id="p-44" num="44">
+      <page-break num="10"/>
+      <confidence value="5">[</confidence>
+0039<confidence value="5">]</confidence>
+      In one particular implementation of the pulse generator <part-num-ref name="pulse generator">310,</part-num-ref>
+ the pulses of the second signal <part-num-ref name="second signal">318</part-num-ref>
+ and the third signal <part-num-ref name="third signal">322</part-num-ref>
+ are summed so that simultaneous arrival of pulses of the second signal <part-num-ref name="second signal">318</part-num-ref>
+ and the third signal <part-num-ref name="third signal">322</part-num-ref>
+ create a corresponding number of pulses for the phase update signal <part-num-ref name="phase update signal">324.</part-num-ref>
+ More specifically, if a pulse of the second signal <part-num-ref name="second signal">318</part-num-ref>
+ and a simultaneous pulse of the third signal <part-num-ref name="third signal">322</part-num-ref>
+ both indicate advancement or delay of the data clock <part-num-ref name="data clock">212,</part-num-ref>
+ two pulses of the phase update signal <part-num-ref name="phase update signal">324</part-num-ref>
+ indicating the corresponding direction of phase shift will be generated.    </p>
+    <p id="p-45" num="45">Similarly, if simultaneous pulses of the second signal <part-num-ref name="second signal">318</part-num-ref>
+ and the third signal <part-num-ref name="third signal">322</part-num-ref>
+ indicate shifting the data clock <part-num-ref name="data clock">212</part-num-ref>
+ in opposing directions (e.g., the second signal <part-num-ref name="second signal">318</part-num-ref>
+ indicates delaying the data clock <part-num-ref name="data clock">212,</part-num-ref>
+ while the third signal <part-num-ref name="third signal">322</part-num-ref>
+ denotes advancing the data clock 212), no pulses will be generated for the phase update signal <part-num-ref name="phase update signal">324</part-num-ref>
+ as a result. In summary, the action of the pulse generator <part-num-ref name="pulse generator">322</part-num-ref>
+ may be described by way of the truth table shown in Table 1:    </p>
+    <p id="p-46" num="46">Pulses of Phase  Second Signa<confidence value="6">l</confidence>
+ 318  Second Signa<confidence value="6">l</confidence>
+ <part-num-ref name="Second Signal">318</part-num-ref>
+  Second Signa<confidence value="6">l</confidence>
+ <part-num-ref name="Second Signal">318</part-num-ref>
+ Update Signal <part-num-ref name="Update Signal">324</part-num-ref>
+     = Advance           = Delay           = Zero Third Signa<confidence value="6">l</confidence>
+ <part-num-ref name="= Advance           = Delay           = Zero Third Signal">322</part-num-ref>
+    Two Advance No Pulses     One Advance Pulse <confidence value="8">=</confidence>
+ Advance           Pulses Third Signa<confidence value="6">l</confidence>
+ <part-num-ref name="Two Advance No Pulses     One Advance Pulse = Advance           Pulses Third Signal">322</part-num-ref>
+ No Pulses      Two Delay Pulses   One Delay Pulse <confidence value="8">=</confidence>
+ Delay Third Signa<confidence value="6">l</confidence>
+ <part-num-ref name="No Pulses      Two Delay Pulses   One Delay Pulse = Delay Third Signal">322</part-num-ref>
+ One Advance Pulse   One Delay Pulse      No Pulses <confidence value="8">=</confidence>
+ <confidence value="8">Z</confidence>
+ero Table 1: Pulse Generator <part-num-ref name="One Advance Pulse   One Delay Pulse      No Pulses = Zero Table 1: Pulse Generator">310</part-num-ref>
+ Truth Table [0040<confidence value="5">]</confidence>
+      In some embodiments of the invention, the pulses of the phase update signal <part-num-ref name="phase update signal">324</part-num-ref>
+ generated as a result of the third signal <part-num-ref name="third signal">322</part-num-ref>
+ provide a type of frequency shift of the data clock <part-num-ref name="data clock">212</part-num-ref>
+ to match the frequency of the input data stream <part-num-ref name="input data stream">210,</part-num-ref>
+ while pulses produced via the second signal <part-num-ref name="second signal">318</part-num-ref>
+ provide phase adjustment between the data clock <part-num-ref name="data clock">212</part-num-ref>
+ and the input data stream <part-num-ref name="input data stream">210.</part-num-ref>
+    </p>
+    <p id="p-47" num="47">
+      <confidence value="5">[</confidence>
+0041<confidence value="5">]</confidence>
+      In an alternative embodiment, the third signal <part-num-ref name="third signal">322</part-num-ref>
+ may be transferred directly to the phase interpolator <part-num-ref name="phase interpolator">312</part-num-ref>
+ as the phase update signal <part-num-ref name="phase update signal">324,</part-num-ref>
+ thus eliminating the requirement of a pulse generator <part-num-ref name="pulse generator">310.</part-num-ref>
+    </p>
+    <boundary-data type="header">
+      <confidence value="88">10</confidence>
+    </boundary-data>
+    <p id="p-48" num="48">
+      <page-break num="11"/>
+      <confidence value="5">[</confidence>
+0042<confidence value="5">]</confidence>
+      Each pulse of the phase update signal <part-num-ref name="phase update signal">324</part-num-ref>
+ instructs the phase interpolator <part-num-ref name="phase interpolator">312</part-num-ref>
+ to advance or delay the phase of the data clock <part-num-ref name="data clock">212</part-num-ref>
+ by one phase "step." In a further embodiment, the phase angle represented by a single step is determined by the number of clock phases provided by the phase interpolator <part-num-ref name="phase interpolator">312.</part-num-ref>
+ In one example, the phase interpolator <part-num-ref name="phase interpolator">312</part-num-ref>
+ may be driven by a local clock <part-num-ref name="local clock">326</part-num-ref>
+ generated by the local clock generator <part-num-ref name="local clock generator">314</part-num-ref>
+ described above. The local clock <part-num-ref name="local clock">326</part-num-ref>
+ may be a clock supplying multiple phases, such as the clock phases CPO-CP3 shown in Fig. 2. In addition, the phase interpolator <part-num-ref name="phase interpolator">312</part-num-ref>
+ may provide multiple interpolated clock phases <confidence value="884">CI0</confidence>
+1-C<confidence value="5">I</confidence>
+03, C<confidence value="54">Il</confidence>
+ <confidence value="48854">1-CI1</confidence>
+3, C<confidence value="5">I</confidence>
+21-C<confidence value="5">I</confidence>
+23, and C<confidence value="5">I</confidence>
+31-C<confidence value="5">I</confidence>
+33 between corresponding phases of the local clock <part-num-ref name="local clock">326,</part-num-ref>
+ thus providing a total of <part-num-ref name="total of">16</part-num-ref>
+ phases from which to develop the data clock <part-num-ref name="data clock">212.</part-num-ref>
+ In that case, each phase is separated from an adjacent phase by 22.5 degrees. In alternative embodiments, more or fewer clock phases, either interpolated or existing as a phase of a multiphase clock, may be utilized to similar end.    </p>
+    <p id="p-49" num="49">
+      <confidence value="5">[</confidence>
+0043<confidence value="5">]</confidence>
+      Any of the multiphase clock phases CP<confidence value="5">O</confidence>
+-CP3 and the interpolated clock phases may be selected by the phase interpolator <part-num-ref name="phase interpolator">312</part-num-ref>
+ at the direction of the phase update signal <part-num-ref name="phase update signal">324</part-num-ref>
+ for the data clock <part-num-ref name="data clock">212</part-num-ref>
+ to attain its preferred phase in relation to the input data stream <part-num-ref name="input data stream">210.</part-num-ref>
+ For example, if the current data clock <part-num-ref name="current data clock">212</part-num-ref>
+ is interpolated clock <confidence value="86">CI</confidence>
+23, and a pulse of the phase update signal <part-num-ref name="phase update signal">324</part-num-ref>
+ indicates that the data clock <part-num-ref name="data clock">212</part-num-ref>
+ should be advanced one step, the next leading phase, interpolated clock C<confidence value="5">I</confidence>
+22, would become data clock <part-num-ref name="next leading phase, interpolated clock CI22, would become data clock">212.</part-num-ref>
+ Conversely, if the current data clock <part-num-ref name="current data clock">212</part-num-ref>
+ is the clock phase CP1, and the phase update signal <part-num-ref name="phase update signal">324</part-num-ref>
+ forces a delay of one step, the interpolated clock phase C<confidence value="542">Ill</confidence>
+ becomes the data clock <part-num-ref name="data clock">212.</part-num-ref>
+    </p>
+    <p id="p-50" num="50">
+      <confidence value="5">[</confidence>
+0044<confidence value="5">]</confidence>
+      Fig. 6 provides a simplified timing diagram depicting the operation of the data clock recovery system <part-num-ref name="data clock recovery system">200</part-num-ref>
+ for a given input data stream <part-num-ref name="given input data stream">210</part-num-ref>
+ according to an embodiment of the invention. In this example, the frequency of the input data stream <part-num-ref name="input data stream">210</part-num-ref>
+ is higher than that of the data clock <part-num-ref name="data clock">212,</part-num-ref>
+ thus causing the data clock <part-num-ref name="data clock">212</part-num-ref>
+ to lag its preferred phase, shown graphically by the vertical dotted line segments in Fig. 6. The phase detector <part-num-ref name="phase detector">202</part-num-ref>
+ indicates this by a "lag" indication every bit period of the input data stream <part-num-ref name="input data stream">210</part-num-ref>
+ by way of the first signal <part-num-ref name="first signal">214.</part-num-ref>
+ Assuming a threshold of <part-num-ref name="threshold of">64,</part-num-ref>
+ the first signal <part-num-ref name="first signal">214</part-num-ref>
+ causes the first counter <part-num-ref name="first counter">302</part-num-ref>
+ to provide a first count <part-num-ref name="first count">316</part-num-ref>
+ rising to <part-num-ref name="rising to">65,</part-num-ref>
+ resetting to zero, and counting up again, cyclically. Each time the first count <part-num-ref name="first count">316</part-num-ref>
+ exceeds the threshold, the threshold comparator <part-num-ref name="threshold comparator">304</part-num-ref>
+ produces a pulse for the second <boundary-data type="header">
+        <confidence value="66">11</confidence>
+      </boundary-data>
+      <page-break num="12"/>
+signal <part-num-ref name="second signal">318</part-num-ref>
+ indicating advancement of the data clock <part-num-ref name="data clock">212</part-num-ref>
+ is necessary. The repetitive generation of these pulses on the second signal <part-num-ref name="second signal">318</part-num-ref>
+ indicates that the data clock <part-num-ref name="data clock">112</part-num-ref>
+ continues to lag its preferred phase.    </p>
+    <p id="p-51" num="51">
+      <confidence value="2">1</confidence>
+0045<confidence value="5">]</confidence>
+      Each pulse of the second signal <part-num-ref name="second signal">318</part-num-ref>
+ indicating that the data clock <part-num-ref name="data clock">212</part-num-ref>
+ should be advanced increments the second count <part-num-ref name="second count">320</part-num-ref>
+ by way of the second counter <part-num-ref name="second counter">306.</part-num-ref>
+ As the second count <part-num-ref name="second count">320</part-num-ref>
+ increases, the frequency of the third signal <part-num-ref name="third signal">322</part-num-ref>
+ increases. Thus, the second signal <part-num-ref name="second signal">318</part-num-ref>
+ pulses indicating desired advances in the data clock <part-num-ref name="data clock">212</part-num-ref>
+ phase, in combination with the increasing frequency of the third signal <part-num-ref name="third signal">322,</part-num-ref>
+ cause the pulse generator <part-num-ref name="pulse generator">310</part-num-ref>
+ to generate a phase update signal <part-num-ref name="phase update signal">324</part-num-ref>
+ providing advancement pulses <part-num-ref name="providing advancement pulses">352,</part-num-ref>
+ <part-num-ref name="providing advancement pulses 352,">354</part-num-ref>
+ of increasing frequency to accelerate the phase shift of the data clock <part-num-ref name="data clock">212</part-num-ref>
+ in response to the higher frequency of the input data stream <part-num-ref name="input data stream">210.</part-num-ref>
+    </p>
+    <p id="p-52" num="52">In this particular example, the frequency of the third signal <part-num-ref name="third signal">322</part-num-ref>
+ when the second count <part-num-ref name="second count">320</part-num-ref>
+ is two (i.e., pulses <part-num-ref name="pulses">354)</part-num-ref>
+ is substantially twice the frequency of the third signal <part-num-ref name="third signal">322</part-num-ref>
+ when the second count is one (i.e., pulses 352). In one embodiment, the pulses of the third signal <part-num-ref name="third signal">322</part-num-ref>
+ occur once every several bit periods when the second count <part-num-ref name="second count">320</part-num-ref>
+ is one, and increase linearly according to the second count <part-num-ref name="second count">320</part-num-ref>
+ value.    </p>
+    <p id="p-53" num="53">Further, as shown in Fig. 6, the number of advancement pulses of the phase update signal <part-num-ref name="phase update signal">324</part-num-ref>
+ is equal to the sum of the number of pulses of both the second signal <part-num-ref name="second signal">318</part-num-ref>
+ and the third signal <part-num-ref name="third signal">322.</part-num-ref>
+ To this end, when the second signal <part-num-ref name="second signal">318</part-num-ref>
+ and the third signal <part-num-ref name="third signal">322</part-num-ref>
+ produce advancement pulses essentially simultaneously, two advancement pulses of the phase update signal <part-num-ref name="phase update signal">324</part-num-ref>
+ are produced serially.    </p>
+    <p id="p-54" num="54">[0046]      As long as the data clock <part-num-ref name="data clock">212</part-num-ref>
+ continues to lag its preferred phase, as indicated by the first signal <part-num-ref name="first signal">214,</part-num-ref>
+ higher frequencies for the third signal <part-num-ref name="third signal">322</part-num-ref>
+ proportional to the second count <part-num-ref name="second count">320</part-num-ref>
+ will continue to be provided. However, once a frequency for the third signal <part-num-ref name="third signal">322</part-num-ref>
+ has been achieved to allow the first signal <part-num-ref name="first signal">214</part-num-ref>
+ to detect bit periods in which the data clock <part-num-ref name="data clock">212</part-num-ref>
+ leads its preferred phase, as shown in Fig. 6, the second signal <part-num-ref name="second signal">318</part-num-ref>
+ ceases production of pulses to advance the phase of the data clock <part-num-ref name="data clock">212.</part-num-ref>
+ As a result, the second count <part-num-ref name="second count">320</part-num-ref>
+ will typically maintain a narrow range of values, allowing the third signal <part-num-ref name="third signal">322</part-num-ref>
+ to maintain a range of frequencies for updating the phase of the data clock <part-num-ref name="data clock">212</part-num-ref>
+ over an extended number of bit periods. In the particular example of Fig. 6, a second count <part-num-ref name="second count">320</part-num-ref>
+ of about <part-num-ref name="of about">2</part-num-ref>
+ provides approximately the number of update pulses <part-num-ref name="number of update pulses">354</part-num-ref>
+ for the data clock <part-num-ref name="data clock">212</part-num-ref>
+ to maintain the <boundary-data type="header">
+        <confidence value="88">12</confidence>
+      </boundary-data>
+      <page-break num="13"/>
+preferred phase with the input data stream <part-num-ref name="input data stream">210.</part-num-ref>
+ Thus, as long as the frequency of the input data stream <part-num-ref name="input data stream">210</part-num-ref>
+ remains substantially constant, the phase controller <part-num-ref name="phase controller">300</part-num-ref>
+ will achieve a type of steady state in updating the phase of the data clock <part-num-ref name="data clock">212</part-num-ref>
+ <confidence value="66">so</confidence>
+ that it will remain near its preferred phase.    </p>
+    <p id="p-55" num="55">
+      <confidence value="5">[</confidence>
+0047<confidence value="5">]</confidence>
+      Fig. 6 specifically presents an example of the data clock <part-num-ref name="data clock">212</part-num-ref>
+ having a frequency less than that of the input data stream <part-num-ref name="input data stream">210,</part-num-ref>
+ so that the phase controller <part-num-ref name="phase controller">300</part-num-ref>
+ must continually advance the phase of the data clock <part-num-ref name="data clock">212</part-num-ref>
+ to maintain the preferred phase. In other cases, the frequency of the data clock <part-num-ref name="data clock">212</part-num-ref>
+ may be greater than that of the input data stream <part-num-ref name="input data stream">210,</part-num-ref>
+ thus causing the phase controller <part-num-ref name="phase controller">300</part-num-ref>
+ to delay the data clock <part-num-ref name="data clock">212</part-num-ref>
+ phase aggressively so that the preferred phase for the data clock <part-num-ref name="data clock">212</part-num-ref>
+ will be maintained under those circumstances as well.    </p>
+    <p id="p-56" num="56">
+      <confidence value="5">[</confidence>
+0048<confidence value="5">]</confidence>
+      In another embodiment of the invention, a method <part-num-ref name="method">400</part-num-ref>
+ for recovering data clock information from a communication signal is presented in Fig. 7. A first signal indicating whether a data clock lags or leads a preferred phase in relation to an input data stream is generated (operation 402). In a particular embodiment, the preferred phase of the data clock aligns with the midpoint between logic transitions of the input data stream. The phase of the data clock is advanced at a rate positively related to the length of time the first signal indicates the data clock lags the preferred phase (operation 404). Conversely, the phase of the data clock is delayed at a rate positively related to the length of time the first signal indicates the data clock leads the preferred phase (operation 406).    </p>
+    <p id="p-57" num="57">
+      <confidence value="5">[</confidence>
+0049<confidence value="5">]</confidence>
+      Fig. 8 is a flow chart of how the first signal may be processed in operations <part-num-ref name="first signal may be processed in operations">404</part-num-ref>
+ and <part-num-ref name="and">406</part-num-ref>
+ according to a particular embodiment of the invention in order to shift the phase of the data clock. Transitions of the first signal are counted to yield a first count (operation 408), which is compared with a threshold (operation 410). A second signal is activated while the first count exceeds the threshold (operation 412).    </p>
+    <p id="p-58" num="58">Transitions of the second signal are then counted to generate a second count (operation 414). A third signal having a frequency positively related with the absolute value of the second count is then generated (operation 416). In one implementation, the third signal has a frequency proportional to the absolute value of the second count.</p>
+    <p id="p-59" num="59">The data clock is generated so that its phase is shifted at a rate indicated by the <boundary-data type="header">
+        <confidence value="88">13</confidence>
+      </boundary-data>
+      <page-break num="14"/>
+frequency of the third signal (operation 418). In one embodiment, the phase of the data clock is shifted according to both the second signal and the third signal.    </p>
+    <p id="p-60" num="60">[0050<confidence value="5">]</confidence>
+      Referring again to Fig. 4, by shifting the phase of the data clock <part-num-ref name="data clock">212</part-num-ref>
+ at a rate positively related to the length of time the data clock <part-num-ref name="data clock">212</part-num-ref>
+ leads or lags its preferred phase, extensive and continual shifting of the data clock <part-num-ref name="data clock">212</part-num-ref>
+ may occur. As a result, tracking of extensive frequency offsets between the data clock <part-num-ref name="data clock">212</part-num-ref>
+ and the input data stream <part-num-ref name="input data stream">210</part-num-ref>
+ may occur, thus providing a wide frequency tracking range.    </p>
+    <p id="p-61" num="61">Therefore, accurate sampling and acquisition of data embodied in the input data stream <part-num-ref name="input data stream">210</part-num-ref>
+ is not prevented by large, persistent offsets in frequencies of the data clock <part-num-ref name="data clock">212</part-num-ref>
+ and the input data stream <part-num-ref name="input data stream">210</part-num-ref>
+ when embodiments of the system <part-num-ref name="system">200</part-num-ref>
+ are employed.    </p>
+    <p id="p-62" num="62">[0051]      Embodiments of the invention described above, as well as alternatives thereof, may be implemented by way of an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a digital signal processor (DSP), a microprocessor, a microcontroller, or any other electronic circuit capable of employing the various functions described while obeying any timing constraints imposed by a particular application.</p>
+    <p id="p-63" num="63">
+      <confidence value="5">[</confidence>
+0052<confidence value="5">]</confidence>
+      While several embodiments of the invention have been discussed herein, other embodiments encompassed by the scope of the invention are possible.    </p>
+    <p id="p-64" num="64">For example, while embodiments disclosed herein employ particular signaling conventions, such as the clocking an input data stream on a rising logic transition, many other signaling conventions may be employed in the alternative. Also, while several different types of electronic components have been referenced, others capable of performing the same or similar functions may be employed as well. Further, aspects of one embodiment may be combined with those of alternative embodiments to create further implementations of the present invention. Thus, while the present invention has been described in the context of specific embodiments, such descriptions are provided for illustration and not limitation. Accordingly, the proper scope of the present invention is delimited only by the following claims.</p>
+    <boundary-data type="header">
+      <confidence value="88">14</confidence>
+    </boundary-data>
+  </description>
+</us-patent-application>
+

prior_art/11192112.xml

@@ -0,0 +1,25 @@
+<?xml version="1.0" encoding="utf-8"?>
+<!DOCTYPE us-patent-application SYSTEM "PATI-v1.0.3-2011-06-23.dtd">
+<us-patent-application lang="EN" dtd-version="v1.0.3 2011-06-23" id="us-patent-application" country="US">
+  <us-bibliographic-data-application lang="EN" country="US">
+    <application-reference appl-type="utility">
+      <document-id>
+        <doc-number>11192112</doc-number>
+        <date>2007-10-04</date>
+      </document-id>
+    </application-reference>
+  </us-bibliographic-data-application>
+  <description id="description">
+    <heading id="h-1">IN THE WRITTEN DESCRIPTION</heading>
+    <p id="p-1" num="1">Replace the paragraph beginning on page <part-num-ref name="paragraph beginning on page">1,</part-num-ref>
+ line <part-num-ref name="paragraph beginning on page 1, line">3</part-num-ref>
+ with:    </p>
+    <p id="p-2" num="2">This application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. Patent Application No.</p>
+    <p id="p-3" num="3">10/662,682 filed on September 15,2003, now pending abandoned, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.</p>
+    <p id="p-4" num="4">
+      <confidence value="888">-2-</confidence>
+                           Attorney Ref. <confidence value="4">1</confidence>
+1/192,112 U.S. Patent Application No. 20003.0105 A/72237316.1     </p>
+  </description>
+</us-patent-application>
+

prior_art/11192455.xml

@@ -0,0 +1,618 @@
+<?xml version="1.0" encoding="utf-8"?>
+<!DOCTYPE us-patent-application SYSTEM "PATI-v1.0.3-2011-06-23.dtd">
+<us-patent-application lang="EN" dtd-version="v1.0.3 2011-06-23" id="us-patent-application" country="US">
+  <us-bibliographic-data-application lang="EN" country="US">
+    <application-reference appl-type="utility">
+      <document-id>
+        <doc-number>11192455</doc-number>
+        <date>2005-07-28</date>
+      </document-id>
+    </application-reference>
+  </us-bibliographic-data-application>
+  <description id="description">
+    <boundary-data type="header">
+      <confidence value="6">r</confidence>
+                                                    Attorney Docket No.: CIS<confidence value="4">O</confidence>
+253US    </boundary-data>
+    <heading id="h-1">EXPRESS MAIL LABEL NO.:</heading>
+    <p id="p-1" num="1">(EV 304740685 US) </p>
+    <heading id="h-2">TELEPHONE PORT IDENTIFICATION AUTOMATIC DISCOVERY SYSTEM</heading>
+    <p id="p-2" num="2">James R. Tighe </p>
+    <heading id="h-3">BACKGROUND</heading>
+    <p id="p-3" num="3">
+      <confidence value="666666">[0001]</confidence>
+   Digital signaling has become an increasingly important feature of telephone services. Standard telephone service may be provided by a public switched telephone network (PSTN). Services provided by a PSTN may generally include the routing and transmission of telephone calls, as well as various supporting services such as call forwarding, display of a caller's name and number, and three-way calling, among others. At the edge of a PSTN, a telephone service provider may provide service to customers through basic telephone channels over copper conductors. <confidence value="5">I</confidence>
+n such channels, a voltage signal may <confidence value="88">be</confidence>
+ used to represent an analog signal, such as a scalar time-varying sound pressure level of a person<confidence value="8">'</confidence>
+s voice. The PSTN may band-limit such signals to a <part-num-ref name="">3</part-num-ref>
+ k<confidence value="5">H</confidence>
+z bandwidth, so that several such signals may be multiplexed for efficiency on the PSTN's links.    </p>
+    <p id="p-4" num="4">[0002<confidence value="5">]</confidence>
+ Digital information may be used in a variety of aspects of a telephone network.    </p>
+    <p id="p-5" num="5">Customers of a local exchange carrier may transmit digital data over basic telephone channels to a subscriber's site. For example, even basic band-limited channels may be used for modem signals, in which the voltage signal uses amplitude-shift, frequency-shift, or phase- shift keying (ASK, FSK, or PSK), or combinations thereof, to convey a stream of binary data.</p>
+    <p id="p-6" num="6">PSTN providers may also provide wider-bandwidth channels for subscribers, with greater capacities for voice and data signals. Examples of such higher-capacity services include integrated services digital network (ISDN) lines, digital subscriber loop (DSL) services, T-1 lines, and T-3 lines, among others. A general tool for identifying users of these services is the telephone number, which may identify individual subscriber ports assigned to a carrier's customers. Telephone numbers may have forms such as "1-408-555-4000," and may <confidence value="88">be</confidence>
+ assigned in conformance with various standards and conventions, such as the E.164 standard <boundary-data type="header">Client Reference: Seq. No. 11081        - 1 -</boundary-data>
+      <page-break num="2"/>
+      <boundary-data type="header">Attorney Docket No.: CIS<confidence value="4">O</confidence>
+253US      </boundary-data>
+set by the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) Telecommunication Standardization Sector (ITU-T).    </p>
+    <p id="p-7" num="7">[0003]   Independently of their use at the edges of a PSTN by customers, digital signals may also be used at the heart of a PSTN network. For example, a local exchange carrier may digitize incoming telephone signals so that the signals may be more readily multiplexed and switched through the telephone network. The digital signals also allow use of fiber-optic networks, using on-off keying (<confidence value="66">OO</confidence>
+K) to efficiently convey many multiplexed signals over long distances. The PSTN may transmit digital signals according to the Common Channel Signaling System No. <part-num-ref name="Common Channel Signaling System No.">7</part-num-ref>
+ (i.e., SS7 or C7), a global telecommunications standard from the ITU-T. SS7 broadly establishes protocols for a PSTN to transmit signals over a digital network to set up, route, and control wireless (cellular) and wireline calls.    </p>
+    <p id="p-8" num="8">[0004]   Digital signals are also used for telephony by individuals who may digitize voice signals for transmission over the Internet, with our without the use of a PSTN. Colloquially known as voice over internet protocol (VoIP) connections, these connections may make only incidental use of a PSTN, as in the case of two people who communicate with each other over the Internet using headsets and their personal computers. Vo<confidence value="66">IP</confidence>
+ connections may also partly interact with a PSTN, as in the case where one person uses a headset and a personal computer to initiate a telephone call to a PSTN subscriber.    </p>
+    <p id="p-9" num="9">[0005]   Yet another form of digital telephony is the use of localized digital telephone networks, which may or may not be connected to a PSTN. One form of a localized digital telephone network is an I<confidence value="5">P</confidence>
+ telephone system, which uses internet-related protocols such as <confidence value="11">;;</confidence>
+the transmission control protocol (TCP) and the user datagram protocol (UDP) to convey voice signals among telephones connected to a digital network. The technology of an IP telephone system may also be called Vo<confidence value="66">IP</confidence>
+. Other forms of localized digital telephone network may use other, non-inter<confidence value="5">n</confidence>
+et-related, protocols for communicating digitized voice signals.    </p>
+    <p id="p-10" num="10">[0006]   Among the challenges faced by designers of new tools for digital telephony is the simplification of products, so that users may quickly and easily install, initiate, and use the products. This simplification is especially important to designers of systems intended for use <boundary-data type="header">Client Reference: Seq. No. 11081       - 2 -</boundary-data>
+      <page-break num="3"/>
+      <boundary-data type="header">Attorney Docket No.: CIS<confidence value="4">O</confidence>
+253US      </boundary-data>
+by customers outside of the telecommunications industry. Consumers and small-business owners may benefit from careful design that makes their systems user friendly and easy to install.    </p>
+    <p id="p-11" num="11">[0007]   For example, a small business may have several PSTN lines for use by the business's telephones. If the business purchases a localized digital telephone network, an initial challenge may be to connect the digital telephone network to the PSTN through the existing telephone lines. One task may be to determine which of several telephone numbers correspond to which of several port numbers used internally by the localized digital telephone network. Tools and procedures that simplify the interfacing of a localized digital telephone network to a PSTN may be valuable to users faced with the task of installing such a network.</p>
+    <heading id="h-4">BRIEF DESCRIPTION <confidence value="66">OF</confidence>
+ <confidence value="858">THE</confidence>
+ DRAWINGS    </heading>
+    <p id="p-12" num="12">[000<confidence value="5">8</confidence>
+] FIG. 1 is a block diagram of one view of a telephone network environment with a public switched telephone network and local networks.    </p>
+    <p id="p-13" num="13">
+      <confidence value="5">[</confidence>
+0009<confidence value="5">]</confidence>
+   FIG. 2 is a block diagram of one implementation of a local network from FIG. 1.    </p>
+    <p id="p-14" num="14">[0010<confidence value="5">]</confidence>
+   FIG. 3 is a flow diagram of one implementation of a procedure for automatic detection of a telephone number assigned to a telephone line.    </p>
+    <p id="p-15" num="15">[0011]   FIG. 4 is a flow diagram of a second implementation of a procedure for automatic detection of a telephone number assigned to a telephone line.</p>
+    <p id="p-16" num="16">
+      <confidence value="566865">[0012]</confidence>
+   FIG. 5 is a flow diagram of a third implementation of a procedure for automatic detection of a telephone number assigned to a telephone line.    </p>
+    <p id="p-17" num="17">[0013]   FIG. 6 is a block diagram of one implementation of an ID server from FIG. 1.</p>
+    <boundary-data type="header">Client Reference: Seq. No. 11081       - 3 -</boundary-data>
+    <boundary-data type="header">Attorney Docket No.: CIS<confidence value="4">O</confidence>
+253US    </boundary-data>
+    <heading id="h-5">DETAILED DESCRIPTION</heading>
+    <p id="p-18" num="18">
+      <page-break num="4"/>
+      <confidence value="5">[</confidence>
+0014<confidence value="5">]</confidence>
+   FIG. 1 is a block diagram of one view of a telephone network environment <part-num-ref name="telephone network environment">100.</part-num-ref>
+    </p>
+    <p id="p-19" num="19">The environment 100 may include elements that allow local networks to identify automatically the telephone numbers of telephone lines connected to the local networks. The environment <part-num-ref name="environment">100</part-num-ref>
+ may include ID servers <part-num-ref name="may include ID servers">120</part-num-ref>
+ and <part-num-ref name="and">122</part-num-ref>
+ and local networks <part-num-ref name="and local networks">135</part-num-ref>
+ and <part-num-ref name="and">145</part-num-ref>
+ coupled to a public switched telephone network (PSTN) <part-num-ref name="public switched telephone network (PSTN)">110.</part-num-ref>
+ The local networks <part-num-ref name="local networks">135</part-num-ref>
+ and <part-num-ref name="and">145</part-num-ref>
+ may be localized digital telephone networks. Each of the ID servers and local networks may be coupled to the PSTN <part-num-ref name="PSTN">110</part-num-ref>
+ through telephone lines. The telephone lines may be standard telephone services that use plain old telephone service (POTS) or higher capacity PSTN services, such as DSL service, ISDN service, T<confidence value="2">i</confidence>
+ service, or others. As described below, the local networks <part-num-ref name="local networks">135</part-num-ref>
+ and <part-num-ref name="and">145</part-num-ref>
+ may dial in to the <confidence value="5">I</confidence>
+D servers <part-num-ref name="ID servers">120</part-num-ref>
+ and <part-num-ref name="and">122</part-num-ref>
+ during initial set-up procedures to discover the telephone numbers of the telephone lines that connect the local networks to the PSTN <part-num-ref name="PSTN">110.</part-num-ref>
+    </p>
+    <p id="p-20" num="20">
+      <confidence value="5">[</confidence>
+0015   The local networks <part-num-ref name="local networks">135</part-num-ref>
+ and <part-num-ref name="and">145</part-num-ref>
+ may include various network elements, such as digital telephones, routers and hubs, and computer devices, which may communicate with each other using links in the local networks. Each of the local networks <part-num-ref name="local networks">135</part-num-ref>
+ and <part-num-ref name="and">145</part-num-ref>
+ may also include one or more gateway devices that provide interfaces to the PSTN <part-num-ref name="PSTN">110.</part-num-ref>
+ As illustrated in the example of FIG 1, the local network <part-num-ref name="local network">135</part-num-ref>
+ includes a gateway <part-num-ref name="gateway">130</part-num-ref>
+ that is connected to four telephone lines provided by the PSTN <part-num-ref name="PSTN">110.</part-num-ref>
+ Similarly, the local network <part-num-ref name="local network">145</part-num-ref>
+ includes a gateway <part-num-ref name="gateway">140</part-num-ref>
+ that is connected to three telephone lines provided by the PSTN <part-num-ref name="PSTN">110,</part-num-ref>
+ and a gateway <part-num-ref name="gateway">142</part-num-ref>
+ that is connected to one telephone line provided by the PSTN <part-num-ref name="PSTN">110.</part-num-ref>
+ Local networks <part-num-ref name="PSTN 110. Local networks">135</part-num-ref>
+ and <part-num-ref name="and">145</part-num-ref>
+ may communicate with other telephones that can be reached through the PSTN <part-num-ref name="PSTN">110.</part-num-ref>
+ In general, each gateway may provide connections between the local network and the PSTN, so that the local networks can make calls to other telephones and devices connected to the PSTN. The gateways in a common local network, such as the gateways <part-num-ref name="gateways">140</part-num-ref>
+ and <part-num-ref name="and">142,</part-num-ref>
+ may be coupled to each other. The local networks <part-num-ref name="local networks">135</part-num-ref>
+ and <part-num-ref name="and">145</part-num-ref>
+ may transmit and receive calls through their respective gateways, and through the PSTN <part-num-ref name="PSTN">110,</part-num-ref>
+ to other telephones that may be connected to the PSTN <part-num-ref name="PSTN">110.</part-num-ref>
+    </p>
+    <p id="p-21" num="21">[0016]   FIG. 2 is a block diagram of one implementation of the local network <part-num-ref name="local network">135.</part-num-ref>
+ In the depicted example, the local network <part-num-ref name="local network">135</part-num-ref>
+ includes the gateway <part-num-ref name="gateway">130,</part-num-ref>
+ a standard telephone <part-num-ref name="standard telephone">210,</part-num-ref>
+ a personal computer <part-num-ref name="personal computer">220,</part-num-ref>
+ a wireless hub <part-num-ref name="wireless hub">230,</part-num-ref>
+ a wired router <part-num-ref name="wired router">240,</part-num-ref>
+ digital telephones <part-num-ref name="wired router 240, digital telephones">244</part-num-ref>
+ and <boundary-data type="header">Client Reference: Seq. No. 11081       - 4 <confidence value="6">-</confidence>
+      </boundary-data>
+      <page-break num="5"/>
+      <boundary-data type="header">Attorney Docket No.: CIS<confidence value="4">O</confidence>
+253US      </boundary-data>
+      <part-num-ref name="and">250,</part-num-ref>
+ a cordless digital telephone <part-num-ref name="cordless digital telephone">260,</part-num-ref>
+ a portable computer <part-num-ref name="portable computer">232,</part-num-ref>
+ a portable digital telephone <part-num-ref name="portable digital telephone">234,</part-num-ref>
+ and a server <part-num-ref name="server">242.</part-num-ref>
+    </p>
+    <p id="p-22" num="22">
+      <confidence value="5">[</confidence>
+0017]   In this implementation, the gateway <part-num-ref name="gateway">130</part-num-ref>
+ includes four PSTN ports 215(a-d) (which will be collectively referenced below as PSTN ports <part-num-ref name="includes four PSTN ports 215(a-d) (which will be collectively referenced below as PSTN ports">215)</part-num-ref>
+ that may be connected to four separate telephone lines that provide connections to the PSTN <part-num-ref name="PSTN">110.</part-num-ref>
+ The telephone lines may each be a subscriber line provided by a local exchange network with a unique telephone number assigned to it (such as 1-212-555-1234). A subscriber line may be a residential telephone line or a commercial telephone line, and may provide the service of a basic telephone line, an ISDN line, a DSL line, or a T<confidence value="5">1</confidence>
+ line, among others. The gateway <part-num-ref name="gateway">130</part-num-ref>
+ may also include five network ports 214(a-e) (which will be collectively referenced below as network ports <part-num-ref name="may also include five network ports 214(a-e) (which will be collectively referenced below as network ports">214)</part-num-ref>
+ and one standard telephone port <part-num-ref name="and one standard telephone port">216.</part-num-ref>
+ Various network elements may connect with the gateway <part-num-ref name="gateway">130</part-num-ref>
+ through ports <part-num-ref name="through ports">214</part-num-ref>
+ and <part-num-ref name="and">216.</part-num-ref>
+ The gateway <part-num-ref name="gateway">130</part-num-ref>
+ may also be connected to the Internet (or to some other wide area network). As illustrated, a connection through an Internet port <part-num-ref name="Internet port">212</part-num-ref>
+ may connect the gateway <part-num-ref name="gateway">130</part-num-ref>
+ with the Internet.    </p>
+    <p id="p-23" num="23">
+      <confidence value="5">[</confidence>
+0018<confidence value="5">]</confidence>
+ The network ports <part-num-ref name="network ports">214</part-num-ref>
+ and the standard telephone port <part-num-ref name="standard telephone port">216</part-num-ref>
+ may be coupled to the PSTN ports 215(a-d) through internal components in the gateway <part-num-ref name="gateway">130.</part-num-ref>
+ These components may include a physical media converter <part-num-ref name="physical media converter">218</part-num-ref>
+ coupled to the PSTN ports <part-num-ref name="PSTN ports">215,</part-num-ref>
+ an IP interface <part-num-ref name="IP interface">219</part-num-ref>
+ coupled to the network ports <part-num-ref name="network ports">214,</part-num-ref>
+ a processor such as a central processing unit (CPU) <part-num-ref name="central processing unit (CPU)">206</part-num-ref>
+ coupled to the physical media converter <part-num-ref name="physical media converter">218</part-num-ref>
+ and to the IP interface <part-num-ref name="IP interface">219,</part-num-ref>
+ and a memory <part-num-ref name="memory">207</part-num-ref>
+ coupled to the CPU <part-num-ref name="CPU">206.</part-num-ref>
+ The gateway <part-num-ref name="gateway">130</part-num-ref>
+ may also include an auto-detect module <part-num-ref name="auto-detect module">201,</part-num-ref>
+ coupled to the physical media converter <part-num-ref name="physical media converter">218.</part-num-ref>
+ The memory may include semiconductor storage, magnetic storage, or optical storage, and may be a fixed memory, a removable memory, or combinations thereof. Additional connections in the gateway <part-num-ref name="gateway">130</part-num-ref>
+ may include a direct connection between the physical media converter <part-num-ref name="physical media converter">218</part-num-ref>
+ and the IP interface <part-num-ref name="IP interface">219,</part-num-ref>
+ and a connection between the standard telephone port <part-num-ref name="standard telephone port">216</part-num-ref>
+ and a multiplexer circuit <part-num-ref name="multiplexer circuit">217</part-num-ref>
+ in the physical media converter <part-num-ref name="physical media converter">218.</part-num-ref>
+    </p>
+    <p id="p-24" num="24">[0019] Various network links may be used among the network elements in the local network <part-num-ref name="local network">135.</part-num-ref>
+ For example, as shown n FIG. 2, the standard telephone <part-num-ref name="standard telephone">210</part-num-ref>
+ may be plugged into standard telephone port <part-num-ref name="may be plugged into standard telephone port">216.</part-num-ref>
+ The personal computer <part-num-ref name="personal computer">220</part-num-ref>
+ may be connected to network port 214(e). The wireless hub <part-num-ref name="wireless hub">230</part-num-ref>
+ may be connected to network port 214(d). The wired <boundary-data type="header">Client Reference: Seq. No. <confidence value="5">1</confidence>
+1081       - 5 -      </boundary-data>
+      <page-break num="6"/>
+      <boundary-data type="header">Attorney Docket No.: CIS<confidence value="4">O</confidence>
+253US      </boundary-data>
+route<confidence value="8">r</confidence>
+ <part-num-ref name="wired router">240</part-num-ref>
+ may be connected to network port 214(c). The digital telephone <part-num-ref name="digital telephone">250</part-num-ref>
+ may <confidence value="88">be</confidence>
+ connected to network port 214(b). The cordless digital telephone <part-num-ref name="cordless digital telephone">260</part-num-ref>
+ may be connected to network port 214(a). As depicted, the network ports <part-num-ref name="network ports">214</part-num-ref>
+ are wired ports and connect to the network elements through wires or cables. Alternatively, some or all of the network ports <part-num-ref name="network ports">214</part-num-ref>
+ may be wireless ports and may connect to the network elements through wireless links such as radio or infrared links.    </p>
+    <p id="p-25" num="25">[0020]   The local network <part-num-ref name="local network">135</part-num-ref>
+ may also include other links, such as radiating hub-and- spoke links. For example, the portable computer <part-num-ref name="portable computer">232</part-num-ref>
+ and the portable digital telephone <part-num-ref name="portable digital telephone">234</part-num-ref>
+ may be connected with the wireless hub <part-num-ref name="wireless hub">230</part-num-ref>
+ through wireless links. The server <part-num-ref name="server">242</part-num-ref>
+ and the digital telephone <part-num-ref name="digital telephone">244</part-num-ref>
+ may be connected with the wired router <part-num-ref name="wired router">240</part-num-ref>
+ through twisted-pair links.    </p>
+    <p id="p-26" num="26">Additional links, and even redundant links, may also be provided among various network elements. For example, direct links may be provided between the personal computer <part-num-ref name="personal computer">220</part-num-ref>
+ and the<confidence value="2">-</confidence>
+digital telephone <part-num-ref name="and the-digital telephone">244,</part-num-ref>
+ and between the wireless hub <part-num-ref name="wireless hub">230</part-num-ref>
+ and the wired router <part-num-ref name="wired router">240.</part-num-ref>
+    </p>
+    <p id="p-27" num="27">[0021]   The local network <part-num-ref name="local network">135</part-num-ref>
+ may provide customized local telephone service to a user.    </p>
+    <p id="p-28" num="28">Such service may be useful, for example, in a small office or a home office environment, where an owner or administrator wishes to allow inter-office communication among various employees without relying on a PSTN. A system such as the local network <part-num-ref name="local network">135</part-num-ref>
+ may also provide users with connectivity to the PSTN <part-num-ref name="PSTN">110</part-num-ref>
+ when needed for communications that reach outside the local environment. The local network <part-num-ref name="local network">135</part-num-ref>
+ may be an IP telephone system that uses <confidence value="5">i</confidence>
+nternet-related protocols such as the transmission control protocol (TCP) and the user datagram protocol (<confidence value="5">U</confidence>
+DP) to convey voice signals among telephones through a digital network. In other implementations of the local network, one or more links may use other forms of digital communications, or may use analog communications.    </p>
+    <p id="p-29" num="29">[0022]   An element in the local network <part-num-ref name="local network">135</part-num-ref>
+ may use a direct link, or a routed link, or a connection through the gateway <part-num-ref name="gateway">130,</part-num-ref>
+ or a combination thereof, to communicate with other elements in the local network 135-without requiring the use of the PSTN <part-num-ref name="PSTN">110.</part-num-ref>
+ For example, a caller may wish to use a headset connected to the portable computer <part-num-ref name="portable computer">232</part-num-ref>
+ to make a telephone call to a recipient who is carrying the cordless digital telephone <part-num-ref name="cordless digital telephone">260.</part-num-ref>
+ To initiate the call, the caller may use a keypad on the portable computer <part-num-ref name="portable computer">232</part-num-ref>
+ to enter an extension number or other identifier for the cordless digital telephone <part-num-ref name="cordless digital telephone">260.</part-num-ref>
+ Alternatively, depending upon the <boundary-data type="header">Client Reference: Seq. No. 11081       - 6 -</boundary-data>
+      <page-break num="7"/>
+      <boundary-data type="header">Attorney Docket No.: CIS<confidence value="4">O</confidence>
+253US      </boundary-data>
+system implementation, the caller may enter a personal identifier for the recipient holding the digital telephone <part-num-ref name="digital telephone">260.</part-num-ref>
+ The local network <part-num-ref name="local network">135</part-num-ref>
+ may then provide a connection between the portable computer <part-num-ref name="portable computer">232</part-num-ref>
+ and the cordless digital telephone <part-num-ref name="cordless digital telephone">260.</part-num-ref>
+ This connection may utilize the wireless link from portable computer <part-num-ref name="wireless link from portable computer">232</part-num-ref>
+ to wireless hub <part-num-ref name="to wireless hub">230,</part-num-ref>
+ the link from wireless hub <part-num-ref name="link from wireless hub">230</part-num-ref>
+ to the gateway <part-num-ref name="gateway">130,</part-num-ref>
+ a connection in the gateway from the port 214(d) through the <confidence value="88">IP</confidence>
+ interface <part-num-ref name="IP interface">219</part-num-ref>
+ to the port 214(a), and the link from the gateway <part-num-ref name="gateway">130</part-num-ref>
+ to the cordless digital telephone <part-num-ref name="cordless digital telephone">260.</part-num-ref>
+    </p>
+    <p id="p-30" num="30">
+      <confidence value="5">[</confidence>
+0023]   To communicate with a telephone outside the local network <part-num-ref name="local network">135,</part-num-ref>
+ a device in the local network may use the gateway <part-num-ref name="gateway">130</part-num-ref>
+ to reach the PSTN <part-num-ref name="PSTN">110,</part-num-ref>
+ through which a connection may be made with the destination telephone. For example, the local network may connect a user of the cordless digital telephone <part-num-ref name="cordless digital telephone">260</part-num-ref>
+ to an outside telephone line by using the link between the cordless digital telephone <part-num-ref name="cordless digital telephone">260</part-num-ref>
+ and the gateway <part-num-ref name="gateway">130,</part-num-ref>
+ which may then establish a connection with one of the telephone lines coupled to the PSTN ports <part-num-ref name="PSTN ports">215.</part-num-ref>
+    </p>
+    <p id="p-31" num="31">[0024<confidence value="5">]</confidence>
+   To establish a connection between a telephone line coupled to one of the PSTN ports <part-num-ref name="PSTN ports">215</part-num-ref>
+ and a local device coupled to one of the network ports <part-num-ref name="network ports">214,</part-num-ref>
+ the gateway <part-num-ref name="gateway">130</part-num-ref>
+ may perform several internal format conversions and internal connections. The multiplexer <part-num-ref name="multiplexer">217</part-num-ref>
+ may be used to select an available port among PSTN ports 215(a-d). The physical media converter 218<confidence value="2">-</confidence>
+may be used to translate incoming telephone signals to and from internal digital data. To assist with such conversions, the physical media converter <part-num-ref name="physical media converter">218</part-num-ref>
+ may include an FXO converter, an FXS converter, a PRI converter, a BRI converter, a T<confidence value="5">1</confidence>
+ converter, or a T3 converter, among others, or combinations thereof. The IP interface <part-num-ref name="IP interface">219</part-num-ref>
+ may convert the internal digital data to and from packetized data appropriate for communication among elements of the local network <part-num-ref name="local network">135.</part-num-ref>
+ These operations may be overseen and assisted by the CPU <part-num-ref name="CPU">206,</part-num-ref>
+ with data stored as needed in the memory <part-num-ref name="memory">207.</part-num-ref>
+    </p>
+    <p id="p-32" num="32">
+      <confidence value="5">[</confidence>
+0025<confidence value="5">]</confidence>
+ The standard telephone port <part-num-ref name="standard telephone port">216</part-num-ref>
+ may be connected to the standard telephone <part-num-ref name="standard telephone">210</part-num-ref>
+ using a POTS telephone wire. The standard telephone <part-num-ref name="standard telephone">210</part-num-ref>
+ may thus provide a backup service through which users may access a PSTN in the event of failure of components of the digital network. The standard telephone port <part-num-ref name="standard telephone port">216</part-num-ref>
+ may also be used to connect a fax machine or other standard telephone device to the gateway <part-num-ref name="gateway">130.</part-num-ref>
+ The standard telephone port <part-num-ref name="standard telephone port">216</part-num-ref>
+ may <boundary-data type="header">Client Reference: Seq. No. <confidence value="5">1</confidence>
+1081      - 7 -      </boundary-data>
+      <page-break num="8"/>
+      <boundary-data type="header">Attorney Docket No.: CIS<confidence value="4">O</confidence>
+253US      </boundary-data>
+be internally coupled to the multiplexer <part-num-ref name="multiplexer">217,</part-num-ref>
+ which may select an available telephone line as needed and as available for use by devices coupled to the standard telephone port <part-num-ref name="standard telephone port">216.</part-num-ref>
+    </p>
+    <p id="p-33" num="33">[0026<confidence value="5">]</confidence>
+ The physical media converter <part-num-ref name="physical media converter">218</part-num-ref>
+ may be configured to detect and receive, as well as create and transmit, telephone signals appropriate for communication through the PSTN <part-num-ref name="PSTN">110.</part-num-ref>
+ The physical media converter <part-num-ref name="physical media converter">218</part-num-ref>
+ may be coupled with the <confidence value="5">I</confidence>
+P interface <part-num-ref name="IP interface">219</part-num-ref>
+ either directly, or through a CPU, or both (as illustrated in FIG. 2). The <confidence value="5">I</confidence>
+P interface <part-num-ref name="IP interface">219</part-num-ref>
+ may be adapted to receive and transmit digital signals appropriate for communication among elements of the local network <part-num-ref name="local network">135</part-num-ref>
+ through the network ports <part-num-ref name="network ports">214.</part-num-ref>
+    </p>
+    <p id="p-34" num="34">[0027]   A user involved with the setup of the local network <part-num-ref name="local network">135</part-num-ref>
+ may need to connect several telephone wires or other connectors to the gateway <part-num-ref name="gateway">130.</part-num-ref>
+ The user may connect the gateway <part-num-ref name="gateway">130</part-num-ref>
+ <confidence value="222222">to'the</confidence>
+ various network elements through the <confidence value="5">I</confidence>
+P interface ports <part-num-ref name="IP interface ports">214.</part-num-ref>
+ If the user also wishes to make use of a standard telephone device, such as a fax machine or the standard telephone <part-num-ref name="standard telephone">210,</part-num-ref>
+ the user may connect the standard telephone device to the standard telephone port <part-num-ref name="standard telephone port">216.</part-num-ref>
+ The user may also enable connectivity to the Internet by connecting the gateway <part-num-ref name="gateway">130</part-num-ref>
+ to the Internet using the Internet port <part-num-ref name="Internet port">212.</part-num-ref>
+ Further, the user may connect one or more available telephone lines to the PSTN ports <part-num-ref name="PSTN ports">215.</part-num-ref>
+    </p>
+    <p id="p-35" num="35">[0028]   The connections to PSTN ports <part-num-ref name="connections to PSTN ports">215</part-num-ref>
+ merit some additional observations. In order for devices in the local network <part-num-ref name="local network">135</part-num-ref>
+ to make best use of the telephone lines connected to PSTN ports <part-num-ref name="telephone lines connected to PSTN ports">215,</part-num-ref>
+ the gateway <part-num-ref name="gateway">130</part-num-ref>
+ needs to know the telephone numbers that correspond to each of the telephone lines. Consider an example where a user dialing through digital telephone <part-num-ref name="user dialing through digital telephone">250</part-num-ref>
+ wishes to make an outgoing call on a particular telephone line. In this example, four different telephone lines may be connected to the local network <part-num-ref name="local network">135</part-num-ref>
+ through ports 215(a-d): 555-1231, 555-1232, 555-1233, and 555-1234. Depending on an office rule, or on personal preference, the user may wish to use a particular one of these lines: 555-1234.    </p>
+    <p id="p-36" num="36">The user may indicate this preference using a line-selection button on the digital telephone <part-num-ref name="digital telephone">250,</part-num-ref>
+ which would convey the preference to gateway <part-num-ref name="preference to gateway">130.</part-num-ref>
+ Gateway <part-num-ref name="preference to gateway 130. Gateway">130</part-num-ref>
+ may then select an appropriate PSTN port-either 215(a), or 215(b), or 215(c), or 215(d<confidence value="4">}</confidence>
+-to ensure that the user's outgoing call is placed on the telephone line whose telephone number is 555-1234.    </p>
+    <boundary-data type="header">Client Reference: Seq. No. 11081       - 8 -</boundary-data>
+    <boundary-data type="header">Attorney Docket No.: CIS<confidence value="4">O</confidence>
+253US    </boundary-data>
+    <p id="p-37" num="37">
+      <page-break num="9"/>
+      <confidence value="5">[</confidence>
+0029<confidence value="5">]</confidence>
+   To make this selection, the gateway <part-num-ref name="gateway">130</part-num-ref>
+ may refer to information stored in the memory <part-num-ref name="memory">207.</part-num-ref>
+ The information may include a lookup table or other data structure that records telephone numbers corresponding to the various PSTN ports on the gateway. The gateway <part-num-ref name="gateway">130</part-num-ref>
+ may use this information to determine which PSTN port-either 215(a), or 215(b), or 215(c), or 215(d)-corresponds to which of the four available telephone numbers-either 555-1231, or 555-1232, or 555-1233, or 555-1234.    </p>
+    <p id="p-38" num="38">[0030<confidence value="5">]</confidence>
+   This information regarding the telephone numbers for the various ports may be entered manually by a user who physically connects the gateway with the telephone lines.    </p>
+    <p id="p-39" num="39">When the user makes these connections, for example by plugging the telephone lines into the PSTN ports 215(a-d), the user may use a keypad or some other interface (not shown) on the gateway <part-num-ref name="gateway">130</part-num-ref>
+ to inform the gateway of the telephone numbers that correspond to each of the PSTN ports 215(a-d). Such a manual entry of the information, however, requires the user to know what the available telephone numbers are, and to be aware of which telephone numbers correspond to which physical wires for each telephone line. Further, this manual entry may be time consuming. Still further, this manual entry may require some familiarity with the interface for the gateway <part-num-ref name="gateway">215,</part-num-ref>
+ which may take some time to develop for new users. All of these factors may reduce the "user friendliness" of the gateway <part-num-ref name="gateway">215.</part-num-ref>
+ These factors may further present greater difficulty in situations where the gateway is connected to large numbers of telephone lines (which may be substantially greater than four, depending on the implementation of the devices), or in situations where multiple gateways are used in tandem to connect with many telephone lines. Difficulties may also arise in situations where only few (or one) telephone lines are used, but the user is unfamiliar with telephony systems.    </p>
+    <p id="p-40" num="40">Thus, gateway 130 may be configured to use a remote server to automatically determine the telephone number associated with one or more of the PSTN ports 215(a-d). The remote server may be accessed through the PSTN ports <part-num-ref name="PSTN ports">215</part-num-ref>
+ under the operation of the auto-detect module <part-num-ref name="auto-detect module">201.</part-num-ref>
+    </p>
+    <p id="p-41" num="41">
+      <confidence value="5">[</confidence>
+0031]   FIG. 3 is a flow diagram of one implementation of a procedure <part-num-ref name="procedure">300</part-num-ref>
+ for automatic detection of a telephone number assigned to a telephone line. The procedure <part-num-ref name="procedure">300</part-num-ref>
+ may <confidence value="88">be</confidence>
+ used by a gateway device, such as the gateway <part-num-ref name="gateway">130</part-num-ref>
+ from FIGS. 1 and <part-num-ref name="and">2.</part-num-ref>
+ The gateway device may include a dedicated module, such as the auto-detect module <part-num-ref name="auto-detect module">201</part-num-ref>
+ from FIG. 2, to coordinate the procedure <part-num-ref name="procedure">300.</part-num-ref>
+ The procedure <part-num-ref name="procedure">300</part-num-ref>
+ may be used during an initial setup or <boundary-data type="header">Client Reference: Seq. No. 11081       - 9 -</boundary-data>
+      <page-break num="10"/>
+      <boundary-data type="header">Attorney Docket No.: CIS<confidence value="4">O</confidence>
+253US      </boundary-data>
+deployment of a gateway, or after changes have been made to the telephone lines connected to a gateway. This procedure may be repeated for each of the ports, such as the PSTN ports <part-num-ref name="PSTN ports">215,</part-num-ref>
+ coupled to a telephone line.    </p>
+    <p id="p-42" num="42">[0032]   The procedure <part-num-ref name="procedure">300</part-num-ref>
+ commences in act <part-num-ref name="commences in act">310,</part-num-ref>
+ where the gateway places an initial call to a remote server through a selected port. The remote server may be a centralized server, such as one of the ID servers <part-num-ref name="ID servers">120</part-num-ref>
+ and <part-num-ref name="and">122</part-num-ref>
+ depicted in FIG. 1, configured to cooperate with a requesting gateway to execute the procedure <part-num-ref name="procedure">300.</part-num-ref>
+ The gateway may be pre-programmed with telephone numbers for accessing one or more remote servers. Alternatively, the gateway may obtain a telephone number for the remote server from a user, or from an information provider reached through a pre-programmed telephone number or Internet address. More information on the remote server is provided below.    </p>
+    <p id="p-43" num="43">[0033]   In act 320, the remote server receives this initial call from the gateway. In act <part-num-ref name="gateway. In act">325,</part-num-ref>
+ the remote server captures the telephone number of the telephone line on which this initial call was placed. The capturing is performed by detecting and recording the caller <confidence value="88">ID</confidence>
+ information. This determination may be made by monitoring the caller ID information received with the initial call. At this point, the remote server has determined the telephone number of the telephone line that was used by the gateway to make this initial call. In general, it is not necessary for the remote server to actually answer the incoming call in order to make this determination, since the caller ID information may be detected without actually answering the telephone call.    </p>
+    <p id="p-44" num="44">[0034]   In a<confidence value="5">c</confidence>
+t 340, the remote server communicates with the gateway and informs the gateway of the telephone number that was captured in act <part-num-ref name="telephone number that was captured in act">325.</part-num-ref>
+ This communication may <confidence value="88">be</confidence>
+ made using a variety of techniques. For example, the remote server may answer the initial telephone call and use the resulting telephone connection to relay the captured telephone number back to the gateway. Alternatively, the remote server may place a return telephone call to the gateway (using the captured telephone number) and use the resulting telephone connection to relay the captured telephone number back to the gateway. Other alternatives are also envisioned, including further examples described below.    </p>
+    <boundary-data type="header">Client Reference: Seq. No. 11081        - 10 -</boundary-data>
+    <boundary-data type="header">Attorney Docket No.: CIS<confidence value="4">O</confidence>
+253US    </boundary-data>
+    <p id="p-45" num="45">
+      <page-break num="11"/>
+      <confidence value="5">[</confidence>
+0035<confidence value="5">]</confidence>
+   The gateway receives the telephone number from the remote server, as indicated in act <part-num-ref name="remote server, as indicated in act">350.</part-num-ref>
+ The gateway may confirm the received telephone number in act <part-num-ref name="received telephone number in act">360.</part-num-ref>
+ This confirmation may be performed using a variety of techniques. For example, the acts 310-350 may be repeated one or more times, using the same or a different remote server, to confirm that the received telephone number is correct. Alternatively, the gateway may make a network link with the remote server, such as a connection through the Internet (or some other wide area network), to confirm that the received telephone number is correct. Variations of the method <part-num-ref name="method">300</part-num-ref>
+ may use different techniques, or combinations thereof, for the confirmation in act <part-num-ref name="confirmation in act">360.</part-num-ref>
+ Alternatively, some variations of the method <part-num-ref name="method">300</part-num-ref>
+ may not perform the confirmation of act <part-num-ref name="confirmation of act">360.</part-num-ref>
+    </p>
+    <p id="p-46" num="46">[0036]   In act 390, the gateway may use the telephone number received from the remote server in act <part-num-ref name="remote server in act">350</part-num-ref>
+ to specify the identity of the port that was used to place the initial call in act <part-num-ref name="initial call in act">310.</part-num-ref>
+ This specifying may be done by mapping the received telephone number to the port in a lookup table or other data structure in a memory, such as the memory <part-num-ref name="memory">207.</part-num-ref>
+ The telephone number may then be used to support the operation of a local network. This information may be used so that the gateway can be aware of the telephone numbers assigned to each of the various PSTN ports. The gateway may then use this information to select an appropriate port for a user who wishes to make an outgoing call using a specific telephone number, or to ascertain the telephone number of an incoming call in situations where caller ID information is faulty or is not available. The acts 310-390 may be repeated by a gateway for each PSTN port on the gateway.    </p>
+    <p id="p-47" num="47">
+      <confidence value="5">[</confidence>
+0037]   The above discussion of the procedure <part-num-ref name="procedure">300</part-num-ref>
+ is made with reference to the gateway <part-num-ref name="gateway">130</part-num-ref>
+ from FIGS. 1 and <part-num-ref name="and">2.</part-num-ref>
+ When used with the gateway <part-num-ref name="gateway">130,</part-num-ref>
+ the procedure <part-num-ref name="procedure">300</part-num-ref>
+ may be executed by a dedicated module, such as the auto-detect module <part-num-ref name="auto-detect module">201</part-num-ref>
+ from FIG. 2, to coordinate the procedure <part-num-ref name="procedure">300.</part-num-ref>
+ Alternatively, the procedure <part-num-ref name="procedure">300</part-num-ref>
+ may be executed by a processor running appropriate instructions from software stored in a memory. Thus, the auto- detect module <part-num-ref name="auto- detect module">201</part-num-ref>
+ in FIG. 2 may be replaced by (or implemented as) the CPU <part-num-ref name="CPU">206,</part-num-ref>
+ using computer instructions stored in the memory <part-num-ref name="memory">207</part-num-ref>
+ for performing the acts of the procedure <part-num-ref name="procedure">300.</part-num-ref>
+    </p>
+    <p id="p-48" num="48">Variations of the procedure <part-num-ref name="procedure">300</part-num-ref>
+ are also contemplated. Variations of the gateway <part-num-ref name="gateway">130</part-num-ref>
+ or other devices and systems may also use the procedure <part-num-ref name="procedure">300,</part-num-ref>
+ or variations thereof, to perform automatic detection.    </p>
+    <boundary-data type="header">Client Reference: Seq. No. 11081        - 11 -</boundary-data>
+    <boundary-data type="header">Attorney Docket No.: CIS<confidence value="4">O</confidence>
+253US    </boundary-data>
+    <p id="p-49" num="49">
+      <page-break num="12"/>
+[0038<confidence value="6">]</confidence>
+   FIG. 4 is a flow diagram of a second implementation of a procedure <part-num-ref name="procedure">400</part-num-ref>
+ for automatic detection of a telephone number assigned to a telephone line. The procedure <part-num-ref name="procedure">400</part-num-ref>
+ may be repeated for each port that is coupled to a telephone line. As discussed below, this embodiment of the procedure uses caller ID tools for bi-directional communication of information, and provides confirmation of the information by using the Internet as a parallel communications medium.    </p>
+    <p id="p-50" num="50">[0039]   The procedure <part-num-ref name="procedure">400</part-num-ref>
+ commences in act <part-num-ref name="commences in act">410,</part-num-ref>
+ where the gateway places an initial call to a remote server through a selected port. In act <part-num-ref name="selected port. In act">420,</part-num-ref>
+ the remote server receives this initial call from the gateway. In act <part-num-ref name="gateway. In act">425,</part-num-ref>
+ the remote server monitors the caller ID information of the incoming call. The remote server captures the caller ID information and thus determines the telephone number of the telephone line on which this call has been placed. At this point, the remote server has determined the telephone number of the telephone line that was used by the gateway to make this initial call. In general, it is not necessary for the remote server to actually answer the incoming call, since the caller ID information may be captured without actually answering the telephone call.    </p>
+    <p id="p-51" num="51">[0040]   In act 430, after a predetermined amount of time has elapsed since initiating the initial call, the gateway disconnects the initial call. At this point, the initial call has been terminated without having actually been answered. Thus<confidence value="5">,</confidence>
+ at this point, the gateway has not received any information that assists in identifying the telephone number associated with the port used to make the initial call. However, that telephone number has been determined and recorded by the remote server.    </p>
+    <p id="p-52" num="52">[0041<confidence value="5">]</confidence>
+   In act 440, the remote server places a return call to the gateway. The remote server places this call by dialing the telephone number that was captured during the initial incoming call. The remote server thus contacts the gateway through the same telephone number that was used for the initial call made by the gateway. During this return call, the remote server informs the gateway of the telephone number that was used during the initial telephone call.    </p>
+    <p id="p-53" num="53">[0042]   To more readily provide this telephone number information to the gateway, the remote server may encode this telephone number into the outgoing caller ID information for <boundary-data type="header">Client Reference: Seq. No. 11081        - 12 <confidence value="8">-</confidence>
+      </boundary-data>
+      <page-break num="13"/>
+      <boundary-data type="header">Attorney Docket No.: CIS<confidence value="4">O</confidence>
+253U<confidence value="5">S</confidence>
+      </boundary-data>
+the return call, as noted in act <part-num-ref name="return call, as noted in act">445.</part-num-ref>
+ Thus, the remote server may set the outgoing caller ID information for the return call to be the same telephone number that was captured earlier in act <part-num-ref name="same telephone number that was captured earlier in act">425.</part-num-ref>
+ Although caller ID information is normally dictated by a local exchange carrier, in some situations individual users may be allowed to dictate the caller ID information of an outgoing call. Such capabilities may be available, for example, to users who subscribe to PRI level service. Thus, the ID servers <part-num-ref name="ID servers">120</part-num-ref>
+ and <part-num-ref name="and">122</part-num-ref>
+ may be connected to the PSTN by subscribing to PRI-class telephone service in order to provide this feature.    </p>
+    <p id="p-54" num="54">[0043<confidence value="5">]</confidence>
+   In act 445, the remote server also provides a redundant confirmation message for the gateway. The remote server posts the captured telephone number in a confirming message on an Internet site, from which the gateway may download the captured telephone number.    </p>
+    <p id="p-55" num="55">
+      <confidence value="5">[</confidence>
+0044]   The return call is received by the gateway in act <part-num-ref name="gateway in act">450.</part-num-ref>
+ The gateway monitors the incoming return call for caller ID information and captures the caller ID information of this return call in act <part-num-ref name="caller ID information of this return call in act">455.</part-num-ref>
+ The gateway thus discovers the telephone number of the telephone line with which it made its initial outgoing call. It is noted that the gateway may capture the caller ID information of the return call without actually answering the return call. The return call may then be terminated by the remote server.    </p>
+    <p id="p-56" num="56">
+      <confidence value="5">[</confidence>
+0045<confidence value="5">]</confidence>
+   In act 450, the gateway may also confirm the captured telephone number by downloading the confirming message from the Internet site used by the remote server in act <part-num-ref name="remote server in act">445.</part-num-ref>
+ If the captured telephone number matches the telephone number in the confirming message, then the gateway may ascertain that the captured telephone number is the correct information. If these numbers do not match, the gateway may re-initiate the procedure <part-num-ref name="procedure">400</part-num-ref>
+ for the selected port.    </p>
+    <p id="p-57" num="57">
+      <confidence value="5">[</confidence>
+0046]   The confirming message posted by the remote server in act <part-num-ref name="remote server in act">445</part-num-ref>
+ may be posted in a public or private forum to which the gateway would be expected to have access. For example, the confirming message may be posted on the World Wide Web or on a file transfer site. The gateway may access the forum through a port with an Internet connection, such as the Internet port <part-num-ref name="Internet port">212.</part-num-ref>
+ The gateway may be equipped with predetermined information on the location of the posting forum.    </p>
+    <boundary-data type="header">Client Reference: Seq. No. 11081        - 13 -</boundary-data>
+    <boundary-data type="header">Attorney Docket No.: <confidence value="5884">CISO</confidence>
+253US    </boundary-data>
+    <p id="p-58" num="58">
+      <page-break num="14"/>
+[0047]   The confirming message posted on the Internet site may be helpful to avoid errors.    </p>
+    <p id="p-59" num="59">For example, instead of receiving the return call from the remote server in act <part-num-ref name="remote server in act">450,</part-num-ref>
+ the gateway may by chance receive a call from some other entity. In such a situation, the gateway would capture erroneous caller <confidence value="5">I</confidence>
+D information in act <part-num-ref name="gateway would capture erroneous caller ID information in act">450.</part-num-ref>
+ The gateway may detect this error by comparing the captured telephone number with the telephone number posted in the confirming message on the Internet.    </p>
+    <p id="p-60" num="60">[0048<confidence value="5">]</confidence>
+   After the gateway captures the caller ID information of the return call in act <part-num-ref name="return call in act">455,</part-num-ref>
+ the return call may be terminated. The remote server may disconnect or hang up the return call in act <part-num-ref name="return call in act">470</part-num-ref>
+ after a predetermined amount of time has elapsed from the initiation of the return call in act <part-num-ref name="return call in act">440.</part-num-ref>
+ (Alternatively, the gateway may terminate the return call by electronically answering the call and immediately hanging up.) In act <part-num-ref name="call and immediately hanging up.) In act">490,</part-num-ref>
+ the captured and confirmed telephone number may be mapped in memory to the port that was used for the initial outgoing call in act <part-num-ref name="initial outgoing call in act">410.</part-num-ref>
+    </p>
+    <p id="p-61" num="61">
+      <confidence value="5">[</confidence>
+0049<confidence value="5">]</confidence>
+   A variety of alternatives are envisioned for the procedure <part-num-ref name="procedure">400.</part-num-ref>
+ For example, in one alternative, the procedure may require that the return call in act <part-num-ref name="return call in act">450</part-num-ref>
+ be received within a predetermined time period after the initial call is generated. This timing may help ensure that the received call is the return call from the remote server, and not an unrelated call from an unrelated party.    </p>
+    <p id="p-62" num="62">[0050<confidence value="5">]</confidence>
+   In another alternative of the procedure the gateway may answer the return call in act <part-num-ref name="return call in act">450.</part-num-ref>
+ The gateway may then communicate directly with the remote server to learn the telephone number captured by the remote server.    </p>
+    <p id="p-63" num="63">[0051<confidence value="5">]</confidence>
+   In yet another alternative of the procedure, the remote server may answer the initial call in act <part-num-ref name="initial call in act">425.</part-num-ref>
+ Such an alternative may be useful in a situation where the initial call reaches the server through a toll-free telephone number. The remote server and the gateway may then share information in a single telephone call, thereby obviating the subsequent return call and confirmation measures.    </p>
+    <p id="p-64" num="64">
+      <confidence value="5">[</confidence>
+0052<confidence value="5">]</confidence>
+ These variations and others may be implemented depending on various design considerations, such as the expected cost differential between answered calls and unanswered <boundary-data type="header">Client Reference: Seq. No. 11081        - 14 <confidence value="8">-</confidence>
+      </boundary-data>
+      <page-break num="15"/>
+      <boundary-data type="header">Attorney Docket No.: CIS<confidence value="4">O</confidence>
+253US      </boundary-data>
+      <confidence value="2222222222">calls,.the</confidence>
+ cost of direct communication between the remote server and the gateway, the cost of making and detecting postings on the Internet, and the costs of hardware associated with implementing the various alternatives.    </p>
+    <p id="p-65" num="65">[0053]   The remote server may use various security features to protect the confirming message posted on the World Wide Web or other posting forum. The confirming message may be protected by an access password or by encryption. To access the confirming message, the gateway may be equipped with any required password or decryption information. For example, a common password may be used for all confirming messages, and each gateway may be manufactured with pre-loaded information that includes the common password. Alternatively, the remote server may enhance security by using individualized passwords (or individualized encryption keys) for each confirming message.</p>
+    <p id="p-66" num="66">The individualized passwords may be based in part (or completely) on the telephone number being posted. For example, the individualized password may include the last four digits of the telephone number being posted. Similarly, the individualized password may be a one- way hash of the telephone number being posted. In such examples, the gateway would be able to access the confirming message only after capturing the telephone number in act <part-num-ref name="telephone number in act">455.</part-num-ref>
+    </p>
+    <p id="p-67" num="67">Instead of, or in addition to, using the telephone number to be posted, the gateway may base an individualized password on a timestamp of the initial call and/or the return call.</p>
+    <p id="p-68" num="68">
+      <confidence value="5">[</confidence>
+0054<confidence value="5">]</confidence>
+   It is noted that the confirming message posted on the Internet in act <part-num-ref name="Internet in act">455</part-num-ref>
+ is a broadcast communication. By reading the confirming message itself, a gateway may not know with certainty if the confirming message is intended for that gateway, since the confirming message may have been intended for some other gateway. Thus, the confirming message may not by itself provide enough information to enable a gateway to determine the telephone number under question. This ambiguity is generally resolved by the return call received in act <part-num-ref name="return call received in act">450,</part-num-ref>
+ since the return call is, in general, a point-to-point communication.    </p>
+    <p id="p-69" num="69">However, this ambiguity may be resolved by other means, such as the use of time stamps in the confirming message, or through the use of temporary postings of the confirming message coupled with strict timing of the acts in the procedure <part-num-ref name="procedure">510.</part-num-ref>
+ Thus, the procedure <part-num-ref name="procedure">400</part-num-ref>
+ may <confidence value="88">be</confidence>
+ modified so that acts <part-num-ref name="may be modified so that acts">445</part-num-ref>
+ and <part-num-ref name="and">450</part-num-ref>
+ use the confirming message on the Internet without an accompanying return call.    </p>
+    <boundary-data type="header">Client Reference: Seq. No. 11081        - 15 <confidence value="8">-</confidence>
+    </boundary-data>
+    <boundary-data type="header">Attorney Docket No.: CIS<confidence value="4">O</confidence>
+253US    </boundary-data>
+    <p id="p-70" num="70">
+      <page-break num="16"/>
+      <confidence value="5">[</confidence>
+0055]   FIG. 5 is a flow diagram of a third implementation of a procedure <part-num-ref name="procedure">500</part-num-ref>
+ for automatic detection of a telephone number assigned to a telephone line. As discussed below, this embodiment of the procedure uses caller ID tools for bi-directional communication of information, and provides confirmation of the information through repetition.    </p>
+    <p id="p-71" num="71">[0056<confidence value="5">]</confidence>
+ As indicated by the outer loop in the flow diagram, the procedure may <confidence value="88">be</confidence>
+ performed for each of the different ports on the gateway, selecting one or more ports at a time. To provide confirmation of the automated detection, the procedure may be repeated several times for each single port, as indicated by the inner loop in the flow diagram. This repetition may be done for a fixed number "N<confidence value="5">"</confidence>
+ of times, or may be repeated enough times to confirm that the detected telephone number is consistent with previous repetitions.    </p>
+    <p id="p-72" num="72">[0057]   Each iteration in the procedure <part-num-ref name="procedure">500</part-num-ref>
+ commences in act <part-num-ref name="commences in act">510,</part-num-ref>
+ where the gateway places an initial call to a remote server through the selected port. In act <part-num-ref name="selected port. In act">520,</part-num-ref>
+ the remote server receives this initial call from the gateway. In act <part-num-ref name="gateway. In act">525,</part-num-ref>
+ the remote server monitors the caller ID information of the incoming call. The remote server captures the caller ID information and thus determines the telephone number of the telephone line on which this call has been placed. In act <part-num-ref name="telephone line on which this call has been placed. In act">530,</part-num-ref>
+ after a predetermined amount of time has elapsed since initiating the initial call, the gateway disconnects the initial call.    </p>
+    <p id="p-73" num="73">[0058]   In act 540, the remote server places a return call to the gateway by dialing the telephone number that was captured during the initial incoming call. As indicated in act <part-num-ref name="initial incoming call. As indicated in act">545,</part-num-ref>
+ the remote server sets the outgoing caller ID information for the return call to be the same telephone number that was captured earlier in act <part-num-ref name="same telephone number that was captured earlier in act">525.</part-num-ref>
+    </p>
+    <p id="p-74" num="74">
+      <confidence value="5">[</confidence>
+0059]   The return call is received by the gateway in act <part-num-ref name="gateway in act">550.</part-num-ref>
+ The gateway monitors the incoming return call for caller ID information and captures the caller ID information of this return call in act <part-num-ref name="caller ID information of this return call in act">555.</part-num-ref>
+ The gateway thus obtains a candidate number of the telephone line with which it made its initial outgoing call. At this point in the first repetition, the candidate number has not been confirmed. The remote server may disconnect or hang up the return call in act <part-num-ref name="return call in act">570</part-num-ref>
+ after a predetermined amount of time has elapsed since the return call was initiated in act <part-num-ref name="return call was initiated in act">540.</part-num-ref>
+    </p>
+    <boundary-data type="header">Client Reference: Seq. No. 11081       - 16 -</boundary-data>
+    <boundary-data type="header">Attorney Docket No.: CIS<confidence value="4">O</confidence>
+253US    </boundary-data>
+    <p id="p-75" num="75">
+      <page-break num="17"/>
+[006<confidence value="66">0]</confidence>
+ As noted above, the acts 510-570 may be repeated several times for each port to confirm the candidate telephone number. These acts are repeated (at least one repetition) to obtain two or more candidate telephone numbers. If the candidate telephone numbers are consistently the same number, then this consistency may be understood as ruling out the situation in which the candidate number was captured from a call placed by an unrelated caller. The gateway may conclude that a consistently received candidate number is correct.    </p>
+    <p id="p-76" num="76">In act 590 the gateway may then map the candidate number in memory to the port that was used for the initial outgoing call in act <part-num-ref name="initial outgoing call in act">510.</part-num-ref>
+    </p>
+    <p id="p-77" num="77">[0061<confidence value="5">]</confidence>
+   FIG. 6 is a block diagram of one implementation of the <confidence value="5">I</confidence>
+D server <part-num-ref name="ID server">120</part-num-ref>
+ from FIG. 1. The ID server <part-num-ref name="ID server">120</part-num-ref>
+ may be used by the procedures described in FIGS. 3-5 to assist a gateway in determining the telephone numbers assigned to telephone lines connected to the gateway. The ID server <part-num-ref name="ID server">120</part-num-ref>
+ may include various components, including a CPU <part-num-ref name="CPU">605,</part-num-ref>
+ a memory <part-num-ref name="memory">607,</part-num-ref>
+ an Internet interface <part-num-ref name="Internet interface">640,</part-num-ref>
+ and encryption module <part-num-ref name="Internet interface 640, and encryption module">642,</part-num-ref>
+ an Internet port <part-num-ref name="Internet port">670,</part-num-ref>
+ a line monitor <part-num-ref name="line monitor">610,</part-num-ref>
+ a caller ID decoder <part-num-ref name="caller ID decoder">620,</part-num-ref>
+ a call initiator <part-num-ref name="call initiator">630,</part-num-ref>
+ a caller ID generator <part-num-ref name="caller ID generator">635,</part-num-ref>
+ and a PSTN port <part-num-ref name="PSTN port">660.</part-num-ref>
+ The components may be implemented using various combinations of software and hardware, such as various forms of computer programs and semiconductor devices, as appropriate for various design implementations.    </p>
+    <p id="p-78" num="78">[0062<confidence value="5">]</confidence>
+   The PSTN port <part-num-ref name="PSTN port">660</part-num-ref>
+ may make and receive calls on a PSTN. The Internet port <part-num-ref name="Internet port">670</part-num-ref>
+ may transmit and receive information to and from the Internet or another wide area network.    </p>
+    <p id="p-79" num="79">The Internet interface 640 may be coupled with the CPU <part-num-ref name="CPU">605</part-num-ref>
+ and with the Internet port <part-num-ref name="Internet port">670,</part-num-ref>
+ and may convey information transmitted and received through the Internet port <part-num-ref name="Internet port">670</part-num-ref>
+ to the CPU <part-num-ref name="CPU">605.</part-num-ref>
+ The encryption module <part-num-ref name="encryption module">642</part-num-ref>
+ may assist the Internet interface <part-num-ref name="Internet interface">640</part-num-ref>
+ by providing encryption (or password protection) for messages to be posted in a publicly accessible forum.    </p>
+    <p id="p-80" num="80">The CPU may also be coupled to the memory <part-num-ref name="memory">607.</part-num-ref>
+ The line monitor <part-num-ref name="line monitor">610,</part-num-ref>
+ the caller ID decoder <part-num-ref name="caller ID decoder">620,</part-num-ref>
+ and the call initiator <part-num-ref name="call initiator">630</part-num-ref>
+ may each be coupled to the CPU <part-num-ref name="CPU">605</part-num-ref>
+ and to the PSTN port <part-num-ref name="PSTN port">660.</part-num-ref>
+ The line monitor <part-num-ref name="line monitor">610</part-num-ref>
+ may be configured to detect incoming calls on the PSTN port <part-num-ref name="PSTN port">660.</part-num-ref>
+ The caller ID decoder <part-num-ref name="caller ID decoder">620</part-num-ref>
+ may be configured to detect and decode the caller ID information of incoming calls on the PSTN port <part-num-ref name="PSTN port">660.</part-num-ref>
+ The call initiator <part-num-ref name="call initiator">630</part-num-ref>
+ may <confidence value="88">be</confidence>
+ configured to place outgoing calls on the PSTN port <part-num-ref name="PSTN port">660.</part-num-ref>
+ The caller ID generator <part-num-ref name="caller ID generator">635</part-num-ref>
+ may be coupled to the call initiator <part-num-ref name="call initiator">630</part-num-ref>
+ and may be configured to dictate the caller ID information associated with an outgoing call.    </p>
+    <boundary-data type="header">Client Reference: Seq. No. 11081       - 17 -</boundary-data>
+    <boundary-data type="header">Attorney Docket No.: CIS<confidence value="4">O</confidence>
+253US    </boundary-data>
+    <p id="p-81" num="81">
+      <page-break num="18"/>
+[0063<confidence value="5">]</confidence>
+   Under control of software stored in the memory <part-num-ref name="memory">607,</part-num-ref>
+ the CPU may control the Internet interface <part-num-ref name="Internet interface">640,</part-num-ref>
+ the line monitor <part-num-ref name="line monitor">610,</part-num-ref>
+ the caller ID decoder <part-num-ref name="caller ID decoder">620,</part-num-ref>
+ and the call initiator <part-num-ref name="call initiator">630,</part-num-ref>
+ and may process information to be conveyed through these components and the ports <part-num-ref name="ports">660</part-num-ref>
+ and <part-num-ref name="and">670.</part-num-ref>
+ The software and the components of the ID server <part-num-ref name="ID server">120</part-num-ref>
+ may be configured so that the ID server <part-num-ref name="ID server">120</part-num-ref>
+ performs server-side aspects of procedures such as the procedures <part-num-ref name="procedures">300,</part-num-ref>
+ <part-num-ref name="procedures 300,">400,</part-num-ref>
+ or <part-num-ref name="procedures 300, 400, or">500,</part-num-ref>
+ or variations thereof.    </p>
+    <p id="p-82" num="82">
+      <confidence value="5">[</confidence>
+0064<confidence value="2">]</confidence>
+   Although the present invention has been described in connection with several embodiments, the invention is not intended to be limited to the specific forms set forth herein.    </p>
+    <p id="p-83" num="83">On the contrary, it is intended to cover such alternatives, modifications, and equivalents as can be reasonably included within the scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims.</p>
+    <boundary-data type="header">Client Reference: Seq. No. 11081        - 18 -</boundary-data>
+  </description>
+</us-patent-application>
+

prior_art/11193071.xml

@@ -0,0 +1,372 @@
+<?xml version="1.0" encoding="utf-8"?>
+<!DOCTYPE us-patent-application SYSTEM "PATI-v1.0.3-2011-06-23.dtd">
+<us-patent-application lang="EN" dtd-version="v1.0.3 2011-06-23" id="us-patent-application" country="US">
+  <us-bibliographic-data-application lang="EN" country="US">
+    <application-reference appl-type="utility">
+      <document-id>
+        <doc-number>11193071</doc-number>
+        <date>2005-07-29</date>
+      </document-id>
+    </application-reference>
+  </us-bibliographic-data-application>
+  <description id="description">
+    <heading id="h-1">
+      <confidence value="88">IM</confidence>
+PLANTABLE TISSUE ISCHEMIA SENSOR    </heading>
+    <p id="p-1" num="1">Field of the Invention [001] The present invention relates to implantable devices and methods for providing localized <boundary-data type="line-number">5   </boundary-data>
+measurements of tissue ischemia, and more particularly relates to the embedding of a visible light source, a sensor, a power source, and a transmitter into a long-term implantable shell for the purpose of performing real-time spectroscopic analysis of in vivo tissue perfusion sensitive to local tissue ischemia.    </p>
+    <p id="p-2" num="2">Back<confidence value="8">g</confidence>
+round of the Invention <boundary-data type="line-number">10   </boundary-data>
+[002] The clinical detection of ischemia - an insufficient delivery of oxygen to meet a tissue's metabolic needs - is unreliable. Ischemia is especially difficult to detect when the ischemia is due to a localized interruption of blood flow - such as during a heart attack or stroke. Existing laboratory tests for ischemia, such as serum enzyme-leakage tests (e.g., for tests for cardiac isoenzymes after a heart attack) or EKG electrical tests, are insensitive indicators of such local <boundary-data type="line-number">15   </boundary-data>
+tissue ischemia, especially during the early stages. Similarly, blood tests are also insensitive to local ischemia, as the ischemia is a result of low oxygenation in a local tissue, which is reflected in the local capillary oxygenation, not in the oxygenation of the arterial or venous blood when measured in the large central arteries and veins. Noninvasive imaging of ischemia lacks the immediacy that allows for early intervention or real-time feedback to other devices such as <boundary-data type="line-number">20   </boundary-data>
+pacemakers.    </p>
+    <p id="p-3" num="3">[003] Non-implantable ischemia sensors are known. For example, US 6,532,381 teaches the detection of ischemia using externally measured electrical (EKG) monitoring and microprocessor control. However, such devices monitoring multiple external sites using wire leads placed upon the chest wall are not designed for implantability, which requires that issues of size, power <boundary-data type="line-number">25   </boundary-data>
+consumption, biocompatibility, and robustness over time be optimized alongside sensing performance, a non-trivial task.    </p>
+    <p id="p-4" num="4">[004] Implantable sensors are also well known. However, implantable sensors designed to detect ischemia are rare in the art, and none of these detect tissue ischemia directly. For example, <boundary-data type="header">Attorney Docket No. 18643 <confidence value="8">1</confidence>
+/US/AJT            <confidence value="4">1</confidence>
+      </boundary-data>
+      <boundary-data type="header">4838-1923-7632\<confidence value="5">1</confidence>
+      </boundary-data>
+      <page-break num="2"/>
+US 5,135,004, US Appn 2004/0122478, and WO 00/64534 predict the presence of ischemia based upon the electrical (EKG), blood pressure, local pH, <confidence value="222222">and/or</confidence>
+ physical (acceleration during contraction) characteristics of the heart, while US 6,527,729 discloses an implantable acoustic sensor that responds to heart failure by changes in the sound of the heartbeat. Further, US <boundary-data type="line-number">5   </boundary-data>
+5,199,428 and US Appn. 2004/0220460 teach implantable devices to monitor blood oxygenation (venous blood and arterial blood, respectively), in the latter case specifically rejecting local tissue saturation from encapsulation, thus teaching away from direct tissue monitoring. For reasons to be outlined in more detail later, such non-tissue blood oxygenation (whether arterial or venous) is insensitive to tissue ischemia, and is at best an indirect measure of tissue ischemia. For each of <boundary-data type="line-number">10   </boundary-data>
+the devices above, then, ischemia is measured only by indirect and unreliable indicators of ischemia, such as by indicators of cardiac electrical, mechanical, and acoustic dysfunction.    </p>
+    <p id="p-5" num="5">Another point to consider is that organs other than the heart are frequent sites of ischemia (such as in the kidney, liver, or gut), and the prior art is not directed to these other organs at all.</p>
+    <p id="p-6" num="6">Therefore, none of the above devices detect local tissue ischemia directly, nor can they be applied <boundary-data type="line-number">15   </boundary-data>
+generally to any organ without regard to site.    </p>
+    <p id="p-7" num="7">[005] All of the above devices are limited by being either non-implantable, by being at best an indirect measures of local tissue ischemia, or by being restricted to use in just one organ such as the heart due to the indirect measures of ischemia (such as sound or movement) which they employ.</p>
+    <p id="p-8" num="8">
+      <boundary-data type="line-number">20    </boundary-data>
+[006] None of the prior devices or methods allow for a direct detection of local tissue is<confidence value="8">c</confidence>
+hemia in a broad array of target sites using a long-term or short-term implantable system sensitive to local ischemia, [007] Such a system has not been previously described, nor successfully commercialized.    </p>
+    <p id="p-9" num="9">Summary of the Invention <boundary-data type="line-number">25    </boundary-data>
+[008] The inventors have discovered that the site at which tissue ischemia occurs is always local, and that local tissue physiology in nearly every case will attempt to compensate for this local ischemia, producing a direct depression then partial compensation on the capillary hemoglobin saturation. This local effect is often not measurable using standard blood monitoring, <boundary-data type="header">Attorney Docket No. 186431/US/A<confidence value="5">J</confidence>
+T             2      </boundary-data>
+      <boundary-data type="header">4838-1923-7632\1</boundary-data>
+      <page-break num="3"/>
+and capitalizing on this local capillary effect allows for the design a highly localized, fully- implantable ischemia detector.    </p>
+    <p id="p-10" num="10">[009] A salient feature of the present invention is that the detection and treatment of ischemia is aided by use of an implantable is<confidence value="8">c</confidence>
+hemia sensor.    </p>
+    <p id="p-11" num="11">
+      <boundary-data type="line-number">5   </boundary-data>
+[010] Accordingly, an object of the present invention is to provide a fully-implantable ischemia detector.    </p>
+    <p id="p-12" num="12">[011] In one aspect the invention provides a direct, quantitative measure or index of local tissue ischemia.</p>
+    <p id="p-13" num="13">[012] In another aspect the invention provides a short-term implantation, such as optical fibers <boundary-data type="line-number">10   </boundary-data>
+within the heart muscle after bypass surgery, or an implant in the lung tissue for short-term monitoring after a transplant, or even a swallowable device for detecting ischemia in the gut as it passes through the enteric system.    </p>
+    <p id="p-14" num="14">[013] The improved ischemia detection system as described has many advantages one or more of which are descipled below. While a number of advantages are set forth for illustrative <boundary-data type="line-number">15   </boundary-data>
+purposes only, these advantages are not intended to limit the scope of the claims in any way.    </p>
+    <p id="p-15" num="15">[014] One advantage is that a physician or surgeon can obtain real-time feedback regarding local tissue ischemia in high-risk patients, and to respond accordingly, while any injury remains reversible.</p>
+    <p id="p-16" num="16">[015] Another advantage is that this system may be safely deployed within a living body.</p>
+    <p id="p-17" num="17">
+      <boundary-data type="line-number">20    </boundary-data>
+[016] Another advantage is that the system can be actively coupled to a therapeutic device, such as a pacemaker, to provide feedback to the pacing function, or passively coupled to a therapeutic device, such as applied to a stent to monitor stent performance over time.    </p>
+    <p id="p-18" num="18">[017] Another advantage is that the system may be constructed to detect ischemia using light, which allows for simple, safe, and non-electrical transmission of the measuring photons as <boundary-data type="line-number">25    </boundary-data>
+required.    </p>
+    <p id="p-19" num="19">[018] Another advantage is that the detection can be in the tissue itself, rather than removed from the site of ischemia. Sources of local tissue signals include but are not limited to capillary hemoglobin (not in the arterial or venous circulation but locally in the capillaries in the tissue), <boundary-data type="header">Attorney Docket No. 186431/US/AJT             3</boundary-data>
+      <boundary-data type="header">4838-<confidence value="5">1</confidence>
+923-7632\<confidence value="5">1</confidence>
+      </boundary-data>
+      <page-break num="4"/>
+myoglobin (which is extravascular and within muscle cells in the tissue itself) and cytochrome (which is intracellular within the mitochondria of the cells of the tissue itself).    </p>
+    <p id="p-20" num="20">[019] Another advantage is that use of broadband light can allow for determination of tissue ischemia using spectroscopy, and in particular differential spectroscopy, which allows for <boundary-data type="line-number">5   </boundary-data>
+compensation of light scattering by tissues.    </p>
+    <p id="p-21" num="21">[020] A final advantage is that ischemia sensing may be used to enable detection of many types of disease, such as tissue rejection, tissue infection, vessel leakage, vessel occlusion, and the like, many of which produce ischemia as an aspect of the disease.</p>
+    <p id="p-22" num="22">[021] There is provided an implantable device or system with broadband light source for <boundary-data type="line-number">10   </boundary-data>
+generating light, and for delivering this light to a sample for the purpose of enabling spectroscopic ischemia detection. In some embodiments, the system uses a phosphor-coated white LED to produce continuous, broadband light from <part-num-ref name="phosphor-coated white LED to produce continuous, broadband light from">400</part-num-ref>
+ nm to <part-num-ref name="nm to">700</part-num-ref>
+ nm, which is transmitted directly to a target site. Scattered light returning from the target is detected by a wavelength- sensitive detector, and a signal related to ischemia is generated using this wavelength-sensitive <boundary-data type="line-number">15   </boundary-data>
+information via spectroscopic analysis. Finally, this signal is sent out from the device using radiofrequency (R<confidence value="5">F</confidence>
+) transmission. Implantable systems incorporating the ischemia detection system and medical methods of use are described.    </p>
+    <p id="p-23" num="23">[022] The breadth of uses and advantages of the present invention are best understood by example, and by a detailed explanation of the workings of a constructed apparatus, now in <boundary-data type="line-number">20   </boundary-data>
+operation and tested in animals. These and other advantages of the invention will become apparent when viewed in light of the accompanying drawings, examples, and detailed description.    </p>
+    <p id="p-24" num="24">Brief Description of the Drawin<confidence value="68">gs</confidence>
+ [023] The following drawings are provided:    </p>
+    <p id="p-25" num="25">
+      <boundary-data type="line-number">25    </boundary-data>
+[024] Fig. 1 is a schematic diagram of an implantable tissue ischemia detector incorporating a white LED and constructed in accordance with embodiments of the invention.    </p>
+    <p id="p-26" num="26">[025] Fig. 2 is a schematic of an external coil, for powering the implantable device and for receiving a signal related to the presence or degree of tissue ischemia, attached to an external monitor system.</p>
+    <boundary-data type="header">Attorney Docket No. 186431/US/AJT            4</boundary-data>
+    <boundary-data type="header">4838-1923-7632\<confidence value="5">1</confidence>
+    </boundary-data>
+    <p id="p-27" num="27">
+      <page-break num="5"/>
+[026] Figs. 3A to 3E shows five exemplary schematics of the optical sensor unit.    </p>
+    <p id="p-28" num="28">[027] Fig. 4 shows data from the colon of a live subject during periods of low systemic blood flow, which led to local ischemia, as collected and analyzed in real time by a medical monitor constructed in accordance with embodiments of the invention.</p>
+    <p id="p-29" num="29">
+      <boundary-data type="line-number">5                           </boundary-data>
+Detailed Descri<confidence value="5">p</confidence>
+tion Of The Invention Definitions [028] For the purposes of this invention, the following definitions are provided. These definitions are intended to be illustrative and exemplary. They are not intended to restrictively limit, by the absence of any specific illustrative example, the common-sense breadth of meaning <boundary-data type="line-number">10   </boundary-data>
+of the terms to those skilled in the art. These definitions are as follows:    </p>
+    <p id="p-30" num="30">[029] Implantable: Intended for implantation internally in a living body, such as into or between internal tissues. Implantable devices typically must be biocompatible (i.e., have a biocompatible exterior), or else the host subject's immune system will attack the implanted object or the device will have a toxic effect upon the host.</p>
+    <p id="p-31" num="31">
+      <boundary-data type="line-number">15   </boundary-data>
+[030] Implantable does not require any fixed duration. I<confidence value="8">m</confidence>
+plantable as used herein can mean short-term implantation, such as removable fibers inserted in the heart or lung, or a swallowable device such as an gastrointestinal ischemia monitor. Implantable as used herein may also be a long-term implantation, such as a pacemaker feedback system which monitors the heart or muscle, or a liver-based MEMS device that monitors for rejection.    </p>
+    <p id="p-32" num="32">
+      <boundary-data type="line-number">20   </boundary-data>
+[031] Fully-Implantable: Complete implantation into a living body, without a physical connection to the external body. Fully-implantable devices may contain an embedded power supply, receive power from another implanted device (such as a pacemaker), or receive power from an external source such as via transcutaneous inductive coupling. Fully-implantable devices may still communicate with receivers external to the body via non-physical means, such as <boundary-data type="line-number">25   </boundary-data>
+electromagnetic waves from RFID chips. An implantable system may be embedded long-term, such as buried deep within a body to monitor for organ rejection or cardiac ischemia. An implantable system may also be used short-term only, such as a swallowable pill that monitors for ischemic ulcers or polyps in the esophagus, stomach, intestines, and colon, and is passed via the rectum when the scanning is complete in a few hours to a few days.    </p>
+    <boundary-data type="header">Attorney Docket No. 186431/US/AJT           5</boundary-data>
+    <boundary-data type="header">4838-1923-7632\<confidence value="5">1</confidence>
+    </boundary-data>
+    <p id="p-33" num="33">
+      <page-break num="6"/>
+[032] Tissue: Material from a living animal, plant, viral, or bacterial subject, with an emphasis on mammals, especially humans.    </p>
+    <p id="p-34" num="34">[033] Perfusion: The flow of blood to a tissue or region, which differs from tissue ischemia in that low flow does not guarantee ischemia.</p>
+    <p id="p-35" num="35">
+      <boundary-data type="line-number">5   </boundary-data>
+[034] Blood Oxygenation: The saturation of the hemoglobin in arterial and venous blood, which differs from tissue ischemia. Arterial blood can be 100% oxygenated, yet a blood clot in the coronary artery will produce severe ischemia despite the 100% arterial saturation. Similarly, a local occlusion may produce lethal local ischemia, while the average venous oxygenation is not lowered detectably due to the small contribution of that local tissue to the overall venous blood <boundary-data type="line-number">10   </boundary-data>
+oxygenation.    </p>
+    <p id="p-36" num="36">[035] Ischemia: A local condition of tissue in which the delivery of oxygen to the tissue is locally inadequate to meet its metabolic needs. Such conditions vary from tissue to tissue. For example, the brain has a high metabolic rate and is easily made ischemic, even during simple tasks such as deep thought and insight, unless there is a local and rapid increase in the baseline <boundary-data type="line-number">15   </boundary-data>
+blood flow and oxygen delivery to the metabolizing cortical tissues. In contrast, the growing fetus is in a relative hibernation state, with very low oxygen needs in most tissues, and is more difficult to make ischemic. Early and mild ischemia is often evidenced by increases in the amount of oxygen extracted from the blood being delivered to the capillary bed, resulting in decreased tissue oxygenation. Later stage ischemia is evidenced by lactic acid formation and <boundary-data type="line-number">20    </boundary-data>
+disturbed cellular metabolism that occurs when the simple compensatory mechanisms of the tissue (increase oxygen extraction, increase flow) are no longer sufficient to protect the tissue from the rising ischemia. Ischemia is therefore distinguished fro<confidence value="8">m</confidence>
+ perfusion (i.e., blood flow) in that low blood flow does not guarantee ischemia (such as during tissue cooling or in the fetus), nor does high flow rule out ischemia (such as during sepsis, fever, or intense work). Ischemia is a <boundary-data type="line-number">25    </boundary-data>
+co-existing condition in many different types of illnesses, including sepsis, tissue rejection, heart attack, stroke, organ failure, diabetic disease, and other conditions.    </p>
+    <p id="p-37" num="37">[036] Tar<confidence value="666">get</confidence>
+: A material to be detected, imaged, or studied. In the accompanying examples, one target site is the intestine.    </p>
+    <boundary-data type="header">Attorney Docket No. 18643 <confidence value="85">1/</confidence>
+US/AJT            6    </boundary-data>
+    <boundary-data type="header">4838-1923-7632\<confidence value="2">1</confidence>
+    </boundary-data>
+    <p id="p-38" num="38">
+      <page-break num="7"/>
+[037] Target Signal: A sensed signal specific to the target. This signal may be enhanced through use of a contrast agent. This signal may be produced by scattering, absorbance, phosphorescence, fluorescence, Raman effects, or other known spectroscopy techniques.    </p>
+    <p id="p-39" num="39">[038] Visible Light: Electromagnetic radiation from blue to yellow, namely with wavelengths <boundary-data type="line-number">5   </boundary-data>
+between 400 nm and <part-num-ref name="nm and">625</part-num-ref>
+ microns, but especially those green to orange wavelengths between <part-num-ref name="microns, but especially those green to orange wavelengths between">475</part-num-ref>
+ and <part-num-ref name="and">600</part-num-ref>
+ nm where the absorbance by capillary hemoglobin (not in the arterial or venous circulation but locally in the capillaries in the tissue), myoglobin (which is extravascular and within muscle cells in the tissue itself) and cytochrome (which is intracellular within the mitochondria of the tissue itself) is the strongest.    </p>
+    <p id="p-40" num="40">
+      <boundary-data type="line-number">10   </boundary-data>
+[039] Broadband Light: Light produced over a wide range of wavelengths sufficient to perform solution of multiple simultaneous spectroscopic equations. For tissue, a width of at least <part-num-ref name="width of at least">40</part-num-ref>
+ nm is likely to be needed, while in the preferred embodiment a broadband white LED produces light from <part-num-ref name="broadband white LED produces light from">400</part-num-ref>
+ nm to beyond <part-num-ref name="nm to beyond">700</part-num-ref>
+ <confidence value="588">nm.</confidence>
+    </p>
+    <p id="p-41" num="41">[040] LED: A light emitting diode.</p>
+    <p id="p-42" num="42">
+      <boundary-data type="line-number">15   </boundary-data>
+[041] White LED: A broadband, visible wavelength LED, often comprised of a blue LED and a blue-absorbing broad-emitting phosphor that emits over a wide range of visible wavelengths.    </p>
+    <p id="p-43" num="43">Other phosphors can be substituted. As used in the examples herein, any broadband LED could be used, even if not emitting over a full (white) spectrum. For example, a green LED emitting over a FW<confidence value="5">H</confidence>
+M range of <part-num-ref name="FWHM range of">100</part-num-ref>
+ nm would be considered to be broadband.    </p>
+    <p id="p-44" num="44">
+      <boundary-data type="line-number">20   </boundary-data>
+[042] Light Source: A source of illuminating photons. It may be composed of a simple light bulb, a laser, a flash lamp, an LED, a white LED, or another light source or combination of sources, or it may be a complex form including but not limited to, a light emitter such as a bulb or light emitting diode, one or more filter elements, a transmission element such as an integrated optical fiber, a guidance element such as a reflective prism or internal lens, and other elements <boundary-data type="line-number">25   </boundary-data>
+intended to enhance the optical coupling of the light from the source to the tissue or sample under study. The light may be generated using electrical input (such as with an LED), optical input (such as a fluorescent dye in a fiber responding to light), or any other source of energy, internal or external to the source. The light source may be continuously on, pulsed, or even analyzed as time-, frequency-, or spatially-resolved. The light emitter may comprise a single or <boundary-data type="header">Attorney Docket No. 186431/US/AJT          7</boundary-data>
+      <boundary-data type="header">4838-1923-7632\<confidence value="1">l</confidence>
+      </boundary-data>
+      <page-break num="8"/>
+multiple light emitting elements, such as a combination of different light emitting diodes to produce a spectrum of light.    </p>
+    <p id="p-45" num="45">[043] Light Detector or Light Sensor: A detector that generates a measurable signal in response to the light incident on the detector.</p>
+    <p id="p-46" num="46">
+      <boundary-data type="line-number">5   </boundary-data>
+[044] Optical Coupling: The arrangement of two elements such that light exiting the first element interacts, at least in part, with the second element. This may be free-space (unaided) transmission through air or space, or may require use of intervening optical elements such as lenses, filters, fused fiber expanders, collimators, concentrators, collectors, optical fibers, prisms, mirrors, or mirrored surfaces and the like.    </p>
+    <p id="p-47" num="47">
+      <boundary-data type="line-number">10   </boundary-data>
+[045]  Embodiments of the device and system will now be described.    </p>
+    <p id="p-48" num="48">[046] FIG. 1 shows device <part-num-ref name="shows device">101</part-num-ref>
+ implanted into the chest wall of patient <part-num-ref name="chest wall of patient">98.</part-num-ref>
+ Of note, patient <part-num-ref name="chest wall of patient 98. Of note, patient">98</part-num-ref>
+ is shown for illustrative purposes, and is not considered a part of the invention. A cut-away schematic of device <part-num-ref name="cut-away schematic of device">101</part-num-ref>
+ showing the interior of implantable device <part-num-ref name="interior of implantable device">101</part-num-ref>
+ is shown at the top of FIG. 1. Device <part-num-ref name="top of FIG. 1. Device">101</part-num-ref>
+ is surrounded by biocompatible exterior <part-num-ref name="is surrounded by biocompatible exterior">102.</part-num-ref>
+ Typically, exterior <part-num-ref name="is surrounded by biocompatible exterior 102. Typically, exterior">102</part-num-ref>
+ is <boundary-data type="line-number">15   </boundary-data>
+constructed from approved Class VI materials as recognized by the U.S. FDA or other medical device regulatory agencies, such as polyethylene or surgical steel. Portions of the sensor, power supply, light source, or transmitter may protrude as needed from this shell within the spirit of this invention, provided that the protruding parts themselves are biocompatible.    </p>
+    <p id="p-49" num="49">[047] Within device 101, light source 103 is illustrated in its component parts. In some <boundary-data type="line-number">20   </boundary-data>
+embodiments, broad spectrum white light is emitted by a high conversion-efficiency white LED source <part-num-ref name="high conversion-efficiency white LED source">105</part-num-ref>
+ (in this case, The LED Light, model T1-3<confidence value="5">/</confidence>
+4-20W-a, Fallon, NV). In the exemplary embodiments, diode source <part-num-ref name="exemplary embodiments, diode source">105</part-num-ref>
+ is embedded into a plastic beam-shaping mount using optical clear epoxy <part-num-ref name="plastic beam-shaping mount using optical clear epoxy">111</part-num-ref>
+ to allow light generated in LED <part-num-ref name="to allow light generated in LED">105</part-num-ref>
+ to be collimated, thus remaining at a near- constant diameter after passing through optical window <part-num-ref name="near- constant diameter after passing through optical window">115</part-num-ref>
+ to leave device <part-num-ref name="to leave device">101.</part-num-ref>
+ Light then is <boundary-data type="line-number">25   </boundary-data>
+able to pass forward as shown by light path vectors <part-num-ref name="to leave device 101. Light then is able to pass forward as shown by light path vectors">119,</part-num-ref>
+ with at least a portion of this light optically coupled to target region <part-num-ref name="portion of this light optically coupled to target region">125.</part-num-ref>
+ Note that while target region <part-num-ref name="portion of this light optically coupled to target region 125. Note that while target region">125</part-num-ref>
+ may be in some instances a living tissue, the tissue itself is not considered to be a claimed part of this invention.    </p>
+    <p id="p-50" num="50">[048] A portion of the light reaching target <part-num-ref name="light reaching target">125</part-num-ref>
+ is absorbed by ischemia in the tissue and another portion is backscattered and returns as to device <part-num-ref name="tissue and another portion is backscattered and returns as to device">101,</part-num-ref>
+ as shown by light path vectors <part-num-ref name="tissue and another portion is backscattered and returns as to device 101, as shown by light path vectors">128,</part-num-ref>
+ <boundary-data type="header">Attorney Docket No. 186431/US/AJT            <confidence value="4">g</confidence>
+      </boundary-data>
+      <boundary-data type="header">4838-1923-7632\<confidence value="5">1</confidence>
+      </boundary-data>
+      <page-break num="9"/>
+to optical collection window <part-num-ref name="tissue and another portion is backscattered and returns as to device 101, as shown by light path vectors 128, to optical collection window">141.</part-num-ref>
+ Collection window <part-num-ref name="tissue and another portion is backscattered and returns as to device 101, as shown by light path vectors 128, to optical collection window 141. Collection window">141</part-num-ref>
+ in this embodiment is a glass, plastic, or quartz window, but can alternatively be merely an aperture, or even be a lens, as required.    </p>
+    <p id="p-51" num="51">Light then strikes sensor 155, where it is sensed and detected.</p>
+    <p id="p-52" num="52">[049] Sensor 155 may comprise a number of discrete detectors configured to be wavelength- <boundary-data type="line-number">5   </boundary-data>
+sensitive, or may be a continuous CCD spectrometer, with entry of light by wavelength controlled by gratings, filters, or wavelength-specific optical fibers. In any event, sensor <part-num-ref name="continuous CCD spectrometer, with entry of light by wavelength controlled by gratings, filters, or wavelength-specific optical fibers. In any event, sensor">155</part-num-ref>
+ transmits an ischemia signal related to the detected light backscattered from target <part-num-ref name="detected light backscattered from target">125,</part-num-ref>
+ producing an electrical signal sent via wires <part-num-ref name="electrical signal sent via wires">161</part-num-ref>
+ and <part-num-ref name="and">163</part-num-ref>
+ a sending unit <part-num-ref name="sending unit">167,</part-num-ref>
+ such as a transmitter chip. The signal transmitted by the sending unit <part-num-ref name="sending unit">167</part-num-ref>
+ is received by the receiver <part-num-ref name="receiver">183</part-num-ref>
+ where it can <boundary-data type="line-number">10   </boundary-data>
+be further processed to provide a display.    </p>
+    <p id="p-53" num="53">[050] In one embodiment, light source 103 also has two electrical connections <part-num-ref name="also has two electrical connections">175</part-num-ref>
+ and <part-num-ref name="and">176,</part-num-ref>
+ connecting light source <part-num-ref name="and 176, connecting light source">103</part-num-ref>
+ to power source <part-num-ref name="to power source">179.</part-num-ref>
+ In one embodiment, power source <part-num-ref name="to power source 179. In one embodiment, power source">179</part-num-ref>
+ is an inductive power supply, capable of receiving an inductive field from externally powered coil and <confidence value="885">RFI</confidence>
+D receiver <part-num-ref name="inductive field from externally powered coil and RFID receiver">183</part-num-ref>
+ (FIG. <part-num-ref name="(FIG.">2)</part-num-ref>
+ placed outside of the body, in order to produce power for device <part-num-ref name="body, in order to produce power for device">101</part-num-ref>
+ <boundary-data type="line-number">15   </boundary-data>
+as required. Note that external powered coil <part-num-ref name="as required. Note that external powered coil">183</part-num-ref>
+ is shown for the purposes of example and illustration, but is not considered a required part of this invention. Alternatively, source <part-num-ref name="required part of this invention. Alternatively, source">179</part-num-ref>
+ could merely be a long-lived implantable battery, in which case an external powered coil may not be required at all.    </p>
+    <p id="p-54" num="54">[051] Operation of the device may now be described.</p>
+    <p id="p-55" num="55">
+      <boundary-data type="line-number">20    </boundary-data>
+[052] Device 101 is implanted in a patient, for example in the chest wall of a patient undergoing coronary artery repair for heart disease. The device may measure the muscle directly, or it can be placed at a distance. In the latter case, vectors <part-num-ref name="latter case, vectors">119</part-num-ref>
+ are fiber optics extended from device <part-num-ref name="are fiber optics extended from device">101</part-num-ref>
+ and into close proximity to the target heart muscle, sufficient for optical coupling.    </p>
+    <p id="p-56" num="56">Then the patient is allowed to heal after surgery, and the implantable device is left inside the <boundary-data type="line-number">25   </boundary-data>
+patient's body, without a direct physical connection to the outside world.    </p>
+    <p id="p-57" num="57">[053] In this example, device 101 is normally powered down and in a resting (off) state. At some point, it is desired to test the target heart muscle for the presence of ischemia. As shown in Fig. 2 , external inductive coil <part-num-ref name=", external inductive coil">183</part-num-ref>
+ is connected to external monitor is brought into close proximity to the chest wall over the site of implantation of device <part-num-ref name="site of implantation of device">101.</part-num-ref>
+ Referring back to Fig. 1, <boundary-data type="header">Attorney Docket No. 18643<confidence value="885">1/U</confidence>
+S/AJT            9      </boundary-data>
+      <boundary-data type="header">4838-1923-7632\<confidence value="5">1</confidence>
+      </boundary-data>
+      <page-break num="10"/>
+through inductive coupling external coil <part-num-ref name="site of implantation of device 101. Referring back to Fig. 1, through inductive coupling external coil">183</part-num-ref>
+ induces a current in inductive power source <part-num-ref name="current in inductive power source">179</part-num-ref>
+ located within device <part-num-ref name="located within device">101,</part-num-ref>
+ producing sufficient power for device <part-num-ref name="located within device 101, producing sufficient power for device">101</part-num-ref>
+ to power up and turn on.    </p>
+    <p id="p-58" num="58">Light source 103 begins to illuminate the target <part-num-ref name="target">125,</part-num-ref>
+ in this case heart muscle. Sensor <part-num-ref name="target 125, in this case heart muscle. Sensor">155,</part-num-ref>
+ which is an embedded spectrophotometer in some embodiments, receives backscattered light, resolves <boundary-data type="line-number">5   </boundary-data>
+the incoming light by wavelength, a marker of ischemia. The result of this determination is sent to sending unit <part-num-ref name="result of this determination is sent to sending unit">167,</part-num-ref>
+ which in the exemplary embodiment is an R<confidence value="5">F</confidence>
+ transmitter that sends the sensed signals to external R<confidence value="5">F</confidence>
+ID receiver <part-num-ref name="sensed signals to external RFID receiver">184.</part-num-ref>
+ There, the signal received by receiver <part-num-ref name="signal received by receiver">184</part-num-ref>
+ may be processed for the oxygenation of the hemoglobin in the terminal capillary beds, a marker of ischemia, by external monitor <part-num-ref name="marker of ischemia, by external monitor">313,</part-num-ref>
+ as shown in the data collected and plotted under the Example <boundary-data type="line-number">10   </boundary-data>
+section, below. An example of a system for indicating oxygenation is described in U.S. Patent No. 5,987,346, incorporated herein by reference.    </p>
+    <p id="p-59" num="59">[054] Once the measurement is completed, external coil <part-num-ref name="measurement is completed, external coil">183</part-num-ref>
+ is moved away from device <part-num-ref name="is moved away from device">101,</part-num-ref>
+ and device <part-num-ref name="is moved away from device 101, and device">101</part-num-ref>
+ powers down and returns to a resting state.    </p>
+    <p id="p-60" num="60">[055] In an alternative embodiment, power source <part-num-ref name="alternative embodiment, power source">179</part-num-ref>
+ may be charged during proximity to <boundary-data type="line-number">15   </boundary-data>
+external coil, or have an internal battery source, allowing device <part-num-ref name="internal battery source, allowing device">101</part-num-ref>
+ to operate when external coil <part-num-ref name="to operate when external coil">179</part-num-ref>
+ is not present. Sending unit <part-num-ref name="is not present. Sending unit">167</part-num-ref>
+ may then transmit without being directly queried, such as in response to a dangerous level of ischemia.    </p>
+    <p id="p-61" num="61">[056] The light sensor which resolves the incoming light by wavelength and sends a signal to the sending unit has been mentioned, and will now be more fully described with reference to <boundary-data type="line-number">20   </boundary-data>
+Figs. 3A to 3E. In one form, <confidence value="5">F</confidence>
+ig. 3A, the sensor <part-num-ref name="sensor">155</part-num-ref>
+ is merely single photodiode <part-num-ref name="is merely single photodiode">411</part-num-ref>
+ and processing electronics <part-num-ref name="and processing electronics">413.</part-num-ref>
+ Photodiode <part-num-ref name="and processing electronics 413. Photodiode">411</part-num-ref>
+ is made wavelength sensitive through the design of LED <part-num-ref name="design of LED">105</part-num-ref>
+ as a cluster of LEDs of different wavelengths, each emitting at a different time or modulation frequency to allow decoding of the illuminating wavelength by photodiode <part-num-ref name="illuminating wavelength by photodiode">411</part-num-ref>
+ and processing unit electronics <part-num-ref name="and processing unit electronics">413.</part-num-ref>
+ Alternatively, sensor <part-num-ref name="and processing unit electronics 413. Alternatively, sensor">155</part-num-ref>
+ may comprise a set of different <boundary-data type="line-number">25   </boundary-data>
+photodiodes 421A through 421N, <confidence value="5">F</confidence>
+ig. 3B, each with filters 425A through 425N, allowing each photodiode to be sensitive to only one wavelength range, again allowing decoding of the sensed light by wavelength by processing unit electronics <part-num-ref name="sensed light by wavelength by processing unit electronics">427.</part-num-ref>
+ Alternatively again, sensor <part-num-ref name="sensed light by wavelength by processing unit electronics 427. Alternatively again, sensor">155</part-num-ref>
+ may be single photodiode <part-num-ref name="may be single photodiode">431</part-num-ref>
+ with electronically variable filter <part-num-ref name="with electronically variable filter">433,</part-num-ref>
+ Fig. 3C, allowing the wavelength transmitted to be selected and processed by processing unit electronics <part-num-ref name="wavelength transmitted to be selected and processed by processing unit electronics">435.</part-num-ref>
+    </p>
+    <boundary-data type="header">Attorney Docket No. 18643<confidence value="86">1/</confidence>
+US/AJT          10    </boundary-data>
+    <boundary-data type="header">4838-1923-7632\<confidence value="5">1</confidence>
+    </boundary-data>
+    <p id="p-62" num="62">
+      <page-break num="11"/>
+[057] Still referring to Figs. 3A to 3E, in other configurations, sensor 155 may be CCD chip <part-num-ref name="may be CCD chip">441</part-num-ref>
+ with filter window <part-num-ref name="with filter window">443,</part-num-ref>
+ Fig. 3D, that varies over its length, allowing only certain wavelengths to reach each portion of CCD <part-num-ref name="with filter window 443, Fig. 3D, that varies over its length, allowing only certain wavelengths to reach each portion of CCD">441,</part-num-ref>
+ allowing decoding of the illuminating wavelength by processing unit electronics <part-num-ref name="illuminating wavelength by processing unit electronics">447.</part-num-ref>
+ Finally, in the preferred embodiment, Fig. 3E, <boundary-data type="line-number">5   </boundary-data>
+sensor <part-num-ref name="preferred embodiment, Fig. 3E, sensor">155</part-num-ref>
+ comprises CCD chip <part-num-ref name="comprises CCD chip">451</part-num-ref>
+ with optical fibers <part-num-ref name="with optical fibers">453</part-num-ref>
+ attached to CCD <part-num-ref name="attached to CCD">451</part-num-ref>
+ in a linear array. Fibers <part-num-ref name="linear array. Fibers">453</part-num-ref>
+ are manufactured such that each fiber has a different interference coating on end <part-num-ref name="different interference coating on end">454,</part-num-ref>
+ allowing each fiber to transmit a different narrow wavelength range, allowing decoding of the illuminating wavelength by processing unit electronics <part-num-ref name="illuminating wavelength by processing unit electronics">457.</part-num-ref>
+ Fibers <part-num-ref name="illuminating wavelength by processing unit electronics 457. Fibers">453</part-num-ref>
+ are biocompatible and can extend outside of device case <part-num-ref name="are biocompatible and can extend outside of device case">102,</part-num-ref>
+ allowing device <part-num-ref name="are biocompatible and can extend outside of device case 102, allowing device">101</part-num-ref>
+ to be placed remotely the target <boundary-data type="line-number">10   </boundary-data>
+to be monitored, and for the free end of fibers <part-num-ref name="free end of fibers">453</part-num-ref>
+ to be placed in proximity to target <part-num-ref name="to be placed in proximity to target">125.</part-num-ref>
+    </p>
+    <p id="p-63" num="63">Example [058] The breadth of uses of the present invention is best understood by example. This example is by no means intended to be inclusive of all uses and applications of the apparatus, merely to serve as a case study by which a person, skilled in the art, can better appreciate the methods of <boundary-data type="line-number">15   </boundary-data>
+utilizing, and the scope of, such a device.    </p>
+    <p id="p-64" num="64">[059] In this example, an optical sensor, similar in basis of operation to device <part-num-ref name="optical sensor, similar in basis of operation to device">101,</part-num-ref>
+ is implanted into abdomen of a patient undergoing colon surgery. In this case, the animal receives heart-lung bypass, such that the blood flow and oxygen content of the blood is exactly controlled by a bypass specialist rather than by the animal's own heart and lungs, affording the ability to <boundary-data type="line-number">20   </boundary-data>
+create and resolve ischemia at will. An aortic Doppler probe is placed, which measures the delivery of blood to tissue. In this case, when the rate of the pump is lowered to zero flow, ischemia must exist in the tissues being monitored.    </p>
+    <p id="p-65" num="65">[060] Analysis of the tissue ischemia is performed by broadband, visible light, differential spectroscopy. In this technique, the first differential (for example) of the wavelength vs. intensity <boundary-data type="line-number">25   </boundary-data>
+curve sent from the sending unit is processed to remove many of the effects caused by light scattering by the local tissue, and the resultant signal is analyzed using a least-squares minimization of the fitting error to known components of the tissue (such as myoglobin, capillary hemoglobin, or cytochromes).    </p>
+    <boundary-data type="header">Attorney Docket No. 186431/US/AJT            <confidence value="55">11</confidence>
+    </boundary-data>
+    <boundary-data type="header">4838-1923-7632\<confidence value="2">1</confidence>
+    </boundary-data>
+    <p id="p-66" num="66">
+      <page-break num="12"/>
+[061] The signal that is measured is a function of the presence, absence, or risk, or degree of ischemia. This can have clinical implications and applications in many different medical areas, such as impending risk of tissue death (as seen in the colon study above), impending risk of organ rejection (as inflammation results in increased total blood content, while potentially <boundary-data type="line-number">5   </boundary-data>
+reducing oxygenation) cardiac function (as improved cardiac function is associated with a body- wide improvement in tissue ischemia as well as a likely improvement in myocardial ischemia), treatment efficacy for arterial or venous vascular disease (as the real-time effects of such interventions on tissue oxygenation adequacy can be used as a treatment signal to guide chemical and physical interventions), risk of renal damage (as kidney failure is often the result of acute or <boundary-data type="line-number">10   </boundary-data>
+chronic reduced oxygen delivery), risk of brain injury (as stroke is often the result of acute and chronic reduced oxygen delivery), risk of colon death (as the colon does not have a large capacity to increase blood and oxygen delivery in times of stress over baseline), risk of limb amputation (as limbs with good capillary saturation are more likely to heal and not require amputation), risk of ulcer healing (as G.I. and diabetic ulcers are more likely to heal if ischemia is not the only <boundary-data type="line-number">15   </boundary-data>
+ongoing problem), and risk of critical limb ischemia (as limb salvage is always better if possible, but'delays resolution of ischemia and presents a risk to the patient if delayed when amputation is required).    </p>
+    <p id="p-67" num="67">[062] As shown in Fig. 4, the creation of graded ischemia is detected by the present invention.</p>
+    <p id="p-68" num="68">In graph 601, the flow detected by the Doppler probe is plotted on horizontal axis <part-num-ref name="Doppler probe is plotted on horizontal axis">603</part-num-ref>
+ versus the <boundary-data type="line-number">20   </boundary-data>
+presence of ischemia as detected by the present invention using optical spectroscopy plotted on vertical axis <part-num-ref name="present invention using optical spectroscopy plotted on vertical axis">607.</part-num-ref>
+ Data are plotted as means with standard error bars <part-num-ref name="present invention using optical spectroscopy plotted on vertical axis 607. Data are plotted as means with standard error bars">613.</part-num-ref>
+ As can be seen on graph <part-num-ref name="present invention using optical spectroscopy plotted on vertical axis 607. Data are plotted as means with standard error bars 613. As can be seen on graph">601,</part-num-ref>
+ when the blood flow to the gut is reduced to zero, the detection of the presence of ischemia rises to 100%, shown at data point <part-num-ref name="presence of ischemia rises to 100%, shown at data point">617.</part-num-ref>
+    </p>
+    <p id="p-69" num="69">[063] It is important to note that the measurement of flow/perfusion alone, or the measurement <boundary-data type="line-number">25   </boundary-data>
+of blood oxygenation (not tissue oxygenation, but oxygenation of the arterial blood) alone are not sufficient to detect the condition of ischemia. Ischemia is diagnosed by low local tissue oxygenation, not blood oxygenation or flow. In some cases, <confidence value="6">,</confidence>
+ arterial blood may be well oxygenated, but the delivery of this arterial blood to the tissue is insufficient (such as with a blood clot); in this case the tissue is indeed ischemia while the arterial blood oxygenation is <boundary-data type="header">Attorney Docket No. 186431/US/AJT             12</boundary-data>
+      <boundary-data type="header">4838-1923-7632\<confidence value="5">1</confidence>
+      </boundary-data>
+      <page-break num="13"/>
+normal. Blood flow also differs from a direct measure of ischemia. For example, in a cooled patient on heart-lung bypass, blood flow may be very, very low; however, the cooled tissues, whose oxygen need has been reduced by the low temperature, are not ischemic. Similarly, a chronically ischemic heart "hibernates" in order to reduce its own oxygen need, and may not be <boundary-data type="line-number">5   </boundary-data>
+ischemic at reduced flow. In the above animal study example, flow was controlled sufficiently to allow for a low or zero flow to be consistent with ischemia, but such conclusions cannot be always made so clearly in the living non-experimental subject.    </p>
+    <p id="p-70" num="70">[064] Also, in the example above, power was provided to the device externally. However, as noted earlier, an integrated battery or set of batteries can provide power from within the device, <boundary-data type="line-number">10   </boundary-data>
+reducing cost of the connection tip. An added advantage of this battery-based approach is that it removes the need for electrical connection to the light source, as an added safety feature.    </p>
+    <p id="p-71" num="71">[065] In this example, the signal detected from the tissue was a hemoglobin absorbance signal derived from the capillary bed. While absorbance is ideal for hemoglobin analysis, as described in the preferred embodiment, other interactions may be preferable for other measurements. The <boundary-data type="line-number">15   </boundary-data>
+interaction with the illuminating light that provides the contrast can include absorbance, polarization, optical rotation, scattering, fluorescence, Raman effects, phosphorescence, or fluorescence decay, and measures of a contrast effect may reasonably include one or more of these effects. Other tissue components could be measured, including NADH, NADPH, cytochromes in their oxidized and reduced forms, or even ischemia or oxygen sensitive dyes.    </p>
+    <p id="p-72" num="72">
+      <boundary-data type="line-number">20   </boundary-data>
+Next, when monitoring muscle such as the heart, myoglobin is another protein whose saturation is related to the presence or absence of ischemia. In such cases, a combination of hemoglobin in the capillaries as well as myog<confidence value="8">l</confidence>
+obin in the heart, or just myoglobin in the heart myocytes, can serve as a marker of ischemia. Last, an injectable dye, sensitive to local ischemia, can be used to generate an optical signal directly related to the presence of ischemia, such as by changing color <boundary-data type="line-number">25   </boundary-data>
+in response to mitochondrial membrane charge or in response to intracellular pH. Such use of dyes to label cells in vivo with optical dyes has been demonstrated in vivo by several groups, and the coupling of an ischemia sensitive dye to use of the present invention to detect ischemia (and conditions which are a function of ischemia) would fall within the spirit of the present invention.    </p>
+    <boundary-data type="header">Attorney Docket No. 18643<confidence value="884">1/U</confidence>
+S/AJT          13    </boundary-data>
+    <boundary-data type="header">4838-1923-7632\<confidence value="5">1</confidence>
+    </boundary-data>
+    <p id="p-73" num="73">
+      <page-break num="14"/>
+[066] We have discovered an implantable ischemia detector for detecting local tissue ischemia in a quantitative and enabling manner in a broad array of target sites. In some embodiments a device is provided comprising a phosphor-coated white LED and integrated collimating optics conFig.d to produce continuous, broadband light from <part-num-ref name="phosphor-coated white LED and integrated collimating optics conFig.d to produce continuous, broadband light from">400</part-num-ref>
+ nm to <part-num-ref name="nm to">700</part-num-ref>
+ nm in a collimated beam, <boundary-data type="line-number">5   </boundary-data>
+which is then directly transmitted to a target site. Light backscattered by the target site is collected by a sensor, allowing for a direct measure of ischemia to be determined, and subsequently transmitted by a sending unit. Power is provided by an internal power source, which may in turn be itself powered by an external inductive coil that is brought in proximity to the implanted device in order to provide energy as needed. The entire implantable device is <boundary-data type="line-number">10   </boundary-data>
+encapsulated by a biocompatible shell to add long-term safety while implanted. Used alone, or in combination with an estimate of arterial oxygenation, venous oxygenation, or even of blood flow, this device allows for an index of ischemia to be determined without additional invasiveness beyond the initial implantation. The present device may be interrogated using inductive technology and RF coupling. Implantable devices incorporating the ischemia system, and <boundary-data type="line-number">15   </boundary-data>
+medical methods of use, are described. This device has immediate application to several important problems, both medical and industrial, and thus constitutes an important advance in the <boundary-data type="line-number">
+        <confidence value="2">-</confidence>
+          </boundary-data>
+art.    </p>
+    <boundary-data type="header">Attorney Docket No. 186431/US/AJT          14</boundary-data>
+    <boundary-data type="header">4838-1923-7632\1</boundary-data>
+  </description>
+</us-patent-application>
+

prior_art/11196494.xml

@@ -0,0 +1,187 @@
+<?xml version="1.0" encoding="utf-8"?>
+<!DOCTYPE us-patent-application SYSTEM "PATI-v1.0.3-2011-06-23.dtd">
+<us-patent-application lang="EN" dtd-version="v1.0.3 2011-06-23" id="us-patent-application" country="US">
+  <us-bibliographic-data-application lang="EN" country="US">
+    <application-reference appl-type="utility">
+      <document-id>
+        <doc-number>11196494</doc-number>
+        <date>2005-08-03</date>
+      </document-id>
+    </application-reference>
+  </us-bibliographic-data-application>
+  <description id="description">
+    <heading id="h-1">IN THE UNITED STATES PATENT AND TRADEMARK OFFICE</heading>
+    <heading id="h-2">UTILITY APPLICATION FOR UNITED STATES PATENT</heading>
+    <heading id="h-3">FOR</heading>
+    <heading id="h-4">REAL-TIME COMPOSITE IMAGE COMPARATOR</heading>
+    <p id="p-1" num="1">Inventors:</p>
+    <p id="p-2" num="2">Gene A. Grindstaff <part-num-ref name="Grindstaff">2202</part-num-ref>
+ Essex Drive SW Decatur, AL <part-num-ref name="Essex Drive SW Decatur, AL">35603</part-num-ref>
+ U.S. Citizen Sheila G. Whitaker <part-num-ref name="U.S. Citizen Sheila G. Whitaker">162</part-num-ref>
+ Gilliam Road Gurley, AL <part-num-ref name="Gilliam Road Gurley, AL">35748</part-num-ref>
+ U.S. Citizen Attorney Docket: 2686/118 Attorneys:    </p>
+    <heading id="h-5">BROMBERG &amp; SUNSTEIN LLP</heading>
+    <p id="p-3" num="3">125 Summer Street Boston, MA 02110 <boundary-data type="header">(617) 443-9292</boundary-data>
+      <page-break num="2"/>
+      <boundary-data type="header">2686/118</boundary-data>
+Attorney Docket: 2686/118     </p>
+    <heading id="h-6">REAL-TIME COMPOSITE IMAGE COMPARATOR</heading>
+    <p id="p-4" num="4">
+      <boundary-data type="line-number">5         </boundary-data>
+This application claims priority from U.S. provisional patent application no.    </p>
+    <p id="p-5" num="5">60/598,738, filed August 4, 2004, entitled "Real-Time Composite Image Comparator," which is incorporated herein by reference.</p>
+    <p id="p-6" num="6">Technical Field The present invention generally relates to image analysis and, more particularly, the <boundary-data type="line-number">10  </boundary-data>
+invention relates to comparing image data.    </p>
+    <p id="p-7" num="7">Back<confidence value="8">g</confidence>
+round Art Preparation of imagery from aerial photographs has been an expensive and time- consuming process. Imagery data from aerial photography has been prepared by taking downward looking high resolution aerial photographs, developing the film, assembling and <boundary-data type="line-number">15  </boundary-data>
+registering the photographs into a mosaic pattern, and digitizing the composite photographs.    </p>
+    <p id="p-8" num="8">This process is expensive and time-consuming. A method is needed to inexpensively and quickly prepare high-resolution composite imagery of a scene from a motion picture or video data stream.</p>
+    <p id="p-9" num="9">Summary of the Invention <boundary-data type="line-number">20         </boundary-data>
+In various embodiments of the invention, an apparatus and method prepare a composite image of a scene, such as a terrain scene, from a video data stream. The video stream includes a series of images with some of the images containing overlapping coverage of the scene. The images are transformed, aligned, and overlapping areas of the images are then averaged. The averaging of overlapping images advantageously provides a much higher <boundary-data type="line-number">25   </boundary-data>
+apparent resolution. As portions of the composite image of the scene are created, these portions are immediately available for real-time processing including identification of significant differences from images taken earlier of the same scene. The composite image of the scene may be stored for later processing and comparison.    </p>
+    <boundary-data type="header">2686/118</boundary-data>
+    <p id="p-10" num="10">
+      <page-break num="3"/>
+In accordance with one aspect of the invention, an apparatus and method can identify differences in two composite images of a scene. For example, the two images may be an archived composite image of a certain landscape and a composite image prepared from a real-time image data stream of the same landscape. The comparison may occur in real-time <boundary-data type="line-number">5 </boundary-data>
+while the second composite image is being prepared. Embodiments may use techniques to ensure that the comparison is substantially invariant to seasonal changes (e.g., light) to produce consistent difference results.    </p>
+    <p id="p-11" num="11">Illustrative embodiments of the invention are implemented as a computer program product having a computer usable medium with computer readable program code thereon.</p>
+    <p id="p-12" num="12">
+      <boundary-data type="line-number">
+        <confidence value="86">10</confidence>
+       </boundary-data>
+The computer readable code may be read and utilized <confidence value="2222">by'a</confidence>
+ computer system in accordance with conventional processes.    </p>
+    <p id="p-13" num="13">Brief Description of the Drawin<confidence value="68">gs</confidence>
+ The foregoing features of the invention will be more readily understood by reference to the following detailed description, taken with reference to the accompanying drawings, in <boundary-data type="line-number">15 </boundary-data>
+which:    </p>
+    <p id="p-14" num="14">Fig. 1 is a flow diagram of a process to transform a video data stream image to a 2D view<confidence value="6">,</confidence>
+ according <confidence value="66">to</confidence>
+ an embodiment of the invention<confidence value="6">;</confidence>
+    </p>
+    <p id="p-15" num="15">Fig. 2 is a flow diagram showing a process to align a video data stream frame to a previously processed frame, according to an embodiment of the invention;</p>
+    <p id="p-16" num="16">
+      <boundary-data type="line-number">20         </boundary-data>
+Fig. 3 is a flow diagram showing averaging of image tile data, according to an embodiment of the invention; and Fig. 4 is a flow diagram illustrating a process for comparing two composite images to determine significant differences, according to an embodiment of the invention.    </p>
+    <p id="p-17" num="17">
+      <boundary-data type="line-number">25                     </boundary-data>
+Detailed Description of Specific Embodiments In various embodiments of the invention, an apparatus and method prepare a composite image of a scene, such as a terrain scene, from a video data stream. The video stream includes a series of images with some of the images containing overlapping coverage of the scene. The images are transformed, aligned, and overlapping areas of the images are <boundary-data type="header">
+        <confidence value="8">2</confidence>
+      </boundary-data>
+      <page-break num="4"/>
+      <boundary-data type="header">2686/118</boundary-data>
+then averaged. The averaging of overlapping images advantageously provides a much higher apparent resolution. As portions of the composite image of the scene are created, these portions are immediately available for real-time processing including identification of significant differences from images taken earlier of the same scene. The composite image of <boundary-data type="line-number">5   </boundary-data>
+the scene may be stored for later processing and comparison.    </p>
+    <p id="p-18" num="18">In accordance with another aspect of the invention, an apparatus and method can identify differences in video data streams in real-time. One image of the scene may be a stored image and the other image may be an image processed in real-time or both images may be stored images. Composite images of the same scene taken at different times are <boundary-data type="line-number">10   </boundary-data>
+prepared according to the previously described embodiment of the invention. The two images of the scene are compared by adjusting sub-tiles of each image that correspond to the same location to the same average intensity. The absolute difference between the sub-tiles is then calculated and compared to a specified threshold. If the difference in any area of the tile is above the threshold, the average intensity in that specific region may be equalized between <boundary-data type="line-number">15  </boundary-data>
+the two images. If the difference is still above the threshold, the region is marked for further scrutiny. If desired, the resulting difference image may be passed to analysis packages, as are known in the art, which recognize previously defined patterns. The result is automatic, real-time recognition of predefined changes or events in subsequent video data streams.    </p>
+    <p id="p-19" num="19">Illustrative embodiments of the invention may be implemented as a computer <boundary-data type="line-number">20   </boundary-data>
+program product having a computer usable medium with computer readable program code thereon. The computer readable code may be read and utilized by a computer system in accordance with conventional processes. Details of illustrative embodiments are discussed below.    </p>
+    <heading id="h-7">IMAGE COMPOSITOR</heading>
+    <p id="p-20" num="20">
+      <boundary-data type="line-number">25      </boundary-data>
+In an embodiment of the present invention, an apparatus and method prepare a composite image of a scene from a series of video images. The image compositor includes an image transformer module, an image alignment module and an image averager module.    </p>
+    <p id="p-21" num="21">
+      <boundary-data type="line-number">30   </boundary-data>
+The filters work in series in real-time so that the image can be archived <confidence value="222222">and/or</confidence>
+ compared to another image. The purpose of the image compositor is to build a piecewise time invariant image of the scene.    </p>
+    <boundary-data type="header">
+      <confidence value="8">3</confidence>
+    </boundary-data>
+    <boundary-data type="header">2686/118</boundary-data>
+    <p id="p-22" num="22">
+      <page-break num="5"/>
+A. Image Transformation As shown in fig. 1, the image transformer module <part-num-ref name="image transformer module">10<confidence value="5">0</confidence>
+      </part-num-ref>
+ uses <part-num-ref name="uses">110</part-num-ref>
+ GPS, a pointing vector, range, and the camera view cone information provided with the video stream to <boundary-data type="line-number">5   </boundary-data>
+transform the video so that it can be projected onto a planar map. The transform information could also come <part-num-ref name="transform information could also come">110</part-num-ref>
+ from other sources such as user defined view cones, or automatically defined monument points for image matching. A simple 3D transform matrix is calculated <part-num-ref name="simple 3D transform matrix is calculated">120</part-num-ref>
+ to project the video image in a linear fashion onto a flat surface. The resulting image is scaled and rotated <part-num-ref name="resulting image is scaled and rotated">130</part-num-ref>
+ about multiple coordinate axes so that the perspective view of the <boundary-data type="line-number">
+        <confidence value="86">10</confidence>
+         </boundary-data>
+camera is compensated for. Each pixel is multiplied by a matrix operation. The transform compensates <part-num-ref name="transform compensates">140</part-num-ref>
+ for non-square pixels, and may use bi-cubic interpolation as part of the scaling process.    </p>
+    <p id="p-23" num="23">B. Image Alig<confidence value="68">nm</confidence>
+ent <boundary-data type="line-number">15         </boundary-data>
+As shown in fig. 2, portions of the image are then aligned <part-num-ref name="image are then aligned">200.</part-num-ref>
+ Once the image has been projected onto a plane, the image is broken into tiles that are approximately <confidence value="5">t</confidence>
+he size of the video resolution, after it has been compensated, so that the pixels are square. Each tile is then subdivided <part-num-ref name="pixels are square. Each tile is then subdivided">210</part-num-ref>
+ into nine sub-tiles. Each sub-tile is compared <part-num-ref name="into nine sub-tiles. Each sub-tile is compared">220</part-num-ref>
+ to previously stored tiles where they overlap. The process consists of comparing the tile in its current location, <boundary-data type="line-number">20   </boundary-data>
+with four other adjacent locations. The adjacent locations are <part-num-ref name="adjacent locations are">50</part-num-ref>
+ percent offset from the center of the sub-tile above, below, left, and right of the sub-tile. The offset images are compared to existing overlapping images using simple correlation techniques. A rotational and scaling matrix is calculated <part-num-ref name="rotational and scaling matrix is calculated">230</part-num-ref>
+ to adjust the whole tile so that it is an exact match to adjacent overlapped images to an accuracy of up to 0.1 pixels. The sub-tile is translated <part-num-ref name="sub-tile is translated">240</part-num-ref>
+ <boundary-data type="line-number">25   </boundary-data>
+in an iterative process until the correlation is maximized, or a maximum number of iterations have occurred. If there are no overlapping images, the tile is stored in the composite image.    </p>
+    <p id="p-24" num="24">If the image fails to correlate, it is checked to verify it is a valid image. If it is a valid image it is passed on to the image averager module <part-num-ref name="image averager module">250.</part-num-ref>
+    </p>
+    <p id="p-25" num="25">
+      <boundary-data type="line-number">30      </boundary-data>
+C. Image Averaging As illustrated in fig. 3, the image averager module determines <part-num-ref name="image averager module determines">300</part-num-ref>
+ where a tile overlaps with existing tiles by comparing <part-num-ref name="tile overlaps with existing tiles by comparing">310</part-num-ref>
+ the values of the image data. If valid data exists in the new tile <part-num-ref name="new tile">320,</part-num-ref>
+ and the existing composite image tile has valid data in that region, <boundary-data type="header">
+        <confidence value="8">4</confidence>
+      </boundary-data>
+      <page-break num="6"/>
+      <boundary-data type="header">2686/118</boundary-data>
+then the overlapping images are averaged <part-num-ref name="overlapping images are averaged">330</part-num-ref>
+ using a modified running average technique.    </p>
+    <p id="p-26" num="26">Because each tile is adjusted to a sub-pixel alignment, the resulting averaged composite image has a higher apparent resolution that is available from the video data stream.</p>
+    <p id="p-27" num="27">If a portion of the new tile does not have existing data in the composite tile <part-num-ref name="composite tile">340,</part-num-ref>
+ then <boundary-data type="line-number">5 </boundary-data>
+the new information is put into the composite image as is <part-num-ref name="composite image as is">350.</part-num-ref>
+ If a portion of the composite image has data, but the new tile does not <part-num-ref name="new tile does not">360,</part-num-ref>
+ then the existing data in the composite image remains as it was <part-num-ref name="composite image remains as it was">370.</part-num-ref>
+    </p>
+    <p id="p-28" num="28">Once an image tile moves out of range of a composition area, it may be archived. In a specific embodiment of the invention, an archiver module may use the geometric location <boundary-data type="line-number">10 </boundary-data>
+of the tile to archive it into a modified quad-tree file storage system. The tree is indexed to allow very quick access to images by geometric location. The top of the tree stores the range of the entire tree. The tree is subdivided geometrically into branches that represent sub- regions of the overall range. As new images are inserted into the tree, the overall range of the tree can grow piecewise. When queried, unpopulated branches of the tree return a null <boundary-data type="line-number">15 </boundary-data>
+value so that void areas can be quickly determined.    </p>
+    <heading id="h-8">IMAGE COMPARATOR</heading>
+    <p id="p-29" num="29">As illustrated in fig. 4, the image comparator module takes a tile or portion of an <boundary-data type="line-number">20  </boundary-data>
+image that has been built in the image compositor and compares <part-num-ref name="image compositor and compares">400</part-num-ref>
+ the tile to the corresponding location in a second image of the scene, which may be a stored image. The overlapping areas (i.e., areas that correspond to the same location in the scene) are adjusted <part-num-ref name="scene) are adjusted">410</part-num-ref>
+ so that the portions of each image are of the same average intensity. The absolute difference between the two overlapping images portions is then calculated <part-num-ref name="two overlapping images portions is then calculated">420.</part-num-ref>
+ If the <boundary-data type="line-number">25 </boundary-data>
+difference in any area is above a user defined threshold <part-num-ref name="user defined threshold">430,</part-num-ref>
+ then the input composite image is examined in the area where a significant difference exists. The average intensity in that region is compensated <part-num-ref name="average intensity in that region is compensated">440</part-num-ref>
+ so that it equals the corresponding region in the second image.    </p>
+    <p id="p-30" num="30">The absolute difference is calculated again for that region. If the difference is still above the user defined threshold <part-num-ref name="user defined threshold">450,</part-num-ref>
+ then it is marked so that the contrast and intensity can be <boundary-data type="line-number">30 </boundary-data>
+highlighted for the user <part-num-ref name="user">460.</part-num-ref>
+ If desired, the resulting difference image can then be passed to analysis packages, as are known in the art, which recognize previously defined patterns. The <boundary-data type="header">
+        <confidence value="8">5</confidence>
+      </boundary-data>
+      <page-break num="7"/>
+      <boundary-data type="header">2686/118</boundary-data>
+image comparator may advantageously provide <part-num-ref name="image comparator may advantageously provide">470</part-num-ref>
+ automatic, real-time recognition of predefined changes or events in subsequent video data streams In specific embodiments of this aspect of the invention, edges of objects in the image are detected and eliminated before the two images are compared. Objects often differ <boundary-data type="line-number">5   </boundary-data>
+because of slightly different viewing angles. If these edges are eliminated, then only the internal part of the object is compared. This procedure results in fewer false positive comparisons.    </p>
+    <p id="p-31" num="31">It should be noted that discussion of video data streams is exemplary and not intended to limit the scope of all embodiments. Rather, various embodiments apply to image <boundary-data type="line-number">10   </boundary-data>
+data that can be represented graphically and recorded to some medium. In illustrative embodiments, the image data is recordable in 2D. In a similar manner, discussion of environmental objects (e.g., a landscape) is exemplary. For example, illustrative embodiments may be used in an interior location (e.g., a building containing a bank, or plane hangar) to detect changes in certain items of interest.    </p>
+    <p id="p-32" num="32">
+      <boundary-data type="line-number">15         </boundary-data>
+Various embodiments of the invention may be implemented at least in part in any conventional computer programming language. For example, some embodiments may be implemented in a procedural programming language (e.g., "C"), or in an object oriented programming language (e.g., "C++"). Other embodiments of the invention may be implemented as preprogrammed hardware elements (e.g., application specific integrated <boundary-data type="line-number">20   </boundary-data>
+circuits, FPGAs, and digital signal processors), or other related components.    </p>
+    <p id="p-33" num="33">In some embodiments, the disclosed apparatus and methods may be implemented as a computer program product for use with a computer system. Such implementation may include a series of computer instructions fixed either on a tangible medium, such as a computer readable medium (e.g., a diskette, CD-ROM, ROM, or fixed disk) or transmittable <boundary-data type="line-number">25  </boundary-data>
+to a computer system, via a modem or other interface device, such as a communications adapter connected to a network over a medium. The medium may be either a tangible medium (e.g., optical or analog communications lines) or a medium implemented with wireless techniques (e.g., WIFI, microwave, infrared or other transmission techniques). The series of computer instructions can embody all or part of the functionality previously <part-num-ref name="functionality previously">30</part-num-ref>
+   described herein with respect to the system.    </p>
+    <boundary-data type="header">
+      <confidence value="8">6</confidence>
+    </boundary-data>
+    <boundary-data type="header">2686/118</boundary-data>
+    <p id="p-34" num="34">
+      <page-break num="8"/>
+Those skilled in the art should appreciate that such computer instructions can be written in a number of programming languages for use with many computer architectures or operating systems. Furthermore, such instructions may be stored in any memory device, such as semiconductor, magnetic, optical or other memory devices, and may be transmitted <boundary-data type="line-number">5 </boundary-data>
+using any communications technology, such as optical, infrared, microwave, or other transmission technologies.    </p>
+    <p id="p-35" num="35">Among other ways, such a computer program product may be distributed as a removable medium with accompanying printed or electronic documentation (e.g., shrink wrapped software), preloaded with a computer system (e.g., on system ROM or fixed disk), <boundary-data type="line-number">10 </boundary-data>
+or distributed from a server or electronic bulletin board over the network (e.g., the Internet or World Wide Web). Of course, some embodiments of the invention may be implemented as a combination of both software (e.g., a computer program product) and hardware. Still other embodiments of the invention are implemented as entirely hardware, or entirely software.    </p>
+    <p id="p-36" num="36">Although the above discussion discloses various exemplary embodiments of the <boundary-data type="line-number">15 </boundary-data>
+invention, it should be apparent that those skilled in the art can make various modifications that will achieve some of the advantages of the invention without departing from the true scope of the invention.    </p>
+    <boundary-data type="header">
+      <confidence value="8">7</confidence>
+    </boundary-data>
+  </description>
+</us-patent-application>
+

prior_art/11208461.xml

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+<!DOCTYPE us-patent-application SYSTEM "PATI-v1.0.3-2011-06-23.dtd">
+<us-patent-application lang="EN" dtd-version="v1.0.3 2011-06-23" id="us-patent-application" country="US">
+  <us-bibliographic-data-application lang="EN" country="US">
+    <application-reference appl-type="utility">
+      <document-id>
+        <doc-number>11208461</doc-number>
+        <date>2006-01-09</date>
+      </document-id>
+    </application-reference>
+  </us-bibliographic-data-application>
+  <description id="description">
+    <boundary-data type="header">Application No. 11/208,461                      Docket No.: 435188098US1</boundary-data>
+    <heading id="h-1">AMENDMENTS TO THE SPECIFICATION</heading>
+    <p id="p-1" num="1">At page one of the specification, paragraph <confidence value="5">[</confidence>
+0001], please amend as follows:    </p>
+    <heading id="h-2">CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS</heading>
+    <p id="p-2" num="2">[0001]   This application is a Continuation-In-Part of the following, each of which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety: U.S. Patent Application No. 11/004,637 filed on December <part-num-ref name="following, each of which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety: U.S. Patent Application No. 11/004,637 filed on December">3,</part-num-ref>
+ <part-num-ref name="following, each of which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety: U.S. Patent Application No. 11/004,637 filed on December 3,">2004,</part-num-ref>
+ U.S. Patent Application No. 11/097,961, filed April <part-num-ref name="following, each of which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety: U.S. Patent Application No. 11/004,637 filed on December 3, 2004, U.S. Patent Application No. 11/097,961, filed April">1,</part-num-ref>
+ <part-num-ref name="following, each of which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety: U.S. Patent Application No. 11/004,637 filed on December 3, 2004, U.S. Patent Application No. 11/097,961, filed April 1,">2005,</part-num-ref>
+ entitled METHODS AND SYSTEMS FOR INITIATING APPLICATION PROCESSES BY DATA CAPTURE FROM RENDERED DOCUMENTS, U.S. Patent Application No.    </p>
+    <p id="p-3" num="3">11/097,093, filed April 1, 2005, entitled DETERMINING ACTIONS INVOLVING </p>
+    <heading id="h-3">CAPTURED INFORMATION AND ELECTRONIC CONTENT ASSOCIATED WITH</heading>
+    <p id="p-4" num="4">RENDERED DOCUMENTS, U.S. Patent Application No. 11/098,038, filed April 1, 2005, entitled CONTENT ACCESS WITH HANDHELD DOCUMENT DATA CAPTURE DEVICES, U.S. Patent Application No. 11/098,014, filed April 1, 2005, entitled SEARCH </p>
+    <heading id="h-4">ENGINES AND SYSTEMS WITH HANDHELD DOCUMENT DATA CAPTURE DEVICES,</heading>
+    <p id="p-5" num="5">U.S. Patent Application No. 11/097,103, filed April 1, 2005, entitled TRIGGERING </p>
+    <heading id="h-5">ACTIONS IN   RESPONSE TO    OPTICALLY OR ACOUSTICALLY CAPTURING</heading>
+    <p id="p-6" num="6">KEYWORDS FROM A RENDERED DOCUMENT, U.S. Patent Application No. 11/098,043, filed April <part-num-ref name="RENDERED DOCUMENT, U.S. Patent Application No. 11/098,043, filed April">1,</part-num-ref>
+ <part-num-ref name="RENDERED DOCUMENT, U.S. Patent Application No. 11/098,043, filed April 1,">2005,</part-num-ref>
+ entitled SEARCHING AND ACCESSING DOCUMENTS ON PRIVATE     </p>
+    <heading id="h-6">NETWORKS FOR USE WITH CAPTURES FROM RENDERED DOCUMENTS, U.S.</heading>
+    <p id="p-7" num="7">Patent Application No. 11/097,981, filed April 1, 2005, entitled INFORMATION GATHERING SYSTEM AND METHOD, U.S. Patent Application No. 11/097,089, filed April 1, 2005, entitled DOCUMENT ENHANCEMENT SYSTEM AND METHOD, U.S. Patent Application No. 11/097,835, filed April 1, 2005, entitled PUBLISHING TECHNIQUES FOR ADDING VALUE TO A RENDERED DOCUMENT, U.S. Patent Application No. 11/098,016, filed April <part-num-ref name="RENDERED DOCUMENT, U.S. Patent Application No. 11/098,016, filed April">1,</part-num-ref>
+ <part-num-ref name="RENDERED DOCUMENT, U.S. Patent Application No. 11/098,016, filed April 1,">2005,</part-num-ref>
+ entitled ARCHIVE OF TEXT CAPTURES FROM RENDERED DOCUMENTS, U.S. Patent Application No. 11/097,828, filed April <part-num-ref name="RENDERED DOCUMENT, U.S. Patent Application No. 11/098,016, filed April 1, 2005, entitled ARCHIVE OF TEXT CAPTURES FROM RENDERED DOCUMENTS, U.S. Patent Application No. 11/097,828, filed April">1,</part-num-ref>
+ <part-num-ref name="RENDERED DOCUMENT, U.S. Patent Application No. 11/098,016, filed April 1, 2005, entitled ARCHIVE OF TEXT CAPTURES FROM RENDERED DOCUMENTS, U.S. Patent Application No. 11/097,828, filed April 1,">2005,</part-num-ref>
+ entitled     </p>
+    <heading id="h-7">ADDING INFORMATION OR FUNCTIONALITY TO A RENDERED DOCUMENT VIA</heading>
+    <boundary-data type="header">Application No. 11/208,461                     Docket No.: 435188098US1</boundary-data>
+    <p id="p-8" num="8">
+      <page-break num="2"/>
+ASSOCIATION WITH AN ELECTRONIC COUNTERPART, U.S. Patent Application No.    </p>
+    <p id="p-9" num="9">11/097,833, filed April 1, 2005, entitled AGGREGATE ANALYSIS OF TEXT CAPTURES PERFORMED BY MULTIPLE USERS FROM RENDERED DOCUMENTS, U.S. Patent Application No. 11/097,836, filed April 1, 2005, entitled ESTABLISHING AN INTERACTIVE ENVIRONMENT FOR RENDERED DOCUMENTS, U.S. Patent Application No.</p>
+    <p id="p-10" num="10">11/098,042, filed April 1, 2005, entitled DATA CAPTURE FROM RENDERED DOCUMENTS USING HANDHELD DEVICE, U.S. Patent Application No. 11/096,704, filed April 1, 2005, entitled CAPTURING TEXT FROM RENDERED DOCUMENTS USING SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION, U.S. Patent Application No. 11/110,353, filed April 19, 2005, entitled PROCESSING TECHNIQUES FOR VISUAL CAPTURE DATA FROM A RENDERED DOCUMENT, U.S. Patent Application No. 11/131,945, filed May <part-num-ref name="RENDERED DOCUMENT, U.S. Patent Application No. 11/131,945, filed May">17,</part-num-ref>
+ <part-num-ref name="RENDERED DOCUMENT, U.S. Patent Application No. 11/131,945, filed May 17,">2005,</part-num-ref>
+ entitled PROCESSING TECHNIQUES FOR TEXT CAPTURE FROM A RENDERED DOCUMENT, U.S. Patent Application No. 11/185,908, filed July <part-num-ref name="RENDERED DOCUMENT, U.S. Patent Application No. 11/185,908, filed July">19,</part-num-ref>
+ <part-num-ref name="RENDERED DOCUMENT, U.S. Patent Application No. 11/185,908, filed July 19,">2005,</part-num-ref>
+ entitled     </p>
+    <heading id="h-8">AUTOMATIC MODIFICATION OF WEB PAGES<confidence value="6">,</confidence>
+                            <confidence value="5">,</confidence>
+    </heading>
+    <p id="p-11" num="11">filed Aug<confidence value="8">u</confidence>
+st 18, 2005, entitled S<confidence value="8">C</confidence>
+ANNER HAVING <confidence value="8">C</confidence>
+ONNECTED AND UNCONNECTED OPERATIONAL BEHAVIORS, U.S. Patent App<confidence value="22">li</confidence>
+ati<confidence value="22">on</confidence>
+ No. 11/208,<confidence value="1">1</confidence>
+57, filed August <confidence value="27">1,</confidence>
+ 2005, e<confidence value="8">n</confidence>
+titled LOCATING ELE<confidence value="88">CT</confidence>
+RONI<confidence value="8">C</confidence>
+ INSTANCES OF <confidence value="22222222">DCMENTSC</confidence>
+ BASED ON     </p>
+    <heading id="h-9">RENDERED <confidence value="8">I</confidence>
+NSTAN<confidence value="8">C</confidence>
+ES, DOCUMENT FR<confidence value="66">AG</confidence>
+MENT DIGEST GENERATION, AND    </heading>
+    <p id="p-12" num="12">DIGEST BASED DOCUMENT FRA<confidence value="611">GrM</confidence>
+ENT DETERMINATION, a<confidence value="2">n</confidence>
+d U.S. Pate<confidence value="88">nt</confidence>
+ <confidence value="2222222222">Appliation</confidence>
+ <confidence value="72">No</confidence>
+. 11<confidence value="1">i</confidence>
+208,<confidence value="1">1</confidence>
+58, filed August 18, 2005, e<confidence value="8">n</confidence>
+titled METHODS, SYSTEMS AND <confidence value="8">C</confidence>
+OMPUTER <confidence value="22222222">PROGRA.1</confidence>
+ PRODU<confidence value="8">C</confidence>
+TS FOR DATA GATHERING IN A DIGITAL AND     </p>
+    <heading id="h-10">HARD <confidence value="8">C</confidence>
+OPY DO<confidence value="88">CU</confidence>
+MENT ENVIR<confidence value="666">ONM</confidence>
+ENT<confidence value="2">.</confidence>
+    </heading>
+  </description>
+</us-patent-application>
+

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+<!DOCTYPE us-patent-application SYSTEM "PATI-v1.0.3-2011-06-23.dtd">
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+  <us-bibliographic-data-application lang="EN" country="US">
+    <application-reference appl-type="utility">
+      <document-id>
+        <doc-number>11212772</doc-number>
+        <date>2005-08-29</date>
+      </document-id>
+    </application-reference>
+  </us-bibliographic-data-application>
+  <description id="description">
+    <boundary-data type="header">PATENT</boundary-data>
+    <boundary-data type="header">P5732<confidence value="8">1</confidence>
+    </boundary-data>
+    <heading id="h-1">TITLE</heading>
+    <heading id="h-2">PROVIDING WIRED AND WIRELESS VOICE AND DATA SERVICES</heading>
+    <heading id="h-3">CLAIM OF PRIORITY</heading>
+    <p id="p-1" num="1">
+      <boundary-data type="line-number">2     </boundary-data>
+      <boundary-data type="line-number">3                                  </boundary-data>
+      <boundary-data type="line-number">
+        <confidence value="5">4</confidence>
+           </boundary-data>
+[0001]   This application makes reference to, incorporates the same herein, and claims all <boundary-data type="line-number">
+        <confidence value="4">5</confidence>
+           </boundary-data>
+benefits accruing under <part-num-ref name="same herein, and claims all benefits accruing under">35</part-num-ref>
+ U.S.C. <confidence value="5">§</confidence>
+119 from  an application for COMMUNICATION <boundary-data type="line-number">6     </boundary-data>
+    </p>
+    <heading id="h-4">TERMINAL SYSTEM PROVIDING WIRED AND WIRELESS VOICE AND DATA SERVICES</heading>
+    <p id="p-2" num="2">
+      <boundary-data type="line-number">
+        <confidence value="4">7</confidence>
+           </boundary-data>
+AND SIGNAL CONTROL METHOD TH<confidence value="88">ER</confidence>
+EOF earlier filed in the Korean Intellectual Propert<confidence value="8">y</confidence>
+ <boundary-data type="line-number">
+        <confidence value="5">8</confidence>
+           </boundary-data>
+Office on <part-num-ref name="Korean Intellectual Property Office on">13</part-num-ref>
+ Sep <part-num-ref name="Sep">2004</part-num-ref>
+ and there duly assigned Serial No. 2004-73183.    </p>
+    <heading id="h-5">BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION</heading>
+    <p id="p-3" num="3">
+      <boundary-data type="line-number">9                           </boundary-data>
+      <boundary-data type="line-number">
+        <confidence value="66">10</confidence>
+                                         </boundary-data>
+Field of the Invention <boundary-data type="line-number">
+        <confidence value="2">t</confidence>
+       </boundary-data>
+      <confidence value="2">t</confidence>
+   [0002]   The present invention relates to a telephone type system suitable for a small office, <boundary-data type="line-number">
+        <confidence value="4">1</confidence>
+2          </boundary-data>
+and more particularly, to a communication terminal system capable of providing wired and <boundary-data type="line-number">
+        <confidence value="5">1</confidence>
+3          </boundary-data>
+wireless voice and data services and a signal control method thereof, in which a main device <boundary-data type="line-number">
+        <confidence value="66">14</confidence>
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+        <confidence value="4">i</confidence>
+s          </boundary-data>
+and the main device has a small exchange system so<confidence value="5">.</confidence>
+ that the whole system is compact.    </p>
+    <p id="p-4" num="4">
+      <boundary-data type="line-number">
+        <confidence value="4">1</confidence>
+6                                     </boundary-data>
+Description of the Related Art <boundary-data type="line-number">
+        <confidence value="66">17</confidence>
+          </boundary-data>
+[0003<confidence value="5">]</confidence>
+   As a part of recent clean office phenomenon, a user's desire to remove lines between <part-num-ref name="user's desire to remove lines between">
+        <confidence value="66">18</confidence>
+      </part-num-ref>
+    various communication devices in the office and switch communication between terminals to <boundary-data type="header">Page 1 of 26</boundary-data>
+      <page-break num="2"/>
+      <boundary-data type="header">PATENT</boundary-data>
+      <boundary-data type="header">
+        <confidence value="11">_3</confidence>
+                                                                           P57321      </boundary-data>
+      <boundary-data type="line-number">
+        <confidence value="4">I</confidence>
+          </boundary-data>
+wireless communication is increasing.    </p>
+    <p id="p-5" num="5">
+      <boundary-data type="line-number">
+        <confidence value="8">2</confidence>
+           </boundary-data>
+      <confidence value="5">[</confidence>
+0004<confidence value="5">]</confidence>
+ However, an electronic keyphone system, which connects wired phones between staffs <boundary-data type="line-number">3     </boundary-data>
+in the office via extension or switches the wired phones to an office line, is mainly used in the <boundary-data type="line-number">4     </boundary-data>
+current office environment.    </p>
+    <p id="p-6" num="6">
+      <boundary-data type="line-number">
+        <confidence value="5">5</confidence>
+           </boundary-data>
+      <confidence value="6">[</confidence>
+0005]   The current electronic keyphone system includes a main device and a terminal <boundary-data type="line-number">6     </boundary-data>
+telephone.    </p>
+    <p id="p-7" num="7">
+      <boundary-data type="line-number">
+        <confidence value="6">7</confidence>
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+      <confidence value="5">[</confidence>
+0006<confidence value="5">]</confidence>
+   The main device connects a terminal telephone to an office line and provides <boundary-data type="line-number">
+        <confidence value="5">8</confidence>
+           </boundary-data>
+automatic exchange and various system functions.    </p>
+    <p id="p-8" num="8">
+      <boundary-data type="line-number">9     </boundary-data>
+[0007]  The terminal telephone transceive<confidence value="7">r</confidence>
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+        <confidence value="55">10</confidence>
+          </boundary-data>
+4-bit to 32-bit processor and displays a voice call and a current status according to a command <boundary-data type="line-number">
+        <confidence value="44">ii</confidence>
+         </boundary-data>
+of the main device.    </p>
+    <p id="p-9" num="9">
+      <boundary-data type="line-number">
+        <confidence value="56">1.</confidence>
+2         </boundary-data>
+[0008<confidence value="5">]</confidence>
+  The main device is normally a Private Branch Exchange (PBX), and includes a main <boundary-data type="line-number">
+        <confidence value="4">1</confidence>
+3          </boundary-data>
+controller, a signal processor, a subscriber line processor, an exchange, a Dual-Tone <boundary-data type="line-number">
+        <confidence value="56">14</confidence>
+          </boundary-data>
+Multifrequency (DTMF) transceiver, a ring generator, and a power supply.    </p>
+    <p id="p-10" num="10">
+      <boundary-data type="line-number">
+        <confidence value="5">i</confidence>
+s          </boundary-data>
+[0009<confidence value="5">]</confidence>
+  The conventional electronic keyphone system, which provides the above-described <boundary-data type="line-number">
+        <confidence value="5">1</confidence>
+6          </boundary-data>
+function, has disadvantages in that it necessarily entails a cable wiring work because the <boundary-data type="line-number">
+        <confidence value="56">17</confidence>
+          </boundary-data>
+connection between the main device and the terminal telephone are made via lines, and also <boundary-data type="line-number">
+        <confidence value="56">18</confidence>
+          </boundary-data>
+requires an extension-number change work when staffs' seats are changed due to office layout <boundary-data type="line-number">
+        <confidence value="5">1</confidence>
+9          </boundary-data>
+modification, and the office is not clean due to the presence of cables.    </p>
+    <p id="p-11" num="11">
+      <boundary-data type="line-number">20    </boundary-data>
+[0010]  The keyphone system provides only a voice service. For this reason, it is necessary <part-num-ref name="voice service. For this reason, it is necessary">
+        <confidence value="85">21</confidence>
+      </part-num-ref>
+    to separately install a Digital Subscriber Line (xDSL) modem or a cable modem, which is <boundary-data type="header">Page 2 of 26</boundary-data>
+      <page-break num="3"/>
+      <boundary-data type="header">PATENT</boundary-data>
+      <boundary-data type="header">P573<confidence value="86">21</confidence>
+      </boundary-data>
+      <boundary-data type="line-number">
+        <confidence value="1">i</confidence>
+           </boundary-data>
+provided by a communication service provider, for a data service such as an Internet service.    </p>
+    <p id="p-12" num="12">
+      <boundary-data type="line-number">
+        <confidence value="8">2</confidence>
+           </boundary-data>
+      <confidence value="5">[</confidence>
+0011<confidence value="2">]</confidence>
+  Furthermore, in order to receive an Internet phone, i.e., Voice over Internet Protocol <boundary-data type="line-number">3     </boundary-data>
+(VoIP) phone service, it is necessary to purchase a separate Internet phone, or to install an <boundary-data type="line-number">
+        <confidence value="5">4</confidence>
+           </boundary-data>
+application program for the Internet phone service in a Personal Computer (PC) and provide a <boundary-data type="line-number">
+        <confidence value="5">5</confidence>
+           </boundary-data>
+headphone and a microphone, which is very inconvenient.    </p>
+    <heading id="h-6">SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION</heading>
+    <p id="p-13" num="13">
+      <boundary-data type="line-number">6                             </boundary-data>
+      <boundary-data type="line-number">
+        <confidence value="5">7</confidence>
+           </boundary-data>
+[0012]  It is an object of the present invention to provide a communication terminal system <boundary-data type="line-number">
+        <confidence value="5">8</confidence>
+           </boundary-data>
+and a signal control method thereof, in which a telephone type terminal functions as a keyphone <boundary-data type="line-number">9     </boundary-data>
+main device and further provides a data communication service as well as a voice call service <boundary-data type="line-number">
+        <confidence value="66">10</confidence>
+          </boundary-data>
+so that various functions are incorporated in the system and the whole system is compact.    </p>
+    <p id="p-14" num="14">
+      <boundary-data type="line-number">
+        <confidence value="41">11</confidence>
+          </boundary-data>
+[0013<confidence value="5">]</confidence>
+   It is another object of the present invention to provide a communication terminal <boundary-data type="line-number">
+        <confidence value="5">1</confidence>
+2          </boundary-data>
+system having a wireless Local Area Network (LAN) card performing an Access Point (AP) <boundary-data type="line-number">
+        <confidence value="4">1</confidence>
+3          </boundary-data>
+function to wirelessly transceive data between terminals interfacing with a main device (i.e., <boundary-data type="line-number">
+        <confidence value="66">14</confidence>
+          </boundary-data>
+main phone), and a signal control method thereof.    </p>
+    <p id="p-15" num="15">
+      <boundary-data type="line-number">
+        <confidence value="15">1s</confidence>
+          </boundary-data>
+[0014<confidence value="5">]</confidence>
+    In order to achieve the objects, a communication terminal system is provided <boundary-data type="line-number">
+        <confidence value="4">1</confidence>
+6          </boundary-data>
+compri<confidence value="8">s</confidence>
+ing: at least one wireles<confidence value="8">s</confidence>
+ terminal adapted to tran<confidence value="8">s</confidence>
+mit and receive data to and from a <boundary-data type="line-number">
+        <confidence value="56">17</confidence>
+          </boundary-data>
+main device via a wireless connection; and the main device including: an access point adapted <boundary-data type="line-number">
+        <confidence value="66">18</confidence>
+          </boundary-data>
+to effect a wireless connection with the at least one wireless terminal; a wireless data processor <boundary-data type="line-number">
+        <confidence value="5">1</confidence>
+9          </boundary-data>
+adapted to process data transceived via the access point; a controller adapted to allow the <part-num-ref name="">20</part-num-ref>
+    transfer of data from the wireless data processor to a relevant processor depending on a kind of <boundary-data type="header">Page <confidence value="8">3</confidence>
+ <confidence value="6">o</confidence>
+f 26      </boundary-data>
+      <page-break num="4"/>
+      <boundary-data type="header">PATENT</boundary-data>
+      <boundary-data type="header">P57321</boundary-data>
+      <boundary-data type="line-number">
+        <confidence value="2">t</confidence>
+          </boundary-data>
+the data; a voice processor adapted to transfer the data to a public switched telephone network <boundary-data type="line-number">
+        <confidence value="8">2</confidence>
+           </boundary-data>
+upon a determination by the controller that the data is voice data; and a wired data processor <boundary-data type="line-number">3     </boundary-data>
+adapted to transfer the data to an Internet Protocol network upon a determination by the <boundary-data type="line-number">
+        <confidence value="5">4</confidence>
+           </boundary-data>
+controller that the data is not voice data.    </p>
+    <p id="p-16" num="16">
+      <boundary-data type="line-number">
+        <confidence value="6">5</confidence>
+           </boundary-data>
+      <confidence value="5">[</confidence>
+0015<confidence value="5">]</confidence>
+  In order to achieve the objects, a communication terminal system is also provided <boundary-data type="line-number">6     </boundary-data>
+comprising: at least one wireless local area network phone adapted to transmit and receiving <boundary-data type="line-number">
+        <confidence value="5">7</confidence>
+           </boundary-data>
+data to and from a main device via a wireless connection; and the main device including: an <boundary-data type="line-number">
+        <confidence value="5">8</confidence>
+           </boundary-data>
+access point for the wireless connection with the wireless local area network phone; a wireless <boundary-data type="line-number">9     </boundary-data>
+data processor adapted to process data transceived via the access point; a digital signal <boundary-data type="line-number">
+        <confidence value="2">1</confidence>
+       </boundary-data>
+      <confidence value="6">o</confidence>
+   processor adapted to convert data transceived via the wireless data processor into a voice signal <boundary-data type="line-number">
+        <confidence value="2">t</confidence>
+           </boundary-data>
+or vice versa; an analog circuit adapted to transfer the converted signal to an office line; and at <boundary-data type="line-number">
+        <confidence value="4">1</confidence>
+2          </boundary-data>
+least one office line port.    </p>
+    <p id="p-17" num="17">
+      <boundary-data type="line-number">
+        <confidence value="48">13</confidence>
+          </boundary-data>
+      <confidence value="5">[</confidence>
+0016<confidence value="5">]</confidence>
+  In order to achieve the objects, a signal control method is also provided comprising:    </p>
+    <p id="p-18" num="18">
+      <boundary-data type="line-number">
+        <confidence value="4">1</confidence>
+4          </boundary-data>
+receiving, by a call manager, a message coming from at least one of a wireless terminal, a wired <boundary-data type="line-number">
+        <confidence value="4">i</confidence>
+s          </boundary-data>
+telephone arranged in a main device, and a computer connected to a wired Ethernet port;    </p>
+    <p id="p-19" num="19">
+      <boundary-data type="line-number">
+        <confidence value="56">16</confidence>
+          </boundary-data>
+analy<confidence value="8">z</confidence>
+ing and converting the received message into a relevant message format; and calling, by <boundary-data type="line-number">
+        <confidence value="56">17</confidence>
+          </boundary-data>
+the converted message, a relevant message handler to perform a relevant operation.    </p>
+    <heading id="h-7">BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS</heading>
+    <p id="p-20" num="20">
+      <boundary-data type="line-number">
+        <confidence value="56">18</confidence>
+                             </boundary-data>
+      <boundary-data type="line-number">
+        <confidence value="48">19</confidence>
+          </boundary-data>
+      <confidence value="5">[</confidence>
+0017<confidence value="5">]</confidence>
+   <confidence value="8">A</confidence>
+ more complete appreciation of the present invention, and many of the attendant <part-num-ref name="attendant">
+        <confidence value="66">20</confidence>
+      </part-num-ref>
+    advantages thereof, will be readily apparent as the present invention becomes better understood <boundary-data type="header">Page <confidence value="8">4</confidence>
+ of 26      </boundary-data>
+      <page-break num="5"/>
+      <boundary-data type="header">PATENT</boundary-data>
+      <boundary-data type="header">P5732<confidence value="8">1</confidence>
+      </boundary-data>
+      <boundary-data type="line-number">
+        <confidence value="2">t</confidence>
+          </boundary-data>
+by reference to the following detailed description when considered in conjunction with the <boundary-data type="line-number">2    </boundary-data>
+accompanying drawings, in which like reference symbols indicate the same or similar <boundary-data type="line-number">3    </boundary-data>
+components, wherein:    </p>
+    <p id="p-21" num="21">
+      <boundary-data type="line-number">
+        <confidence value="5">4</confidence>
+           </boundary-data>
+[0018<confidence value="5">]</confidence>
+  FIG. <confidence value="4">l</confidence>
+A is a schematic view of a communication terminal system which provides <boundary-data type="line-number">s    </boundary-data>
+voice and data services according to an embodiment of the present invention;    </p>
+    <p id="p-22" num="22">
+      <boundary-data type="line-number">6     </boundary-data>
+[0019<confidence value="5">]</confidence>
+  FIG. <confidence value="5">1</confidence>
+B is a rear view of a main device (i.e., main phone) for a communication <boundary-data type="line-number">
+        <confidence value="5">7</confidence>
+          </boundary-data>
+terminal system according to the present invention;    </p>
+    <p id="p-23" num="23">
+      <boundary-data type="line-number">
+        <confidence value="6">8</confidence>
+           </boundary-data>
+      <confidence value="5">[</confidence>
+0020]  FIG. 2 is a detailed block diagram of the main device of FIG. 1;    </p>
+    <p id="p-24" num="24">
+      <boundary-data type="line-number">
+        <confidence value="8">9</confidence>
+           </boundary-data>
+      <confidence value="5">[</confidence>
+0021<confidence value="5">]</confidence>
+   FIG. 3 is a block diagram of functions related to call process scheduling for <boundary-data type="line-number">
+        <confidence value="22">1o</confidence>
+          </boundary-data>
+implementing the present invention;    </p>
+    <p id="p-25" num="25">
+      <boundary-data type="line-number">
+        <confidence value="4">1</confidence>
+          </boundary-data>
+[0022<confidence value="5">]</confidence>
+ FIG. 4 is a view of an extension call method between wireless LAN phones according <boundary-data type="line-number">
+        <confidence value="5">1</confidence>
+2          </boundary-data>
+to an embodiment of the present invention;    </p>
+    <p id="p-26" num="26">
+      <boundary-data type="line-number">
+        <confidence value="5">1</confidence>
+3          </boundary-data>
+[0023<confidence value="5">]</confidence>
+   FIG. 5 is a view of a call method between a wireless LAN phone and an external <boundary-data type="line-number">
+        <confidence value="66">14</confidence>
+          </boundary-data>
+telephone terminal via an office line according to an embodiment of the present invention;    </p>
+    <p id="p-27" num="27">
+      <boundary-data type="line-number">
+        <confidence value="25">1s</confidence>
+          </boundary-data>
+[0024<confidence value="5">]</confidence>
+ FIG. 6 is a view of a method of accessing the Internet using a wireless terminal having <boundary-data type="line-number">
+        <confidence value="4">1</confidence>
+6          </boundary-data>
+a wireless LAN card according to an embodiment of the present invention; and <boundary-data type="line-number">
+        <confidence value="66">17</confidence>
+          </boundary-data>
+[0025<confidence value="5">]</confidence>
+ FIG. 7 is a view of a VoIP telephone call method in a communication terminal system <boundary-data type="line-number">
+        <confidence value="56">18</confidence>
+          </boundary-data>
+according to an embodiment of the present invention.    </p>
+    <p id="p-28" num="28">
+      <confidence value="5">1</confidence>
+9                    DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION <boundary-data type="header">Page 5 of 26</boundary-data>
+      <page-break num="6"/>
+      <boundary-data type="header">PATENT</boundary-data>
+      <boundary-data type="header">P5732<confidence value="8">1</confidence>
+      </boundary-data>
+      <boundary-data type="line-number">
+        <confidence value="1">i</confidence>
+           </boundary-data>
+[0026] The present invention will now be described more fully hereinafter with reference to <boundary-data type="line-number">2     </boundary-data>
+the accompanying drawings, in which exemplary embodiments of the present invention are <boundary-data type="line-number">
+        <confidence value="5">3</confidence>
+           </boundary-data>
+shown. The present invention can, however, be embodied in different forms and should not be <boundary-data type="line-number">
+        <confidence value="5">4</confidence>
+           </boundary-data>
+construed as being limited to the embodiments set forth herein. Rather, these embodiments are <boundary-data type="line-number">
+        <confidence value="4">5</confidence>
+          </boundary-data>
+provided so that this disclosure will be thorough and complete, and will fully convey the scope <boundary-data type="line-number">6     </boundary-data>
+of the present invention to those skilled in the art. In the drawings, like numbers refer to like <boundary-data type="line-number">
+        <confidence value="5">7</confidence>
+           </boundary-data>
+elements.    </p>
+    <p id="p-29" num="29">
+      <boundary-data type="line-number">
+        <confidence value="5">8</confidence>
+           </boundary-data>
+[0027<confidence value="5">]</confidence>
+   In embodiments of the present invention, a wireless LAN method is used as an <boundary-data type="line-number">9     </boundary-data>
+example of a protocol which provides a wireless data communication between a system main <boundary-data type="line-number">
+        <confidence value="15">1o</confidence>
+          </boundary-data>
+device and a wireless terminal, but a wireless protocol of the present invention is not limited <boundary-data type="line-number">
+        <confidence value="8">i</confidence>
+       </boundary-data>
+      <confidence value="4">i</confidence>
+   to this but can include, for example, other protocol types, such as Bluetooth.    </p>
+    <p id="p-30" num="30">
+      <boundary-data type="line-number">
+        <confidence value="4">1</confidence>
+2          </boundary-data>
+[0028]   FIG. <confidence value="4">l</confidence>
+A is a schematic view of a communication terminal system which provides <boundary-data type="line-number">
+        <confidence value="4">1</confidence>
+3          </boundary-data>
+voice and data services according to an embodiment of the present invention.    </p>
+    <p id="p-31" num="31">
+      <boundary-data type="line-number">
+        <confidence value="66">14</confidence>
+          </boundary-data>
+      <confidence value="5">[</confidence>
+0029<confidence value="5">]</confidence>
+ Referring to FIG. <confidence value="4">l</confidence>
+A, the communication terminal system includes a main device <part-num-ref name="main device">200</part-num-ref>
+ <boundary-data type="line-number">
+        <confidence value="7">i</confidence>
+s          </boundary-data>
+having a system main phone and a plurality of sub phones <part-num-ref name="plurality of sub phones">110</part-num-ref>
+ and <part-num-ref name="and">120.</part-num-ref>
+    </p>
+    <p id="p-32" num="32">
+      <boundary-data type="line-number">
+        <confidence value="4">1</confidence>
+6          </boundary-data>
+[0030]  The main device <part-num-ref name="main device">200</part-num-ref>
+ serves as a PBX and can perform a telephone function (wired <boundary-data type="line-number">
+        <confidence value="66">17</confidence>
+          </boundary-data>
+telephone function). That is, the main device <part-num-ref name="main device">200</part-num-ref>
+ is a terminal which performs both a main <boundary-data type="line-number">
+        <confidence value="66">18</confidence>
+          </boundary-data>
+phone function and an exchange function. For the wired telephone function, a handset <part-num-ref name="handset">201</part-num-ref>
+ is <boundary-data type="line-number">
+        <confidence value="5">1</confidence>
+9          </boundary-data>
+installed.    </p>
+    <p id="p-33" num="33">
+      <boundary-data type="line-number">20    </boundary-data>
+      <confidence value="5">[</confidence>
+0031]  In order to display telephone status information as an additional function, a display <part-num-ref name="display">21</part-num-ref>
+    <part-num-ref name="">203</part-num-ref>
+ can be installed on a top surface of the main device <part-num-ref name="main device">200.</part-num-ref>
+    </p>
+    <boundary-data type="header">Page 6 of 26</boundary-data>
+    <boundary-data type="header">PATENT</boundary-data>
+    <boundary-data type="header">P57321</boundary-data>
+    <p id="p-34" num="34">
+      <page-break num="7"/>
+[0032]   The main device <part-num-ref name="main device">200</part-num-ref>
+ supports a wireless communication with wireless terminals <boundary-data type="line-number">2     </boundary-data>
+which support IEEE 802.11 a/b/g and perform a data communication, as well as the plurality <boundary-data type="line-number">3     </boundary-data>
+of sub phones <part-num-ref name="plurality of sub phones">110</part-num-ref>
+ and <part-num-ref name="and">120.</part-num-ref>
+ That is, the main device <part-num-ref name="main device">200</part-num-ref>
+ is capable of interfacing with a <boundary-data type="line-number">
+        <confidence value="5">4</confidence>
+           </boundary-data>
+notebook computer <part-num-ref name="notebook computer">130</part-num-ref>
+ having a wireless local area network (LAN) card therein as shown in <boundary-data type="line-number">
+        <confidence value="4">5</confidence>
+           </boundary-data>
+FIG. <confidence value="288">1A.</confidence>
+    </p>
+    <p id="p-35" num="35">
+      <boundary-data type="line-number">
+        <confidence value="8">6</confidence>
+           </boundary-data>
+      <confidence value="5">[</confidence>
+0033<confidence value="5">]</confidence>
+  Here, a wireless connection is established via an access point <part-num-ref name="access point">202</part-num-ref>
+ which interworks <boundary-data type="line-number">
+        <confidence value="5">7</confidence>
+           </boundary-data>
+with the wireless LAN card.    </p>
+    <p id="p-36" num="36">
+      <boundary-data type="line-number">
+        <confidence value="5">8</confidence>
+           </boundary-data>
+[0034] The main device <part-num-ref name="main device">200,</part-num-ref>
+ as shown in FIG. 2, is composed of a keypad board <part-num-ref name="keypad board">210,</part-num-ref>
+ a main <boundary-data type="line-number">9     </boundary-data>
+board <part-num-ref name="main board">220,</part-num-ref>
+ and a display <part-num-ref name="display">230.</part-num-ref>
+    </p>
+    <p id="p-37" num="37">
+      <boundary-data type="line-number">
+        <confidence value="25">1o</confidence>
+          </boundary-data>
+      <confidence value="6">[</confidence>
+0035<confidence value="5">]</confidence>
+  FIG. <confidence value="5">1</confidence>
+B is a rear view illustrating a main device (main phone) of a communication <boundary-data type="line-number">
+        <confidence value="24">ti</confidence>
+          </boundary-data>
+terminal system according to the present invention.    </p>
+    <p id="p-38" num="38">
+      <boundary-data type="line-number">
+        <confidence value="5">1</confidence>
+2          </boundary-data>
+[0036] Referring to FIG. <confidence value="5">1</confidence>
+B, on the rear of the main device <part-num-ref name="main device">200,</part-num-ref>
+ a power supply port <part-num-ref name="power supply port">204,</part-num-ref>
+ an <boundary-data type="line-number">
+        <confidence value="5">1</confidence>
+3          </boundary-data>
+Ethernet port IN <part-num-ref name="Ethernet port IN">205</part-num-ref>
+ for an Internet connection, an Ethernet port OUT <part-num-ref name="Ethernet port OUT">206</part-num-ref>
+ for a computer <boundary-data type="line-number">
+        <confidence value="56">14</confidence>
+          </boundary-data>
+connected for receiving an internet service provided via the Ethernet port IN <part-num-ref name="Ethernet port IN">205</part-num-ref>
+ by a line, a <boundary-data type="line-number">
+        <confidence value="14">1s</confidence>
+          </boundary-data>
+facsimile port <part-num-ref name="facsimile port">207</part-num-ref>
+ for a connection with a facsimile, and two office line ports <part-num-ref name="facsimile, and two office line ports">208</part-num-ref>
+ for <boundary-data type="line-number">
+        <confidence value="5">1</confidence>
+6          </boundary-data>
+interfacing with a PSTN are arranged.    </p>
+    <p id="p-39" num="39">
+      <boundary-data type="line-number">
+        <confidence value="66">17</confidence>
+          </boundary-data>
+[0037<confidence value="5">]</confidence>
+ As such, the communication terminal system provides an external call service via two <boundary-data type="line-number">
+        <confidence value="66">18</confidence>
+          </boundary-data>
+lines, a facsimile service, and a data communication service via the Ethernet port OUT <part-num-ref name="Ethernet port OUT">206</part-num-ref>
+ <boundary-data type="line-number">
+        <confidence value="5">1</confidence>
+9           </boundary-data>
+which is connected to the computer.    </p>
+    <p id="p-40" num="40">
+      <boundary-data type="line-number">20    </boundary-data>
+      <confidence value="5">[</confidence>
+0038]   The internal configuration of the main device implementing the above-described <part-num-ref name="above-described">
+        <confidence value="85">21</confidence>
+      </part-num-ref>
+    functions is explained below.    </p>
+    <boundary-data type="header">Page 7 of 26</boundary-data>
+    <boundary-data type="header">PATENT</boundary-data>
+    <boundary-data type="header">P57321</boundary-data>
+    <p id="p-41" num="41">
+      <page-break num="8"/>
+      <boundary-data type="line-number">
+        <confidence value="5">1</confidence>
+           </boundary-data>
+      <confidence value="5">[</confidence>
+0039<confidence value="5">]</confidence>
+  FIG. 2 is a detailed block diagram of the main device of FIG. 1.    </p>
+    <p id="p-42" num="42">
+      <boundary-data type="line-number">
+        <confidence value="8">2</confidence>
+           </boundary-data>
+      <confidence value="5">[</confidence>
+0040<confidence value="2">1</confidence>
+  The main device <part-num-ref name="main device">200</part-num-ref>
+ includes a keypad board <part-num-ref name="keypad board">210,</part-num-ref>
+ a main board <part-num-ref name="main board">220,</part-num-ref>
+ and a display <boundary-data type="line-number">3     </boundary-data>
+      <part-num-ref name="display">230.</part-num-ref>
+    </p>
+    <p id="p-43" num="43">
+      <boundary-data type="line-number">
+        <confidence value="6">4</confidence>
+           </boundary-data>
+      <confidence value="5">[</confidence>
+0041<confidence value="5">]</confidence>
+ The keypad board <part-num-ref name="keypad board">210</part-num-ref>
+ scans key values of various function keys as well as <part-num-ref name="scans key values of various function keys as well as">3</part-num-ref>
+ by <part-num-ref name="by">4</part-num-ref>
+ keys <boundary-data type="line-number">
+        <confidence value="4">5</confidence>
+           </boundary-data>
+and transfers them to the main board <part-num-ref name="main board">220.</part-num-ref>
+    </p>
+    <p id="p-44" num="44">
+      <boundary-data type="line-number">6     </boundary-data>
+[0042<confidence value="5">]</confidence>
+ The main board <part-num-ref name="main board">220</part-num-ref>
+ determines a telephone number based on the scanned key values <boundary-data type="line-number">
+        <confidence value="5">7</confidence>
+           </boundary-data>
+and originates a call to a destination telephone terminal.    </p>
+    <p id="p-45" num="45">
+      <boundary-data type="line-number">
+        <confidence value="5">8</confidence>
+           </boundary-data>
+[0043<confidence value="5">]</confidence>
+  The display <part-num-ref name="display">230,</part-num-ref>
+ which can employ a Liquid Crystal Display (LCD) device, displays <boundary-data type="line-number">9     </boundary-data>
+the current status of respective telephone terminals and the main phone. For example, it displays <boundary-data type="line-number">
+        <confidence value="5">t</confidence>
+o          </boundary-data>
+a busy status, Caller Identification (CID) information, a message, a calendar, a current time, etc.    </p>
+    <p id="p-46" num="46">
+      <boundary-data type="line-number">
+        <confidence value="2">t</confidence>
+       </boundary-data>
+      <confidence value="2">t</confidence>
+   The main board <part-num-ref name="main board">220</part-num-ref>
+ supplies 4-bit graphic data and a clock to the display <part-num-ref name="display">230</part-num-ref>
+ via a Flexible Flat <boundary-data type="line-number">
+        <confidence value="4">1</confidence>
+2          </boundary-data>
+Cable (FFC).    </p>
+    <p id="p-47" num="47">
+      <boundary-data type="line-number">
+        <confidence value="58">13</confidence>
+          </boundary-data>
+      <confidence value="5">[</confidence>
+0044<confidence value="5">]</confidence>
+   The main board <part-num-ref name="main board">220</part-num-ref>
+ includes a controller <part-num-ref name="controller">221</part-num-ref>
+ which controls the whole system, a <boundary-data type="line-number">
+        <confidence value="66">14</confidence>
+          </boundary-data>
+voice processor <part-num-ref name="voice processor">222</part-num-ref>
+ which transfers a call voice to an office line port, a memory <part-num-ref name="memory">223,</part-num-ref>
+ a wireless <boundary-data type="line-number">
+        <confidence value="25">is</confidence>
+          </boundary-data>
+LAN processor <part-num-ref name="wireless LAN processor">225</part-num-ref>
+ which processes data transceived via an access point, a wired LAN <boundary-data type="line-number">
+        <confidence value="5">1</confidence>
+6          </boundary-data>
+processor <part-num-ref name="wired LAN processor">224</part-num-ref>
+ which is used when data received from the wireless LAN processor <part-num-ref name="wireless LAN processor">225</part-num-ref>
+ or data <boundary-data type="line-number">
+        <confidence value="56">17</confidence>
+          </boundary-data>
+transmitted from a computer connected to an Internet are provided via an Internet service, and <boundary-data type="line-number">
+        <confidence value="66">18</confidence>
+          </boundary-data>
+a Digital Signal Processor (DSP) <part-num-ref name="Digital Signal Processor (DSP)">226</part-num-ref>
+ which converts a voice signal to a data signal or vice <boundary-data type="line-number">
+        <confidence value="4">1</confidence>
+9          </boundary-data>
+ver<confidence value="788">sa.</confidence>
+    </p>
+    <p id="p-48" num="48">
+      <boundary-data type="line-number">20    </boundary-data>
+      <confidence value="5">[</confidence>
+0045<confidence value="5">]</confidence>
+    Data of the respective processors are received and transmitted via a Peripheral <part-num-ref name="Peripheral">
+        <confidence value="85">21</confidence>
+      </part-num-ref>
+    Component Interconnect (PCI) connector.    </p>
+    <boundary-data type="header">Page 8 of 26</boundary-data>
+    <boundary-data type="header">PATENT</boundary-data>
+    <boundary-data type="header">P57321</boundary-data>
+    <p id="p-49" num="49">
+      <page-break num="9"/>
+      <boundary-data type="line-number">
+        <confidence value="5">1</confidence>
+           </boundary-data>
+      <confidence value="5">[</confidence>
+0046]   The access point supports IEEE 802.11 <confidence value="22222">a/b/g</confidence>
+ and thus interfaces with a PC or a <boundary-data type="line-number">2     </boundary-data>
+wireless LAN phone which supports IEEE 802.11 b<confidence value="588">/g.</confidence>
+    </p>
+    <p id="p-50" num="50">
+      <boundary-data type="line-number">
+        <confidence value="8">3</confidence>
+           </boundary-data>
+      <confidence value="5">[</confidence>
+0047<confidence value="5">]</confidence>
+ FIG. 3 is a block diagram of functions related to call process scheduling according to <boundary-data type="line-number">
+        <confidence value="5">4</confidence>
+           </boundary-data>
+the present invention.    </p>
+    <p id="p-51" num="51">
+      <boundary-data type="line-number">
+        <confidence value="4">5</confidence>
+           </boundary-data>
+[0048] The communication terminal system of the present invention includes three processes <boundary-data type="line-number">6     </boundary-data>
+(implemented in the form of a module) to control overall call process scheduling.    </p>
+    <p id="p-52" num="52">
+      <boundary-data type="line-number">
+        <confidence value="5">7</confidence>
+           </boundary-data>
+[0049]    Each process include threads, and a communication between the processes is <boundary-data type="line-number">
+        <confidence value="5">8</confidence>
+           </boundary-data>
+performed by a socket, and a communication between the threads in the processes is performed <boundary-data type="line-number">9     </boundary-data>
+in an event driven manner via a message queue.    </p>
+    <p id="p-53" num="53">
+      <boundary-data type="line-number">
+        <confidence value="22">1o</confidence>
+          </boundary-data>
+[0050]   The process including a call module among the processes is referred to as a main <boundary-data type="line-number">
+        <confidence value="2">t</confidence>
+           </boundary-data>
+process, and the main process includes call manager <part-num-ref name="main process includes call manager">302,</part-num-ref>
+ Signaling Control Process (SCP), IP <boundary-data type="line-number">
+        <confidence value="4">1</confidence>
+2           </boundary-data>
+Proprietary (IPP), Wireless LAN Interface (WLI), and Media Gateway Interface (MGI) threads.    </p>
+    <p id="p-54" num="54">
+      <boundary-data type="line-number">
+        <confidence value="4">1</confidence>
+3          </boundary-data>
+[0051]  The SCP controls most of signals which come into the call manager.    </p>
+    <p id="p-55" num="55">
+      <boundary-data type="line-number">
+        <confidence value="5">1</confidence>
+4          </boundary-data>
+[0052]   The WLI participates in a signal process with a wireless LAN phone or a terminal <boundary-data type="line-number">
+        <confidence value="25">1s</confidence>
+          </boundary-data>
+having a wireless LAN card therein.    </p>
+    <p id="p-56" num="56">
+      <boundary-data type="line-number">
+        <confidence value="4">1</confidence>
+6          </boundary-data>
+[0053]  The IPP participates in a signal process used when wired and wireless voice and data <boundary-data type="line-number">
+        <confidence value="56">17</confidence>
+          </boundary-data>
+received are transmitted via the Internet.    </p>
+    <p id="p-57" num="57">
+      <boundary-data type="line-number">
+        <confidence value="66">18</confidence>
+          </boundary-data>
+      <confidence value="5">[</confidence>
+0054]  The MGI participates in a signal converting process between data and voice.    </p>
+    <p id="p-58" num="58">
+      <boundary-data type="line-number">
+        <confidence value="58">19</confidence>
+          </boundary-data>
+      <confidence value="5">[</confidence>
+0055<confidence value="5">]</confidence>
+  The call manager <part-num-ref name="call manager">302</part-num-ref>
+ module performs a task associated with call control with other <boundary-data type="line-number">
+        <confidence value="65">20</confidence>
+          </boundary-data>
+threads in the main process and also performs a call control relating task together with other <part-num-ref name="call control relating task together with other">
+        <confidence value="85">21</confidence>
+      </part-num-ref>
+    processes.    </p>
+    <boundary-data type="header">Page <confidence value="8">9</confidence>
+ of 26    </boundary-data>
+    <boundary-data type="header">PATENT</boundary-data>
+    <boundary-data type="header">P57321</boundary-data>
+    <p id="p-59" num="59">
+      <page-break num="10"/>
+      <boundary-data type="line-number">
+        <confidence value="2">1</confidence>
+           </boundary-data>
+[0056<confidence value="5">]</confidence>
+ The call manager <part-num-ref name="call manager">302</part-num-ref>
+ also controls and processes a call using another message queue <boundary-data type="line-number">2     </boundary-data>
+for control between respective call entities.    </p>
+    <p id="p-60" num="60">
+      <boundary-data type="line-number">
+        <confidence value="8">3</confidence>
+           </boundary-data>
+      <confidence value="5">[</confidence>
+0057]  A process which performs a function of the telephone body is referred to as a phone <boundary-data type="line-number">
+        <confidence value="5">4</confidence>
+           </boundary-data>
+manager <part-num-ref name="phone manager">301.</part-num-ref>
+    </p>
+    <p id="p-61" num="61">
+      <boundary-data type="line-number">
+        <confidence value="4">5</confidence>
+           </boundary-data>
+[0058]  The phone manager <part-num-ref name="phone manager">301</part-num-ref>
+ module manages resources related to a voice, a handset, a <boundary-data type="line-number">6     </boundary-data>
+speaker, a microphone, a Light Emitting Diode (LED), and a ring, and provides a socket <boundary-data type="line-number">
+        <confidence value="5">7</confidence>
+           </boundary-data>
+communication with the call manager <part-num-ref name="call manager">302</part-num-ref>
+ which is in charge of a function related to call <boundary-data type="line-number">
+        <confidence value="5">8</confidence>
+          </boundary-data>
+processing.    </p>
+    <p id="p-62" num="62">
+      <boundary-data type="line-number">
+        <confidence value="8">9</confidence>
+           </boundary-data>
+      <confidence value="5">[</confidence>
+0059<confidence value="5">]</confidence>
+  A message transmitted from the call manager <part-num-ref name="call manager">302</part-num-ref>
+ module invokes a function of a <boundary-data type="line-number">
+        <confidence value="16">to</confidence>
+          </boundary-data>
+device driver <part-num-ref name="device driver">330,</part-num-ref>
+ which is arranged below, to enable a voice, a handset call, a speaker call, a <boundary-data type="line-number">
+        <confidence value="414">i&gt;i</confidence>
+         </boundary-data>
+microphone, LED blinking, and a ringing service which are required for a telephone call.    </p>
+    <p id="p-63" num="63">
+      <boundary-data type="line-number">12    </boundary-data>
+[0060<confidence value="5">]</confidence>
+   The call manager <part-num-ref name="call manager">302</part-num-ref>
+ performs a task for call control with other threads, and also <boundary-data type="line-number">
+        <confidence value="4">1</confidence>
+3          </boundary-data>
+performs a task related to the call control together with other processes.    </p>
+    <p id="p-64" num="64">
+      <boundary-data type="line-number">
+        <confidence value="56">14</confidence>
+          </boundary-data>
+[0061] A message which comes into the call manager <part-num-ref name="call manager">302</part-num-ref>
+ undergoes an analysis process and <boundary-data type="line-number">
+        <confidence value="4">i</confidence>
+s          </boundary-data>
+then is converted to a message format which is prepared to process messages from different <boundary-data type="line-number">
+        <confidence value="5">1</confidence>
+6          </boundary-data>
+tasks<confidence value="8">.</confidence>
+    </p>
+    <p id="p-65" num="65">
+      <boundary-data type="line-number">
+        <confidence value="56">17</confidence>
+          </boundary-data>
+[0062]  The conversion is made by referring to a source task value of the message.    </p>
+    <p id="p-66" num="66">
+      <confidence value="66">18</confidence>
+    <confidence value="5">[</confidence>
+0063]  All messages which come into the call manager have a common structure of Table <part-num-ref name="common structure of Table">1.</part-num-ref>
+    </p>
+    <boundary-data type="header">Page 10 of 26</boundary-data>
+    <boundary-data type="header">PATENT</boundary-data>
+    <boundary-data type="header">P57321</boundary-data>
+    <p id="p-67" num="67">
+      <page-break num="11"/>
+      <boundary-data type="line-number">
+        <confidence value="2">t</confidence>
+                                              </boundary-data>
+&lt;Table 1&gt; <boundary-data type="line-number">2          </boundary-data>
+typedef struct  { <boundary-data type="line-number">3                  </boundary-data>
+unsigned char bHead     /*message <confidence value="22222222222">header:0x7e</confidence>
+ *<confidence value="5">/</confidence>
+ <boundary-data type="line-number">
+        <confidence value="5">4</confidence>
+                        </boundary-data>
+unsigned char bSysflag      /*system flag:<confidence value="4">0</confidence>
+x80 <confidence value="68">*/</confidence>
+ <boundary-data type="line-number">
+        <confidence value="5">5</confidence>
+                        </boundary-data>
+unsigned char wPort        <confidence value="68">/*</confidence>
+software port number */ <boundary-data type="line-number">6                  </boundary-data>
+unsigned char wLength       /*total message length */ <boundary-data type="line-number">
+        <confidence value="7">7</confidence>
+      </boundary-data>
+ <boundary-data type="line-number">
+        <confidence value="5">8</confidence>
+                        </boundary-data>
+unsigned char bDest_task     /*destination Task<confidence value="58">ID</confidence>
+  <confidence value="68">*/</confidence>
+ <boundary-data type="line-number">9                  </boundary-data>
+unsigned char bSrc_task      /*source Task<confidence value="4">I</confidence>
+D  *<confidence value="5">/</confidence>
+ <boundary-data type="line-number">
+        <confidence value="66">10</confidence>
+                        </boundary-data>
+unsigned char bMsgid    /*message Main<confidence value="58">ID</confidence>
+  <confidence value="68">*/</confidence>
+ <boundary-data type="line-number">
+        <confidence value="5">i</confidence>
+       </boundary-data>
+      <confidence value="2">t</confidence>
+    <confidence value="6">[</confidence>
+0064<confidence value="5">]</confidence>
+  The messages from different tasks are subjected to a call control task by different <boundary-data type="line-number">
+        <confidence value="4">1</confidence>
+2          </boundary-data>
+message handlers. A converted message format is used. In the keyphone, voice and data are <boundary-data type="line-number">
+        <confidence value="5">1</confidence>
+3          </boundary-data>
+processed by the above-described scheduling method.    </p>
+    <p id="p-68" num="68">
+      <boundary-data type="line-number">
+        <confidence value="66">14</confidence>
+          </boundary-data>
+[0065<confidence value="5">]</confidence>
+ FIG. 4 is a view of an extension call method between wireless LAN phones according <boundary-data type="line-number">is    </boundary-data>
+to an embodiment of the present invention.    </p>
+    <p id="p-69" num="69">
+      <boundary-data type="line-number">
+        <confidence value="66">16</confidence>
+          </boundary-data>
+[0066<confidence value="5">]</confidence>
+   Using a certain wireless LAN phone which is registered in the keyphone system, a <boundary-data type="line-number">
+        <confidence value="66">17</confidence>
+          </boundary-data>
+user requests an extension call to another wireless LAN phone user in the same keyphone <boundary-data type="line-number">
+        <confidence value="66">18</confidence>
+          </boundary-data>
+sy<confidence value="8">s</confidence>
+tem.    </p>
+    <p id="p-70" num="70">
+      <boundary-data type="line-number">
+        <confidence value="28">t9</confidence>
+          </boundary-data>
+      <confidence value="5">[</confidence>
+0067<confidence value="5">]</confidence>
+  It is assumed that the certain wireless LAN phone is a first wireless LAN phone <part-num-ref name="first wireless LAN phone">110,</part-num-ref>
+ <boundary-data type="line-number">20     </boundary-data>
+and the another wireless LAN phone is a second wireless LAN phone <part-num-ref name="second wireless LAN phone">120.</part-num-ref>
+    </p>
+    <p id="p-71" num="71">
+      <boundary-data type="line-number">
+        <confidence value="85">21</confidence>
+          </boundary-data>
+[0068<confidence value="5">]</confidence>
+   First, when the first wireless LAN phone <part-num-ref name="first wireless LAN phone">110</part-num-ref>
+ originates a call to the second wireless <boundary-data type="line-number">22     </boundary-data>
+LAN phone <part-num-ref name="second wireless LAN phone">120</part-num-ref>
+ (S 100), this signal is received by an AP of a keyphone main device <part-num-ref name="keyphone main device">200.</part-num-ref>
+    </p>
+    <p id="p-72" num="72">
+      <boundary-data type="line-number">23    </boundary-data>
+[0069<confidence value="5">]</confidence>
+     The main device <part-num-ref name="main device">200</part-num-ref>
+ identifies the received signal to search for a destination <part-num-ref name="destination">
+        <confidence value="86">24</confidence>
+      </part-num-ref>
+    telephone terminal (S 110).    </p>
+    <boundary-data type="header">Page 11 of 26</boundary-data>
+    <boundary-data type="header">PATENT</boundary-data>
+    <boundary-data type="header">P57321</boundary-data>
+    <p id="p-73" num="73">
+      <page-break num="12"/>
+      <confidence value="5">[</confidence>
+0070<confidence value="5">]</confidence>
+    The main device <part-num-ref name="main device">200</part-num-ref>
+ transfers a call to the second wireless LAN phone <part-num-ref name="second wireless LAN phone">120</part-num-ref>
+ <boundary-data type="line-number">2     </boundary-data>
+corresponding to a relevant extension number based on a searched number, and thus ringing, <boundary-data type="line-number">3     </boundary-data>
+which is a call request signal, is generated in the second wireless LAN phone <part-num-ref name="second wireless LAN phone">120</part-num-ref>
+ (S <confidence value="6">1</confidence>
+30).    </p>
+    <p id="p-74" num="74">
+      <boundary-data type="line-number">
+        <confidence value="5">4</confidence>
+           </boundary-data>
+[0071<confidence value="5">]</confidence>
+ When the user of the correspondent second wireless LAN phone <part-num-ref name="correspondent second wireless LAN phone">120</part-num-ref>
+ presses a call key <boundary-data type="line-number">
+        <confidence value="4">5</confidence>
+           </boundary-data>
+(or another key if it is set) for a telephone call (S <confidence value="6">1</confidence>
+40), an OK signal responsive to the call <boundary-data type="line-number">6    </boundary-data>
+request is transferred to the first wireless LAN phone <part-num-ref name="first wireless LAN phone">110</part-num-ref>
+ (S <part-num-ref name="(S">
+        <confidence value="6">1</confidence>
+50      </part-num-ref>
+ and S 160), thereby making call <boundary-data type="line-number">
+        <confidence value="5">7</confidence>
+           </boundary-data>
+setup between the first wireless LAN phone <part-num-ref name="first wireless LAN phone">110</part-num-ref>
+ and the second wireless LAN phone <part-num-ref name="second wireless LAN phone">120</part-num-ref>
+ <boundary-data type="line-number">
+        <confidence value="5">8</confidence>
+           </boundary-data>
+      <confidence value="85">(S</confidence>
+170).    </p>
+    <p id="p-75" num="75">
+      <boundary-data type="line-number">9     </boundary-data>
+[0072<confidence value="5">]</confidence>
+  Therefore, users in the same keyphone system can make an extension call via the <boundary-data type="line-number">
+        <confidence value="8">t</confidence>
+       </boundary-data>
+o   wireless LAN phone, while securing mobility.    </p>
+    <p id="p-76" num="76">
+      <boundary-data type="line-number">
+        <confidence value="2">t</confidence>
+           </boundary-data>
+      <confidence value="6">[</confidence>
+0073<confidence value="5">]</confidence>
+   FIG. 5 is a view of a call method between a wireless LAN phone and an office <boundary-data type="line-number">
+        <confidence value="4">1</confidence>
+2          </boundary-data>
+telephone terminal via an office line according to an embodiment of the present invention.    </p>
+    <p id="p-77" num="77">
+      <boundary-data type="line-number">
+        <confidence value="4">1</confidence>
+3          </boundary-data>
+[0074<confidence value="5">]</confidence>
+ Referring to FIG. 5, when a certain user originates an outgoing call using the wireless <boundary-data type="line-number">
+        <confidence value="56">14</confidence>
+          </boundary-data>
+LAN phone (S200), an AP in a main device receives a call request signal and a DSP converts <boundary-data type="line-number">
+        <confidence value="25">1s</confidence>
+          </boundary-data>
+the call request signal to an analog line voice signal, and then makes an outgoing call request <boundary-data type="line-number">
+        <confidence value="4">1</confidence>
+6          </boundary-data>
+via the office line (<confidence value="68">S2</confidence>
+10).    </p>
+    <p id="p-78" num="78">
+      <boundary-data type="line-number">
+        <confidence value="66">17</confidence>
+          </boundary-data>
+[0075<confidence value="5">]</confidence>
+   When a call approval signal arrives concurrently with an hook-off of a destination <boundary-data type="line-number">
+        <confidence value="56">18</confidence>
+          </boundary-data>
+telephone terminal via the office line (<confidence value="5">S</confidence>
+220 and 230), the telephone call is established between <boundary-data type="line-number">
+        <confidence value="5">1</confidence>
+9          </boundary-data>
+the wireless LAN phone and an external telephone (<confidence value="5">S</confidence>
+240).    </p>
+    <p id="p-79" num="79">
+      <boundary-data type="line-number">20    </boundary-data>
+[0076]   In an embodiment of the present invention, since two office line jacks are arranged <part-num-ref name="present invention, since two office line jacks are arranged">
+        <confidence value="85">21</confidence>
+      </part-num-ref>
+    on a rear of the main device as shown in FIG. <confidence value="5">1</confidence>
+B, two channels for external calls can be <boundary-data type="header">Page 12 of 26</boundary-data>
+      <page-break num="13"/>
+      <boundary-data type="header">PATENT</boundary-data>
+      <boundary-data type="header">P57321</boundary-data>
+      <boundary-data type="line-number">
+        <confidence value="5">i</confidence>
+           </boundary-data>
+supported. Of course, more channels can be secured by using a telephone terminal with a <boundary-data type="line-number">
+        <confidence value="8">2</confidence>
+           </boundary-data>
+plurality of office line jacks.    </p>
+    <p id="p-80" num="80">
+      <boundary-data type="line-number">3     </boundary-data>
+[0077<confidence value="5">]</confidence>
+ FIG. 6 is a view of a method of accessing the Internet using a wireless terminal having <boundary-data type="line-number">
+        <confidence value="5">4</confidence>
+           </boundary-data>
+a wireless LAN card therein according to an embodiment of the present invention.    </p>
+    <p id="p-81" num="81">
+      <boundary-data type="line-number">
+        <confidence value="4">5</confidence>
+           </boundary-data>
+[0078<confidence value="5">]</confidence>
+  Referring to FIG. 6, when a wireless terminal (e.g., cellular phone, PDA, PC, etc.) <boundary-data type="line-number">6     </boundary-data>
+which supports IEEE 802.11 <confidence value="22222">a/b/g</confidence>
+ transmits a data service request signal (<confidence value="5">S</confidence>
+300), the main <boundary-data type="line-number">
+        <confidence value="5">7</confidence>
+           </boundary-data>
+device receives the data service request signal via the AP. The AP transfers data received via <boundary-data type="line-number">
+        <confidence value="5">8</confidence>
+           </boundary-data>
+a PCI bus to a network manager which manages wired and wireless networks (S310).    </p>
+    <p id="p-82" num="82">
+      <boundary-data type="line-number">
+        <confidence value="8">9</confidence>
+           </boundary-data>
+      <confidence value="5">[</confidence>
+0079<confidence value="5">]</confidence>
+ The network manager converts the received signal to a signal which can be recognized <boundary-data type="line-number">
+        <confidence value="66">to</confidence>
+          </boundary-data>
+by the wired network before transmitting the received signal to the Internet (S320).    </p>
+    <p id="p-83" num="83">
+      <boundary-data type="line-number">
+        <confidence value="14">Ii</confidence>
+          </boundary-data>
+      <confidence value="6">[</confidence>
+0080<confidence value="5">]</confidence>
+   The converted signal is routed to a destination site via the Ethernet port (S330), and <boundary-data type="line-number">12    </boundary-data>
+an Internet connection is requested (<confidence value="5">S</confidence>
+340).    </p>
+    <p id="p-84" num="84">
+      <boundary-data type="line-number">
+        <confidence value="58">13</confidence>
+          </boundary-data>
+      <confidence value="5">[</confidence>
+0081<confidence value="5">]</confidence>
+  If the connection with the destination site is established via the Internet (<confidence value="68">S3</confidence>
+50), then <boundary-data type="line-number">
+        <confidence value="66">14</confidence>
+          </boundary-data>
+it is possible to transceives the data.    </p>
+    <p id="p-85" num="85">
+      <boundary-data type="line-number">
+        <confidence value="4">I</confidence>
+s          </boundary-data>
+[0082<confidence value="5">]</confidence>
+   FIG. 7 is a view of a method of making a VoIP call in a keyphone system according <boundary-data type="line-number">
+        <confidence value="5">1</confidence>
+6          </boundary-data>
+to an embodiment of the present invention.    </p>
+    <p id="p-86" num="86">
+      <boundary-data type="line-number">
+        <confidence value="66">17</confidence>
+          </boundary-data>
+[0083]   First, a user must subscribe to a VoIP service of a communication service provider.    </p>
+    <p id="p-87" num="87">
+      <boundary-data type="line-number">
+        <confidence value="56">18</confidence>
+          </boundary-data>
+Then, when a certain user originates a VoIP call with a destination telephone number using the <boundary-data type="line-number">
+        <confidence value="4">1</confidence>
+9          </boundary-data>
+wireless LAN phone (S400), the main device receives the VoIP call request signal via the AP.    </p>
+    <p id="p-88" num="88">
+      <boundary-data type="line-number">20    </boundary-data>
+[0084<confidence value="5">]</confidence>
+   A signal for identifying the VoIP call is contained in the received VoIP call request <part-num-ref name="received VoIP call request">21</part-num-ref>
+    signal and transferred (S410).    </p>
+    <boundary-data type="header">Page 13 of 26</boundary-data>
+    <boundary-data type="header">PATENT</boundary-data>
+    <boundary-data type="header">P57321</boundary-data>
+    <p id="p-89" num="89">
+      <page-break num="14"/>
+      <confidence value="5">[</confidence>
+0085<confidence value="5">]</confidence>
+ The VoIP call request signal is transferred to the controller via the PCI bus in the main <boundary-data type="line-number">2     </boundary-data>
+device. The controller determines that it is a VoIP call and forwards the call to a wired LAN <boundary-data type="line-number">3     </boundary-data>
+processor to transfer the call to the Internet (IP network) without using the office line port <boundary-data type="line-number">
+        <confidence value="6">4</confidence>
+           </boundary-data>
+      <confidence value="5">[</confidence>
+0086<confidence value="5">]</confidence>
+  The wired LAN processor determines an address of a destination telephone terminal <boundary-data type="line-number">
+        <confidence value="4">5</confidence>
+           </boundary-data>
+      <confidence value="85">(S</confidence>
+430) and routs the call to a destination VoIP phone via the Internet (<confidence value="5">S</confidence>
+440 and S450).    </p>
+    <p id="p-90" num="90">
+      <boundary-data type="line-number">6     </boundary-data>
+[0087<confidence value="5">]</confidence>
+   When the destination VoIP phone accepts the telephone call, an OK signal is <boundary-data type="line-number">
+        <confidence value="5">7</confidence>
+           </boundary-data>
+transferred to the WLAN phone, making the VoIP call setup between the WLAN phone and the <boundary-data type="line-number">
+        <confidence value="5">8</confidence>
+           </boundary-data>
+destination VoIP phone (<confidence value="5">S</confidence>
+470).    </p>
+    <p id="p-91" num="91">
+      <boundary-data type="line-number">
+        <confidence value="8">9</confidence>
+           </boundary-data>
+      <confidence value="566665">[0088]</confidence>
+  Although it is described in FIG. 7 by way of example that the wireless LAN phone <boundary-data type="line-number">
+        <confidence value="226">tlo</confidence>
+         </boundary-data>
+requests a VoIP call, the VoIP call can be also made by a telephone function of the main device.    </p>
+    <p id="p-92" num="92">
+      <boundary-data type="line-number">
+        <confidence value="2">t</confidence>
+           </boundary-data>
+[0089] The main device of the wireless keyphone system of the present invention further has <boundary-data type="line-number">
+        <confidence value="5">1</confidence>
+2          </boundary-data>
+a function of the telephone, and either the wireless LAN phone or the main device, or a PC (or <boundary-data type="line-number">
+        <confidence value="5">1</confidence>
+3          </boundary-data>
+notebook computer) supporting a VoIP call, i.e., a terminal supporting an H.323 protocol or a <boundary-data type="line-number">
+        <confidence value="5">1</confidence>
+4          </boundary-data>
+Session Initiation Protocol (SIP) can be provided with the VoIP service. This is because the <boundary-data type="line-number">
+        <confidence value="4">i</confidence>
+s          </boundary-data>
+network processor for the Internet service (using the IP network) is included in the main device.    </p>
+    <p id="p-93" num="93">
+      <boundary-data type="line-number">
+        <confidence value="66">16</confidence>
+          </boundary-data>
+      <confidence value="5">[</confidence>
+0090<confidence value="5">]</confidence>
+  As described above, according to the present invention, since the main device of one <boundary-data type="line-number">
+        <confidence value="66">17</confidence>
+          </boundary-data>
+keyphone system has a small PBX function, the whole system is compact. Furthermore, since <boundary-data type="line-number">
+        <confidence value="66">18</confidence>
+          </boundary-data>
+a communication between the main device and the sub phone is performed wirelessly, lines for <boundary-data type="line-number">
+        <confidence value="4">1</confidence>
+9          </boundary-data>
+telephones are unnecessary in offices, thereby the offices are clean.    </p>
+    <p id="p-94" num="94">
+      <boundary-data type="line-number">20    </boundary-data>
+      <confidence value="5">[</confidence>
+0091<confidence value="5">]</confidence>
+  Furthermore, it is possible to receive the VoIP service since the main device has the <part-num-ref name="">
+        <confidence value="65">21</confidence>
+      </part-num-ref>
+    LAN card.    </p>
+    <boundary-data type="header">Page 14 of 26</boundary-data>
+    <boundary-data type="header">PATENT</boundary-data>
+    <boundary-data type="header">P57321</boundary-data>
+    <p id="p-95" num="95">
+      <page-break num="15"/>
+      <confidence value="5">[</confidence>
+0092<confidence value="5">]</confidence>
+  Although exemplary embodiments of the present invention have been described, it <boundary-data type="line-number">2     </boundary-data>
+will be understood by those skilled in the art that the present invention is not limited to the <boundary-data type="line-number">3     </boundary-data>
+described embodiments. Rather, various changes and modifications can be made within the <part-num-ref name="">
+        <confidence value="5">4</confidence>
+      </part-num-ref>
+     spirit and scope of the present invention, as defined by the following claims.    </p>
+    <boundary-data type="header">Page 15 of 26</boundary-data>
+  </description>
+</us-patent-application>
+

prior_art/11213437.xml

@@ -0,0 +1,148 @@
+<?xml version="1.0" encoding="utf-8"?>
+<!DOCTYPE us-patent-application SYSTEM "PATI-v1.0.3-2011-06-23.dtd">
+<us-patent-application lang="EN" dtd-version="v1.0.3 2011-06-23" id="us-patent-application" country="US">
+  <us-bibliographic-data-application lang="EN" country="US">
+    <application-reference appl-type="utility">
+      <document-id>
+        <doc-number>11213437</doc-number>
+        <date>2010-01-04</date>
+      </document-id>
+    </application-reference>
+  </us-bibliographic-data-application>
+  <description id="description">
+    <boundary-data type="header">App<confidence value="6">l</confidence>
+e. No. 11/213,437    </boundary-data>
+    <boundary-data type="header">Reply to Office Action of August 31, 2009</boundary-data>
+    <p id="p-1" num="1">Amendments to the Specification Page <part-num-ref name="Specification Page">4,</part-num-ref>
+ amend the paragraph beginning on line <part-num-ref name="paragraph beginning on line">4</part-num-ref>
+ to read as follows:    </p>
+    <p id="p-2" num="2">--In addition, existing silicone hydrogel contact lenses have a modulus from between about 0.4 to about 1.4 [[mPa]] MPa.</p>
+    <p id="p-3" num="3">For example, the Focus Night &amp; Day contact lens has a modulus of about 1.4 [<confidence value="5">[</confidence>
+mPa]] MPa, the PureVision contact lens has a modulus of about 1.3 [<confidence value="5">[</confidence>
+mPa]] MPa, the <part-num-ref name="">
+        <confidence value="5">0</confidence>
+2      </part-num-ref>
+ Optix has a modulus of about 1.0 [<confidence value="5">[</confidence>
+mPa]] MPa, the Advance contact lens has a modulus of about 0.4 [[mPa]] MPa, and the <confidence value="5">O</confidence>
+asys contact lens has a modulus of about 0.7   [<confidence value="5">[</confidence>
+mPa]] MPa.    In general, for existing silicone hydrogel contact lenses, as the Dk increases, the modulus of the lens increases.-- Page <part-num-ref name="lens increases.-- Page">7,</part-num-ref>
+ amend the paragraph beginning on line <part-num-ref name="paragraph beginning on line">3</part-num-ref>
+ to read as follows:    </p>
+    <p id="p-4" num="4">--Certain embodiments of the present silicone hydrogel contact lenses have a relatively higher Dk and a relatively lower modulus compared to existing silicone hydrogel contact lenses, as described herein.  For example, the present silicone hydrogel contact lenses may have a Dk from about <part-num-ref name="Dk from about">100</part-num-ref>
+ to about <part-num-ref name="to about">200</part-num-ref>
+ barrers, and a modulus from about 0.4 [[mPa<confidence value="5">]</confidence>
+] MPa to about 1.4 [[mPa]] MPa.   One example of a silicone hydrogel contact lens has a Dk greater than <part-num-ref name="Dk greater than">90</part-num-ref>
+ barrers and a modulus from 0.3 <confidence value="8">[</confidence>
+[mPa]] MPa to 1<confidence value="8">.</confidence>
+5 [[mPa]] MPa.    In certain embodiment<confidence value="8">s</confidence>
+, the present silicone hydrogel contact lenses have a Dk of about <part-num-ref name="Dk of about">100</part-num-ref>
+ and a modulus of about 0<confidence value="8">.</confidence>
+4 [[mPa]] MPa.   In other embodiment<confidence value="88">s,</confidence>
+ the present silicone hydrogel contact lenses have a Dk of about <boundary-data type="header">Page 2 of 44</boundary-data>
+      <page-break num="2"/>
+      <boundary-data type="header">App<confidence value="6">l</confidence>
+e. No. 11/213,437      </boundary-data>
+      <boundary-data type="header">Reply to Office Action of August 31, 2009</boundary-data>
+      <part-num-ref name="Dk of about">200</part-num-ref>
+ and a modulus of about 1.4.   In yet other embodiments, the present silicone hydrogel contact lenses have a Dk of about <part-num-ref name="Dk of about">150</part-num-ref>
+ barrers and a modulus of about 0<confidence value="8">.</confidence>
+8 [[mPA]] MPa.   In comparison, the existing Acuvue Advance silicone hydrogel contact lens has a modulus of about 0.4 [<confidence value="5">[</confidence>
+mPa]] MPa and a Dk of about <part-num-ref name="Dk of about">70.</part-num-ref>
+       The existing Focus Night &amp; Day silicone hydrogel contact lens has a modulus of about 1.4 and a Dk of about <part-num-ref name="Dk of about">130.</part-num-ref>
+        Thus, certain embodiments of the present silicone hydrogel contact lenses have a relatively greater Dk, a relatively higher water content, and are relatively softer than existing silicone hydrogel contact lenses<confidence value="8">.</confidence>
+ <confidence value="8">-</confidence>
+ <confidence value="8">-</confidence>
+ Page <part-num-ref name="relatively higher water content, and are relatively softer than existing silicone hydrogel contact lenses. - - Page">8,</part-num-ref>
+ amend the paragraph beginning on line <part-num-ref name="paragraph beginning on line">23</part-num-ref>
+ to read as follows:    </p>
+    <p id="p-5" num="5">--In one specific embodiment, the present contact lenses have a Dk from about <part-num-ref name="Dk from about">115</part-num-ref>
+ to about <part-num-ref name="to about">149</part-num-ref>
+ barrers, a water content of about 48% by weight, and a modulus of about 0.84 [[mPa]] MPa.    </p>
+    <p id="p-6" num="6">For example, a contact lens may have a Dk greater than <part-num-ref name="Dk greater than">105</part-num-ref>
+ barrers, a water content greater than 45% by weight and a modulus greater   than  about  0.8  [[mPa]] MPa.     In  certain embodiments, the present silicone hydrogel contact lenses have a water content greater than about 50% by weight, a modulus from about 0.3 to about 0.5 [<confidence value="5">[</confidence>
+mPa<confidence value="5">]</confidence>
+] MPa, and a Dk from about <part-num-ref name="Dk from about">70</part-num-ref>
+ to about <part-num-ref name="to about">100</part-num-ref>
+ barrers. For example, a contact lens may have a water content greater than about 50% by weight, a modulus from about <confidence value="88">0.</confidence>
+2 [[mPa]] MPa to about 0<confidence value="8">.</confidence>
+6 [<confidence value="5">[</confidence>
+mPa]] MPa, and a Dk greater than about <part-num-ref name="Dk greater than about">60</part-num-ref>
+ barrers. Such embodiments may be useful as daily wear silicone hydrogel contact lenses.    In additional embodiments, the present silicone hydrogel contact lenses have a Dk of at least about <part-num-ref name="Dk of at least about">120</part-num-ref>
+ barrers and a water content of at least about <boundary-data type="header">Page 3 of <confidence value="66">44</confidence>
+      </boundary-data>
+      <page-break num="3"/>
+      <boundary-data type="header">App<confidence value="7">l</confidence>
+e. No. 11/213,437      </boundary-data>
+      <boundary-data type="header">Reply to Office Action of August 31, 2009</boundary-data>
+48% by weight.   Such embodiments may be useful as extended or continuous wear silicone hydrogel contact lenses.      <confidence value="2">B</confidence>
+ <confidence value="22222222222">hyrglcnatln</confidence>
+        <confidence value="21">ha</confidence>
+ <confidence value="11">i_</confidence>
+ <confidence value="1261">e-am</confidence>
+ <confidence value="1112">Dkof</confidence>
+ <confidence value="621212">abot15</confidence>
+ <confidence value="2">,</confidence>
+   <confidence value="12112116161">atee-Pdo~re</confidence>
+  <confidence value="1122">cotn</confidence>
+ <confidence value="2">,</confidence>
+ <confidence value="2">f</confidence>
+ <confidence value="222">°bu</confidence>
+  <confidence value="11">4G</confidence>
+  <confidence value="222222222222">ywihadamdl3o</confidence>
+               <confidence value="2">.</confidence>
+  <confidence value="1">~</confidence>
+.-- Page <part-num-ref name="water content of at least about 48% by weight.   Such embodiments may be useful as extended or continuous wear silicone hydrogel contact lenses.      B hyrglcnatln        ha i_ e-am Dkof abot15 ,   atee-Pdo~re  cotn , f °bu  4G  ywihadamdl3o               .  ~.-- Page">14,</part-num-ref>
+ amend the paragraph beginning on line <part-num-ref name="paragraph beginning on line">11</part-num-ref>
+ to read as follows:    </p>
+    <p id="p-7" num="7">--Embodiments of the present     silicone hydrogel contact lenses comprise a lens body having an oxygen permeability of at least about <part-num-ref name="oxygen permeability of at least about">70</part-num-ref>
+ barrers, a water content of at least about 30% by weight, a modulus less than about 1.4 [[mPa]] MPa, and a contact angle on a surface of the lens body less than about <part-num-ref name="lens body less than about">60</part-num-ref>
+ degrees.    </p>
+    <p id="p-8" num="8">In some embodiments, the lens body has an oxygen permeability greater than about <part-num-ref name="oxygen permeability greater than about">110</part-num-ref>
+ barrers.    In some embodiments, the lens body has a water content greater than about 45% by weight.      In some embodiments, the lens body has a modulus less than about 0.9 [[mPa]] MPa.    For example, one embodiment of the present silicone hydrogel contact lenses comprises a lens body that has an oxygen permeability of at least about <part-num-ref name="oxygen permeability of at least about">115</part-num-ref>
+ barrers, a water content of about 48% by weight, and a modulus of about 0.84 <confidence value="8">[</confidence>
+[mPa]] MPa. As another example, one embodiment of the present silicone hydrogel contact lenses comprises a lens body that has an oxygen permeability    from about <part-num-ref name="oxygen permeability    from about">70</part-num-ref>
+ barrers to about <part-num-ref name="barrers to about">100</part-num-ref>
+ barrers, a water content of at least about 50% by weight, and a modulus from about 0.3 <confidence value="5">[</confidence>
+[mPa]] MPa to about 0.5 [<confidence value="5">[</confidence>
+mPa]] MPa.    </p>
+    <p id="p-9" num="9">These and other features of the present lenses are included in the following description and summary above.-- <boundary-data type="header">Page 4 of 44</boundary-data>
+      <page-break num="4"/>
+      <boundary-data type="header">App<confidence value="7">l</confidence>
+e. No. 11/213,437      </boundary-data>
+      <boundary-data type="header">Reply to Office Action of August 31, 2009</boundary-data>
+Page <part-num-ref name="following description and summary above.-- Page">20,</part-num-ref>
+ amend the paragraph beginning on line <part-num-ref name="paragraph beginning on line">15</part-num-ref>
+ to read as follows:    </p>
+    <p id="p-10" num="10">--The present ophthalmically compatible lens bodies have sufficient modulus for use as continuous wear contact lenses.</p>
+    <p id="p-11" num="11">In one useful embodiment, the modulus of the lens body is about 1.5 [[mPa]] MPa, about 1.4 <confidence value="82">[[</confidence>
+mPA]<confidence value="4">]</confidence>
+ MPa, or about 1.2 [[mPa]] MPa or less, preferably about 1.0 <confidence value="5">[</confidence>
+[mPa]] MPa or less and more preferably about 0<confidence value="8">.</confidence>
+8 [<confidence value="5">[</confidence>
+mPa]] MPa or less or about 0<confidence value="8">.</confidence>
+5 [[mPa]<confidence value="8">]</confidence>
+ MPa or less or about 0.4 [<confidence value="5">[</confidence>
+mPa]] MPa or less or about 0.3 <confidence value="8">[</confidence>
+[mPa]] MPa or less. For example, one embodiment of the present lenses has a modulus of about 0.84      <confidence value="5">[</confidence>
+[mPa]] MPa.    Another embodiment of the present lenses has a modulus from about 0.3 <confidence value="88">[[</confidence>
+mPa]] MPa to about 0.5 <confidence value="82">[[</confidence>
+mPa<confidence value="5">]</confidence>
+] MPa.   Lens bodies which have sufficient modulus for use as continuous wear contact lenses, but reduced modulus relative to prior art continuous wear lenses, for example, less than 1.0 MPa, are advantageous, for example, for the comfort of the wearer of the continuous wear contact lens.-- Page <part-num-ref name="continuous wear contact lens.-- Page">28,</part-num-ref>
+ amend the paragraph beginning on line <part-num-ref name="paragraph beginning on line">5</part-num-ref>
+ to read as follows:    </p>
+    <p id="p-12" num="12">--Water contents less than 5% or less than 15% by weight are often undesirable due to an easy adsorption of lipids to lens, potentially resulting in adhesion of the lens to the cornea of the eye wearing the lens. Water contents over 60% are often  undesirable,   giving  the   lens  low   strength,  lens dehydration, poor scratch resistance in handling, easy fracture and  high   adsorption  of  proteins.     Lenses   with  oxygen permeabilities lower than a Dk of about <part-num-ref name="Dk of about">80</part-num-ref>
+ are undesirable in <boundary-data type="header">Page 5 of 44</boundary-data>
+      <page-break num="5"/>
+      <boundary-data type="header">App<confidence value="6">l</confidence>
+e. No. 11/213,437      </boundary-data>
+      <boundary-data type="header">Reply to Office Action of August 31, 2009</boundary-data>
+continuous wear lenses.  Lenses with tensile modulus less than about <confidence value="5">0</confidence>
+.2x10<confidence value="4">7</confidence>
+ dyne/cm2 (MPa) are often undesirable due to relative instability  in lens shape and difficulty     in lens handling.   Lenses with tensile modulus over about <confidence value="5">1</confidence>
+.5x10<confidence value="4">7</confidence>
+ dyne/cm2 [[(Mpa)]] (MPa) or about 2x10<confidence value="4">7</confidence>
+ dyne/cm2 [[(Mpa)]] (MPa) are undesirable, for example, because of a significant decrease in lens movement on the cornea and an increased occurrence of adhesion to the cornea, lens flexure problems, comfort issues during lens wearing and the like concerns.-- <boundary-data type="header">Page 6 of 44</boundary-data>
+    </p>
+  </description>
+</us-patent-application>
+

prior_art/11226646.xml

@@ -0,0 +1,583 @@
+<?xml version="1.0" encoding="utf-8"?>
+<!DOCTYPE us-patent-application SYSTEM "PATI-v1.0.3-2011-06-23.dtd">
+<us-patent-application lang="EN" dtd-version="v1.0.3 2011-06-23" id="us-patent-application" country="US">
+  <us-bibliographic-data-application lang="EN" country="US">
+    <application-reference appl-type="utility">
+      <document-id>
+        <doc-number>11226646</doc-number>
+        <date>2005-09-14</date>
+      </document-id>
+    </application-reference>
+  </us-bibliographic-data-application>
+  <description id="description">
+    <heading id="h-1">EXPRESS MAIL CERTIFICATE</heading>
+    <p id="p-1" num="1">"EXPRESS MAIL" LABEL NO.: EV701442542U<confidence value="5">S</confidence>
+ Date of Deposit: September 14, 2005 I hereby certify that this paper or fee is being deposited with the United States Postal Service "Express Mail Post Office to Addressee" service under <part-num-ref name="United States Postal Service &quot;Express Mail Post Office to Addressee&quot; service under">37</part-num-ref>
+ CFR 1.10 on the date indicated above, addressed to:    </p>
+    <p id="p-2" num="2">Commissioner for Patents, P.O. Box 1450, Alexandria, Virginia, 22313-1450.</p>
+    <p id="p-3" num="3">Margaret   <confidence value="22222">ruitt</confidence>
+     </p>
+    <heading id="h-2">APPLICATION FOR UNITED STATES LETTER PATENT</heading>
+    <heading id="h-3">FOR</heading>
+    <heading id="h-4">WIRELESS MULTIMODAL VOICE BROWSER</heading>
+    <heading id="h-5">FOR WIRELINE-BASED IPTV SERVICES</heading>
+    <p id="p-4" num="4">Inventor: Harry Chang 11108 Amesite Trail Austin, TX <part-num-ref name="Amesite Trail Austin, TX">78726</part-num-ref>
+ Assignee:     SBC Knowledge Ventures L.P.    </p>
+    <p id="p-5" num="5">645 E. Plumb Lane Reno, Nevada 89502 <boundary-data type="header">SBC-1068-US                                <confidence value="6">1</confidence>
+      </boundary-data>
+      <page-break num="2"/>
+    </p>
+    <heading id="h-6">BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION</heading>
+    <p id="p-6" num="6">Field of the Invention [0001]   The present invention relates to the field of intelligent displaying of content, and more particularly to selection of audio-visual content for displaying.</p>
+    <p id="p-7" num="7">
+      <boundary-data type="line-number">5   </boundary-data>
+Description of the Related Art [0002<confidence value="5">]</confidence>
+   Home entertainment systems generally allow users to display audio-visual content, including movies, sporting events, and educational programs.  However, selection of the content may be cumbersome. Hundreds of channels may be available through a satellite or cable system, and hundreds or thousands of other programs and <boundary-data type="line-number">10   </boundary-data>
+other audio-visual content may be available through a Video On Demand (VOD) or a Pay Per View (PPV) server. Many systems provide only a simple scroll-bar for the user to interface, and consequently force the user to scroll through a lengthy list of available programming to select a program to view. Moreover, each program is usually identified by a few words of text. If the user does not recognize a particular program by the few <boundary-data type="line-number">15   </boundary-data>
+words that the user interface is able to provide, the user might scroll past the program and not view it. Consequently, programs that the user might want to watch can be ignored by the user simply because the user cannot recognize the name of the program from the user interface that the system provides.    </p>
+    <boundary-data type="header">SBC-<confidence value="5">1</confidence>
+068-US                              2    </boundary-data>
+    <heading id="h-7">SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION</heading>
+    <p id="p-8" num="8">
+      <page-break num="3"/>
+      <confidence value="5">[</confidence>
+0003<confidence value="5">]</confidence>
+   In accordance with one aspect of the present invention, a method selects a program from a library of programs. A user selection is determined based upon a voice command, and the program is presented at a display device in accordance with the voice <boundary-data type="line-number">5   </boundary-data>
+command. In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, a system selects a program from a library of programs. The system includes a processor that determines a user selection based upon a voice command, and also includes a display device that presents the program in accordance with the voice command. In accordance with yet another embodiment of the present invention, a computer-readable medium contains a set <boundary-data type="line-number">10   </boundary-data>
+of instructions that when executed by a processor cause the processor to determine a user selection based upon a voice command and to command a display device to present the program, in accordance with the voice command.    </p>
+    <p id="p-9" num="9">[0004<confidence value="5">]</confidence>
+   Examples of certain features of the invention have been summarized here rather broadly in order that the detailed description thereof that follows may be better <boundary-data type="line-number">15   </boundary-data>
+understood and in order that the contributions they represent to the art may be appreciated. There are, of course, additional features of the invention that will be described hereinafter and which will form the subject of the claims appended hereto.    </p>
+    <boundary-data type="header">SBC-<confidence value="5">1</confidence>
+068-US                              3    </boundary-data>
+    <heading id="h-8">BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS</heading>
+    <p id="p-10" num="10">
+      <page-break num="4"/>
+      <confidence value="5">[</confidence>
+0005<confidence value="5">]</confidence>
+   For detailed understanding of the present invention, references should be made to the following detailed description of an exemplary embodiment, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which like elements have been given <boundary-data type="line-number">5   </boundary-data>
+like numerals.    </p>
+    <p id="p-11" num="11">
+      <confidence value="5">[</confidence>
+0006]   FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of a system for selecting a program from a library of programs, in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention.    </p>
+    <p id="p-12" num="12">
+      <confidence value="5">[</confidence>
+0007]   FIG. 2 is a flowchart depicting a method for selecting a program from a library of programs, in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention.    </p>
+    <p id="p-13" num="13">
+      <boundary-data type="line-number">10   </boundary-data>
+      <confidence value="5">[</confidence>
+0008]   FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram depicting a system for selecting a program from a library of programs, in accordance with still another embodiment of the present invention.    </p>
+    <p id="p-14" num="14">[0009]   FIG. 4 is a schematic representation of a computer system in accordance with yet another embodiment of the present invention.</p>
+    <p id="p-15" num="15">
+      <boundary-data type="line-number">
+        <confidence value="88">15</confidence>
+      </boundary-data>
+     </p>
+    <heading id="h-9">DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION</heading>
+    <p id="p-16" num="16">
+      <confidence value="5">[</confidence>
+0010<confidence value="5">]</confidence>
+   In view of the above, the present invention through one or more of its various aspects <confidence value="222222">and/or</confidence>
+ embodiments is presented to provide one or more advantages, such as those noted below.    </p>
+    <p id="p-17" num="17">
+      <boundary-data type="line-number">20   </boundary-data>
+      <confidence value="5">[</confidence>
+0011]   FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of a system <part-num-ref name="system">10</part-num-ref>
+ for selecting a program from a library of programs, in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention.    </p>
+    <p id="p-18" num="18">
+      <confidence value="5">[</confidence>
+0012]   An IPTV (Internet Protocol Television) Multi-Media Content Library <part-num-ref name="IPTV (Internet Protocol Television) Multi-Media Content Library">22</part-num-ref>
+ may receive an assortment of content, including movies, music videos, still images, slide shows, and audio-only content from an Original Content Feed <part-num-ref name="Original Content Feed">38,</part-num-ref>
+ and may store all or <boundary-data type="line-number">25   </boundary-data>
+some of such content. The IPTV Multi-Media Content Library <part-num-ref name="IPTV Multi-Media Content Library">22</part-num-ref>
+ may contain multiple versions of some content, including a small-screen version and a large-screen version, and may be connected to deliver a movie, for example, to an IPTV network <part-num-ref name="IPTV network">24.</part-num-ref>
+ The <boundary-data type="header">SBC-1068-US                             4</boundary-data>
+      <page-break num="5"/>
+IPTV network <part-num-ref name="IPTV network">24</part-num-ref>
+ may be configured to deliver the small-screen version of the movie to a wireless network <part-num-ref name="wireless network">28,</part-num-ref>
+ and a large-screen version of the movie to a wireline broadband network <part-num-ref name="wireline broadband network">30.</part-num-ref>
+ The wireless network <part-num-ref name="wireless network">28</part-num-ref>
+ may allow the IPTV network <part-num-ref name="IPTV network">24</part-num-ref>
+ to communicate wirelessly with a smart phone <part-num-ref name="smart phone">36</part-num-ref>
+ or other wireless device having a mobile identification <boundary-data type="line-number">5   </boundary-data>
+number (M<confidence value="5">I</confidence>
+N). Similarly, a subscriber profile may store a device registration <part-num-ref name="device registration">42.</part-num-ref>
+ It should be noted that the terms movie, video content, channel, program and TV programs are used herein interchangeably. The terms command and information are also used interchangeably.    </p>
+    <p id="p-19" num="19">
+      <confidence value="5">[</confidence>
+0013<confidence value="5">]</confidence>
+   The smart phone <part-num-ref name="smart phone">36</part-num-ref>
+ may have a microphone (M) <part-num-ref name="microphone (M)">52</part-num-ref>
+ able to detect speech that <boundary-data type="line-number">10  </boundary-data>
+is spoken near the smart phone <part-num-ref name="smart phone">36.</part-num-ref>
+ The microphone (M) <part-num-ref name="microphone (M)">52</part-num-ref>
+ may provide a signal to a DSR Front-end <part-num-ref name="DSR Front-end">50</part-num-ref>
+ and to an ASR Engine <part-num-ref name="ASR Engine">60.</part-num-ref>
+ The DSR Front-end <part-num-ref name="DSR Front-end">50</part-num-ref>
+ may record the signal in a high fidelity mode (such as at <part-num-ref name="high fidelity mode (such as at">256</part-num-ref>
+ Kbits in mono recording) and may compress the digitized audio in real time without losing any vital information needed by the ASR system - <confidence value="8">a</confidence>
+ part of the MVB Search Engine installed on the network side (a <boundary-data type="line-number">15   </boundary-data>
+"network" ASR). The DSR Front-end <part-num-ref name="DSR Front-end">50</part-num-ref>
+ may provide a first signal to a Multimodal Voice Browser (MVB) <part-num-ref name="Multimodal Voice Browser (MVB)">44</part-num-ref>
+ via a C <part-num-ref name="C">46,</part-num-ref>
+ and the ASR Engine <part-num-ref name="ASR Engine">60</part-num-ref>
+ provides a second signal to the Multimodal Voice Browser (MVB) <part-num-ref name="Multimodal Voice Browser (MVB)">44</part-num-ref>
+ via an H <part-num-ref name="H">48.</part-num-ref>
+ The ASR Engine <part-num-ref name="ASR Engine">60</part-num-ref>
+ may use ASR Acoustic Models <part-num-ref name="may use ASR Acoustic Models">62.</part-num-ref>
+ A Flash Card <part-num-ref name="Flash Card">54</part-num-ref>
+ may be used to store a program that can be executed. The smart phone <part-num-ref name="smart phone">36</part-num-ref>
+ may also have a Small Display screen <part-num-ref name="Small Display screen">56</part-num-ref>
+ and a <boundary-data type="line-number">20   </boundary-data>
+loudspeaker <part-num-ref name="loudspeaker">58</part-num-ref>
+ that can present, for example, the small-screen version of the movie. The smart phone <part-num-ref name="smart phone">36</part-num-ref>
+ may also have a videobook (IPRV cookie) <part-num-ref name="videobook (IPRV cookie)">64.</part-num-ref>
+    </p>
+    <p id="p-20" num="20">[0014]   In response to a command received from the smart phone <part-num-ref name="smart phone">36,</part-num-ref>
+ IPTV network <part-num-ref name="smart phone 36, IPTV network">24</part-num-ref>
+ may provide the large-screen version of the movie to a customer home network <part-num-ref name="customer home network">32</part-num-ref>
+ via a wireline broadband network <part-num-ref name="wireline broadband network">30.</part-num-ref>
+ The wireline broadband network <part-num-ref name="wireline broadband network">30</part-num-ref>
+ may be <boundary-data type="line-number">25 </boundary-data>
+implemented as a Digital Subscriber Loop (DSL) line, a cable connection, a fiber-optic connection, a satellite connection, or other connection operative to provide content. The customer home network <part-num-ref name="customer home network">32</part-num-ref>
+ may include a set top box (STB), and may be connected to a home <part-num-ref name="home">66</part-num-ref>
+ having a telephone number (TN).    </p>
+    <p id="p-21" num="21">[0015<confidence value="5">]</confidence>
+   FIG. 2 is a flowchart depicting a method for selecting a program from a <part-num-ref name="">30</part-num-ref>
+   library of programs and clips, in accordance with one embodiment of the present <boundary-data type="header">SBC-1068-US                            5</boundary-data>
+      <page-break num="6"/>
+invention. The method of FIG. 2 includes: iteratively querying a user until a clip is selected from the library of programs and clips; presenting the clip on a selection display;    </p>
+    <p id="p-22" num="22">if the user of the portable device approves of the clip, and presenting a program corresponding to the clip on a presentation display, which may or may not be the same as <boundary-data type="line-number">5   </boundary-data>
+the selection display. For purposes of explanation, in the embodiment of FIG. 2, the selection display resides within a portable device, and the selection display is distinct from the presentation display.    </p>
+    <p id="p-23" num="23">[0016<confidence value="5">]</confidence>
+ Iteratively querying the user may be accomplished through a voice-driven menu system in combination with a keypad entry and at least one user profile. For <boundary-data type="line-number">10   </boundary-data>
+example, a list of categories may be presented <part-num-ref name="list of categories may be presented">72</part-num-ref>
+ on a screen of the selection display, which may be a small screen on a portable device such as a cellular telephone, personal data assistant (PDA) such as a palm pilot, a cell phone, Blackberry, or other portable device. For purposes of illustration, the mobile device may be a smart phone, and accordingly through this description the term "smart phone" and the term "mobile <boundary-data type="line-number">15   </boundary-data>
+device" will be used interchangeably. The list of categories may be comprehensive enough such that each and every clip of the library of clips falls within at least one category of the list of categories.    </p>
+    <p id="p-24" num="24">[0017]   Presenting the list of categories <part-num-ref name="list of categories">72</part-num-ref>
+ may be accomplished using text, using icons or other graphics, or a combination of text, icons, and/or graphics. The text, icons, <boundary-data type="line-number">20   </boundary-data>
+and/or graphics may be animated. For example, an icon depicting a football or a soccer ball may represent sporting events, and an image of an actor may represent all movies in which the actor stars. Icons and other images may be used to represent categories of programming. A user may be able to download icons and images for each category.    </p>
+    <p id="p-25" num="25">[0018]   A selection profile may be created <part-num-ref name="selection profile may be created">74.</part-num-ref>
+ The selection profile may be, for <boundary-data type="line-number">25   </boundary-data>
+example, a sequential query language (SQL) database query operative to retrieve a desired portion of the library of programs and clips, in accordance with user selections, and may reside within a storage device corresponding to the selection display For example, if the selection display is a small screen on a portable device, then the selection profile may reside within a local memory that is located within the portable device. The <part-num-ref name="">30</part-num-ref>
+   selection profile may alternately be stored in a remote memory corresponding to a server <boundary-data type="header">SBC-<confidence value="5">1</confidence>
+068-US                              6      </boundary-data>
+      <page-break num="7"/>
+coupled to the portable device across a cellular telephone network or other wireless network, or may be distributed between a local memory and a remote memory.    </p>
+    <p id="p-26" num="26">"Memory" refers to anything that can store information, including but not limited to read only memory (RAM), magnetic media such as a hard drive, optical media such as a CD- <boundary-data type="line-number">5   </boundary-data>
+ROM, Flash memory, EPROM, <confidence value="5">E</confidence>
+EPROM, magnetic hysteresis memory, and/or any combination thereof.    </p>
+    <p id="p-27" num="27">
+      <confidence value="5">[</confidence>
+0019<confidence value="5">]</confidence>
+   A user selection may be obtained <part-num-ref name="user selection may be obtained">76</part-num-ref>
+ in response to the presentation of the list of categories. The user selection may be asserted using voice commands, keypad commands, and/or one or more user profiles. Thus, a user interface may allow the user to <boundary-data type="line-number">10   </boundary-data>
+use a combination of voice and keypad entry. For example, the user may obtain a list of movies simply by speaking a command identifying a category of movies, and then in response to list, may use the keypad to scroll through category of programming or to select a number identifying programming within the list. For example, the user may simply speak a selection into the portable device, and/or may select one or more keys on <boundary-data type="line-number">15   </boundary-data>
+a keypad of the portable device.    </p>
+    <p id="p-28" num="28">
+      <confidence value="5">[</confidence>
+0020]   The user may speak a search phrase to one or more microphones (M) built into the smart phone. Multiple microphones may facilitate receiving the sound from the user's mouth as well as the user's nose, and a combined acoustic input may enable a compatible ASR engine to achieve a better speech recognition performance.    </p>
+    <p id="p-29" num="29">
+      <boundary-data type="line-number">20   </boundary-data>
+[0021]    Thus, the system includes a smart phone-based multimodal voice browser (MVB) and its supporting infrastructure on the network-side where IPTV-based broadband content library. This new smart phone-based MVB technology makes it possible for a subscriber of an IPTV service offered by a wireline-based broadband network service provider to voice browse the IPTV content library over a high-speed <boundary-data type="line-number">25   </boundary-data>
+wireless network such as one capable of offering third-generation (3G) multimedia services. This new voice-enabled MVB concept is built on the reality that the capability and functionality of today's smart phone is far greater than that available on STB with built-in ASR. Furthermore, the pace for adding ever increasing computation power and memory capacity to smart phone in any foreseeable future will be much faster than with <part-num-ref name="pace for adding ever increasing computation power and memory capacity to smart phone in any foreseeable future will be much faster than with">30</part-num-ref>
+   STB. In addition, smart phone-based MVB technology extends the highly familiar notion <boundary-data type="header">SBC-<confidence value="5">1</confidence>
+068-US                              7      </boundary-data>
+      <page-break num="8"/>
+of a personal "phonebook" built into everyday mobile phone to a "videobook" for all the video titles such an IPTV subscriber has ever pre-viewed in the past.    </p>
+    <p id="p-30" num="30">
+      <confidence value="5">[</confidence>
+0022<confidence value="5">]</confidence>
+   An application software known as "DSR Front-end" residing on the smart phone may record the speech in a high fidelity mode (such as at <part-num-ref name="high fidelity mode (such as at">256</part-num-ref>
+ Kbits in mono <boundary-data type="line-number">5   </boundary-data>
+recording) and may compress the digitized audio in real time without losing any vital information needed by the ASR system - <confidence value="8">a</confidence>
+ part of the MVB Search Engine installed on the network side (a "network" ASR).    </p>
+    <p id="p-31" num="31">
+      <confidence value="5">[</confidence>
+0023<confidence value="5">]</confidence>
+   The IPTV multimedia content library supports multiple encoding formats for a same content item such as one for large-screen standard edition TV (SDTV), another one <boundary-data type="line-number">10   </boundary-data>
+for large-screen high definition TV (HDTV)<confidence value="5">,</confidence>
+ and a third one for small screen display.    </p>
+    <p id="p-32" num="32">This allows an IPTV subscriber to voice browse a large IPTV content library and choose a few to preview on his or her authorized smart phone device before paying for a large- screen version to be viewed later on an IPTV screen in the subscriber's home.</p>
+    <p id="p-33" num="33">
+      <confidence value="5">[</confidence>
+0024]   The Multimodal Voice Browser (MVB) described in this invention supports a <boundary-data type="line-number">15   </boundary-data>
+rating guard for viewing permission granted to a smart phone registered with the IPTV service provider. For example, if a smart phone is registered as a "PG13" device, the MVB will automatically block the preview of an R-rated mobile movie on the device, even if it is the only result found matching the user's voice search request. In addition, the MVB will not update the videobook on the device with the search result if it is <boundary-data type="line-number">20   </boundary-data>
+associated with a movie content rated beyond the permission category granted.    </p>
+    <p id="p-34" num="34">[0025<confidence value="5">]</confidence>
+   The described embodiment thus allows an IPTV service subscriber to voice browse a video content on a registered smart phone while they or others are watching a separate program on their <confidence value="66">IP</confidence>
+TV.    </p>
+    <p id="p-35" num="35">[0026<confidence value="5">]</confidence>
+   The MVB can automatically update the videobook with the search results <boundary-data type="line-number">25   </boundary-data>
+displayed on the smart phone an IPTV user is using. The update will occur only if the user either explicitly selects one of the search results for "View Later" on a wireline IPTV or request a preview version for an immediate download to the smart phone.    </p>
+    <p id="p-36" num="36">
+      <confidence value="5">[</confidence>
+0027]   After each MVB session, the MVB will automatically generate or update the existing speech recognition grammar or statistical language models stored on the smart <boundary-data type="header">SBC-1068-US                              8</boundary-data>
+      <page-break num="9"/>
+phone based on the words or phrases recognized by the local ASR system with a high confidence . If a new word or phrase (such as a new music video title containing a person's name) is recognized by the network ASR that does not have a corresponding acoustic model for purpose of speech recognition by the local ASR engine, the MVB will <boundary-data type="line-number">5   </boundary-data>
+invoke an on-board dictionary software to create a new lexicon entry with the common phonetic library on the smart phone.    </p>
+    <p id="p-37" num="37">
+      <confidence value="5">[</confidence>
+0028<confidence value="5">]</confidence>
+   The MVB supports an optional flash memory card when it is installed on an authorized smart phone device. If the browser detects the sufficient storage space available for a video content to be downloaded for preview, it will pass the "viewing <boundary-data type="line-number">10   </boundary-data>
+options" provided by the IPTV service provider to the smart phone. One of such viewing options is that the user of the smart phone can choose to watch a preview version of the video content over a specified time period. For example, if such a user chooses to pay $.99 for watching a preview version of the video content found, the MVB will start a video stream for the preview and at the same time save each video segment buffered for <boundary-data type="line-number">15   </boundary-data>
+previewing in real time on a local flash memory card. Each video content item stored in this way carries an expiration code and the MVB will only replay this item from the flash memory card if it has not expired.    </p>
+    <p id="p-38" num="38">
+      <confidence value="5">[</confidence>
+0029<confidence value="5">]</confidence>
+   The M<confidence value="5">V</confidence>
+B will automatically adjust the <confidence value="5">.</confidence>
+weights for the words or phrases embedded in the videobook based on the past search history (just like a browser cookie <boundary-data type="line-number">20   </boundary-data>
+for standard web browser). For example, if a user frequently searches for a sports channel or pay-per-view sporting event, the words or phrases embedded in the search results found will be assigned to a higher weight. As a result, the words or phrases the user selects to voice browse a desired video content in sporting category are more likely to be recognized during a subsequent search.    </p>
+    <p id="p-39" num="39">
+      <boundary-data type="line-number">25   </boundary-data>
+[0030]    Any voice commands that may be obtained from the user may be compared <part-num-ref name="user may be compared">80</part-num-ref>
+ to a voice library to determine a user selection. A processor may be used to compare the selection spoken by the user with the voice library. Based on the comparison, some clips are eliminated from the selection profile, and a subsequent list of categories may be generated to further specify the user's selection.    </p>
+    <boundary-data type="header">SBC-<confidence value="5">1</confidence>
+068-US                              9    </boundary-data>
+    <p id="p-40" num="40">
+      <page-break num="10"/>
+      <confidence value="5">[</confidence>
+0031<confidence value="5">]</confidence>
+   The multimodal voice browser allows the user to respond to a multimedia search screen (for example, displaying a search screen and at the same time playing an audio prompt) with speech only input, push-button entry, or both. If both input channels receive the data from the user, the MVB will use both input streams to resolve any <boundary-data type="line-number">5   </boundary-data>
+potential ambiguity embedded in the input. For example, when the user highlights a search screen as depicted in the example of a multimedia page display in paragraph <part-num-ref name="multimedia page display in paragraph">36</part-num-ref>
+ below, and if the user speaks a short phrase "CNN" and hits the key labeled for "<confidence value="8">2</confidence>
+ (ABC)" on the smart phone, the local and network ASR system will automatically filter- out the recognition candidates if the first key word recognized in the return search string <boundary-data type="line-number">10   </boundary-data>
+does not begin with a letter "A" or "B" or "C".    </p>
+    <p id="p-41" num="41">[0032]   Since a smart phone is Internet ready, the user may download a latest release of such a MVB over-the-air (or using a high-speed data link such as USB). Once this MVB is loaded, the user can simply point the MVB to a "voice site" address (such as "http://U-Verse.sbc.com") operated by an IPT<confidence value="5">V</confidence>
+ service provider and then hit "Go" to start.    </p>
+    <p id="p-42" num="42">
+      <boundary-data type="line-number">15   </boundary-data>
+[0033]   A   network element affiliated with the IPTV   service provider may automatically authenticate an originating MIN of the smart phone and then contact the IPTV service provider for a matching subscriber TN. Once a match is found (the subscriber can register multiple MINs with the same TN), a MIN-based search profile may be loaded into an MVB Search Engine. The MVB Search Engine may then retrieve <boundary-data type="line-number">20   </boundary-data>
+a multimedia, such as a starting page or a home page, of a <confidence value="5">I</confidence>
+PTV voice-search site over the wireless network and display it on the screen of the smart phone. The multimedia page received by the MVB Search Engine is of multimedia type such as one written in eXtensible Hybrid Text Markup Language (XHTML) with special voice tags (such as expressed  in  VoiceXML). The multimedia page     can trigger a display   of <boundary-data type="line-number">25   </boundary-data>
+      <confidence value="2222222222222222222">text/graphics/video</confidence>
+ on the smart phone and optionally at the same time trigger an audio event such as playing an audible system prompt on the built-in speakerphone.    </p>
+    <p id="p-43" num="43">[0034]   Multiple smart phones may be registered based search profiles (N) associated with a single IPTV subscriber account for purpose of voice browsing of a very large IPTV multi-media content library. The N-to-<confidence value="5">1</confidence>
+ association is accomplished through a <part-num-ref name="">30</part-num-ref>
+   device registration using a web interface over a wired or wireless network.    </p>
+    <boundary-data type="header">SBC-<confidence value="5">1</confidence>
+068-US                             10    </boundary-data>
+    <p id="p-44" num="44">
+      <page-break num="11"/>
+      <confidence value="5">[</confidence>
+0035]   The MVB and related system components may be implemented on the network side with corresponding network access over two heterogeneous broadband networks (for example, one fiber-based IPTV network and other being a 3G-based wireless network).    </p>
+    <p id="p-45" num="45">
+      <boundary-data type="line-number">5   </boundary-data>
+[0036]   An example multimedia page displayed by the MVB is depicted below:    </p>
+    <p id="p-46" num="46">SBC U-Verse              Data Entry       Example Entries 1     IPTV Channel Number:                       <part-num-ref name="IPTV Channel Number:">
+        <confidence value="8888">9200</confidence>
+      </part-num-ref>
+ <part-num-ref name="">2</part-num-ref>
+     IPTV Channel Name:                         <confidence value="888">CNN</confidence>
+ <part-num-ref name="IPTV Channel Name:                         CNN">3</part-num-ref>
+     Movie Top<confidence value="66">10</confidence>
+ <part-num-ref name="Movie Top10">4</part-num-ref>
+     Movie Titles            <confidence value="6">_</confidence>
+ <confidence value="6">_</confidence>
+ <confidence value="6">_</confidence>
+ <confidence value="6">_</confidence>
+ <confidence value="6">_</confidence>
+ <confidence value="6">_</confidence>
+ <confidence value="6">_</confidence>
+ <confidence value="6">_</confidence>
+ <confidence value="6">_</confidence>
+  Harry Potter <part-num-ref name="Movie Titles            _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _  Harry Potter">5</part-num-ref>
+     Voice Search (Press <confidence value="1">t</confidence>
+ to speak) <confidence value="5">[</confidence>
+0037<confidence value="5">]</confidence>
+ The MVB downloaded to a smart phone has a built-in ASR system. This is a "local" ASR system that depends upon the videobook maintained by the smart phone <boundary-data type="line-number">10   </boundary-data>
+itself. Like a phonebook in typical mobile phone, the videobook in a smart phone initially does not have any entry. Therefore, the task of recognizing the user's voice search request is initially performed by the M<confidence value="5">V</confidence>
+B search engine on the network side. This network-based speech recognition process operates as described below.    </p>
+    <p id="p-47" num="47">
+      <confidence value="5">[</confidence>
+0038]   As soon as the user presses the talk button on the smart phone, the M<confidence value="5">V</confidence>
+B sets <boundary-data type="line-number">15   </boundary-data>
+up a connection of stream audio to a port to which the network ASR is listening. As the user starts to speak, the MVB feeds the compressed and packetized audio stream (C) generated from the DSR Front-end <part-num-ref name="DSR Front-end">50</part-num-ref>
+ to the network ASR over the air.    </p>
+    <p id="p-48" num="48">
+      <confidence value="5">[</confidence>
+0039]   The network ASR recognizes the speech embedded in the packetized audio stream using a proper recognition vocabulary dynamically loaded based on the user's <boundary-data type="line-number">20   </boundary-data>
+IPTV search profile. Based on the recognition result, the MVB search engine generates a new multimedia page that may contain intermediate search results or the final video title(s) the user is looking for.    </p>
+    <boundary-data type="header">SBC-1068-US                             11</boundary-data>
+    <p id="p-49" num="49">
+      <page-break num="12"/>
+      <confidence value="5">[</confidence>
+0040]   For each return page, the MVB extracts the relevant key words or phrases specially coded in this multimedia page and saves these words/phrases in a videophone.    </p>
+    <p id="p-50" num="50">These words/phrases may include, for example, movie titles, actor/actress' names, name of music video or of a TV program. The MVB also saves those most frequently used <boundary-data type="line-number">5   </boundary-data>
+search phrases by the user such as "action movies<confidence value="5">"</confidence>
+ or "sports channel", "NBA finals", "outdoor fishing", etc.    </p>
+    <p id="p-51" num="51">[0041<confidence value="5">]</confidence>
+   When the videobook contains an adequate number of entries, the local ASR engine will become active. When active, it will attempt to recognize the incoming speech recorded in high fidelity while its compressed version is being sent over by the MVB for <boundary-data type="line-number">10   </boundary-data>
+a similar recognition by the network ASR system. Unlike the network ASR, this local ASR engine uses a much smaller recognition vocabulary stored in the videobook and a more simple recognition grammar or a statistical language model (SLM) derived from the past search history. If one or more matches are found from this local search, this local ASR engine will submit the recognition result of historical significance (H) to the MVB.    </p>
+    <p id="p-52" num="52">
+      <boundary-data type="line-number">15   </boundary-data>
+The MVB will immediately pass the search result to the MVB Search Engine. Combined words/phases contained in the recognition result generated from the local ASR engine with what is being recognized by the network ASR, the MVB Search Engine will be able to determine what video program the user is looking for with a much high search accuracy and in a much shorter search time.    </p>
+    <p id="p-53" num="53">
+      <boundary-data type="line-number">20   </boundary-data>
+[0042<confidence value="5">]</confidence>
+   If the user has found one or more video titles desired, the user can request a quick preview by downloading a shortened video clip associated with its full-length version. Or, the user can download a full-length version but in a small-screen edition for viewing on their smart phone. Alternatively, if the user would like to watch a standard definition (SD) for a large TV screen (SDTV) or a high definition version (<confidence value="2222">HDTV</confidence>
+), the <boundary-data type="line-number">25   </boundary-data>
+user simply responds to the final selection page from the M<confidence value="5">V</confidence>
+B browser, indicating "Watch Later" when the user arrives home (or changes his or her IPTV to a search screen using a standard IPTV STB).    </p>
+    <p id="p-54" num="54">
+      <confidence value="5">[</confidence>
+0043]   If an IPTV subscriber has an active smart phone profile, whenever the subscriber switches the IPTV to a search screen using a standard IPTV remote control, <part-num-ref name="standard IPTV remote control,">30</part-num-ref>
+   the STB will present a user identification screen that requires the user to enter his or her <boundary-data type="header">SBC-1068-US                             12</boundary-data>
+      <page-break num="13"/>
+10-digit MIN and optionally a 4-digit password. The STB will then use the MIN to retrieve the last search result marked as "Watch Later" and stored on an IPTV network server. The result will be displayed on the IPTV screen just the same as it would be shown if the user had used a screen-based keyboard for typing a search phrase on their <boundary-data type="line-number">5   </boundary-data>
+IPTV remote control.    </p>
+    <p id="p-55" num="55">[0044]   A user may speak the name of the actor, movie type, or other category of programming, or may command that a list of actors, movie types, or other category of programming be presented. The portable device may transmit the user's voice to a central location for processing and comparison to a voice database for conversion to a <boundary-data type="line-number">10   </boundary-data>
+user selection. Based on the user selection, the programming selected by the user may be re-transmitted to the portable device.    </p>
+    <p id="p-56" num="56">
+      <confidence value="5">[</confidence>
+0045]   Similarly, any keypad commands that may be obtained from the user can be analyzed.  Keypad commands may be obtained by repetitive keystrokes to enter alphanumeric commands, or may be single-keystroke or multiple keystroke commands.    </p>
+    <p id="p-57" num="57">
+      <boundary-data type="line-number">15   </boundary-data>
+      <confidence value="5">[</confidence>
+0046]    The method may also access a user profile of the user. If the user has selected particular categories in previous accesses of the program library, then the method may give priority to the previously-selected categories in subsequent access to the program library. The method may thus adaptively determine the at least one visual list of categories based upon at least one of a previously received voice command and a user <boundary-data type="line-number">20   </boundary-data>
+profile corresponding to the user. The method may adaptively determine a category of programming that a user prefers, such as movies of a particular type or movies starring a particular actor, and may automatically give priority to programs matching the category of programming that the user prefers.    </p>
+    <p id="p-58" num="58">
+      <confidence value="5">[</confidence>
+0047]   The method may also access user profiles of other users. For example, if a <boundary-data type="line-number">25   </boundary-data>
+first user prefers program A and program B, and a second user has viewed program A several times, then the method may suggest program B to the second user. The accessing of other user's profiles need not be specific to programs: if the first user has requested comedies and dramas, and the second user has requested comedies, the method may include suggesting dramas to user B. The method may adaptively determine a category <part-num-ref name="category">30</part-num-ref>
+   of programming that the first user prefers, such as movies of a particular type or movies <boundary-data type="header">SBC-1068-US                             13</boundary-data>
+      <page-break num="14"/>
+starring a particular actor, and when performing a search for the second user may automatically give priority to programs matching the category of programming that the first user prefers.    </p>
+    <p id="p-59" num="59">
+      <confidence value="5">[</confidence>
+0048<confidence value="5">]</confidence>
+   The user selection may be provided to a processor. The processor may reside <boundary-data type="line-number">5   </boundary-data>
+within the portable device, or may reside within a server or elsewhere within a network that includes the portable device. The processor may be distributed, such that a portion of the processor resides within the portable device and a portion of the processor may reside within a server or elsewhere within the network. The processor may be a microprocessor, a collection of microprocessors, or other logic circuitry such as dedicated <boundary-data type="line-number">10   </boundary-data>
+single-purpose application specific integrated circuits (ASICs); programmable logic such as field programmable logic, programmable logic arrays (PLAs), and macrocells; or logic gates, such as a collec<confidence value="8">t</confidence>
+ion of AND gates. The processor may be implemented in hardware, software, or a combination of hardware and software, and may be fully or partially integrated with video delivery and/or signal processing technology.    </p>
+    <p id="p-60" num="60">
+      <boundary-data type="line-number">15   </boundary-data>
+[0049<confidence value="5">]</confidence>
+    The user selection may be then analyzed <part-num-ref name="user selection may be then analyzed">80</part-num-ref>
+ to refine the selection profile. A determination may be made whether the selection profile <part-num-ref name="selection profile">84</part-num-ref>
+ refers to more than one program and/or clip within the library of programs and clips, and if so, then a new list of categories may be generated and presented <part-num-ref name="new list of categories may be generated and presented">86</part-num-ref>
+ to the user. The new list of categories may allow the user to broaden, narrow, or restart the selection profile. The user may then be <boundary-data type="line-number">20   </boundary-data>
+prompted <part-num-ref name="user may then be prompted">88</part-num-ref>
+ to provide another user selection, and a user selection may be obtained <part-num-ref name="user selection may be obtained">76.</part-num-ref>
+    </p>
+    <p id="p-61" num="61">
+      <confidence value="5">[</confidence>
+0050<confidence value="5">]</confidence>
+   The processor within the portable device, or within a server or other intelligent device within or coupled to the portable device, generates a refined list of categories such that a subsequent user selection can further update the selection profile to reduce still further the number of clips of the library of clips that conform to the selection <boundary-data type="line-number">25   </boundary-data>
+profile. Eventually, after only a few selections, a particular clip is selected.    </p>
+    <p id="p-62" num="62">[0051]   It should be noted that the user may be able to define new categories by constructing Boolean cancatenations of queries. For example, the user may be able to define a category including all movies in which a particular user-defined combination of actors star. A user may desire to define a first category containing all movies that are <boundary-data type="header">SBC-<confidence value="5">1</confidence>
+068-US                              14      </boundary-data>
+      <page-break num="15"/>
+based on printed literary works, a second category of sporting events in which a favorite sports team plays, and a third category including video clips of space shuttle launches.    </p>
+    <p id="p-63" num="63">
+      <confidence value="5">[</confidence>
+0052<confidence value="5">]</confidence>
+   As the user iteratively speaks selections into the portable device, the selection profile is narrowed. The iterative process continues to repeat, and the selection profile <boundary-data type="line-number">5   </boundary-data>
+continues to narrow, until the selection profile indicates only one clip.    </p>
+    <p id="p-64" num="64">[0053]   If desired, and in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention, the particular clip is selected by a fellow user. The fellow user emails the particular clip such that the particular clip may be viewable on the portable device. The particular clip may also reside on a web site or on a mass storage device.</p>
+    <p id="p-65" num="65">
+      <boundary-data type="line-number">10   </boundary-data>
+      <confidence value="5">[</confidence>
+0054<confidence value="5">]</confidence>
+   If the selection profile refers to one program <confidence value="222222">and/or</confidence>
+ clip within the library of programs and clips, then the system may present the clip selected on the selection screen, which may be within the portable device. The clip may be, for example, a trailer of a movie, a sporting event, a news event, <confidence value="222222">and/or</confidence>
+ a dramatic performance. The user may use voice commands to control how the clip is displayed. For example, the user may use <boundary-data type="line-number">15   </boundary-data>
+voice commands to cause the clip to be rewound, fast-forwarded, stopped, paused, restarted, <confidence value="222222">and/or</confidence>
+ stored within the local memory or within the remote memory.    </p>
+    <p id="p-66" num="66">
+      <confidence value="5">[</confidence>
+0055]   Thus, the iterative process includes presenting a general list that may allow a user to select a program based on content type: movie, news, sporting event, etc. Once the user has selected a category, then the method may provide another list of categories:    </p>
+    <p id="p-67" num="67">
+      <boundary-data type="line-number">20   </boundary-data>
+for example, if the user has selected "movie" in the general list of categories, the user may be allowed to select "By actor," "By director," "By type," etc. If the user selects "By type," then the user may be allows to select "Comedy," "Drama," etc.    </p>
+    <p id="p-68" num="68">[0056]   The user may also be able to select by more than one category at once. For example, a user may be allowed to select an actor, and then return to a previous menu to <boundary-data type="line-number">25   </boundary-data>
+select a type. Boolean combinations of searches may be created and stored with respect to each user. If a user selects a particular actor and then selects "Comedy," for example, the user may be presented with a list of comedies staring the particular actor. Once the clip (or a portion thereof) has been presented <part-num-ref name="portion thereof) has been presented">86,</part-num-ref>
+ the user may be prompted <part-num-ref name="user may be prompted">88</part-num-ref>
+ to determine whether the user wishes to start the clip over again <part-num-ref name="clip over again">90,</part-num-ref>
+ terminate the method <part-num-ref name="method">30</part-num-ref>
+   <part-num-ref name="">92,</part-num-ref>
+ or schedule a corresponding program for presentation <part-num-ref name="corresponding program for presentation">94.</part-num-ref>
+    </p>
+    <boundary-data type="header">SBC-1068-US                              15</boundary-data>
+    <p id="p-69" num="69">
+      <page-break num="16"/>
+      <confidence value="5">[</confidence>
+0057]   If the user schedules a corresponding program for presentation <part-num-ref name="corresponding program for presentation">94,</part-num-ref>
+ the user may be prompted <part-num-ref name="user may be prompted">96</part-num-ref>
+ to determine whether the user would prefer to delay the playing of the program, and to determine whether the user would prefer to redirect the playing of the program to a display device other than the mobile device. The user may command that <boundary-data type="line-number">5   </boundary-data>
+the playing of the program be delayed until a time that the user determines, such as "7:00 p.m. this evening," or indefinitely, such as "until I request that the program be played." The user may also command that the playing of the program be redirected to a display device other than the mobile device. For example, a central server may store a list of set top boxes, computer systems, television sets, IPTV sets, or other display devices that <boundary-data type="line-number">10   </boundary-data>
+correspond to the user. The user may be presented with a list of display devices, and may redirect the playing of the program to a display device on the list of display devices.    </p>
+    <p id="p-70" num="70">
+      <confidence value="5">[</confidence>
+0058]   If the user indicates a command to redirect the playing of the program to a display device other than the mobile device, the method includes determining which display device. An IPTV subscriber is identified with a telephone number (T<confidence value="66">N)</confidence>
+ which is <boundary-data type="line-number">15   </boundary-data>
+typically a 10-digit TN associated with a telephone line terminated at a customer premise where an IPTV network terminates and connects to a set top box. Prior to use of a smart phone for this new IPTV service, the subscriber (TN) needs to register the smart phone identified by a 10-digit mobile identification number (M<confidence value="5">I</confidence>
+N). The registration may be done either through a web site, by calling an interactive voice response (<confidence value="66">IV</confidence>
+R) system, or <boundary-data type="line-number">20   </boundary-data>
+through other means.    </p>
+    <p id="p-71" num="71">[0059]   If desired, a central server may store a list of set top boxes, computer systems, television sets, IPTV sets, or other display devices that correspond to a friend of the user.</p>
+    <p id="p-72" num="72">The user may thus be able to provide the program, as a gift, to a friend. The user may be presented with a list of friends, which the user may have uploaded beforehand, and may <boundary-data type="line-number">25   </boundary-data>
+select a friend from the list of friends. Either the user or the friend of the user may then be presented with a list of display devices corresponding to the friend, and may redirect the playing of the program to a display device on the list of display devices.    </p>
+    <p id="p-73" num="73">[0060]   The method depicted in the flowchart of FIG. 2 may also include imposing a financial charge onto an account corresponding to at least one of the portable device and <part-num-ref name="portable device and">30</part-num-ref>
+   the display device <part-num-ref name="display device">100.</part-num-ref>
+ If a common service provider provides the mobile device and the <boundary-data type="header">
+        <confidence value="8868">SBC-</confidence>
+1068-US                              16      </boundary-data>
+      <page-break num="17"/>
+display device, then the financial cha<confidence value="8">r</confidence>
+ge may be imposed on an account corresponding to the mobile device. For example, the financial charge may appea<confidence value="8">r</confidence>
+ on the user's next cellula<confidence value="8">r</confidence>
+ telephone bill. If desired, the financial cha<confidence value="8">r</confidence>
+ge may appear on the user's next cable/satellite bill, or Internet service provider bill, or other bill sent by the common <boundary-data type="line-number">5   </boundary-data>
+service provider. If the user prefers to receive distinct bills for each service, such a cellula<confidence value="8">r</confidence>
+ telephone bill that is distinct from a telephone bill, then the user may be allowed to determine beforehand how the financial cha<confidence value="8">r</confidence>
+ge shall be apportioned. For example, the user may be allowed to apportion 50% of the financial cha<confidence value="8">r</confidence>
+ge to the cellula<confidence value="8">r</confidence>
+ phone bill, and 50% percent of the financial cha<confidence value="8">r</confidence>
+ge to the cable/satellite bill.    </p>
+    <p id="p-74" num="74">
+      <boundary-data type="line-number">10   </boundary-data>
+      <confidence value="5">[</confidence>
+0061<confidence value="5">]</confidence>
+    Finally, the program that is selected by the user is presented at the display device <part-num-ref name="display device">102.</part-num-ref>
+ The user may stop the presentation at the display device, and may add the presentation to a list of favorites. The user may also create video clips of favorite scenes, which may subsequently be viewed on the portable device.    </p>
+    <p id="p-75" num="75">[0062]   FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram depicting a system for selecting a program <boundary-data type="line-number">15   </boundary-data>
+from a library of programs, in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention. The system may comprise a processor <part-num-ref name="processor">112</part-num-ref>
+ that is operative to determine a user selection based upon a voice command. The system may also comprise a display device <part-num-ref name="display device">118</part-num-ref>
+ that is operative to present the program, in accordance with the voice command.    </p>
+    <p id="p-76" num="76">
+      <boundary-data type="line-number">20   </boundary-data>
+      <confidence value="5">[</confidence>
+0063<confidence value="5">]</confidence>
+    The processor <part-num-ref name="processor">112</part-num-ref>
+ may be operative to identify the program. The processor <part-num-ref name="processor">112</part-num-ref>
+ may also be operative to adaptively determine at least one visual list of categories based upon at least one of a previously received voice command and a user profile corresponding to the user. The processor <part-num-ref name="processor">112</part-num-ref>
+ may iteratively (a) provide at least one visual list of categories, and (b) receive a voice command in response to the visual list of <boundary-data type="line-number">25   </boundary-data>
+categories. The processor <part-num-ref name="processor">112</part-num-ref>
+ may be operative to provide at least one visual list of categories by generating a database query operative to retrieve the at least one visual list of categories from the library of programs.    </p>
+    <p id="p-77" num="77">[0064<confidence value="5">]</confidence>
+   The system may also comprise a portable device <part-num-ref name="portable device">114</part-num-ref>
+ operative to receive the voice command. The portable device <part-num-ref name="portable device">114</part-num-ref>
+ may be operative to present at least one portion <part-num-ref name="may be operative to present at least one portion">30</part-num-ref>
+   of at least one program of the library of programs.    </p>
+    <boundary-data type="header">SBC-1068-US                             17</boundary-data>
+    <p id="p-78" num="78">
+      <page-break num="18"/>
+      <confidence value="5">[</confidence>
+0065]   The system may also comprise an accounting module <part-num-ref name="accounting module">116.</part-num-ref>
+ The accounting module <part-num-ref name="accounting module">116</part-num-ref>
+ may be operative to impose a financial charge onto an account corresponding to at least one of the portable device <part-num-ref name="portable device">114</part-num-ref>
+ and the display device <part-num-ref name="display device">118.</part-num-ref>
+    </p>
+    <p id="p-79" num="79">
+      <confidence value="5">[</confidence>
+0066]   FIG. 4 is a schematic representation of a computer system in accordance with <boundary-data type="line-number">5   </boundary-data>
+yet another embodiment of the present invention. The computer system may include a processor <part-num-ref name="processor">122,</part-num-ref>
+ a bus <part-num-ref name="bus">132</part-num-ref>
+ coupled to the processor <part-num-ref name="processor">122,</part-num-ref>
+ and a memory <part-num-ref name="memory">130.</part-num-ref>
+ The memory <part-num-ref name="memory">130</part-num-ref>
+ may be regarded as a computer-readable medium containing a set of instructions that when executed by the processor <part-num-ref name="processor">122</part-num-ref>
+ may cause the processor <part-num-ref name="processor">122</part-num-ref>
+ to perform a method in accordance with the set of instructions. Specifically, the set of instructions may cause the <boundary-data type="line-number">10   </boundary-data>
+processor <part-num-ref name="processor">122</part-num-ref>
+ to determine a user selection based upon a voice command, and to command a display device <part-num-ref name="display device">128</part-num-ref>
+ to present the program, in accordance with the voice command.    </p>
+    <p id="p-80" num="80">
+      <confidence value="5">[</confidence>
+0067<confidence value="5">]</confidence>
+   The set of instructions may also cause the processor <part-num-ref name="processor">122</part-num-ref>
+ to receive the voice command from a portable device <part-num-ref name="portable device">124,</part-num-ref>
+ to command the portable device <part-num-ref name="portable device">124</part-num-ref>
+ to present at <boundary-data type="line-number">15   </boundary-data>
+least one portion <part-num-ref name="to present at least one portion">136</part-num-ref>
+ of at least one program of the library of programs <part-num-ref name="library of programs">134,</part-num-ref>
+ and to identify the program in accordance with the voice command. To cause the processor <part-num-ref name="processor">122</part-num-ref>
+ to identify the program, the set of instructions may cause the processor <part-num-ref name="processor">122</part-num-ref>
+ to iteratively (a) provide at least one visual list of categories, and (b) receive a voice command in response to the visual list of categories.    </p>
+    <p id="p-81" num="81">
+      <boundary-data type="line-number">20   </boundary-data>
+[0068]    The set of instructions may further cause the processor <part-num-ref name="processor">122</part-num-ref>
+ to adaptively determine at least one visual list of categories based upon either a previously received voice command, a user profile corresponding to the user, or both a previously received voice command and a user profile corresponding to the user.    </p>
+    <p id="p-82" num="82">
+      <confidence value="5">[</confidence>
+0069]   To cause the processor <part-num-ref name="processor">122</part-num-ref>
+ to provide at least one visual list of categories, the <boundary-data type="line-number">25   </boundary-data>
+set of instructions may cause the processor <part-num-ref name="processor">122</part-num-ref>
+ to generate a database query. A database search within the library of programs <part-num-ref name="library of programs">134</part-num-ref>
+ may be performed in response to the database query, and the database search may retrieve the visual list of categories (or the visual lists of categories) from the library of programs <part-num-ref name="library of programs">134.</part-num-ref>
+    </p>
+    <p id="p-83" num="83">
+      <confidence value="5">[</confidence>
+0070]   The processor <part-num-ref name="processor">122</part-num-ref>
+ may be implemented as a single microprocessor or as <part-num-ref name="single microprocessor or as">30</part-num-ref>
+   multiple processors. If the processor <part-num-ref name="processor">122</part-num-ref>
+ is implemented as a single microprocessor, then <boundary-data type="header">SBC-1068-US                              18</boundary-data>
+      <page-break num="19"/>
+the single microprocessor may be located either within a set top box or elsewhere within a network. If the processor <part-num-ref name="processor">122</part-num-ref>
+ is implemented as multiple microprocessors, then the processor <part-num-ref name="processor">122</part-num-ref>
+ may include a microprocessor located within a set top box coupled to the display device <part-num-ref name="display device">128.</part-num-ref>
+ A first microprocessor may be implemented to communicate with <boundary-data type="line-number">5   </boundary-data>
+the portable device <part-num-ref name="portable device">124</part-num-ref>
+ and to receive a selection of a program, and a second microprocessor may be implemented to communicate with the display device <part-num-ref name="display device">128.</part-num-ref>
+    </p>
+    <p id="p-84" num="84">[0071<confidence value="5">]</confidence>
+   The set of instructions may also be operative to cause the processor <part-num-ref name="processor">122</part-num-ref>
+ to access a financial accounting module <part-num-ref name="financial accounting module">126</part-num-ref>
+ impose a financial charge onto an account corresponding to the user. Specifically, the financial charge may be placed onto an <boundary-data type="line-number">10   </boundary-data>
+account that corresponds to the portable device <part-num-ref name="portable device">124,</part-num-ref>
+ or onto an account that corresponds to the display device <part-num-ref name="display device">128.</part-num-ref>
+ If desired, the financial charge may be apportioned between the accounts corresponding to the portable device <part-num-ref name="portable device">124</part-num-ref>
+ and to the display device <part-num-ref name="display device">128.</part-num-ref>
+ If desired, a single account may be assigned to the user, and all charges associated with the portable device <part-num-ref name="portable device">124</part-num-ref>
+ and with the display device <part-num-ref name="display device">128</part-num-ref>
+ may be imposed onto the single <boundary-data type="line-number">15   </boundary-data>
+account; accordingly, the set of instructions may be operative to cause the processor <part-num-ref name="processor">122</part-num-ref>
+ to impose the financial charge onto the single account.    </p>
+    <p id="p-85" num="85">
+      <confidence value="5">[</confidence>
+0072<confidence value="5">]</confidence>
+   The method thus described may be implemented with a much broadly available smart phone technology which is a natural and commonly-used device for speech-based interaction. Many of smart phone devices have five of the six basic <boundary-data type="line-number">20   </boundary-data>
+building blocks for implementing the core functionality of a MVB thus described.    </p>
+    <p id="p-86" num="86">
+      <confidence value="5">[</confidence>
+0073]   One such basic building block is receiving speech from one or more built-in microphones (supported by all smart phone devices today). Another is outputting speech/sound using a built-in speakerphone, or an audio connector for a mono/stereo earpieces, or through Bluetooth wireless connection to a listening device (supported by <boundary-data type="line-number">25   </boundary-data>
+all smart phone devices today). Still another basic building block is a powerful CPU (getting even more powerful each year) for running a mobile-version web browser as well as running a large-vocabulary ASR system on board in near real time (supported by most smart phone devices today).    </p>
+    <p id="p-87" num="87">
+      <confidence value="5">[</confidence>
+0074]   Yet another basic building block is a relatively large memory storage to load <part-num-ref name="relatively large memory storage to load">30</part-num-ref>
+   necessary speech recognition grammars used by the local ASR engine (supported by most <boundary-data type="header">SBC-1068-US                            19</boundary-data>
+      <page-break num="20"/>
+smart phone devices today). Stull another basic building block is a relatively large data storage for storing the acoustic models for all possible words or phrases to be recognized by the local ASR system (supported by most smart phone devices today). Finally, the basic building blocks include an increasingly large data storage such as flash memory <boundary-data type="line-number">5   </boundary-data>
+cards (which can hold as many 2GB data) which makes it possible to store a sophisticated SLM created from every captured search utterance over a longest expected life cycle for a smart phone. This is the only feature that most smart phone devices do not currently have but such a feature is expected to be widely available in <part-num-ref name="feature is expected to be widely available in">18</part-num-ref>
+ months.    </p>
+    <p id="p-88" num="88">[0075]   Although the invention has been described with reference to several <boundary-data type="line-number">10   </boundary-data>
+exemplary embodiments, it is understood that the words that have been used are words of description and illustration, rather than words of limitation. Changes may be made within the purview of the appended claims, as presently stated and as amended, without departing from the scope and spirit of the invention in its aspects. Although the invention has been described with reference to particular means, materials and embodiments, the <boundary-data type="line-number">15   </boundary-data>
+invention is not intended to be limited to the particulars disclosed; rather, the invention extends to all functionally equivalent structures, methods, and uses such as are within the scope of the appended claims.    </p>
+    <p id="p-89" num="89">[0076]   In accordance with various embodiments of the present invention, the methods described herein are intended for operation as software programs running on a <boundary-data type="line-number">20   </boundary-data>
+computer processor. Dedicated hardware implementations including, but not limited to, application specific integrated circuits, programmable logic arrays and other hardware devices can likewise be constructed to implement the methods described herein.    </p>
+    <p id="p-90" num="90">Furthermore, alternative software implementations including, but not limited to, distributed processing or <confidence value="2222222222222222">component/object</confidence>
+ distributed processing, parallel processing, or <boundary-data type="line-number">25   </boundary-data>
+virtual machine processing can also be constructed to implement the methods described <confidence value="88">he</confidence>
+rein.    </p>
+    <p id="p-91" num="91">
+      <confidence value="5">[</confidence>
+0077]   It should also be noted that the software implementations of the present invention as described herein are optionally stored on a tangible storage medium, such as:    </p>
+    <p id="p-92" num="92">a magnetic medium such as a disk or tape; a magneto-optical or optical medium such as a <part-num-ref name="">30</part-num-ref>
+   disk; or a solid state medium such as a memory card or other package that houses one or <boundary-data type="header">SBC-1068-US                             20</boundary-data>
+      <page-break num="21"/>
+more read-only (non-volatile) memories, random access memories, or other re-writable (volatile) memories.  A  digital file attachment to <confidence value="5">e</confidence>
+-mail or other self-contained information archive or set of archives is considered a distribution medium equivalent to a tangible storage medium. Accordingly, the invention is considered to include a tangible <boundary-data type="line-number">5   </boundary-data>
+storage medium or distribution medium, as listed herein and including art-recognized equivalents and successor media, in which the software implementations herein are stored.    </p>
+    <p id="p-93" num="93">
+      <confidence value="5">[</confidence>
+0078]   Although the present specification describes components and functions implemented in the embodiments with reference to particular standards and protocols, the <boundary-data type="line-number">10   </boundary-data>
+invention is not limited to such standards and protocols. Each of the standards for Internet and other packet switched network transmission (e.g., TCP/IP, UDP<confidence value="68">/I</confidence>
+P, HTML, HTTP) represent examples of the state of the art. Such standards are periodically superseded by faster or more efficient equivalents having essentially the same functions.    </p>
+    <p id="p-94" num="94">Accordingly, replacement standards and protocols having the same functions are <part-num-ref name="same functions are">15</part-num-ref>
+   considered equivalents.    </p>
+    <boundary-data type="header">SBC-1068-US                              21</boundary-data>
+  </description>
+</us-patent-application>
+

prior_art/11231345.xml

@@ -0,0 +1,27 @@
+<?xml version="1.0" encoding="utf-8"?>
+<!DOCTYPE us-patent-application SYSTEM "PATI-v1.0.3-2011-06-23.dtd">
+<us-patent-application lang="EN" dtd-version="v1.0.3 2011-06-23" id="us-patent-application" country="US">
+  <us-bibliographic-data-application lang="EN" country="US">
+    <application-reference appl-type="utility">
+      <document-id>
+        <doc-number>11231345</doc-number>
+        <date>2008-05-01</date>
+      </document-id>
+    </application-reference>
+  </us-bibliographic-data-application>
+  <description id="description">
+    <p id="p-1" num="1">Application Number: 11/231,345                                         Dkt. No.: 185761/US/2 Reply to O.A. of November 1, 2007 </p>
+    <heading id="h-1">AMENDMENTS TO THE SPECIFICATION</heading>
+    <p id="p-2" num="2">Please replace the current tile of the application with the following amended title:</p>
+    <p id="p-3" num="3">
+      <confidence value="222222">Miware</confidence>
+ <confidence value="555511">System</confidence>
+ <confidence value="66">10</confidence>
+ <confidence value="66">an</confidence>
+ <confidence value="666666">Method</confidence>
+ Method and System for <confidence value="5">Q</confidence>
+uery Transformation For Managing Information f<confidence value="8">r</confidence>
+om Multiple Datasets -2-     </p>
+  </description>
+</us-patent-application>
+

prior_art/11234877.xml

@@ -0,0 +1,30 @@
+<?xml version="1.0" encoding="utf-8"?>
+<!DOCTYPE us-patent-application SYSTEM "PATI-v1.0.3-2011-06-23.dtd">
+<us-patent-application lang="EN" dtd-version="v1.0.3 2011-06-23" id="us-patent-application" country="US">
+  <us-bibliographic-data-application lang="EN" country="US">
+    <application-reference appl-type="utility">
+      <document-id>
+        <doc-number>11234877</doc-number>
+        <date>2010-01-08</date>
+      </document-id>
+    </application-reference>
+  </us-bibliographic-data-application>
+  <description id="description">
+    <p id="p-1" num="1">Applicants: Tamir Ben-David, et al.</p>
+    <p id="p-2" num="2">U.S. Serial No.: 11/234,877 Filed: September 22, 2005 Page <part-num-ref name="Page">2</part-num-ref>
+ Amendment to Inventorship In accordance with <part-num-ref name="Amendment to Inventorship In accordance with">37</part-num-ref>
+ C.F.R. <confidence value="5">§</confidence>
+1.48(b), applicants have determined that the inventorship for the subject application is not correct due to amendment or cancellation of claims during prosecution of the subject application.    </p>
+    <p id="p-3" num="3">The currently named inventors in the subject application are the following: Tamir Ben-David, Shai Ayal, Ehud Cohen, Nitza Gal-On Shoham, Avraham Biran, Omry Ben-Ezra, Ron Dabby, and Yossi Gross.</p>
+    <p id="p-4" num="4">PLEASE DELETE Shai Ayal, Ehud Cohen, Nizta Gal-On Shoham, Avraham Biran, Omry Ben-Ezra, Ron Dabby, and Y<confidence value="5">o</confidence>
+ssi Gross, as inventors on the subject application. The inventions of Shai Ayal, Ehud Cohen, Nizta Gal-On Shoham, Avraham Biran, Omry Ben-Ezra, Ron Dabby, and Yossi Gross are no longer being claimed in the subject application.    </p>
+    <p id="p-5" num="5">Upon entry of this Amendment, the sole inventor on the subject application will be Tamir Ben-David.</p>
+    <p id="p-6" num="6">Pursuant  to  37   C.F.R.  <confidence value="66">§1</confidence>
+.17(i),  the  fee   for  amending  the inventorship under <part-num-ref name="inventorship under">37</part-num-ref>
+ C.F.R. <confidence value="66">§1</confidence>
+.48(b) is ONE HUNDRED THIRTY DOLLARS ($130.00) and a check including this amount is enclosed.    </p>
+    <p id="p-7" num="7">Applicant also respectfully requests that the United States Patent and Trademark <confidence value="5">O</confidence>
+ffice issue a corrected filing receipt upon the entry of this Amendment.    </p>
+  </description>
+</us-patent-application>
+

prior_art/11237839.xml

@@ -0,0 +1,653 @@
+<?xml version="1.0" encoding="utf-8"?>
+<!DOCTYPE us-patent-application SYSTEM "PATI-v1.0.3-2011-06-23.dtd">
+<us-patent-application lang="EN" dtd-version="v1.0.3 2011-06-23" id="us-patent-application" country="US">
+  <us-bibliographic-data-application lang="EN" country="US">
+    <application-reference appl-type="utility">
+      <document-id>
+        <doc-number>11237839</doc-number>
+        <date>2005-09-27</date>
+      </document-id>
+    </application-reference>
+  </us-bibliographic-data-application>
+  <description id="description">
+    <p id="p-1" num="1">
+      <confidence value="11">o-</confidence>
+ <confidence value="7">C</confidence>
+ Express Mail No. EV625768625US <confidence value="88">GW</confidence>
+-004     </p>
+    <heading id="h-1">
+      <confidence value="6">O</confidence>
+    </heading>
+    <heading id="h-2">SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR RECORDING PROGRAMS OF LESSER</heading>
+    <heading id="h-3">INTEREST WHEN CONVENIENT</heading>
+    <p id="p-2" num="2">Background of the Invention [0001]   This invention is related to systems and <boundary-data type="line-number">5   </boundary-data>
+methods for recording and deleting programs and more particularly, systems and methods for recording and deleting programs that are of lesser importance to the user.    </p>
+    <p id="p-3" num="3">[0002]   Recording devices, such as digital video <boundary-data type="line-number">10   </boundary-data>
+recording (DVR) devices, are well known in the art but still have deficiencies. A user of a DVR device may schedule recordings for a number of programs that he or she may not have the same level of interest in. Should a scheduling conflict occur, the user may be forced to <boundary-data type="line-number">15   </boundary-data>
+choose to record the program or programs he or she is most interested in, and then search for another broadcast of the other program or programs to record.    </p>
+    <p id="p-4" num="4">This may be burdensome and complicated, or perhaps just undesirable, for some users.</p>
+    <p id="p-5" num="5">
+      <boundary-data type="line-number">20   </boundary-data>
+[0003]    A user of a DVR device may experience a similar, undesirable experience when, for example, the user tries to record a program and finds that the DVR <page-break num="2"/>
+      <boundary-data type="header">
+        <confidence value="8">-</confidence>
+ <confidence value="8">2</confidence>
+ <confidence value="8">-</confidence>
+      </boundary-data>
+device has insufficient space remaining. The user is then forced to either cancel the recording, or select and delete one or more recorded programs to make room for the new program. This experience may even be more <boundary-data type="line-number">5   </boundary-data>
+frustrating if the user's DVR has space available when the user schedules the recording, but does not have enough space when the program is transmitted. In such cases, unless the user fortuitously checked the DVR device and made space before the broadcast time, the <boundary-data type="line-number">10   </boundary-data>
+requested program may not be recorded. When the user is more interested in the program he or she wanted to record than in programs already recorded, the experience can be quite frustrating.    </p>
+    <p id="p-6" num="6">
+      <confidence value="5">[</confidence>
+0004]   As yet another example of a potentially <boundary-data type="line-number">15   </boundary-data>
+undesirable experience, a DVR device may automatically delete programs in order to make room for a new recording. If the DVR deletes a program that the user is more interested in than the program being recorded, such a result may frustrate the user.    </p>
+    <p id="p-7" num="7">
+      <boundary-data type="line-number">20   </boundary-data>
+[0005]    Accordingly, it would be desirable to provide systems and methods for recording programs for which a user has lesser interest at a convenient time.    </p>
+    <p id="p-8" num="8">Summary of the Invention [0006]   This and other objects of the present <boundary-data type="line-number">25   </boundary-data>
+invention are accomplished in accordance with the principles of the present invention by providing an interactive television application coupled with a recording device. The interactive television application automatically designates, or receives a <boundary-data type="line-number">30   </boundary-data>
+user's designation for, recording priorities for its recordings. Among the priorities is a "when convenient" priority (others may be, for example, <page-break num="3"/>
+      <boundary-data type="header">
+        <confidence value="8">-</confidence>
+ <confidence value="8">3</confidence>
+ <confidence value="8">-</confidence>
+      </boundary-data>
+"high" and "low"). In some embodiments, the only recording priority option is "when convenient" or not.    </p>
+    <p id="p-9" num="9">The "when convenient" priority indicates that no particular transmission of the requested program is <boundary-data type="line-number">5   </boundary-data>
+preferred for recording, and that a copy of the requested program should be recorded at the first opportunity in which the recording would not conflict with other user requests.    </p>
+    <p id="p-10" num="10">[0007]   Prior to recording a program, the interactive <boundary-data type="line-number">10   </boundary-data>
+television application determines whether recording the program will conflict with current, anticipated or scheduled uses of resources in the user's equipment.    </p>
+    <p id="p-11" num="11">For example, the interactive television application may determine whether a tuner will be available for the <boundary-data type="line-number">15   </boundary-data>
+recording, or whether there will be enough space available to record the program. If a conflict exists or will exist, the interactive television application examines the recording priority of the program. If the recording priority is "when convenient," the <boundary-data type="line-number">20   </boundary-data>
+interactive television application searches for another transmission of the program at a time when there are no conflicts, and schedules that transmission for recording.    </p>
+    <p id="p-12" num="12">
+      <confidence value="5">[</confidence>
+0008]    It may be that there is no time when a single <boundary-data type="line-number">25   </boundary-data>
+transmission of a "when convenient" program can be recorded in its entirety without a resource conflict.    </p>
+    <p id="p-13" num="13">In this situation, the interactive television application schedules recordings for the portions of the different transmissions of the "when convenient <boundary-data type="line-number">30   </boundary-data>
+program" that are not conflicted. As each portion is recorded, or after all of the portions are recorded, the interactive television application will stitch the pieces of the program together to produce a complete <page-break num="4"/>
+      <boundary-data type="header">
+        <confidence value="8">-</confidence>
+ <confidence value="8">4</confidence>
+ <confidence value="8">-</confidence>
+      </boundary-data>
+recording. Alternatively, the interactive television application may leave the portions unstitched, and simply play them back in order when the user requests that the program be played back.    </p>
+    <p id="p-14" num="14">
+      <boundary-data type="line-number">5   </boundary-data>
+[0009]    In response to determining that a scheduled recording is not designated "when convenient", the interactive television application determines whether any other scheduled recordings having a "when convenient" priority can be rescheduled. If not, the <boundary-data type="line-number">10   </boundary-data>
+interactive television application may alert the user that there is an irreconcilable conflict, and request that the user choose between the recordings or automatically choose between the recordings. For example, the interactive television application may <boundary-data type="line-number">15   </boundary-data>
+automatically cancel a "low priority" recording in favor of a "high priority" recording.    </p>
+    <p id="p-15" num="15">[0010]   In some embodiments, the interactive television application may automatically designate, or receive a user's designation for, a deletion priority <boundary-data type="line-number">20   </boundary-data>
+for recorded programs. When a conflict occurs due to a lack of space on the recording device, the interactive television application uses the deletion priority to determine which, if any, program or programs to delete in order to make room for the new recording. The <boundary-data type="line-number">25   </boundary-data>
+deletion priorities include a "when convenient" priority (which may be the only option in some embodiments). Other priorities may be, for example, "save until I delete," "high," and "low." In response to determining that a recorded program has a "when <boundary-data type="line-number">30   </boundary-data>
+convenient" deletion priority, the interactive television application deletes the recorded program to make room for the new program if the recorded program can be recorded later when space is available and there <page-break num="5"/>
+      <boundary-data type="header">
+        <confidence value="58">-5</confidence>
+ <confidence value="8">-</confidence>
+      </boundary-data>
+are no other conflicts (the interactive television application may use stitching to accomplish re- recording the entire program)<confidence value="5">.</confidence>
+    </p>
+    <p id="p-16" num="16">Brief Description of the Drawings <boundary-data type="line-number">5   </boundary-data>
+[0011]    The above and other features of the present invention, its nature and various advantages will be more apparent upon consideration of the following detailed description, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, and in which:    </p>
+    <p id="p-17" num="17">
+      <boundary-data type="line-number">10   </boundary-data>
+[0012]    FIG. 1 is a diagram of an illustrative interactive television system in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention;    </p>
+    <p id="p-18" num="18">[0013]    FIG. 2 shows an illustrative display screen showing television program listings in accordance with <boundary-data type="line-number">15   </boundary-data>
+one embodiment of the present invention;    </p>
+    <p id="p-19" num="19">[0014]    FIG. 3 shows an illustrative display screen showing information relating to a television program in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention;</p>
+    <p id="p-20" num="20">
+      <boundary-data type="line-number">20   </boundary-data>
+[0015]    FIG. 4 shows an illustrative display screen showing a television program in full screen after a recording has commenced in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention;    </p>
+    <p id="p-21" num="21">[0016]    FIG. 5 shows an illustrative display screen <boundary-data type="line-number">25   </boundary-data>
+showing recording options in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention;    </p>
+    <p id="p-22" num="22">[0017]    FIG. 6 shows an illustrative display screen showing a scheduling conflict notice in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention;</p>
+    <p id="p-23" num="23">
+      <boundary-data type="line-number">30   </boundary-data>
+[0018]    FIG. 7 shows an illustrative display screen showing a recording space conflict notice in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention;    </p>
+    <boundary-data type="header">
+      <confidence value="8">-</confidence>
+ <confidence value="8">6</confidence>
+ <confidence value="8">-</confidence>
+    </boundary-data>
+    <p id="p-24" num="24">
+      <page-break num="6"/>
+[0019]   FIG. 8 shows an illustrative display screen showing a list of recorded programs in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention;    </p>
+    <p id="p-25" num="25">[0020]   FIG. 9 shows a flow chart of an illustrative <boundary-data type="line-number">5   </boundary-data>
+process for recording programs having a "when convenient" recording priority in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention;    </p>
+    <p id="p-26" num="26">[0021]   FIG. 10 shows a flow chart of another illustrative process for recording programs having a <boundary-data type="line-number">10   </boundary-data>
+"when convenient" recording priority in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention; and [0022]   FIG. 11 shows a flow chart of an illustrative process for deleting and scheduling for re-recording programs having a "when convenient" deletion priority <boundary-data type="line-number">15   </boundary-data>
+in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention.    </p>
+    <p id="p-27" num="27">Detailed Description [0023] FIG. 1 shows illustrative interactive television system <part-num-ref name="shows illustrative interactive television system">1</part-num-ref>
+ in accordance with the principles <boundary-data type="line-number">20   </boundary-data>
+of the invention. User equipment <part-num-ref name="invention. User equipment">10</part-num-ref>
+ receives content in the form of signals from content source <part-num-ref name="form of signals from content source">20</part-num-ref>
+ over communications path <part-num-ref name="over communications path">22.</part-num-ref>
+ In practice there may be multiple content sources. For clarity, only one is shown in FIG. 1. Also in practice, there may be <boundary-data type="line-number">25   </boundary-data>
+multiple instances of user equipment <part-num-ref name="over communications path 22. In practice there may be multiple content sources. For clarity, only one is shown in FIG. 1. Also in practice, there may be multiple instances of user equipment">10</part-num-ref>
+ coupled to content source <part-num-ref name="coupled to content source">20</part-num-ref>
+ and data source <part-num-ref name="and data source">24.</part-num-ref>
+ For the clarity of the figure, the user equipment of only a single user is shown.    </p>
+    <p id="p-28" num="28">[0024]   Content source 20 may be any suitable content <boundary-data type="line-number">30   </boundary-data>
+source such as, for example, a cable system headend, satellite television distribution facility, television broadcast facility, on-demand server (e.g., video-on- <page-break num="7"/>
+      <boundary-data type="header">
+        <confidence value="8">-</confidence>
+ <confidence value="8">7</confidence>
+ <confidence value="8">-</confidence>
+      </boundary-data>
+demand (VOD) server), or any other suitable facility or system for originating or distributing content.    </p>
+    <p id="p-29" num="29">Content source 20 may be configured to transmit signals over any suitable communications path <part-num-ref name="may be configured to transmit signals over any suitable communications path">22</part-num-ref>
+ <boundary-data type="line-number">5   </boundary-data>
+including, for example, a satellite path, a fiber-optic path, a cable path, or any other suitable wired or wireless path. The signals may carry any suitable content such as, for example, television programs, music, news, web services, or any other suitable <boundary-data type="line-number">10   </boundary-data>
+content. The signals may be transmitted as a broadcast, multicast, unicast, or any other suitable transmission stream.    </p>
+    <p id="p-30" num="30">
+      <confidence value="5">[</confidence>
+0025]   User equipment 10 may include any equipment suitable for providing an interactive television <boundary-data type="line-number">15   </boundary-data>
+experience. For example, user equipment <part-num-ref name="interactive television experience. For example, user equipment">10</part-num-ref>
+ may include computer equipment, such as a personal computer with a television card (PCTV). User equipment <part-num-ref name="television card (PCTV). User equipment">10</part-num-ref>
+ may include television equipment such as a television, set-top box, recording device, video player, user input device <boundary-data type="line-number">20   </boundary-data>
+(e.g., remote control, keyboard, mouse, touch pad, touch screen, voice recognition interface, etc.) or any other device suitable for providing an interactive television experience. For example, user equipment <part-num-ref name="interactive television experience. For example, user equipment">10</part-num-ref>
+ may include a DCT <part-num-ref name="DCT">2000,</part-num-ref>
+ <part-num-ref name="DCT 2000,">2500,</part-num-ref>
+ <part-num-ref name="DCT 2000, 2500,">5100,</part-num-ref>
+ <part-num-ref name="DCT 2000, 2500, 5100,">6208</part-num-ref>
+ or <part-num-ref name="or">6412</part-num-ref>
+ set- <boundary-data type="line-number">25   </boundary-data>
+top box provided by Motorola, Inc.    </p>
+    <p id="p-31" num="31">[0026]   In the example of FIG. 1, user equipment <part-num-ref name="example of FIG. 1, user equipment">10</part-num-ref>
+ includes at least control circuitry <part-num-ref name="includes at least control circuitry">18,</part-num-ref>
+ display device <part-num-ref name="includes at least control circuitry 18, display device">12,</part-num-ref>
+ recording device <part-num-ref name="includes at least control circuitry 18, display device 12, recording device">14,</part-num-ref>
+ and user input device <part-num-ref name="includes at least control circuitry 18, display device 12, recording device 14, and user input device">16,</part-num-ref>
+ which may be implemented as separate devices or as a <boundary-data type="line-number">30   </boundary-data>
+single device. An interactive television application, such as an interactive television program guide, may be implemented on user equipment <part-num-ref name="interactive television program guide, may be implemented on user equipment">10</part-num-ref>
+ to direct a tuner in control circuitry <part-num-ref name="tuner in control circuitry">18</part-num-ref>
+ to display, on display device <part-num-ref name="to display, on display device">12,</part-num-ref>
+ <page-break num="8"/>
+      <boundary-data type="header">
+        <confidence value="8">-</confidence>
+ <confidence value="8">8</confidence>
+ <confidence value="8">-</confidence>
+      </boundary-data>
+the content transmitted by content source <part-num-ref name="content transmitted by content source">20</part-num-ref>
+ over path <part-num-ref name="over path">22</part-num-ref>
+ and to provide interactive television application features.    </p>
+    <p id="p-32" num="32">[0027]   Recording device 14 may be a personal video <boundary-data type="line-number">5   </boundary-data>
+recorder (PVR), digital video recorder (DVR), video cassette recorder (VCR), DVD-recorder, or any other suitable recording device. Recording device <part-num-ref name="personal video recorder (PVR), digital video recorder (DVR), video cassette recorder (VCR), DVD-recorder, or any other suitable recording device. Recording device">14</part-num-ref>
+ may include one or more tuners.    </p>
+    <p id="p-33" num="33">[0028]   Display device 12 may be any suitable device <boundary-data type="line-number">10   </boundary-data>
+such as, for example, a television monitor or a computer monitor. Display device <part-num-ref name="computer monitor. Display device">12</part-num-ref>
+ may also be configured to provide for the output of audio.    </p>
+    <p id="p-34" num="34">[0029]   Control circuitry 18 is adapted to receive user inputs from input device <part-num-ref name="is adapted to receive user inputs from input device">16,</part-num-ref>
+ execute the <boundary-data type="line-number">15   </boundary-data>
+instructions of the interactive television application, direct recording device <part-num-ref name="interactive television application, direct recording device">14</part-num-ref>
+ to record programs, and direct display device <part-num-ref name="to record programs, and direct display device">12</part-num-ref>
+ to display transmitted programs, recorded programs, and interactive television application display screens. Control circuitry <part-num-ref name="to display transmitted programs, recorded programs, and interactive television application display screens. Control circuitry">18</part-num-ref>
+ may <boundary-data type="line-number">20   </boundary-data>
+include one or more tuners (e.g., analog or digital tuners), encoders and decoders (e.g., MPEG encoders and decoders), processors (e.g., Motorola <part-num-ref name="Motorola">68000</part-num-ref>
+ family processors), memory (i.e., RA<confidence value="5">M</confidence>
+ and hard disks), communications circuitry (e.g., cable modem circuitry), <boundary-data type="line-number">25   </boundary-data>
+input/output circuitry (e.g., graphics circuitry), connections to the various devices of user equipment <part-num-ref name="various devices of user equipment">10</part-num-ref>
+ (e.g., recording device 14), and any other suitable component for providing analog or digital television programming, program recording, and interactive <boundary-data type="line-number">30   </boundary-data>
+television features. In some embodiments, control circuitry <part-num-ref name="recording device 14), and any other suitable component for providing analog or digital television programming, program recording, and interactive television features. In some embodiments, control circuitry">18</part-num-ref>
+ may be included as part of one of the devices of user equipment <part-num-ref name="devices of user equipment">10</part-num-ref>
+ such as, for example, part <page-break num="9"/>
+      <boundary-data type="header">
+        <confidence value="8">-</confidence>
+ <confidence value="8">9</confidence>
+ <confidence value="8">-</confidence>
+      </boundary-data>
+of recording device <part-num-ref name="such as, for example, part of recording device">14,</part-num-ref>
+ display <part-num-ref name="such as, for example, part of recording device 14, display">12,</part-num-ref>
+ or any other device (e.g., a set-top box, television, video player, etc.).    </p>
+    <p id="p-35" num="35">[0030]   Control circuitry 18 may include memory for storing interactive television application instructions <boundary-data type="line-number">5   </boundary-data>
+or other programming logic, and database <part-num-ref name="may include memory for storing interactive television application instructions or other programming logic, and database">104.</part-num-ref>
+ Database <part-num-ref name="may include memory for storing interactive television application instructions or other programming logic, and database 104. Database">104</part-num-ref>
+ stores interactive television application data from data sources <part-num-ref name="stores interactive television application data from data sources">24</part-num-ref>
+ (such as program scheduling data), and other data for use by the interactive television application (e.g., user profiles, recorded program <boundary-data type="line-number">10   </boundary-data>
+lists, equipment settings, or other suitable information). Database <part-num-ref name="user profiles, recorded program lists, equipment settings, or other suitable information). Database">104</part-num-ref>
+ may also store deletion and recording priorities for scheduled and actual recordings. In some embodiments, database <part-num-ref name="may also store deletion and recording priorities for scheduled and actual recordings. In some embodiments, database">104</part-num-ref>
+ is stored in other portions of user equipment <part-num-ref name="is stored in other portions of user equipment">10,</part-num-ref>
+ such as <boundary-data type="line-number">15   </boundary-data>
+recording device <part-num-ref name="is stored in other portions of user equipment 10, such as recording device">14,</part-num-ref>
+ or may be stored across different devices inside or outside the home.    </p>
+    <p id="p-36" num="36">[0031]   User equipment 10 may receive interactive television application data from one or more data sources <part-num-ref name="may receive interactive television application data from one or more data sources">24.</part-num-ref>
+ Data sources <part-num-ref name="may receive interactive television application data from one or more data sources 24. Data sources">24</part-num-ref>
+ may provide data for a <boundary-data type="line-number">20   </boundary-data>
+particular type of content or for a particular application. For example, one data source <part-num-ref name="particular application. For example, one data source">24</part-num-ref>
+ may provide data for non-on-demand assets (e.g., non-pay and pay-per-view television programs), and another may provide data for on-demand assets (e.g., VOD programs)<confidence value="5">.</confidence>
+    </p>
+    <p id="p-37" num="37">
+      <boundary-data type="line-number">25   </boundary-data>
+Or, for example, a single data source may provide both of these types of data. In some embodiments, one data source <part-num-ref name="single data source may provide both of these types of data. In some embodiments, one data source">24</part-num-ref>
+ may provide data for an interactive television program guide, and another may provide data for another interactive television application running <boundary-data type="line-number">30   </boundary-data>
+on user equipment <part-num-ref name="interactive television program guide, and another may provide data for another interactive television application running on user equipment">10</part-num-ref>
+ (e.g., a home shopping application). In some embodiments, data sources <part-num-ref name="home shopping application). In some embodiments, data sources">24</part-num-ref>
+ may provide data to the interactive television application using a client/server approach. There may be one <page-break num="10"/>
+      <boundary-data type="header">- 10 -</boundary-data>
+server per data source, one for all sources or, in some embodiments, a single server may communicate as a proxy between user equipment <part-num-ref name="proxy between user equipment">10</part-num-ref>
+ and various data sources <part-num-ref name="and various data sources">24.</part-num-ref>
+    </p>
+    <p id="p-38" num="38">
+      <confidence value="5">[</confidence>
+0032]   Content source 20 and data sources <part-num-ref name="and data sources">24</part-num-ref>
+ are <boundary-data type="line-number">
+        <confidence value="5">5</confidence>
+         </boundary-data>
+shown in FIG. 1 as separate elements. In practice, their functionality may be combined and provided from a single system at a single facility, or multiple systems at multiple facilities. For example, one content source <part-num-ref name="single facility, or multiple systems at multiple facilities. For example, one content source">20</part-num-ref>
+ and data source <part-num-ref name="and data source">24</part-num-ref>
+ may be combined to provide <boundary-data type="line-number">10   </boundary-data>
+VOD content and associated VOD data.    </p>
+    <p id="p-39" num="39">[0033]   FIG. 2 shows an illustrative program guide screen <part-num-ref name="illustrative program guide screen">200</part-num-ref>
+ that the interactive television application may display on display device <part-num-ref name="interactive television application may display on display device">12.</part-num-ref>
+ The user may access program guide screen <part-num-ref name="user may access program guide screen">200</part-num-ref>
+ by any suitable means such as, <boundary-data type="line-number">15   </boundary-data>
+for example, pressing a "menu," "guide," or other suitable key or key sequence on user input device <part-num-ref name="&quot;menu,&quot; &quot;guide,&quot; or other suitable key or key sequence on user input device">16,</part-num-ref>
+ navigating from another program guide screen or menu, or by any other suitable means. Illustrative program guide screen <part-num-ref name="&quot;menu,&quot; &quot;guide,&quot; or other suitable key or key sequence on user input device 16, navigating from another program guide screen or menu, or by any other suitable means. Illustrative program guide screen">200</part-num-ref>
+ contains a grid of program <boundary-data type="line-number">20   </boundary-data>
+listings <part-num-ref name="grid of program listings">210</part-num-ref>
+ which includes program titles, channels, scheduled broadcast times, and other suitable program information. In other embodiments, the program guide screen may include a list (i.e., a single column) of programs. The user may select a desired program <boundary-data type="line-number">25   </boundary-data>
+listing with highlight region <part-num-ref name="desired program listing with highlight region">212</part-num-ref>
+ using user input <part-num-ref name="using user input">16,</part-num-ref>
+ or any other suitable means.    </p>
+    <p id="p-40" num="40">[0034]   To schedule the recording of a program or other suitable video, a user may highlight a desired program (in the example of FIG. 2, listing <part-num-ref name="example of FIG. 2, listing">214</part-num-ref>
+ <boundary-data type="line-number">30   </boundary-data>
+associated with "Biography" on channel <part-num-ref name="associated with &quot;Biography&quot; on channel">28</part-num-ref>
+ is highlighted), and press a "Record" key or key sequence, or select a "Record" option from the screen using user <page-break num="11"/>
+      <boundary-data type="header">- 11 -</boundary-data>
+input device <part-num-ref name="screen using user input device">16.</part-num-ref>
+ A scheduled recording may be indicated, for example, by record icon <part-num-ref name="scheduled recording may be indicated, for example, by record icon">216.</part-num-ref>
+    </p>
+    <p id="p-41" num="41">[0035]   Prior to choosing to record a program, the user may request additional information regarding the <boundary-data type="line-number">5   </boundary-data>
+program. For example, the user may highlight a listing using highlight region <part-num-ref name="listing using highlight region">212</part-num-ref>
+ and press an "Information" key or key sequence on user input device <part-num-ref name="&quot;Information&quot; key or key sequence on user input device">16.</part-num-ref>
+ In response to receiving the user request, the interactive television application may display an information <boundary-data type="line-number">10   </boundary-data>
+screen. FIG. 3 shows illustrative information screen <part-num-ref name="shows illustrative information screen">300,</part-num-ref>
+ which includes detailed information section <part-num-ref name="shows illustrative information screen 300, which includes detailed information section">302,</part-num-ref>
+ program description area <part-num-ref name="shows illustrative information screen 300, which includes detailed information section 302, program description area">304</part-num-ref>
+ (including the program title, time and channel), and video window <part-num-ref name="program title, time and channel), and video window">306.</part-num-ref>
+    </p>
+    <p id="p-42" num="42">
+      <boundary-data type="line-number">15   </boundary-data>
+      <confidence value="5">[</confidence>
+0036]    Screen 300 also includes selectable icons <part-num-ref name="also includes selectable icons">310,</part-num-ref>
+ some or all of which may include text descriptions. The screen may include options for recording, series recording, parental control locks, or any other suitable interactive television application <boundary-data type="line-number">20   </boundary-data>
+action. If a user decides to record the program, the user may schedule the recording by pressing a "Record" key or key sequence, selecting a "Record" option from the screen using user input device <part-num-ref name="screen using user input device">16,</part-num-ref>
+ or by any other suitable means.    </p>
+    <p id="p-43" num="43">
+      <boundary-data type="line-number">25   </boundary-data>
+[0037]    In some embodiments, the user may be watching a program on display device <part-num-ref name="program on display device">12</part-num-ref>
+ in a full screen view, for example full screen view <part-num-ref name="full screen view, for example full screen view">400</part-num-ref>
+ shown in FIG. 4, and decide to record the program. To record the program being viewed, the user may press a "Record" key or key <boundary-data type="line-number">30   </boundary-data>
+sequence on user input device <part-num-ref name="&quot;Record&quot; key or key sequence on user input device">16,</part-num-ref>
+ or use any other suitable means. A pop-up notice, such as pop-up notice <part-num-ref name="pop-up notice, such as pop-up notice">402,</part-num-ref>
+ may appear to confirm that recording has begun. The interactive television application may also <page-break num="12"/>
+      <boundary-data type="header">- 12 -</boundary-data>
+display the notice in response to receiving a user confirmation to record the program. In some embodiments, the interactive television application may direct pop-up notice <part-num-ref name="interactive television application may direct pop-up notice">402</part-num-ref>
+ to appear automatically when a <boundary-data type="line-number">5   </boundary-data>
+scheduled recording begins.    </p>
+    <p id="p-44" num="44">[0038]   In response to receiving a user request to record a program (e.g., from any of screens <part-num-ref name="from any of screens">200,</part-num-ref>
+ <part-num-ref name="from any of screens 200,">300</part-num-ref>
+ or 400), the interactive television application automatically designates, or prompts the user to <boundary-data type="line-number">10   </boundary-data>
+designate, a recording priority for the selected program (e.g., high, low, "when convenient," etc.).    </p>
+    <p id="p-45" num="45">The interactive television application may automatically designate a priority for a recording using any suitable approach. For example, if a user <boundary-data type="line-number">15   </boundary-data>
+pays for viewing or recording a program, it is likely that the user has a high interest in the program and the interactive television application may set its priority as high. As another example, the interactive television application may determine how desirable a <boundary-data type="line-number">20   </boundary-data>
+program will be to the user based on the user's viewing history. The application may, for example, designate the program high priority in response to determining that the pr<confidence value="7">o</confidence>
+gram is of a type that the user is very interested in and very likely to watch. It may <boundary-data type="line-number">25   </boundary-data>
+designate a program as "when convenient" when it determines, for example, that there are other programs of more interest at the same time that the selected program is transmitted and there are other transmissions of the selected program. As yet another <boundary-data type="line-number">30   </boundary-data>
+example, the interactive television application may, as a default, set recordings of currently-watched programs to high.    </p>
+    <boundary-data type="header">- 13 -</boundary-data>
+    <p id="p-46" num="46">
+      <page-break num="13"/>
+[0039<confidence value="5">]</confidence>
+    In some embodiments, the interactive television application may attempt to predict when the user is likely to watch recordings and set the recording priority accordingly. This prediction may be <boundary-data type="line-number">5   </boundary-data>
+based on, for example, the time the user typically waits between recording a program and watching it (a "waiting period"). The waiting period may be determined by the guide or, alternatively, set by the user. The interactive television application may <boundary-data type="line-number">10   </boundary-data>
+determine waiting periods for different categories or genres of programs to better predict when the user will watch a given recording. In some embodiments, the interactive television application may automatically update recording priorities as time approaches when a <boundary-data type="line-number">15   </boundary-data>
+user is likely to watch a recording.    </p>
+    <p id="p-47" num="47">[0040]   The following example will demonstrate how an interactive television application may automatically determine the recording priority for a program in some embodiments of the present invention. Assume the user <boundary-data type="line-number">20   </boundary-data>
+on Monday selects for recording a Tuesday prime time program every week (such as for a series recording)<confidence value="5">.</confidence>
+    </p>
+    <p id="p-48" num="48">The interactive television application, based on the user's viewing and usage history, determines that this is a program the user is very interested in, and that <boundary-data type="line-number">25   </boundary-data>
+the user typically waits until Saturdays to watch this recording. The interactive television application also examines its schedule data and determines that repeats of the program will occur three times before Saturday.    </p>
+    <p id="p-49" num="49">After determining that there are no conflicts for any <boundary-data type="line-number">30   </boundary-data>
+of the transmissions, the interactive television application sets the priority to "when convenient".    </p>
+    <p id="p-50" num="50">As the week progresses, the user schedules more recordings, causing resource conflicts for the first <page-break num="14"/>
+      <boundary-data type="header">
+        <confidence value="6">-</confidence>
+ 14 -      </boundary-data>
+and third transmissions. In response, the interactive television application will update the recording priority to high, and schedule the second transmission for recording.    </p>
+    <p id="p-51" num="51">
+      <boundary-data type="line-number">5   </boundary-data>
+[0041]    The interactive television application may, instead of or in addition to automatically setting a recording priority for a recording, prompt the user for a priority designation for a recording. For example, the interactive television application may display a <boundary-data type="line-number">10   </boundary-data>
+screen or pop-up, such as pop-up menu <part-num-ref name="screen or pop-up, such as pop-up menu">502</part-num-ref>
+ shown in FIG. 5, for the program. Pop-up menu <part-num-ref name="program. Pop-up menu">502</part-num-ref>
+ includes a plurality of recording options <part-num-ref name="plurality of recording options">504.</part-num-ref>
+ Recording options <part-num-ref name="plurality of recording options 504. Recording options">504</part-num-ref>
+ include the number of copies to record, which transmissions to record if multiple transmissions <boundary-data type="line-number">15   </boundary-data>
+are available (e.g., analog, digital, high-definition, etc.), recording priority, when the user intends on viewing the program, start buffer length, and how long to save the copy. These are only illustrative, as any other suitable recording options may also be used. In <boundary-data type="line-number">20   </boundary-data>
+some embodiments, the recording options pop-up menu may include any other suitable recording option (e.g., resolution, which channel to record, bit rate, recording size, end buffer length, etc.) in addition to or instead of the options shown in FIG. <confidence value="5">5</confidence>
+. In the <boundary-data type="line-number">25   </boundary-data>
+example of FIG. 5, the user has set a "when convenient" recording priority for "Biography," the program selected for recording in FIG. 2.    </p>
+    <p id="p-52" num="52">[0042]   The recording priority (and other recording options), whether set by the user or automatically by <boundary-data type="line-number">30   </boundary-data>
+the interactive television application, may be stored in a database such as database <part-num-ref name="database such as database">104</part-num-ref>
+ of FIG. 1. The priority may be represented in database <part-num-ref name="priority may be represented in database">104</part-num-ref>
+ using any <page-break num="15"/>
+      <boundary-data type="header">- 15 -</boundary-data>
+suitable approach. For example, the entry may be a simple flag or an alphanumeric value.    </p>
+    <p id="p-53" num="53">[0043]   Prior to recording a program, the interactive television application determines whether the recording <boundary-data type="line-number">5   </boundary-data>
+will conflict with current, scheduled or anticipated uses of resources in user equipment <part-num-ref name="recording will conflict with current, scheduled or anticipated uses of resources in user equipment">10.</part-num-ref>
+ For example, the interactive television application may determine whether a tuner in control circuitry <part-num-ref name="tuner in control circuitry">18</part-num-ref>
+ or recording device <part-num-ref name="or recording device">14</part-num-ref>
+ (FIG. <part-num-ref name="(FIG.">1)</part-num-ref>
+ will be available for the recording, <boundary-data type="line-number">10   </boundary-data>
+or whether there will be enough space to record the program on recording device <part-num-ref name="program on recording device">14.</part-num-ref>
+ The interactive television application may predict or anticipate uses of resources in user equipment <part-num-ref name="interactive television application may predict or anticipate uses of resources in user equipment">10</part-num-ref>
+ based on, for example, the user's viewing or usage history. Whatever <boundary-data type="line-number">15   </boundary-data>
+the approach used, the conflict check may occur just before recording the program, at the time the recording is set up, or any time between. In some embodiments, the interactive television application monitors its scheduled recordings for resource conflicts <boundary-data type="line-number">20   </boundary-data>
+periodically or continuously.    </p>
+    <p id="p-54" num="54">[0044]   If a conflict exists or will exist, the interactive television application examines the recording priority of the program. If the recording priority is "when convenient", the interactive <boundary-data type="line-number">25   </boundary-data>
+television application searches its schedule data (such as program guide data received from data source <part-num-ref name="interactive television application searches its schedule data (such as program guide data received from data source">24</part-num-ref>
+ and stored in database <part-num-ref name="and stored in database">104</part-num-ref>
+ of FIG. 1) for alternate (e.g., future) transmissions of the program, and determines whether recording any of the alternate transmissions <boundary-data type="line-number">30   </boundary-data>
+will cause a resource conflict. If one or more conflict-free transmissions are found, the interactive television application will schedule one of the transmissions (e.g., the next in time transmission) for <page-break num="16"/>
+      <boundary-data type="header">- 16 -</boundary-data>
+recording. If there is only one conflict free transmission, the interactive television application may set the recording priority of that transmission to high to ensure that it gets recorded. Alternatively, <boundary-data type="line-number">5   </boundary-data>
+the priority of the single transmission may remain low.    </p>
+    <p id="p-55" num="55">In some examples, no conflict-free transmissions may be available. In this case, the interactive television application may retain the request to record the program in memory, and may continue to search data for <boundary-data type="line-number">10   </boundary-data>
+upcoming programs as it is received, until the requested program is finally recorded and viewed, or until the user cancels the recording request.    </p>
+    <p id="p-56" num="56">[0045]  The following example will illustrate how the interactive television application may record a program <boundary-data type="line-number">15   </boundary-data>
+having a "when convenient" recording priority. In this example, the interactive television application determines whether there is a resource conflict when the user sets the recording. The user decides to record the program "Biography" by selecting the <boundary-data type="line-number">20   </boundary-data>
+corresponding listing in FIG. 2 (channel <part-num-ref name="(channel">28,</part-num-ref>
+ 9-10 PM)<confidence value="5">.</confidence>
+    </p>
+    <p id="p-57" num="57">Upon receiving the selection, the interactive television application may display screen <part-num-ref name="interactive television application may display screen">500</part-num-ref>
+ (FIG. 5), which prompts the user to set recording options. In this example, the user sets a "when convenient" <boundary-data type="line-number">25   </boundary-data>
+recording priority. Upon receiving the recording options set by the user, the interactive television application determines that the user's equipment, which includes two tuners, has no tuners available for the 9:00 PM transmission (two programs are scheduled for <boundary-data type="line-number">30   </boundary-data>
+recording), but has one tuner available for the 1:00 AM transmission (no recordings scheduled, but the user typically watches a VOD program at that time). In <page-break num="17"/>
+      <boundary-data type="header">- 17 -</boundary-data>
+response to the determination, the interactive television application schedules "Biography" for recording at 1:00 AM on channel <part-num-ref name="interactive television application schedules &quot;Biography&quot; for recording at 1:00 AM on channel">28.</part-num-ref>
+    </p>
+    <p id="p-58" num="58">[0046]    In some cases, there may be no time when a <boundary-data type="line-number">5   </boundary-data>
+single transmission of a "when convenient" program can be recorded in its entirety without a resource conflict. In this situation, the interactive television application schedules recordings for the portions of the different transmissions of the "when <boundary-data type="line-number">10   </boundary-data>
+convenient program" that are not conflicted. As each portion is recorded, or after all of the portions are recorded, the interactive television application may stitch the pieces of the program together to produce a single complete recording. Alternatively, the <boundary-data type="line-number">15   </boundary-data>
+interactive television application may leave the portions unstitched, and simply play them back in order when the user requests that the program be played back.    </p>
+    <p id="p-59" num="59">[0047]   The following example will illustrate this feature. Assume a "when convenient" program has only <boundary-data type="line-number">20   </boundary-data>
+two transmissions, from 8-10 PM on two successive Fridays. After scheduling the recording of the first transmission, the user schedules two high priority recordings for other programs. The first is for 8-9 PM during the first transmission of the "when convenient" <boundary-data type="line-number">25   </boundary-data>
+recording. The second is for 9-10 PM during the second transmission of the "when convenient" recording. The second high priority recording was set before the first transmission of the "when convenient" program.    </p>
+    <p id="p-60" num="60">[0048]   After the user scheduled the first high <boundary-data type="line-number">30   </boundary-data>
+priority recording, the interactive television application identifies the conflict. It resolves the conflict by identifying the next transmission of the "when convenient" program after the conflict, and <page-break num="18"/>
+      <boundary-data type="header">- 18 -</boundary-data>
+scheduling that transmission (the second transmission) for recording. After the user scheduled the second high-priority recording, the interactive television application identifies the conflict. It responds by <boundary-data type="line-number">5   </boundary-data>
+identifying the next transmission of the "when convenient" program, which is the first transmission that originally had a conflict. After comparing the start and end times of the high priority recordings and determining that the entire "when convenient" program <boundary-data type="line-number">10   </boundary-data>
+may be recorded, the interactive television application schedules for recording the halves of the "when convenient" transmissions that are not conflicted.    </p>
+    <p id="p-61" num="61">[0049]   In some embodiments, the interactive television application may systematically record <boundary-data type="line-number">15   </boundary-data>
+portions of a "when convenient" program when the user's equipment has resources available, even if the interactive television application has not identified alternate transmissions of the program to record to complete the recording (e.g., because there are no <boundary-data type="line-number">20   </boundary-data>
+known future transmissions, or because the user's equipment's resources are not available at known future transmissions). In such cases, one or more later, as of yet undetermined transmissions may be used to complete the recording.    </p>
+    <p id="p-62" num="62">
+      <boundary-data type="line-number">25   </boundary-data>
+[0050]   In some cases, the interactive television application will determine that a schedule conflict is irreconcilable and prompt the user to choose between programs. FIG. 6 shows an illustrative conflict display <part-num-ref name="illustrative conflict display">600</part-num-ref>
+ that the interactive television application <boundary-data type="line-number">30   </boundary-data>
+may provide when the conflict is a scheduling conflict.    </p>
+    <p id="p-63" num="63">A user may select an option (e.g., icon <part-num-ref name="icon">606)</part-num-ref>
+ to proceed with the recording of "Men In Black," or select an option (e.g., icon <part-num-ref name="icon">608)</part-num-ref>
+ to cancel the recording of "Men <page-break num="19"/>
+      <boundary-data type="header">- 19 -</boundary-data>
+In Black" and record "Biography" instead. In some embodiments, schedule conflicts involving "when convenient" programs may not be shown to the user.    </p>
+    <p id="p-64" num="64">These conflicts may be resolved automatically by the <boundary-data type="line-number">5   </boundary-data>
+interactive television application in favor of the higher priority program.    </p>
+    <p id="p-65" num="65">[0051]   In some cases, a conflict may occur due to a lack of space on the recording device. In such cases, the interactive television application may use a <boundary-data type="line-number">10   </boundary-data>
+deletion priority to resolve the conflict (e.g., to determine which, if any, program or programs to delete in order to make room for the new recording). In some embodiments, the interactive television application may automatically designate, or receive a user's <boundary-data type="line-number">15   </boundary-data>
+designation for, a deletion priority for recorded programs. The deletion priorities include a "when convenient" priority (which may be the only option in some embodiments). Other priorities may be, for example, "save until I delete," "high," and "low.<confidence value="8">"</confidence>
+ <boundary-data type="line-number">20   </boundary-data>
+[0052]   In response to an indication that a program has a "when convenient" or other deletion priority, the interactive television application may change an entry in database <part-num-ref name="entry in database">104</part-num-ref>
+ (FIG. <part-num-ref name="(FIG.">1)</part-num-ref>
+ to reflect the set deletion priority. For example, the interactive television <boundary-data type="line-number">25   </boundary-data>
+application may change a database entry in database <part-num-ref name="database entry in database">104</part-num-ref>
+ to reflect the deletion priority (e.g., by setting a flag, changing an alphanumeric value in a field, etc.).    </p>
+    <p id="p-66" num="66">[0053]  The interactive television application may automatically designate the deletion priority for a <boundary-data type="line-number">30   </boundary-data>
+program using any suitable approach. For example, if a user paid to record a program, it is likely that the user has a high interest in the program and the interactive television application may set its deletion <page-break num="20"/>
+      <boundary-data type="header">- 20 -</boundary-data>
+priority as high. As another example, the interactive television application may determine how desirable a program will be to the user based on the user's viewing history. The application may, for example, designate <boundary-data type="line-number">5   </boundary-data>
+the program high priority in response to determining that the program is of a type that the user is very interested in and very likely to watch. It may designate a program as "when convenient" when it determines, for example, that there are other <boundary-data type="line-number">10   </boundary-data>
+transmissions of a program during the user's typical waiting period for watching recorded programs generally, or during the user's waiting period for watching recordings of a particular genre. In some embodiments, the interactive television application may <boundary-data type="line-number">15   </boundary-data>
+designate the deletion priority for recordings that the user has watched as "when convenient." In some embodiments, the interactive television application may automatically set the deletion priority to "when convenient" for any program with a record priority of <boundary-data type="line-number">20   </boundary-data>
+"when convenient." [0054]   The interactive television application may, instead of or in addition to automatically setting a deletion priority for a recording, prompt the user for a deletion priority. For example, the user may <boundary-data type="line-number">25   </boundary-data>
+highlight a listing within the recordings display of FIG. 8 with highlight region <part-num-ref name="with highlight region">814</part-num-ref>
+ and select "when convenient" priority icon <part-num-ref name="and select &quot;when convenient&quot; priority icon">810.</part-num-ref>
+ Alternatively, the user may set the deletion priority by selecting an icon or option on a recorded program information screen.    </p>
+    <p id="p-67" num="67">
+      <boundary-data type="line-number">30   </boundary-data>
+[0055]   In response to determining that a recorded program has a "when convenient" deletion priority, the interactive television application will delete the recorded program to make room for the new program if <page-break num="21"/>
+      <boundary-data type="header">- 21 -</boundary-data>
+the recorded program can be recorded later when space is available (and there are no other conflicts). In some embodiments, the program with the "when convenient" deletion priority may be deleted to make <boundary-data type="line-number">5   </boundary-data>
+room for a higher priority program regardless of whether a later airing is available to replace it.    </p>
+    <p id="p-68" num="68">When a program having a "when convenient" deletion priority is deleted, the interactive television application automatically schedules the program for re- <boundary-data type="line-number">10   </boundary-data>
+recording if another airing is available. In some embodiments, the scheduled recording may be set with a "when convenient" recording priority. The program may then be re-recorded once space becomes available. In some embodiments, the interactive television <boundary-data type="line-number">15   </boundary-data>
+application may delete and re-schedule for recording programs that do not have a "when convenient" recording priority, but that the user has already played back.    </p>
+    <p id="p-69" num="69">
+      <confidence value="5">[</confidence>
+0056]    In some instances, the interactive television application may not be able to resolve a storage space <boundary-data type="line-number">20   </boundary-data>
+conflict. FIG. 7 shows an illustrative display <part-num-ref name="illustrative display">700</part-num-ref>
+ that prompts the user to decide whether a recording should proceed. In this example, the interactive television application has suggested deleting "Biography" and "Men In Black," (listings <part-num-ref name="interactive television application has suggested deleting &quot;Biography&quot; and &quot;Men In Black,&quot; (listings">704)</part-num-ref>
+ which <boundary-data type="line-number">25   </boundary-data>
+were both identified as having "when convenient" deleting priorities to make room for "NBA Inside Stuff" (listing 702). The interactive television application indicates to the users that those two programs have a "when convenient" deletion priority with "when <boundary-data type="line-number">30   </boundary-data>
+convenient" deletion priority icon <part-num-ref name="&quot;when convenient&quot; deletion priority with &quot;when convenient&quot; deletion priority icon">712.</part-num-ref>
+ The user may select an option (e.g., icon <part-num-ref name="icon">706)</part-num-ref>
+ to proceed with the deletion or select an option (e.g., icon <part-num-ref name="icon">708)</part-num-ref>
+ to cancel the recording of "NBA Inside Stuff." In some <page-break num="22"/>
+      <boundary-data type="header">- 22 -</boundary-data>
+embodiments, the interactive television application may not notify the user or give the user an option when a program with a "when convenient" deletion priority is deleted to make space for a higher priority recording.    </p>
+    <p id="p-70" num="70">
+      <boundary-data type="line-number">5   </boundary-data>
+[0057]    Once a program has been recorded, either completely or in part, the user may access a listing display, for example listing display <part-num-ref name="listing display, for example listing display">800</part-num-ref>
+ shown in FIG. 8, to view listings of recorded programs. The user may access the listing display by pressing a <boundary-data type="line-number">10   </boundary-data>
+"Recorded Programs Menu" key or key sequence, navigating from one of the interactive television application screen, or by any other suitable means.    </p>
+    <p id="p-71" num="71">Illustrative listing display 800 includes recorded programs listings <part-num-ref name="includes recorded programs listings">802</part-num-ref>
+ (with program title and length), <boundary-data type="line-number">15   </boundary-data>
+program description area <part-num-ref name="(with program title and length), program description area">804</part-num-ref>
+ and video window <part-num-ref name="and video window">806.</part-num-ref>
+    </p>
+    <p id="p-72" num="72">[0058]   To allow a user to identify programs having a "when convenient" deletion priority in listings displays, the interactive television application may display an icon on the listings associated with the <boundary-data type="line-number">20   </boundary-data>
+programs, change the color of the listings, or mark the listings in any suitable manner. In the example of FIG. 8, the listings for "Biography," and "Men In Black" are identified as having "when convenient" deleting priorities by icon <part-num-ref name="listings for &quot;Biography,&quot; and &quot;Men In Black&quot; are identified as having &quot;when convenient&quot; deleting priorities by icon">812.</part-num-ref>
+ In some embodiments, <boundary-data type="line-number">25   </boundary-data>
+the user may delete programs that have been completely or partially recorded from screen <part-num-ref name="user may delete programs that have been completely or partially recorded from screen">800.</part-num-ref>
+    </p>
+    <p id="p-73" num="73">[0059]    In some embodiments, the recorded programs listings (e.g., listings <part-num-ref name="listings">802)</part-num-ref>
+ may include listings for programs that are partially recorded. The partially <boundary-data type="line-number">30   </boundary-data>
+recorded programs may be made available to the user for viewing. In some embodiments, the listings for incomplete programs may include an indication of the completed amount of the recording. For example, <page-break num="23"/>
+      <boundary-data type="header">- 23 -</boundary-data>
+listing <part-num-ref name="recording. For example, listing">816</part-num-ref>
+ indicates that "Biography" is only 70% complete. In some embodiments, the indication may inform the user which portions are available for viewing and/or which portions are not yet recorded. In <boundary-data type="line-number">5   </boundary-data>
+some embodiments, the interactive television application may provide the expected date and time when the recording of the program will be complete to the user. In some embodiments, only programs that are completely recorded may be included in program <boundary-data type="line-number">10   </boundary-data>
+listings <part-num-ref name="user. In some embodiments, only programs that are completely recorded may be included in program listings">802.</part-num-ref>
+    </p>
+    <p id="p-74" num="74">[0059]   The following flow charts serve to illustrate processes involved in some embodiments of this invention. FIG. 9 is a flow chart of an illustrative process for recording portions of transmissions of <boundary-data type="line-number">15   </boundary-data>
+programs having a "when convenient" recording priority in one embodiment of the invention. Process <part-num-ref name="invention. Process">900</part-num-ref>
+ begins at step <part-num-ref name="begins at step">902.</part-num-ref>
+ At step <part-num-ref name="begins at step 902. At step">910,</part-num-ref>
+ the interactive television application selects a transmission of a program for recording in response to, for example, a user's <boundary-data type="line-number">20   </boundary-data>
+instruction. In another example, the interactive television application may automatically select a program for recording based on any suitable criteria (e.g., user preferences, series recording, etc.). At step <part-num-ref name="user preferences, series recording, etc.). At step">920,</part-num-ref>
+ the interactive television application stores <boundary-data type="line-number">25   </boundary-data>
+in memory a recording priority for the program. For example, the user may have set the recording priority for the program, or the interactive television application may have automatically set the recording priority.    </p>
+    <p id="p-75" num="75">
+      <boundary-data type="line-number">30   </boundary-data>
+[0060]    At step 930, the interactive television application determines whether the recording priority of the program permits recording alternate (e.g., future) transmissions of the program instead of the <page-break num="24"/>
+      <boundary-data type="header">- 24 -</boundary-data>
+scheduled recording (i.e., whether the priority is "when convenient"). If the interactive television application determines that the recording priority of the program does not permit recording alternate <boundary-data type="line-number">5   </boundary-data>
+transmissions, process <part-num-ref name="program does not permit recording alternate transmissions, process">900</part-num-ref>
+ moves to step <part-num-ref name="moves to step">935,</part-num-ref>
+ where the selected transmission is recorded. If instead the interactive television application determines that the recording priority of the program permits recording alternate transmissions, process <part-num-ref name="program permits recording alternate transmissions, process">900</part-num-ref>
+ moves to step <part-num-ref name="moves to step">940.</part-num-ref>
+    </p>
+    <p id="p-76" num="76">
+      <boundary-data type="line-number">10   </boundary-data>
+Step 930 may be performed conditionally in response to determining that the recording conflicts or will conflict with another use of the resources of the user's equipment (not shown)<confidence value="5">.</confidence>
+    </p>
+    <p id="p-77" num="77">[0061]   At step 940, in response to determining that <boundary-data type="line-number">15   </boundary-data>
+the recording priority permits recording alternate transmissions instead of the selected one, the interactive television application identifies alternate transmissions of the program. For example, the interactive television application may search the <boundary-data type="line-number">20   </boundary-data>
+program schedule data provided by data sources <part-num-ref name="program schedule data provided by data sources">24</part-num-ref>
+ for alternate transmission times of the program. At step <part-num-ref name="program. At step">950,</part-num-ref>
+ the interactive television application determines whether portions of each transmission of the program conflict with current, anticipated or scheduled <boundary-data type="line-number">25   </boundary-data>
+uses of resources in the user's equipment, beginning with either the originally selected transmission or the alternate transmissions. For example, the interactive television application may determine whether programs are scheduled for recording at the same time portions <boundary-data type="line-number">30   </boundary-data>
+of the original and alternate transmissions, or whether there will not be sufficient space on recording device <part-num-ref name="original and alternate transmissions, or whether there will not be sufficient space on recording device">14</part-num-ref>
+ (FIG. <part-num-ref name="(FIG.">1)</part-num-ref>
+ for recording the entireties of an individual transmission when it is transmitted. The <page-break num="25"/>
+      <boundary-data type="header">- 25 -</boundary-data>
+interactive television application may check for conflicts any number of times and at any time up to the transmission time of each transmission. If the interactive television application determines that a <boundary-data type="line-number">5   </boundary-data>
+portion of the alternate transmission is not conflicted, process <part-num-ref name="alternate transmission is not conflicted, process">900</part-num-ref>
+ moves to step <part-num-ref name="moves to step">960,</part-num-ref>
+ where the portion of the alternate transmission of the program that is not conflicted is recorded. If instead the interactive television application determines that the <boundary-data type="line-number">10   </boundary-data>
+entire alternate transmission is conflicted, process <part-num-ref name="entire alternate transmission is conflicted, process">900</part-num-ref>
+ moves back to step <part-num-ref name="moves back to step">950</part-num-ref>
+ to determine whether another transmission conflicts with current, anticipated or scheduled uses of resources in the user's equipment.    </p>
+    <p id="p-78" num="78">
+      <boundary-data type="line-number">15   </boundary-data>
+[0062]    At step 970, the interactive television application determines whether the program has been recorded in its entirety by, for example, comparing the portions of the program that were recorded from each transmission and determines whether the combination of <boundary-data type="line-number">20   </boundary-data>
+the portions provides the user with the entire program.    </p>
+    <p id="p-79" num="79">If the interactive television application determines that the recording is incomplete, process <part-num-ref name="recording is incomplete, process">900</part-num-ref>
+ moves to step <part-num-ref name="moves to step">950</part-num-ref>
+ to record additional portions of the program.    </p>
+    <p id="p-80" num="80">If instead the interactive television application <boundary-data type="line-number">25   </boundary-data>
+determines that the recording is complete, process <part-num-ref name="recording is complete, process">900</part-num-ref>
+ ends at step <part-num-ref name="ends at step">972.</part-num-ref>
+    </p>
+    <p id="p-81" num="81">[0063]    FIG. 10 is a flow chart of an illustrative process for recording portions of transmissions of programs having a "when convenient" recording priority <boundary-data type="line-number">30   </boundary-data>
+in one embodiment of the invention. Process <part-num-ref name="invention. Process">1000</part-num-ref>
+ begins at step <part-num-ref name="begins at step">1002.</part-num-ref>
+ At step <part-num-ref name="begins at step 1002. At step">1010,</part-num-ref>
+ the interactive television application selects a program for recording.    </p>
+    <p id="p-82" num="82">For example, the user may instruct the interactive <page-break num="26"/>
+      <boundary-data type="header">- 26 -</boundary-data>
+television application to select a program for recording, or the interactive television application may automatically select a program for recording (e.g., based on user preferences, series recording). At <boundary-data type="line-number">5   </boundary-data>
+step <part-num-ref name="based on user preferences, series recording). At step">1020,</part-num-ref>
+ the interactive television application assigns a recording priority to the selected program.    </p>
+    <p id="p-83" num="83">For example, the user may instruct the interactive television application to assign a particular recording priority to the program, or the interactive television <boundary-data type="line-number">10   </boundary-data>
+application may automatically assign a recording priority. At step <part-num-ref name="recording priority. At step">1030,</part-num-ref>
+ the interactive television application stores in memory the recording priority assigned at step <part-num-ref name="recording priority assigned at step">1020.</part-num-ref>
+    </p>
+    <p id="p-84" num="84">[0064]   At step 1040, the interactive television <boundary-data type="line-number">15   </boundary-data>
+application assigns a particular transmission of the program to record. For example, the interactive television application may assign a transmission selected by the user for recording. In some embodiments, the interactive television application may <boundary-data type="line-number">20   </boundary-data>
+skip step <part-num-ref name="interactive television application may skip step">1040</part-num-ref>
+ (e.g., when the selected program has a "when convenient" recording priority)<confidence value="5">.</confidence>
+    </p>
+    <p id="p-85" num="85">[0065]   At step 1050, the interactive television application determines whether the recording priority of the program permits recording alternate <boundary-data type="line-number">25   </boundary-data>
+transmissions of the program instead of the scheduled transmission (i.e., whether the priority is "when convenient"). If the interactive television application determines that the recording priority of the program does not permit recording alternate <boundary-data type="line-number">30   </boundary-data>
+transmissions, process <part-num-ref name="program does not permit recording alternate transmissions, process">1000</part-num-ref>
+ moves to step <part-num-ref name="moves to step">1055,</part-num-ref>
+ where the user's equipment records the assigned transmission of the program (e.g., assigned at step 1040).    </p>
+    <p id="p-86" num="86">Process 1000 then ends at step <part-num-ref name="then ends at step">1092.</part-num-ref>
+ If instead the <page-break num="27"/>
+      <boundary-data type="header">- 27 -</boundary-data>
+interactive television application determines that the recording priority of the program permits recording alternate transmissions, process <part-num-ref name="program permits recording alternate transmissions, process">1000</part-num-ref>
+ moves to step <part-num-ref name="moves to step">1060.</part-num-ref>
+ Step <part-num-ref name="moves to step 1060. Step">1050</part-num-ref>
+ may be performed conditionally in <boundary-data type="line-number">5   </boundary-data>
+response to determining that the recording conflicts or will conflict with another use of the resources of the user's equipment (not shown)<confidence value="5">.</confidence>
+    </p>
+    <p id="p-87" num="87">[0066]   At step 1060, the interactive television application identifies a current or alternate <boundary-data type="line-number">10   </boundary-data>
+transmission of the program. In some embodiments, the interactive television application may identify transmissions of the program at the time the program is selected for recording, at the time the program is transmitted (or shortly before), or at any time in <boundary-data type="line-number">15   </boundary-data>
+between. In some embodiments, the interactive television application may identify transmissions at regular intervals.    </p>
+    <p id="p-88" num="88">[0067]   At step 1070, the interactive television application determines whether the identified <boundary-data type="line-number">20   </boundary-data>
+transmission of the program conflicts with uses of resources of the user's equipment. For example, the interactive television application may determine whether the user's equipment has an available tuner and enough space to record the identified transmission. If <boundary-data type="line-number">25   </boundary-data>
+the interactive television application determines that the transmission does not conflict with uses of the user's equipment (e.g., the user's equipment has enough resources available to record the identified transmission), process <part-num-ref name="identified transmission), process">1000</part-num-ref>
+ moves to step <part-num-ref name="moves to step">1075,</part-num-ref>
+ where <boundary-data type="line-number">30   </boundary-data>
+the identified transmission is recorded. Process <part-num-ref name="identified transmission is recorded. Process">1000</part-num-ref>
+ then ends at step <part-num-ref name="then ends at step">1092.</part-num-ref>
+    </p>
+    <p id="p-89" num="89">[0068]    If instead the interactive television application determines that the transmission conflicts <page-break num="28"/>
+      <boundary-data type="header">- 28 -</boundary-data>
+with uses of the user's equipment (e.g., the user's equipment does not have enough resources available to record the identified transmission), process <part-num-ref name="identified transmission), process">1000</part-num-ref>
+ moves to step <part-num-ref name="moves to step">1080.</part-num-ref>
+ At step <part-num-ref name="moves to step 1080. At step">1080,</part-num-ref>
+ the interactive television <boundary-data type="line-number">5   </boundary-data>
+application determines whether a portion of the identified transmission that has not yet been recorded conflicts with other uses of the resources of the user's equipment. For example, the interactive television application may determine whether the user's <boundary-data type="line-number">10   </boundary-data>
+equipment has a tuner available for recording only a half hour of a two hour program. As another example, the interactive television application may determine whether the user's equipment has enough space to record only <part-num-ref name="user's equipment has enough space to record only">30</part-num-ref>
+ minutes of a program. If the interactive <boundary-data type="line-number">15   </boundary-data>
+television application determines that the portions of the transmission that have not yet been recorded conflict with uses of resources of the user's equipment (e.g., the user's equipment does not have available resources to record the portions of the program that <boundary-data type="line-number">20   </boundary-data>
+have not yet been recorded), process <part-num-ref name="program that have not yet been recorded), process">1000</part-num-ref>
+ moves back to step <part-num-ref name="moves back to step">1060</part-num-ref>
+ where the interactive television application identifies another transmission of the program.    </p>
+    <p id="p-90" num="90">[0069]    If instead the interactive television application determines that a portion of the <boundary-data type="line-number">25   </boundary-data>
+transmission that has not yet been recorded does not conflict with uses of resources of the user's equipment (e.g., the user's equipment has available resources to record a portion of the program that has not yet been recorded), process <part-num-ref name="program that has not yet been recorded), process">1000</part-num-ref>
+ moves back to step <part-num-ref name="moves back to step">1085.</part-num-ref>
+ At <boundary-data type="line-number">30   </boundary-data>
+step <part-num-ref name="moves back to step 1085. At step">1085,</part-num-ref>
+ the interactive television application records the portion of the program that does not conflict with uses of resources of the user's equipment. At step <part-num-ref name="user's equipment. At step">1090,</part-num-ref>
+ the interactive television <page-break num="29"/>
+      <boundary-data type="header">- 29 -</boundary-data>
+application determines whether the recording of the selected program is complete. If the interactive television application determines that the recording is incomplete, process <part-num-ref name="recording is incomplete, process">1000</part-num-ref>
+ moves back to step <part-num-ref name="moves back to step">1060</part-num-ref>
+ where <boundary-data type="line-number">5   </boundary-data>
+another transmission of the program is selected. If instead the interactive television application determines that the recording is complete, process <part-num-ref name="recording is complete, process">1090</part-num-ref>
+ ends at step <part-num-ref name="ends at step">1092.</part-num-ref>
+    </p>
+    <p id="p-91" num="91">[0070]   FIG. 11 is a flow chart of an illustrative <boundary-data type="line-number">10   </boundary-data>
+process for deleting a program having a "when convenient" deletion priority and recording a future transmission of the deleted program. Process <part-num-ref name="deleted program. Process">1100</part-num-ref>
+ starts at step <part-num-ref name="starts at step">1102.</part-num-ref>
+ At step <part-num-ref name="starts at step 1102. At step">1110,</part-num-ref>
+ the interactive television application schedules a program for <boundary-data type="line-number">15   </boundary-data>
+recording in response to, for example, a user's instruction. In another example, the interactive television application may automatically schedule a program for recording based on any suitable criteria (e.g., user preferences, series recording, etc.). At <boundary-data type="line-number">20   </boundary-data>
+step <part-num-ref name="user preferences, series recording, etc.). At step">1120,</part-num-ref>
+ the interactive television application determines whether the user's equipment has enough space available to record the program. For example, the interactive television application may determine the space available in recording device <part-num-ref name="space available in recording device">14,</part-num-ref>
+ and compare <boundary-data type="line-number">25   </boundary-data>
+the space available to the expected size of the requested program. If the interactive television application determines that the user's equipment has enough space available, process <part-num-ref name="user's equipment has enough space available, process">1100</part-num-ref>
+ moves to step <part-num-ref name="moves to step">1190</part-num-ref>
+ and records the program. If instead the interactive <boundary-data type="line-number">30   </boundary-data>
+television application determines that the user's equipment does not have enough space available, process <part-num-ref name="user's equipment does not have enough space available, process">1100</part-num-ref>
+ moves to step <part-num-ref name="moves to step">1130.</part-num-ref>
+    </p>
+    <boundary-data type="header">- 30 -</boundary-data>
+    <p id="p-92" num="92">
+      <page-break num="30"/>
+[0071]   At step 1130, the interactive television application identifies previously recorded programs (or portions of programs) <confidence value="588">1..</confidence>
+.N and, at step <part-num-ref name="interactive television application identifies previously recorded programs (or portions of programs) 1...N and, at step">1140,</part-num-ref>
+ determines whether each of the identified recorded <boundary-data type="line-number">5   </boundary-data>
+programs or portions of programs has a deletion priority that permits deleting the program and recording a future transmission of the program (i.e., "when convenient" deletion priority). The order in which the programs are checked may be based on any <boundary-data type="line-number">10   </boundary-data>
+suitable criteria, e.g., priority, date recorded, size, etc. If the interactive television application determines that a program does not have a deletion priority that permits deleting the program and recording a future transmission of the program, <boundary-data type="line-number">15   </boundary-data>
+process <part-num-ref name="program, process">1100</part-num-ref>
+ moves back to step <part-num-ref name="moves back to step">1140</part-num-ref>
+ to determine whether another recorded program has a suitable deletion priority.    </p>
+    <p id="p-93" num="93">[0072]    If instead the interactive television application determines that a program or a portion of a <boundary-data type="line-number">20   </boundary-data>
+program has a deletion priority that permits deleting the program and recording a future transmission of the program, process <part-num-ref name="program, process">1100</part-num-ref>
+ moves to step <part-num-ref name="moves to step">1150.</part-num-ref>
+ At step <part-num-ref name="moves to step 1150. At step">1150,</part-num-ref>
+ the interactive television application determines whether the program has a future <boundary-data type="line-number">25   </boundary-data>
+transmission that does not conflict with uses of resources of the user's equipment. For example, the interactive television application may identify future transmissions of the recorded program or a portion of the program and compare them with scheduled and <boundary-data type="line-number">30   </boundary-data>
+anticipated uses of resources of the user's equipment (e.g., available tuners). If the interactive television application determines that the program does not have a suitable future transmission, process <part-num-ref name="suitable future transmission, process">1100</part-num-ref>
+ <page-break num="31"/>
+      <boundary-data type="header">- 31 -</boundary-data>
+moves back to step <part-num-ref name="moves back to step">1140</part-num-ref>
+ to determine whether another recorded program has an appropriate deletion priority, as described above.    </p>
+    <p id="p-94" num="94">
+      <confidence value="5">[</confidence>
+0073<confidence value="5">]</confidence>
+    If instead the interactive television <boundary-data type="line-number">5   </boundary-data>
+application determines that the recorded program or a potion of the program has a future transmission that does not conflict with uses of resources of the user's equipment, process <part-num-ref name="user's equipment, process">1100</part-num-ref>
+ moves to step <part-num-ref name="moves to step">1160,</part-num-ref>
+ at which the interactive television application schedules the <boundary-data type="line-number">10   </boundary-data>
+future transmission for recording. Steps <part-num-ref name="future transmission for recording. Steps">1150</part-num-ref>
+ and <part-num-ref name="and">1160</part-num-ref>
+ may be optional. The interactive television application may delete the program or portion of the program with the "when convenient" deletion priority, even if no known future transmission can be scheduled <boundary-data type="line-number">15   </boundary-data>
+for recording. At step <part-num-ref name="&quot;when convenient&quot; deletion priority, even if no known future transmission can be scheduled for recording. At step">1170,</part-num-ref>
+ the interactive television application deletes the recorded program or a portion of the program to create space for recording additional programs. At step <part-num-ref name="program to create space for recording additional programs. At step">1180,</part-num-ref>
+ the interactive television application determines whether the user's <boundary-data type="line-number">20   </boundary-data>
+equipment has enough space to record the program in its entirety now that the recorded program has been deleted. If the interactive television application determines that the user equipment has enough space available, process <part-num-ref name="user equipment has enough space available, process">1100</part-num-ref>
+ moves to step <part-num-ref name="moves to step">1190</part-num-ref>
+ and records <boundary-data type="line-number">25   </boundary-data>
+the requested program in the available space. If instead the interactive television application determines that the user's equipment does not have enough space, process <part-num-ref name="user's equipment does not have enough space, process">1100</part-num-ref>
+ moves back to step <part-num-ref name="moves back to step">1140</part-num-ref>
+ to attempt to find another "when convenient" recording for <boundary-data type="line-number">30   </boundary-data>
+deletion, as described above. Process <part-num-ref name="to attempt to find another &quot;when convenient&quot; recording for deletion, as described above. Process">1100</part-num-ref>
+ ends at step <part-num-ref name="ends at step">1192.</part-num-ref>
+    </p>
+    <p id="p-95" num="95">[0074<confidence value="5">]</confidence>
+    In some embodiments, the interactive television application may record only a portion of the <page-break num="32"/>
+      <boundary-data type="header">- 32 -</boundary-data>
+requested program in the space made available by the deletion such as when, for example, the program to be recorded has a "when convenient" recording priority.    </p>
+    <p id="p-96" num="96">In such embodiments, the interactive television <boundary-data type="line-number">5   </boundary-data>
+application may use stitching, described above, to play back the program.    </p>
+    <p id="p-97" num="97">[0075]   The above described embodiments of the present invention are presented for purposes of illustration and not of limitation, and the present <part-num-ref name="present">10</part-num-ref>
+   invention is limited only by the claims which follow.    </p>
+  </description>
+</us-patent-application>
+

prior_art/11248953.xml

@@ -0,0 +1,216 @@
+<?xml version="1.0" encoding="utf-8"?>
+<!DOCTYPE us-patent-application SYSTEM "PATI-v1.0.3-2011-06-23.dtd">
+<us-patent-application lang="EN" dtd-version="v1.0.3 2011-06-23" id="us-patent-application" country="US">
+  <us-bibliographic-data-application lang="EN" country="US">
+    <application-reference appl-type="utility">
+      <document-id>
+        <doc-number>11248953</doc-number>
+        <date>2005-10-11</date>
+      </document-id>
+    </application-reference>
+  </us-bibliographic-data-application>
+  <description id="description">
+    <boundary-data type="header">Attorney's Docket No.: 00216-698001 / Case 8160</boundary-data>
+    <heading id="h-1">APPLICATION</heading>
+    <heading id="h-2">FOR</heading>
+    <heading id="h-3">UNITED STATES LETTERS PATENT</heading>
+    <heading id="h-4">TITLE:            HEATED SHAVING RAZORS</heading>
+    <heading id="h-5">APPLICANT: ANDREW SZCZEPANOWSKI AND ROBERT A. TROTTA</heading>
+    <heading id="h-6">CERTIFICATE OF MAILING <confidence value="5">B</confidence>
+Y EXPRESS MAIL    </heading>
+    <p id="p-1" num="1">Express Mail Label No. EV 664 <part-num-ref name="">060</part-num-ref>
+ 105 US October <part-num-ref name="US October">
+        <confidence value="665">11.</confidence>
+      </part-num-ref>
+ <part-num-ref name="US October 11.">2005</part-num-ref>
+ Date of Deposit <page-break num="2"/>
+      <boundary-data type="header">00216-69800<confidence value="5">1</confidence>
+ <confidence value="6">/</confidence>
+ Case 8160      </boundary-data>
+Heated Shaving Razors     </p>
+    <heading id="h-7">TECHNICAL FIELD</heading>
+    <p id="p-2" num="2">This invention relates to shaving razors and razor cartridges, and more particularly to razors for wet shaving.</p>
+    <heading id="h-8">BACKGROUND</heading>
+    <p id="p-3" num="3">
+      <boundary-data type="line-number">5           </boundary-data>
+Users of wet-shave razors generally appreciate a feeling of warmth against their skin during shaving. The warmth feels good, resulting in a more comfortable shave.    </p>
+    <p id="p-4" num="4">Various attempts have been made to provide a warm feelin<confidence value="8">g</confidence>
+ during shaving. For example, shaving creams have been formulated to react exothermically upon release from the shaving canister, so that the shaving cream imparts warmth to the skin. Also, razor <boundary-data type="line-number">10     </boundary-data>
+heads have been heated using hot air, heating elements, and linearly scanned laser beams, with power being supplied by a power source such as a battery.    </p>
+    <p id="p-5" num="5">In some cases, a portion of the razor is heated using a phase change material.</p>
+    <p id="p-6" num="6">Such razors are described in U.S. Patent No. 6,868,610, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference.</p>
+    <heading id="h-9">SUMMARY</heading>
+    <p id="p-7" num="7">
+      <boundary-data type="line-number">15                                     </boundary-data>
+There are several aspects of the invention which features razors that include a heating element within the handle to which power is supplied from a source that is external to the handle. Heat is delivered from the handle to the cartridge, for example by a fluid which flows from the handle to the cartridge. In some embodiments, fluid is <boundary-data type="line-number">20     </boundary-data>
+dispensed from the cartridge.    </p>
+    <p id="p-8" num="8">In one aspect, the invention features a razor for wet shaving including a handle including a hollow body having an outer surface, electrical contacts disposed on the outer surface, a heating element within the handle, in electrical communication with the contacts, a heating material, disposed within the hollow body so as to be heated by the <boundary-data type="line-number">25     </boundary-data>
+heating element, a blade unit, extending from the handle, carrying a plurality of blades having elongated cutting edges, and a fluid passageway through which the heating material can be delivered from the blade unit during shaving.    </p>
+    <boundary-data type="header">
+      <confidence value="8">1</confidence>
+    </boundary-data>
+    <boundary-data type="header">00216-698001 / Case 8160</boundary-data>
+    <p id="p-9" num="9">
+      <page-break num="3"/>
+Some embodiments include one or more of the following features. The razor may further include a phase change material disposed within the handle. The heating material may be a solid capable of liquefying when heated. The heating material may include a soap, a shaving preparation or a shaving aid. The blade unit may include an <boundary-data type="line-number">5     </boundary-data>
+aperture through which the material is dispensed, and may in some cases include a valve configured to control flow through the aperture. The hollow body may be thermally insulative. The razor may include means for moving the heating material from the handle into the blade unit. The razor may include means for indicating to a user that the heating material has reached a predetermined temperature.    </p>
+    <p id="p-10" num="10">
+      <boundary-data type="line-number">10          </boundary-data>
+In another aspect, the invention features a system for wet shaving including: (a) a razor, including (i) a handle including a hollow body having an outer surface, (ii) electrical contacts disposed on the outer surface, (iii) a heating element within the handle, extending between the contacts, and (iv) a blade unit, extending from the handle, carrying a plurality of blades having elongated cutting edges; and (b) a holder for the razor, <boundary-data type="line-number">15    </boundary-data>
+comprising contacts positioned to engage the contacts of the razor and deliver power from a power source to the heating element.    </p>
+    <p id="p-11" num="11">Some embodiments may include one or more of the following features. The power source may include a battery disposed within the holder, and/or an external power source. The system may include means for indicating to a user that the heating material <boundary-data type="line-number">20     </boundary-data>
+has reached a predetermined temperature, e.g., a mechanism configured to cause the razor to pop up out of the holder or a thermochromic indicator. The razor may include a heating material, disposed within the hollow body, selected from the group consisting of liquids, foams, gels, and solid or semi-solid materials that liquefy when heated. The heating material may be disposed in a replaceable cartridge within the razor handle.    </p>
+    <p id="p-12" num="12">
+      <boundary-data type="line-number">25           </boundary-data>
+In yet a further aspect, the invention features a holder for a wet shaving razor including a body configured to receive the razor, and electrical contacts positioned on the body to engage electrical contacts of the razor and deliver power from a power source to the razor.    </p>
+    <p id="p-13" num="13">The invention also features razors configured to allow the handle to be heated <part-num-ref name="handle to be heated">30</part-num-ref>
+     using a resistive element and phase change material.    </p>
+    <boundary-data type="header">
+      <confidence value="8">2</confidence>
+    </boundary-data>
+    <boundary-data type="header">00216-698001 <confidence value="5">/</confidence>
+ Case 8160    </boundary-data>
+    <p id="p-14" num="14">
+      <page-break num="4"/>
+The details of one or more embodiments of the invention are set forth in the accompanying drawings and the description below. Other features, objects, and advantages of the invention will be apparent from the description and drawings, and from the claims.    </p>
+    <heading id="h-10">DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS</heading>
+    <p id="p-15" num="15">
+      <boundary-data type="line-number">5                           </boundary-data>
+FIG 1 is a diagrammatic front view of a razor, with the handle housing shown as transparent. FIG <confidence value="5">1</confidence>
+A is an enlarged axial cross-sectional view of a portion of the handle of the razor shown in FIG 1, showing components of the handle housing that are not shown in FIG 1, including heating elements that extend along the length of the handle.    </p>
+    <p id="p-16" num="16">
+      <boundary-data type="line-number">10    </boundary-data>
+The plunger/spring assembly shown in Fig. 1 is omitted in this view. FIG <confidence value="4">1</confidence>
+B is an enlarged radial cross-sectional view of an alternative embodiment of the handle in which the heating element is helically wound.    </p>
+    <p id="p-17" num="17">FIG 2 is a diagrammatic perspective view of a holder for the razor of FIG 1, capable of delivering power to the razor to heat the handle.</p>
+    <p id="p-18" num="18">
+      <boundary-data type="line-number">15          </boundary-data>
+FI<confidence value="5">G</confidence>
+ 3 is an enlarged axial cross-sectional view of an alternative handle design for the razor of FIG 1.    </p>
+    <p id="p-19" num="19">Like reference symbols in the various drawings indicate like elements.</p>
+    <heading id="h-11">
+      <confidence value="88">DE</confidence>
+TAILED DESCRIPTION    </heading>
+    <p id="p-20" num="20">Referring to Fig. 1, a razor <part-num-ref name="razor">10</part-num-ref>
+ includes a handle <part-num-ref name="handle">12</part-num-ref>
+ and a blade unit <part-num-ref name="blade unit">14</part-num-ref>
+ mounted <confidence value="2">-</confidence>
+   <part-num-ref name="mounted -">20</part-num-ref>
+     on the handle. The blade unit may be a replaceable cartridge, detachably mounted on the handle, or may extend integrally from the handle if the razor is disposable.    </p>
+    <p id="p-21" num="21">The blade unit includes a plurality of blades <part-num-ref name="plurality of blades">16,</part-num-ref>
+ a guard <part-num-ref name="guard">18,</part-num-ref>
+ a pair of clips <part-num-ref name="pair of clips">20</part-num-ref>
+ to secure the blades, and a cap <part-num-ref name="cap">22,</part-num-ref>
+ as is well known. The blade unit also includes an orifice <part-num-ref name="orifice">24,</part-num-ref>
+ through which a component may be dispensed. The orifice <part-num-ref name="orifice">24</part-num-ref>
+ is in fluid <boundary-data type="line-number">25    </boundary-data>
+communication with the handle <part-num-ref name="handle">12</part-num-ref>
+ via a conduit <part-num-ref name="conduit">25.</part-num-ref>
+    </p>
+    <p id="p-22" num="22">The handle 12 defines a chamber <part-num-ref name="chamber">26,</part-num-ref>
+ which contains a cylindrical plug <part-num-ref name="cylindrical plug">28</part-num-ref>
+ of a meltable material, e.g., a soap. The material is melted by heat supplied to the handle from an external power source, as will be discussed below. The cylindrical plug <part-num-ref name="cylindrical plug">28</part-num-ref>
+ is biased against the top of chamber <part-num-ref name="top of chamber">26</part-num-ref>
+ by a spring <part-num-ref name="spring">30</part-num-ref>
+ that presses against a plunger <part-num-ref name="plunger">32</part-num-ref>
+ on <boundary-data type="header">
+        <confidence value="8">3</confidence>
+      </boundary-data>
+      <page-break num="5"/>
+      <boundary-data type="header">00216-698001 <confidence value="5">/</confidence>
+ Case 8160      </boundary-data>
+which the plug rests, forcing the warm, melted material out through the conduit <part-num-ref name="conduit">25</part-num-ref>
+ and orifice <part-num-ref name="and orifice">24.</part-num-ref>
+ In some implementations, the razor is configured to be disposable once the material of plug <part-num-ref name="material of plug">28</part-num-ref>
+ is exhausted. In other implementations, the razor is configured to be recharged with more material, for example by replacing plug <part-num-ref name="razor is configured to be recharged with more material, for example by replacing plug">28,</part-num-ref>
+ e.g., by removing the <boundary-data type="line-number">5     </boundary-data>
+spring and a cap (not shown) at the end of the handle and inserting a new plug. The holder or organizer for the razor may be configured to hold a supply of replacement cartridges and/or plugs.    </p>
+    <p id="p-23" num="23">The handle also includes contacts (not shown) positioned to engage corresponding contacts on a holder <part-num-ref name="holder">100</part-num-ref>
+ (shown in Fig. 2 and discussed below) to allow current to be <boundary-data type="line-number">10     </boundary-data>
+delivered to the handle from an external source. The contacts may be positioned anywhere along the handle, and may be adjacent to each other or spaced from each other, e.g., at opposite ends of the handle. The external source may be, for example, batteries disposed within the holder (not shown) or AC power delivered to the holder through a power cord (not shown).    </p>
+    <p id="p-24" num="24">
+      <boundary-data type="line-number">15           </boundary-data>
+Referring now to Figs. <confidence value="2">1</confidence>
+A and <confidence value="4">1</confidence>
+B, the handle includes a heating element, e.g., a resistive element, that receives current from the power source and, due to its relatively high resistance, heats the handle. In the embodiment shown in Fig. <confidence value="2">1</confidence>
+A, the heating elements <part-num-ref name="heating elements">36</part-num-ref>
+ extend along the length of the handle within the thermally insulative housing <part-num-ref name="thermally insulative housing">38</part-num-ref>
+ of the handle. In an alternate embodiment, shown in Fig. <confidence value="55">1B</confidence>
+, the heating element 36' <boundary-data type="line-number">20    </boundary-data>
+is helically wound around the plug <part-num-ref name="plug">28.</part-num-ref>
+ In both embodiments, the heating element is embedded in a phase change material <part-num-ref name="phase change material">40</part-num-ref>
+ within a tubular chamber defined by the housing <part-num-ref name="housing">38.</part-num-ref>
+ Phase change materials store latent heat when melted, and release it during recrystallization. The phase change material in the handle is a solid at room temperature, and can be easily melted, "thermally charging" the razor. (The phase change material is <boundary-data type="line-number">25     </boundary-data>
+enclosed in the tubular chamber and thus will not flow out when melted.) As the melted phase change material recrystallizes it will release heat in a controlled manner, at a specific temperature (the melting point of the phase change material) melting the material of plug <part-num-ref name="material of plug">28</part-num-ref>
+ in a controlled manner. Generally, the temperature of the phase change material will not exceed the melting temperature of the material for any significant period <boundary-data type="line-number">30     </boundary-data>
+of time (i.e., within a few seconds), even if the heating element reaches a higher temperature. Thus the temperature of the melted material of plug <part-num-ref name="melted material of plug">28</part-num-ref>
+ will not exceed the <boundary-data type="header">
+        <confidence value="8">4</confidence>
+      </boundary-data>
+      <page-break num="6"/>
+      <boundary-data type="header">00216-698001 <confidence value="5">/</confidence>
+ Case 8160      </boundary-data>
+melting point of the phase change material until all of the phase change material has melted. Therefore, it is unlikely that the dispensed material will become uncomfortably hot. Moreover, the phase change material distributes the heat provided by the heating element uniformly around the plug <part-num-ref name="plug">28,</part-num-ref>
+ and holds the heat for a period of time after <boundary-data type="line-number">5     </boundary-data>
+current ceases to be delivered to the heating element.    </p>
+    <p id="p-25" num="25">The phase change material may include a paraffin, a low melting salt, a low melting salt containing water of crystallization, a low melting eutectic mixture of organic or inorganic compounds, a low melting metal or alloy, a micro-encapsulated phase change material, or blends of the above materials. The phase change material may <boundary-data type="line-number">10    </boundary-data>
+include an alkyl carboxylic acid. The phase change material may be selected from the group consisting of undecanoic acid, decanoic acid, nonadecane, eicosane, and tridecanoic acid. In some implementations, the razor includes a plurality of phase change materials, e.g., phase change materials having different recrystallization/nucleation rates.    </p>
+    <p id="p-26" num="26">Razors including phase change materials are described in U.S. Patent No. 6,868,610, the <boundary-data type="line-number">15     </boundary-data>
+disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference.    </p>
+    <p id="p-27" num="27">When the razor described above is placed in the holder <part-num-ref name="holder">100,</part-num-ref>
+ contacts <part-num-ref name="holder 100, contacts">34</part-num-ref>
+ of the razor engage contacts <part-num-ref name="razor engage contacts">102</part-num-ref>
+ of the holder. Current is then delivered from the power source to the heating element <part-num-ref name="heating element">36,</part-num-ref>
+ heating the phase change material and melting a portion of the plug <part-num-ref name="plug">28.</part-num-ref>
+ It is generally preferred that flow to the orifice <part-num-ref name="orifice">24</part-num-ref>
+ be closed off during heating <boundary-data type="line-number">20    </boundary-data>
+and prior to shaving, so that the material of plug <part-num-ref name="material of plug">28</part-num-ref>
+ does not escape through the orifice onto the holder. For example, if the razor includes a removable cartridge that includes a blade unit pivotally attached to a connecting part, flow may be inhibited by the flow path including a pair of holes in the blade unit and connecting part that are misaligned when the razor is in the holder <part-num-ref name="holder">100</part-num-ref>
+ but align with each other when the razor is in use. Flow <boundary-data type="line-number">25     </boundary-data>
+may be inhibited by any other desired means, e.g., the razor may include a valve that is constructed to be closed when the razor is in place on the holder and to open when the razor is in use, or the holder may include a plug or other means of sealing the orifice <part-num-ref name="orifice">24.</part-num-ref>
+    </p>
+    <p id="p-28" num="28">While the razor is being thermally charged, the user can prepare for shaving by cleansing and then applying a shave preparation. When the razor has been sufficiently <boundary-data type="line-number">30    </boundary-data>
+thermally charged, this will be indicated to the user. For example, the razor may "pop- up" out of the holder. This may be accomplished by any suitable means, e.g., an <boundary-data type="header">
+        <confidence value="8">5</confidence>
+      </boundary-data>
+      <page-break num="7"/>
+      <boundary-data type="header">00216-69800<confidence value="5">1</confidence>
+ <confidence value="8">/</confidence>
+ Case 8160      </boundary-data>
+electrical solenoid or a biased spring with a release lever, configured so that when the razor is ready the electronics signal the lever to open and the bias spring acts on the handle. Alternatively, or in addition, a light may illuminate or an audible indication may be provided, such as a buzzing or a chime. Any other desired indicator may be used. If <boundary-data type="line-number">
+        <confidence value="5">5</confidence>
+           </boundary-data>
+desired, the indicator may be timed to go off just before the material is sufficiently softened so that it will exude out of orifice <part-num-ref name="material is sufficiently softened so that it will exude out of orifice">24,</part-num-ref>
+ obviating the need for a valve or seal to inhibit flow of material onto the holder.    </p>
+    <p id="p-29" num="29">In some implementations, the indicator may be an element that changes color when the razor reaches the desired temperature. In this case, the indicator may include a <boundary-data type="line-number">10    </boundary-data>
+thermochromic material, e.g., a strip positioned on the razor, or an alphanumeric indicia that appears when the razor is thermally charged.    </p>
+    <p id="p-30" num="30">In an alternative embodiment, shown in Fig. 3, the handle includes a single resistive element <part-num-ref name="single resistive element">42</part-num-ref>
+ that extends through the material to be melted. Positioning the resistive element in the material to be melted allows the material to be melted more <boundary-data type="line-number">15     </boundary-data>
+quickly. Part of the heat would be transmitted to the surrounding phase change material, which would then melt and act as an insulating blanket due to the latent heat retained by the phase change material. The resistive element and the material to be melted may be supplied as an integral, replaceable unit, e.g., a plug of material as described above.    </p>
+    <p id="p-31" num="31">A number of embodiments of the invention have been described. Nevertheless, it <boundary-data type="line-number">20     </boundary-data>
+will be understood that various modifications may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.    </p>
+    <p id="p-32" num="32">For example, in some cases the razor is configured so that nothing is dispensed from the cartridge. In these implementations, the handle is heated to provide a warm, comfortable feeling to the user's hand during shaving. The cartridge is generally not <boundary-data type="line-number">25     </boundary-data>
+heated. In such razors, the handle is generally configured as discussed above, except that conduit <part-num-ref name="handle is generally configured as discussed above, except that conduit">25</part-num-ref>
+ is omitted and instead the handle is a sealed unit. The meltable material in these implementations may be any material having the desired thermal characteristics, and need not be skin-friendly.    </p>
+    <p id="p-33" num="33">In implementations in which a material is dispensed during shaving, the material <boundary-data type="line-number">30     </boundary-data>
+need not be solid prior to heating. If desired, the material may be a lotion, gel, or other liquid or semi-solid. In such cases, the orifice through which the material is dispensed <boundary-data type="header">
+        <confidence value="8">6</confidence>
+      </boundary-data>
+      <page-break num="8"/>
+      <boundary-data type="header">00216-69800<confidence value="5">1</confidence>
+ / Case 8160      </boundary-data>
+may include a valve, e.g., a one-way valve such as a slit valve. In this case, the user may control dispensing, for example by actuating a spring-biased plunger that will not apply pressure to the material to be dispensed until actuated by the user. For example, the user may press a button on the handle, causing pressure to be applied to the material within <boundary-data type="line-number">5     </boundary-data>
+the razor, forcing open the one-way valve sealing the orifice <part-num-ref name="orifice">24.</part-num-ref>
+ If desired, the razor may be constructed to dispense more than one material, e.g., through co-axial passageways, in which case a suitable multi-lumen valve is described in as described in U.S. Serial No.    </p>
+    <p id="p-34" num="34">11/114,987, titled "Valves for Personal Care Devices" and filed on April 26, 2005, the entire disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference.</p>
+    <p id="p-35" num="35">
+      <boundary-data type="line-number">10           </boundary-data>
+While a simple spring and plunger mechanism has been shown herein and described above, other means can be used to apply pressure to the heated material within the razor and force it out of the orifice <part-num-ref name="orifice">24.</part-num-ref>
+ For example, by using a squeeze bulb or by turning a knob attached to a plunger (a technique used to dispense stick deodorants).    </p>
+    <p id="p-36" num="36">Accordingly, other embodiments are within the scope of the following claims.</p>
+    <boundary-data type="header">
+      <confidence value="8">7</confidence>
+    </boundary-data>
+  </description>
+</us-patent-application>
+